This year’s Feast Festival program claims Cath Jamison holds the illustrious title of “only female mentalist”, yet In 2 Minds is more magic than mind-play.
Held in the Nexus Theatre, the show sees a sassy Jamison take to the stage for a series of daring stunts, clever (although at times predictable) illusions and a few tired tricks.
There was the swallowing of razor blades (a scene which had me dry-reaching in my seat), a freaky entourage of voodoo dolls, and a risky (but impressive) knife-throwing display which had one unsuspecting young man seriously rethinking his health cover options.
Throw in a couple of psychic displays and a bumpy yet (eventually) successful attempt to establish a psychic bond between two young friends, and you have yourself a show filled with fun and frivolity.
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Yet while it did provide plenty of laughs, much of In 2 Minds lacked the wonder and awe-inspiring “How did they do that?” moments which make magic and illusion so exciting – except for the surprising final act.
The technical gremlins were out in force last night, but Jamison took the missed lighting queues and music delays in her stride. From the moment she stepped into the spotlight, she owned the stage, with her razor-sharp wit and sarcastic sense of humour providing plenty of laughs and setting the scene for a few slightly awkward moments. Never one to be upstaged, Jamison wasn’t afraid to put a few cheeky audience members in their places and even suspended the show temporarily when she discovered someone using their mobile phone during an act.
Volunteers are called for multiple times during the show and this aspect of audience participation adds a sense of excitement to the proceedings. Last night’s audience seemed a little hesitant to volunteer, but considering Jamison opened her show with the words, “I really like knives”, you can’t really blame them (and yes, for those wondering, I did volunteer – twice).
While there aspects of the show I liked and disliked, overall In 2 Minds is an enjoyable night’s entertainment which tickles the funny bone; the kind of show best enjoyed with good friends (who won’t mind when you nominate them in as volunteers).
Cath Jamison is performing again tonight (November 14) at Queer Nexus (the Nexus Theatre) in the Lion Arts Centre.