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The Magic Circle Christmas
Show 2019
The Magic Circle, London
December 2019
Reviewed by
Quentin Reynolds
Unlike most theatres, The Circle
show is a show before the show. The doors
opening an hour before the main event give the audience the opportunity
to explore the building. In addition to visiting the museum, there's the
superb close-up magic of Richard McDougall in the club room, while the
Devant room hosts Dominick Zwolinski's cons and scams at The Bunco
Booth, and David Crofts' masterful 160 balloons and cardistry (yes he's
been doing it long before the recent trend and as he has a family to
feed makes it engaging and entertaining). It's safe to say the audience
have their money's worth before they step into the theatre.
The theatre show opens with a young man from Italy and a student of
Arturo Brachetti, Filiberto Selvi with a short, very nicely routined
Dancing Handkerchief that has an ending getting laughs and applause.
Richard Pinner hosted the pre-Christmas shows and Danny Buckler the
later ones. Danny introduces himself and goes through an entertaining
sequence involving up to six audience members to reveal a chosen card.
The immaculately dressed Scott Penrose takes us through Alan Shaxon's
Nudist Deck where the cards are given away at the finish. Scott recently
acquired (and restored) the third known Maskelyne's 'Psycho' and treats
us to a performance as Psycho reveals secret thoughts and numbers. Scott
finishes his set with Houdin's Orange Tree. The oohs and aahs from the
audience show how much they enjoy and appreciate this look at magic's
history.
I’ve seen many do a C&R rope routine that includes every known move
resulting a blob of confusion. Danny's has three stages, each perfectly
clear and direct. Then onto introducing BGT winner Richard Jones who
closes the first half.
Richard's style is quiet, polite and totally engaging. His set is appx
25 minutes and mostly mindreading. A member of the audience chooses a
name revealed via Percy Naldrett's Phantom Artist. Next six random
audience members pick numbers which combined in various ways reveal a
much larger number that Richard has predicted, not to mention all being
the numbers on a lottery ticket. This whole sequence is well routined to
flummox those who might be familiar with certain methods. Richard's last
effect is a hugely entertaining Card Sword routine. One stock gag that
fits very well here gets more laughs than anyone else I’ve seen use it.
He closes with a surprise reference to the number prediction bringing
prolonged applause. Richard didn't lose the opportunity to plug his
upcoming tour starting in February.
During the interval the audience again have the opportunity to explore
the building or enjoy the entertainment in the club and Devant rooms.
Foot juggler Antje Pode opens the second half with her podiatric skills.
While most people will have seen jugglers, it's unlikely they'll have
seen anything like this. Antje, with two feet in the air juggles, first
one suitcase, eventually two while spinning a bag and juggling fruit
with her hands. It's no surprise she received rapturous applause.
Danny Buckler gets more out of very little than anyone I know other than
David Williamson. His set involves two adult helpers for a hilarious
find a card routine followed by three children and a Cards Across
sequence. The roars of laughter, Danny's rapport with the children and
his ability to improvise show why he is so popular on Disney cruises. A
masterclass in family entertainment.
Filiberto Selvi returns to close the show with an act in three phases
mixing manipulation and music. An act that pleases the eye, the ear, the
mind and the heart. I loved every second of it and I’m sure he we’ll be
a featured act at many upcoming conventions.
Overall the show is amongst the best magic shows I’ve seen as it touches
all bases and ticks all boxes. Basically a very well balanced show.
Produced by Scott Penrose, Katherine Rhodes and Darren Martin.
© Quentin Reynolds, January 2020