Latest news from Magicians.co.uk

An exciting new project is using magicians to change the lives of children with hemiplegia.

Breathe Magic camps have come about through a partnership between Breathe Health Research and Guys and St Thomas’ Charity as well as magicians, clinicians, therapists and researchers. Hemiplegia, a condition which causes a weakening or paralysis of one side of the body, affects 1 in 4000 people in the UK.

During the camps, the children receive 60 hours of intensive magic training over 10 days. The tricks they learn have been specially designed by magicians and occupational therapists to include rehabilitation exercises to strengthen hands and improve flexibility and dexterity. As well as the physical benefits, the camps are great fun and kids benefit from increased confidence and pride in their new skills.

A team from Oxford Brookes University is evaluating the results and the early signs are encouraging, with experts predicting that magic could be an effective therapy for children with a whole range of motor conditions.

Click here for more information on this inspiring project.

The much anticipated “Les Misérables” is released in the UK tomorrow. From Academy Award winning director Tom Hooper, the epic film adaptation of the Victor Hugo novel has already received rave reviews, four Golden Globe nominations including Best Film and several Oscar nominations.

“Les Misérables” breaks new ground in authenticity with every actor singing live on every take, the first time this has been done. Comic relief comes from the thieving Thénardiers played by Sasha Baron Cohen and Helena Bonham Carter (pictured) who were taught the art of the steal by pickpocket consultant James Freedman.

The film’s release has already prompted a few Les Mis themed enquiries and events. If you’d like to see a pickpocket be Master of the House at your party, call us on 0845 00 62442.

One of the best things about our work is that we often get to meet other unusual entertainers.

Now we’ve seen lots and lots of jugglers but last month, we had the pleasure of watching a real master of his craft mesmerise an audience. Ladies & Gentlemen, from the Calvos contact juggling team, we present one of the most graceful and elegant performers around… Jago!

If you’re arranging an event, and would like something different, sophisticated and visually stunning, do get in touch.

Another crazy Christmas season is almost over, just four more sleeps till we put away our playing cards and start making mince pies disappear instead. Our magicians want you to have an amazing time (obviously!), our pickpockets want you to take it easy, our contortionists will bend over backwards for you and our mindreaders know just what you want for Christmas.

So from everyone at Magicians.co.uk, a big thank you and a smooch under the mistletoe to our clients, partners, performers, friends and families for all your support this year – We really appreciate it.

Have a magical Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

We were delighted to learn that the President of The Magic Circle has called Martyn Rowland to membership of the Inner Magic Circle in recognition of his outstanding skill as a performer.

Martyn is one of the UK’s most talented magicians, He has entertained Her Majesty the Queen and as part of our team, has performed at Wembley Stadium, Downing Street and Royal palaces as well as consulting on many TV shows and feature films here and abroad.

If you’re looking for a brilliant entertainer, magician, mindreader and all round nice guy, you can find out more here.

This Christmas, if you’re looking for a fantastic stage performer then we have just the right thing for you James ‘The Man of Steal’ Freedman’s comedy pickpocket routine produces side-splitting laughter coupled with looks of astonishment due to his unique style of magic.

Have a look at the video above to see him in action and if you’d like more information, contact our friendly bookings team.

This week we’ve been inspired by a news story from BBC News Africa about Olawetu Dyantyi, a 19 year old boy from one of Cape Town’s townships in South Africa. At the age of 10 Olawetu saw a magic show put on by the College of Magic – an outreach project in Cape Town. He was so spell-bound that he taught himself to juggle and finally secured a place for himself at the College. Since then he has gone from strength to strength, winning several competitions and travelling the world.

One of our biggest heroes, David Berglas, has benefited educational establishments like the College of Magic with his non-profit organisation called the Foundation for Promoting the Art of Magic (FP-AM). To find out more and make a difference click here.

Olawetu had to overcome superstition from his local community around witchcraft and he still remains the only breadwinner from a family of eight. However magic has given him a route out of poverty and a bright future ahead.

Take a bow Olawetu, your strength and motivation has touched all of us here at Magicians.co.uk

Like most of us you’ve no doubt been marvelling at the Unum “tablecloth advert” and wondering if it’s a fake or not. Well, we can categorically say that it’s not a fake, purely the skill and genius of gentleman juggler Mat Ricardo. Just to be safe, Unum asked Mat to perform the trick a further 39 times as you can see in the video above.

As well as his signature table cloth trick, Magic Circle member Mat has a gift for juggling that has to be seen to be believed. He has astonished audiences across the UK and Europe with his outstanding act, and has made numerous TV appearances.

So if you’re looking for an award-winning act to add some sparkle and enchantment to your next celebration or corporate event, or just need the tablecloths rearranged(!) give us a call on 0845 00 62442.

The International Magic Convention finished last night. It was the 41st convention which was originally conceived by the late, great Ron MacMillan.

This year the David Berglas International Magic Award went to Jeff McBride for outstanding services to magic on an international stage.

Another highlight this year was a special show performed by Juan Tamariz, who is one of the world’s greatest magicians. This was a private performance for just 150 lucky spectators but to see why Juan is considered a master of his art, have a look at the video above.

The International Magic Convention included public shows at the Mermaid Theatre and for all of you who missed out or want to want to get an early start on next year’s tickets, the event will be running from 15th-17th November 2013.

Chief Magicians’ Assistant and Company Secretary Farrah Hussain, has left our team for the best possible reason… to have her first baby.

Farrah has performed real miracles since she joined us nearly five years ago (more than our magicians sometimes) so as delighted as we are for her and Terry, we can’t help but feel sad that she’s not here to help run the business and throw things at our Sales Manager.

Farrah, we send you loads of love and we’re counting the days… 😉