Journal on Wonder Venture

Sheep Show 2

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 20:30:56 +0100

Peggy and Pippin said they got this one…

Sheep Show 4

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:33:56 +0100

Peggy and Pippin said they got this one…

Sheep Show 3

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:32:56 +0100

Peggy and Pippin said they got this one…

Sheep Show 1

Fri, 13 Jun 2025 12:30:56 +0100

Peggy and Pippin said they got this one…

BBar Closing

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:55:22 +0100

After around 10 years of bi-monthly magic shows (little break during covid) sadly the BBAR is closing.

I got the news from Mal Norton (co-host) that after a long tenure in the Barbican Theatre building the BBar has decide to close. It was primarily a music venue but hosted a comedy night, dance nights, and spoken word at various points in it’s much loved and appreciated place in Plymouth culture.

Two Bridges Birthday

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 12:55:22 +0100

I wish I’d got some pictures of this show but in true artist fashion I got lost in the moment. But here’s a funny to share with you. You should try this out.

Speckled Wood

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:37:42 +0100

Identifying something makes you present. When you notice what you’re looking at you can begin to notice things which you never thought existed. It’s kind of magical. Magic sort of flips that on it’s head one minute you’re looking at something the next minute it’s gone. Just like this Speckled Wood. I’ve seen these soo many times before but until now never knew what one was.

Playing Cards on Grass

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 07:34:11 +0100

Whoopsadaisy there we go again. I find myself dusty handed and spitting feathers over a brand new pack of cards I just dropped in the muddy woodland or in the grass by the sheep s#1t.

Cinnabar Moth

Tue, 03 Jun 2025 20:31:33 +0100

On seing this I thought it was a butterfly. It’s first trick. The second grand illusion it pulled was perfectly mimicking the colour of the stalks behind it which meant I didn’t really notice it at first.

The House That Jack Built

Sat, 31 May 2025 07:05:10 +0100

I stopped by to see Mal at his charming shop Top Secret Magic. I have walked through that door many times but not noticed the hand painted sign for the building. I felt like Jack walking into his house after he met the giant.

The Oldest Magic Shop In Germany

Thu, 29 May 2025 05:31:00 +0000

I’m always excited when I get a postcard from Matt. The last one was from Timbuktu. Matt and his better half took their baby inter railing and went to the oldest magic shop in the Germany.

Butterflies

Tue, 27 May 2025 20:19:00 +0000

I’ve had a pre-occupation with butterflies of late. In fact it began a long time ago when I designed myself a monogram combining my initials into a symbol that resembled a butterfly. That was when I was around fifteen or sixteen.

Sign Version Three

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 18:11:00 +0000

I love this shot. These two kids were keen volunteers for one of my signature acts. One of them was a magician and not shy of upstaging us.

Chester Le Street

Mon, 19 Jun 2023 13:18:00 +0100

The inscription on the inside of a case that I bought has the previous owners name and address. The name wasn’t something that I was particularly interested in but the road name could be a great street performers name.

Von Trap

Sun, 18 Jun 2023 15:49:20 +0100

For the first time in nearly a year I did street shows with one of the best of friends and people. The inimitable Matt von Trap.

Mazzi

Thu, 15 Jun 2023 20:22:55 +0100

This is my mum. She is and will always be the most important influence and supporter of everything I have done, do and will do. Here are some of the great qualities she’s shown me.

The Attic

Fri, 19 May 2023 09:12:38 +0100

The attic. It wasn’t always a room but now it’s a place where I write, create and make magic. It’s also the home office, library and gadget room.

Pathless Woods

Thu, 18 May 2023 11:12:36 +0100

A man cast out by society found himself asleep in a graveyard homeless. An angel passes by notices the man hungry. He hands him a book on how to forage for free food. Years later he’s teaching me about the natural world and recites this poem.

The Pink Fairies

Wed, 17 May 2023 09:30:49 +0100

Someone thinks of a colour. I divine the colour while reciting this poem by Cicely Mary Barker and cutting a flower from tissue paper. The poem was written in 1944 and it perfectly fits this performance.

BBar Magic Night

Sun, 19 Feb 2023 00:00:00 +0000

These shows are getting better every month and the audiences seem to keep coming.

This time it was just Mal Norton and I. We had a full house and people standing! The sound went a little smoother this time and the venue have had some good lighting installed that allows us to control it a bit more for theatrical effect.

Home Magic Shows

Tue, 28 Sep 2021 00:00:00 +0000

So recently I put my hat back on and packed the case for some brilliant home shows for a family party. Read on to find out why I’ve found a home magic show is the best way to make memories and experience magic.

Answers for all

Wed, 07 Jul 2021 00:00:00 +0000

I made an 8Ball! I’ve personally had a go on one of these toys and it always gives me hope that I get the answer I want. If you don’t it’s difficult not to resist the urge to shake it again and get another.

Follow the omens

Sat, 04 Apr 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Learn to recognize omens, and follow them

Paulo Coehlo–The Alchemist

Bold words need special character. The visual nature of words is something we don’t consider as magicians but graphic designers do all the time.

Monday's Child

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

Is a fortune telling song made popular as a nursery ryhme. It’s meant to tell the personality or future of the child, while teaching them the days of the week.

Tinker Tailor

Sun, 22 Mar 2020 00:00:00 +0000

A fortune telling song which I will use to pick spectators. Here’s an idea. Someone is hiding a black marble. The rest are hiding a clear marble. A spectator is asked to chose someone from the audience. We use the ryhme to find the one who holds the black marble.

Microsoft Ignite

Thu, 16 Jan 2020 00:00:00 +0000

You stand there at your trade stand and you wonder how many leads you might get. You’ve spent thousands of pounds on being there. Merchandise, people, hotels, expenses and marketing.

Our special forces

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I have an agent that believes in me. I know that because they book me regularly for the forces gigs in the Devon. I’ve prformed for the Royal Marines and the Royal Navy officers mess.

Performers not props

Tue, 30 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

So many slick looking suited and booted magicians parade the magic market.

Anyone can buy a trick these days. Go on google magic trick shops and you’ll find them. Tons of effects, prepacked and available for all.

Race for life

Mon, 29 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

When thousands of people gather for the benefit of the few you should gather to. Communities rely and thrive on help from everyone. So I do my best to help when I can.

Hidden in plain sight

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

You wouldn’t believe what you can find if only you look. Are you looking for a life changing experience? I wasn’t but I had one and I think you could to if you choose to see what’s hidden in plain sight.

The magic of creative briefs

Thu, 25 Jul 2019 00:00:00 +0000

One of the hats that I wear as a professional is that of a creative. I paint, illustrate, design and build things for people as a job. It’s not often someone wants to hear about that but recently the opportunity to share some of the things I know did.

Something borrowed continued

Sun, 23 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I was a wedding magician yesterday at East Sour Farm in Devon. Have a look at the page if you’re looking for a venue.

Yesterday I saw how far I’ve come as an entertaining performer. By no means is my journey complete but I’m proud having done a good job yesterday. This is an honest account not arrogant self assurance. The wedding at East Sour yesterday was a table gig. Sadly at weddings people don’t like to book a magician for a cabaret or floor show. This means that the first table you work has to be good. If for whatever reason the first table doesn’t react well the rest of the room is dubious and it can be difficult to build atmosphere.

8000 Miles Away

Wed, 19 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

Only at a birthday party at someones home could this happen. A lovely lady enjoyed the show from the safety of her house in the Falkland islands!

Enchanting Barns in Devon

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

You get to see some beautiful places when you perform at events. This wedding was no exception.

I looked at the venue on Google maps but you really don’t get the full feeling until you’re there. The map is flat and despite any attempt to make it 3d you won’t know till you visit. Unfortunately you might visit on a bad day and the weather may be foul but his weekend it wasn’t. The weather was stunning.

Two Magical Women

Tue, 18 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A magician friend of mine couldn’t make a friends wedding and recommended me for it. It’s nice being able to help out other magicians and even nicer when someone recommends you. I was excited after speaking to Robin about the wedding of two delightful women and he gave me their number so I gave them a call.

Something borrowed

Mon, 17 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

The poem

Something old,
something new,
something borrowed,
something blue,
and a sixpence in her shoe.

What is this superstitious rambling? It looks like something about the success of a marriage based on folklore. Or is it more than that? It’s up to you to decide. Here are some thoughts that I hope to use in my wedding performances.

Favourite song

Fri, 14 Jun 2019 00:00:00 +0000

I love music. A song can encapsulate a moment and make you feel it again. That song is and can be real time travel to a moment you felt that feeling. A song might unlock a memory. Remind you of something amazing. But What does that have to do with magic?

A hero with 52 faces

Tue, 23 Apr 2019 00:00:00 +0000

A hero with 52 faces is someone on a journey with 52 cards and curiosity of the impossible. Exploring the mysteries of the world to find the truth amongst them. It’s the Hero’s journey. A short time when no one knows what fates befall them. What secrets reveal themselves or don’t.

Calstock Magician

Tue, 24 Apr 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I met Sue at a wedding I was booked for in 2017. Sue is the organiser of events at Calstock Arts Centre. We thought it would be a good idea to put on a magic show to raise funds for the centre and to offer something a bit different for the local community.

Wedding Hens

Mon, 12 Mar 2018 00:00:00 +0000

I recently got booked for a hen party looking for a table magician. They booked me over a lot of other magicians. Good stuff. This stories funny get ready for it.

Teaching Magic

Fri, 09 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

Teaching magic can make you a better magician. I’ll put that out there.

I’ve taught a couple of people magic formally. A few informally. Firstly this is rare. Very rare. I never teach, show or allude to how magic is made.

Magazine Magician

Wed, 07 Feb 2018 00:00:00 +0000

It was such a pleasure to be included in this local mag and I felt like I’d made it. Then I was acutely aware it’s a free mag and I supplied my own photos. Not quite made yet.

Magical Christmas Party

Fri, 15 Dec 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Snowing at a stately home in an arboretum! What a magical day.

It being Christmas reminded me of a gift I was given one year by my mum. She’d bought me a rubik cube.

Tell the best stories

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

Whoever Tells the Best Story Wins

Annette Simmons

I’ve forever been fascinated with captivating talks, speakers and folk who just have something that charms you.

This is Kris

Wed, 26 Apr 2017 00:00:00 +0000

The caption of a photo online

“Street magician. Someone told me this is @harriskristien”

It brought a smile to my face and mystery to my evening.

Mentors 1 of 3

Wed, 17 Feb 2016 00:00:00 +0000

Even professional magicians need lifelong mentors

I’d like to share with 3 mentors who have helped me progress. Here is the first. By way of introducing me to the larger world of magic he’s helped me become a better magician and has been a great friend. Professional, polite and good humored don’t do the man justice. He’s a treasure of Plymouth and here’s why.

10 reasons to watch magic

Fri, 18 Dec 2015 00:00:00 +0000

Some good and bad reasons to be still and enjoy magic at any time.

You might laugh and laughing makes you live longer. That’s science.
You might learn something about yourself.
You might learn something about someone else.
You might have to get your wallet back.
I heard a magician once gave away a £50 note or was it stolen? I can never remember 😉
Magicians sometimes tell stories. Not lies!
A story might change your life.
To get out of the awkward scenario of having all your family at a dinner table.
Did I say you might enjoy it?
To avoid humiliating yourself dancing?

Plymouth Magical Circle Birthday

Mon, 30 Nov 2015 00:00:00 +0000

What a show. I helped orchestrate the Plymouth Magic Circles 80th Anniversary show. It was a blast. At least 8 performers and over 90 guests and all tickets sold. We made this magic show a success.

Stand Still

Sun, 18 Oct 2015 00:00:00 +0000

My first ever cinemagraph. No camera tricks just a real moment replayed. I love that technology can crystalize a moment that actually happened and give you the feeling that it’s happening over again on repeat.

Plymouth Magic Circle

Thu, 14 May 2015 00:00:00 +0000

I was a long standing member of the Plymouth Magic Circle (PMC). I served as secretary for several years and helped promote, organise and arrange shows and meetings. The PMC met once a month on the second Thursday of every month.

Finding magicians and friendship

Sat, 25 Apr 2015 00:00:00 +0000

This gig was great. It was a lovely venue and the rain didn’t stop us having some fun. Tom and Janine have given me the opportunity to perform at their wedding and I’m doning a new grey coprporate looking suit. I’ve had a hair cut and I’m ready to schmooze. I hate schmoozing. I’ve sinced changed my look a bit.

Birthday Party In Cornwall

Sun, 28 Dec 2014 00:00:00 +0000

You can see we had a bit of fun at this one! June knows how to have fun and there were plenty of games to be had on the day. I worked the tables of people that decided to sit out of the shenanigans.

iON Camera Trade Show

Tue, 12 Aug 2014 00:00:00 +0000

I worked at Wembley stadium for iON cameras doing close-up for guests coming in to the trade stand. Had a bit of a play with the camera for the show reel that iON made as well. It’s only a snippet of magic but my first debut in a mainstream promotional video. Pretty pleased with it!

Hello World

Mon, 03 Mar 2014 00:00:00 +0000

I hope you enjoy my new website. Here is a qoute to get the ball rolling…