David Blaine hasn't had the best reputation in the UK since he decided to live in a glass box above Tower Bridge for 44 days back in 2003. However, he is a great magician and I still remember being inspired by his first TV show, Street Magic in the late 90s. It was incredible magic presented in a new way - simple and strong, focussing on the audience's reactions.
Frank Brooker sadly passed away last month. He was a lovely man with an amazing story. A magician and a taxi driver, when international magicians came to work in England, Frank was their go to chauffeur! He met all the greats of the time, but the one who had the biggest impact on him was Channing Pollock, a man Frank described as "the best magic act to come to this country".
I went to Amsterdam with 10 magicians to see a magic show. What an adventure! Hans Klok is a true showman and I don't remember the last time I had so much fun watching a magician. Two hours of insanity with the biggest illusions, so much energy and wind machines (mainly to keep his hair looking like he's in a music video).
I've just had the joy of joining eight incredible young magicians on a Breathe Magic camp. The work that Breathe does is real magic!
I loved everything about this new show. Based on the cult film, Groundhog Day is an intelligent musical featuring stunning design, a fantastic cast and some incredible magic (from the genius Paul Kieve) woven into the story.
