A full house on a Monday evening – an auspicious start for the return of Kathryn Haywood to British stages this summer, with her latest show Magic & Sex. Stage magic and comedy have always been natural ‘bedfellows’ – an apt metaphor for the contrasting elements of the show.
As her onstage persona ‘Kath’, Haywood at times plays up her ‘ineptitude’ at stage magic (a bit like an Aussie Tommy Cooper), though there are equally as many occasions where she demonstrates her true abilities as an accomplished illusionist.
Audience participation is a key part of the show, both in terms of building the initial rapport, the ‘in-jokes’ that are peppered throughout the show, and of course performing the magic tricks. While there are elements of the show that I’m sure will feature in each performance, Haywood exhibits the capacity to think on her feet and capitalise on the comedic responses from the nightly audiences. All in all, a natural comedienne.
In terms of the saucy aspect of the show, there are plenty of double entendres, but as the absent sex expert ‘Barbara’ is AWOL, it’s left to Haywood to fill her shoes. Suffice to say, the efforts of ‘Kath’ are hilarious, and Haywood demonstrates her adeptness at physical comedy.
While it could be argued that the show doesn’t reinvent the wheel in terms of the ‘magic’ tricks used, Magic & Sex has all the ingredients for a fun night out – full of laughter, saucy banter and dextrous showmanship.
© Michael Davis 2025
Magic & Sex was performed at the Old Joint Stock Theatre on 14th July. The show also performs this year at the following venues and dates:
BRISTOL Alma Tavern and Theatre, 29th July
https://www.tickettailor.com/events/almatheatrecompany/1662421
NEWCASTLE Fringe, Alphabetti Theatre, 31st July
https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/newcastle-fringe-festival/kathryn-haywood-magic-sex-theatre-comedy-magic/2025-07-31/17:00/t-pqnglyq
LONDON Camden Fringe, Rosemary Branch Theatre, 4th-6th August
MARGATE Tom Thumb Theatre, 9th August
https://www.visitthanet.co.uk/events/magic-and-sex-aug-2025-147676/
WORCESTER Swan Studio, 13th September
https://worcestertheatres.co.uk/swan-theatre/whats-on/magic-and-sex
LICHFIELD The Hub at St Mary’s (Double bill with Yoga & Sex) 9th October
https://thehubstmarys.co.uk/events/yoga-and-sex/
Breaking The Fourth Wall 