MagicFest returns with a Wonderland of delights
It’s cards-on-the-table time for a week of magic and illusion
Artistic Director and magician Kevin McMahon launches MagicFest 2013. Photo © Colin Hattersley Photography
By Thom Dibdin
Edinburgh’s MagicFest opens this week with a special gala production at the Lyceum on Friday and continues through to Friday 5th July, when there will be a Four Nations Magic-off at the Voodoo Rooms.
In between there is plenty for magic buff, practising prestidigitator and interested onlooker alike. There is a magic school for youngsters, mind reading and late night free shows. A major highlight of the week is the use of Lauriston Castle as a site specific venue for magic.
MagicFest Artistic Director, Kevin McMahon told Æ: “From the moment I first visited Lauriston Castle at the start of the year I loved it. Very few of my friends and family had ever visited or even knew about the place and I was intrigued by how this could be, such a wonderful building so well hidden.
“I was inspired not only by the ‘secret room’ hidden in the castle but also by the tales of the previous owners. These historical stories were the inspiration and basis for the show that we are premièring at this years’ MagicFest.
“We are taking the stories from previous owners, the intriguing architecture and grounds and animating them with magical performances. Groups of up to 15 people will tour the castle and see three short shows from three different magicians. I hope it will inspire our audience to see some amazing magic at a wonderful venue and learn more about the history of Edinburgh in a fun way.”
Overseas visitors include the mind reader Luke Jermay at the Scottish Storytelling Centre. Having spent the last 3 years headlining the Las Vegas Strip, Luke was the creative consultant to Derren Brown and the man credited with inspiring CBS’ multi-awarding winning show The Mentalist.
Six impossible things before dessert
Magic Fest director and magician Kevin McMahon. Photo © Colin Hattersley Photography
The Royal Scots Club is the venue for an adventurous meal – and immersive magical show. A sleight of hand artist, an illusionist, a classically trained singer, a pianist and physical theatre performer work together to create Wonderland, with the performance happening on stage and at the tables throughout the dinner, with the promise “at least six impossible things before dessert”.
The master of scams Paul Wilson, of the BBC’s Real Hustle fame, returns with his Sleight of Hand show puts the audience at the table as he presents a guided tour of his favourite miracles from around the world – the result of 30 years searching for the impossible. Also returning is Ali Cook with his awe-inspiring magic and breathtaking illusion in Principles and Deceptions.
McMahon added: “For our fourth year we’re really happy to increase access to MagicFest with a series of free events in the line-up. We’ve also launched a Patron’s Programme this year allowing magic lovers to get even closer to the festival without revealing all the secrets!”
Tickets available online at www.magicfest.co.uk by calling Hub Tickets on 0131 473 2000 or in person at Hub Tickets (The Hub, Castlehill EH1 2NE)
Edinburgh International Magic Festival Listings
Magic and Variety Gala Show
Fri 28 June 7.00pm
The Royal Lyceum Theatre
Ages 5+
Magic School
One-off Magic School Workshop
Sat 29 June – Sun 30 June
10.00am OR 1.30pm
5-Day Magic School
Mon 1 July – Fri 5 July
10.00am OR 1.30pm
Trinity Apse, Chalmers Close, Royal Mile
Duration: approx 2hr 30min
Ages 7-10
All children should be registered for Magic School in advance and therefore, tickets for this event are not available on the door.
Ian Kendall An Afternoon of Magic
Sat 29 June – Fri 5 July (except Mon 1 July & Tues 2 July) 4.00pm
The Vault
Duration: 50mins
Ages 7+
Morgan & West A Grand Adventure
Sat 29 June – Sun 30 June 5.00pm
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Duration: 60mins
Ages 7+
Fritz with a Z: Let’s Go Dutch
Sat 29 June – Fri 5 July 6.30pm
The Vault
Duration: 60mins
Ages 7+
Ali Cook: Principles and Deceptions
Sat 29 June – Fri 5 July (except Mon 1 July) 7.00pm
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Duration: 50mins
Ages 12+
Tony Roberts: Card Magic
Sat 29 June – Fri 5 July 7.45pm
The Vault
Duration: 50mins
Ages 10+
Luke Jermay 6th Sense
Sat 29 June – Fri 5 July (except Mon 1 July) 8.30pm
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Duration: 75mins
Ages 14+
Magic Dinner
Sat 29 June 7.00pm
The Royal Scots Club
Duration: approx 3hr 30mins
Ages 16+ only
Late Night Myths with Colin McLeod, Marcus Gordon & Elliot Bibby
Sat 29 June – Sun 30 June 9.00pm
The Vault
Duration: 60mins
Ages 12+
War of the Wizards Under 18’s
Sun 30 June 11.00am
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Duration: 60mins
Ages 10+
Open War of the Wizards
Sun 30 June 2.00pm
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Duration: 90mins
Ages 10+
Street Magic Master Class
Mon 1 July – Wed 3 July 11.00am
City Art Centre
Duration: approx 5hr 30min
Ages 11-14
Please note, all children should be registered for Street Magic Master Class in advance and therefore, tickets for this event are not available on the door. More info at www.magicfest.co.uk
Tricky Ricky: Magical Madness
Mon 1 July – Fri 5 July 5.00pm
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
family ticket available
Duration: 50mins
All Ages
Lewis Barlow The Way of the Magician
Mon 1 July 7.00pm & 8.30pm
The Scottish Storytelling Centre
Duration: 55mins
Ages 8+
Paul Nardini The Parlour Magician
Mon 1 July – Thurs 4 July 9.00pm
The Vault
Duration: 50mins
Ages 12+
Paul Wilson: Sleight of Hand
Wed 3 July 7.00pm, 8.30pm & 10.00pm
SKYbar, Point Hotel Edinburgh
Duration: 60mins
Ages 12+
The Secret Room
Thurs 4 July 5.30pm & 7.30pm
Lauriston Castle
Ages 10+
MagicFest at SKYbar
Thurs 4 July 6.00pm til midnight
SKYbar, Point Hotel Edinburgh• FREE
Over 18’s only
Four Nations Magic-Off
Fri 5 July 10.00pm
Voodoo rooms
Duration: till late!
Over 18’s only
FREE Street Shows
Street shows will be taking place throughout the Festival on the Royal Mile and surrounding areas subject to the unpredictable (even for magicians) Edinburgh weather!
Check www.magicfest.co.uk for more information.
ENDS
Using Lauriston Castle sounds a great idea. It is funny how many people don’t really know about it. I went past today and I think using it for magic sounds rather good.