Simon Drake's House Of Magic

Let a recent blogger introduce us: “Any evening which begins with wandering through an enchanted garden is bound to be a good ‘un. Eminent magician Simon Drake has converted a Victorian mansion into an opulent, bewildering pleasure dome, where magicians, clairvoyants, contortionists, sword swallowers, vampires, and illusionists entertain you. It’s a cross between an Old-World bar and an eerie curiosity shop with music, drinks, dinner, and dancing 'til the wee hours. Oh, and don't miss the haunted cellar tour by the butler. Mind. Blown.” A pioneer of illusion, Simon Drake is one of the most original and creative illusionists alive. In his two TV series of the highly acclaimed 'Secret Cabaret' for Channel Four, a series which he conceived and starred in, he won an international cult following as one of the most original and shocking illusionists in the world, setting a completely new style of presentation for magic. He now performs exclusively at his own London theatre ‘Simon Drake’s House of Magic’. The House of Magic, set in an unsuspecting residential street is totally anonymous from the outside. Once past the gates you find yourself immersed in one of the most outlandish, extraordinary and enchanting venues in London. Built by prominent magician Simon Drake as his residence nearly 20 years ago, he set about turning it into a self-contained island of entertainment. Guests can enjoy high quality cuisine and drinks at uniquely low prices, before being startled and amazed to varying degrees throughout the night. Although it’s often booked out exclusively for corporate events and private parties the house also has a number of public nights throughout the year. As you walk nervously through the gates into the garden your ears register the sound of creaking doors, distant thunder and howling wolves. As your eyes adjust to the eerie lighting and permanent mist, the path leads you through an enchanted garden to glowing fishponds and mechanical critters that rustle about in the undergrowth. Once inside guests are free to explore the 4000 sq feet of unique opulence. This is most definitely not like a night out at your local. The mansion is crammed with haunted portraits, fascinating curios, dozens of chandeliers, a collection of spooky automata handmade by Drake himself. Touring the house eventually brings you to the drawing room, a living homage to the owners’ 30 year career in the magic, film and TV business. It’s like your favorite bar crossed with a museum of curiosities, with everything from vintage posters to toys, clockwork models and bookshelves stuffed with interesting tomes on the dark arts.