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Just got back from a family visit back in Bournemouth and I just wanted to remind everybody of the Fantastic Magic shop that Mike runs down in Boscombe. As a child I used to dream about being let loose in a Toy shop with money to burn. Now as an adult I get those same feelings when I walk into a Magic shop. Mike Danatas shop is in a class of its own. I don't believe that there is another one like it. It is filled with goodies from floor to ceiling. Mike is a real gent and a clever Businessman. My Daughter and wife are in awe of Mike and his shop and he also kindly gave our Daughter a little something which is now taking pride and place on her bedroom wall. I believe every Magician should make at least one Pilgrimage to his Bournemouth shop every year. It is one of The wonders of Bournemouth. It even beats the Nuddy Beach over at Studland. Thank you Mike, see you soon.

Yeah, do agree there.. Remember popping in there in 2009, was gobsmacked!! They broke the mold when they made that shop..

Is he still doing the Barry Manilow act?

SpareJoker wrote:Is he still doing the Barry Manilow act?

Not so much these days I'm afraid. He is still a great song writer though.

jomarchan wrote:Just got back from a family visit back in Bournemouth and I just wanted to remind everybody of the Fantastic Magic shop that Mike runs down in Boscombe. As a child I used to dream about being let loose in a Toy shop with money to burn. Now as an adult I get those same feelings when I walk into a Magic shop. Mike Danatas shop is in a class of its own. I don't believe that there is another one like it. It is filled with goodies from floor to ceiling. Mike is a real gent and a clever Businessman. My Daughter and wife are in awe of Mike and his shop and he also kindly gave our Daughter a little something which is now taking pride and place on her bedroom wall. I believe every Magician should make at least one Pilgrimage to his Bournemouth shop every year. It is one of The wonders of Bournemouth. It even beats the Nuddy Beach over at Studland. Thank you Mike, see you soon.

Hi! this is Mike Danata.

Thank you very much for your kind comments, which I appreciate very much indeed.

I do sometimes wonder, if it's worthwhile keeping the shop open, when most people are just so happy to "Tap Tap, & Click Click" to make their purchases online (& purchase from the "Cheapest" supplier of course!!).

When I first opened up here 11 years ago, I never really wanted to do mail order, I just wanted an "Aladdin's Cave Of magic" that people would flock to from miles around (we can all dream can't we?). I appreciate all of my customers of course, but love the reaction from the ones that walk in for the first time!

I'll never forget the reaction of Andy Nyman for instance, but I won't repeat here what he said! Or the little boy who was brought into the shop BLINFOLDED by his father, who took off the blindfold when the kid was fully inside, & the little boy spun around & exclaimed "I've died & gone to heaven!"

Those & many more instances, are the reasons why I hope to continue to keep the actual shop open. never have I wanted to be a "Faceless Internet seller of Magic".

It's always nice to hear what people really think, I know the shop is small, & I had big plans at one time to expand, THANK GOD I DIDN'T!!!!! especially with the present economic climate, (that I fear will be around for a long while yet), hopefully, just like Mike Danata's Magic Studio ................ hopefully..................

All good wishes & Thanks Again!

Mike Danata

Mike has always been a gent! He is, and always has been,kind, courteous and a fountain of Magic & Show Biz knowledge. And he is a great performer as well!
I have known him for X years since I first bought a couple of things from him when he was 'Mr. Magic'. We have corresponded, spoken about once on the phone but never met--yet!
Years ago he shared a great secret with me which enabled me to 'perfect' my favourite effect--The Floating Ball.
He even specially made up the stronger 'necessary' I needed for the large Don Wayne Floating Ball model for my Dante show in 1980.

I have always respected him and count him amongst my few really Best Friends in the business.

Long may he reign.

One day Mike--we will be in Bournemouth and then ---!

Best wishes
Allen T

Allen Tipton wrote:Mike has always been a gent! He is, and always has been,kind, courteous and a fountain of Magic & Show Biz knowledge. And he is a great performer as well!
I have known him for X years since I first bought a couple of things from him when he was 'Mr. Magic'. We have corresponded, spoken about once on the phone but never met--yet!
Years ago he shared a great secret with me which enabled me to 'perfect' my favourite effect--The Floating Ball.
He even specially made up the stronger 'necessary' I needed for the large Don Wayne Floating Ball model for my Dante show in 1980.

I have always respected him and count him amongst my few really Best Friends in the business.

Long may he reign.

One day Mike--we will be in Bournemouth and then ---!

Best wishes
Allen T

I look forward to meeting you some day Allen, when you make your "Pilgrimage" to Sunny Bournemouth (actually right now it's pouring with rain, but the Sun is always shining in Mike Danata's Magic Studio!!).

Take care.

Best Wishes

Mike Danata

Hi Mike,
For me personally, I hope you stay open. I appreciate the economic climate may help you decide things one way or another but it will be a real shame if you close. As for your website, I like it just the way it is, I know you may change things a little but for me it is perfect.
Best wishes.

jomarchan wrote: As for your website, I like it just the way it is, I know you may change things a little but for me it is perfect.
Best wishes.

Ah! don't talk to me about "The website!!" (only Joking!!). A lot of people like it, & a lot more really hate it!! "Too Old Fashioned" They say. "Too many graphics" "No Search Facility" (There is a search facility, but first you have to enter the SHOP!). I could go on, but I won't!!

Soon however, there will be another website! so you can choose which one to visit, the new one will look very professional & similar to many "Out Of The Box" websites, that the majority of people seem to prefer, & the other one will be the current "As Is" one.

Also the web address for the new site will be shorter: http://www.danatasmagic.co.uk"

As soon as the new site is up, I will make an announcement!

Best Wishes

Mike Danata

We paid a holiday visit too - http://www.bicycle-cards.co.uk/2012/08/ ... urnemouth/ - and would echo lots of the comments above. Mike's a great and helpful guy...