High Peak Magic Circle gets ready for Buxton Festival Fringe

There will be something magical in the air at this year's Buxton Festival Fringe, thanks to a group of entertainers who are ready to wow with the sleight of a hand and a quick Abracadabra.
By The Newsroom
Published 27th Jun 2018, 09:24 GMT
Updated 27th Jun 2018, 09:28 GMT
Andy Hall and Neil FletcherAndy Hall and Neil Fletcher
Andy Hall and Neil Fletcher

The ever-popular High Peak Magic Circle is returning to the Fringe for a 12th year with two shows at the Palace Hotel .

Co-founder Neil Fletcher, who has always had an interest in magic, can’t believe how well-loved the shows are.

The 51-year-old, who also works at Ferodo, said: “I am very, very proud of our little club and I’m sure we have the best platform in the whole of the north of England by performing at the Fringe.

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Andy Hall and Neil FletcherAndy Hall and Neil Fletcher
Andy Hall and Neil Fletcher

“It really makes such a difference and brings us together as a club.”

Andy Hall, who is also part of the magic circle and acts as MC on performance nights, said: “People who come to our shows come for the pure entertainment value. It really is its own form of art and nothing compares to it.”

The group, which has 12 members, say the two shows during the Fringe keep them going all year, and raise enough funds to enable allow to bring in magic lecturers to help extend their knowledge of the craft.

Neil said: “Magic is popular at the minute, with acts appearing on Britain’s Got Talent, but being part of a magic show and not just watching on the television brings something different to the audience as there is an intimacy with the show.

“The audience gets swept up in the moment and when you do the reveal and see the wonderment on people’s faces it really brings home why we do this.”

The magicians spend months rehearsing before stepping out onto the stage, and believe structure is key to a successful performance.

Andy added: “The show needs a clear beginning, middle and end, and we make sure we end on a high.

“Over the years we have seen our numbers grow and faces return.

“It’s great to be putting High Peak on the map for its magical talent.”

High Peak Magic Circle - ‘An Evening of Close Up and Stage Magic’ will take place at the Palace Hotel, Buxton, on Wednesday July 18 and Thursday July 19, each night from 7.30pm.

Tickets for the performances, priced £12.50, are available from Buxton Opera House on 01298 72190 or via buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.

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