- Martin Brophy
- 2 minutes ago
- 3 min read
This new Mr Swallow tour was announced last year, and I booked tickets as soon as they were released to secure good seats. We attended the performance at the Royal and Derngate Theatre in Northampton, and we had an excellent view just three rows back from the stage.
I have seen a lot of magicians over the years, and this was one artist that I had never seen. My expectation was that this would be more heavily comedy with a smaller sprinkling of magic. As always, I will share general information and thoughts, but I promise to keep this review spoiler-free. Tickets are still on sale, and the tour that started this month (May 2025) already appears to have been extended with many dates this year.
The show intro was mainly observational comedy from Mr Swallow, who introduced himself while discussing important but fun topics that needed addressing. This intro was around 20 minutes and culminated with Mr Swallow performing an amazing feat. A good, strong show start before Mr Swallow introduced support from Kiri Pritchard McLean.
Support acts may change depending on the show booked. While I was not familiar with her name, I did recognise her face, and she is a well-known comedian who, like Mr Swallow, has appeared on “8 out of 10 Cats Does Countdown,” etc. A funny 15 to 20-minute set which went down well with the audience, with subjects ranging from class and regional differences, fostering, childbirth, and more. A well-received set from a comedian who I would definitely want to see more of, and I could quite happily listen to while chuckling away. My wife also enjoyed this set from this stand up.
A short intermission then followed before Mr Swallow was back on stage.
The stage was set and dressed in a fitting manner for the main part of the show, which kept to the theme of some of the storytelling related to Mr Swallow’s school days. The set dressing and touches were good, as Mr Swallow tends to use many props to enhance his storytelling. An interactive performance that was well received with plenty of audience participation. Highlights included a playing card routine which was unique and presented in a style that only Mr.Swallow would present as a magician.
While personally I would have liked to have seen a little more magic and mentalism, the balance of magic and comedy was likely enough for many of the audience who likely just attended for the comedy aspect. I also enjoyed some of the more musical moments and seeing a certain song performed on TV live.
I do like to participate when I can and create memories. Later in the performance when Mr Swallow needed volunteers, I did put my hand up and I was lucky to get chosen to go on stage. An opportunity to create a fun memory and to be able to say that I got to meet Mr Swallow/Nick Mohammed on stage for five minutes. I then helped with a mentalism routine with a few other audience members. And if you do go to the show, participating on stage is fun and nothing to worry about. If you get the chance and are picked to join in, you are treated with respect and I would recommend you go for it.
The show does culminate in a big and furiously amazing finish which leaves you wanting more. As a fan of Mr Swallow and his TV appearances, it was great to see him perform live with new material and some of his famed routines that he is known for. I know that Nick is a very talented magician and hopefully one day I will be able to see him perform more magic.
As you would expect when seeing an artist performing in a theatre as large as Royal and Derngate, I did not get any selfies or opportunities to get a signed playing card for my collection. But hopefully one day I will get the opportunity to add these to my collection.
A good experience and very enjoyable fun show from a very popular comedian and magician. Highly recommended.
To learn more and check show dates:
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