Rhythm And Ruse, London Review

Written by Cathie for Theatre and Tonic.

Disclaimer: Gifted tickets in return for an honest review. All opinions are our own.

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The 1920s were considered an age of hedonism, luxury and glamour. One of the most enduring motifs of this is the infamous American Speakeasy. Many of us Brits have wanted to experience this phenomenon and Rhythm and Ruse at Waterloo Vaults have created a beautiful and alluring solution.

This entire experience is immersive and time-bending as soon as you arrive you are walking through an art deco mirrored walkway into the performance space. It works well as a divide between your modern woes and the wonder and awe you will feel in the atmosphere within. There are dozens of large baize tables spread within and you can sit with others as the magicians all come to your table in turns to show you their magical array of illusions and tricks. I encountered a card magician, an illusionist and a very nimble-fingered manipulator of coins and crystal balls. Even though I have a literal front-row seat to these tricks I was still in awe because I could not figure them out. Many at my table were also filled with childlike awe and joy at how simple but impossible these tricks seemed.

During my visit, I saw four magicians during my stay and there are over a dozen available. We are also serenaded throughout our experience by several cabaret singers a selection of five cocktails was brought to our table. Don’t worry there are non-alcoholic available as well. These are paired well with the performance and lend an opulence and generosity. Considering that most of the creative team who made Rhythm and Ruse were part of The Burnt City, their attention to every detail and joyful exuberance is to be expected.

The final aspect of your visit is experiencing the hosts sing and circulate themselves through the space throughout. There is a timeless elegance in how they link the different elements of the show into one cohesive whole. The atmosphere in particular felt so welcoming and warm. The staff were very attentive throughout and every detail was planned in detail. With all of the variation in magicians and music singers available on different nights, you could go a dozen times and have a fully unique experience each time. This experience is so classy and luxurious that you half expect to see Poirot wandering around enjoying this old world luxury. This was one of the best immersive theatrical experiences I have experienced in a long time. It has infinite capacity for newness but feels as welcoming as your favourite pub. It has magic, mystery, luxury and beautiful music and sums up the Jazz Age in a way that would make Gatsby proud. I highly recommend this experience to you.

Find out further information, including how to book your tickets via the Rhythm and Ruse website.

★ ★ ★ ★ ★