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.
I started performing on that stage at a spoken word night organised by Katie Tokus. After deciding to perform more magic it occured to me that it would be a great place to host a magic night for local magicians to practice.
I decided ticketing would hinder it’s success so we decided to tip the hat. The night was never about making money. It’s goal was to give magicians a stage and share local talent.
Over the years they really supported us printing our own leaflet for us and really helping build the audience for it. There were quiet nights but also nights where people had to stand or walk away.
While it’s sad that we now have to walk away from it I really hope that it takes a new life and maybe the next owners want to continue the culture that grew there. If not it leaves me wondering where to wander next.
Maybe we can find a new venue somewhere. Maybe it’s a sign to focus on other projects. Which is odd in another odd set of serendipitous connections I found myself performing two parlour shows at a Speakeasy cabaret night. In the basement was Katie Tokus performing with a band some of her distinctly entertaining singing.
During the night someone was running a fun black jack table and asked me if I wanted to deal as I sat down to chat to a friend I’d bumped into. What a blast. I got to deal some cards and entertain at a card table which is perhaps something we could try and setup somewhere.
After my shows that night the lady running the table asked if I’d be interested in joining a cabaret and they had contacts at the Barbican Theatre and maybe they’d be able to connect me to them since they have helped them put on shows there.
I can’t help but feel that the joureny is going to continue and more wonderous adventures await. But for now all I must do is focus on my next shows, my writing, the magic and above all my family.
Especially the family since they put up with my magical chaos all the time.