This week, Britain’s Got Talent finalist Magical Bones brings his show, Soulful Magic, to City Varieties. In honour of his visit, we looked back at some of the famous magicians and illusionists connected to our venue.
Written by Ellen Carnazza
Harry Houdini
Harry Houdini, one of the most famous illusionists in history, performed at City Varieties in 1902 and 1904.
Born Erik Weisz in Budapest, Hungary, his family moved to America when he was still very young. Although now more famous for his daring and elaborate escapes, Weisz started his career as a card magician, before concentrating on escape acts and taking the stage name Harry Houdini.
Houdini became known as ‘The Handcuff King’ and travelled the world performing his daring stunts, including escaping from straitjackets, handcuffs, milk cans and even tanks filled with water. The mixture of illusion and danger excited and thrilled audiences and Houdini was one of the highest paid stars of the time.
In 1902 he appeared at City Varieties and was paid £130, 18s 6d for the week, equivalent to about £7,470 today. The management books from the time state that the performance was ‘extra special’.
Houdini's name listed in the City Varieties Management Book with the remark 'extra special'
A promotional photo of Harry Houdini with the title 'Stone walls and chains do not make a prison - for Houdini'
Geoffrey Durham
Geoffrey Durham performed for over 15 years as an outrageous Spanish magician known as ‘The Great Soprendo’, appearing on many children’s shows including Crackerjack, and in theatres around the country. Eventually, Geoffrey ditched the disguise and continued his career in magic as himself, appearing on Countdown, acting as Magic Consultant on the Doctor Who story The Greatest Show in the Galaxy in 1988 and having his Newspaper Tear magic trick featured on Channel 4’s 50 Greatest Magic Tricks.
His connection to City Varieties dates back from when he worked at our venue for 18 months as a stagehand, even becoming Head Flyman, before leaving to become an actor. Years later, he would return to perform in the line up for The Good Old Days.
Paul Daniels
As one of the most famous magicians of his generation, Paul Daniels performed at City Varieties numerous times and even unveiled our blue plaque on 27 March 1997. In 2012, the showman told Culture Vulture of his fondness for City Varieties and its eccentricities, saying “the old adage was take nothing there on wheels as the stage slopes that much.”
With his catchphrase “You’ll like this, not a lot, but you will like it” and his lovely assistant/wife, Debbie McGee, Paul Daniels became a household name, appearing on numerous TV shows as well as touring his live shows around theatres. Paul Clarke from Culture Vulture described the showman as ‘probably the most gifted British magician of his generation, but like many performers of his vintage he is like Marmite – you either love him or hate him.’
Paul Daniels - Blue Plaque Unveiling - 27 March 1997. Credit Leeds Civic Trust
Magicians coming to City Varieties
Magical Bones: Soulful Magic (21 April 2023)
Following sell out runs at the Edinburgh Festival and across the UK, the Britain’s Got Talent finalist takes to the road with a brand-new show full of the most awe-inspiring and high energy magic you’ll see this year.
The Greatest Magician (8 November 2023)
Focusing on mind-bending feats of illusion, from making people forget their own names to vanishing them from the auditorium entirely – this sensational show is a sure sell-out.
Andrew Newton – Hypnotist LIVE! (11 November 2023)
World-famous hypnotist Andrew Newton returns to The Varieties with his hilarious one-man show.
Pete Firman: TrikTok (6 February 2024)
With over 175 million online views and countless TV appearances under his belt, Pete is firmly established as the UK’s top comedy magician. Expect an evening of jaw-dropping magic and laugh-out-loud comedy.
City Varieties Music Hall Building Fund
The City Varieties Music Hall is the gem in Leeds’ crown. As the city’s oldest theatre, we want to ensure that Britain’s longest, continuously operating music hall is here for future generations, making it more accessible, sustainable, and comfortable. All donations will be fully invested in the building and equipment and will enhance your experience as a customer.
