With Marko Karvo.
2016 couldn't have started any better... I went to Munich to see one of my heroes perform! From the moment he steps on stage, Marko Karvo captivates the entire room, as one by one his feathered family appear. Words don't do his act justice... All I can say is nobody does it better. If you haven't heard of Marko before, I'd urge you not to watch a video; instead do anything you can to go and see him perform live!
I've seen Marko work in huge theatres, including The London Palladium, but what made this special is that he's currently starring in 'Schuhbeck's Teatro', an intimate show in a Spiegeltent which holds just over 200 people. It was incredible to be so close to the action. To top it all off, it was an honour to spend some time with Marko after the show. Whoever said 'Never meet your heroes' is wrong! I got enough inspiration for a lifetime :)
Duo Ballance.
The show itself was full of world-class performers, including fellow Brit, Steve Rawlings - a hilarious and very talented juggler. There was also acrobatics, comedy (in German!), live music, foot juggling and the best 'strength' act I've ever seen, called 'Duo Ballance'.
As if that wasn't enough, a four-course meal was served in between the acts, prepared by star chef Alfons Schuhbeck and his team. Chef Schuhbeck clearly loves the limelight, as the evening ended with him making an appearance, and singing a few songs himself!
Whilst in Munich, I also managed to catch the last performance of 'Magic of Illusion', a stunning magic show which has become an annual New Year spectacle. This year it featured "The Living Statue", Jerome Murat. I've been a fan since I saw a video of him, so it was amazing to finally see him live! The show also starred the wonderful Sos & Victoria - the best quick change act in the world, and the brilliant Ed Alonzo held the night together with some beautifully creative magic.
They really know how to do variety in Germany!