MIND OVER MATTER. With Larry Soffer. At GrandWest, Roxy Revue Bar from Wednesday to Saturday. TERRI DUNBAR-CURRAN reviews.
THE LIGHTS dim and the mentalist stares intently into the eyes of his volunteer. He asks her to focus on a loved one whose name already waits in a sealed envelope safely in the possession of another volunteer. Confusion, disbelief, awe and then delight flit across her features as Larry Soffer reveals the name of her older brother with a flourish.
Soffer is all about encouraging people to let themselves believe. He specialises in what he calls “magic with a mind”. Combining the arts of illusion, mentalism and magic, he has created a show designed to appeal to anyone willing to trust him for an hour or two.
Starting with some silliness involving a glass of Coke Lite he soon ramps up the tension with an impressive trick which will have you itching to know just how it’s done. But that’s the thing about Soffer’s routine, he allows you only a second to puzzle over what you’ve just seen before he beckons you on to the next mystery.
I’ve seen him perform in a much smaller space before, with no high curtained ceilings or wings, so the argument that someone must be feeding him information doesn’t quite answer all my questions. That he’s talented at what he does is obvious, the result of years of training and experience
His repertoire includes mind reading, premonitions and card tricks – some new and others vastly improved over the years. He realises the value of showmanship and while some of his banter does stray rather close to risqué it’s just subtle enough to leave adults smirking and youngsters oblivious.
Soffer relies heavily on audience participation, and in case you’d argue that his volunteers must be planted, put your hand up and see for yourself. I ended up on stage participating in what he described as the most dangerous routine in the show. It involved five wooden rings, some polystyrene cups and a rather vicious metal spike hiding somewhere among the lot. As he slammed my hand down on to each cup I was terrified his next premonition would involve an ambulance and a visit to the nearest hospital.
Once I was safely back in my seat he moved on to a card trick, a prediction by phone and picking up the energy vibrations of some random audience-picked objects while blindfolded. Some moments impress more than others. A brief spell of clairvoyance felt a touch out of place between other, more frivolous acts.
His balloon animal trick still makes me shudder. But the part of the show which really has his audiences gasping is his fork bending.
Again, this is one you’ll want to volunteer for so you can witness it up close. Using the power of his mind, Soffer bends and twists the hard metal.
Not only does he let the audience scrutinise the cutlery beforehand, he also sends the finished product home with his volunteer.
You can take time afterwards to contemplate, but while you’re in the theatre, dramatic music swirling around you, it’s best to leave your scepticism at the door and just believe. Soffer is entertaining and will keep you enthralled.
l Tickets are R67. To book, call Computicket at 0861 915 8000.