Going Out: Cabaret - Ricky Jay

Prestidigitator extraordinaire Ricky Jay arrives in the capital next week, direct from a record-breaking run in New York, where one critic remarked: "You aren't asked to suspend disbelief - you have no choice." Directed by David Mamet, Ricky Jay & His 52 Assistants (aka his deck of cards) opens at the Old Vic (the audience will be seated on the actual stage) for just 20 performances. It's no surprise that punters are facing astronomical prices (up to pounds 75) to see a man who is reported to be able to make a card fly through the air at 90 miles an hour. While it may prove to be the hottest ticket of the summer, don't dress to sweat. Jay demands near-Arctic conditions - one drop of perspiration on his hands could shatter your illusions.

Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants, Old Vic, London SE1 (0171-494 5372), 22 June to 17 July