Mark Guest: Believe – Calder’s Bookshop and Theatre

Mark Guest’s evening of magic and mentalism promises wonder, laughter and a touch of the inexplicable, all in support of an important cause: raising funds for cancer charities. On that front, it succeeds, the show is engaging, slickly delivered, and full of impressive routines that had much of the audience gasping in delight. Guest himself is a charismatic performer with natural showmanship, blending classic sleight-of-hand with modern psychological trickery in a way that feels fresh and accessible to all.

The evening included a variety of complex pieces: card tricks performed with apparent ease, mind-reading demonstrations that seemed uncannily accurate, and larger sequences involving multiple audience members, adding both energy and scale. These moments showcased Guest’s undeniable technical skill and his ability to hold a room.

However, the very essence of this art form is illusion, and illusions only work when audiences are allowed to suspend disbelief. That suspension is challenged somewhat when the performer is seen in conversation with supposed “random” participants before the show. When those later selected are recognisably connected to the artist, and also to each other, the mirror of mystery shatters, and the piece becomes nothing more than a well scripted, piece of theatre.

This is a show with great heart and real talent, but one where the scaffolding of illusion must be carefully protected.

Guest has another sold out show at the Phoenix Arts Club, London WC2H 8BU on Monday 29th September.

Reviewer: Alan Stuart Malin

Reviewed: 29^th August 2025

North West End UK Rating: