Bristol Review: Magic & Sex at Alma Theatre

Summary: A new show from the creators of the hit comedy “Yoga & Sex…for women (over 40)”, “Magic & Sex” is a brilliant comedy show about putting it all out there and trying something new!

Rating: ★★★

Running Dates: July 29th 2025 (on tour around the country until 10th October 2025)

Where to see it: Alma Tavern and Theatre, Bristol

Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes

Keywords: Magic, comedy, sex (kind of!)

When you get asked to review a show called "Magic & Sex", it's difficult to know exactly what you are going to get. Are we talking literal magic and sex or are we talking a clever comedic set up for a show with a sprinkling of magic and no real sex? Thankfully it was the latter!

On a very rainy and moody Tuesday evening, I ventured to Alma Tavern and Theatre in Clifton to see Kathryn Haywood's new show, the aformentioned "Magic & Sex". The pub (or tavern) was adorned with burning candles and twinkly lights, large pizzas were being brought out on trays for hungry patrons, and the place was abuzz. I'd never been to the venue before, but it was exactly the sort of place you'd want to go to on a rainy day. Cosy, a little festive and with a warm atmosphere.

I asked the bar staff where the theatre was and then ventured upstairs into a small room, with plastic seats and an audience that had already started to gather. I sat at the back, mostly for the best view but also to avoid the dreaded front row! I think you really need to be a willing participant to sit in the front row at a comedy night and today was not the day for me as I had zero idea of what to expect!

Then the lights dimmed and the show began. An outrageous opening song played and out came Kathryn, dressed in magicians garb and sporting a pair of tap shoes, her "only nice pair of smart shoes"! They clicked and clacked throughout the whole show which really tickled me, there is something so funny about someone earnestly doing magic and comedy, trying to hold an audience's attention, while their tap shoes just tip-tip-tap-tap away every time they walk! And that kind of sums up this show, it’s an outrageously silly affair, sarcastic, chaotic and creative.

"So was there any magic?" I hear you ask! There was! Some of the tricks were your standard magic show tricks; two pieces of string into one, a bunch of flowers out of the jacket and getting out of a pair of handcuffs. But the card tricks were where Kathryn shone, blending them with audience participation and comedy, making you believe it might just all be about to fall apart and then pulling it out (of the hat) right at the end! It's hard to describe magic, you have to see it to believe it (eye rolling at my own writing here), but Kathryn made it look effortless and really made it fun.

"So was there any sex?" I also hear you ask! Well, no. The premise is clever. You see, the show was "Barbara's" show really and Kathryn was just meant to do a few magic tricks between all the sex and then "Barbara" bails and leaves Kathryn high and dry. Cue many innuendos and jokes about Barbara "pulling out". The premise gives Kathryn freedom to launch into a rather awkward and silly comedic style of trying to fill in the holes in the show with magic. The whole thing was just so wonderfully silly and she had us all laughing from start to finish.

I'm always impressed by one-person shows, particularly in a small space. It must be terrifying to be able to look every audience member in the eye or to feel if the room isn't going with you on something. The ability to hold an audience when there is nowhere to hide for any of you is a real talent. And Kathryn has that talent, we ate it up. We participated, we laughed, we applauded for the tricks, it was pretty....magical (& sex). If you can find time to see the show in one of the many cities between now and October, I would implore you to do so, you will have a great time!

Standout Quote or Moment: The final trick - it was really worth the wait!

See If: You like comedy, magic and sex, or even if you don’t.

Last Impression: A fun, silly evening out that is at its heart a very clever performer and show.

We were kindly gifted these tickets in exchange for a review.

Written by Amy Evans