Rufus Hound's The Mesmerist: A Magical Tribute to His Grandfather's Legacy
Rufus Hound's latest theatrical venture, The Mesmerist, currently captivating audiences at Watford Palace Theatre, is far more than a simple magic show. It is a deeply personal and enchanting tribute to his late grandfather, Ken Gittens, whose own magical aspirations were cut short decades ago. This production skillfully weaves together illusion, comedy, and a poignant family mystery, creating an experience that is both entertaining and emotionally resonant.
A Grandfather's Unfinished Dream
The genesis of The Mesmerist lies in a discovery made by Hound in 2020. Upon his grandfather's passing, he unearthed boxes filled with illusions and props from Gittens' sole magic performance, which took place at this very theatre in 1983. That show, tragically, never reached its conclusion on its opening night. Hound, an actor and comedian with a background in stand-up, decided to honor this legacy by resurrecting and completing his grandfather's work, donning a similar velvet jacket and bow tie to embody a more modern, raffish version of the aspiring magician.
Posters featuring Ken Gittens' smiling visage adorn Jasmine Swan's set, serving as a constant, ghostly presence throughout the performance. Hound's approach to the magic itself is deliberately unpolished at times, with halting tricks and tepid comedy written by Maheni Arthur, Georgia Crowther, Lancelot Ellis, and Chris York. This apparent amateurishness, however, is a clever ploy, enhancing the show's charm and authenticity. Hound's innate sense of silliness, evident in a comic mime at the outset, coupled with the knowledge that he is paying homage to his grandfather, imbues the production with a moving sincerity.
From Classic Tricks to Narrative Twist
The first half of the show unfolds as a charming, if slightly rough-around-the-edges, journey through magic circle classics. Directed by Steve Marmion, Hound channels a bygone showman reminiscent of Bruce Forsyth, engaging in ample audience participation and employing some old-school humor. Acts include mind reading, card tricks, and attempts at hypnotism, all delivered with Hound's winning persona. While the magical artistry may not reach the breathless heights of a Derren Brown, it possesses its own unique, scrappy enchantment.
It is after the interval that The Mesmerist reveals its true ambition. "Magic is the story you tell to make sense of the miraculous," Hound declares, and the show transforms into something far more artful and narrative-driven. Slowly, it evolves into a meta-production about a magic show, complete with actors—John Albasiny, Lakesha Cammock, and Zoë Watson—embedded within the audience. Hound plants subtle clues earlier on, particularly regarding the mystery of why his grandfather's performance was never finished.
The setup may be sketchy, but the eventual twist is genuinely worthy of comparison to the clever narratives of Inside No 9. This revelation casts the entire production in a new light, making the audience forgive any messy seams in favor of the emotional and theatrical payoff. The show culminates in a gothic, thrilling climax where Hound, with the relish of a maniacal Bluebeard, saws a woman in half before miraculously reassembling her, leaving viewers to wonder at the illusion.
A Winning and Heartfelt Production
The Mesmerist runs at Watford Palace Theatre until March 21st, offering a unique blend of family history, magic, and comedy. Rufus Hound's performance is not just a display of tricks but a heartfelt exploration of legacy and connection. The production's imperfections only add to its charm, making it a must-see for those who appreciate theatre that is both whimsical and deeply personal. In honoring his grandfather's unfinished dream, Hound has created a magical experience that resonates long after the final curtain falls.
