Watford Palace Theatre has released the first look production images for The Mesmerist, which from Monday 2 March to Saturday 21 March 2026.
The new production stars actor, comedian and presenter Rufus Hound, who takes centre stage in a show inspired by the remarkable discovery of boxes belonging to his estranged grandfather.
The boxes, which were destined for landfill, revealed that his grandfather had been a magician who performed under the stage name The Mesmerist. They contained illusions, journals and props from a final magic show performed only once.
Intrigued and searching for a new project, Rufus learnt the entire show, forming the foundation for this theatrical rediscovery.
Rufus Hound said, “The last five years have been absolutely dizzying for everyone, but the death of my estranged granddad has been the cherry on the cake for me personally. I don’t think anyone was asking for this show – least of all me – but I’m very grateful to The Palace for allowing me to put a full stop to a very odd familial sentence. Trust me. I’m as weirded out by this as anyone, but the result is something I hope no one will ever forget.”
The production blends theatre and magic, featuring illusions, audience interaction and an evocative finale. The creative team notes echoes of music‑hall mystique, séances and Victorian spectacle throughout the piece.
The Mesmerist marks a reunion between Rufus Hound and Watford Palace Theatre CEO and Head of Programming Steve Marmion. It is Marmion’s first production at the venue since his 2023 appointment.
Written by Maheni Arthur, Georgia Crowther, Lancelot Ellis and Christopher York, the show also features designs by Jasmine Swan, lighting by Philip Gladwell, sound by Emma Laxton, magic consultancy by Scott Penrose, and video design by DMLK.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
