More information about Parlour Magic at Tranzac [Sep 10 - Feb 4, 2027]

Earlier this month, we posted about Parlour Magic, a new monthly magic show.  We reached out to the producer to learn more about the Parolour Magic experience.  This is his reply.

 

Toronto: Parlour Magic at Tranzac — Six-Show Season Announced [Sep 10, 2026 – Feb 4, 2027]

Oracle Productions has announced a new monthly close-up magic series launching this fall at the Tranzac Club in Toronto.

Parlour Magic at Tranzac runs every second Thursday from September 2026 through February 2027 — six evenings of professional close-up magic, mentalism, and illusion performed in the Living Room of the Tranzac Club at 292 Brunswick Ave. The room seats fewer than 100 people. There is no stage. The performers work at arm's length.

The series is produced by Ian Crawford (Oracle Productions), who also hosts and MCs each evening.

The Season Lineup:

September 10, 2026 — Opening Night
Headliner: Nick Wallace (Canadian Champion of Magic, Penn & Teller: Fool Us, America's Got Talent)
Feature: Jeff Hinchliffe (Browser's Den of Magic, Stepping Into the Impossible)
Opener: Rob Fishbaum (Second City Toronto, Fish the Magish)

October 8, 2026 — A Special Solo Evening
Bill Abbott — one night only, performing a full solo show. Abbott is the Canadian Magician of the Year, has appeared on Penn & Teller: Fool Us, America's Got Talent, Netflix, and NBC, and is known internationally for his intimate residency at Magic Hideaway in St. Augustine, Florida. Samuel L. Jackson has called him "incredible." He launched his career in Toronto. October 8 is his homecoming.

November 12, 2026
Headliner: Brandon Love (TEDx speaker, author of Brainsprouting)
Feature: Keith Brown (Toronto's Best Magician, TEDx speaker, 22 countries)
Opener: Gambit (25 years, 12 countries, four languages)

December 10, 2026
Headliner: Dan Trommater (world-class corporate magician, international performer)
Feature: Ian Crawford (Mentalist, Oracle Productions)
Opener: David Sutherland (close-up magic, Toronto magic community)

January 14, 2027
Headliner: Chris Mayhew (comedy magic, Magic Castle Hollywood, Chicago Magic Lounge)
Feature: David Peck (TVO Kids Spellz, IBM, Air Canada, philosopher-magician)
Opener: James Harrison (pickpocket magic, A-1 Magician of the Year 2016)

February 4, 2027 — Season Finale
Headliner & Host: Phil Pivnick (comedy magic, John Candy Box Theatre)
Feature: James Alan (Lies, Damn Lies & Magic Tricks, Magic & Martini, Toronto Fringe)
Opener: Ari Soroka (close-up magic and mentalism, Browser's Den of Magic)

Tickets are $35 General / $50 VIP. VIP includes early entry at 6:00 PM for an exclusive pre-show close-up magic experience before the main show begins, plus preferred front-section seating. Season Passes are available ($175 General / $250 VIP).

For tickets and information: MagicParlour.ca

Facebook: Parlour Magic at Tranzac
Instagram: @ParlourOfMagicTO 

 

From the August 24th Facebook post at Parlour Magic at Tranzac:  

 

 

 

David Peck interviews David Ben about the new home for David Ben's magic collection

From the David Peck interview David Ben in Episode 629 on the April 1st podcast "Curiosity, Magic & Meaning" at Face2Face with David Peck:

In this episode of Face2Face, David Peck sits down with magician, historian, and thinker David Ben for a wide-ranging conversation about curiosity, illusion, and the deeper intellectual life behind magic. At the heart of the discussion is Ben’s extraordinary collection, now housed at The Lilly Library at Indiana University, a vast archive spanning more than a century of magical history. Together, they explore magic as a “prism” for understanding the world, touching on ethics, problem-solving, and the power of wonder. This is more than a conversation about magic, it’s about how we see, ask questions and make meaning. 

Read more and listen to podcast. 

 

 

From James Alan's April 1st post "A Magical Acquisition" at Magicana: 

In a landmark moment for the scholarly study of magic, Indiana University’s Lilly Library has announced the acquisition of the David Ben Magic Collection. The Lilly Library is one of the nation’s preeminent rare books, manuscripts, and special collections libraries.

Read more.

 

 

From the April 1st article "Too Good to Be True? IU Acquires Legendary Magic Collection
David Ben's extraordinary collections chronicle the art and history of magic" at Indiana University:

This April Fools’ Day, turn disbelief into discovery as the Lilly Library announces the acquisition of David Ben's very real collection of extraordinary materials chronicling the art and history of magic, illusion, and performance history. 

Read more.  

 

   

 

 

 

 

 

Steve Valentine is Face2Face with David Peck (and the Mad Hatter in Cirque Alice [Mar 13 - Jul 26])

See Steve as the Mad Hatter in Cirque Alice in Reno.  Tickets at TicketMaster. 

 

From the March 4th Face 2 Face episode "Steve Valentine: Magic, Creativity & the Power of the Subconscious - Ep. 627" listing at acast:

In this episode of Face2Face, David Peck speaks with magician, actor and creator Steve Valentine about creativity, the subconscious mind and rediscovering the art of magic. Steve reflects on how the brain is always working beneath the surface, often producing creative breakthroughs when we least expect them. He shares how revisiting the history of magic and returning to routines he once performed has reignited his passion and opened new perspectives on his craft. Their conversation explores how reflection, curiosity and our past experiences shape the way we create and perform. Thoughtful and engaging, this episode is a reminder that creativity is rarely linear and that sometimes the best way forward is to look back.

Read more and Listen to David Peck interview Steve Valentine.

  

Found at the March 9 Instagram post by Face 2 Face Live. 

 

 

 

Mississauga: Ronald MacDonald House fundraiser [Jun 5]

Updated June 5th to add:

• We have just been advised that this show is cancelled. 

 

Featuring Rob Fishbaum, James Alan, and David Peck.  Tickets at Eventbrite.

 

From the April 15th blog post "Upcoming performance in Mississauga" at James Alan's blog:

I’ll be taking part in a special live show raising money for Ronald MacDonald House charities, alongside magicians David Peck and Rob Fishbaum. The performance is open to all ages.

 

From the April 15th Instagram post by Rob Fishbaum:

 

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A post shared by Fish The Magish 🐠🎩 (@fishthemagish)

 

 

 

 

Help Ring 17 reach their donation goal in support of the Daily Bread Food Bank

Updated December 29 to add:

• Embedded December 27th uploaded YouTube video of show at the bottom of the post.
   

 

Donate through the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit Club's link at the Daily Bread Food Bank.

 

From the December 28th Instagram post by David Peck:

A huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support the @hatandrabbitclub fundraising magic show for the @dailybreadto

Your energy, generosity, and love for magic helped make the night unforgettable. 🪄💛

We’re so close to reaching our goal of $3,000 to support families in need this holiday season. If you couldn’t make it to the show or want to help push us over the top, there’s still time to give!

💻 Donate now: Link in Bio

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A post shared by David Peck (@davidpecklive)

 

 

From the December 27th upload "Daily Bread FoodBank Fundraiser 2024" at the Ring 17 YouTube channel:

 

 

 

Toronto: With an Extra Helping of Magic fundraiser [Dec 18]

Edited at 5:30pm to add:

• More recent rumours suggest the line up will include:  David Peck, Magic Mel, James Alan, Phil Pivnick, Jeff Hinchliffe, Ian Crawford, Rob Fishbaum, David Sutherland, and Charles McBurney.
  

 

This year's line up rumoured to include David Sutherland, James Alan, Mel Jones, Ian Crawford and more!

 

From the December 9th Instagram post by the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit club (Ring 17):

Come see some AMAZING magicians, including @magicforgrownups James Alan at the Moonlight Lounge in Toronto!

The Hat and Rabbit Club is bringing you an unforgettable night of wonder and giving.
📅 When: December 18, 7:30 PM
📍 Where: Moonlight Lounge, Toronto

Every ticket helps support the Daily Bread Food Bank. Let’s make a difference together! 💫
@dailybreadto

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A post shared by Hat & Rabbit Club, Toronto (@hatandrabbitclub)

 

 

From the Sid Lorraine Hat & Rabbit club (Ring 17) website:

The show will be on Wednesday, December 18th, 7:30 pm. We've secured the Moonlight Lounge in Kensington market (easily accessible by TTC with Green P nearby.) The room seats about 100 people so we are looking for material appropriate for that size of audience. There is a stage, with limited space to preset props off to the side. We will have the ability to play music but not the ability to do any video projection or any other multimedia. Performances should be 5-10 minutes in length and suitable for audiences age 12 and up. Holiday themed material is welcome, as is material involving non perishable food items. We will need to know what you plan on performing ahead of time so that we can put together a show that is balanced without repetition.

Read more.

From the December 6th Instagram post by the Hat & Rabbit club:

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A post shared by Hat & Rabbit Club, Toronto (@hatandrabbitclub)

 

 

 

 

David Peck interviews Shawn Farquhar on Toronto Threads

David Peck interviews Shawn Farquhar about Lost in the Shuffle.  Listen at Toronto Threads.

Didn't make it to the premiere at the Toronto Hot Docs screening of the film?  Don't worry, it's coming to a theatre near you!   (Including Vancouver and Toronto later this month.)  Check the Lost in the Shuffle website for details.

Read our check-in with Shawn about Lost in the Shuffle from May 2023. 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: 'Magic Show & Tell' at Browser's Den

From the Browser's Den of Magic:

Magic Show & Tell at Browser's Den

FREE EVENTS COMING UP!

SAVE THE DATES!
Saturday, July 20, 2pm to 3:30pm - David Barrett

Saturday, August 10, 2pm to 3:30pm  - James Alan
Saturday, August 31, 2pm to 3:30pm - Andrew Woo

Saturday, September 14, 2pm to 3:30pm  - Dr. Sammy

Saturday, October 5, 2pm to 3:30pm  - Ryan Murray
Saturday, October 26, 2pm to 3:30pm  - David Peck

Read more.

 

 

 

 

Random thoughts about "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories"

Last Saturday, Jeff Pinsky hosted "An Evening of Magic Shop Memories" at The Browser's Den of Magic.

It was a lovely way to spend an evening!

We heard stories from: 

• Mike Segal
• Greg Hobor
• Richard Lyn
• Nicole Lee
  
• Dick Joiner
• Mike King
  
• David Sutherland
• Gordon Precious -- who, as an added bonus performed 2 effects for us!
• Colin Geddes
• David Peck
• Jeff Hinchliffe,
• Sammy Jakubowicz, and
• our host Jeff Pinsky
  

Stories told included Magic Masters, Daytona Magic, Macy's, The Arcade, The Den (on Bloor across from Varsity Arena, above Yuk Yuk's, Bathurst and Eglinton, and now!), Morrissey's (Montreal and Toronto) and even Marie & Jack Hughes living room in London, England!  They also included names like Sophie Smith, Len & Bernice Cooper, Herb & Dan Morrissey, Henry Gordon, Jay Sankey, Gary Kurtz, David Ben, Mark Lewis, David Mitchell, Danny Tsukalis, Steve Martin, Jim Carey, Keanu Reeves, and more!

 

Did you know that:

• Bernice Cooper often baby sat a Toronto magician's son at the store?
• Dick Joiner first saw Mark Lewis in England?
• David Copperfield once ended his grand illusion show in Toronto with "What's Next?" 
• Keanu Reeves used to hang out at The Browser's Den of Magic?
• There used to be a Canadian 25 cent bill!
  

 

Thank you older Jeff, for conceiving and hosting this wonderful evening of sharing!

From the January 14th Facebook post by Greg Hobor at The Browser's Den of Magic Facebook group:

 

 

 

 

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A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

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A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With an Extra Helping of Magic 2023

December 21, 2023

Toronto's Sid Lorraine Hat and Rabbit Club (IBM Ring 17) hosted a virtual fundraiser in support of mental health initiatives in Toronto and in support of North York General Hospital.

Watch the show and donate at:
https://www.ibmring17.com/show/

 

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A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

 

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A post shared by Canadas Magic (@canadasmagicdotcom)

 

 

 

 

 

Toronto: "With an Extra Helping of Magic" in support of the North York General Hospital [Nov 23]

With performances by the Toronto Magic Company, Phil Pivnick, Patrick Nemeth, David Peck, Katarina Gligorijević, Rob Fishbaum, and Anthony Lindan.  (Line-up subject to change.)

 

From the IBM Ring 17 website:

With an Extra Helping of Magic 
November 23

Join us for an enchanting evening of wonder and compassion as Willowdale Rotary and the Hat and Rabbit Club come together to host a magical charity fundraiser on November 23 at 7:30 pm.

This fun and interactive magic show is not just about illusion but also making a real difference. As we gather at this memorable event, with some of Toronto's finest magicians, we'll be raising critical funds to support mental health initiatives in Toronto and in support of the North York General Hospital. With every ticket sold and every donation made you're contributing to the well-being of those in need, helping to break down the stigma surrounding mental health issues and providing essential resources for our community.

Our goal is to raise at least $2,500.

Prepare to be amazed as we unite for a cause that's truly magical - the well-being of our fellow Torontonians.

Buy tickets or donate now.

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A post shared by Hat & Rabbit Club, Toronto (@hatandrabbitclub)

 

 

Toronto Threads with David Peck [Saturdays]

Listen to Toronto Threads (including David's interview with Julie Eng) at the Toronto Threads website. 

 

From the October 13th Instagram post by Face 2 Face Live:

Exciting News! David Peck is back with a brand new venture: "Toronto Threads!" Tune in to 640 Toronto every Saturday at 10pm for an incredible radio experience that delves into the fascinating people that make up Toronto's diverse and vibrant culture.

 

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A post shared by David Peck (@face2facelive)

 

 

 

 

Canadian premier of Broken Courage is tomorrow! [Jun 24]

Co-written and co-directed by David Peck (along with Nathanael Draper (writer / director) and Suon Rottana (writer)), the documentary Broken Courage has its Canadian premier at the Oakville Film Festival tomorrow!

 

From the Jun 13th upload at the CHCH News YouTube channel:

This year marks the 10th Anniversary of the Oakville Film Festival, taking place June 21st to 27th. With over 100 films screening across three theaters, including 5 Drive-In there will be lots of movies for people to go see. Today we welcomed Wendy Donnan, Executive Director of the Oakville Festivals of Film and Art, and David Peck, Director of the documentary, Broken Courage to share more about the documentary and movies.

 

 

 

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