Every now and then, you get the opportunity to perform within an incredible historic venue.
Occasionally, you have the chance to perform alongside great fellow magicians and friends.
Sometimes, you get to perform magic for a great cause.
From time to time, there are occasions where all these things come together, which can be rare. However, last week all of these things occurred simultaneously.
The Royal Hospital for Neuro-Disability in Putney has been caring for its patients since 1857. Amongst its original supporters was Charles Dickens and it is housed within a beautiful old building which offers the absolute best care and support for its patients and their families. It also has magical connections, as the first president of the Magic Circle, David Devant, spent his final years being cared for at the London based hospital.
Last week, a selection of Magic Circle magicians were invited to perform a show to the residents, carers and staff in their magnificent ballroom. The show was organised by magician and historian, Ian Keable who was also the host of the show and also featured the close-up talents of David Weeks and Bron Ivy, entertaining the audience beforehand. The main show consisted of Ian, David Weeks and myself, plus Danny and Stephanie Hunt (also known as Amethyst Magic), who performed a stunning version of the Magic Kettle.
This particular piece was a major part of David Devant’s repertoire and features the pouring out of various drinks as requested by the audience: I counted over five drinks that were offered out to the audience during the show last week, including glasses of red wine, chocolate milkshake and hot tea! Unbelievable!
I was invited to perform one of my silent acts (magic performed to music) in the show to give some variation and was requested to make my spot as visual as possible for the residents. Therefore, my set comprised of magic with bubbles: which includes turning them into glass spheres, transforming them into white balls, melting them into smoke and then back into a flurry of bubbles. I next stole the music from my soundtrack by shaking the notes out of an accompanying music sheet and replaced them at will by magically producing different music notes from thin air and ended my turn with one of my favourite routines: the floating table. This features a wooden table coming to life… soaring and floating around the stage with the assistance of someone form the audience.
It was an absolute honour to perform alongside some great friends from the Magic Circle. A huge thanks to Ian and all the staff, the residents and their families for being so welcoming and to be given this great opportunity to perform at this significant venue.
