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John Archer supporting Tim
Vine, The Joke-Amotive
Bloomsbury Theatre,
London
Sunday 21st February, 2010
Reviewed by Ian Keable
“He’s
irreplaceable – and I’ve tried” was the introduction to his support act, John
Archer, by Tim Vine. After a few gags – including a very logical and funny way
of getting the audience to applaud for your entrance again – John said he was
going to “mess with our minds”.
And he did precisely that over the course of three tricks, spread over his half
hour set. The first was a prediction of a jumbo card in envelope, prefaced by a
‘shaggy dog story’ about his three years studying under Professor Hoffmann in
Buffalo New York. The second, a Just Chance routine with five envelopes, ending
up with John keeping the one containing the sixty pounds. And finally a type of
Tossed Out Deck routine, but getting the spectators to shake a die in a cup
rather than looking at playing cards.
Although the effects are very strong, this is almost secondary to John’s
interplay and masterful ad-libbing with the audience, the running gag of
‘picking’ good naturedly on one person and his unique ability to make long and
complex explanations and summarisations funny. Equally impressive is the fact
that all three of these routines have been broken in and perfected over the
course of this tour - he hasn’t relied on tried and tested material.
John is absolutely at the top of his game. Even if you’ve seen him before, this
is well worth catching as a master class from arguably the best UK comedy
magician around at present. But you are going to have to hurry – the tour
finishes on 12th March.
John Archer supporting Tim Vine in The Joke-Amotive. For remaining dates see
www.timvine.com
© Ian Keable, February 2010