Champions of Magic is a touring illusion show featuring a cast of five magicians, each specializing in a different type of magic from mind reading & close-up to stage filling grand illusions.[1] [2] [3] [4]
Champions of Magic opened in the UK in October 2013 at Reading Hexagon Theatre[5] and has since completed 6 UK tours and a run in London.[6] The show completed a US tour in 2017 which was extended due to demand, concluding in March 2018. This included an extended run at the Palace Theatre in Cleveland, Ohio. To date the show has been seen by over 300,000 people[7] and received positive reviews.[8] [9] [10]
The show regularly features illusionists Young & Strange, acclaimed[11] mind reader Alex McAleer, escapologist Fernando Velasco, and British-born Las Vegas magician Hollie England.
They have a number of onstage assistants alongside an aerialist.
The production features mostly original magic that was created or devised by the performers and production designers. The show is known for its production including a large lighting rig and pyrotechnic effects.[12] [13]
The cast of the show have appeared on television multiple times including:
| Programme | Channel | Performer | |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Next Great Magician | ITV | Young & Strange | |
| Caught on Camera with Nick Cannon | NBC | Young & Strange | |
| Today Tonight | Channel 7 (Australia) | Alex McAleer | |
| Good Morning Britain | ITV | Alex McAleer | |
| Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 1 | ITV | Young & Strange | |
| Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 4 | The CW (USA) | Young & Strange | |
| Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 4 | The CW (USA) | Kayla Drescher | |
| The Today Show | NBC (USA) | Kayla Drescher | |
| Link Segment | Disney Channel | Richard Young | |
| Blue Peter | CBBC | Alex McAleer |
As part of their 2016 and 2018 UK tour the production held a performance exclusively for children from UK charity Rays of Sunshine at the Mermaid Theatre in London.[14]
When touring they also support Tickets For Troops[15] who provide free tickets to members of the armed forces and their families and Tickets For Kids which provides free tickets to disadvantaged children.