FIVE STARS
ARE you a thief? That's
the question posed by James Freedman, the self confessed Honest
Pickpocket.
He suggests that most
of us are - from nicking a few sweets as a kid to taking momentos
from a hotel room to even claiming more in expenses than you should.
He also likes to
distinguish a thief from a thug - someone who uses violence to steal.
He does all this in a
brilliant 80 minute show, Man Of Steal, now on at the Menier
Chocolate Factory.
And if you've got any
sense, I would urge you to see it - it's quite astonishing.
For not only is it
hugely entertaining and at times very funny, it is also incredibly
insightful and most importantly education. In fact I would go as far
as to suggest it's essential viewing.
It is for everyone -
and not just those who've had the misfortune to have their pockets
picked.
Through stories, demos,
audience participation and chat, Mr Freedman, widely acknowledged as
one of the world's greatest pickpocket entertainers, takes us through
various scenarios.
He also shows how the
minds of the thieves work - and how to be more vigilant to scams and
be more aware of our personal safety to stop becoming a victim. He
shows us how frighteningly easy it is to become a victim of theft.
Funny and fast fingered
he exposes how the bad guys work, done through a life time spent
studying thieves of all sorts, from street criminals to hustlers and
to conmen.
It is no surprise that
over the years he has been an invaluable support to the police and
other security professionals.
I'm not going to give
anything away - it really has to be seen to be believed - but safe to
say the last 10 minutes of the show were more than just eye-opening.
I am sure there was not
one person in the audience who did not sit up, take note and gasp at
what he showed us.
Man Of Steal takes
place at the Menier Chocolate Factory, Southwark Street until April
27. Tickets from £22.50. Visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com or
call the box office on 020 7378 1713.
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