When I interviewed Sean Gandini a few weeks ago I was left intrigued as to how this show would turn out. How could a blend of illusion and juggling work? For something to disappear, you first have to see it. Last night I was given the opportunity to experience it for myself and to see what was real and what was merely a trick of perception.
Inspired by the Egyptian goddess of magic, the show explores the connections between juggling and traditional stage magic, breaking the boundaries of both art forms. The movements of the performers are elegant and clever, no doubt using the wealth of experience from Sean's wife, Kati Ylä-Hokkala, who was a floor gymnast. She is now part of the show too.
Sean Gandini, crafts a performance that feels both playful and intellectual. Objects seem to appear, vanish, and defy gravity, creating moments of wonder that challenge the audience’s perception of reality. Unlike traditional magic, which often hinges on secrecy, Heka embraces repetition and movement to create its illusions, making the trickery feel almost organic. He is a charming host who with his warmth brings the audience on side, he appears at first in an attention grabbing red suit, and then changes into a white one, and then back to red. This has significance at the end of the show with the final challenge to our perception.
The performers, with their fluid coordination and effortless charm, bring warmth to the precision of the routines. Their expressions of joy and mischief are infectious, making the experience feel as much about human connection as it is about technical mastery. The choreography, often hypnotic in its patterns, highlights the elegance of controlled motion while incorporating unexpected visual surprises.
I have to mention the costumes designed by Georgina Spencer too; the simple black, white, grey with red touches are very stylish. And kilts reminded me of Jean-Paul Gaultier. I'm less sure about bringing back sock suspenders as a fashion item though!
By blending humor, skill, and a touch of philosophical curiosity, Heka offers a fresh perspective on both juggling and magic. It’s a show that delights while inviting deeper reflection on the nature of performance and perception. At an hour long, this would be a perfect family outing for children over the age of 8.
Listings information
Thursday 30 January to Saturday 1 February - UK premiere part of Mime London The Place, LONDON 17 Duke's Rd, London WC1H 9PY Box office: 020 7121 1100 / https://theplace.org.uk/events/spring-25-gandini-juggling-heka / https://mimelondon.com/gandini-juggling-heka/
Thursday 6 February CAMBRIDGE Junction Clifton Way, Cambridge CB1 7GX Box office: 01223 511511 / https://www.junction.co.uk/
Sunday 9 February FARNHAM Maltings Bridge Square, Farnham GU9 7QR Box office: 01252 745444 / https://farnhammaltings.com/
Wednesday 12 February LANCASTER Arts Lancaster University, N Spine, Bailrigg, Lancaster LA1 4YW Box office: 01524 594151 / https://www.lancasterarts.org/
Friday 14 & Saturday 15 February BRIGHTON Dome
Church St, Brighton BN1 1UE Tickets: 01273 709709 / https://brightondome.org/
Tuesday 18 February Lighthouse POOLE 21 Kingland Rd, Poole BH15 1UG Box office: 01202 280000 / https://www.lighthousepoole.co.uk/
Thursday 20 February GLOUCESTER Guildhall 23 Eastgate St, Gloucester GL1 1NS Box office: 01452 503050 / https://www.gloucesterguildhall.co.uk/
Tuesday 25 February Corn Exchange NEWBURY Market Place, Newbury RG14 5BD Box office: 01635 522733 / https://cornexchangenew.com/
Saturday 10 May OXFORD Playhouse 11-12 Beaumont St, Oxford OX1 2LW Box office: 01865 305305 / https://www.oxfordplayhouse.com/
Sunday 11 May The Lowry, SALFORD Pier 8, The Quays, Salford M50 3AZ Box office: 0343 208 6000 / https://thelowry.com/
Tuesday 13 & Wednesday 14 May NORWICH Playhouse, part of Norfolk & Norwich Festival 42-58 St Georges St, Norwich NR3 1AB Box office: 01603 598598 /
Wednesday 3 June Lakeside Arts, NOTTINGHAM University Park, Lakeside Arts, Nottingham NG7 2RD Box office: 0115 846 7777 / https://www.nottingham.ac.uk/externalrelations/lakeside-arts.aspx
Comments