The Stage

Probably The World’s Greatest Magic Show

Published Monday 11 February 2008 at 10:30 by Robin Duke

Levitating ladies, producing doves from the most unlikely of places and packing more playing cards than a Las Vegas croupier is one thing.

Conjuring up sizeable audiences for four performances of this Showzam! showcase - Blackpool’s first ever festival of Circus, Magic and New Variety is another.

It was always going to be a lot to ask. Blackpool Magicians’ Club can pack the 3,000 capacity venue a couple of nights a year when its annual convention is in town and the general public can barely get a look in.

Most of this bill would be instantly familiar to those delegates, but without the relevant reality show’s television exposure, outside casinos and cruises, magic still remains a mystery.

It’s the public’s loss. Canadian champion Greg Frewin’s twist on the traditional switch illusion is faultless - and that’s after turning balls into doves and a dove into a woman. Likewise Viktor Voitko’s slick and sexy levitation routine is probably unbeatable.

British duo Keelan Leyser and Charlotte Marie have adapted quick change well - but there’s still room to improve presentation and props.

Gennady Kil’s Mr Blub persona corners bubble ballooning, but teamed with the stunning Sabina Fackelli presents a superb double juggling routine as well as rope spinning (her) and tap dancing (him).

Comedy worked well with Jon Archer’s clever mind reading and balloon swallowing and the Great Nardini’s spin on spoof.

Jeff McBride has invented a fast “maskipulation” act and an even faster way with cards while German duo Junge Junge’s traditional routine is always a winner.

Compere Noel Britten pitched his wry deliver exactly right on all nights.

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