Magic has been conquering the West End recently, with firework-enhanced spectaculars colonising big theatres. So it is actually refreshing to witness sleight-of-hand supremo Paul Zenon in an intimate venue where even the back row can see the whites of his eyes.
Except that in Linking Rings one does not get to enjoy a lot of the tricks that he can perform so well. Instead this is a departure into narrative, interweaving — linking, in fact — his autobiography and the story of Houdini’s unsung assistant, Jim Collins.
It is a beautifully crafted piece. Illusions are not required to retain your attention. The Yorkshireman’s manner is blunt and charming. “Cop hold of those. That’s a technical term,” he says at one point. But it was telling last night that the biggest cheer was when he picked up his Chinese linking rings and made them join, separate and generally do the impossible.
Elsewhere his tale is amusing and touching as he recalls being entranced by deception as a young boy visiting Blackpool. As a teenager he ended up working in a gift shop for a mysterious man he describes as a cross between a Time Lord and “a nice Fagin”. Eventually the apprentice became the sorcerer and Zenon carved out a career in wizardry.
Subtle tricks are drip-fed during the performance, some so subtle one may miss them. But on a stage full of the props of his trade it is frustrating that many of them are only there for atmosphere. This love letter to Zenon’s craft has appeal, but in attempting something different it does feel that he is not playing to his strengths.
Until Saturday, Jermyn Street Theatre (020 7287 2875, jermynstreettheatre.co.uk)
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