Review by Markus Hamence – Performance date: Saturday 25 January 2025, Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide, SA
A Magical Celebration in Adelaide
Adelaide was whisked away in smokey illusion last night at Her Majesty’s Theatre as Cosentino brought his highly anticipated Decennium tour to town. Celebrating 10 years as one of the world’s most captivating magicians and escape artists, Cosentino’s show proved to be an unforgettable and applauded experience. From jaw-dropping illusions to some heartfelt moments, Decennium wasn’t only a magic show – it was a celebration of artistry, storytelling, pure entertainment and the highest form of showmanship by a leading performer at the top of his game.
Let’s jump right into what made this performance so special and why Adelaide’s audience couldn’t get enough.
A Spectacle Ten Years in the Making
Cosentino’s Decennium is essentially a ‘greatest hits’ showcase, blending the very best of his career into a 90-minute extravaganza. Over the last decade, he’s become a household name, thanks to his appearances on shows like Australia’s Got Talent and his jaw-dropping stunts on television specials (which STILL get massive viewings daily around the world). This show paid tribute to his journey with a mix of nostalgia and innovation.
The performance included a mix of:
- Death-defying escapes: The kind that has you holding your breath, wondering how he’s going to make it out alive.
- Mind-bending illusions: From levitations to disappearing acts, these tricks left even the most skeptical audience members gasping.
- Street magic reimagined for the stage: Intimate tricks, up close and personal, but magnified for a theatre audience.
The production value was stunning, with cutting-edge lighting, loud dramatic music, and a flair for theatrics that made every moment larger than life. Bravo!
A Master of Storytelling
But, what also sets Cosentino apart is his ability to blend magic with storytelling. Every illusion wasn’t just a trick; it was part of a narrative that kept the audience emotionally invested. This man is a master showman. Sexy, engaging, swagger (with moves like Depp) and polished in craft.
For example, he spoke about his early struggles with dyslexia and how magic became an escape and a passion for him. These personal anecdotes added a layer of vulnerability and connection that you don’t often see in a magic show. You weren’t just watching him perform – you were rooting for him, celebrating his triumphs right alongside him.
Audience Participation: An Often Hilarious Highlight
Cosentino’s rapport with the audience is another reason his shows are so memorable. Throughout the evening, he brought people on stage to participate in various tricks, often adding a playful and humorous touch to the performances.
One particularly hilarious moment involved a card trick that spiraled into a laugh-out-loud sequence of surprises. His ability to balance suspense, comedy, and charm created an atmosphere that felt both exciting and welcoming.
The audience were part of the show, with many interactions and lots of banter back and forth. It was real and it was fun. This only showcased how fast Cos is with thinking on it feet with appropriate, jovial responses.
Technical Brilliance and Artistic Flair
It’s impossible to talk about Decennium without marveling at the sheer technical skill involved. From sleight-of-hand tricks to massive illusions involving complex mechanics, Cosentino executed everything with precision. His team are to be thanks for this also. A well oiled machine.
But what made it stand out was the artistic flair. His signature fusion of dynamic dance and magic brought an entirely new dimension to the performance. You could see the influence of other creative disciplines-music (MJ), theatre, and even martial arts- all woven seamlessly into the show.
A Show for Everyone
A die-hard magic fan or someone just looking for a fun night out, Decennium had something for everyone. Children in the audience were wide-eyed with wonder and very chattery, while adults found themselves equally mesmerised by the illusions and the nostalgia of revisiting Cosentino’s greatest hits.
What Adelaide Thought
Adelaide’s audience was blown away. The applause was thunderous, and the energy in the FULL-HOUSE venue was electric. As the show came to a close, the appreciative cheers and applause was well-deserved, a testament to Cosentino’s ability to connect with people through his craft.
My Final Thoughts
Cosentino’s Decennium wasn’t just a celebration of 10 years of magic; it was a celebration of creativity, hard work, and the power of dreams. His story is as inspiring as his illusions are awe-inspiring, making the show a very personal yet universally entertaining experience.
For those who missed out, don’t worry – Cosentino’s journey is far from over. Next time you see his advertised show, do yourself a favour and grab a ticket. You won’t just witness his brilliant magic – you’ll believe in it.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on his upcoming tours – you won’t want to miss the next chapter in this magical journey as we no doubt will be celebrating his 21st anniversary in due course 🙂
How many ‘Magical’ Stars?…
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.Check out my interview with Cosentino here!