Monday Night Magic Season 5

Monday Night Magic launches its fifth season at The Vault, at Taj Cape Town

Monday Night Magic launched its fifth season in an elegant new home – The Vault at Taj Cape Town – with a feature length bonanza show to give audiences a taste of what’s in store over the coming weeks.

Marcel Oudejans, producer of Monday Night Magic and founder of Cape Town Magic Club – which hosts these magical nights that have dazzled more than 3000 guests with a variety of illusions, sleight of hand, mentalism and, well…magic, since its inception in 2016 – was the master of ceremonies for the evening, linking the acts together with his well-known style of magic. Marcel was joined by regular performers Larry Soffer, Greg Gelb and Anele Dyasi, and newcomers escape artist extraordinaire Glenn McMeeking, aka Glendini and Asiphe Mnqika.

The venue for season five is the vault of what was once a bank. Taj Cape Town is a five-star luxury hotel steeped in as much history as magic itself. Set in the heart of the CBD, it occupies two buildings which retain the architecture and many meticulously restored interior features of the original South African Reserve Bank and the old BoE building – formerly the Temple Chambers, built in 1890.

Taj’s doors open to a precinct that includes the national and provincial parliaments, Government Avenue leading through the 350-year-old Company’s Garden from St George’s Cathedral, the cosmopolitan crafts of St George’s Mall and Greenmarket Square, and a diversity of culture, art, entertainment and cuisine.

Monday Night Magic guests will be welcomed to the weekly shows, which take place until October 30 at 7pm and 9pm with a line up of three performers in each, by the ever-glamourous members of Black Orchid Burlesque SA, dressed in vintage costume to set the tone for the experience ahead. In the art deco-styled ABC Bar, or retro Twankey Bar, you’ll be able to enjoy pre- or post-show drinks, including a special Monday Night Magic cocktail created by resident award-winning bartender and mixologist AJ Snetler, aka The Tattooed Barman. Special dining options for Monday Night Magic guests will be offered in the hotel’s restaurants, as well as lucky draws for ticket holders.

Then, downstairs in the intimate 50-seat theatre – in the actual underground bank vault – all manner of mystery will unfold…Cape Town Magic Club represents nearly 30 magicians who specialise in various disciplines, from stylish card tricks which will defy belief, to heart-stoppingly dangerous thrill acts. Anything goes in this underground playground.

With such an extensive line-up of talent at its disposal, no two Monday Night Magic shows are alike – not even the early and the late shows. Guests can expect to see the talents of top local and international acts including TV stars, champions, and even performers travelling specially to perform in the theatre. These shows are designed for an adult audience and confirm that magic is definitely not just for children’s parties.

Says Oudejans: “We’re very pleased that because of the enthusiastic support and feedback from our past audiences we’ve been given the opportunity to move to such a respected venue. Our performers are all excited to bring the best of their skills and new ‘tricks’ to our loyal local fans, magic-lovers and visitors to Cape Town, confirming we are Africa’s premier magic theatre.”

Prepare to be amazed and to sit in open-mouthed wonder as Cape Town Magic Club’s artists take you on a mind-bending journey down the rabbit hole, in a setting where you can closely watch their every move – and still have no idea how they do it.