TWO local entertainers are teaming up to perform at this year’s National Arts Festival which is set to take place in Grahamstown from tomorrow, June 28 to July 8.
Brendon Peel, a young mentalist, and Li Lau, a gifted escape artist, will combine their talents to bring audiences The Carnival Sideshow (And Other Magical Things) show.
Peel was born in Port Elizabeth and started learning magic at 13. By the time he was 18, he was the youngest magician ever to perform a solo magic show at the National Arts Festival.
He has spread his love of magic all over South Africa, with performances in Cape Town, Johannesburg, East London and the Free State.
In addition to the show with Lau, he will also be seen on stage daily at the festival in Mysteries of the Mind.
His partner in crime, Lau, better known as One Crazy China, specialises in what he calls “bizarre entertainment” which features a unique blend of escapology and sideshow stunts with an added touch of mentalism for good measure.
Lau got his first opportunity to perform in 2011 at a local Animal Welfare Society meeting and he never looked back.
An avid and long-time comic book fan, his interest in escapes and magic began early on and stemmed from his love of characters, such as Mister Miracle and Batman.
Years later, his interest in escapology was piqued anew while living abroad in London after visiting the famous Davenports Magic Shop and inspired further still by renowned UK escape artists.
Peel and Lau’s unique show has never been seen before and will involve sideshow stunts, escapology and other “bizarre entertainment”.
The Carnival Sideshow (And Other Magical Things) will run daily at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown from tomorrow, June 28 to July 2.
For tickets and more info, visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za.
