Tickets and more information at Eventbrite.
From the June 15th Facebook post by Chris Mayhew:
... with special guests James Alan (magician) and Ernie Vicente (stand up comic).
Showing posts with label James Alan. Show all posts
Showing posts with label James Alan. Show all posts
16 June 2026
Toronto: The Comedy Magic Show [Jun 25]
05 June 2026
Checking in with James Alan's show Mysteries and Lies at The Toronto Fringe
The Toronto Fringe (June 30 - July 12) is fast approaching!
James Alan kindly agreed to answer some of our questions ahead of his upcoming show Mysteries and Lies at The Toronto Fringe.
What is your first memory of magic?
Memory is tricky at that age. I can reconstruct after the fact that I definitely saw Penn & Teller do “Blast-Off” on the Muppet Show.
How long have you been performing professionally?
My first paid performance was in 2007. I think I started identifying as a professional around 2012.
Why is now the right time for you to be at the Fringe?
At any given time, I have three or four shows I could do. I interact with the audience a lot. So what I do really has to be grounded in the space I’m in. Magic & Martini (2016-2020) always took place in a cocktail lounge. My virtual show, Bring Magic Home, never tried to hide the fact these weird Zoom get-togethers were utterly mad.
The Toronto Fringe is enormous. This year it has one hundred twenty-three shows. And those slots are assigned by lottery. Some years I get busy and don’t get around to applying. But really it was a random number generator that decided this was the time. And so I didn’t know what the show would be until I found out where it was going to be. But once we knew, the whole show basically came together in one afternoon of shuffling index cards around a coffee table.
The Toronto Fringe is enormous. This year it has one hundred twenty-three shows. And those slots are assigned by lottery. Some years I get busy and don’t get around to applying. But really it was a random number generator that decided this was the time. And so I didn’t know what the show would be until I found out where it was going to be. But once we knew, the whole show basically came together in one afternoon of shuffling index cards around a coffee table.
What is the title of the show?
Mysteries and Lies. I’m chronically obsessed with the paradox of truth in magic — that there is no way to do what we do honestly. My last Fringe foray was called Lies, Damn Lies & Magic Tricks. There’s a naive version of magic which is about fooling people — I know something you don’t know, Nyah! But there’s a more interesting more grown up version which is about getting people to think about what shouldn’t and shouldn’t be possible. But fooling someone is tightly bound up in that project so it’s a very fine line to walk.
I want people to have an amazing — maybe even a profound — experience. But I don’t want to fall into the trap that so many in the industry do of thinking that you need people to think it’s “for real” in order to be respectable. There shouldn't be a contradiction between being totally amazing and being “just a magic trick”.
I want people to have an amazing — maybe even a profound — experience. But I don’t want to fall into the trap that so many in the industry do of thinking that you need people to think it’s “for real” in order to be respectable. There shouldn't be a contradiction between being totally amazing and being “just a magic trick”.
How, if at all, does this show differ from your previous shows?
Because the theatre is a very intimate space, 46 seats, with raked seating, we decided this was going to be a close-up show — like what you might see at the close-up room of the Magic Castle. The format is one I hadn’t really worked in before 2020. I never really sat down, even to do close-up magic. I got used to it doing virtual shows, where I opted to sit behind a desk. And during re-opening after the pandemic, there was an awkward period in Canada where you weren’t allowed to have more than ten people in a gathering. So my private shows moved from the end of the room to around the coffee table or the dining room table. (Again, so that the magic can be grounded in the environment. The show happens in your living room. I don’t try to make you pretend your living room is a bar or a theatre or a comedy club.)
But it also means this show is really brand new. If you saw Magic & Martini, before the pandemic, this will be completely different.
The show is thematically richer — maybe just because I’m older. Recently truth has been top of mind. We’re bombarded by fake headlines, fake experts, AI slop and the threat a Large Language Model is coming for your job. So as someone who is trying to walk this tightrope of honest lying, my job is to channel all that angst into a real experience, but without making things explicit so you feel like you’re watching a TED talk about what to do if you think your toaster might be conscious.
But it also means this show is really brand new. If you saw Magic & Martini, before the pandemic, this will be completely different.
The show is thematically richer — maybe just because I’m older. Recently truth has been top of mind. We’re bombarded by fake headlines, fake experts, AI slop and the threat a Large Language Model is coming for your job. So as someone who is trying to walk this tightrope of honest lying, my job is to channel all that angst into a real experience, but without making things explicit so you feel like you’re watching a TED talk about what to do if you think your toaster might be conscious.
When did you start writing and preparing for this show?
I found out where the show was going to be in mid January and that’s when I seriously started preparing. The origin of the show we wound up doing is actually a bit stranger.
I did get used to the idea of performing at the table during re-opening. But the first one of those shows was actually in January of 2020. I received a last minute inquiry on a Sunday morning for a show that night. It was for four people. They wanted something to lighten the mood after they got back from a funeral. (Friends of mine know that the stranger the request, the more likely I am to say yes.) So in my mind, that show was Mysteries and Lies v1.0. And there is actually one trick from that which survives into this version.
The other weird thing that seeped into this show is that the theatre is inside of a converted school classroom. It’s one of the old red brick kind built in 1914. So the hallway has that odd proportion designed to funnel hundreds of kids to and from recess. The doors are classroom doors. So we’re playing with the idea that we’re surveying all of the regular school subjects — science, history, math — through the lens of magic.
I did get used to the idea of performing at the table during re-opening. But the first one of those shows was actually in January of 2020. I received a last minute inquiry on a Sunday morning for a show that night. It was for four people. They wanted something to lighten the mood after they got back from a funeral. (Friends of mine know that the stranger the request, the more likely I am to say yes.) So in my mind, that show was Mysteries and Lies v1.0. And there is actually one trick from that which survives into this version.
The other weird thing that seeped into this show is that the theatre is inside of a converted school classroom. It’s one of the old red brick kind built in 1914. So the hallway has that odd proportion designed to funnel hundreds of kids to and from recess. The doors are classroom doors. So we’re playing with the idea that we’re surveying all of the regular school subjects — science, history, math — through the lens of magic.
Will you tease an effect or two for us?
I would rather people be surprised. But if someone is willing to do some work, they can earn a spoiler. When The Beatles appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, we got so swept up, we forget that immediately after that, there was a magician on, who did two tricks. The show contains one of those. There is also a piece by Tommy Wonder that he was so protective of that he withheld it from publication in The Books of Wonder. (But he later softened and ultimately shared it in 2003.) I’ll be doing a version of that.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s
Magic?
If they have the time, they should take the time to experience the Fringe. There are over a hundred different shows. So part of the fun is making a day of it, and seeing what new and different things you can experience.
Thank you James, for making the time to answer our questions!For more information about the Toronto Fringe, visit FringeToronto.com
30 May 2026
ICYMI: New additions to the Screening Room at Magicana
Three videos have recently been added to the Screening Room at Magicana.
From the April 14th article "Back to the Screening Room" by James Alan at Magicana:
So with these challenges in mind and wanting to adhere to Prof. Edwin Dawes’ motto (“Collect, Collate, Communicate!”) we want to share video from the collection on a regular a basis. Our working title for the series is “The Good, The Bad and the… You Decide”.
We want to begin with this recording of Lewis Ganson. This is a short excerpt where he performs “The Diminishing Cards.” (Please note this clip has no audio.)
From the May 5th article "Principles, Deceptions and a Phantasy" by James Alan at Magicana:
Continuing our series of “The Good, The Bad and the… You Decide” we are pleased to share two clips from Arthur Buckley. (If you missed the previous release featuring Lewis Ganson, consider stopping there first.)
12 May 2025
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:
28 December 2024
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
From the December 27th upload "Daily Bread FoodBank Fundraiser 2024" at the Ring 17 YouTube channel:
11 December 2024
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
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.
From the December 6th
Instagram post by the Hat & Rabbit club:
02 July 2024
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
01 March 2024
Toronto: Hocus Jokus [Mar 10]
Featuring Ben Train, Jonah Babins, and James Alan. Tickets at Yuk Yuk's.
From the February 28th Facebook post by The Toronto Magic Company:
What do you get when you combine a Comedy Mind-reader, an Award-Winning Magician, and a world-class sleight of hand expert into a single 90-minute show?
Answer: an amazing night of fun for YOU!
Jam packed with laughs and mind-blowing magic, this show is perfect for a night out with friends, a date, or just because you need a break from your annoying kids.
Featuring Ben Train (Penn and Teller’s Fool Us), Jonah Babins (2021 Allan Slaight Award Winner), and sleight of hand artist James Alan, it’s all happening Sunday March 10th at Yuk Yuk’s Toronto.
23 December 2023
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/
01 December 2023
Richmond Hill: The Aces of Magic [Dec 10, 17, 22]
From Jokers.ca:
December 10 - Henry Cheng, Ken Pham, and Mysterion
December 17 - Chris Westfall, Henry Cheng, and Ken Pham
December 22 - James Alan, Mysterion and Ken Pham
18 October 2023
Checking in with Ben Train and The Art of Magic [Oct 21]
This morning we let you know about the upcoming The Art of Magic show presented by The Toronto Magic Company.
If you've never been to one of these shows, they're a very unique
experience. Ben Train was kind enough to answer some questions we had
about The Toronto Magic Company, and The Art of Magic.
 |
Ben Train |
What is the Toronto Magic Company (TMC)?
In 2016 I partnered up with my best friend Jonah Babins to produce magic shows
across the GTA. Specifically, we wanted to produce GOOD magic shows - the kind
of shows we’d be excited to see.
Since then we’ve produced more than 200 shows a year, worked with hundreds of amazing magicians from around the world, and entertained thousands of people.
Since then we’ve produced more than 200 shows a year, worked with hundreds of amazing magicians from around the world, and entertained thousands of people.
Who are the players in TMC?
There’s myself, Ben Train, and my good buddy Jonah Babins. We’re the two
co-founders. We also have an amazing team working behind the scenes; video
editors and photographers, our incredible magicians and volunteers, and of
course - our audiences!
 |
Ben and Jonah Babins on an adventure. |
What is The Art of Magic?
Magicians have been talking about magic being an art form for hundreds of
years. So in 2018 Jonah and I had an idea. What if we produced an event that
wasn’t just a show, but rather a “gallery” of magic art?
And that’s what we did! We filled a gallery with magic-themed art (posters, props, and interactive exhibits), invited some of our favourite close-up magicians to walk around the space performing, and finished the whole experience off with a stage magic show filled with mind-reading and illusions.
And that’s what we did! We filled a gallery with magic-themed art (posters, props, and interactive exhibits), invited some of our favourite close-up magicians to walk around the space performing, and finished the whole experience off with a stage magic show filled with mind-reading and illusions.
 |
Admiring the art at The Art of Magic |
How does The Art of Magic differ from the Toronto Magic Company's other
offerings?
All of our shows have different concepts, because we want to appeal to
different audiences and we want to explore different ways of presenting magic.
What most of our shows have in common though is that they follow a pretty traditional show format: you arrive at the venue, sit in your seat, watch a show, and then go home. (I promise the shows are waaay more fun than that description makes them sound!)
What makes The Art of Magic different is that it’s not just a show, but rather an interactive exhibit that lets you explore magic in different ways (including actively being part of the experience in ways you simply couldn’t do with a typical show).
Oh… and on top of all that you ALSO get an amazing show!
What most of our shows have in common though is that they follow a pretty traditional show format: you arrive at the venue, sit in your seat, watch a show, and then go home. (I promise the shows are waaay more fun than that description makes them sound!)
What makes The Art of Magic different is that it’s not just a show, but rather an interactive exhibit that lets you explore magic in different ways (including actively being part of the experience in ways you simply couldn’t do with a typical show).
Oh… and on top of all that you ALSO get an amazing show!
 |
Jonah entertaining at The Art of Magic |
How was the recent September show (the 30th Art of Magic show) different from the very first
The Art of Magic show?
The first Art of Magic, back in 2018, was very different. We were in a
different location, which meant different limitations (and advantages), we
didn’t have access to enough magic-themed art, and we were relying more on
out-of-town talent.
When the pandemic temporarily shut us down we used our time to retool everything.
We found a better venue (two floors which allowed us to have different experiences happening at the same time), we got WAAAY more magic-related art pieces (Several dozen and counting), and watched as the talent in Toronto developed to a point where we no longer needed to bring in outside help (though we still bring in performers from all over the world - because we love featuring the best magicians on the planet!).
The concept is ALWAYS something we’re tweaking with, because we’re always trying to make it better. Speaking of which, if anyone reading this has been to one of our shows and has ideas for how we can improve… please message me! ( ben at TorontoMagicCompany dot com)
When the pandemic temporarily shut us down we used our time to retool everything.
We found a better venue (two floors which allowed us to have different experiences happening at the same time), we got WAAAY more magic-related art pieces (Several dozen and counting), and watched as the talent in Toronto developed to a point where we no longer needed to bring in outside help (though we still bring in performers from all over the world - because we love featuring the best magicians on the planet!).
The concept is ALWAYS something we’re tweaking with, because we’re always trying to make it better. Speaking of which, if anyone reading this has been to one of our shows and has ideas for how we can improve… please message me! ( ben at TorontoMagicCompany dot com)
 |
Ben entertaining at The Art of Magic |
That there are waaaaay easier ways to make money lol.
Also, I’ve learnt that sometimes the things that excite ME (or passionate magic lovers like me) aren't necessarily what excites the general public. So as we test and try new things we pay special attention to which exhibits resonate with people and WHY, so we can make all our future events better.
Also, I’ve learnt that sometimes the things that excite ME (or passionate magic lovers like me) aren't necessarily what excites the general public. So as we test and try new things we pay special attention to which exhibits resonate with people and WHY, so we can make all our future events better.
Is there anything else you'd like to share with our readers about The Art
of Magic?
Yah. Buy some tickets and come on out!
If you’re a magic fan, this is a must-attend. I truly believe that.
And if you’re not yet a magic fan but you are a fan of fun nights… come on out and we’ll convert you. ;)
If you’re a magic fan, this is a must-attend. I truly believe that.
And if you’re not yet a magic fan but you are a fan of fun nights… come on out and we’ll convert you. ;)
Thank you Ben, for making the time to answer our questions!
You have two chances to catch The Art of Magic on Saturday October 21st. The show features: Jeff Hinchliffe, Harry Zimmerman, Jonah Babins, and James Alan. (Ben Train will be appearing in the second show.) Tickets at Eventbrite.
Learn more about
The Toronto Magic Company
and follow them on
Facebook, and
Instagram.
Toronto: The Art of Magic [Oct 21]
From Eventbrite:
Toronto has spoken! After more than 30 straight sold out shows,The Art of Magic is BACK! This time with full night of magic plus an interactive EXHIBIT
The Art of Magic is way more than just a show. It’s an entire evening filled with beautiful magic inspired art, and interactive magical exhibit and most importantly a secret magic show that you have to see to believe!
The Gallery
The fun begins at 6pm OR 8pm - inside the Super Wonder Gallery. Enjoy delicious drinks while you interact with our magical art.
We don't want to give away all our secrets but you'll get to enjoy:
100+ year old magic props, world famous magic posters, and paintings and physical illusions that you get to BE IN! (You read that right!)
The Close-up Magic
During the gallery, while you're drinking, relaxing and enjoying the night - our magicians are working! 5 Magicians will be wandering around the event doing close-up magic that happens IN YOUR HANDS!
This is a chance for you to not only experience magic, but to experience a lot of it, right at your finger tips!
The Secret Show
At one magical moment during the night you are whisked away to a private SECRET show . This is a private show, for a small selection of the audience where you get to interact up close and personal with the magic. It's intimate, impossible, and this is magic of the highest level the way it was meant to be experienced: up close and personal. Seating for this secret experience is extremely limited and is included with your ticket to the Art of Magic show!
In order to ensure every seat in the house is a good one, only 50 tickets are available each show for this intimate theatre experience. Make sure you order yours before they disappear forever!
Oh! And did we mention that each ticket comes with a drink 🍸 😘
01 September 2023
Mono and Toronto: Toronto Magic Comapny presents ... [Sep 1, 10, 23, and 29]
Don't miss your chance to see Ben Train, Jonah Babins, Chris Westfall, Sawyer Bullock, James Alan, and Steven Jones in action this month! (Performers vary by date and location.)
From the August 29th Instagram post by the Toronto Magic Company:
FOUR AMAZING EVENTS THIS MONTH!
(Tickets in bio!)
“The Magic of Illusion” at Hockley Valley Resort on Friday September 1st. Filled with laughs and impossible magic, this show is perfect for the whole family!
Tickets are running out fast though, so if you’re hoping to score some seats click the link in our bio RIGHT NOW!
Next up is “Hocus Jokus” on Sunday September 10th at Yuk Yuk’s Comedy Club. Is this Toronto’s funniest comedy magic show or Toronto’s most mind-blowing comedy show? You decide! Featuring three magicians, including headliner Chris Westfall!
Then on Saturday September 23rd we have the return of “The Art of Magic” at the Super Wonder Gallery. The night begins with drinks and a tour through the gallery, where you’ll see magic-themed works of art and meet our mingling performers. These roaming wizards will give you the chance to experience magic up close, with tricks happening in front of your eyes and even in your own hands!
Then, take your seat in the secret theatre for the show: a mixture of award-winning sleight of hand and world-class mind reading.
If you love magic, art, or just a great night out: this event is for you.
Finally we have “Ben and Jonah’s Magic Road Trip” at Joker’s Theatre and Comedy Club on Friday September 29th. After touring the show across Canada (including Vancouver, Calgary, Edmonton, Ottawa, a dozen other cities) Ben and Jonah are back with their incredible two-man show. If you’re a fan of magic, you won’t want to miss it. And if you’re not a fan of magic… come and they’ll change your mind.
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