By George Dixon
Josh Staley is undoubtedly one of Australia’s best close-up magicians. Every theme-based performance is not only unique, it also spotlights a specific element of magic. Josh Staley’s “Poker Face” is no exemption.
While Staley is somewhat poker-faced, the audience is left in wonder and stitches of laughter. The straight-faced comedy elements are extremely funny on many levels. With vocal exchanges between the audience and participants being spontaneous and unscripted. A new element of comic physicality is masterfully executed.
This show, like all that have been presented, is clean and family-friendly to the point that children are often encouraged to become assistants in the show.
Apart from close-up card magic, Poker Face highlights Staley’s ability to read minds and call out images and words that the audience have freely written down.
The show starts with each participant given a blank card and pencil. The request was to write a word (just one) and draw something, anything. Keeping the details face down, the cards were passed along for collection.
Later in the show, Staley would point to someone and write down a word or draw an image, both corresponding to the details earlier written down. His strike rate was 100%.
I can confirm the authenticity because I was one of the audience members called out. The word and the image matched the word and image written down by Staley.
This seamless show runs for just over an hour; it’s strongly structured with light and shade, The various elements and engaging nature of Staley keeps things fresh.
While the Melbourne Comedy Festival is completed for 2023. Josh Staley is returning to Melbourne in July with two brand-new shows.
Staley is one performer who delivers on many levels, It’s a total delight for the whole family,
For an unforgettable magical experience, Josh Staley is highly recommended.
