Known to millions as ‘the boys who made Simon Cowell believe in magic’, illusionists Jay & Joss are bringing their jaw-dropping new show It’s Not A Game to City Varieties Music Hall on Mon 29 June. Celebrated for their innovative blend of grand illusion, theatrical storytelling and high-impact visuals, the duo are pushing their craft further than ever before.
We caught up with them to explore their journey so far, the inspirations behind their work, and what audiences can expect when they take their seats.
Written by Guest Author
Jay & Joss
How did you first start working together?
Jay: I first met Joss in 2014 when I sold him a magic prop. We already knew of each other because we were basically competitors, both doing close-up magic at events. A few years later we reconnected at the Blackpool Magic Convention. Our mutual friends went home, but Joss asked me to stay out for ‘just one more drink’, and that ended up changing everything. We instantly clicked, realised how similar we were, and decided to stop competing and start collaborating. From there we joined forces as one company and eventually created our double act, Jay & Joss.
What moment in your life or career has had the biggest impact on you as illusionists?
Joss: When I was younger, my grandad used to show me simple magic tricks and I was completely fascinated. Every Christmas after that I asked for magic sets, and eventually I joined The Magic Circle’s youth initiative, the Young Magicians Club. It was there that I was lucky enough to be handpicked by Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee to play ‘Young Jack’, the magician’s apprentice. That experience rocketed my love for magic more than I can ever explain.
Over the years I went on to join The Magic Circle, and everyone I performed for kept telling me I should audition for Britain’s Got Talent. The day Jay and I walked out onto that stage was a huge moment for us – a real make-or-break milestone. Fortunately it went incredibly well, and we haven’t looked back since.
Jamie Docherty (Jay) from Jay & Joss.
Lewis Joss (Joss) from Jay & Joss.
How would you describe what you do to someone who has never seen your work before?
Jay: I’d describe what we do as a fast-paced, Vegas-style grand illusion show that combines theatre, huge production value, and real storytelling. It’s magic on a big scale, but with characters, emotion, and a narrative running through it.
What is your favourite thing about your job?
Jay: Our favourite part of the job is seeing the audience react in real time. There’s nothing like that moment when a whole room gasps or laughs together. We also love working as a duo, creating routines that blend tech and magic in ways that genuinely surprise people. At the heart of it, bringing people joy is what keeps us doing what we do.
Rehearsals for It's Not a Game.
Rehearsals for It's Not a Game.
It’s Not a Game
Why did you want to create this show now, and what drew you to exploring the futuristic themes in the show?
Joss: We’ve wanted to tour a show like this for years. The idea first came to us about three years ago, but we didn’t want to rush it. We wanted to wait until we were ready, and until we had the right people around us to make it the best it could possibly be.
That moment came when Jay and I were hired to consult on a new horror production called The Void. It was during that project that we met producer Alex Moran and writer Ryan Simons, and built an amazing working relationship with both of them. Alex is an incredible producer whose guidance and expertise have been essential in turning this tour into a reality. And Ryan has shaped this show in ways we couldn’t have imagined on our own – his writing is the backbone of It’s Not a Game.
From there, everything just fell into place. We’ve built a dream team: our striking poster was shot by Matt Crockett and designed by Rebecca Pitt; Ben Parsons is composing the score; Andrew Crofts is designing the lighting; Tom Elderfield is consulting on magic; and Neal Austin is directing the illusions. And of course, Fine Entertainments Ltd is financing and marketing the entire production, with the help of our marketing expert Jess Rooney.
It feels like every piece has come together at exactly the right time, and it’s become our most ambitious project yet.
What can audiences expect that’s completely new or surprising compared to other theatre shows they may have seen?
Jay: This show completely flips what people imagine a night at the theatre to be. It’s a full visual spectacle packed with mind-blowing special effects and illusions, all tied into the story. It’s Not a Game feels bigger, sharper, and more immersive than anything we’ve ever created before, and we’re incredibly proud to shout about it.
It's Not a Game.
Rehearsals for It's Not a Game.
How is It’s Not a Game different to the shows you have created before?
Joss: Our shows have always been large-scale and fast-paced, but It’s Not a Game takes things to a completely new level. This time there’s a strong narrative running through the entire experience, with never-before-seen spectacles of magic and multimedia woven together. Video walls, lasers, fire – every element is designed to hit your senses from all sides. It’s bigger, bolder, and far more immersive than anything we’ve ever created before.
What do you hope audiences feel, think, or question as they leave the theatre?
Joss: We want people to leave the theatre feeling uplifted and full of wonder. At the same time, we hope the show makes them question the role technology plays in their lives, and even the idea of free will itself. If it encourages someone to put their phone down, reconnect with the people around them, and think a little differently about the world – that’s a huge win. But above all, we want them to walk out feeling completely amazed.
It's Not a Game.
It's Not a Game.
Book tickets
It’s Not a Game
Mon 29 June
It’s Not a Game invites you into a world where nothing is quite as it seems. With jaw-dropping stunts, breath-taking visuals and moments that defy belief, reality and illusion are about to dissolve. Can you be sure where one ends and the other begins?
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