Magic comedy theatre is nothing new or out of the ordinary. The comedy theme combined with magic tricks fits neatly into the Vaudeville theatrical genre.
The genre’s popularity was widespread towards the end of the 19th century. The term Vaudeville was adopted in the United States, and it may have originated from the French term, ‘’Vau-de-Vire’’ which was used to refer to satirical poems and songs during the 15th century.
Initially, the theatrics had no moral or psychological intentions. Narratives were created based on actual or fictive events that were dramatised and given comical twists.
The Vaudeville genre first appeared in theatre at the start of the 18th century. The comedy device was a means for actors to challenge the dramatic monopoly led by the world-renowned Comédie-Française.
Historical records show that there were several individual performances featuring comedians, magicians, tamed animals, dances, and jugglers, who performed throughout the 1890s up until the 1930s.
Comedy magicians would soon grace the stage in larger numbers towards the end of the First and Second World Wars. The rich tradition was led by famous performers such as Tommy Cooper, Johnny Carson, and Billy McComb.
In the 1940s, Tommy Cooper made his debut in comedy magic, and he gave his life to the Craft. He performed magic tricks on live television and on stage for millions of people throughout his life. The stage magician was one of the first talents after the wars to bring a sense of nostalgia back to the days when Vaudeville was first popularised.
These vibrant stars used props, audience members, and assistants to entertain audiences from all walks of life. We still see these elements in comedy magic shows today, and performers always look at new and exciting ways to entertain audiences.
There is a long list of comedy magicians that grace the stage across the world today, and getting a ticket will almost guarantee your money’s worth. Check out the latest schedules at venues near you.
Vaudeville laid the foundation for comedy magic as we know it today. If you are interested in starting a career as a comedy magic performer, it is never too late to get your head into the game. Get a few tips on Al Frescos Magic when performing live on stage.
