MagicFest 10 Revealed
Tenth MagicFest programme is out
Details of the tenth Edinburgh MagicFest, taking place from 27 December 2019 to 5 January 2020, have been revealed, with a new Hogmanay event added at Lauriston Castle.
Tickets go on sale today, Monday 7 October. The festival will take place at three venues: The Traverse, Lauriston Castle and the Scottish Storytelling Centre.
Svetlana McMohan and Kevin Quantum. Pic: Colin Hattersley.
Kevin Quantum, magician and festival organiser, said: “We’re so proud to unveil the tenth annual MagicFest and we think the line-up is the best yet – with mind-blowing entertainment over Christmas and Hogmanay.
“In fact, we hope it will help make this the most magical festive season ever in Scotland!
“We’ll have shows for adults and for families, plus our ever popular Magic School – which is just for kids. And the entertainment all comes courtesy of some of the most impressive magicians, illusionists and mind-readers.”
Svetlana McMahon, festival producer, added that she particularly excited to unveil new production Hogmanay House, which will be a key event in Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme and takes place at Lauriston Castle from Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 January 2020.
hidden chambers
She said: “It’s a chance to discover weird and wonderful Scottish traditions presented by magicians, musicians and storytellers while exploring the opulent rooms, secret passages and hidden chambers of Lauriston Castle.”
Exclamation of question? Kevin Quantum. Pic Colin Hattersley.
The Traverse will hold performances from Friday 27 to Monday 30 December with an Opening Gala on Friday 27. The family show You Are Magic and Kevin Quantum’s own Anti-Gravity show will be running from Saturday to Monday.
The Scottish Storytelling Centre will host an exhibition of illusions, The Power of Perspective, running from Sunday 22 December to Sunday 26 January – with a complimentary exhibit at the Edinburgh Museum showing how they were made.
The Storytelling Centre is also the venue for the three day Magic School (Fri 27 – Sun 30 Dec) and two shows from children’s magician Tricky Ricky on Saturday 28 December.
Listings and links
MagicFest website: https://www.magicfest.co.uk/
Facebook: @edmagicfest
Twitter: @magicfest
Traverse Theatre
10 Cambridge Street, EH1 2ED.
The Opening Night Christmas Gala
Friday 27 December 2019
Two shows: 4.30pm and 7.30pm
An eclectic mix of the weird and the wonderful including Harthill-local-cum-Vegas-headliner Colin Cloud and Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Adam Black. Enjoy a multitude of breath-taking illusions from top magicians and the most talented newcomers. (Ages 8+) Book here.
You Are Magic
Saturday 28 to Monday 30 December 2019
Two shows daily: 2pm and 4.30pm.
Huge fun for children and families. A magic show conjured up from thin air where the audience become the stars – do you have the skill to saw someone in half and put them back together again? Packed with thrilling illusions, spooky mind reading, stunning sleight of hand, and death-defying escapes. Presented by the Magic Gareth and Michelle Ferguson and written by YouTube star Professor Richard Wiseman. (Ages 5+). Book here.
Kevin Quantum’s Anti-Gravity
Saturday 28 to Monday 30 December 2019
Evenings: 7pm
Enter a space where the rules of gravity are bent and broken. Impossible illusions and levitations in a show mixing science, comedy and magic. Winner of the “Best Magic” award at the Adelaide Fringe 2018. (Ages 8+). Book here.
Comedy Magic Club:
Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December 2019
Evenings: 8.30pm.
Have your mind blown and laugh yourself silly with the funniest, scariest, and freakiest, conjured for your delight in our magic comedy club for ages 16+. Featuring Elliot Bibby, Luke Eaton, Cammy Young, Cammy Gibson, Dan Bastianelli and special guests. (Ages 16+). Book here.
Scottish Storytelling Centre
Netherbow Theatre, 43-45 High Street, EH1 1SR
Magic School
Friday 27 to Sunday 30 December 2019
4-day course 10am to 12.30pm
Now enrolling: Young sorcerers aged 7-10 can to learn magic tricks from professional magicians then astound your family and friends. Join a one-off sessions or a four-day course with a show for parents as the grand finale. Led by magician and Magic School headmaster Gary James. Book here.
Tricky Ricky: Christmas Madness
Saturday 28 December 2019
Two shows: 11am & 1pm.
The four-times winner of Scottish ‘Children’s Entertainer of the Year’ Tricky Ricky takes you on a magical festive journey. Prepare to be amused and amazed in a fast-paced, nutty, comedic and chaotic magic show for kids aged from 1 to 101! (All ages). Book here.
The Power of Perspective
Sun 22 Dec 2019 – Sun 26 Jan 2020
During centre and museum opening times.
See the illusions at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and then discover how they were created at the Museum of Edinburgh. Free entry. (All Ages). Further details.
Lauriston Castle
2a Cramond Road South, Davidson’s Mains, EH4 5QD
Hogmanay House
Thursday 2 – Sunday 5 January 2020
Three times daily: 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm
Escape the dreich winter weather, join us for a dram or a hot chocolate and make merry as musicians, magicians and storytellers celebrate the magic and origins of Hogmanay. Featuring world-class card magician Lewis Barlow, singer/songwriter Ainsley Hamill, mind reader Drew McAdam, silver-tongued storyteller Jock Ferguson, and more. (Ages 7+). Book here.
ENDS
