We were not sure what to expect as we stepped into the private performance space and warehouse of Dieter Roterburg, famed carnival owner and magician. We had come for a night of magic, drinking, music and mystery that promised to be a night we’d never forget…….
The City Adventurers had headed to The Magicians Table, a carnival themed immersive magic experience.
A short walk from London Bridge station, we arrived at Tanner Street and were led upstairs into the large open bar area of the warehouse. We were some of the first to arrive and settled ourselves into the sofas to peruse the cocktail menu. While Ian stuck with red wine, I chose a colour changing cocktail served with a magical flourish. [You set up a bar tab as, during the show, there are roving waiting staff to take your drinks orders so you don’t miss a thing, and you settle the bill at the end of the night.]
Our hostess, Calliope Roterburg, introduced herself like we were old friends and started to impart her tale of love, loss and mystery. She then led us upstairs to our table. The curved tables seat up to 10, with space for drinks and a view of the stage. Most of the magic takes place at the table, with the magician standing in front like a croupier.
Just who was Dieter Roterburg and what secrets he was hiding?
The story began with Dieter Roterburg’s death. He had left instructions that, at his wake, the magicians in attendance perform some tricks. It just so happened that there were a number of excellent magicians at the wake we attended. So we were treated to around 2 hours of close up magic, performed at our table. Even though they were inches from our eyes, we could not see how they did it.
At one point, we were so in awe of the performance we even forgot to clap! It was only when the magician (Dee Christopher) broke character and said “come on guys” that we applauded, shaken out of our amazement.
Every magician has their own style, so each act was different. As well as Dee Christopher, we got to see Nick Stein, Gareth Kalyan and Richard McDougall.
The evening is broken up with live accordian music and the continuing story of love and loss, until the big reveal at the end.
The website notes the venue is not wheelchair accessible. When we went they were operating a one way system. You came into the building at the front and up the internal staircase to the bar and toilets. But after the show you had to exit via the back door and outdoor fire escape steps. I’m guessing it’s OK in good weather but not so good if it’s bad.
I can see why they had a different way out of the show. They obviously wanted to keep the audience for the next show apart from those of us who had seen it. However, this also meant they directed you away from the toilets, which, after an evening of cocktails and with a long journey home, was not acceptable. Instead I made a beeline for the loos, but had to return to the auditorium and leave via the intended route. Don’t know if they have changed this now.
Book your night of magic at Magicians Table (magicianstablelive.com)
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The UK based Social Club for people who love visiting shows, exploring new places, discovering new things and solving mysteries.
Life is a journey so experience it’s adventure with like minded people. Live the life you’ve always dreamed of. City Adventurers Membership includes invitations to adventures and travel mainly in the UK.