''Houdini'' is a 2013 stage play about the life of the
illusionist
Magic, which encompasses the subgenres of close-up magic, parlor magic, and stage magic, among others, is a performing art in which audiences are entertained by tricks, effects, or illusions of seemingly impossible feats, using natural me ...
Harry Houdini
Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known professionally as Harry Houdini ( ), was a Hungarian-American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts.
Houdini first attracted notice in vaudeville in ...
and his brother Theodore Hardeen Theo Houdini. The latter is played by
BAFTA Cymru
BAFTA Cymru (or BAFTA in Wales) is the Welsh branch of the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA) and was founded in 1987.Stuart Brennan, while the former is portrayed by magician Jamie Nichols; and Harry's wife,
Bess Houdini
Wilhelmina Beatrice "Bess" Houdini (née Rahner; January 23, 1876 – February 11, 1943) was an American stage assistant and wife of Harry Houdini.
Biography
Wilhelmina Beatrice Rahner was born in Brooklyn, New York (state), New York (before ...
, is portrayed by
Evanna Lynch
Evanna Patricia Lynch (born 16 August 1991) is an Irish actress and activist. She is best known for portraying Luna Lovegood in the ''Harry Potter'' film series.
Born in County Louth, Ireland, Lynch made her film debut in '' Harry Potter and ...
of ''
Harry Potter
''Harry Potter'' is a series of seven Fantasy literature, fantasy novels written by British author J. K. Rowling. The novels chronicle the lives of a young Magician (fantasy), wizard, Harry Potter (character), Harry Potter, and his friends ...
'' fame.
It premiered in a UK & Ireland tour in September 2013, produced by Theatre Giant and directed by Peter Snee.
Story
The play follows the brothers Theo and
Harry Houdini
Erik Weisz (March 24, 1874 – October 31, 1926), known professionally as Harry Houdini ( ), was a Hungarian-American escapologist, illusionist, and stunt performer noted for his escape acts.
Houdini first attracted notice in vaudeville in ...
, as they set out on the road to fame and fortune as the magicians 'The Brothers Houdini'. The play opens at Coney Island, where Harry meets and quickly marries Bess. When Theo makes a mistake at a big performance, Harry is offered the opportunity to do a solo show. As Theo and Harry part ways, the shadow of one brother will consume the other and the play charts the success and failures, the love, drama, pain and tragedy of the two men.
Illusions
The play features a number of illusions throughout, including:
* The Chinese Water Torture Cell
* The Bullet Catch (performed by Theo)
* The Metamorphosis
Original tour
The original tour went to the following venues, playing a week long run at each:
* The Blackpool Grand
* The Theatre Royal Windsor
* Stoke Repertory Theatre
* The Gaiety Theatre, Dublin
* The Swansea Grand
Original cast
The original cast were:
* Theo Houdini - Stuart Brennan
* Bess Houdini -
Evanna Lynch
Evanna Patricia Lynch (born 16 August 1991) is an Irish actress and activist. She is best known for portraying Luna Lovegood in the ''Harry Potter'' film series.
Born in County Louth, Ireland, Lynch made her film debut in '' Harry Potter and ...
* Harry Houdini - Jamie Nichols
* Martin Beck - Mark Lyminster
* Douglas Geoffrey - Ion Ridge
* Charlie Chaplin - Mark Wake
* Mime/Stage Hand - Javan Hirst
* Student/Stage Hand - Michael Chase
* Rose - Sophie Attwood
* Medium - Sarah Dungworth
* Policeman/Student - Cieron Joyce
Original creatives
* Writer - Stuart Brennan
* Director - Peter Snee
* Assistant Director - Preece Killick
* Magic Advisor - Andrew Van Buren
* Sound Design - Dafydd Gough
* Original Score - Tord Brudevoll
* Stage Manager - Julia Nimmo & Adam Gray
Original rehearsals
Rehearsals took place at the University of Winchester, over four weeks.