Smoke and Mirrors - House Magicians and Comedy Magic Show
Posted on: 2017-07-17
Our rating:
The show had me laughing and intrigued from start to finish and I will be sure to be back to one of these regular shows more often!
I'm usually pretty sceptical when it comes to magic shows. Not because I don't believe in the wonder of magic, I just find that if a magician tries too hard and doesn't get the audience involved, it all too often becomes a bit cringe and you don't enjoy yourself. Not with smoke and mirrors, not with this kind of show! The show had me laughing and intrigued from start to finish and I will be sure to be back to one of these regular shows more often!
When my girlfriend and I approached Smoke and Mirrors, we thought that we might indeed be in the wrong place. There was no way somewhere this small could hold a theatre inside. I guess that is part of the magic. We then perched ourselves at the bar, ordered some drinks and waited to be seated in the theatre. The extensive range of bar food and cocktails were a pleasant find, and the made the wait enjoyable and relaxed.
We eventually took our seats in the small, but cosy, theatre. With a 30 - 40 plus crowd in, ranging from birthdays to dates, there was plenty of pressure for all involved to perform well. We were introduced to our compère for the evening. This being one of his first attempts warming up a crowd and introducing his fellow magicians, he did an excellent job. Giving us all a chuckle, explaining the show and even demonstrating how a simple rope trick works, it was the perfect theatrical appetiser.
Richard Newman was first up on stage. A kind of Chris Moyles look-a-like after the weight loss (he made that comparison on the night, so you can't say I'm being mean.) he turned my scepticism into sheer wonder. I don't want to spoil any of his tricks as you need to see them so yourself, but it involves making a £20 note disappear and reappear in a very inventive place indeed. I pondered witchcraft for a while, and then eventually just put it down to the incredible skill and top magic. A quick interval to refill on drinks and we were shown back to our seats.
Next up was Smoke and Mirrors owner Mark Bennett. I was expecting big things from this guy and he delivered in bag fulls. Combining his obvious experience with his set shows and dealing with any heckling with impeccable improv had me chuckling all the way through. His take on a Nina Conti styled piece was simply hilarious. I felt like a kid at a birthday party with an entertainer, but it was even better because I could swear and drink. Again, I don't really want to go into detail about the show as it is something you should experience yourself, but believe me, it will have you laughing and amazed at the same time.
Upon reflection of my evening and my original scepticism of the magic comedy shows, I am most definitely a convert. We both paid £17.95 for the pleasure of the evening, and to me, it is worth every penny. The perfect thing to bring another couple too, anyone visiting Bristol or simply if you have some free time. I really do recommend heading over and seeing the best magic outside of Hogwarts.
.jpg "Smoke and Mirrors Magic and House Magicians Comedy Show - A truly delightful show")
Check out all the shows at smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk.
Article by:
Matt, originally from Belfast, has only lived in Bristol for a year now and is studying Media & Journalism at UWE. He wants to concentrate his writing and media skills in Bristol's culinary culture, delving into what fine feasts the city has to offer and where the best places to go for food really are. Along with an aspiration to interview some of the influential people shaping Bristol and some who are simply passing through, Matt really is trying to make Bristol his new home! For any other info check out his Facebook or Twitter.
