[THEATRE REVIEW] PENN & TELLER 50th ANNIVERSARY TOUR @ Hamer Hall Review (2025)
Magicians, comedians and crowd pleasers extraordinaire with the Midas touch … and they have been doing it for 50 years. Oh my!
In a nutshell, the statuesque and demonstrative Penn Jillet with the sharp patter and the diminutive, usually silent Teller are magnificent entertainers.
From humble beginnings in the 1970s to becoming the longest-running resident headline act in Las Vegas’ history, Penn & Teller have redefined the magic genre.
Their tricks are extended confections that absorb and confound. Their sleight of hand is mesmerising. It is all wrapped up in gifted, at times provocative, storytelling. And the surprises just keep on coming.
Furthermore, I can’t think of any show I have attended that involves more audience participation. Young and old alike are drawn from throughout the full venue.
The ribald theatrics start with a white polyester routine, in which a strip of cloth is cut and cut again and again, but inevitably shows no signs of separation. I am at a lost to explain how, because I swear those scissors are real.
Then follows an act with a bottle containing more than 1,000 jellybeans, which links to an audience member counting cash. Put simply, it involves the wisdom of crowds.
One of the many highlights of the evening is Spanish in nature. Turn your mind to a red handkerchief, a spoon and a shock guest appearance. Brilliant!
Penn Jillet pokes good-natured fun at the maestros of the big top, Cirque du Soleil and their esoteric themes by staging a battle of dreams. It pits the audience against a hapless volunteer, ending with a triumphant and totally unexpected showcase that metaphorically brings the house down.
Thereafter is a test of disorder, involving everything from ping pong balls to a deck of cards, a Rubix cube and a bowling ball.
Old style facial recognition (you will understand what I mean if you see this production) is the cornerstone of another hilarious card trick.
Penn and Teller are determined to test coincidences. That entails calling on those celebrating birthdays and matching them with other patrons. There is a great deal of fun to be had along the way, as there is with a little girl and a psychic gorilla.
So why not a faux merch shop taking centre stage and a decided twist on a purchase from the store, involving bins and padlocks?
At this point, it is worth mentioning the most attractive, colourful video backdrops for many of the tricks and tomfoolery. They work a treat.
Anyone who questions whether certain attendees have been worded up before the show is called to account in church no less.
And the piece de resistance is a throwback to an earlier routine in blissful reverse. Oh, how clever is that!
Penn and Teller do things out of the ordinary consistently. In fact, nothing is conventional. The pair is in a league of their own. Their repertoire is mind blowing.
I have deliberately held back much of the detail in my descriptions so that you can enjoy this offering as much as I did.
These guys are masterful, oh so funny and totally engaging. I am in awe of what they do and have done for so long.
Their 50th anniversary tour is a rolled gold triumph. Buy your tickets quickly, lest you miss out.
Penn & Teller are on at Hamer Hall until 26th January. Then they move to the Concert Hall at QPAC in Brisbane from 31st January until 7th February, 2025.
To find out more and to purchase tickets, go to https://pennandteller.com/tour-dates/