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

Thursday, September 13, 2007
Middle Eastern Magic

I'm pleased to announce that I've recently confirmed that I will be flying out to Dubai in the United Arab Emirates in January 2008 to perform at Sezzam Restaurant in The Mall of the Emirates.

I performed there in April of this year and have secured another 4 week run, performing magic both in the restaurant and out in the Mall itself, street theatre style, for the passing shoppers. I'm really looking forward to hanging out in the restaurant and seeing the great people I met last time again.

I'll be keeping a diary on and off during my stay which you'll be able to find right here at WorkingMagic.co.uk. Keep watching this space.....

Labels: Dubai, London, Magician, Mall of the Emirates, Sezzam, UAE