The Illusionists, Shaftesbury Theatre

The band of touring magicians known as The Illusionists are returning to the West End just in time for the summer holidays, after a sell-out run on Broadway and a European tour stretching across 15 countries. Last seen in London in 2015, this magic show prides itself in hunting down the best magicians in the world to perform electrifying tricks, stunts and illusions before a live audience. The magicians' flamboyant stage-names pump up the mystique – marvel at “The Sorceress” or be bedazzled by “The Futurist” - each primed to wow us with their own individual show-stoppers. The result is an unashamedly flashy phantasmagoria, ready to hoodwink the whole family.

Although casting has yet to be announced, the group’s current leg in New York features a toe-curling trick with swallowed razor-blades and a sensational act of card-conjuring. The Scottish mind-reader Colin Cloud is highlighted by reviews as the one to watch. He stunned audiences at the Royal Variety Show in 2017, with a wily all-knowing Sherlock Holmes persona that regularly sells out when he appears at the Edinburgh Fringe. With any luck, he will be returning home with the group.

The acts are still under wraps, but we are promised levitation, disappearance and mind reading. Be prepared for audience interaction and to have your senses hijacked by The Illusionists. We recommend you book early for this one.