Latest news from Magicians.co.uk

As an approved supplier of The Magic Circle Headquarters, Magicians.co.uk will be supporting the team on their stand at International Confex 2009. The exhibition show held at Earls Court attracts thousands of Event Industry Professionals. Come along and visit The Magic Circle Headquarters on stand R421 and find out a few things about this fantastic venue. Whilst you’re there be dazzled by our top Magicians, have your fortune told and maybe even have a portrait done by our ‘quick on the draw’ Caricaturist.

 If you’re not already registered for Confex 2009, click here to register as a VIP.  

Multi Award winning drama ‘Skins‘ returned to E4 this week for a much anticipated third series which will also be seen later this year on Channel 4. It features a new character ‘JJ’ who is a magic nut! Nigel Mead, one of our busiest magicians, was asked to advise on all things magic on the series. Training the actor to be a competent magician, then working with the scriptwriters to incorporate magic tricks into the storylines. You might also spot Nigel’s own face (and the rest of his body) appearing in one or two later episodes.

Nigel knows more than a thing or two about magic and how to perform it effectively on television. For more details or to book Nigel for your own live event click here

James Freedman was invited to 10 Downing Street again recently and was caught on camera by the policeman who took this photo!

James, a stage pickpocket and magician, was described in Time Out as “possibly the world’s best pickpocket”. He has entertained royalty, heads-of-state and celebrities in over 25 countries and has earned himself the title ‘The Man of Steal’.

James has been a specialist advisor on several feature films and television programmes and also lectures to groups including security professionals and police.

Last year, he gained some notoriety when he ‘borrowed’ the Chancellor’s wallet.  It’s amazing they let him back again.

Over the festive period you may have been lucky enough to catch Roman Polanski’s modern version of the Dickens classic ‘Oliver Twist’ on the BBC.

Unusually, three members of The Magic Circle were involved in the production of the film.  Pickpocket consultant James Freedman created pickpocket sequences and trained Sir Ben Kingsley (Fagin) and other actors in the art of street thievery, magician Martyn Rowland taught sleight of hand skills to Harry Eden (Artful Dodger) and the rest of the orphaned street gang. You can also spot magic circle member John Styles performing his traditional Punch and Judy in one of the street scenes.

To view the trailer click here.  For more information on our film and TV consulting projects click here.

Christmas is a great time for magic and Magicians.co.uk knows a thing or two about Christmas parties. Yesterday we had our own 12 hour megabash party (with loads of magicians and our own Hollie!) and by this morning, a few hours from yesterday afternoon had magically disappeared!

The Party Animal award this year went to Paul for staying out long after his
Mum expected him home (and obviously way past his bedtime). Dodgem Driver of the Year was awarded to Martyn (the recent lessons obviously paid off). Best hat/rack went to Farrah (by a mile Paul) and James easily scooped Bolshiest Limo Passenger Of course, any office party needs a sexy drunk… thanks to Lucy the Slut for making us all feel ‘special’.

Anyone seen the Alka Selltzer?

Our consultants and inventors often get asked to create original magic and illusions for other performers. As well as live shows and exhibitions, our team has created television trickery, internet illusions, movie magic and even magic performed on the radio!  Read more »

We were delighted to add a touch of magic when hundreds of delighted children took to the skies yesterday for a once-in-a-lifetime festive Flight of Dreams treat organised by Variety Club, the Children’s Charity and Thomas Cook. Read more »

As you can probably imagine, December is a very busy time here in the Magicians.co.uk offices. And it’s not just our performers who are busy, the bookings team are doing their usual brilliant job scheduling the hundreds of magical appearances (and disappearances!) we make in the weeks before Christmas.

The Chancellor of the Exchequer hosted the annual children’s Christmas party at Downing Street on Wednesday and invited a multitude of story book characters, children’s entertainers, clowns, balloon modellers and Father Christmas (with six glittering reindeer!) to entertain his young guests. Magicians co.uk also conjured up some grown-up magical entertainment for the many celebrities and dignitaries who joined the party to support this year’s chosen charity, Every Disabled Child Matters. Read more »

We were thrilled to be invited to entertain at the Variety Club Magical Christmas luncheon this week. Over 400 guests gathered at the London Hilton on Park Lane to enjoy a festive extravaganza full of magical entertainment, celebrities and of course, Christmas lunch with all the trimmings! Read more »