imagine toi (the real thing)

Julien Cottereau.

One voice, one stage, one body.

Believe. Trust. See.

---

It was a great show. From the start you were transported into a magical land, of giants, chewing gum, bouncy balls, catwalks, crazy dogs, scary chambers, damsels-in-distress and rich men with wobbly guts.

Julien Cottereau has an amazing talent for mime. He brings his world to life so effectively, with the addition of a unique array of vocal effects, which make you do a double-take and ask "Is that really him? Are you sure it's not a recording, or people backstage making those sounds?"

But really, there is no way it could be anybody but him. His moves are fast, dynamic, unpredictable - and you can't help but be mesmerised by his storytelling.

If you haven't understood this post by now, you have to realise that Julien does not use ANY physical props.

The broom? Imaginary.

The ball? Imaginary.

The dogs? Imaginary.

And that's the amazing thing about it. He's so expressive, and so genuine, you find yourself seeing that broom he's sweeping, and the skipping rope that he makes from a piece of old chewing gum, and the bouncy ball that he plays with.

The audience interaction is great as well. Throughout the show he was getting people involved, helping them believe in his magic, playing hackey sack with a young boy from the audience, handing over a camera to a young girl so that she could take photos of him, asking a father to help him play out a scene of swords and trapped princesses..

It was great.

Truly something special.

Julien Cottereau, if you ever read this, I want to say thank you. For bringing magic into people's lives, for just that brief moment, making them smile, and opening the window in their hearts so the sun can shine in and warm their souls.

You are blessed.