Adelaide’s Raymond Crowe Joins Smash-Hit “The Illusionists 2.0”

This summer, The Illusionists 2.0 is set to stun audiences across the nation. Amongst an entirely new lineup of big-name magicians is Adelaide’s own, Raymond Crowe.

Crowe first came to public attention after a short television appearance on the ABC’s Spicks and Specks. His elaborate hand silhouettes, performed to Louis Armstrong’s ‘What a Wonderful World’, became an instant sensation.

Having usually performed only within the corporate sphere, Crowe was soon jet setting across the world, making a range of international appearances. He has since performed on the Late Show with David Letterman, at the Royal Variety Performance, and is a favourite contender on the current season of Australia’s Got Talent.

“I started with a little magic kit as a kid and then got into ventriloquism and puppetry. I also started mime with Zora Semberova and have incorporated all of these elements into what I do. I call myself an Unusualist, because of the variety of work,” said Crowe.

There is far more to Crowe than just his popular hand silhouettes. He is a true onstage chameleon, thriving within a hybrid art form. His charming variety act stems from a love of silent films, traditional vaudeville and a handful of other genres.

In an age of Xboxes and iPhones, Crowe is thrilled that such traditional forms of entertainment maintain wide sweeping popularity.

“I aim to perform to all ages; magic is so childlike in some ways but so sophisticated in others. All my mates were in the last The Illusionists show, and it was just great to see people responding so well to such an ancient art form.”

During the tour, Crowe will join an impressive international cast including Luis De Matos of Portugal and Britain’s James Moore.

The Illusionists 2.0 opens at Her Majesty’s Theatre in Adelaide on December 27 followed by seasons in Sydney and Brisbane.