Based on Lionsgate’s worldwide blockbuster film franchise, Now You See Me Live is a stage illusion spectacular that is set to take over the Sydney Opera House this summer with an explosive mix of high-tech illusions, solo stunts and jaw-dropping spectacles.
For the first time in Australia, four world-class illusionists – Adam Trent (USA), Enzo Weyne (FR), Andrew Basso (ITL) and Gabriella Lester (RSA) – unite as The Horsemen, transforming the magic of the films into a live stage spectacle with never-before-seen feats of wonder.
From the creators behind Broadway’s record-breaking hit The Illusionists, Now You See Me Live delivers a breathtaking blockbuster experience for the whole family, which has to be seen to be believed.
Theatre Thoughts heard from two of the Four Horsemen, Andrew Basso & Gabriella Lester about what it takes to bring something so massive, yet so unique to the iconic venue of the Sydney Opera House. With the film blending the worlds of magic, science and mega heists together, how will Now You See Me Live compare to its silver screen predecessor?
Read the full Q&A below to find out what audiences can expect when The Horseman land at the Sydney Opera House from December 19th.
You can book tickets to Now You See Me Live here
The film Now You See Me obviously has extravagant film-based magic, how will Now You See Me Live utilise real world magic to wow audiences?
Andrew Basso: Well, this is the most challenging thing because we are so used to watching special effects. But when we are in a real life situation, there is no green screen. So the challenge is really, really high! But we have amazing things waiting for you, each one of us is bringing our best repertoire. I’m bringing my best escapes, death-defying stunts and also some very deceiving magic for the audience that is coming to watch the show live in person.
Gabriella Lester: We’re going to take a combination of all our skills, whether that’s in the illusion world, the stage magic world or close up, and bring them together to create the best magic that you could see. We’re taking what you see in the movies – all the magic that you love – turning it into magic that you can see and experience in real life and real time, with thousands of people in the audience.
Has there ever been a time where you know that a trick isn’t going to work? If so, how do you work around that live?
Basso: Well, that happens more than you may think. Especially when you do things where you’re interacting with audience members, there are a lot of variables. As a performer, you develop the ability to jam through that and be able to achieve the final result. I think flexibility is one of the ingredients to be able to achieve a good magic act.
Lester: All magicians use “outs”. When you’re rehearsing an effect or you’re preparing to put an effect into your show, you think about all the ways it could go wrong. You try and predict some common situations, like what if the person you’ve called on forgets their card? Then you troubleshoot what you could do if that were to happen. The more you perform and the more time you have on stage, the better you get at turning those tricks and going on a detour into something else, so the audience doesn’t necessarily detect that something is going wrong. You turn it into a different ending, and the audience assumes that that was the ending all along.
Audiences should expect to see the greatest magic show on planet Earth!
What is it that you think draws audiences to the theatre for magic?
Lester: I think magic is a universal language, and everybody can find a way to love and appreciate it in one way or another, especially how magic connects us with our childhood self. I think a lot of us had magical experiences as a kid, or believed in magic – even believing in Santa Claus and things like that. And I think it’s important, the older we get, that we get a chance to hold on to those childlike parts of ourselves, and magic is one of the greatest ways to do that. People really look for that, especially as we get older. With everything going on in the world, we need a little bit of joy!
Basso: People come for different reasons. For some people, it’s being able to feel like a child again – your rationality disappears and you are in a state of suspension of belief. For other people it’s more of a challenge to try to work out what you’re doing – some people are watching with a lot of attention, and still they can be deceived. And so they love that feeling of being deceived in that moment. Some people just want to have great entertainment, want to have a great night out and make an unforgettable memory. Luckily, we have all of that for you with Now You See Me Live!
I think flexibility is one of the ingredients to be able to achieve a good magic act
Who is your magic idol that has inspired your specific skillset?
Lester: I have a lot of idols, and have been very fortunate to have a lot of mentors as I’ve grown up in the magic world. But I definitely think seeing the Now You See Me movie at a young age definitely sparked my addiction with magic and attracted me to pursuing my career. Seeing such a powerhouse lead like Isla Fisher playing Henley Reeves in the movie was an amazing person for me to look up to and want to be like. In the magic world, there are fewer women and I didn’t have many female role models growing up in the magic world, so it was really good to see somebody that I wanted to be like for the first time.
Basso: For me, the escape artist Harry Houdini definitely inspired me as a kid. As I was reading through the biographies, I was visualizing all the stunts he did, which had a huge impact on me.
What should audiences expect from this particular production when it comes to the Sydney Opera House?
Lester: Audiences should expect to see the greatest magic show on planet Earth! It’s a cast of the best magicians you could ever imagine, and you’re gonna see a little bit of everything. The show is for all ages: ages 5 to 95, it’s for families, it’s for couples, it’s for kids, it’s for anyone and everyone. So anyone and everyone should be there!
Basso: You’ll experience illusions, magic, and escapology that’s never been seen before. And most importantly, the audience become part of the show. The audience is a fundamental part in the in the magic – you can go to the greatest musical, but you’re still a spectator watching the musical. With magic, you really become part of the show.
Now You See Me Live will make its Australian premiere at the Sydney Opera House this summer, with a residency in the Concert Hall from December 19 2025 – January 3 2026.
About Andrew Basso
Andrew Basso is one of world’s greatest living escapologists, performing one of the only full view water torture cell escapes live. A master of sleight of hand and deception, Basso has performed to over half a million audience members.
Often hailed as the modern-day Houdini, his death-defying acts have earned him many notable accolades. Notably, he became the youngest and first Italian to win the World Escape Championship, showcasing his unparalleled talent. Basso has also clinched first place in Italy’s Master of Magic Championship, solidifying his reputation as a wizard of illusion. His incredible feats defy belief, making it a must-see experience for anyone captivated by the magic of escapology and sleight of hand.
Basso’s performances leave audiences spellbound, earning him the nickname ‘the witch’. Witnessing Andrew Basso is not just a show; it’s an unforgettable journey into the realm of the impossible. Prepare to be amazed as he defies logic and leaves you questioning reality itself!
About Gabriella Lester
Gabriella Lester made her one of the most sought-after magicians in the world. South Africa born and Canadian raised, Gabriella Lester is one of the youngest performing female illusionists in the world.
She’s performed on some of the largest stages in Vegas, is a frequent headliner at the World Famous Magic Castle in Hollywood, was featured in the New York Times, and performed over 500 shows in one year while solo touring. In 2021 she appeared on the hit show Fool Us with Penn & Teller, and has since become a producer on the show.
Lester is also known for her upside-down straitjacket escape, which she mastered at the age of 14 and has notably done dangling from a crane at 100 feet. She was spotlighted by TED worldwide for her powerful TED Talk about the transformative power of pursuing your passion.
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