The programme has been revealed for the 10th annual MagicFest which takes place in Edinburgh between Christmas and New Year.
Top home grown and international talent from the world of magic and mind reading will offer dazzling entertainment for all ages.
Kevin Quantum, magician and festival organiser, said: “We’re so proud to unveil the 10th annual MagicFest and we think the line-up is the best yet – with mind-blowing entertainment over Christmas and Hogmanay.
“In fact, we hope it will help make this the most magical festive season ever in Scotland!
“We’ll have shows for adults and for families, plus our ever popular Magic School – which is just for kids. And the entertainment all comes courtesy of some of the most impressive magicians, illusionists and mind-readers.”
Svetlana McMahon, festival producer, added: “We’re particularly excited to unveil the new productions like Hogmanay House – a key event in Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme. It’s a chance to discover weird and wonderful Scottish traditions presented by magicians, musicians and storytellers while exploring the opulent rooms, secret passages and hidden chambers of Lauriston Castle.”
The festival takes place from 27 December to 5 January and the highlights include:
· The Opening Night Christmas Gala: An eclectic mix of the weird and the wonderful including Harthill-local-cum-Vegas-headliner Colin Cloud and Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Adam Black. Enjoy a multitude of breath-taking illusions from top magicians and the most talented newcomers.
· Hogmanay House: A magical “First Foot” adventure at Lauriston Castle – escape the dreich winter weather, go along for a dram or a hot chocolate and make merry as musicians, magicians and storytellers celebrate the magic and origins of Hogmanay. The bill includes world-class card magician Lewis Barlow, singer/songwriter Ainsley Hamill, mind reader Drew McAdam and silver-tongued storyteller Jock Ferguson.
· You Are Magic: Huge fun for children and families. A magic show conjured up from thin air where the audience become the stars – do you have the skill to saw someone in half and put them back together again? Packed with thrilling illusions, spooky mind reading, stunning sleight of hand, and death-defying escapes. Presented by the Magic Gareth and Michelle Ferguson and written by YouTube star Professor Richard Wiseman.Kevin Quantum “Anti-Gravity”: Enter a space where the rules of gravity are bent and broken. Impossible illusions and levitations in a ★★★★★ show mixing science, comedy and magic, brought to you by Scotland’s own magician-scientist hybrid Kevin Quantum. Winner of the “Best Magic” award at the Adelaide Fringe 2018.
· Comedy Magic Club: Have your mind blown and laugh yourself silly with the funniest, scariest, and freakiest, conjured for your delight in our magic comedy club for ages 16+. Featuring Elliot Bibby, Luke Eaton, Cammy Young, Cammy Gibson, Dan Bastianelli and special guests.
· Magic School: Now enrolling young sorcerers aged 7-10 can to learn magic tricks from professional magicians then astound your family and friends. Join a one-off sessions or a four-day course with a show for parents as the grand finale. Led by magician and Magic School headmaster Gary James.
· Tricky Ricky “Christmas Madness”: The four-times winner of Scottish ‘Children’s Entertainer of the Year’ Tricky Ricky takes you on a magical festive journey. Prepare to be amused and amazed in a fast-paced, nutty, comedic and chaotic magic show for kids aged from 1 to 101!
· The Power of Perspective: An Exhibition of photographic Illusions presented by the Rock Trust, illusion expert Professor Richard Wiseman and MagicFest. Enjoy the illusions at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and then see how they were created at the Museum of Edinburgh.
This year Edinburgh International Magic Festival is moving from its usual summer dates to winter due to the popularity of the MagicFest Christmas Show which they have run for the past three years. New dates provided a perfect platform for developing a brand new exciting event concept Hogmanay House supported by The City of Edinburgh Council, EventScotland as part of Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme and Hope Scott Trust.
Councillor Donald Wilson, Edinburgh’s Culture and Communities Convener, said: “The City of Edinburgh Council recognises the potential of the Hogmanay House event to fulfil a different niche by showcasing a unique Hogmanay offering complimenting traditional end-of-the-year events in the city of Edinburgh. It fits well with the Council’s commitment to encourage and support increased access to previously unfunded events and festivals across the city”.
Paul Bush OBE, Director of Events at VisitScotland, added: “We are delighted to be supporting MagicFest deliver Hogmanay House through Scotland’s Winter Festivals programme. The exciting and innovative programme of activity provides a wonderful opportunity for all the family to attend a magical experience within a spectacular setting at Lauriston Castle, and further reinforces Scotland as the perfect stage for events.”
Magic School is presented in partnership with Kiran’s Trust and the Power of Perspective exhibition is kindly supported by Jessops, Kiran’s Trust, Scotmid Coop and University of Hertfordshire.
For full details of all events and activities see the website at www.magicfest.co.uk
Listings details
· The Opening Night Christmas Gala: Traverse Theatre. Friday 27 December. 4.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £20, concessions £18, children £15. PG Ages 8+.
· Hogmanay House: Lauriston Castle. Thursday 2 to Sunday 5 January. 3.30pm, 5.30pm and 7.30pm. Tickets £20, concessions £18, children £15, families £50. Durations 75 minutes. Ages 7+.
· You Are Magic: Traverse Theatre. Saturday 28 to Monday 30 December. 2pm and 4.30pm. Tickets £12, concessions £10, families £36. Duration 50 minutes. Ages 5+.
· Kevin Quantum “Anti-Gravity”: Traverse Theatre. Saturday 28 to Monday 30 December. 7pm. Tickets £14, concessions £12, children £10. Durations 60 minutes. Ages 8+.
· Comedy Magic Club: Traverse Theatre Bar. Saturday 28 and Sunday 29 December. 8.30pm. Tickets £10, concessions £8. Duration 75 minutes. Ages 16+.
· Magic School: Scottish Storytelling Centre. Friday 27 to Sunday 30 December. Ages 7-10. 4-day course 10am to 12.30pm, price £80. A one-off workshop 1.30pm – 4pm, price £20.
· Tricky Ricky “Christmas Madness”: Scottish Storytelling Centre, Saturday 28 December. 11am & 1pm. All tickets £9. Duration 45 minutes. All ages.
· The Power of Perspective: See the illusions at the Scottish Storytelling Centre and then discover how they were created at the Museum of Edinburgh. Sunday 22 December to Sunday 26 January. Free entry. All Ages.
Bookings
· Online: www.magicfest.co.uk
· Phone: 0131 226 0006
· In person: The Fringe Box Office 180 High Street, Edinburgh, EH1 1QS. Monday to Friday 10.30am – 5.30pm.
Website: http://www.magicfest.co.uk
Twitter: @MagicFest
