One could spend lifetimes reviewing Dutch magician Hans Klok's early Swayze-meets-Manilow hairdo, but one should focus on his show. In The Houdini Experience Klok races flamboyantly through tricks by the great Houdini, adds further classics and introduces some spectacular acrobats. It is cheesier than a truckload of Edam and frequently breathtaking.
It is speed rather than originality that is Klok's selling point.
One nanosecond he is locked in a cage, the next one of his sultry sidekicks is there instead. One moment he is trapped in a water tank, the next, well, use your imagination. The levitation is corny but cool. There is probably no real jeopardy when he dangles in a straitjacket between the jagged "jaws of death" yet that does not prevent his escape being thrilling.
The pacing is impressively shrewd. Whenever his illusions become repetitive, along come gymnasts of Cirque du Soleil calibre. I could have done with fewer Hot Gossip dance routines, but there is no denying that this is top-rate entertainment.
Klok leaves half the audience wondering how he does his tricks, the other half wondering how he gets away with that hairdo.
Until March 25 (0844 412 4322, sadlerswells.com)
Hans Klok
Peacock Theatre
Portugal St
WC2A 2HT
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