Magicians (2007)

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

Director:

Andrew O'Connor

Writers:

David Britland (story), Andy Nyman (story),

Stars:

Robert Webb, David Mitchell, Sarah Hadland

1 win.

Cast

Cast overview, first billed only:
Robert Webb	...	Karl Allen
David Mitchell	...	Harry Kane
Sarah Hadland	...	Carol
Paul Mark Elliott	...	Theatre Manager
Karen Seacombe	...	Female Customer
Phil Nice	...	Male Customer
Jessica Hynes	...	Linda Jones (as Jessica Stevenson)
Darren Boyd	...	Otto Johnson
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

Storyline

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

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Plot Keywords:

magician | guillotine | nudity | male nudity | british comedy | 

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Taglines:

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

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Genres:

Comedy

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Details

Country:

UK

Language:

English

Release Date:

18 May 2007 (UK)

Also Known As:

Die Magier - Nichts als fauler Zauber

Filming Locations:

Caledonia Place, St Helier, Jersey, Channel Islands

Box Office

Opening Weekend:

£366,188 (UK) (18 May 2007)

Gross:

£690,242 (UK) (25 May 2007)

Company Credits

Production Co:

Breakout Films, Intermedia Films, Universal Pictures

Technical Specs

Runtime:

90 min 90 min (European Film Market)

Color:

Color

Aspect Ratio:

2.35 : 1

Did You Know?

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.

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Quotes

Mike Francis: Well, I don't think anyone has seen a final quite like that, and I do not in any way mean that in a positive sense.

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Crazy Credits

There's an additional scene featuring Karl's manager after the end credits.

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Connections

Referenced in Friday Night with Jonathan Ross: Episode #11.5 (2006)

User Reviews

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.