Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle - Review

Some titles tell you all you need to know about a show. In the case of Mind Mangler: Member of the Tragic Circle, like the show, all is not quite what it seems.

Here Mischief Theatre, the team behind smash hit comedy ‘The Play that Goes Wrong’, take a satirical look at the world of magic entertainment – stage hypnotists, illusionists, and mentalists. And, while we think we know what we’re getting with their broad-brushed physical gags, there is always a little twist.

Actor and writer, Henry Lewis is the Mind Mangler, whose flashy staging far outweighs his performing abilities. Everything that can go wrong does go wrong. From his stage tricks to his private life, the Mind Mangler is a disaster.

Henry Lewis in Mind Mangler Photo by Pamela Raith

The Mind Mangler thinks he is the sophisticated illusionist on his way to Las Vegas fame, but the audience quickly sees through his psychedelic lighting and reverberating, subliminal sound effects.

While there is some audience participation, his use of a stooge (co-author Jonathan Sayer) is all too transparent. This indeed is part of the show with Sayer running on stage in a T-shirt with ‘An Audience Member’ written in bold letters across the front.

Jonathan Sayer in Mind Mangler Photo by Pamela Raith

The pair bounce off each other well and their turbulent friendship keeps the audience invested in a story as well as laughing at their inherent silliness.

For those familiar with some of Mischief’s other comedies, being a two-hander there isn’t the same level of door slamming farce. But the energy is high and there are plenty of visual gags and slapstick humour that Mischief has become famous for.

Despite supposedly lifting the lid on the world of illusion there is also an element of traditional magic that gives the audience a genuine sense of surprise. Keep your eyes peeled for the guillotine moment in the second act, which is especially hilarious as well as mind mangling.

The audience in Manchester loved it this week – playing along almost pantomime-like from the start and jumping to their feet in a spontaneous ovation at the end. It was a warm welcome back for Sayer, who spoke briefly afterwards about starting his theatrical career as an usher at the venue, and 10 years on from starting Mischief knows exactly what it takes to give a crowd two hours of pure escapism.