Raymond Crowe: Wonderful Worldof Hand Shadow @ DunstanPlayhouse, Adelaide (20/06/10)

Sun 27th Jun, 2010 in Gig Reviews

Back performing at the 2010 Adelaide Cabaret Festival is one of our cherished hometown icons- unusualist Raymond Crowe. For the very few who are unaware of who he is, you would know him as the man that brought shadow puppets back into the limelight with his stunning youtube and television performance set to Louis Armstrong’s classic What a Wonderful World.

Adelaide is extremely lucky to have such a treasure living on their doorsteps. Unusualist Crowe wonders and amazes crowds all over the world. 2010 Adelaide Cabaret Festival Artistic Director David Campbell made a brilliant choice by inviting Crowe back for a brief season of Wonderful World of Hand Shadow.

A sold out matinee session at Dunstan Playhouse watched in amazement as no tricks were spared by Australia’s only unusualist. With 20 years of experience under his belt it is no surprise that Crowe is every bit the consummate performer. Opening with his simple silhouette he then showcased his many skills through ventriloquism, bringing a jacket to life, hand shadows, illusions, and classic magic tricks.

He wowed with his use of shadows to tell stories where the audience followed him on a rollercoaster ride from the shadow of his hair transforming into a birds nest, and his hands into a tarantula creeping up his arm.

He had a bubble blowing competition with a young girl whom he tricked, however her face then lit up when the stage was full of bubbles that magically appeared from her wand. The audience interactions were particular highlights as it seemed no one was safe. Demonstrating his ventriloquist skill on three unwilling volunteers with cross-gender voices filled the room with laughter.

His self deprecating humour was evident in the moments when he made the magic nonsensical and obvious, to break down that illusive mystery in the world of magic. After a segment with an imaginary pack of cards being thrown around the theatre (albeit with a very real ending) Crowe was quick to point out, “If you believe I could do that, you would be kneeling now,” showing that he is not God.

The audience lapped up every single moment shown by their gasps, awes, laughter, and applause. Crowe closed the show with his infamous shadow performance to What a Wonderful World; exactly the moment many of the audience had been waiting for. His sheer shadow skill and heart warming images warmed everyone’s hearts.

The hour flew by and everyone obviously did not want the experience to end. Leaving the Playhouse, the effect that Raymond Crowe had on people was evident in the beaming smiles on every face walking by. It is rare delight to experience such joyous, harmless fun, oozing with unique talent. Next time he’s performing make sure you jump at the chance to be amazed!!