World-renowned illusionist Scott Silven brings preview of The Lost Things to Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity April 16 & 17
By
Carly Maga
Posted on
April 07, 2025
Lost Things. Courtesy Scott Silven.
The Scottish mentalist comes to Banff to preview his latest production—which was conceived and created while on residency at Banff Centre—before its world premiere at the Sydney Opera House this June.
BANFF, AB, April 7, 2025 – Have you ever lost something, including yourself, so badly you start doubting your sense of reality? World-renowned illusionist Scott Silven brings his latest creation to Banff, Alberta in The Lost Things—the first time Silven is blending his acclaimed mentalism with theatrical production and storytelling. Conceived and developed while on residency at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity in 2024, Silven and director Graham McLaren have returned to the mountainous woods that inspired the show for an exclusive preview before The Lost Things receives its official world premiere at the Sydney Opera House this June. The Lost Things runs for two performances, April 16 and April 17, at the Jenny Belzberg Theatre at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
“The Lost Things is a very exciting project for me, I’ve never tried to blend illusions with this level of production. Story has always been important to my work, but here, the set, lighting, stage, and the audience are taking it to the next level. I’m so excited to invite an audience to experience it for the first time.”
Scott Silven
Premiering in Sydney, Australia from June 11-29, Banff audiences are invited to a special preview while Silven, McLaren, and their production team are making final adjustments to the show. At Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity, this sneak peek into the creative process is key to the mission of providing world-class training and development opportunities for artists as well as bringing acclaimed productions and one-of-a-kind experiences to Bow Valley audiences.
“This partnership is a great example of the Banff Centre experience, where artists get to experiment and our community gets a unique chance to see a performance that may not otherwise come to this area. Scott is truly renowned around the world, the fact that he’s coming here with this preview says a lot about how much this community factors into the show itself.”
Chris Lorway, Banff Centre President and CEO
The Lost Things explores the mind-bending power of getting lost or losing an item, where reality bends and the unseen becomes tangible. From the moment audiences enter the Jenny Belzberg Theatre lobby, The Lost Things begins. Combining magic, immersive theatre, and personal stories, Silven weaves the past into the present and invites audiences to take part as the mystery unfolds.
Born in the Scotland, Scott Silven studied hypnosis in Milan at the age of 15, gained recognition from David Blaine at 19, and headlined one of the U.K.'s most prestigious theatres at 21. Hailed by Vogue as a “world-renowned mentalist,” “a marvel” by The New York Times, and “truly astonishing” and someone who “wows everyone” by The New Yorker for the “elegance, sheer mind power, and profound philosophical insight” (Manhattan Digest) of his performances, The Lost Things is a must-see show at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity.
The Lost Things
April 16-17, 7:30 p.m.
Jenny Belzberg Theatre at Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
$35-$50
Tickets are available at banffcentre.ca or 403.762.6301.
For photos, information, or interview requests, please contact:
Carly Maga
Director, Communications
Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
tel: +1.403.763.6210
cell: +1.403.431.3423
carly_maga@banffcentre.ca
About Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity
Founded in 1933, Banff Centre is a post-secondary institution built upon an extraordinary legacy of excellence in artistic and leadership development. What started as a single course in drama has grown to become a global organization leading in arts, culture, and creative decision-making across dozens of disciplines, from the fine arts to Indigenous Wise Practices. From our home in the stunning Canadian Rocky Mountains, Banff Centre for Arts and Creativity aims to move everyone who attends our campus - artists, leaders, thinkers, and audiences - to unleash their creative potential and realize their unique contribution to build an innovative, inspiring future through education, performances, convenings, and public outreach. banffcentre.ca