The Gentleman Magician's Magical Soirée

We live in Sydney and continue to be impressed by the range of activities and experiences available. When we found out about ‘The Gentleman Magician’ this appealed to us as something quite different. This is a classic magical show for adults held in the Sir Stamford, Circular Quay.We do a read up before attending the show, and we are impressed to hear the show is rated 2nd highest on trip advisor. And when you’re second behind the Opera House in ranking, that’s certainly testament to the quality of the show.The ‘Gentleman Magician’ is dubbed a magical soiree, with Bruce Glen, an actor, storyteller and magician hosting a meticulously planned show full of intrigue.Bruce is a polished performer with a reputation that precedes him, having been selected as an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle, a club with only 1400 members worldwide. Bruce has performed around the world in events such as at the Fringe Festival and even in Edinburgh. Having been in this field for over 25 years, he has for the past 3 years has been holding his magical soiree in the Sir Stamford Hotel, Circular Quay on Friday and Saturday nights.Sir Stamford is the perfect venue for the show, as the historic hotel, with its beautiful heritage features and hanging chandeliers is apt for a show that draws its inspiration from the ‘salons’ of 18 -19th century Europe. The show is held in a small room with an elegant setting on the third floor with its intimate seating arrangement seating anywhere between 10-45 people. The ambience is perfect for the show.We meet at 7:03 for a show to start at 7:33 and are treated to a glass of champagne and roving canapes; dumplings, curry puffs and lemon meringue pie as we are met by assistant Catherine who ensures the guests feel welcome and comfortable in the setting. She is there throughout the show to assist Bruce.We sit in rows, with Bruce on stage taking us through a series of magical acts that have been inspired by magician Eugene Robert-Houdin, Max Malini, Johann Hofzinser and Steve Cohen.Bruce is softly spoken, charismatic and captivates the audience through his friendly smile and storytelling. He connects each act with stories about magicians and tales from the classics from Orson Welles, to Lewis Carrol, Mark Twain and his childhood favourite Rudyard Kipling. We love this aspect as it is a way to make this show feel like a story which has been carefully prepared, rather than a conglomeration of acts.Bruce draws us in to the story with his magical imaginative performances and a melange of tricks using a rope, a cup and ball, wine glasses, playing cards and illusion which is surrounded in mystery and amazement. He encourages audience participation and despite the intimate setting and close seating we have no idea how these acts are possible -it is all about the illusion and imagination. We will not go into what each performance is, to allow mystery to remain and encourage you to see for yourselves.You can even join Bruce for a drink afterwards in the Highlander bar, where you can have a chat, ask questions and learn more about the craft.We thoroughly recommend this show as an experience that’s a little out of the box and something to provide wonderful entertainment, mystery and fun.We left with a new appreciation of the artistry of a magician and were happy to be introduced into his world.

We live in Sydney and continue to be impressed by the range of activities and experiences available. When we found out about 'The Gentleman Magician' this appealed to us as something quite different. This is a classic magical show for adults held in the Sir Stamford, Circular Quay.We do a read up before attending the show, and we are impressed to hear the show is rated 2nd highest on trip advisor. And when you're second behind the Opera House in ranking, that's certainly testament to the quality of the show.The 'Gentleman Magician' is dubbed a magical soiree, with Bruce Glen, an actor, storyteller and magician hosting a meticulously planned show full of intrigue.

This review is specifically for the Gentleman Magician's online show, direct from the Wizard's Den via Zoom. We have also attended the Soirée at the Sir Stamford which is brilliant but because of Covid-19, Bruce Glen is currently offering a shorter version of his show online. It was a lot of fun to have a personalised magic show in your own home! None of the magic is lost in this format and some tricks seemed even more miraculous *because* of the distance! And it still had the classy elegance of the live show. I've subsequently booked a show as a gift for my father in NZ. Wholeheartedly recommended.

Bruce is very nice, and certainly a gentleman. This magic show is really suited to families insofar as it’s very genteel and conservative, although it’s quite upbeat and interactive as well. Would be ideal for tourists coming with their families! Lots of fun and lots of laughs. Well done Bruce.

Really enjoyed this soirée. I invited my partner for his bday and it we had a great time. Intimate setting with great magic tricks.

What an AMAZING show Bruce Glen put on last night. A real professional and such a fantastic intimate venue. Would highly recommend this show if you are looking for fun. You certainly will be left in awe.

Lovely Magic overall. Bruce himself was extremely smooth, engaging and professional. The hostess was also lovely & friendly.3 stars is not for the magic, but the presentation/experience overall versus the price.Advertising it with Gourmet Canapes was misleading - 2 snacks (1 dried out prawn dumpling, 1 risotto ball) and a tiny Christmas-styled mince (in February? Made you think of leftovers). Nowhere to put your glasses or your spoons (you should leave them out) but on the carpet on the floor.Room needed a repaint - paint was peeling on the ceiling and the room looked grubby and not maintained properly.You couldn't see well from the back, one of the tricks was performed off to the left on the floor, blocked by everyone else in front.The banter was repetitive and very tiresome after the first half an hour - it was putting me to sleep it was so repetitive and relentless. The second half of the show (the last 25 minutes) was SO much better - the relentless repetitive chatter stopped, and the tricks were the focus.The entry music was loud, and quite miscellaneous - from grating pop music, to classical, and easy listening to weird dance music. Something to actually suit the soiree atmosphere advertised would have added some class to the whole thing and been a lot more consistent.I wouldn't go back, and it was overpriced for a one off visit. I wouldn't recommend it to anyone either. If you ever get a chance to see James Galea - leagues ahead with the finesse and polish of the whole show and yet similar in pricing.

We went and saw Bruce’s show for my father in-laws 60th with my partner and close friends and family. The show was great with some tricks that definitely has us guessing, my favourite though was when he got my partner up on stage so I could propose to her! She said yes and I’m super thankful to Bruce for helping to make it happen! He is definitely the ‘Gentleman Magician’ and I definitely recommend seeing his show!

Very intimate and special night out. The Royal Automobile Club is beautiful and Bruce is a very articulate and impressive man with a great talent. He captures the intimate audiences' (24 people when we attendee) attention and holds it for the entire show which goes for just over an hour. Fantastic night

My partner and I enjoyed a magical soiree to celebrate our anniversary. It was a delightful experience full of wonder. The act itself is very impressive and Bruce's amazing showmanship ensures this will be a night to remember.I highly recommend it to anyone and everyone.