Music, Dancers and Spectacular Magic

HANS KLOK PRESENTS A TRIBUTE TO THE GREAT HARRY HOUDINI
THE HOUDINI EXPERIENCE 

A Preview by Jim Pritchard

Everyone is familiar with how Cirque du Soleil has reinvented traditional circus arts by mixing live music, dance, spectacle and acrobatics; magic shows too have evolved from acts such as the escapist Harry Houdini did to the grand theatrical magic shows of David Copperfield and Hans Klok. These also often incorporate dance and music to their magic acts in order to enhance the dramatic effect of their illusions.  Copperfield has not been seen in the UK for several years but preparing to amaze and astound audiences in London for the first time is international illusionist extraordinaire,  Hans Klok, who brings his astonishing new show The Houdini Experience, to London’s West End in the Peacock Theatre, for five weeks only. Described as ‘chilling, thrilling and breathtakingly amazing’, Hans Klok, his Divas of Magic, dancers and troupe of world-class variety acts intend to dazzle London this spring.


Commenting on his epic new production, Klok, who is regarded as the world’s fastest magician, said: ‘Let me take you on a journey into another world; a fantasy world, a world full of mystery, where the impossible becomes possible and where you experience one surprise after another.’

Combining sensational illusions, daredevil stunts and extraordinary tricks, The Houdini Experience in fact pays homage to that greatest of all magicians and escapologists and comes to the capital some 100 years after Houdini himself made his London debut. Klok has said: ‘Houdini has always been my idol and this show is a celebration of his story and extraordinary legacy. Houdini arrived in London at the turn of last century and made his debut at the Alhambra Theatre in 1900, which used to be on Leicester Square. But as well as theatres, he also performed in music halls and circuses including Berlin’s Circus Busch in 1921.’ So Klok’s Houdini tribute as well as featuring the expected illusion, magic and music, will have performances from world-class dancers and award-winning circus and variety show acts. As Klok explains it will create ‘A production that truly reflects Houdini’s astonishing career. I will also perform Houdini’s “Underwater Escape” in my own way. We take the audience on a mesmerising journey back in time to experience some of Houdini’s extraordinary magic but also combine it with modern, exciting illusions, techniques and physical stunts.’

Famed across Asia, Europe and the United States, Klok is known for his lightning fast tricks and mesmerising skill. He performed for the NBC show The World’s Greatest Magic in Caesar’s Palace, as well as BBC TV’s The One Show. His previous sell-out show in Las Vegas, The Beauty of Magic, stared Pamela Anderson as his glamorous assistant and ran for more than six months. Klok now brings his enchanting magic to London. This captivating new show is both beguiling and electric and is one that the whole family can enjoy.

For further information please go to www.sadlerswells.com.

Performance dates:  The Peacock Theatre – Thursday 23rd February – Sunday 25th March 2012 (Previews: 23rd  to 26th  February 2012). Performance times: 7.30pm, matinees Saturday at 2.30pm and Sunday 4.00pm (matinees – children tickets half price).  Age Limit: 5 years plus accompanied by an adult. Box office: 0844 412 4322. Facebook.com/HoudiniExperience and Twitter.com/Hanskloklondon.