The “Champions of Magic” cast, a phenomenal fivesome specializing in illusion, is ready to regale residents of Southern California once again — on Friday, September 30th and Saturday, October 1st — at the City National Grove of Anaheim. The renowned performers, most of whom have roots in the United Kingdom, are currently in the midst of their Worldwide Wonders Tour en route to making their first stop in the Southland since November 2019. Fans of legerdemain, levitation, close-up magic, card tricks, grand showcases, and just bewitching entertainment in general, are in for a treat. There’s no mistaking the fact that the magical dream team — comprised of Richard Young, Sam Strange, Hollie England, Alex McAleer, and Fernando Velasco — complement each other well with unique skillsets. When all the ingredients intertwine together, they amount to a sum that clearly transcends its individual parts.
Having been friends since childhood, the charismatic Richard Young and Sam Strange have become quite the dynamic duo, accomplished in diverse forms of wizardry, from sawing their assistants in half to awe-inspiring disappearing acts. Joining them is the mystic mentalist Alex McAleer whose sensational presentation keeps observers on the edge of their seats as they seek to wrap their heads around staggering predictions that miraculously come true. The newest addition and lone female, Hollie England, who replaces Kayla Drescher, brings a background in musical theatre and choreography, adding an element of grace to the proceedings. Lastly, as the only non-UK affiliated member of the quintet, the Mexican-born Fernando Velasco has established his niche as the biggest thrill-seeker among his peers, escaping out of impossibly restrictive environments in death-defying demonstrations that are both novel and pay homage to the past, as in Harry Houdini’s Water Torture Cell.
Undoubtedly, there is a little bit of everything for everyone in the audience, many of whom will be called up to the stage or asked to participate either by bearing witness to a mind-boggling illusion or collectively answering queries by a show of hands. Having earned critical and commercial recognition, alongside more than 50 million views across various social media platforms, the magicians are respected for being at the apex of their craft for reasons that are all quantifiable.
Better yet, besides dazzling from one trick to the next — none more suspenseful than their rapid-fire, flurry of magnificent feats in the second act — the quintuple is known to win the approval of attendees with just humorous banter and jokes alone. Needless to say, no matter how well-versed one might be in the art of magical esoterism, if the relatability factor is missing, then the reveals are apt to fall flat, or at least feel not nearly as impressive. Such is not the case with these award-winning entertainers who maximize the resources available to them, working seamlessly with one another and their guests.
Not to mention, crowds of all ages are likely to be bowled over by the illusionists’ masterfully conceived undertakings. Children will come away with a sense of fantastical wonderment and adults will have their imaginations enriched, feeling like children all over again. Prestidigitation, even in an era when the veil of secrecy has long been lifted, still holds a special power over those who simply want to believe that magic is more than just sleight of hand. As exceptional enchanters, the five Champions offer a measure of authenticity that blurs the line between fiction and fact, casting a spell of exhilaration over their spectators.
The “Champions of Magic” cast is set to perform at the City National Grove of Anaheim (located at 2200 E Katella Avenue. Anaheim, CA) on Fri, Sept. 30th and Sat, Oct. 1st — both evenings at 7:30 pm. For tickets, please visit: citynationalgroveofanaheim.com
For more information about the “Champions of Magic,” visit: championsofmagic.co.uk
