For this weekend only, The National Theatre is rolling out the holiday charm and acrobatics with its variety show A Magical Cirque Christmas.
From high balancing to unicycle riding, to foot juggling, contortions and aerial acrobatics, the show combines tricks with powerful music, magic and humor.
The plot begins as the Guardian of Time, who manages the changing of the seasons with his giant magical clock, finds himself low in spirits with the countdown to the 2022 holidays.
The Christmas fairy is played by Carisa Hendrix, a snappy, sparkling Canada-based magician and illusionist who often performs in the persona of Lucy Darling. She has been featured in the Guinness Book of World Records and Ripley’s Believe it or Not and described by David Copperfield as “a true original – hilarious and delightful.”
To keep the clock ticking, Hendrix uses her tricks and feats of illusion, including a levitation that requires a bit of audience participation. At the opening performance Friday, the challenge was accepted by a willing 10-year-old girl who cutely played into the script. When asked what the best magic trick was, she responded, “hugs.”
The story jumps along the time spectrum with visits to the 1950s, 60s, 70s, 90s, 2000s and is accompanied by holiday music from each period.
“A Magical Cirque Christmas” is playing December 16-18, 2022 at the National Theatre.