PARANORMAL is a mind-reading and psychological-illusion show led by French mentalist Frederic Da Silva, playing matinees at the Laugh Factory room in Horseshoe Las Vegas.
PARANORMAL
Mind Reading Magic is a mentalism show built around Frederic Da Silva, a French performer billed as voted Best Mentalist in Europe. Rather than cards and doves, the show uses predictions, apparent mind reading, hypnotic suggestion and psychological illusions. He seems to know names, drawings and decisions that audience members only thought of, or locks in a prediction long before you make your choice.
It is staged at Horseshoe Las Vegas in the intimate room that is now the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe, previously the Imagine Showroom. Shows typically run it playing as a 4pm matinee, which is useful if your evenings are already booked.
The show runs about 75 minutes with no interval. Audience participation drives most of it. Volunteers are brought up, others take part from their seats, and in a small room almost everyone gets involved at some level. Nobody is humiliated, and the tone is warm and playful rather than spooky, despite the name. It is open to ages 5 and up. In practice it works best for kids around 10 and older, who can follow the logic and enjoy being fooled.
Two practical points. First, the schedule is less regular than the big Horseshoe evening shows. Shows typically runed only a handful of dates, so check the calendar before planning a day around it. Second, seating is first-come, first-served within the category you buy, so arrive early if you want to be close. Cameras and video recording are not allowed. The room is wheelchair and stroller accessible, and Horseshoe has both self-parking and valet.
If you are choosing between mentalists, PARANORMAL is the friendlier and more affordable matinee option. Colin Cloud at Harrah's is a sharper, more theatrical evening show with a bigger production and a darker comic edge. Both are strong, so the choice comes down to timing and budget. A good Horseshoe afternoon is Real Bodies downstairs followed by PARANORMAL at 4pm, which leaves your evening free for dinner and a headliner.
What to expect
The experience
A 75-minute mentalism show with no interval: predictions, mind reading, hypnotic suggestion and psychological illusions. It is one performer with the audience as his material, rather than big stage props. The tone is light and funny rather than spooky.
Best time
Matinee slots leave the evening free; arrive 20 to 30 minutes early for better seats.
How long
About 75 minutes, plus 20 to 30 minutes to arrive early for better seats.
Tips
Participation is central. Volunteers come on stage, and other routines involve people in their seats. In a small room you will likely be involved even if you don't volunteer. Nobody is made the butt of the joke. Shows typically run 4pm matinees on selected days at the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe, the former Imagine Showroom. Dates have been sparse, so confirm the calendar before you plan around it. Open to ages 5 and up and suitable for families, couples and groups. Kids around 10 and older get the most out of it. Fans of mentalism on TV will recognise the style. Seating is first-come, first-served within your ticket category, so arriving early gets you closer. No photos or video during the show. The room is wheelchair and stroller accessible. PARANORMAL is the warmer, more affordable matinee. Colin Cloud is the bigger, edgier evening production at Harrah's.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Couples and families who want an afternoon show that is smart, interactive and keeps the evening free.
- Families
- Open to ages 5 and up; kids around 10 and older get the most out of it.
- Couples
- An interactive, funny show that leaves the evening free for dinner.
- Pair with
- Real Bodies on Horseshoe's lower level makes an easy afternoon double. BattleBots is behind the resort if you want something loud afterwards.
- Time needed
- About 75 minutes, plus 20 to 30 minutes to arrive early for better seats.
Good questions
What is PARANORMAL at Horseshoe Las Vegas?+
A mind-reading and mentalism show featuring Frederic Da Silva, using predictions, hypnotic suggestion and psychological illusions with lots of audience involvement. Despite the name, it is not a ghost or horror show.
Where and when is it performed?+
At Horseshoe Las Vegas, in the room now branded the Laugh Factory at Horseshoe (formerly the Imagine Showroom). Shows typically run 4pm matinees on selected dates. Check the calendar, because dates have been limited.
How long is the show?+
About 75 minutes with no interval.
What is the age limit?+
Ages 5 and up. It is family-friendly, and children around 10 and older tend to enjoy it most.
Will I be picked on?+
Audience participation is central, and in a small room many people get involved. It is good-natured, so nobody is embarrassed. Sit further back if you would rather watch.
