Q&A: Séance

Illusionist Nicholas Wallace shares the vision behind his eerie theatrical experiment

By Lauren Gillett • September 30, 2015

Created by Nicholas Wallace and Luke Brown
Hosted by Nicolas Wallace
Directed by Luke Brown

Nicholas Wallace in Seance. Photo credit: Elena Juat.

This fall, Toronto theatregoers are invited to take part in an eerie and entertaining theatre experience—one that harkens back to Victorian times. First produced in Hamilton in 2013, Séance is the brainchild of illusionist Nicholas Wallace and co-creator/director Luke Brown. In this immersive show, participants explore the evolution of the séance room, the advent of spirit photography, and the history of the explosion of Spiritualism.

We caught up with Wallace to find out more about what audiences can expect from this out-of-the-ordinary performance.

Theatromania: How would you describe Séance in a few sentences?

NW: It is a completely immersive, illusion-based show. The show explores the world of the Victorian spirit medium, and at the climax of the show it is an actual audience member who is chosen to become "The Medium." They sit on stage, the lights are turned out, and we see what happens...

Theatromania: What inspired this show?

NW: There is a big crossover in fraudulent technique used my fake mediums, and techniques used by illusionists and mentalists. That was the start for me. I met Luke Brown, the director of the show, while working on show about horror author H.P. Lovecraft. I mentioned I always wanted to create a theatrical seance. Luke said he always wanted to be a ghost buster. Here we are.

Theatromania: You warn that people of a nervous disposition should stay away. Do either of you ever feel scared during the performance?

NW: It is so dependant on the audience—there are so many unknowns, it is terribly unnerving. And as creepy as the show is, it is also a lot of fun.

Theatromania: Can you give us an example of one or two of the people or ghosts you’ve connected with?

NW: There is a specific story and a group of "people" we attempt to reach out to. In past versions of the show, we have incorporated historical stories and characters from whatever venue we happen to be in.

Theatromania: What have you learned from this experience so far?

NW: I have learned it is a lot of fun scaring nice innocent people. Also, even if you don't believe in ghosts, everyone loves a good ghost story.

Séance runs until October 11, 2015 at Theatre Passe Muraille Mainspace. Visit theseance.ca for more information and to buy tickets.