David Ben performs in Natural Magick.
© 2011 Magicana. All rights reserved. Photos by David Linsell.
In the news…
From The National Post
Tricks Of The Trade
David Ben takes a rolling paper and twists it into the shape of a butterfly. He gently places it in his jacket’s front pocket, then pulls another of the delicate tissue papers from its package. Again, he fashions a pair of wings. He then takes a fan and unfurls it dramatically. After tossing the second butterfly into the air, Ben quickly begins to fan, as if cooling himself on a hot summer’s night. The paper flutters across the stage, as if searching a flower to land on. Ben stops, and reaches into his pocket for the other butterfly. He then tosses both in the air, fanning rapidly to keep them aloft. He catches the butterflies, then begins to fan the hand holding both creatures; suddenly, a flurry of white paper flies out of his hand and … READ THE FULL STORY
From Mooney on Theatre
Luminato 2011 Review of Natural Magick
Magic shows are… well they’re magical. We suspend belief, gasping with delight as the coins pour from someone’s nose and applauding wildly when the torn crumpled pieces of paper turn out to be whole. Even the most jaded skeptic responds to magic. Not that tonight’s audience at the Luminato presentation of David Ben’sshow Natural Magick were jaded, but there were definitely some skeptics who were there under duress. After the show I overheard one man saying how glad he was that he had gone, how much he had enjoyed the show and how much he really didn’t want to go.
David Ben has terrific stage presence. He’s completely at home on the stage. I think that’s why people in the audience are so willing to go on stage and be part of the act. That was part of the magic of the evening – how easily Ben got people up on stage and how relaxed they seemed while they were there. … READ THE FULL REVIEW
From Toronto Life
Tuesday’s Luminato picks: Andromache, Raj Kapoor and David Ben’s Natural Magick
In a world where everyone is too cool for school and everything is laced with a healthy dose of irony, the earnestness of a good old-fashioned magic show is welcome. David Ben rescues the art from the dregs of children’s birthday parties and elevates it to a refined act of theatre, inspired by the golden age of magic of the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Expect astonishing feats, from telepathy to conjuring. Hugh Jackman, you’ve got nothing on this. June 14 to 16. $36.50–$41.50. Tarragon Theatre, 30 Bridgman Ave., 416-368-4849, luminato.com/2011/magick. READ FULL STORY
From InsideToronto.com
Natural Magick performs in his hometown
For the first time in years, world-renowned magician David Ben will dazzle hometown crowds with a special performance at the upcoming Luminato festival. Ben, a veteran of more than 35 years on the magic scene, has travelled extensively, performing magic and hosting speaking gigs around the world.
His new show, Natural Magick, will feature … READ THE FULL STORY
From torontoist.com
A Magical Night Out at Luminato
As we embarked on Luminato’s opening night with two magic shows on our agenda, we admit to being filled with child-like glee, but also prepared with a full deck of skepticism, should it be necessary. Which, fortunately, it wasn’t.
The game-changer for the multimedia performance by Natural Magick‘s David Ben, for instance, came towards the end, in a jaw-dropping illusion (or talent, maybe?) where he swallowed 20 sewing needles and a string of thread, only to regurgitate them a minute later—evenly threaded, straight out of his mouth. We are dying to see that one up close. We won’t give away the rest of his tricks … READ THE FULL STORY
The first will be this Friday, June 10 where there will be a special, live performance by Eric Mead at the Kiehl’s store @ Queen Street @7PM. Eric is a world-class magician who has graciously agreed to share his talents at this event. Eric’s one-of-a-kind magic is a featured free events at Luminato’s new Festival Hub. For more about his show, visit 
And, on June 11, Julie Eng will be presenting a segment our latest production, 
magicana: sharing wonder 