Champions of Magic is a touring illusion show featuring a cast of five magicians, each specializing in a different type of magic from mind reading & close-up to stage filling grand illusions.[1][2][3][4]
History
editChampions of Magic opened in the UK in October 2013 at Reading Hexagon Theatre[5] and has since completed 6 UK tours and a run in London.[6] The show completed a US tour in 2017 which was extended due to demand, concluding in March 2018. This included an extended run at the Palace Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. To date the show has been seen by over 300,000 people[7] and received positive reviews.[8][9][10]
Cast
editThe show regularly features illusionists Young & Strange, acclaimed[11] mind reader Alex McAleer, escapologist Fernando Velasco, and British-born Las Vegas magician Hollie England.
They have a number of onstage assistants alongside an aerialist.
Performance
editThe production features mostly original magic that was created or devised by the performers and production designers. The show is known for its production including a large lighting rig and pyrotechnic effects.[12][13]
Television appearances
editThe cast of the show have appeared on television multiple times including:
| Programme | Channel | Performer |
|---|---|---|
| The Next Great Magician | ITV | Young & Strange |
| Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon | NBC | Young & Strange |
| Today Tonight | Channel 7 (Australia) | Alex McAleer |
| Good Morning Britain | ITV | Alex McAleer |
| Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 1 | ITV | Young & Strange |
| Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 4 | The CW (USA) | Young & Strange |
| Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 4 | The CW (USA) | Kayla Drescher |
| The Today Show | NBC (USA) | Kayla Drescher |
| Link Segment | Disney Channel | Richard Young |
| Blue Peter | CBBC | Alex McAleer |
Charity
editAs part of their 2016 and 2018 UK tour the production held a performance exclusively for children from UK charity Rays of Sunshine at the Mermaid Theatre in London.[14]
When touring they also support Tickets For Troops[15] who provide free tickets to members of the armed forces and their families and Tickets For Kids which provides free tickets to disadvantaged children.
References
edit- ^ "WATCH: Mind-blowing magicians set to mesmerise Hertford Theatre". Hertfordshire Mercury. 7 February 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2017.[permanent dead link]
- ^ "Five things to see at . . . That's Fife! Comedy Festival". The List. 30 March 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Circus 1903 comes to Austin with a new kind of elephant". mystatesman. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ BWW News Desk. "Air Supply, Paula Poundstone, Momix, Boston Pops and More Set for Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza's 2017–18 Season". BroadwayWorld.com. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ Cook, Caroline (14 October 2013). "Champions of Magic at The Hexagon on Wednesday". getreading. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Just For Laughs – Champions of Magic". London Theatre Guide. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "THE BIG INTERVIEW: Champions of Magic prepare to dazzle Somerset audience". Somerset County Gazette. 12 February 2017. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Champions of Magic – five of the best". Hereford Times. 8 April 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Review – Champions of Magic – Assembly Hall Theatre". The Sussex Newspaper. 27 March 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Theatre review: Champions of Magic 2016 at Charter Theatre, Preston". britishtheatreguide.info. 29 March 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Alex McAleer Mindreader – Fringe World – Review". Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Champions of Magic – five of the best". Hereford Times. 8 April 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "REVIEW: Champions of Magic, Theatre Royal, Winchester". Daily Echo. 6 May 2015. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Champions of Magic Perform For Rays of Sunshine". Rays of Sunshine. 1 April 2016. Retrieved 3 July 2017.
- ^ "Champions of Magic | Tickets for Troops". www.ticketsfortroops.org.uk. Retrieved 3 July 2017.