☆☆☆☆

One of Kevin Quantum’s most frequently used pull quotes is that he’s “like a sexy Doctor Who”, which takes a lot of pressure off anyone else who writes a review of his shows. No one could possibly top that (although one must ask, is Doctor Who not a sexy Doctor Who?) Opinions of his looks aside, the Doctor Who comparison is fitting, especially with this year‘s show Anti-Gravity. The lightly educational and plentifully magical show is reminiscent of classic Who-niverse creations, which balanced child friendly history and science with science fiction to make learning fun for its target audience of young viewers. Although in Quantum’s case, the mixing is science with magic.

It will come as no surprise that Anti-Gravity has a focus on levitations in all their forms, it is after all an accurately titled show. Quantum comes out for a pre-show segment that perfectly encapsulates the scientific and magical themes of the show, with demonstrations of Bernoulli’s principle using both science and magic. The levitations build in scale until a final trick that is both completely expected given the theme of the show and also something of a surprise simply as it’s not a type of magic that is often performed.

With Anti-Gravity, Quantum is not just looking to inspire future magicians in his audience, but future creators of all types. Over the course of the show Quantum demonstrates how close an unexplained science experiment feels to magic, blurring the lines between what is currently possible and not yet discovered or invented. It’s the kind of inspirational message best delivered by a hybrid scientist-magician.

There’s a mix of audience types and ages at Quantum’s show that reflects the universality of his appeal. There are plenty of families with young children, but also lots of childless adult couples and adult group attendants. While the inspiring message may land best with the youngsters, the unusual magic performed will be appreciated by all, even the most seasoned magic fans.

More information about Anti-Gravity and its performances can be found here.