Next show home contact trailer close-up reviews bookshow Show Reel join mailing list		Klub Magic 5th October 2005 Klub Magic came back to the Komedia in Brighton – and what a welcome return it was for magic fans on the South Coast. Life wasn’t quite the same without it and it is great that producer Mark Worgan had planned two Autumn shows – one held last night and the other in December. Only pity is that it isn’t every month! Klub Magic fans were not to be disappointed with some superb acts combined with the ever appealing Mr Worgan himself involving the audience in some funny and captivating routines as well as delivering the jokes. Mark Worgan needs to give himself bigger slots in the magic cavalcade he so ably comperes. As a regular of Klub Magic it is all too often one of his routines that is the highlight of the evening. The card in the baked bean can routine, at this show has only been surpassed by his acrobatic flea, which is an absolute comedy masterpiece. Mark’s only too brief appearance on the Paul O’Grady show proved an indication that here is a unique comedy talent deserving of greater airtime. At Klub Magic, Mark is an able performer with immense entertainment value and stage presence who could delight the same audience with his own one-man show! Apart from demonstrating his own entertainment ability, Mark provides a great service to the magic world by bringing variety in magic to the general public on a regular basis – even although a significant number of his audience are magicians which is understandable given the quality and kudos of the show. Here is a magician to be applauded for his unique contribution to magical entertainment in the UK today. What delight it was to see Roy Davenport excelling with his very clever manipulations. Roy took two spots in this show – and enthralled the audience with every moment. If a Paul Daniels style show was to be screened on television then the young talent of Roy would be a suitable contender to lead it. Himself from a very magical family, his showmanship combined with tremendous magic skill made me appreciate just what we are missing with a general absence of the traditional magic show in mainstream entertainment. One of the slots involved him performing his grandfather’s act – complete with his grandfather’s waistcoat – and his grandfather must be looking down on this magical wonder with immense pride! Keeping things bright, beautiful and majestic this is an act to look out for. A name to watch out for as it can only get bigger in the magic world! The ace illusion act Amethyst closed the show with illusions, song and magical presentations that were quite simply magnificent. Catch this act if you can! Daniel Hunt and Annette Claire are real showstoppers. I marvelled at their snow storm, was mesmerised by their gypsy thread routine and there was faultless presentation of such classic illusions of Metamorphosis, the Indian sword basket and zig zag to name just a few of the offerings. This is a unique and very colourful act with Annette adding some very fine vocal numbers while Daniel did the magic and Annette herself also performing illusions – making them a very formidable and very equal magical partnership. Wonderful! This was the first time this very impressive act did Brighton and the audience loved every second of their performance. For lovers of alternative magic, if there is such a concept, Pete Firman, from television’s Monkey Business and Dirty Tricks, delivered his own brand of entertainment which was unmissable even if slightly uncomfortable for some. You cannot really take your eyes off a man who swallows whole lit cigarettes, puts needles through his arm drawing blood and swallows whole balloons. Pete has his own brand of comedy in his routine and, while it must be accepted he would not be to everyone’s taste, he is nevertheless a performer capable of holding the stage and demonstrating some first class magical ability. Television, with its appetite for the unusual and the bizarre, are sure to be including him in its schedules for some time to come. One of the appeals of taking your table at Klub Magic is the close-up magic from Stevie P, a larger than life character who can produce really original and killer effects that you might not see elsewhere. You cannot miss the guy for his exuberant and laugh a minute personality and the whole cabaret/club like atmosphere does make this a rather special venue for entertainment of this type. Hopefully Klub Magic will have more dates in the new year. All credit to Mark Worgan and his team for producing something quite unique and special in magical entertainment that could surely tour other cities. If you are looking for an all round evening of magical entertainment combined with some food and drink then it does not get much better than Mark Worgan’s magical feast of entertainment. © Nick Ralls, October 2005 Argus December 2005 Klub Magic, Komedia, Brighton From the archive, first published Friday 9th Dec 2005. Having stopped believing in Father Christmas, the Tooth Fairy and magic a long, long time ago, I headed down to the venue not with scepticism but instead with a determination to suss out just how the tricks of the trade were done. What I expected were the usual sleight-of-hand deceptions, cup-and-ball sequences and tap-three-times-on-this-and-thats. Instead, this turned out to be the best night out I'd had in ages, with a diverse range of acts - some predictable, yet still enjoyable due to the humour attached, and some just downright extraordinary. Host Mark Worgan's style was that of the former - standard paper-tearing tricks, where the torn tissue was then transformed into a hat, and disappearing water, poured back out of a newspaper seconds later, complete with altered hue. However, teaming his act with deadpan wit and the ability to poke fun at himself and his profession, Worgan proved magicians are good for more than just children's party entertainment. Stand-up comic and illusionist Noel Britten was simply outstanding. Again, with humble escapology tricks and plenty of self-deprecating humour, Britten clearly had the talent to rival any of today's top TV funnymen. In particular, his talk of finding ways to actually spend a giant five pound note ("Quick! Take it, I'm shrinking!") was choke-on-your-drink hilarious. Final guest act Tensai, a Japanese/Cockney illusion duo, used kung-fu-style music and a wordless, well choreographed performance to help create the atmosphere for their most spectacular optical trick, the grand finale of the whole night. After apparently slicing and dicing his assistant by means of a set of steel blades and an inescapable box, the Oriental magician then proceeded to "float" said assistant, seemingly without the aid of physical objects, about a foot in the air above the stage. After witnessing such visually amazing and unfathomable events up close, I have been forced to reconsider my views. Although I still do not believe Santa Claus exists, it's quite clear magic certainly does, in the form of this monthly night of top-notch entertainment from Mark Worgan and his Magic Circle mates. Archive Home From the archive http://www.theargus.co.uk Klub Magic at the Komedia, Brighton 9th February 2005. Hosted and compered by Mark Worgan Mark Worgan has an uncanny skill at providing very well balanced evenings of magic at this lovely theatre venue here in Brighton. The Komedia features a stage setting with tables scattered around the room and a large bar and excellent waiter service. Before the main show commences close up performers move from table to table to entertain and provide an excellent warm-up for the main show. Close uppers last night were Andrew Jeffrey and Steve Pratt and, judging from the screams of amazement and the loud applause, they were doing an excellent job. The show opened as usual with some comedy gags from Mark Worgan and some mystery as well. How he did it I do not know but a signed card actually ended up sealed in a can of beans! That got me thinking and the audience laughing and completely baffled. Keith Cooper and Carol were the first act and, not having not seen them before, I wondered if they would live up to their excellent reputation. The act was polished and faultless. Keith performed one of the best cut and restored ropes I have seen for years. Carol was a wonderful assistant. Beautiful but not distracting and completely integrated into the act. The highlight of their set for me was a polished presentation of Carol’s escape from an examined and padlocked mailbag. If I hadn’t read the method in a book many years ago I would have been as baffled and astounded as the audience. Not content with escaping from the bag, Carol emerged having completely changed her costume. A great act and completely professional in every way. Next on was Roy Davenport. He caught coins from the air and poured them down a coin ladder, he linked rings in a fiery and powerful routine, which combined Spanish music and dance. Absolutely amazing! And then he closed the act with the most powerful floating ball routine I have ever seen. Joe Karson, the creator of Zombie, would have been proud to have seen it. Roy combined mime and dance together with the floating ball. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind that that Roy was using something as heavy as a cannon ball that seemed to have a life of its own. I am constantly reading of Roy’s success with international competition prizes and does he deserve them! He certainly does and the audience rose from their chairs to applaud Roy’s super and breath-taking performance. How could Alan Shaxon, President of the Magic Circle follow all of this display of extreme talent? He would have needed to have emulated the charm and manner of David Devant and the warmth and of Robert Harbin. And this he did! He charmed the audience with magic and mystery the moment he stepped on to the platform. It was all there. Aerial fishing virtually close up. Baffling effects with silks and glasses, card routines and on to his classic hydrostatic glass. Sophisticated, charming and another truly professional performance that made me happy to be part of the magical community. This show was memorable and hearing the audience’s remarks as they left the club I was not the only one with this opinion. Congratulations to all involved and a salute to Mark for putting it together. This is a long review but this evening of magic demands it. Martin Breese Mark Worgan's Klub Magic, Komedia Theatre, Brighton, Wednesday 12th January 2005 It was Klub Magics' first time for a Wednesday slot. This reshaping did not deter the volume of visitors, nor did it compromise the quality of magic. Compere Mark Worgan opened the show with a welcoming personality and a baffling prediction. He gave away free tickets as prizes for next months Klub Magic, thus setting the scene for the first act Loki: Comedy Mindreading. Loki was introducing a new act reminiscent of Steve Coogans' Alan Partridge, and poked gentle fun at Derren Brown. Loki successfully predicted who would select a silver stone amongst a bag of coloured stones. The 5 volunteers wore post it notes for name tags and prizes given out were taken back at the end. Surreal maybe but undoubtedly funny. This act has certainly had a lot of thought. After the interval Mark Worgan introduced Wacky juggler Nathan Zorchak. Olandos loss is our gain. Customed feats of juggling thrown against sharp off beat humour made a pleasant break in the magic. However swallowing a fully blown modelling balloon was very impressive. Our host then proceeded with comedy carrot producing and a funny story about a rabbit. This kept our attention whilst the stage was set for our final act Martyn James and co. This was the act I enjoyed most. Some great large illusions including assistants revenge and an amusing topsy turvy girl, James was assisted by two girls and successfully elevated the show with a relaxed, mischievous school boy humour that had depth and vulnerability. It was the acts 2nd visit and judging audience response are sure to return again. The 2 and a half hours had flown by. The show was of a high standard and very good value for money. If variety has been killed, Klub Magic has had a lucky escape, and long may it last. Jason George Mark Worgan's Klub Magic, Komedia Theatre, Brighton, Monday 7th June 2004 have never been disappointed with any magic show organised by Mark Worgan and again on Monday 7th June, I had a wonderful magic evening. The show opened with fast-moving and very baffling Mind Reading from Graham Jolley. I have heard over and over again how good Graham is and when seeing him I was not disappointed. Mightily impressed I should say!!!! Heavily influenced by Al Koran, Graham is a worthy successor. Any mentalist who wants to improve his technique should study Graham. He is sophisticated and suave and reserved and then, without warning, breaks into his own kind of diabolical, off-the-wall humour. A great act! Pete Wardell followed with magic transported from the street to the stage. His presentation is magnificent and his Cups and Balls and Hat is the best I have ever seen. Book this guy if you have a convention in the planning. The finale of the evening was the magic and illusions of Martyn James and Company. He has a show and an amusing personality and some really baffling effects. This is a class act that can be booked anywhere from Berwick Street to Buckingham Palace. Holding everything together as compere and resident trixter was Mark Worgan himself. Wonderful personality, great gags and brilliant timing as well. Mark Worgan is behind all of these shows and he is backed with resident close-uppers, Steve Pratt and Steve Virgo. The next show is on Monday 6th September and if you fancy a weekend in Brighton with a great magic show as well then make sure you are there. Martin Breese Mark Worgan has done it again. Klub Magic, Komedia theatre, Brighton, Sunday 9th May 2004 The show was sold out to a packed audience. Fay Presto opened the show with an hour-long cabaret packed with her unique brand of magic. The highlight of her performance for me was her wonderful presentation of her version of the Gypsy Thread. She wove into the effect a story about her life and times and it was very moving indeed. The next act was brief and to the point and absolutely stunning: Duncan Trillo. He looked immaculate and the audience of layman applauded virtually every appearance of a card at his fingertips during his manipulative act. It was one of the best manipulative acts I have ever seen. Any young magician wanting to learn to perform in any branch of magic should travel as many miles as it takes to see Duncan Trillo's award winning magic. Stunning. The final act of the evening was Safire and that was excellent as well. The beautiful assistant and partner wove their own brand of magic with fast and well performed illusions and ended as they should with the best … their presentation of the sub trunk but performed with a clear crystal chest. To me this seemed as fast as the legendary Pendragon's version. A great act and a perfect end to a wonderful evening. Mark Worgan is a skilled magician and compere and provided brief comedy magic interludes between the three acts. He is a wonderful organiser of magic. I can't wait for the next show, which will be 7th June, back to the regular Monday night slot and celebrates a years run.It is then resting for July and August, and back in September with a bang. Visit the Klub Magic web site, www.klubmagic.co.uk for the details as they are confirmed. Magic at the Komedia Theatre, Brighton, Klub Magic 5th April 2004 Mark Worgan hosted, organised and compered another outstanding magic show at Brighton’s Komedia Theatre. The audience seated at tables in true cabaret style enjoyed the juggling, wit and skill of circus-and-theatre-trained Mark Stafford. Chris North and Belinda provided their award winning illusion act only marred by an interlude of card magic. I much prefer their fast and furious illusions. Terry Seabrooke who opened the show left the audience crippled with laughter for nearly 40 minutes and although I must have seen his show at least 10 times, I again enjoyed every moment. Terry is off very soon to Hollywood to collect his Masters Award from the Academy of Magical Arts and there was not a person in the audience who would not agree that this is truly deserved. Close-up around the tables was provided as usual by Steve Pratt and Steve Virgo. A wonderful evening with compere gags and material from Mark Worgan and a well-balanced programme. The next show on Sunday May 9th will be part of the Brighton Festival and will feature a great bill: Fay Presto, Duncan Trillo and Safire. Be there if you can. Martin Breese, Brighton Mark Worgan’s Klub Magic evening at the Komedia, Brighton 1st mar 2004 Mark Worgan’s Magic Evenings which are held on the first Monday of each month at Brighton’s Komedia Klub are great events and are receiving well-deserved near full houses. This show combined a very well balanced programme on stage with close up around the tables provided by three very able performers: Andrew Jeffrey, Steve Pratt and Steve Virgo. Andrew Jeffrey performed at my table and his set left us wanting more. Host Mark Worgan opened the show with some really funny comedy gags and introduced the first act, which was in the capable hands of Mel Harvey. Mel was highly professional and I was fooled by his flash production of a full bottle of wine achieved by clever misdirection. His Professor’s Nightmare was the best I have seen. Romany was next and had the audience and her on-stage assistants completely in her thrall. She plays the part of a visiting Los Angeles Diva who has lost her props on her flight to the UK. She is a brilliant actress and her act was original, entertaining and baffling. Her performance was an absolute lesson in stagecraft and showmanship. Jack Delvin provided a polished finale to a great evening. He handled his volunteers with great skill and having lent a ring to Jack Delvin they were floated in mid-air, sawn in half and finally experienced the terror of the giant head chopper before the ring was returned. Jack Delvin has much of the charm of the late Robert Harbin. The entire evening was an outstanding success. Visit Mark Worgan’s website for details of the next show: www.klubmagic.co.uk Argus review "When I think of magic, I imagine children's parties with rabbits. Then I see these great Illusionists on television, being the cynic that I am I think it is down to clever editing. But I am putting my hands up and am admitting I was wrong to doubt - the magicians, Illusionists and entertainers at Klub Magic proved there is a lot more to the art." "Host Mark Worgan got the audience warmed up and ready for an amazing night of mind-blowing illusions and plenty of laughs" Martin Breese, February 2004 Mark Worgan's regular first-Monday-of-the-month magical event at the Komedia is gathering steam and was virtually packed out at this show. Close-up performers roamed the tables but I didn't get a chance to see them or note their names but from the laughter they were clearly doing a good job. Mark Worgan opened the with a couple of comedy gags and compered the evening. Keith Fields followed with his highly professional magical comedy act which was a little bit risqué but thoroughly enjoyed by the audience. His opener with a production of a bowl of fish from a folding wallet shopping bag was a stunner that left me completely fooled. He kept his act moving with gags and bits and pieces interspersed with some excellent magic. Marc Paul was taking a break from some of his many television appearances. He uses mentalism effects presented in his own way with many twists and turns. He has a wonderful stage presence and his act was baffling and well produced. He looked the part of the mind reader and completely convinced his audience that that was what he could do. Highly entertaining. I look forward to seeing him again. Tensai and his attractive assistant presented a well-polished and well-rehearsed act that could play in any venue. He opened by addressing the audience in Japanese and halfway through explained that he was half Japanese and half English and presented the rest of the show in English. I thought that he had flown in direct from Japan up to then! His handling of props and selection of material was excellent and his illusions baffled the entire audience which gave him a standing ovation. Congratulations to Mark Worgan on these excellent magic evenings which are well worth the trip to Brighton for anyone interested in being entertained with the best of magic and comedy.