Is it magic, or is it science? That’s the question that keeps audiences on the edge of their seats throughout this interactive family-friendly that show masterfully blends clever magic with some fascinating principles of science.
From the moment the show begins, the atmosphere is charged (excuse the pun) with excitement. The two performers take the audience on a journey through some awe-inspiring educational experiments, each carefully explained. Concepts like centripetal force, dry ice, electricity, and the workings of vacuums come to life on stage. Add in ping pong balls flying through the air and rockets blasting off, and its a recipe for delight.
The show’s highly interactive nature means everyone gets involved. Plenty of audience participation keeps the curiosity flowing, from “Don’t try this at home!” stunts that leave you gasping, to “Do try this at home” experiments that encourage exploration, the balance between fun and safety is spot on.
In true creative spirit, even the interval is a treat, featuring pop songs with a clever scientific twist that will have everyone humming along. By combining entertainment and education, Top Secret: The Magic of Science inspires a love for science in children while providing laughs, thrills, and learning.
The experiments are well executed throughout, though on occasion the odd one didn’t work, a fire didn’t light for example, possibly due to too much moisture. These hiccups are always dealt with well. The last experiment seemingly didn’t work initially, but another “bomb” was added into the mix, which built suspense, shocking and delighting everyone when it did work. Whether it was pre-planned or not, it had the desired effect.
Although this was a very interactive show, only one parent was asked to participate on stage and kept going back up, and while the audience got to know Jason and chanted him on to stage each time, maybe other children would enjoy seeing their parents up there too. There are plenty of opportunities to involve others.
Amethyst Magic have produced a brilliantly balanced edutainment show, which is messy, silly and fast-paced – well worth taking children of all ages to see, and their big kids too.
Reviewed on 15th March 2025.
The Reviews Hub Score
High level edutainment
