Derren Brown is probably the most celebrated mind-reader alive today. He has had multiple touring theatre shows and TV specials in the UK and a recent run off Broadway. He spends a great deal of time thinking about how people think which has offered him some insights into how the mind works. That insight can be used to amaze, but also be applied to our everyday psychology.
Magic & Martini - Now at the Storm Crow Manor
When I began performing Magic & Martini in 2016, I thought it would run for a few months. Now, over three years later, we have had over 175 sold out performances at venues in Toronto, Oakville, Mississauga and Grand Valley. I’m now thrilled to announce the start of our fourth season at Toronto’s famous Storm Crow Manor.
Storm Crow Manor - 580 Church St., Toronto
Inside this meticulously decorated sci-fi and fantasy themed bar, we have an intimate space - The Black Lodge Room - which is perfect for magic. To go with the show, there is a menu full of food & drinks inspired by Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings, Star Trek, Star Wars, Dungeons & Dragons and more! There is even a chance to put yourselves in the hands of fate and let a roll of the dice decide what cocktail you receive or what toppings your burger will feature.
The show is always dark in December (Holiday party season!) but we have two chances to see the show before the end of 2019:
Sunday, November 3
Sunday, November 17
Readers can use the secret code olive to save on ticket purchased online. A reminder that attendance is strictly 19+ with dress code. Food & drinks are available for purchase separately.
Photos from Dine for Dignity Fundraiser Gala
Last night I was performing as part of ESS Support Services’ Dine for Dignity Gala. I got to appear alongside singer Michael Vanhevel and former Blue Jays Radio Broadcaster Jerry Howarth. Thank you to everyone who attended to help make the evening such a success. We were able to raise money for a great cause and there was definitely magic in the air.
The Art of Magic
This week I will be appearing on The Art of Magic, a special magic variety night put on by the Toronto Magic Company. We take over the Super Wonder Gallery (College & Bathurst) and have a blast, bringing together diverse magical talents.
From the TMC:
“The Art of Magic is more than just a show. It’s an entire evening filled with beautiful art and mind blowing illusions that’s taking Toronto by storm!
The fun begins at 730pm inside the Super Wonder Gallery. Enjoy delicious drinks and paintings from some of Toronto’s best local artists while close up magicians dazzle you with sleight of hand.
Then at 8pm SHARP the show begins, and for the next hour and a half you’ll witness professional magicians from around the world performing magic so incredible that you’ll be gasping in disbelief!
In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 65 tickets are available for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!”
Due to increased demand we are repeating the same show for two nights, Wednesday and Thursday, at 8:00 PM. I’ve been informed that there are a handful of tickets left.
Also appearing are Ryan Brown, an award winning sleight of hand manipulator, and Michael Craig Francis, a multiple Guinness World Record holder.
Ryan Brown
Michael Craig Francis
Photos from Magic at the Marienbad
Last week, I appeared in London at the Marienbad Restaurant in a special monthly show. Also on the show was the great Canadian comic, Glenn Ottaway (now retired, but who occasionally pokes his head out to have some fun and make people laugh.)
Thanks to everyone who attended. Here are some photos of the event courtesy of the Amazing Corbin.
The Science of Magic - Talk at Google
Recently, Gustav Kuhn gave a talk at Google about his book Experiencing the Impossible: The Science of Magic. The talk begins with a demonstration of one of my all-time favourite tricks, “The Cups & Balls” and goes into a discussion of perception, blindspots, memory and how the mind puts it all together.
There is one great comment he lets slip casually that pretty much sums it all up:
“Intuitively we believe that if we’re looking at something, we should be able to see it.”
The questions period at the end is remarkable with the audience offering some wonderfully insightful questions with great answers as well.
Gustav Kuhn is the director of the MAGIC lab at the Department of Psychology at the Goldsmith University of London, where he uses magic to study a wide range of psychological questions, around consciousness, attention, perception, magical beliefs, deception and free will.
Experiencing the Impossible is available from fine booksellers everywhere.
