Last Friday, KOP and I ventured to Brampton to see
An Evening of Magic and Laughter with Matt DiSero, headliner Steve Valentine, and emcee Evan Carter. I'd seen adverts these three
a number of times. I know that Matt and Steve are guaranteed to entertain, and I'd
heard excellent things about Evan Carter.
Also at the show (in no particular order): - Glenn Ottaway - Richard Forget -
David Merry - Ray Anderson - Artemus Syman - Ian
Batterbury, and - Gord Gardiner!
The Rose Theatre in Brampton is a beautiful cozy theatre where almost all of the seats have a fantastic view of the stage. I hope to get back to
see more shows here.
Evan Carter lives up to his reputation. He made hilarious observations
about everyday life and was family friendly. He quickly and expertly won over the audience.
Matt DiSero took the stage and did not disappoint!
Matt leaned into playing in his hometown and the audience loved it!
His years of experience and lessons learned on the road shone through and in spite of the fact that Hartnell wasn't behaving, we
saw Matt at his best.
The highlight of Matt's act was his selection of volunteer Camilla.
This five year old had just the right ratio of adorableness, impulsiveness,
and respect for authority. It was a delight to watch Matt guide her
through the piece and let her shine like a star!
Steve Valentine took the stage by storm and never looked back!
The hand may be quicker than they eye, but Steve produces magic effects faster than my brain can absorb them!
There was some difficulty with the tech and there was no AV for his show. Those familiar with Steve's show, know that there are a ridiculous number of AV cues with multimedia woven throughout his
set. IT DIDN'T MATTER. Steve ran through his show, improvising AV at times to great comedic effect, and no one was the wiser.
Things were thrown, things were produced, things vanished, and the laws of
physics were stood on their ear.
Much of Steve's show was similar to the show he presented at Jokers, with minor tweaks and polishes.
There were also brilliant additions (to already strong pieces) that were absolutely amazing and well received. (Who wouldn't want to leave the show with a box of kisses from Steve?)
It was interesting for me, to see his show play in a theatre after seeing it first in a comedy club. It was just as fabulous in the theatre as it was in a more intimate setting. Steve masterfully delivers in any venue size.
As I've said before, it is obvious to the casual observer that Steve takes his role as
entertainer seriously. It is equally obvious that he doesn't take
himself seriously, which always endears him to the audience.
All in all it was a wonderful evening of entertainment by highly seasoned performers giving us their very best!
Thank you gentlemen, for sharing with us the gift of your talent!
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I traveled to Paris to appear on the show LA FRANCE A UN INCROYABLE TALENT! What do you think of my number?!
Follow me on Instagram @magic4yourbrain
Eric Leclerc has been practicing his magic since the age of nine. He is often seen on television on shows like Brain Games on Netflix BIG TRICK ENERGY on TruTV and TRICKED on Disney+. Eric is a Guinness World Record holder and also the only magician to have won the title of Canadian Magic Champion twice.
his mentalism offerings (under the name Alexander Marsh and available at
The 1914
as well as other magic shops including
The Browser's Den of Magic), or
We're delighted to interview Alex ahead of his Canadian
Champions of Magic Worldwide Wonder Tour dates!
We were fortunate to see Champions of Magic in three times in the
past five years. Your part in the show changed significantly from year
to year. In fact the 2022 experience was almost completely different
from the first time we saw you in Toronto in 2018.
When
you have an audience tested, well-received show, what drives you to modify
and advance your act?
It’s very tempting to just do the tricks and lines you’ve been doing for
years, and the temptation is even greater when you’re waiting in the wings
about to go on stage and do a new routine. It’s very rewarding however to keep
things fresh, in my own act there are sections that are brand new every night
so I have to think on my feet.
I think what drives me to make changes is not wanting things to
become stale, and it’s always fun to tinker and improve each performance of a
new routine.
Have you studied any magic-adjacent disciplines?
I’ve studied various other skills that have all informed my performances.
Theatre work when I was younger and performing in plays, readings, even
panto! I’ve also studied a bit of comedy writing and physical comedy. I also
went to Art School so that's given me an interest in aesthetics.
Alex on stage with an audience member keeping Alex's eyes shut
Do you remember the specific moment when you knew you could or wanted
to perform magic full time?
I think it was probably after my first “show” - I did a twenty minute show
on stage in between some one-act plays in my hometown. The show I did was
dreadful in hindsight but the audience really responded to it; this shy
young man they all knew could now apparently read minds and hold a room’s
attention.
What is your most memorable performance misadventure?
Probably when a prop we were using in Champions malfunctioned and the
‘big prediction moment’ I had been teasing throughout the show just didn’t
happen. Foolishly, there was no out. I just had to move onto the next, much
smaller and less significant, part of the prediction.
What sets Champions of Magic apart from other touring ensemble magic
shows?
I think it’s probably that you’re seeing a full show, not just a series of
different acts doing their own thing. There are multiple moments when we are
all working together on stage, or involved in another performer's act.
Alex on stage
Do you have any guilty pleasures while on tour?
Vegan junk food. Vegan Poutine is always a highlight for a trip
to the true north.
One imagines that it’s sometimes hard to leave the comforts of your home
for a lengthy tour. Do you bring a special something from home with
you?
As silly as it may sound but having a VPN on my iPad means I can enjoy the
comforts of UK television.
Is there anything else you’d like to share with the readers of Canada’s
Magic?
