JACKSON ACES : BEYOND POSSIBLE AT SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE

Master Illusionist Jackson Aces has returned to the Sydney Opera House, providing wonder and humour on an otherwise gloomy mid-week evening. Challenging preconceptions about what is possible, and looking beyond the immediate, Jackson’s show weaves his personal experiences of pursuing the artistry of magic with mind-bending illusions that are masterfully executed. It’s a dazzling night of entertainment, enamouring audiences of all ages.

Taking our seats, I spy some playing cards on every arm rest. This hint of the audience participation to come excites some patrons while terrifying others. With a burst of rock music and a moment of frenetic lighting, the show begins to rapturous applause. There are a few technical hitches as Jackson starts off with a dancing deck of cards. But he doesn’t bat an eyelid. He takes command of the bare stage and low lighting. It’s indicative of Jackson’s confidence, letting his skills speak for themselves, with the mesmerised audience left to wonder, ‘How did he do that?’

Jackson quickly warms up the audience who eagerly participate in a quick trick of contortion. As we clumsily attempt to twist our arms and achieve a seemingly impossible feat, his cheesy, dad-style jokes set the tone for a family friendly night of entertainment.

Jackson’s bag of tricks is broad and at every point, he draws us further into his goal of redefining the impossible. He dazzles the audience with sleight of hand manoeuvres and extreme card manipulation, using a single camera to project the action on a large screen. For the younger members of the audience, they are watching classic magic acts like sawing a woman in half for the first time. For the more experienced, new twists to old favourites keep them watching intently. Regardless of age, whispered theories on how he must have achieved the seemingly impossible permeate the air.

Despite his mild manner, Jackson commands the stage. His recount of past experiences explains his passion for magic. Sharing vulnerable moments resonates with the audience who are appreciative of his honesty. Jackson’s interaction with the participants he calls on stage are authentic, particularly when children are given a moment to share the limelight. The wholesomeness of seeing kids blown away by the mystery of the acts is only superseded by the genuine kick that Jackson gets from knowing that he is creating moments that will be cherished for a lifetime and is keeping magic alive in an increasingly cynical, AI driven world.

The performance is quite didactic at times and ends on a sentimental note with Jackson reminding us of the importance of family and with his mother in the audience, the point is reinforced. Leaving the Playhouse, there is a line of people complimenting Jackson and his crew, taking photos that they’ll no doubt remember fondly for years to come.

Venue: Playhouse, Sydney Opera House

Date & Time: Evening: Wed 30 & Thu 31 July, Fri 1 & Sat 2 August at 7pm,

Matinees: Sat 2 Aug 2pm & Sunday 3 Aug 3pm

Bookings: sydneyoperahouse.com