They call it the bulldozer effect. It's when the audience comes out of a show and they don't know what hit them, "but in a good way", explains Paul Philippart.
And after meeting Philippart and Anja Van Gerwen, it's easy to understand what they mean. This charismatic couple star in the Philippart and Anja Show which they have been performing around the world for 15 years.
They met in Holland, where Philippart attended drama school and Van Gerwen was a professional dancer.
"One day he just called me and said he was looking for a crazy dancer to be in a show he was working on and everybody gave him my number," she says smiling broadly and shaking her head.
"It was a magical moment and we were on the same wavelength immediately."
Philippart nods in agreement as it has, quite literally, been magic ever since.
"It's incredible because there's always steady work," he says,
"At first this show was just a quick fix to earn money before we did our serious stuff, but then people liked this one so much and the serious stuff never happened."
They describe the show as "a madcap adventure of illusion" where they use magic to serve the characters they are playing.
"We prefer the smaller shows like this one because you can get in touch with the audience," says Philippart.
"It's one-and-a-half hours for the audience and with the audience."
The duo is particularly excited to perform in front of South African crowds.
"The Durban audiences are lovely and you can tell they really enjoy it because there are always full houses," says Van Gerwen.
She and Philippart are fervent South African enthusiasts and chose to make their home in Portugal, because it is the closest they can get to South Africa while still being near their work in Europe.
"We lost our hearts to this country," says Van Gerwen.
"When we arrived in Sun City for the first time, as soon as we put our first foot on the ground, it became part of us."
It seems only fitting then that they make use of local talent for singers and dancers. South African singer Jae even performs in their show.
"We requested a famous local star and they sent us Jae's stuff, we were blown away by her," says Philippart.
"It's nice because her performance lets the audience rest between our antics!" adds Van Gerwen.
For two nights only the show will also feature the award-winning impersonator, Hollie Vest as Tina Turner.
"We worked with her before and the show was so successful that we wanted to work with her again," says Philippart, explaining how Vest came to South Africa to discuss a future venture with them, when they convinced her to make some appearances.
"We asked her to do us and Durban a favour and perform, it's a real treat," says Philippart. "She's the best Tina Turner I've seen, other than Tina Turner."
Next, the pair is heading off to Germany, but promise they won't be away for long.
"The more time we spend in this country the better my heart feels," says Philippart. "This for us is the place to be."
- The Philippart and Anja Show is at Sibaya until January 21.