Monday, 8 April 2013

Review: The Card Shark Show at The Royal Institution



The Card Shark Show
The Royal Institution
Reviewed on Friday 5th April 2013


The Card Shark Show is more than just a magic show. The Royal Institution (a science theatre steeped in history)  is the perfect setting for this fun, visual and interactive show. Steve Truglia takes you on a journey through the history of  the card shark.

The card shark is an individual using skill or deception to win at a card game, always in the hope of not getting caught (Steve reminded us that in the past if a card shark was 'caught' they would pay with their life!). Steve guides the audience through some amazing slight of hand tricks which seemed very skillful and almost impossible. The Royal Institution provides close up visual access for all with a big screen at the front. With a camera trained on Steve’s hand I thought the audience could see everything, but his slight of hand is amazing and difficult to spot to the untrained eye. 


Steve is a friendly guy, reasonably serious – this is history after all – but funny enough in places. He asks regularly for volunteers but never did he make anybody look silly. The show is an hour long and gives a taster of the card shark trade. The Card Shark Show could easily be a little longer as I would love to have heard a little more history.

The Card Shark Show is not just a traditional magic show as such. Instead of being aimed at very young children  it is a very entertaining evening for older children and adults. There is the perfect mix of history and fun, although unfortunately you will not be taught any slight of hand techniques – years of practice is required for that! 

Reviewed by Paula Sheridan

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