FRINGEWORLD 2017 – Stuart Lightbody’s Little Lies (5 stars)

Review by Laura Money

Stuart Lightbody lies – and he’s not afraid to admit it. In fact, he’s proud of it. I would argue that he doesn’t so much lie as create illusions and use sleight of hand to be a little deceitful. Would you consider magic tricks lying? If so, Lightbody can lie to me all day long! He is such a friendly and open man, the whole audience feel at ease and cosy all close together watching Lightbody’s magic tricks.

Opening with a fast-paced poem, Lightbody starts the show with his three wishes – three coins that represent a wish he holds dear. Each one jumps from hand to hand, to pocket, to teacup all without any of us seeing how! Lightbody is wickedly funny – he laughs along with the mesmerised crowd and reassures you that it’s all just a trick, magic isn’t real. To be honest, after watching his many card tricks, most of them not even involving him touching the cards at all, I am not convinced that there is any explanation except magic!

Card tricks are Lightbody’s forte and he has some wonderfully charming tricks to perform. Even when getting people up on stage to scrutinise his work, there is no way we can see how he does it. After an amazing feat of mesmerism and prediction occurs, the audience are open to anything. Lightbody is fun and friendly, his tone remains conversational, though becomes reverent when he talks about his favourite magician. Lightbody ends on a trick that is nothing short of miraculous. If you think you’ve seen the old ‘is this your card’ trick before, think again because Lightbody takes that formula and sets it on fire.

Every trick will leave you scratching your head, I’ve never seen so many people having to lift their chins up from the floor in one room. So let Stuart Lighbody lie to you, it just might be the best lie you’re ever told.

 

When: 10th – 15th February 2017 | 6:00pm

Where: The Shambles | Fringe Central | PERTH

Tickets: $13 – $20

Info: Duration 60 minutes | Suitable 15+

Link: https://fringeworld.com.au/whats_on/event/stuart_lightbodys_little_lies/ab2ce125-cd35-4d6c-9782-63d8a36dbce0/