Review: Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe (indigo2 / UK Tour)
Review by Aanya Sisodia
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Enter into the world where what you think you know will surprise you, and what will surprise you might deceive you as the touring production of Piff & Pop’s Magic Shoppe rolled into London for a night at indigo2. Innovating how comedy, spectacle and story-telling intersect, the result is a two-act production enjoyed by a multi-generational audience. With audience interaction, humorous delivery and mixed-media production on stage, the show delivers in not only spontaneous improvisation but playfully dramatic, self-proclaimed stupidity that can only be executed by the two Magic Dragons and the only magic-performing chihuahua in the world (Mr Piffles II).
Penn Jillette, of Penn and Teller tours for the first time in the UK without his usual partner in crime, partnering up with America’s Got Talent star Piff the Magic Dragon for a two act show. After decades working in Las Vegas residencies, the tour unites fans from Vegas, the UK and a new generation of young people in one venue, a Magic Shoppe. No shopping trip will ever be the same so to find out what’s in stock, you have to enter in to find out.
Fans of the original UK shows from a decade ago and those familiar with the Vegas style would have experienced more intimate interactions with the magicians, this UK tour tests audience’s bravery, suspends your disbelief and plays with the conventions of what you expect a magic show to look like, but the integrity of Penn and Piff’s styles remain at the heart of the material. Despite Teller not being physically part of the act, he is in fact omnipresent in the show, beginning with a video message, and finishing as part of a production-wide illusion at Teller’s expense, his essence and presence are felt in the work.
Whilst leaning into misdirection conceptually, Penn dynamically uses attention-grabbing levels of unpredictability, combined with comic timing and an audience volunteer, in his act one set playing with what is seen, the obvious, and what is unseen and unexpected. Penn himself said that his work considers the “curating of attention”. Using almost chaotic levels of distraction which equally subverted and intricately surprise what the trick is revealed to be toys with the conversational yet deceitful style of magic at play. Further, the sense of risk and viscerality play with what the audience anticipate through physical comedy and prop magic.
Piff the Magic Dragon uses popular music, live camera footage and sound effects to enhance and punctuate his set. Whilst some tricks seemed disconnected at times, the build and sense of erraticness on stage culminates in jaw-dropping full-circle tricks or reveals, tying all seemingly separate elements of the act together in a satisfying style. With Mr Piffles the Second also part of the act, the magic-performing dog is introduced as second to the original Mr Piffles who had initially done over three-thousand magic shows prior. Also featuring Jade Simone as the glamorous assistant, entertainer and a hype-woman as she ensures that the show is fun, unserious, raucous; the dancer-host keeps the audience in check on stage.
The two-act production sees the separate acts perform individual sets in the first half “to showcase their signature styles of magic, wit and wonder from Penn’s sharp storytelling and world-class sleight of hand to Piff’s eccentric comedy and offbeat illusions.”. The second half sees the pair together as father (Pop/ Penn) and son (Piff) using speed, improvisation, audience members and their capacity to commit to their place in the show in brave and shockingly daring ways creating an alliance and relatability to the witty work. Not only are the audience in on the joke, their part of it– it's a trick and a treat! Two for the price of one, if you ask me.
The mixed-media production uses a mixture of materials both practically and presentationally, using music stylistically to enhance suspense, tension or even to punctuate comedy and success of tricks playing out. The popular references chosen tactically subtly but effectively cue laughter from the audience but the magicians aren't afraid to point out the ridicule at the audience's ridicule! The regular use of microphones on and offstage for audience members of all ages make for entertainingly organic encounters unique to every show and those watching it.
As well as the use of live and recorded sound, the show uses live and recorded video content, with Francis the camera operator being part of the act whilst also allowing insider live footage of backstage antics or onstage slight of hand, the videography gives the audience inside knowledge and access to the workings of the show, tricks and although the rest of the audience may not be onstage they are ongoinging part of the act. Similarly, the use of lighting dramatises the suspense and comedic timing as the show goes on. The use of flashing reds, house lights bridging the onstage and audience interactions or, indeed, hand held torches Piff himself flashes into the audience, taking control of the light rather than the light see the lighting design being a character in the show playing with the audience and alongside Piff the Magic Dragon.
If you are familiar with the works of Penn & Teller or Piff the Magic Dragon, or in fact a regular at their residencies in Las Vegas, then you are certain to have a wonderfully witty evening full of twists, turns and trickery. If you are yet to see the magicians in their element then this show is a great way into the world of magic, amusement and entertainment. The duo perform as themselves and as a duo to invigorate the production material with new life, contemporary jokes and brilliant improvisation. You're guaranteed to laugh, be sat on the edge of your seat, and to walk into a Magic Shoppe unlike any on your high street.
Piff and Pop’s Magic Shoppe (in Italics) plays at Tours the UK until 21 September 2026, visiting Birmingham, Manchester, York, Newcastle and Glasgow. Tickets from https://www.aegpresents.co.uk/event/piff-and-pop/