Review: Out of the Hat, Well Walk Theatre

As you step through the door of the exquisite Well Walk Theatre the scent of delicious crepes and baked goods fills the air. It’s tempting to stop at the tiny café and spend the afternoon sipping tea and nibbling on tasty goodies. But with great willpower you might instead make your way through the secret door leading to the bijou theatre down the hidden stairs, where you will instead find dramatic delights!

Entering the vintage-styled auditorium, where even the lights flicker in imitation of gas lighting, is like stepping back in time. And indeed, in Norvil & Josephine’s Out of the Hat we are actually transported – back to the year 1905, to be precise; a time when the aeroplane had just been invented and women weren’t allowed to vote. Described as “a Mini Magical Musical”, this is a gloriously enjoyable production for the whole family, funny and surprising from the breathtaking opening seconds and then throughout. It offers a mixture of bewildering magic tricks, beautifully delivered song and dance, and a perfectly pitched tale of being true to yourself.

Brother and sister performers Norvil & Josephine (played outstandingly by Christopher Howell and Desireé Kongerød) are attempting to impress a visiting Grand Impresario and persuade him to offer them a residency at the prestigious Egyptian Hall Theatre. To do this they will perform their very traditional and successful magic act, passed down from their parents. But Josephine isn’t entirely enamoured at the idea of just being the sidelined glamorous assistant. And Norvil has a hidden side beneath his bland black suit that yearns for sequins and panache. Theirs is a beautifully related story that quietly questions gender stereotypes, using ideas of illusion and joyful transformation to imagine a happier, more authentic world for both siblings.

The production is aesthetically enchanting in its depiction of the era of Music Hall entertainment: from the perfectly designed period costumes that also define the pair’s roles, to vintage dances, to amazing magic tricks, skilfully executed and made to seem effortlessly simple, that utterly bewilder everybody. Howell and Kongerød interact brilliantly with the audience, assigning some spectators with simple participatory tasks, and drawing out enthusiastic ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ as they perform their whimsically wonderful work. There’s laughter and drumrolls aplenty, and the kids are, of course, set up to beat the adults, which brings smiles all round.

A selection of sympathetically written and wonderfully entertaining songs from Micah Young add a nice touch of not only playfulness, but insight and atmosphere to the characters and the plot. The narrative drives along with pace, leaving both children and adults captivated and beaming.

This is a smart 40 minute show that doesn’t waste a second in delivering delightful comedy, dazzling magic tricks and a neatly rounded story where both Norvil and Josephine get to be their best true selves. A great excuse to get your own sequins out and celebrate your magical individuality!

Concept, Production Devisers, Writers: Christopher Howell, Desireé Kongerød
General Direction: Christopher Howell, Desireé Kongerød
Clowning and Movement Director: Ira Seidenstein
Original Songs, Lyrics, Backing Tracks: Micah Young
Except ‘Let the Rabbit Out of the Hat’: Micah Young (music), Susan Earl (lyrics)
Lighting Design: David Duffy
Costume Design: Emma Burton, Desireé Kongerød
Cabinet Design: Rosie Clark
Magic Consultant: Jeff McBride

Out of the Hat is aimed at all ages from 6+ and runs at the Well Walk Theatre until Sunday 1 June.