Review: The Enigmatist (Wilton's Music Hall)

Review by Izzy Tierney

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

For a magic lover such as myself, who loves trying (and often failing) to solve puzzles, an evening described as “part magic show, part puzzle quest” sounded like the perfect way for me to spend my Tuesday night. Feeling utterly frazzled and wonderfully dazzled, I left Wilton's Music Hall knowing I had been completely right (for once).

Immediately charming the audience with his warm charisma and obvious enthusiasm is American magician David Kwong; a regular crossword constructor for The New York Times, the head magic consultant for the hit film Now You See Me, and a successful author and Ted-Talk favourite. After sold-out shows in America, Kwong brings his one-man show, The Enigmatist, to the UK for the first time, and quite frankly, it is mind-blowing.

Over the course of two hours, you witness the metamorphosis of what initially appears to be a fun night of random puzzles and sleight-of-hand tricks, into a meticulously woven tapestry of esoteric illusions, intellectual magic and a historical code-breaking love story; culminating in the breathtaking moment the final jigsaw piece of the evening is slotted into place, completing the one-of-a-kind puzzle designed by Kwong and his mesmerised audience. As the show came to an end, I realised I was sitting with my mouth agape, eyes wide, staring at Kwong in awe, like a child seeing Santa Claus for the first time (or in this case, a nerd discovering her nerd god).

 There is also education throughout (another thing I loved!), with The Enigmatist himself teaching the audience about Elizebeth Friedman (known as America's first female cryptanalystipt) and William Friedman, giving the audience tips for scrabble, and telling us the proper name for a crossword puzzle constructor - a cruciverbalist!

I can't say much more about the content of the show, partly because it would spoil it, and partly because it would require me to explain things I don't understand, but Kwong more than delivers on his promise of an “intriguing blend of sleight-of-hand, wordplay, and brain-twisting enigmas [that] pulls you straight into the mystery”, performing his extraordinary talents with personality, humour, and an all-important flair for the dramatic.

The intimate setting of Wilton's Music Hall is perfect for a show with so much audience participation, allowing Kwong to properly connect and engage with everyone, something that continued with Kwong actively encouraging people to chat to him after the show. Taking the time to meet everyone, sign things and take pictures, the genuine love for his work and the community it creates could not have been more felt.

The passion Kwong has for his craft is immediately clear and joyfully infectious. I fully believe any riddle-hating, magic-loathing person could spend a few hours with Kwong and leave with at least a new appreciation of the art, if not a newfound love. For those who already know an “immersive puzzle experience” is right up their street, for those who are curious or fascinated by magic, and for the fellow nerds out there who would love to see the god of all nerds in action, David Kwong’s The Enigmatist is definitely the show for you.

The Enigmatist plays at Wilton’s Music Hall until November 29th

For tickets and information visit https://wiltons.org.uk/whats-on/the-enigmatist/#

Photos by Jillian Sipkins Photography