David Haig’s “Magic” Premieres at Chichester: Houdini vs Conan Doyle
Chichester Festival Theatre has announced an exciting addition to its 2026 season. The world premiere of “Magic,” a new play by acclaimed writer and actor David Haig, is set to run from April 24 to May 16, 2026. This production celebrates the 100th anniversary of the death of legendary illusionist Harry Houdini.
Overview of “Magic”
“Magic” explores the intricate friendship between two iconic figures of the early 20th century: Arthur Conan Doyle and Harry Houdini. Haig, known for his performances in “Killing Eve” and “Four Weddings and a Funeral,” also takes on the role of Conan Doyle, the mastermind behind Sherlock Holmes.
The Storyline
The play dives into the contrasting beliefs of its central characters. Arthur Conan Doyle becomes a staunch believer in spiritualism after the loss of his son and seeks a reunion through psychic means. On the other hand, Harry Houdini, portrayed by Hadley Fraser, is committed to debunking spiritualism as mere trickery.
As their ideologies clash, “Magic” raises profound questions about faith and perception. The drama promises to captivate audiences by addressing themes of grief, belief, and the elusive boundaries between reality and illusion.
Creative Team and Cast
- Director: Lucy Bailey, known for her work in “Witness for the Prosecution.”
- Houdini: Hadley Fraser, acclaimed for performances in “The Lehman Trilogy” and “2:22 A Ghost Story.”
- Conan Doyle: David Haig.
The supporting cast includes:
- Jenna Augen as Bess Houdini
- Claire Price as Jean Conan Doyle
- Ben Jones
- Marc Serratosa
- Ella Tekere
- François Testory
- Jade Williams
- Kristin Wei Wong
Performance Details
| Theatre | Dates | Ticket Booking |
|---|---|---|
| Festival Theatre, Chichester | April 24 – May 16, 2026 | General booking opens on February 28, 2026. |
Upcoming Season Highlights
“Magic” is one of eight world premieres in Chichester’s 2026 season. Among other noteworthy productions are a stage adaptation of Ian McEwan’s “Atonement” and the theatre’s inaugural staging of “My Fair Lady.” Stay tuned for more updates from Filmogaz.com on “Magic” and other exciting theatrical events.
