Matt Bardock to star in new magic-fuelled drama The Disappearing Man
by Best of Theatre Staff on Wednesday 22 July 2026, 11:33 am in Upcoming and New Shows
Matt Bardock will lead the world premiere of The Disappearing Man, a new drama about legacy, illusion and second chances featuring live onstage magic, at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch this October before a UK tour.
Matt Bardock will star in The Disappearing Man, a new drama about legacy and second chances featuring live onstage magic, which premieres at Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch from 15 to 31 October 2026 before touring.
Written by local Essex playwright Kenny Emson and directed by Alex Thorpe, the production is presented by Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch in collaboration with HighTide. Press night is Tuesday 20 October at 7:30pm.
Returning to the once-glittering Clacton-on-Sea, washed-up magician Bazza Cadabra is ready for a final comeback, determined to reclaim the spotlight and prove he has still got what it takes 20 years after his prime. But at the heart of his ambition is something far more fragile: his re-kindled relationship with his son. As Bazza faces a flashy young magician, a no-nonsense new manager and the family he left behind, their reunion sparks hope, rivalry, and the possibility of something extraordinary.
Matt Bardock (New Blood, Casualty, A Touch of Frost) plays magician Bazza Cadabra, alongside Debra Baker (Unforgotten, Doctor Who) as his sharp-witted ex-wife Wendy, the mother of his son.
Director Alex Thorpe said: “At the heart of Kenny Emson’s epic story is a deeply human tale of love, ambition and sacrifice. I’m delighted to welcome Debra Baker back to QTH and to introduce Matt Bardock to our audiences. Together, we’ll uncover the people, passions and conflicts at the centre of this remarkable Essex story.”
Matt Bardock added: “I’ve got a fair few tricks to perform throughout the production. We have a bullet catch to do, some card tricks to do, some flowers to produce, and some juggling. It’s a beautifully written play that approaches mental health through the world of magic. The proposition honestly scares and thrills me in equal measure. I can’t then think of a reason not to do it!”
Debra Baker said: “I’ve long admired Kenny Emson’s writing. He writes with such honesty, humour and heart, and I especially appreciate seeing older working-class people represented so truthfully on stage. Returning to Queen’s Theatre Hornchurch is another real joy.”
HighTide Artistic Director Titilola Dawudu said: “Kenny’s skill at creating messy, complicated characters is stand-out and helping shape this production as we head towards rehearsals is an exciting and invigorating challenge. This is our first new production under my tenure as HighTide’s Artistic Director and I’m really excited to be working with Matt and Debra leading the cast.”
Kenny Emson is an award-winning writer for stage and screen whose credits include Rust (Bush Theatre) and Terrorism (Bush Theatre), and who earned a BAFTA nomination for the BBC murder mystery The Last Hours of Laura K.
After its Hornchurch premiere, The Disappearing Man tours from 3 to 21 November with weeklong runs at Blackpool Grand Theatre, Yvonne Arnaud Theatre Guildford and Key Theatre Peterborough.