No-one really believes illusionists practice ‘real’ magic. But the availability of increasingly sophisticated electronic gizmos raises doubts about how many can perform traditional ‘stage’ magic. Ironically, despite the title, The Imposter features authentic tricks based upon hard-leant techniques and practiced skill.
Despite a sideline in inspirational speaking Sam Lowe is crippled by self-doubt, wondering if he is capable of writing a new magic show. He enters the theatre carrying a metaphor for emotional baggage: a large suitcase, which he notably fails to unlock until just the right moment.
In addition to the props, there are a number of theatrical aspects to The Imposter. The stage set mirrors the theme of the show—circled by large playing cards and a series of handwritten ‘inspirational’ self-improvement mottos. Sam Lowe regularly breaks off to discuss his doubts with, and respond to, a prerecorded critic who makes observations on, and suggests improvements to, the show.
Traditional tricks have been tweaked to accord with the theme of the show. A deck of cards is shuffled, after which their numbers accord with statistics on imposter syndrome. Instead of inviting audience members to pick from a pack of playing cards, they are offered the chance to select from either inspirational or demoralising mottos.
The Kings Arms is an intimate venue, so any false moves by Lowe ought to be easy to spot, but the opportunity does not arise as all tricks remain suitably convincing. In any case, Lowe is a sleight of mind, rather than of hand, magician which is where the tricks seem most baffling.
The bulk of the show involves Lowe determining, from a series of apparently unconnected questions, not only an image which a patron has selected from series of ‘mindfulness’ cards but also the personal event which they used as a memory aid. Lowe is an old-school showbiz gentleman, so his technique is polite rather than inquisitorial, making the process charming instead of tense. He remains, however, enough of a showman to include the occasional false start ("Is it six letters?", "No, five"). The process as a whole is both impressively puzzling and fun to watch.
The Imposter might not be real magic, but does offer the chance to see a genuine craftsman exercising his skill and techniques to full effect.
The Imposter returns to Oldham Library & Lifelong Learning Centre on 12 September 2024.