Lucky Prize Winner

After last year‘s run of Circus 1903 at the Royal Festival Hall in London, the producers asked me to create a new routine for the show’s return to the UK for an expanded holiday tour. Not an easy task for me but I accepted the challenge. 

Left my own devices, it’s very hard for me to motivate myself to add anything new. Being a long time close up guy and solo act, I didn’t have much experience putting together large complicated stage sized set pieces. 

So it didn’t hurt that I was embarking on a six-month residency in Reno with the Illusionists Experience at the El Dorado Hotel. I had lucked out, last summer Reno happened to be the home of three of the most creative and original thinkers in Magic. Tyler Wilson, Mark Kalin and David Kaplan (who was working across the street at Harrah’s). 

Many enjoyable hours were spent in a little coffee shop discussing, arguing, laughing and collaborating on this germ of an idea that was forming for a comedy magical carnival game with a big emotional pay off. Each of these performers brought their unique experiences and weirdo points of view to the mix. Tyler Wilson donated his graphic design expertise as well. 

Fledgling versions of the routine were put on the stage at the El Dorado and then it was dissected, retooled, filmed and tried again and again. The process was frustrating and exhilarating. 

I arrived in the UK a month ago with a few small props and a rough drawing of the main set piece need to be built in less than a week! Mike Caveney suggested that I call Scott Penrose. I did. 

Two days later I had the most beautiful, well made prop I’ve ever owned. It was inspiring watching him work. The care and attention to detail was far beyond what was called for. I don’t think I have a piece of furniture in my home as well made! Thank you Scott for your craftsmanship and your kindness. 

The icing on the cake was the final hand painted art signage by Circus 1903's extremely talented scene painter Diogo Monteiro.

I’m grateful to be able to work and spend time with so many talented and generous artists and craftsmen. It’s good to stop and remember that nobody is an island, to appreciate all of the people who inspire us and lend a hand throughout our careers in this business.

So it was a special treat to stand on the Birmingham Hippodrome stage last week and to present this original circus themed piece of entertainment to rapturous applause and waves of laughter. Which I accepted on behalf of my creative friends and collaborators without whom it wouldn’t have happened. Take a bow boys, well done! And if I haven’t said it enough... Thank You.