The Illusion

Synopsis

A lawyer, desperate to find the son he drove away years before, engages the services of a mysterious magician, who conjures up magical visions of the romantic, adventurous and perilous life the lawyer's son has been living before finally revealing the ultimate truth.

Our Review:

28 August 2012

Staged at Southwark under the direction of Seb Harcombe, The Illusion is a story of love, desire and theatricality in the 17th century. While the plot is not the most compelling - it's largely a selection of melodramatic love triangles - there is the hint of something better in this playful, entertaining tale performed by a strong cast.

The Illusion is based on Pierre Corneille’s 1636 text L’Illusion Comique and was initially adapted by Tony Kushner (of Angels in America fame) in the 1980s - this is its London premiere. It’s a classic play-within-a-play structure, in which Pridamant (James Clyde) seeks out magician Alcandre (Melanie Jessop) looking for answers on the fate of the son he banished long ago (debutant Charlie Archer).

Alcandre provides insight into Pridamant’s son with prettily-played ‘visions’, showing his amorous affairs and various stages of life. He sees his son in various incarna...

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Latest User Review

mr j higginson - 2 September 2012:

super athmosphere .very funny in places .actor who played the fop gr8 comic timing ,...

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