Magician Ed Sumner: Our journey to the theatre stage as we prepare for one-night-only spectacle

 Two Staffordshire magicians are preparing to bring a unique mix of magic and comedy to Rugeley’s Rose Theatre for one night only later this month.

Ed Sumner, from Abbots Bromley, and Damon Conlan, from Cannock, have been in the industry for over 20 years, but only began performing together in 2022.

The Magic Room show on 19 December promises a rare chance to see professional modern magic in a theatre setting with sharp, stand-up comedy, and the pair hope it will lead to a future tour.

Here, Ed writes about their progression to a large theatre show, what it means to them and what else guests can expect.

“What began as a small monthly night in a bar has grown into something bigger, more polished, and designed to work for even the largest theatre stages.

We’ve previously spent years, refining our craft, from early performances for friends and family, to stand-up comedy nights for zero to five people, to solo shows, festivals, and even the occasional spot on TV.

Along the way, we’ve learnt how to mix magic with comedy in a way that feels fresh and modern, not canned and dated. We’ve discovered exactly what makes audiences laugh, gasp, and sit up on the edge of their seats. And that might be why our shows are so popular.

Now we’re putting all of that experience together as we bring our show to The Rose Theatre in Rugeley, for one night only. You might have seen a birthday party magician before, maybe even close up magic at a wedding, but this is different. This is a rare chance to see contemporary magic performed live in a theatre setting, without screens, without pretension, without limits.

There will be a unique blend of jaw-dropping visual magic, impossible mind reading and sharp, stand-up comedy. I don’t know of anyone who mixes magic with comedy the way we do.

The show means a lot to us as a showcase for those who have been with us from the start, people who have joined us along the way and hopefully some discovering us for the first time. Bringing it to the theatre stage makes the journey feel worth it.

When it’s performed well magic is always popular. Maybe it’s because it taps into bigger questions about life. What is possible? What can I achieve? Where are my limits?

Or maybe it’s just that people enjoy spending a night out laughing with friends and family. You see, for us the best moments are the feeling in the room when something unexpected happens and everyone reacts at the same time. That shared moment is what keeps us rehearsing, rewriting, and working out the kinks again and again, until they’re perfect. If we can create an evening where people forget the outside world for an hour or two and simply enjoy being part of something live, then we’ve done our job.”

For tickets and more information go to TICKETS

Article from Daily Focus