Magicians (2007)

Director:

Andrew O'Connor

Writers:

David Britland (story) &
Andy Nyman (story) ...

Release Date:

18 May 2007 (UK)

Genre:

Comedy

Tagline:

Don't ask how they do it, ask why?

Plot:

A pair of rivaling stage magicians are forced to confront their falling out over a guillotine mishap when they compete in a magic competition. |

Plot Keywords:

Magician | Guillotine | Fear Of Flying | Nudity | Surprise After End Credits

Awards:

1 win

Cast

  (Cast overview, first billed only)

Robert Webb	...	Karl
David Mitchell	...	Harry
Sarah Hadland	...	Carol
Paul Mark Elliott	...	Theatre Manager
Karen Seacombe	...	Female Customer
Phil Nice	...	Male Customer
Jessica Hynes	...	Linda (as Jessica Stevenson)
Darren Boyd	...	Otto
Miranda Hart	...	Bank Manager
Angel Coulby	...	Receptionist
Robin Weaver	...	Caroline
Priyanga Burford	...	Female Colleague
Andrea Riseborough	...	Dani
Geoffrey McGivern	...	Magic Shop Manager
Marek Larwood	...	Colin

Runtime:

90 min | Germany:90 min (European Film Market)

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Certification:

Ireland:15A | Germany:12 | UK:15

Filming Locations:

Jersey, Channel Islands

Company:

Breakout Films

Trivia:

The external, and most internal, shots of the theatre on Jersey, where the final of the Magic Shield competition is held, were shot at the Theatre Royal in Nottingham. Many of the theatre's ushers were recruited as extras to play ushers in the film.

Quotes:

Harry: So, I'll take you out and show you my prop van in a bit, but first, coffee. How do you like it?
Linda: Weak and white, like my men.

Movie Connections:

References "Friends" (1994)

Very funny, great cast, but not quite Peep Show standard (apologies to the cast & writers)...

Hmmm...I saw the screening last week in Dublin, and although it was quite funny, it wasn't "brilliant". I had lots of fun, but there was just something missing I think. Mitchell and Webb were great (as ever), Jessica Stevenson, Darren Boyd and Peter Capaldi were also great (as ever)...but there was just something about it. Too slight? Not enough meat? No Mark Heap? I dunno. All this talent and - it pains me to say this - it didn't seem to be much more than the sum of its parts. Maybe further viewings will reveal more. Now having said that, there were plenty of great jokes, nuances, the odd subversion, and so forth - not to mention magic tricks. Despite my minor reservations, it's still a cut above the rest of the tripe that passes for comedy these days. Armstrong and Bain have made the leap to film confidently and convincingly. They still deliver the goods. Go see it! Incidentally, Jessica Stevenson just gets more gorgeous as time goes on (sigh).

(Notice I didn't mention Peep Show! Surely I deserve some kind of award!)

Oh, and there was a Q&A session with David and Rob after the screening and they were hilarious. Sharp as tacks, took time to answer even the stupidest questions, and hung around long enough for fans to mob them (well, ask for autographs and photos anyway). Great guys.