London and magicians have long been intrinsically linked, with the likes of Harry Houdini and John Nevil Maskelyne making names for themselves in the big city. However, while magic has continued to conjure its way throughout the capital over the years, it hasn’t been as dominant an art form as back in its heyday.
That isn’t to say London doesn’t still host magic shows. Since the pandemic, shows such as Wonderville, Magic Goes Wrong, The Mind Mangler, Derren Brown’s Showman, and Penn & Teller have graced the city.
Still, magic ultimately feels a little bit on the sidelines – despite many efforts to make it a West End staple. Even in recent years, when big names in the industry have tried to make a runaway magical hit, such as Derren Brown’s Unbelievable, various factors led to these shows closing prematurely.
Nothing has the longevity of, say, Paul Daniels, who played at the Prince of Wales Theatre for nearly two years in the early 80s! Or that of the long-running magic shows of Las Vegas! Or even closer to the UK in Barcelona, where El Mago Pop has built quite the residency.
I do believe that we’re on the cusp of a new golden age of magic in London. It feels as if there’s never been a better time than the present to not only be a magic-goer here but to be a magician as well.
