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The Magic is Back!

The magic is coming back to Falkland Palace from 13-15 August 2004. A cast of magicians from across the world will converge on this atmospheric, historic site with a view to charming the public and making them gasp in amazement. A Black Tie Dinner & Cabaret runs on the evening of Friday 13(!), a Gala Evening Performance on Saturday 15, and there is all day magic on Saturday 14 and Sunday 15. Entry is by ticket which also covers a visit to the Palace. Tickets are now on sale by contacting Falkland Palace on 01337 857397 - £8 adults, £5 concession, £20 family.

All aspects of magic will be represented, from alchemy and mind magic, to close-up magic, illusions, card tricks … Says one of the co-founders of the event, Jay Scott Berry, “We amaze, we inspire, we amuse!” Performers in 2004 include the ever popular Ali Bongo; Dr Anthony Darkstone from Portugal who is renowned as one of the finest magicians of the mind; Paul Dabek (the 2003 Young Magician of the Year); from Switzerland, mediaeval court magician, Pierre de Beaufort; Scotland’s grandmaster of magic, Patrick Page, will feature; and 2,000 year old Kramus Nexifius (aka Mark Fisken) will entertain in the depths of the Palace. For the full list of performers see notes for editors. Whatever your age, as long as you are young at heart, there will be something for you.

The Palace of Magic was the brainchild of Edinburgh Magician, Mark Fisken. Inspired by the Magic Castle in LA, and through collaboration with US magician, Jay Scott Berry, and the UK’s celebrated Ali Bongo, a new Circle of Palace Magicians was created in order to set up the Palace of Magic event for Scotland. This is a unique event in the UK and is fast becoming the biggest celebration of magic in the world.

Historically, King James VI was fascinated by magic, but while fear played a great part in past times, nowadays it’s all about fun, wonder and enchantment. If you’re young at heart and would like to be amazed, amused and inspired, then the Palace of Magic is an event for you.



The Palace of Magic 2004 – the Cast of Magicians
This year's cast comprises a wide spectrum of the Magical Arts, from close-up to stage, dove magic and illusions as well as children's magic, mime, balloons and mentalism. Many of these magicians will also be giving impromptu shows throughout the Palace and grounds between their regularly scheduled performances.

Patrick Page: One of the current "grandmasters" of magic, Patrick is certainly Scotland's best known magician. He has travelled the world extensively and we are pleased to have him as this year's Guest of Honoir. He will be performing his amazing magic throughout the weekend and will be featured on Saturday night's Gala show.


Ali Bongo: Our friend and Patron of the Circle of Palace Magicians, Ali is well known as a performer, creator and consultant. Another of the world's grandmasters, we are very honoured to have him back for his 3rd year as our Compere and guest performer.



Royal Sorell: This year, we expand upon our magic theme to include one of the world's finest balloon artists. From the USA, Royal is a performer, creator and has been showcased in several teaching videos which feature his many original designs and techniques. He and his wife, Patti, will be designing and creating a number of balloon scuptures, including this year's showcase piece: a Giant "Nessie", which will be unveiled at our official black tie banquet on Friday the 13th. Royal will also be performing magic and balloons throughout the weekend as well as being featured on Saturday night's Gala show.


David Goldrake: One of the brightest new stars in the world of magic, David is the "court magician" for the royal family of Luxembourg. He specializes in grand illusions and will be presenting a number of his large scale wonders throughout the weekend in our main Palace of Magic Theatre.


Pierre de Beaufort: This multi-award winning performer, comes to us from Switzerland. Internationally acclaimed, he will be enchanting us with his classic medieval court performance which has become a favorite in Castles and Palaces throughout Europe.


Dr. Anthony Darkstone: From Portugal, One of the world's finest Magicians of the Mind. Some refer to him as a Psychic Entertainer or Mentalist. Others refer to him as a Sorcerer of the 21st Century. Is what he does real magic or mere illusion? Whatever the answer, one thing is for certain. His performances are thought provoking, completely intriguing and highly entertaining. Anthony will be hosting and performing in the Gallery of Wonders as well as starring in the Saturday night Gala.


Jay Scott Berry: From the USA, Jay is recognized around the world as one of the finest creators and performers of Magic. He is also the honorary President of the Circle of Palace Magicians. He returns for his 3rd year, performing close-up in the Gallery of Wonders and stage magic in the Palace of Magic Theatre.


Mark Fisken: It was Mark, who originally brought the Palace of Magic into existence. He is an all around entertainer from Edinburgh. Last year, Mark surprised us all with his transformation into Kramus Nexifius, a 2500 year old wizard. This year, visitors will be allowed to venture into his inner sanctum and experience the mystery and wonders therein.


Lisa Richards: Lisa's fantasy character, Colombine has become a favourite at the palace of Magic. From Australia, Last year, she expanded her role to the Saturday night Gala show as the charming and mischievous sidekick to Ali Bongo. Once again, she will be delighting visitors with her unique blend of magic, mirth and balloon modelling.



Paul Dabek: From England, Paul was the recipient of the 2003 young magician of the year award from the Magic Circle. Last year, he was featured as the opening act on the Saturday night Gala show. This year, we are very pleased to present his award winning dove act throughout the weekend in the Palace of Magic Theatre.

Charles Brook: In keeping with our spirit of showcasing some of the world's finest young magician's, we are very happy to introduce this young man from Portugal. He has won numerous awards for his dynamic performances which have recently been seen as far away as Las Vegas. He will be performing his stage act throughout the weekend in the Palace of Magic Theatre.
Raymond Crowe: Highly regarded as Australia's finest magician, Raymond is an accomplished creator, performer and classically trained mime. He will be making a rare UK appearance with his award winning, one-man show for the Black Tie Gala on Friday the 13th. He will also be performing throughout the weekend's events.
We are also very happy to have a number of local talents returning this year as well as adding new performers for 2004. These include:
Mike McMillan - John Fox - Tiny Tim - Jim Boyd - Alec Proctor - Brian Jeffrey - Helmunt Kautz
Colin Robb - Harry Mudie - Big Rory - Jim Cuthbert - Dennis Shields - Gladys Chucklebutty
Gary James - Dennis Shields - Kenny Hurran - Bill Mcleod - George Tennant - Albert Lawson

Thanks for that Mog. I must admit I have heard about this as I was talking to one of the organisers when I was compiling the list of all UK Magic societies.

It sounds like it really is going to be a fantastic experience, and if only it were closer I would be there for sure.

There is also a website...

http://www.palaceofmagic.com/index1.html

well i was there today (saturday) and i must admit i loved it!.... i could only get there about 2 pm (mrs mog was busy *sigh*) but the acts i saw were outstanding...Patrick Page was a very funny act to watch with great crowd control(especially since the majority of his volunteers were kids) even mrs mog though he was funny! Paul Dabek was outstanding... its actually the first time ive seen a dove act and i must admit i enjoyed it (even if he did seem to drop a tt on stage!!!) Charles Brook from portugal was also entertaining but i think his linking rings was a little too bland for most....David Goldrake performed a bigger version of an escapology effect that Patrick Page did on another stage (whether or not this was intended i have no idea) and a VERY good "Do as i do" torn and restored magazine page with a lady from the audience.... Jay Scott Berry was the perfect "big stage illusionist" on a small stage (if that makes sense?!?!?) a very clever rope cutting effect done with no dialogue just very dramatic music was a perfect end to the show.. he also did his "hole in space" effect using sponge ball rather than the streamer..... the ballon guy Royal Sorell was hilarious...and his skill with ballons has to be seen to be believed... i SERIOUSLY wish i had remembered my camera cos the "Nessie" ballon model was breathtaking... i m hoping Phil has a picture of it!!!.... Ali Bongo was simply a very funny and talented man as you would expect.... in fact the only downside and i dont mean this in a bad way was Dr. Anthony Darkstone (at least i think thats who he was??) who was "hosting" between acts did an effect involving a wicker man standing on his palm... now the effect was good but it seemed to be far too long winded for the young girl who he had chosen to assist him.. if it had been to a purely adult audience it may have gone down better but maybe thats just my view.

The close up performers i saw seemed to always have a crowd around them (i couldnt get near! ) so i can only assume they were good also...


All in all a VERY enjoyable day out!

hi there, i was there sunday with my wife and 12yr old daughter and we all really enjoyed it. It was the 1st yr we've been and spent most of the time watching the stage performances by paul drabek, who was really good, slick and looked really talented. David Golddrake was was superb, charles brook was good, i agree with the rings comment but thought his card stuff was good. I'm into close up and coin stuff but missed jay scott berry, patrick page and others performing in the "gallery of wonders" tent so was a bit gutted about that. The other magicians doing close up were very good. An older guy with dark hair, beard and specs, "Alex" i think, was particularly good. Well worth going to. next year we'll try and get to the evening do which should be really good.
David.