Review: The Lost Things at the Sydney Opera House

Review by Alexa Hafner Keelan

Hitting the Sydney Opera House for the World Premier of his new show, The Lost Things, Scott Silven stuns audiences again. Known as a mentalist, he has continued to impress with his unique and modern touch on magic. The show encompasses more than just illusions, it shares value and insight into the complexities of our memories and their connection to who we are. 

A blend of illusionary and the psychological, pushing the boundaries with a modern twist that never fails to amaze. The show engages with the mindset of what is lost, touching on memories, making this an immersive and nostalgic experience. It is told through a story from his childhood, adding a thoughtful approach that elevated the emotions of the show. In combination with mind-altering illusions that challenge what we think we know; it allows for an entertaining night. 

Scott makes this experience to be one that is not actually lost, contrary to the title, but an ambient state of being where discovery and beginning are at the forefront. In this position of uncertainty, we have the ability to discover who we actually are. The trickery spoke volumes, bewildering and mystifying the atmosphere with the use of objects, cards under seats and audience participation. It is incredible to believe that the audience was unfamiliar to Scott given the amount of knowledge he revealed about them. 

Scott connects through his own personal story of a lost iPod and encourages the audience to connect with their own memories of what has been lost. The show challenges your ability to recall memories and questions whether they reflect what truly happened. This allowed the audience to question their recollections altering their perception of time.

The set is fitting for the storyline, bringing the memory to life in a way that is touching and incredibly entertaining. Scott constantly engages the audience with illusions that are simply unreal along with incredible audience participation, making this an extraordinary event. The set design, along with the sound and an actor assisting Scott in recreating his cherished memory, elevated the experience. The unpredictability of Scott is what really takes this show from a simple magic show to an unreal event. 

Watch the show to help connect with a deeper sense of yourself, understanding the way memories impact your journey of life. Memories are at the forefront, and, in the end, the truth will be revealed. The show presents themes of connection with friends, family, and the world around us making us question our own past and reality. It was a revealing experience, helping the audience view their memories through a different perspective while simultaneously engaging in incredible illusions. 

Scott is masterful at connecting the audience into the show while eloquently performing tricks that that are both engaging and astonishing. He skilfully uses purpose to guide the show to an incredible revelation. The show created a meaningful reflecting on your own life leaving you to sit with a new perspective on life and the ultimate question of “How did he do that”?

Don’t wait too long to check out this show at the Sydney Opera House this June. It will surely change your perspective of what is lost.

Image Credit: Daniel Boud