In "In All Honesty," his second stage show, illusionist and presenter Nicholas Arnst navigates between the conventions of three different stage genres: a classic theatrical performance, a magic spectacle, and a lecture for budding magicians. One thing remains constant: what he does, and the natural ease with which he does it, continues to astonish. Time and again. Before Nicholas even steps onto the stage, the audience hears his voice. He explains that, as a child, he wasn’t allowed to lie. “I’m not planning on lying tonight either. Although, maybe a small lie now and then to help you understand the truth. It’s up to you to decide what’s real and what’s fabricated.” With this, Arnst, who was born in Saudi Arabia and grew up in Bruges, reveals in the very first minute what illusionism is really about: deception. “You only see what you’re focused on.” ​In terms of approach, In All Honesty is similar to Nicholas’s earlier work, from his previous show Echt to the successful TV program named after him on VTM. Once again, each trick’s staging is compact, the punchline surprising.​ ​The impressive caliber of his magic and the disarming modesty with which he displays it. The tricks are purely about deception; even a child knows that. But his humility, that’s real. There’s no trickery involved there. ​He opens in a mini-setting, to the left of the stage. A small camera meticulously records every move, a technical measure to keep the balcony spectators engaged. No matter which random playing card the audience calls out, Arnst effortlessly pulls it from his right pocket. Astonished looks fill the hall. “How do I do this? Should I tell you? Or not?” Eventually, he gives in. Well, not entirely, only partially. The rest, of course, is deception. ​Peter Briers Thursday 19 May 2022