Doug Segal: I Can Make You A Mentalist

I really wanted to like this show, unfortunately it limped along like a loveless marriage. The tricks/stunts were impressive enough (mind reading, power of subliminal persuasion) and in some cases innovative but the whole show (last year’s Edinburgh show in the first half, this year’s in the second) lacked any sort of charisma or charm. Almost as if Doug was pre-occupied. Technical hitch aside (culminating in one segment being jettisoned) it was bereft of slickness, under re-hearsed even. I hope this is a one-off as he’s clearly talented but he needs better material to work with, the audience members on stage saved this from a catastrophic evening.

The Ritz Theatre, Worthing, 21 June 2013

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