Sunday, June 8, 2008
Congratulations to Corinne!

Happy Birthday to Corinne Carr, whose birthday I will be performing at later this afternoon.

I will be wowing her guests with some close-up magic, followed by a 25 minute stand-up magic set in the garden! How very leisurely.

Looking forward to it.

Matt

Friday, May 9, 2008
Consulting for Theatre

I've just finished consulting for a great new piece of theatre that will tour the UK from the end of May this year (2008).

I got a call from the Stage Manager (a friend of mine) who wanted to see if I could produce a snake from the mouth of one of the actors... you know, like you do. What's more, the actor doesn't speak English (he's Chinese and speaks Mandarin) and one of the venues means that the audience will be watching from three sides. So not great angles then.

Having found a method, I spent yesterday evening teaching the actor the illusion I'd created. The company (and more importantly the director) seemed pleased with it and I look forward to seeing the final production at The Barbican Theatre in London.

For details of the show, check out http://www.yellowearth.org/html/f_news.htm

Labels: China, Chinese, London, Magician, Theatre, Yellow Earth

Thursday, January 10, 2008
Balls to Magic

While working in Dubai, we magicians have been performing alongside Stewart Pemberton, a lovely guy and top juggler who combines tap dancing with juggling and a bit of clowning to create a unique one-man band of a show. I watched him perform in The Mall of the Emirates today and by the time he'd finished, he had three floors worth of shoppers watching him. He stands on a platform and taps while bouncing the balls, building up rhythms that MC Hammer would be proud of. The result is noisy, funny and very impressive.

He's also a skilled contact juggler who walks amongst the diners in Sezzam, manipulating clear 'crystal' balls. Think David Bowie in 'Labyrinth'. It's pretty hypnotic to watch. Speaking of which...

You can check out his MySpace page at www.myspace.com/stewartpemberton. Check out the videos to see the sort of thing he's entertaining the crowds with in Dubai.

Labels: Contact, Dubai, Juggler, London, Pemberton, Stewart

Tuesday, January 8, 2008
Meeting Jim

Hey folks!

Well, it's been a little while since my last post and much has happened thus far during my stay in Dubai. Here's one mini-event from Sezzam:

A couple of days ago, during my set, I got to a table in one corner of the restaurant to find Jim Davidson (yes, he of the controversial stand-up comedy) and family enjoying a quick bite to eat. Did one quick effect that went down well and then did another one about gambling (mentioning, of course, that it's illegal to gamble in the UAE). When I asked if the guy holding the cards would theoretically put money on them still being the ones he'd just seen, Jim stood up and delved into his pocket, pulling out 500 dirhams (about £70). He placed it on the table in front of the cards and sat back down. I laughed and finished the effect, showing exactly why you should never play cards with a magician. He gave me the money as a tip and at the end of my time with them, told me that my final effect was 'the best magic trick I've ever seen... and I've been in this funny business a long time'.

I know he's been accused of a lot during his career, particularly after Hell's Kitchen, but I can honestly say that the guy I met was a gentleman, funny and self-deprecating in equal measure.

Anyway, doubtless there'll be more news to follow..... Watch this space!

Labels: Dubai, Jim Davidson, London, Magic, Magician, Working Magic

Wednesday, January 2, 2008
Dubai Magic

Well, the Christmas rush is over for another year and having travelled across the UK from London to Belfast via Birmingham and Henley to perform, I'm now in Dubai for the whole of January. I'm here courtesy of the Kempinski Mall of the Emirates who have once again teamed me up with top magicians Noora Karma and Alfonso Rios to amaze the diners at Sezzam. We'll be performing every day from lunchtime to the end of dinner, so for those readers in the Emirates, why not pop down and check out some great food, amazing views and excellent magical entertainment? You know it makes sense.

Labels: Dubai, London, Magician, Restaurant, Sezzam, Table

Saturday, November 3, 2007
Halloween P.A.R.T.Y.

Looking forward to a great night tonight performing at Turnmills nightclub in Farringdon for ProActive Parties. We'll be hosting a stand in The Cinema Room (downstairs on the bottom floor) with a Trick or Treat theme. Clubbers pay £1 and get a treat from the chocolate fountain and a trick from me. This is a great example of using my magic to promote or create a theme at an event. If you're having a themed event, let me know and together we can design a magical solution to keep your guests enthralled all night long.

In the meantime, come down to Turnmills tonight where I'll be performing from 1am until 3.30am. For more info check out: http://www.turnmills.co.uk/ and click the ProActive link.

Labels: Halloween, London, Magic, Magician, Nightclub, Theme, Turnmills

Saturday, October 27, 2007
OxJam

I will be performing tonight at Restless Nights/Oxjam (a charity night in aid of Oxfam) alongside burlesque dancers Miss Honey Bare and Miss Electra Cute (I love my job) and comedian Ben Van Der Velde.

Come along to Canal 125 on Caledonian Road, Camden for a great night of comedy, magic and sexy burlesquery.

For more info check out http://www.oxfam.org.uk/get_involved/fundraise/oxjam/aud_event.php?ref=1465

Hope to see you there.

Matt

Labels: Burlesque, Dancers, Magic. London, Magician, Oxfam, Oxjam