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Australia’s most recognisable illusionist, Cosentino, returns to the Civic Theatre this weekend with his new show, Decennium. Photo: Supplied.
After making his name on shows including Australia’s Got Talent and Hey Hey It’s Saturday, Cosentino has built a reputation as one of Australia’s greatest illusionists and escape artists.
With a history of performing death-defying stunts and mind-blowing magic, Cosentino has taken his act across the world.
Now he is bringing his huge bag of tricks to Wagga Wagga.
“It’s always such a great time in Wagga,” Cosentino said.
“The people that come and watch the show, they’re always so appreciative. They know that shows like mine don’t always come around, so when it does, they come in numbers and really get behind it.”
The popular illusionist last visited Wagga in 2022, when he performed in front of a sold-out show. Although it has been two years since his last show in the Place of Dance and Celebrations, Cosentino said he fondly remembered performing in front of a packed Civic Theatre.
“I’m really looking forward to coming back, putting on a show that a lot of people will hold onto for a long time,” he said.
“The beauty of shows in places like Wagga and Griffith is that they’re completely different to shows in Sydney or Melbourne.
“A lot of people will see my material online and think, oh, that’s fake when it’s not, or he’s using fake locks when I’m not, or I’m using a green screen and so on. Having a show in a theatre like the one in Wagga means people are close to the stage. They can see that it is actually happening.
“For me, when a crowd gets shocked or reacts like, ‘What! How did he do that?’, that’s the best feeling. Places like Wagga, you can hear that crowd reaction, they are so close and they can’t explain what they are seeing and that’s what I love.”
Cosentino’s new 90-minute live show, Decennium, will feature a variety of his greatest hits and tricks, which he has put together from more than 13 years of performing.
“I’ve done nine TV specials over the last decade and they’ve really helped me grow as a performer,” he said.
“I’ve been able to draw from nine different shows and really pick and choose what works best. I’m really proud of this show as it really is the best of what I have to show.”
Cosentino will perform at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre this Saturday and Sunday, 16-17 March, at 7:30 pm and 6 pm respectively. Tickets can be purchased at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre’s website or its box office.