Sydney Reviews

Photo – Victor Frankowski

A person is selected from the audience after answering several questions. The grilling that ensues is not your average “can I have a volunteer” routine and for good reason – the successful candidate will fire a loaded gun at magician William Wonder (Rob Drummond) who will attempt to catch it with his teeth. We are told of several magicians who have died attempting the bullet catch since the trick was invented in the 1600’s, so indeed, it would seem the bullet catch is every bit as risky as it appears.

This death defying magic trick provides a way of examining the ways that one human being can influence another. Wonder, has a little over one hour to establish a connection with this random audience member. He establishes himself as an amateur psychologist sprouting many psychology theories. Freud for example, believed that the moment we set eyes on someone, we either want to, kill them, save them or love them. We assume all due safety precautions have been taken and therefore this question only adds to the drama of the piece.

In between these exchanges, we are told the tale of William Henderson, a magician who died while attempting the bullet catch 100 years ago, despite being warned against it by the famous escape artist Harry Houdini.

There are few actual magic tricks in this show. In fact Wonder is even prepared to give away one of his secrets if the audience want to know. For him, the more interesting question is what makes us want to destroy the illusion?

You find yourself asking, how much does Wonder know about his audience? Is he in fact the master manipulator of people, able to second guess their thoughts and actions through reading their body language or is there magic at work here too? One suspects Wonder would be a lot more guarded about revealing the answer to this question.

Bullet Catch was conceived by actor and playwright Rob Drummond. Drummond is certainly no stranger to placing himself in physical danger on stage. His previous show, Rob Drummond Wrestling, saw him train as a professional wrestler and fight on stage where he suffered many bruisings.

The process of persuading a stranger to fire what they believe is a loaded gun at you creates a palpable tension felt by everyone in the audience.


Sydney Festival 2014
Bullet Catch
The Arches and Rob Drummond

Venue: Bay 20 | Carriageworks, Eveleigh
Dates: 17 – 20 January 2014
Tickets: $35
Bookings: www.sydneyfestival.org.au