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.
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!
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.
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.
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.
I'm pleased to announce that I'll be performing tonight at Urban Golf Soho. You can find out more info and how to get there at http://www.urbangolf.co.uk/.
This is becoming a regular gig on the lead-up to Christmas, so if you're around Soho or Smithfield on a Wednesday or Thursday, pop in, have a drink, play a couple of rounds of golf and see some great magic.
Just a quick note to say that I'm already getting booked up for Christmas, so if you're thinking of hiring me to add a touch of magic to your Christmas party, please get in touch asap.
Having had a great night performing in Smithfield last night (near Farringdon in London), I just wanted to say a big thank you to Liam Gallagher and Simon Mainoo at Urban Golf. It's early days but the feedback I had from them both was very positive and hopefully will lead to us working together more in the future, particularly leading up to Christmas.
For those of you that haven't experienced it, if you're in London and fancy a round of golf, head down to Urban Golf. It's a great venue with a lovely friendly atmosphere and many ex-golf professionals on hand to teach and assist you. As for the actual gameplay, it's very clever indeed... but you'll have to visit to see just how clever! Click the link above and check it out.
It's been a while since I last posted as things have been pretty busy, both with Working Magic and a couple of other businesses that I'm involved in. However, I'm pleased to announce that I've been featured in another podcast, this time on TopBriefings.com. I was interviewed earlier today by Duncan Gotobed, who runs the company and the podcast of that interview is live online at:
Tuesday, September 18, 2007 Working Magic on YouTube
An extract from the Pod3.tv podcast featuring me being interviewed about my business and performing some of my close-up magic is now available to watch on YouTube, but to save you all that clicking and typing, I've embedded it right here for you to enjoy. The full version is still available by clicking here.
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.....
Wednesday, September 12, 2007 Working Magic on Pod3.tv
Hi everyone,
Just wanted to let you know about a podcast that was made about me and Working Magic earlier this year. It was directed and presented by Neil Fairbrother from Pod3.tv and covers the history of magic, how I got into performing and what my inspirations were for founding the business.
It's followed by an exclusive performance section showcasing some of the close-up magic I perform at events throughout the UK and abroad. Just click the link to find out how to download it into iTunes :
