Musee de la Magie – Illusion and Intrigue in the Heart of Paris…

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If you are planning a trip to Paris soon, why not pay a visit to the Musée de la Magie? It truly is one of La Ville Lumière’s hidden gems, and I was very fortunate to pass many a magical moment there when I lived in Paris.

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Located on Rue St Paul in the fashionable Marais, the museum boasts a magic school, theater and shop.

The French contribution to the art of prestidigitation has been considerable. Robert Houdin (1805 – 1871) is said to be the ‘father of modern magic’ and famously performed an impressive illusion to quell insurrection during French rule in Algeria. Indeed, it was most interesting to see this very effect resurrected on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ recently. The Hungarian-American magician Ehrich Weiss was so inspired by the French master that he took his name, becoming none other than the great Harry Houdini!

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A veritable Alladin’s cave of magic and mystery. Step into an amazing world beneath the streets of old Paris…
Located at 11 Rue Saint Paul in the  bohemian 4th arrondissement, the museum provides an enjoyable and unique experience. Even those with just a passing interest in magic will find much to amuse and enthrall. Visitors can either participate in a guided tour of the museum or peruse the extensive array of memorabilia at their leisure. A first class performance of legerdemain then follows in the theater – provided by one of the exceptional resident magicians. Both young (and not-so-young) spectators will be treated to classic illusions, card manipulation and sleight-of-hand delivered with inimitable wit, skill and Gaulish charm.
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The red cross marks the area where the museum is located – just a stone’s throw from Notre Dame Cathedral on the right bank.
The museum also boasts a well stocked magic shop, which vends hand made effects and novelties, as well as a magic school for those inclined to study and learn more. I have personally always found the resident magicians and staff at the Musee de la Magie to be extremely courteous, enthusiastic and helpful whenever I have had the pleasure to pay a visit.
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The 14th arrondissement is a vibrant area on the right bank.
 Opening hours are: Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday from 2pm to 7pm. However, the theater is normally accessible during local school and public holidays too. Visit the website for more details: www.museedelamagie.com. Current tariffs for entry are: adults – 10 Euros, and children – 8 Euros. It is well worth a visit if you happen to be in the area.
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The stunning Cathedral of Notre Dame is close by. Why not pop into the museum next time you visit Paris?
Are you planning a special occasion in the future and require magic for your event? Visit David Fox’s website at: www.magician-midlands.co.uk or phone/text him: 07946 686 258.

Magic at Darren’s Birthday Party

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‘Your magic was absolutely amazing and the tricks were just impossible’

Joy Green (Darren’s Mum) December 2016

It is always a massive privilege to be invited to perform magic in someone’s house, and I was delighted when Joy asked me to perform magic at her son Darren’s 50th birthday bash in Peterborough. Indeed, providing an entertaining show in such conditions is the ultimate test for the magician. The opportunity to demonstrate my craft in such an intimate setting and in such close proximity to the audience is truly wonderful. Furthermore, I am also very humbled when someone like Joy invests such a high degree of trust in me to interact with their nearest and dearest in the family home.

When travelling to a house party, the same things always pop up in my mind… I hope that the family and guests will like me and we can quickly strike up a positive rapport… My show has been prepared thoroughly, but will everyone enjoy it and respond as I anticipate? How will I react if we have to alter the schedule in any way? Will there be more or less people present than we originally thought? Sometimes things can change quickly when it comes to such special events and my job is to be flexible and accommodating.

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It is always fantastic to entertain all age groups at a house party. The magic should appeal to everyone present.

On arrival, my pre-performance worries quickly evaporated when I received a tremendously warm welcome from Joy, Darren and their family and friends. I immediately and instinctively knew that this was going to be a very special party to remember. Darren’s guests were clearly ready and primed for a parlour show of magic with a difference.

Having discussed the schedule in detail with Joyce beforehand, I had created a show which encompassed card magic, sleight-of-hand, illusion, mind-reading and classic visual effects with plenty of audience participation. I felt that this type of performance and strategy would be suitable for both the adults and children present. Indeed, my philosophy is that it is vital to include all of the guests present (from the youngest to the not so youngest) when entertaining at any special occasion.

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Darren’s family and friends were fantastic. They made me feel instantly welcome and helped make the magic work!

It truly was a massive pleasure and a privilege to entertain such a lovely group of people. After the grand finale, and having had the opportunity to chat and get to know everyone, I truly considered myself very fortunate to have been part of Darren’s special birthday celebrations. Indeed, I would like to say ‘thank you’ again to Joy for calling upon my services and to her family and friends for making me so welcome. ‘Happy birthday’ once more to Darren and I do hope I have the opportunity to see you and everyone again in the future. Best wishes from David.

For more details about how David can make your house party extra special visit his website at: David Fox Magic.

The Riverbank Bar and Kitchen, Nottingham

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The Riverbank at Trent Bridge

‘Thank you David for your fantastic performance at our dinner last night! There is a real buzz around the office today thanks to you.’

Rachel Cletheroe, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Nottingham

With spectacularly scenic views over the River Trent, and within walking distance of Nottingham Forest’s stadium and Trent Bridge Cricket Ground, the Riverbank Bar and Kitchen is one of Nottingham’s exceptional venues. There is something here for everyone, and the facilities include: a spacious bar and terrace to enjoy a quiet drink or two, an exquisite dining area, and a secluded function room which is perfect for parties, weddings and corporate functions. The Riverbank has also earned an excellent reputation for the top quality bands and acts that perform there regularly throughout the year.

Nottingham magician David Fox always looks forward to performing magic in the Riverbank and recently amazed at the venue’s wedding fayre in February. Some of the finest suppliers in the city gathered in the upstairs’ function room to exhibit their respective services to the brides and grooms.

The function area is a familiar local haunt for David Fox, and he has been very fortunate to have entertained guests there on numerous occasions over the past few years. It is perfect for both intimate family occasions, such as Evie’s Holy Communion Party in 2012, or larger black tie events, like PricewaterhouseCooper’s recent annual dinner in October 2015. At both events David provided a fully customised entertainment package which involved a blend of both close-up magic, table-side illusions, and a spectacular parlour show of mystery and amazement to round of the proceedings.

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David’s magic is perfect for intimate events

Why not pop into the Riverbank Bar and Kitchen the next time you are in the Trent Bridge area? Visit their website for more details: The Riverbank Bar and Kitchen Nottingham or contact Lauren Llewellyn (Sales and Events Coordinator) on 0115 986 7960.

David Fox is a local award winning magician who can create bespoke packages for all sorts of special occasions around Nottingham and beyond. The overwhelming success of Dynamo and Derren Brown in recent years has catapulted magic back into the mainstream. David creates his own spellbinding effects, illusions and routines which are guaranteed to astound your guests. Visit his website today to find out more: Nottingham Magician David Fox. Contact telephone number: 07946 686 258.