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D J Hawkins Veteran user Reading, UK 351 Posts |
On Sunday 28th September the famous London Palladium, England was host to a lavish show produced as a tribute to Siegfried and Roy.
This was one of the most anticipated magical events ever staged, and even before the show started there was huge excitement in the audience as, unannounced, Siegfried and Roy took their seats in the Royal Box. It was also interesting to see a lot of television cameras around the theatre – apparently the show was being recorded for later showing on TV. Apologies to anyone that eventually sees this – I had a camera very close to me for most of the evening so may well be appearing in some of the ‘reaction shots’. As well as a tribute to Siegfried and Roy, the evening marked the launch of MagiCares, The Magic Charity set up to make a real difference to the lives of people suffering hardship around the world. A wonderful touch was that the superb colour brochure was given, free, to every member of the audience but included a donation envelope for anyone who wished to support the charity. The show started with an overture by The MagiCares Big Band under the leadership of Ian MacGregor. As soon as M.C. Jeff Hobson walked on stage you knew it was going to be a special night. With such a packed programme Jeff kept introductions to a minimum, but, during the evening, performed his wonderful Card in Mouth, and Egg Bag. In both cases he had chosen wonderful spectators to help (one of whom had come from Australia just to see the show). Throughout the evening there were video extracts from the S&R show. Shown on a huge video screen this gave an excellent impression of what it must have been like to see the S&R show live. Also shown on video were messages of congratulations from Sir Anthony Hopkins, Cher and Steve Wynn. First act of the evening were Kalin and Jinger, repeating their success at the IBM Gala show the previous night, with two incredible illusions – the Squisher illusion where Jinger is impaled with flaming spikes and disappears, then instantly reappears in the middle of the audience, followed by an almost ‘test conditions’ sawing through illusion. Totally baffling and deservedly got a huge reaction from the audience. It was also fun to see that Mark Kalin had chosen Russ Stevens (the UK’s top illusionist) as one of the on-stage assistants. The second spot of the night went to The Great Tomsoni and Company. Hilarious comedy as always, and some of the best dove productions (and vanishes) you’re ever likely to see. The audience loved Johnny and Pam (aka ‘Company’). Tomsoni was followed by Luis De Matos. Luis is a huge TV star in Portugal and famous for large scale, extravagant events. However he had chosen to perform just one effect – mixing coloured sands into a huge bowl of water, then producing dry sand from the same bowl (together with a colour change of the water). Although a simple effect it was performed dramatically and beautifully and, once again, got a great reaction. With no time to catch breath the show continued with the fast paced comedy act of Vik and Fabrini – a unique act with a number of new touches since I last saw them. Finally, the first half was closed with the incredible, amazing and totally hilarious juggling of Wally Eastwood. Hard to describe but this guy is one of a kind – tremendous juggling, high energy and the most hilarious comedy (he must be one the best speciality acts in the world). Wally finished with his famous effect of ‘playing’ an electronic keyboard with juggling balls. A fabulous end to the first half. During the interval it was fun spotting lots of magicians and celebrities in the audience – Dame Shirley Bassey was there, together with some of the Arsenal football team, David Berglas, Ali Bongo, Alan Shaxon, lots of the US performers from the IBM Convention at Eastbourne, and many other magicians. The second half of the show started with another musical number by the MagiCares Big Band, followed by the wonderful musical magic of Norm Neilson. Norm gave a perfect performance, as always, and got a great reaction when his floating violin vanished, then reappeared from the side of the stage to take a bow ! Norm was followed by a unique performance by Ben Stone (Paul’s son). Ben is a talented singer and song-writer and gave a wonderful performance of The MagiCares theme song “When Magic Cares, Miracles Happen” (which he had written himself). Paul must have been a VERY proud Dad. Paul Stone then came onto stage to thank and recognise a number of people that had been involved in the show and MagiCares charity – Diana Zimmerman, Lynette Chappell, Peter Reveen. Lynette (the original ‘Evil Queen’ in the S&R show) also appeared during the evening (preceded by one of the special effects from the show) to formally thank Siegfried and Roy for attending. The show continued with the Post Modern Magic of Jason Byrne, repeating the act seen at Eastbourne the previous night. A great performance, especially considering he had been working with the doves for less than 48 hours. Penultimate act of the show was another sensational hit seen at Eastbourne – Raymond Crowe. Describing himself as a mime, Raymond is SO much more. Hilarious comedy, and featuring an incredible zombie routine using a borrowed jacket. He finished with his amazing hand shadows, as seen on the Royal Variety Show. Raymond deservedly got a massive reaction from the audience. The final act was the high energy, sensational quick change artists Soul Mystique. Incredible costume changes from both performers, a high energy level and a fitting ending to an utterly incredible, amazing show. However there was still one surprise left as Siegfried and Roy then walked onto the stage to thank everyone. This was an emotional moment for all concerned and they got a huge standing ovation. Overall this was, without question, the most amazing and magical show I have ever witnessed and a real ‘once in a life time experience’. Paul Stone deserves a huge “thank you” for producing such an incredible event and I’m sure the MagiCares charity will go from strength to strength. I wouldn’t have missed it for the world, and it really proved that when Magic Cares, Miracles Happen. |
mitchmagi Regular user 129 Posts |
Thanks for the update - much appreciated !
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sheprendo New user 15 Posts |
Sounds like a fantastic show. Thank you.
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