Winner of the Standard Bank Ovation Award at the National Arts Festival in South Africa (2018), Stuart brings his deceptive delights to Cape Town for three nights only. In this fascinating performance of sleight of hand magic Stuart Lightbody delves into a world of impossible wonders and unexpected adventures, inspired by his travels around the world. From the winner of the Creative Award at the Prague Fringe Festival (2016) and the Theatre Award at the Fringe World Festival in Australia (2018).

Stuart Lightbody has spent over 20 years studying and sharing the art of magic.

Stuart tours his theatre show across 3 continents. He can be found entertaining anywhere from private parties on the island of Capri, Italy, to theatres on luxury cruise liners, to corporate shows for the biggest Fortune-500 companies.

As a South African Magic Champion, Stuart has represented his country at the World Magic Championships in Sweden and at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas. He has also won numerous local and international awards at arts festivals and magic gatherings, including two "Silver Ovation Awards" at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, a "Weekly Best of Festival Award" at the Adelaide Fringe Festival, the "Creative Award" at the Prague Fringe Festival and the "Theatre Award" at the Fringe World Festival.

He spends his life pondering, practicing and performing moments that are beautifully impossible.

What the press has said about Stuart Lightbody:

 “Stuart Lightbody [is a] sleight of hand extraordinaire” – Cape Argus

“He’s just like The Mentalist on television, only up close without camera tricks.” – Adelaide Advertiser

“Stuart Lightbody is a well spoken affable young man, lucky to be alive in the 21st century – otherwise he’d be burned as a witch.” - Adelaide Advertiser

“…everyone he invites up onto the stage becomes part of a quite amazing disruption of everyday belief” – Adelaide Advertiser  

“… he replaces normal human gullibility with an awestruck sense that what you have seen has to be magic” – Adelaide Advertiser

“The gasps and disbelieving shrieks from his audience are testament to his skill. Every part of the performance is breathtaking and so elegantly executed you find yourself, if only for a moment, believing in magic.” – Cape Times

“Lightbody has woven poetic reflections about magic and illusion through the piece…” – Cape Times

“The show is just long enough to ensure you remain rapt throughout and desperate for more. It’s uncluttered and flows so effortlessly you’re hardly aware of time passing.”- Cape Times

“Sleight-of-hand gets a shot of elegant theatricality courtesy of performer Stuart Lightbody in Illusive.” – Cape Argus

“…beautifully impossible while still being impossibly beautiful.” – Cape Argus

“… an unreal experience that relies on pure artistry to entertain.” – Cape Argus

"There's nothing more splendid than sitting wide-eyed in the presence of the obviously impossible." - Darrel Bristol, The Times. 2017

Audience Responses

Fantabulous as always.

╰། ◉ ◯ ◉ །╯ (ʘᗩʘ’) ԅ⁞ ◑ ₒ ◑ ⁞ᓄ ༼ ⨀ ̿Ĺ̯̿̿⨀ ̿༽ง

The show was astounding! Some really impressive illusions, and very quirky and funny stories in between. I would really recommend it!

Lovely personality and clever card tricks. But the words on the whiteboard that totally matched those printed behind the map came across as contrived and made me suspect collusion with a few of the audience members. Nonetheless, it was a very enjoyable hour's entertainment.

Stuart's show was hugely entertaining, as always.

Stunning

A little bit shorter than expected. Also would recommend that if the show is so short, it could start much later, like 8pm. It's quite a stretch to get out of work, have dinner and a drink and meet up with friends in time for a 7pm show.

It was delightful!