Danny Lee Grew to perform in Seend

 Award-winning magician Danny Lee Grew is set to bring an evening of astonishing magic and comedy to Seend Centre when he presents his acclaimed one-man show, 24K Magic, on May 16.

Known as the current “Stage Magician of the Year,” Danny Lee Grew has built a strong reputation for combining world-class sleight of hand, large-scale illusions, and sharp comedy into a fast-paced theatrical experience. Audiences can expect a night filled with impossible magic, audience participation, and plenty of surprises.

Grew has appeared on television programs including Susan Calman’s Summer by the Sea and The Real Stories of The Social Network. Over the years, he has also performed for an impressive list of celebrities, including David Beckham, James Corden, Pink, Stormzy, and Chris Hemsworth.

The show has earned glowing praise from both audiences and critics. Susan Calman called the performance “Baffling, Amusing, Brilliant,” while The Magic Circle described it as “Simply Hilarious.” Other reviewers have praised the show as “Funny, Slick, Captivating” and “Absolutely Superb.”

Tickets are currently on sale, with prices ranging from £13.50 to £17.50. Discounted tickets are available for young people ages 8 to 17 and for individuals receiving qualifying benefits. Group discounts are also available for parties of ten or more.

With his blend of award-winning magic, humor, and theatrical flair, Danny Lee Grew’s 24K Magic promises to be a memorable night for anyone who enjoys live entertainment and the art of illusion.

Two identical bodies found in search for world-famous magician

 One of the most fascinating and tragic stories in the history of magic belongs to The Great Lafayette, a world-famous illusionist whose life ended in a devastating theater fire in Edinburgh on May 9, 1911.

Born Sigmund Neuberger, Lafayette was considered one of the highest-paid entertainers of his era. Known for his extravagant productions and larger-than-life personality, he dazzled audiences around the world with spectacular illusions, lavish costumes, and elaborate stage effects.

On the night of May 9, Lafayette was performing at the Empire Palace Theatre when disaster struck during his signature illusion, The Lion's Bride. A lantern ignited part of the set, but many audience members initially believed the flames were simply part of the performance.

Although the audience was evacuated safely, the situation behind the curtain quickly turned deadly. A fire curtain designed to contain the blaze malfunctioned, allowing air to feed the flames and spread the fire throughout the theater. Some stage doors had reportedly been locked as a precaution to keep Lafayette’s live lion from escaping during the act.

Lafayette initially escaped the burning theater, but according to popular accounts, he heroically returned to rescue his beloved horse and never made it back out.

In a bizarre twist worthy of one of his own illusions, the first body recovered from the ruins was identified as Lafayette and cremated. Two days later, firefighters discovered a second body dressed in exactly the same costume. The first body was later determined to be Lafayette’s body double, while the second was the real magician.

The tragedy claimed the lives of ten people, including a young girl concealed inside a mechanical teddy bear costume used in the show. Audiences had no idea that the remarkable “automaton” was actually operated by a live performer.

The story becomes even more poignant when considering Lafayette’s deep grief over the recent death of his cherished dog, Beauty. Beauty was famous in her own right, reportedly wearing a diamond-studded collar, dining on elaborate meals, and traveling in luxurious accommodations. She died just four days before the fire.

Lafayette arranged for Beauty to be buried at Piershill Cemetery, insisting that he too would be buried there upon his death. That wish was fulfilled.

An estimated 250,000 people lined the streets of Edinburgh to witness his funeral procession, a testament to the extraordinary impact he had on audiences around the world.

More than a century later, the story of The Great Lafayette remains one of the most dramatic and unforgettable chapters in magic history—a tale of brilliance, mystery, devotion, and tragedy.

Bob Sheets card Stab

 

Derek Hughes on Fool Us

 

Silk to Rose Plus

 Now available at www.magiciansmagicshop.com

This is a colorful visual effect that combines some popular magic effects in an appealing routine. Performer displays a barren rose stem. He tucks a red silk into his fist, and taps it with the stem, and now there is a beautiful rose at the end of the stem. His hand is otherwise empty – the silk has transformed to a rose. He now smells the rose, which wilts or droops away … You could follow with any regular Drooping flower routine, – invite a spectator to smell the rose, and have it droop towards her (“you must be sweeter than the rose, – it appears to be smelling you !“), or him (“…hmmm – bad breath“). Or you could have two spectators with the rose drooping towards one, and away from the other, as in any regular Drooping Flower routine. We supply you all the props required – and you can perform the routine with a few handling trials after reading the instructions. You may choose to vary the presentation above, and we give you alternate handling in the instructions. If you like colorful magic for a general audience, you’ll like this.

Leon Etienne on WIVBTV 4

 

Andy Nyman is not motivated by fame

 Andy Nyman, the acclaimed actor, magician, and co-creator of many of Derren Brown’s most successful television and stage productions, says he has never been motivated by fame.

In a recent interview, Nyman reflected on a pivotal moment in his career when he was offered a multi-year television deal from Channel 4 to perform mentalism. Rather than stepping into the spotlight himself, Nyman declined the opportunity. The role eventually went to Derren Brown, helping launch Brown into international stardom.

Although many magicians might have jumped at the chance, Nyman says his priorities have always been different.

“Life’s too short,” Nyman explained. “If I can craft a life whereby I’m doing what I love and it makes me happy, that’s all I care about. I’m not interested in fame, I’m not interested in being rich for the sake of selling my soul.”

Nyman and Brown went on to form one of the most influential creative partnerships in modern magic and mentalism. Together they helped redefine television mind reading, blending classic principles with contemporary presentation. Nyman co-created and co-wrote many of Brown’s landmark productions, including Mind Control and Trick of the Mind.

Beyond his work in magic, Nyman has built an impressive career as an actor, writer, and director. He has appeared in numerous West End productions, including Fiddler on the Roof and The Producers, and is widely known in the theater world for co-creating the supernatural stage hit Ghost Stories with writer Jeremy Dyson.

The duo are now reuniting for their latest theatrical thriller, The Psychic. The new play follows a disgraced television psychic attempting to rebuild her reputation after being publicly exposed as a fraud. Mixing suspense, practical effects, and unexpected twists, the production continues Nyman’s fascination with the blurred line between belief and deception.

Nyman says his goal is to create theater that surprises audiences while exploring deeper themes of truth, grief, and the human need for answers. Following the death of his wife after a long illness, many of those themes have taken on even greater personal meaning.

For magicians, mentalists, and theater fans alike, Nyman’s story is a reminder that success does not always mean chasing celebrity. Sometimes the greatest impact comes from working behind the scenes, helping shape performances that astonish millions while staying true to what matters most.