Hello readers and live entertainment fans! You may notice that things have been a bit quiet on the blog since July…yes, I do still have reviews from the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival to publish on here (many of which are in draft format). I still intend to post those reviews on here, however in terms of any ‘new’ reviews / reviews for upcoming shows, I’ve made the decision to place Tay Around Town on hiatus until early 2024.
The main reason for this is that there have been several deaths in my extended family over the last few months which have prompted me to focus on my mental health.
Placing this blog on hiatus is not a decision I take lightly and it disappoints me to miss out on some fantastic shows that are coming up during the Melbourne Fringe Festival (among runs of other independent theatre shows).
I thank the producers who have reached out to me recently for opportunities to review and wish them all fantastic upcoming show runs. I hope I’ll be considered to review their future show runs.
Aiden Schofield has been taking his magic show all around Australia, and returns to the Melbourne Magic Festival in 2023 with a 5 show run. I sat down with Aiden to find out more about his self titled show “Aiden Schofield: MAGICIAN”.
Your show is titled “Aiden Schofield: MAGICIAN”….within a festival of magicians, what makes you and your show different? Honesty, I don’t know what makes me different… I’m a bit of a quirky performer, and I like to have fun on stage and create a fun show for people to watch. I guess the type of magic I do is different compared to other magicians. I specifically decided to have no card tricks in this show or tricks that I have seen other magicians perform, that way I can keep the show full of surprises. Plus, the material is just fun for me to perform, and also feels like real magic (manipulating bubbles, predicting the future, and levitating objects).
The show: I take a lot of inspiration from concerts. From Michael Jackson, Justin Bieber, Ed Sheeran, Dua Lipa. The way I’ve structured my show is based more on concerts I’ve seen rather than other magic shows. I’ve also taken a theatrical approach to the way the magic is presented. Fun Fact: The name of the show is actually a reference to Michael Jackson. Michael Jackson is the reason I first got interested in the entertainment industry as a whole. I styled the word ‘MAGICIAN’ in capitals, as a reference to his 1996 album HIStory: Past, Present and Future, Book I.
Why should audiences come and see your show this year? A good reason to see my show is if you missed out last year, definitely make time to come see it this time around! The show has grown quite a bit since last year and has grown into something I’m super happy with. I’ve added even more magic into the current routines – more magic, more music, more fun. There’s a lot of visual magic and I feel like it’s a great middle ground show (not close-up magic, not big grand illusions) and it’s perfect for all ages. There is no theme / story / message to this show, just people seeing impossible things, which is pretty cool.
I’ve tried my best to make it a fun and interactive experience with a variety of magic for everyone to enjoy. In the show audiences will witness magic performed with bubbles, sand, Rubik’s Cubes and many other curious objects.
Is there anything new / exciting that you’ve been working on recently? Yes, I’ve been working on a lot of things lately. This year I completed ‘Trick a Day May’, which is where you upload a video performing a completely different magic trick to your social media profile/s every single day for the month of May. (Find mine on Instagram @ascho51 or Facebook and YouTube @AidenSchofieldMagic).
Couple of other things I’m working on are: adding more magic into the show and expanding current routines to make them more magical. The other is I mentioned before about taking a theatrical approach to the show – little things to try and make the show more professional: lighting cues, music and sound effects, transitions and set design etc.
I hear you have been on tour (of sorts) for the past year or so…any highlights / memorable moments that you can share? So far, I’ve performed small batches of shows at festivals around Australia. I’ve performed the show in Adelaide, Darwin, Perth, Queensland and Melbourne, but I’m excited to take it around the rest of the country and the world.
Highlights from taking my show to different cities include travelling to new places, visiting different theme parks (my favourite), and also getting to see and meet other magicians. Honorable mention: I showed a group of adults some close-up magic when I was in Perth, and at the climax of the trick (the big reveal) one of them started jumping up and down, squealing out of disbelief. That was fun! (If you want to know which trick this was, you’ll just have to come and see my show!)
What are you looking forward to the most at the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival? I’m excited to be performing this show at the Melbourne Magic Festival again this year. Last year I performed one show only and now I’m back for a run of five shows playing nightly at The MC Showroom!
I’ll be checking out (theme park) Gumbuya World for the first time. I love theme parks and they’ve recently opened Project Zero which was formally known as the Buzzsaw from my home park Dreamworld on the Gold Coast. I’m also looking forward to performing little segments in both gala shows (close up and stage) and the Open Mic Night at Storyville.
If you’re interested in catching Aiden’s show then this year is your best chance! Get your tickets here.
Dane Certificate is a surreal character, a performer who appears briefly at the Melbourne Magic Festival and then disappears just as fast! An entertaining enigma, but someone to watch closely and revel in the surreal magic within his shows. I sat down with Dane to discuss his latest magic show “The Sun and The Moon”
1. Describe your show in 3 words: Hand made magic.
2. Tell us more about your show title of ‘The Sun and the Moon’ I’ve always wondered why you don’t usually see the sun and the moon in the sky at the same time. I might see them together once in a while but it’s usually the sun OR the moon.
3. You’ve previously visited the Melbourne Magic Festival with one of your exciting magic shows. Why should audiences come and see your show this year? A number of original scores have been created to accompany my magic. Everything has a particular sound to it. Like my previous MMF show, The Sun and the Moon is about expression. The show is an expression of the audience..whether they’re there or not.
4. You’ve recently had a tour of Japan (so jealous!!!) Do you have a magical highlight / fave memory that you can share? Every day in Japan was magical. The places I visited. The people I met. It’s a place where I didn’t have to look for inspiration, inspiration found me. The highlight was having over 200 people sign a playing card during my trip and they magically stayed on the ceilings of bars and restaurants across Japan.
5. What are you most looking forward to at the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival? I’m looking forward to catching up with fellow magicians and seeing their magic. My show is compact (in terms of props) this year so I’m looking forward to a smaller setup for small crowds.
To discover for yourself why Dane’s shows are often the talk of the Melbourne Magic Festival, book your tickets to “The Sun and The Moon” here.
Anthony DeMasi’s name is synonymous with magic in Melbourne. Having performed many times previously at the Melbourne Magic Festival, but also a slew of festivals across the city over the course of many years I’d be surprised if a magic fan in Melbourne hasn’t seen Anthony perform yet! Anthony also performs as his alter ego, eccentric but affable magician Luigi Zucchini who has a great sense of humour and a certain hilarity to his magic.
You have 2 shows during the Melbourne Magic Festival this year: “Chief Wizard” and “Luigi Zucchini’s MEGA magic show”. Describe each show in 3 words.
2. You’ve previously performed at many past Melbourne Magic Festivals. Why should audiences / young people come and see your shows this year? It’s been many years since Luigi has performed his show at the festival. Luigi possess a remarkable stage presence, commanding attention with his charismatic personality. Luigi’s mega magic show will be a feast of visual magic and you will have a belly full of laughs. You will leave the show feeling happy and your day will be filled with wonder.
3. Anthony: What qualities make you a chief wizard? Luigi: what makes your show MEGA?
Anthony: I am the founder of the Magic School of Confidence and over the last 10 years I have mentored and trained many of Australia’s best magicians. As chief wizard of the magic school I share my experience of performing magic for 28 years but I am constantly learning from my magical students.
Luigi is well known for his BIG magic shows. His show at the Magic Festival will be MEGA, BIGGER and BETTER than ever! The Mega magic show will boast an impressive repertoire of tricks ensuring you will be on the edge of your seat from start to finish.
4. Many magicians have “magic words” that they say in order to make magic….do you have any magic words? If so, what are they? Luigi’s favourite magic word is “ Spaghetti Spaghetti”. If you go and see his Mega Magic show you will learn how Luigi discovered this magical word.
5. Do you have a favourite magician / someone you look up to in magic (if so, who is it)? The Magician I look up to is my late mentor Chuck Fayne. He was one of the most inspiring & interesting people I have ever met in my life. Not only was he an amazing storyteller and comedy magician, he was one of the most entertaining people I have ever watched. He lived an extraordinary life doing lots of interesting things. He taught me lots about life, people and the magic world.
Anthony’s show are so popular that his “Chief Wizard” show has already sold out its show run. Tickets for Luigi Zucchini’s MEGA Magic show are available here.
The Great Armando has visited The Melbourne Magic Festival many times previously, always with his top hat and iconic Italian flair and penchant for storytelling. The Great Armando’s next adventure this year is called “Magia! Magia!”. Learn more about this show and The Great Armando’s influences below!
1. Tell us more about your show title … why the repetition and what’s the meaning behind it? Ah, bellissimo! The title of my show, “Magia Magia”, has a truly special meaning. During one of my performances, I invited the audience to choose a magic word and a young child who was learning Italian, eagerly shouted out “Magia!” which means, well, magic in Italian.
Magic is a universal language that transcends culture and speech. It has the power to ignite wonder and create connections that go beyond words. By repeating the word “Magia” I add a touch of whimsy, a sprinkle of excitement that sets the stage for the enchanting world of magic I will create for my audience.
2. You’ve performed at many previous Melbourne Magic Festivals. Why should audiences come and see your show this year? I’ve had the pleasure of performing at the Melbourne Magic Festival for many years, and each time I try to bring something new and special.
I’ve been working on brand, new magic that bridges the gap between children and parents, to offer a fulfilling experience for the whole family. I think that “Magia Magia” is truly a show for the whole family, where each interaction can be enjoyed at any age.
My show is a magical journey that combines the art of illusion, comedy and audience participation, all with an Italian twist. “Magia Magia” is more than just a show; it’s an opportunity for families to come together where the audience is an integral part of the show.
3. What are you most looking forward to at the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival? I’m mostly looking forward to the sense of wonder and astonishment that permeates the festival. It’s a gathering of some of the finest magicians from Australia (and the world), showcasing their incredible skills and bringing smiles to the faces of audiences. The opportunity to connect with fellow magicians, exchange ideas and witness their amazing performances is something I cherish. But most of all, I’m eager to see the wide-eyed expressions and hear the laughter of the children as they experience the magic firsthand. Their pure amazement fuels my passion for what I do, and it’s a feeling I look forward to embracing once again.
4. Do you have a favourite card? If so, what is it? Cards have an incredible history and meaning, spanning from superstition to numerology. If I had to choose a favourite, it would be the Five of Hearts. Hearts symbolise love and passion, and the number 5 suggests a sense of adventure. When combined, the Five of Hearts can symbolise growth and harmony, and that is my take on magic – that perfect balance between fun and astonishment, and passion and tradition. It’s a card that holds a special place in my magical repertoire, both for its meaning and because it is aesthetically pleasing.
5. Do you have a particular favourite memory of performing at past Melbourne Magic Festivals? There are so many wonderful memories from past Melbourne Magic Festivals that choosing just one is a delightful challenge. Each year, I eagerly anticipate these two weeks of pure magic. The Australian magic community is like a big, joyful family – a group of friends coming together to celebrate the art we all love.
However, if I must select a favourite memory, let me take you back to last year when I had the great honour of performing at Magic Sports, which is magic improv. I must confess, I felt a touch of apprehension sharing the stage with such talented magicians, especially considering English is not my native language. Improvising in another language can present its own unique challenges.
It turned out to be an amazing evening. The audience loved it and I walked away with a new magic trick I will be performing this year, the incredible mindreading flamingo!
This year, more than ever, The Melbourne Magic Festival presents a great chance for families to come together and enjoy a day out and experience the wonder of magic. “Magia! Magia!” certainly seems to fit the bill – grab those tickets here before they disappear!
Pierre Ulric has previous performed at the Melbourne Magic Festival, however it has been quite some time between festival visits! I’m sure Pierre has plenty of new magic and experiences to share with us all. Pierre’s also looking forward to catching up with new friends (and old) in Melbourne and I’m sure many are keen to see his new show “Gonzo Magic”. What’s with the curious title you ask? Well read on as we discover more…
1. Describe your show in 3 words: Gonzo. Gonzo. Gonzo.
2. Tell us more about your show title of “Gonzo Magic“ As the following definition applies to a magical performance: Gonzo / Adjective, slang
1) relating to or denoting an exaggerated, subjective and fictionalized style. 2) bizarre or crazy
3. You’ve previously visited the Melbourne Magic Festival with one of your exciting magic shows. Why should audiences come and see your show this year? After a lengthy absence (6 years?) I’m finally coming back to Melbourne to share what I’ve been learning about the magical arts, mainly about character development and technical improvements, all of which I will be giving back as part of the show.
4. What are you most looking forward to at the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival? Performing in this great city. Catching up with old magic friends. Jamming. Getting inspired. Making new friends.
Don’t miss out on your tickets to one of the more curiously titled magic shows at the Melbourne Magic Festival this year! Book here.
After having a debut show at the Melbourne Magic Festival 2022 with “Check!” Big Bobby and his invisible assistant Rhodneey are BACK for more magic, more mayhem and more fun shenanigans in his new show “Trick My Brain”. I sat down with Big Bobby to try and get a sneak peek of the hilarity of what’s to come….
1. You had a show at the Melbourne Magic Festival in 2022 (‘Check!’)…why should audiences come and see your show this year? It is a BRAND NEW SHOW – you won’t want to miss it! Rhodneey has promised me he will check everything so all the tricks should work this year! Plus you will learn some ways to hack your brain to be happier.
2. Previously you had a special assistant called Rhodneey…will Rhodneey be joining you again this year? Rhodneey will most definitely be at the show. We are a double act and I can’t imagine performing without him. Sometimes he throws the old green lycra number on just to prove he is really there. He constantly reminds me he saved the show last year.
3. The human brain / mind is very powerful…can it really be tricked?! Yes the brain really can be tricked and I will be showing you how with some cool and interesting ways that happens.
4. What are you most looking forward to at the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival? I am looking forward to seeing some of my favorite performers and of course hearing the kids laugh at and go BOOMCHUGGALUGGA at “Trick My Brain”.
5. Are there any special guests we should keep an eye out for at your show? Yes for sure. The Big Bobby Show for 2023 will feature The Gamemaster who runs some of the best games you will ever see where kids can win prizes. He is in a league of his own and has performed for kids in the US where he was based and all over Australia. Also joining us is long time friend Picco the Clown. Picco has worked in the circus, performed at the MMF, advised on (recent Australian competitive balloon twisting show) “Blow Up” and written numerous shows. He is a master of magic, clowning, face painting, ballooning and writing. Lastly is ‘the producer’ aka Greg Perkins, he has worked in children’s entertainment on Disney Cruise ships for years and brings his expertise to the show.
Reminder no rubber ducks are permitted in the auditorium! (Tay’s note: again my rubber ducks are sad they will not have another fun outing this year!!!)
In order to not miss out on all the hilarity and special guests of Big Bobby’s show, you’d better get your tickets to “Trick My Brain” here!
1. Tell us about your show title – it’s quite striking! What can audiences expect? The title of our show was one that was thoroughly thought of, although it seems like a standard word in the English dictionary, ‘Saint’ has many definitions and understandings which we explore and unpack throughout the show. Saint is all about diving into the miracles of live performance whilst changing the audience’s perspective on life. Jay and I both aim to allow the audience to marvel at their own personal revelation on how they view the world around them. We aim to deliver sophisticated routines with a humours and charismatic approach where spectators feel drawn to our performance style. With Jay and I both having different performance styles, this show takes you on a rollercoaster however everything comes full circle by the finale.
2. Luke Blaze, you’ve performed at the Melbourne Magic Festival before (welcome back!) but Jay Cristo has not…tell us about your background together / what made you team up this year? It’s great to be back at the festival this year, however last year there was something missing, a presence that only a best friend could fill. Jay and I have been best friends for 9 years, ever since we met each other both performing at the same event. From meeting, we discovered that we shared our love for magic, but didn’t stop there. We also had the same part time job, hobbies, and interests, it was like meeting a duplicate version of myself from an alternate dimension. The only thing that’s different is our performance style, which is quite the opposite, so we’ve rarely ever stepped on each other’s toes when performing (until we get on stage with each other in July!) Which is what has allowed us to bring together a show that literally has it everything, illusions, mind-reading, comedy and so much more.
3. Would you describe yourself as a saint / saintly? If so, why / why not? I definitely wouldn’t describe myself as ‘saintly’, I’m quite the opposite, the devil on your shoulder kind of character. I tend to always push myself to the limits, whether it’s fire eating or doing underwater escapes. I have a very cheeky side that likes to step out when on stage that is far from a saint approval!
4. Why should audiences come and see your show at the Melbourne Magic Festival this year? It’s quite a simple answer, 2 performers, double the fun, double the magic, double the price…. Actually no, same price – while you’re at it, why not take 15% off tickets using codeword: ‘TAY’.
5. What are you most looking forward to at the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival? I’m most looking forward to just working alongside my best friend, taking it all in and simply allowing the show to take both Jay and I on a journey. Our show is across 3 nights and when you get to do what you love, with the company you love, then I believe that will not only show through to the audience on stage, however it’ll also make me a better performer on the evening.
Well, let’s just take Luke’s word for it – Double the fun, double the magic, and don’t forget 15% off with the codeword ‘TAY’ (haha!) what a good deal! Don’t miss out on a devilishly good time, book here!
I was excited to sit down with father & son duo Mike and Ruben Fields to learn more about their show “The Magician Vs Juggler Show” which sounds like a fun, interactive and very competitive show….let’s just see how deep their competitiveness runs!
1. Describe your show in 3 words Magic & Juggling Battle (okay so it’s 4 words but it’s grammatically awkward in 3 words.
2. Tell us about yourselves and your magical / juggling backgrounds. Mike: I’ve been a fulltime magician for 12+ years. I only discovered my love for magic later in life, (more of a mid-life discovery rather than a crisis!) My favourite magic styles are performing for kids and mentalism – an odd combination. Kids have a raw unfiltered energy that recharges me, while with mentalism I love the simplicity of the performance that leaves the audience wondering if there was a trick prop / were they hypnotised or just psychological profiling? I also love escapology (escaping from things like a straitjacket) however I’m getting older and less flexible.
Ruben: I’ve been a juggler for half my life! I grew up with a magician for a Dad (Mike). I do some magic but I found juggling was my own thing. When I started, it took me a while to get good, I wasn’t a natural or anything. I started busking at Southbank and that gave the hours to grind the skills. Now I juggle larger numbers and all sorts of crazy things, but I’m not going to say what they are, as it’s part of the surprise in the show.
3. Who do you think is more entertaining – a magician or a juggler (or is that what your show sets out to find)? A pizza can be gourmet or inedible, depending on the chef. Entertainers are much the same. Both of us are experienced comedic performers and there are loads of laughs throughout the show. What we are doing in each round is showcasing different styles and equipment in our magic and juggling, so the audience gets to see a variety of genres and skills. The audience votes at each round which is best, and we have no idea which they will choose.
4. Why should audiences come and see your show at the Melbourne Magic Festival this year? Rather than a show aimed at little kids, or card magic, or whatever specific genre the performer chose, this show is truly for all ages. By covering a variety of magic and juggling styles you get the best of many genres all in fun packed show. It’s paced snappy to hold the young ones attention and plenty of skills and clean comedy to engage the parents. It’s a brilliant show for the whole family. Also, we only have 1 show this year, on July 4th.
5. What are you most looking forward to at the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival? Mike: I’m looking forward to catching up with the magic community in Melbourne again. I performed in the 2017 Melbourne Magic Festival with my “Wanderful Show” and made some great friends. This will be the first chance I have to catch up with many of them since then.
Ruben: It’s funny, more Melbourne magicians know me than Dad (Mike). They know me from busking, even though I’m a juggler. It’s been a few years and I’ve grown a lot since they have seen me, so I will probably get a lot of “Gee you grew up!” comments.
“The Magician Vs Juggler Show” …which entertainer (and genre) will win?! Seems like the audience will decide so you’ll just have to come along to the show and find out! There’s only one chance to see this show, so book here!
Recently, I was lucky enough to sit down with multi skilled performer Chris Morant and chat about his upcoming Melbourne Magic Festival show aimed at families, “Chris Morant’s Magical Circus Show”. After winning the Best Newcomer Award at The Melbourne Magic Festival in 2021 and a very successful show run in 2022, Chris has returned to the festival in 2023 to wow families once again. Read on to find out more.
1. What do you enjoy performing more: magic or circus? I Love Magic and Circus in different ways! Circus Skills require incredible discipline and it is really obvious when you make a mistake like dropping a juggling ball, however people can have amazing respect for an artist when they can do a very difficult skills. Whereas magic can require a lot of rehearsal but I absolutely love the look on peoples faces when to make an impossible task magically possible.
2. Why should audiences come and see your show this year? This year is an improved show with plenty of comedy, surprising moments and fun for everyone. It’s an action packed, exciting show which is set to have everyone captivated, amused and very entertained. If that wasn’t enough, during each show a (very lucky!) audience member has a chance to win a beautiful handmade leather rabbit mask. It can’t get much more exciting than that! No other show offers the chance to take home a beautiful keepsake and memento of the show.
For those who are interested in trying out some magic for themselves, there’s a Magic Show bag with an instructional DVD and some of my favourite tricks you will be able to perform for your friends and family available for purchase and there will also be a table of some of my other amazing Morant Leather Art Creations to try on.
3. What are you most looking forward to at the 2023 Melbourne Magic Festival? I love the energy of the Melbourne Magic Festival with all the amazing live performers, volunteers and audiences. It’s such a vibrant festival with many happy faces each day. I also love watching magic so seeing all the other shows is very exciting, and inspiring.
For me, giving away a mask for each show and seeing how grateful and inspired each winner can be makes me feel like magic can be taken to a whole new level. Someone who won a mask last year said they have it hanging on their bedroom wall and they love the story of how it was made and that they won it.
4. Are there any special guests we should keep a lookout for during your show? There will be a couple of surprise guests, but you will have to come and see for yourself!
5. Do you have a favourite playing card? If so, what is it? 3,6 and 9 are my personal lucky numbers so any suits of those cards I particularly like. It’s too difficult to choose just one favourite card out of those, so you’ll just have to imagine which one that might be!
For a show full to the (hat) brim with family fun and surprising moments (plus that awesome chance to win a handmade rabbit mask!) grab your tickets here to “Chris Morant’s Magical Circus Show” – don’t miss out!
– while you’re at it, why not take 15% off tickets using codeword: ‘TAY’.
Tay Around Town 