Prepare for magic, mystery and unforgettable theatre as multi-talented actor, comedian and presenter Rufus Hound (One Man, Two Guvnors, National Theatre; A Christmas Carol: A Ghost Story, Birmingham Repertory Theatre) will take centre stage this March in the lead role of The Mesmerist, the headline production of Watford Palace Theatre’s spring season.
Rufus Hound is widely recognised for his versatility across stage, screen and television. On stage he is known for starring in the acclaimed West End and UK-tour production ofOne Man,Two Guvnorsas well as leading roles in theatre hits such asDirty Rotten Scoundrels(Savoy Theatre) andThe Wind in the Willows(London Palladium). On screen, Rufus is a familiar face from his early work hosting shows such asTop of the Popsand Glastonbury coverage, to a long stint as a regular panellist on the irreverent comedy panel showCelebrity Juice.
Rufus Hound in his role asThe Mesmeristcomments,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 is a collaboration between Rufus and Watford Palace Theatre, as they take his family history and weave in the discovery of multiple boxes belonging to his estranged grandfather – that were on their way to landfill. InThe Mesmerist, Rufus discovers that his grandad had been a magician – stage name ofThe Mesmerist– and the boxes are filled with old illusions, journals and props from his final magic show, previously performed in its entirety only once. Intrigued, fascinated, out of work and looking for a new project, Rufus learnt the show. This is that show. That labour of rediscovery and reinvention is uncovered and ready to be shared, asThe Mesmeristis born from a legacy, resurrected from a forgotten past.
The Mesmeristis a spellbinding fusion of theatre and magic: a heartfelt story brought to life through illusions, audience interaction and an unforgettable finale. With echoes of music-hall mystique, séances and Victorian spectacle, the show conjures a world where the past is never truly gone and no secret stays buried for long.
The show marks Rufus reuniting with CEO/Head of Programming of Watford Palace Theatre, Steve Marmion, who last worked together during Rufus’s stage debut over a decade ago. The show will be Steve Marmion’s first production at the helm since his appointment in 2023. Formerly Artistic Director of Soho Theatre, Marmion brings an acclaimed, boundary-pushing vision to this ambitious premiere.
The Mesmeristis a love letter to live performance, a journey through memory and identity and a resurrection of magic and family secrets.
Featured Image: The Mesmerist, credit to Watford Palace Theatre
This post was last modified on January 3, 2026 10:41 am