Charlatan: Secrets of the Victorian Psychics

cabaret & variety · scalding tea productions · ★★★★★ · Ages 12+ · United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland

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Review by DANNA SCHAEFFER

June 17, 2017 certified reviewer

What I liked

I enjoyed the first two tricks of “selecting” of people in the audience with “psychic” abilities.

What I didn't like

The guy has no sense of theater or humor; for one minor example, a Victorian costume would have added a lot. The final trick with an audience member being summoned on stage to choose a Tarot card gave me the creeps. She chose the Moon card but he turned up the Dearh card and ended with a confederate in a Grim Reaper cloak appearing behind her! The power of suggestion, as this alleged scientist ought to know, is a force to be reckoned with. Surely he has read Solomon Asch’s experiment. I strongly suggest Mr. Gasson rethink this trick or he is going wind up with a lawsuit on his hands.

My overall impression

The guy is short on interpersonal skills but some of the tricks are fun.

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