With his new exciting show "Amaze" performing in the West End at the Marylebone Theatre, we managed to catch up with Jamie Allan as he prepares to amaze the UK with his latest magic and illusion show.
Jamie is well known for his stage magic and is an international artist who has performed in Las Vegas and appeared on TV shows like Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
After 7 years away from the UK stage, he is bringing his show to the UK after a successful run in the USA. A rare opportunity to see Jamie at work enteraining audiences in the art of mystery. Famed for using technology to wow audiences, Jamie promises a very special show. US reviews have been glowing and I cannot wait to see the show.
Jamie has kindly given up some time during rehearsals to chat with Magic Seats. An exciting opportunity before we review the new show ourselves, this weekend.
"Amaze" runs from July 31st to Aug 24th. Now on sale at the Marylebone Theatre London. Book here.
See the link at the bottom of this page to read the spoiler free review.
Magic Seats - Thank you so much Jamie for giving up some time to talk to us about your new show. We cannot wait to see "Amaze" and post our review. It must be a very busy time for you.
Jamie Allan - It has been very busy and it is a pleasure to be able to catch up and tell you about my new "Amaze" show. It’s story-led and has so much truth in it, unlike most magic shows. It also does not start nor end with a magic trick.
I am so looking forward to seeing it and I cannot wait to see what you have in store. I know that you also ran the show in Chicago in the US. Have you faced any challenges bringing the show to London?
There are always challenges, and they are almost too numerous to mention. Finding the right venue was indeed challenging, but we think the Marylebone Theatre is an absolute gem. For a theatre that is just over 200 seats, it has over 13 meters of depth with a large premium and a 1/24 rake! Most people just see the tickets; they don’t factor in the incredible costs of advertising, air freight, logistical support, accommodation, and everything that goes on behind the scenes. And nor should they—it’s our job to transport them, but the logistics are truly mind-boggling.
I can imagine the complications on the logistics side having some experience in that industry myself. The theatre looks amazing and I cannot wait to visit it. Production wise, are there any major differences in the material between the Chicago show compared to the UK show?
We have significantly developed the story and some of the methodology, but the core of the show remains the same as in Chicago. It will always be a development in process.
When I heard that the show was coming to London, I was so pleased as we do not get enough magic stage shows. What needs to change in the UK to attract more big magic artist and illusions shows to the theatres in major cities?
I don’t think there is much that can or will change within the UK market. It is indeed harder to sell tickets to magic in the UK, but it’s equally not impossible. You just have to think differently, and I think that if the end product actually delivers on the promise, then in long form and longer-running products you can still find your audience.
To help stage the show, you have a remarkable creative team that continually grows. Some of whom you have been working with for many years. Who have you worked with to bring “Amaze” to London audiences?
My right-hand man Tommy Bond and I head up the creative team, and along the way, I have had longstanding relationships with Joe Wenborne and Steve Sterling, and the best promoter in the business, Corey Ross. For the creative team, we have brought in the incredible Jonathan Goodwin as director, whose work has been so insightful and has helped drive the product forward. I’ve worked with Jonathan many times on many different projects, and we are currently working on many more. The same can be said for the fantastic Harry du Cruz, who has worked with us on Illusionarium, Magic Immersive, and as a writer and creative consultant on Amaze. A lot of people know Harry as a magic consultant, but he is far more than that, which is why we don’t list him as such. None of this would be possible without my incredibly supportive partner, Natalia Love, who does so much and works so hard across so many skill sets—from running the stage and production crew to front of house, to actually finding the time to get on stage and do far more than the audience perceives. I’m incredibly grateful to my team.
I heard a saying recently which I think sums up my feelings on the matter: “If you want to go fast, go alone; if you want to go far, go together.”
You mentioned that you were working on many more future plans. What plans do you have beyond “Amaze”? Any exciting projects that you can share?
I’m currently working on four other projects, two of which are really quite large scale, but they will have to remain a mystery for the moment.
What a tease. Lol. You are known for your magic collection and Tenyo items. I used to watch your online show during lockdown and was amazed by the items on show. What is your favourite collectable that you are most proud of?
I still love all my Tenyo, but my true love lies in the history of the Golden Age. I would say that my favoruite item in my collection is a complete set of Harry Houdini’s original needles from his famed East Indian Needle Mystery.
My daughter’s favourite item is one of Herman the Great’s magic wands, which I keep telling her not to play with, but she doesn’t listen.
I also love the Golden Age and can appreciate your choice of a Houdini prop. Thank you so much Jamie for giving up your time to chat with us. Good luck with the London run and I am sure it will go well.
To learn more about Jamie and to book to see "Amaze"
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