Years ago, all a magician needed was a top hat and a live rabbit. Magic has come a long way. Jamie Allan’s Amaze uses props, videos, projections and cell phones to do exactly what the title of his show predicts. But Allan does much more than simply overwhelm the audience with slights of hand and illusions. He also tells people his personal story, which is both moving and relatable.

Allan fell in love with magic at an early age. His parents, both entertainers and later proprietors of a pub not far from Stratford-on-Avon, encouraged what was first a hobby and later became a career. His mother even purchased the contents of a magic shop for him.

Allan pays tribute to those early days with videos of the first performance he gave, with the aid of a Fisher Price Magic Show Case. One of his illusions is dedicated to his mother, who promised she’d one day be his assistant when he performed it on stage. Unfortunately, Allan’s mother died while he was still young.

As for the actual tricks, some are standard, and some are stand-outs. As audience members are required to take a pinky promise at the start of the show, vowing not to reveal what they see during the evening, let’s leave most of the details to the imagination.

Suffice it to say, one trick with cell phones both engaged and astounded. And Allan’s interactions with young people were always charming. Most of all, Allan holds the audience in thrall by the sheer magnetism of his personality. This is a show for one and all, and children of all ages.

photos of West End production by Danny Kaan

Jamie Allan’s Amaze
Starvox Touring
2 hours with one intermission
New World Stages, Stage 5, 340 West 50th St.
ends on February 22, 2026
Harry DeCruz will go on for Jamie Allan at certain performances
for tickets, visit Amaze