After nearly 2 years in the making, Mr Magic reached it's World Premiere last Tuesday, 24th Feb 2009 in Theater Bellevue, Amsterdam. And was a fackin Triumph! I had a lot of fun, the audience had a lot of fun, so everyone was happy. Thanks to all of you who came to see one of the shows, and a special thanks to Ron who saw it twice, and my super girlfriend Kristina who came all three nights. Her love, support and patience throughout the long and often hard process was way Beyond The Call Of Duty. Special thanks to Markus Schnizer for not only the beautiful lights he designed for the show, but for all his production support and artistic advice. You're a frickin multi-talent, mate. Special thanks also to Henner Kleffel, who joined the project in it's darkest hour, taking on production responsibilities and being a general all-around rock-star. His hard work, commitment and reliability took an enormous workload offa me, allowing me to focus on making and rehearsing the show. Thanks also due to Sebastian and Adriaan, the unseen backbone of the PickUp. Without their support and belief in the project things woulda been a hell of a lot harder. Lastly thanks to my old mate Giles for coming out from London to see the show, and my mum and step-dad who came all the way from the Algarve. Respec.

The final push for the line is well under way, like pieces of a puzzle falling into place - almost like it was planned that way. The Premiere dates are as before, but certainly worth hammering some more -

• 24th, 25th and 26th February,
  
• Theater Bellevue Amsterdam, Leidsekade 90, Amsterdam
• tickets - 020 530 5301

I'm also doing a couple of previews over at the PickUp Club NDSM, on the 13th and 18th of Feb at 20.15 - studio showings with limited lighting and more limited seating. It's only 5 Euros and I'm working on getting anyone who comes to a PickUp preview to get that 5 Euros off the price of a Bellevue ticket.

As always freebies and reduced price tickets will be few and far between, but for the finacially challenged among you, if the ticket price is a deal breaker then let me know and I'll see what I can sort out.

If you're interested in puppets or theater, and want to be amazed by real magic live on stage then this is not a show to be missed. Tell your friends. Book early to avoid disapointment. Looking forward to see y'all.

STAN in Doetingem, 21st Jan.

Meanwhile, STAN the vulgar but lovable rogue continues his World Wide Conquest - though this time a little closer to home. Tomorrow night, the 21st of January, STAN will strut his stuff and humiliate himself on the stage of the Amphion Theater, Doetingem ( www.amphion.nl) at 20.00. It's also my Aunt's Bday tomorrow, and as excited as I am about performing in the exotic province of Gelderland, the idea of celebrating with her on Ipanema beach in Rio may be even more attractive. In any case, Happy Birthday Noemia!

Mr Magic e-flyer, Bellevue.

Paper flyers are in my opinion a stupid waste of paper, ink, time and money. And that's why, as Captain of The Goodship Mr Magic, I've decided to only distribute flyers electronically. This e-flyer will go out in a couple of mass-mailings, but in the mean time here's a sneak preview. (The very observant among you may notice some similarities to the Ostade e-flyer. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.)

Mr Magic Theatrical Trailer.

Ladies and Gents! I am very pleased, nay, thrilled, to have completed the promotional edit of Mr Magic's Preview performance at the Ostade Theater. This is far from the most elegant piece of video editing ever done - but fuck it - I'm a theater maker not a bloody video editor. It's a task I can finally cross off my "to do" list and get on with the important business of getting the show spic and span for the World Premiere - Bellevue Theater 24th, 25th and 26th February, at 20.30. Here's the link to the Bellevue site.
http://www.theaterbellevue.nl/page.ocl?mode=&version=&pageid=39&ev=6951
If anyone has comments or suggestions on the video, I suggest you write them on a piece of paper and flush them down the toilet.

Mr Magic Walkabout Promo Video

Promo Blurb for Everywhere-outside-a-theater gigs.

Mr Magic is a Famous and Powerful Magician. Or at least thinks he is. A dusty but distinguished old gentleman, Mr Magic is confined to a wheelchair, and relies on his male nurse for both mobility and to assist him with his magic. He's a chatty old fellow, and enjoys nothing more than meeting new people to share his wisdom and amaze with his feats of Magic and Mentalism.

As well as a host of card tricks - which don't always go to plan - Mr Magic specializes in telepathy, mind reading, and predicting the future. These extraordinary feats of mental power rarely fails to amuse and amaze not only his audience but the jolly old magician himself.

Mr Magic is happy to free-wheel around festival settings, sharing his wonders with anyone who's interested, but is most thrilled to perform on a stage - whether that is a small podium at a social function or the main stage of an Opera House. Performances can be tailored anywhere from 10 minutes to a full evening performance, and with some advance information can also include content which is specific to the event and key people at that event.

His magic is unpredictable, but Mr Magic's charm and mystery guarantees audiences of all ages a magical time.