I am lucky enough to have seen Matt Tarrant perform on a few occasions and therefore was full of anticipation for his new show, Evolve…..and I wasn’t disappointed! Matt Tarrant once again delivered a slick, professional performance leaving no doubt as to how he achieved his numerous awards and popularity.
There was a delay to the start as the full house (of 520 people no less!) had to be expertly manoeuvred into every nook and cranny The Flamingo at Gluttony had to offer. Full marks to the staff who controlled the flow of eager patrons with well practised ease. Lesser mortals could have been quite flustered I’m sure.
The moment the last person was seated, the lights dimmed and Matt was welcoming the audience and introducing himself. His stage presence is one of his major strengths. He fills the venue with exuberant energy, passion and enthusiasm. He is warm and endearing. Many shows, particularly magic ones, rely on some audience participation. Matt has a way about him; a real knack of diffusing audience nervous energy and involving everyone in a very non-threatening way from the first moment. Even as the show progresses, he uses techniques for choosing volunteers that enable anyone to easily avoid being involved if that is their wish. For the audience members who do become involved during the show, he treats them all with respect, sincerity and kindness.
Warm fuzzy feelings aside, how about the magic? That’s really what we all came to see. The name of the show, Evolve, is inspired by Matt’s childhood experiences and how he has evolved over the years. He offers anecdotes and glimpses into his life through his storytelling and his magic. Although he does tell us there are tricks, we all really want to believe in the actual magic and through his skill and artistry, he convinces us. There really is magic in this world.
We don’t know how he does it. We can’t work it out. We will be left wondering, discussing and as he jokingly and good humouredly taunted an audience member with the thought, we will wake up in the night, speculating about it.
Matt Tarrant in Evolve
Matt utilises a variety of techniques throughout the show, such as; sleight of hand, hypnotism, tricks, mind reading and a great deal of humour. He doesn’t take himself too seriously and yet his craft, expertise and professionalism is deadly serious. I can’t even imagine how much preparation and practice would go into a show like this. A lot. And it shows.
If you’ve seen a recent show of Matt’s, you will be excited by the return of Bruce the goose. Without giving too much away, I question – cameo or star? There are hints that Bruce’s stardom may have gone to his head. You be the judge.
I am not going to spoil the surprises by sharing details of the tricks. The audience members’ reactions said it all. Laughs, gasps, quiet moments of anticipation. Hearty applause and smiles all round. On the way out, many conversations of disbelief, attempts at working it out and wonderment.
Matt is a proud Adelaidean. He also likes to support his friends and colleagues and gave us a few recommendations to some expert acts and all round good people you may like to see; hypnotist, Isaac Lomman, magician, Dom Chambers and comedy hypnotist Matt Hale.
Matt Tarrant’s show suits all ages and offers an hour of pure entertainment, puzzlement, fun and I hope a real respect for his phenomenal talent. He is a riddle wrapped in a mystery inside an enigma and he’s five star fabulous!
Evolve is at Gluttony, every night of the Adelaide Fringe except Mondays. Tickets can be purchased from the Fringe website:
https://adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix/matt-tarrant-evolve-af2020
