PREVIOUS MAGICAL ADVENTURES

2016

CABARET NIGHT - QUEEN STREET BREW HOUSE - SATURDAY 5TH FEBRUARY, 7PM.

Alice d’Lumiere is your glamorous hostess at the Queen Street Brewhouse for an evening of Sketch Comedy, Music and Burlesque; featuring the talented ladies of Helles Belles and Burlesque Bangs.


SCIENCE SUNDAY - MUSEUM OF POWER, MALDON - SUNDAY 20TH MARCH

Dean Allen Jones presents a day of Mad Science, ably assisted by Darren Gooding at the Museum of Power.


BRESSTEAM II - BRESSINGHAM STEAM AND GARDENS -  4TH & 5TH JUNE

The NUOS Boys are invited back for another year - Darren once more brings fantastical storytelling from the world of “Leopold Thorn”, whilst Dean deliverers his amazing close-up and walk about magic, with additional magic and juggling provided by Dan Turner. Bressingham Steam and Gardens.

 

SHIPWRECK PIRATE FESTIVAL - RYDE, ISLE OF WIGHT - 18TH & 19TH JUNE.

Darren comperes the Ryde Pirate Festival in the guise of the wily Governor of the Isle of Wight!


THE BIG SUNDAY - COLCHESTER - SUNDAY 19TH JUNE.

Dean brings close-up Magic to Colchester’s annual alfresco celebration.


THE FLING, HYLANDS PARK , CHELMSFORD

SATURDAY 2ND JULY.

Alice d’Lumiere, Dean Allen Jones and Dan Turner will be helping Tea and Sympathy in the Fling Festival’s VIP area. Expect an Espionage theme…  


THE CLOCKWORK INFIRMARY - PETERBOROUGH MUSEUM - SUNDAY 3RD JULY.

Darren and Dan have been invited to provide storytelling and magic at Peterborough’s inaugural Steampunk Event!


SUFFOLK STEAMPUNK SPECTACULAR III - THE LONG SHOP MUSEUM LEISTON - 9TH & 10TH JULY

The NUOS Boys are invited back for another year - Darren once more brings fantastical storytelling from the world of “Leopold Thorn”, whilst Dean deliverers his amazing close-up and walk about magic, with additional magic and juggling provided by Dan Turner. The Long Shop Museum.


MAGIC WEEKEND - KENTWELL HALL - 23RD & 24TH JULY.

Darren and Dean join Kentwell’s Regular Conjuror, The Great Edmundo for a wondrous weekend of all things magical. www.kentwell.co.uk


“HARRY POTTER MAGIC SCHOOL” - BRAINTREE MUSEUM - SATURDAY 13TH AUGUST.

Dean Allen Jones will instruct Witchcraft and Wizardry for all budding sorcerers.


“LOUNGING ON THE LAWN” - CASTLE PARK, COLCHESTER - 13TH & 14TH AUGUST.

Darren Gooding comperes the  friendliest and most relaxed beer and music festival on the Essex Calendar. No illusions this time, but expect pub poetry!


“MAGIC WORKSHOP for COLCHESTER THEATRE GROUP” - HEADGATE THEATRE, COLCHESTER, - SATURDAY 17TH SEPTEMBER. 2PM - 5PM

We’re all performers and in order to amaze, a good magician, like a good actor, must discover the best way to deliver their material. So what makes a great magic trick? What makes a compelling story? What makes a commanding performance? These are some of the mysteries which will be explored...  

The workshop will be run by writer / performer  Darren Gooding, alongside professional magician / educator Dean Allen Jones. Workshop attendees are encouraged to both observe and actively participate; learning basic magic tricks, but with emphasis on developing the presentational techniques and narrative style required for the successful performance of magical material. Tickets £10 - More details at: http://www.headgatetheatre.co.uk


STEAMPUNK ESSEXTRAORDINAIRE II - MUSEUM OF POWER, MALDON - SUNDAY 18TH SEPTEMBER

The NUOS Boys are invited back for another year - Darren once more brings fantastical storytelling from the world of “Leopold Thorn”, whilst Dean deliverers his amazing close-up and walk about magic, with additional magic and juggling provided by Dan Turner. The  Museum of Power.


“SCARESVILLE - KENTWELL HALL - 5TH OCTOBER to 5TH NOVEMBER.

Following the popularity last year of Dean, Darren and Dan’s close-up magic the trio of NUOS performers return to Kentwell Hall’s haunted village to once again amaze and astound in the macabre darkness of the “Unfairground”. This year expect close-up magic, terrifying fortune telling, plus fire performance and magical sideshows with a twisted Circus theme. Dean and Dan will also be performing at Kentwell’s kids’ event “Halloweenies” for more details check out Kentwell’s websites. www.scaresville.co.uk and www.kentwell.co.uk


“MAGIC NIGHT” - THE BREWERS ARMS, Brightlingsea

FRIDAY 16th DECEMBER 8pm Start.

Dan, Dean and Darren, bring close up magic and amazement to the Brewers Arms Pub in Brightlingsea.

TEL: 01206 305608

For more details check out their website at www.brewersarms-brightlingsea.co.uk



2015


SURREY STEAMPUNK PRESENTS…THE NONSUCH CHRISTMAS GATHERING - SATURDAY 19TH DECEMBER

This utterly splendid event comprised an unforgettable Mad Hatter's Christmas dinner party, plus an evening of theatre  and cabaret filled with all manner of wondrous things. Darren Gooding presided over the Mad Hatter’s Christmas Dinner, compered the cabaret and presented his very own “Quoon’s Speech” - A fantastic time was had by all.



WINTER WONDERLAND - THE MUSEUM OF POWER - SUNDAY 13TH DECEMBER

Dean Allen Jones brought some extra festive magic to The Museum of Power’s enchanting seasonal event.



“THE ILLUSIONIST, THE PRINCESS AND THE CANDLESTICKS” - THE BANK,

2 CASTLE STREET, EYE, SUFFOLK. IP23 7AN - FRIDAY 11TH DECEMBER.

An evening of Magic and Theatre, featuring a festive, family Magic Show, on the theme of “The Science of Santa” presented by ever popular Steampunk Magician Dean Allen Jones; ably assisted by new NUOS member Dan Turner. This was followed by a theatrical performance of “The Illusionist, the Princess and the Candlesticks”; a slyly subversive tall tale from The Storybook of Leopold Thorn. Written and Performed by Darren Gooding


STEAMPUNKS IN SPACE - SATURDAY  28TH & SUNDAY 29TH NOVEMBER  - NATIONAL SPACE CENTRE LEICESTER.

Alice d’Lumiere had the honour of compereing Steampunks in Space 2015 Cabaret Night in the Sir Patrick Moore Planetarium at the National Space Centre in Leicester. Alice once again co-hosted with comedic force of nature; Count Rostov. The pair brought much delight and merriment to the audience, plus had the privilege of working with those Time Travelling Magicians, Morgan and West and legendary Steampunk Rapper, Professor Elemental. A night to remember… Meanwhile Darren joined the cast of Rostov’s Radio Play “The Farce Awakens”; part VI of the increasingly demented Rayguns in Aspic Series.


STEAMPUNK ESSEXTRADORDINAIRE - THE MUSEUM OF POWER, MALDON - SUNDAY, 8TH NOVEMBER

Dean was an outstanding hit with his close-up magic at The Museum of Power’s inaugural Steampunk event.


LIGHT AND SHADES FESTIVAL - COLCHESTER HIGH STREET - SATURDAY 31ST OCTOBER.

Alice and Dean helped provide the close up magic for Colchester’s Halloween High Street Event.


SCARESVILLE - KENTWELL HALL - OCTOBER.

Darren, Dean and Dan  provided magic and mystery in Scaresville’s Unfairground throughout the entirety of the Halloween month; much to the delight of the crowds.


BRESSINGHAM STEAM and GARDENS - FRIDAY 30TH OCTOBER

Dean and Darren brought close up magic to Bressingham’s evening of Halloween fun and games. Darren performed cards tricks, whilst Dean proved once again he is the undisputed king of balloon animals!


THE CLOCKWORK GIRL - COLCHESTER ARTS CENTRE - TUESDAY 27TH OCTOBER.

Darren Gooding presented the World Premiere of the latest instalment of his cycle of  “Leopold Thorn” plays to an enraptured audience at the spiritual home of his theatre work; Colchester Arts Centre.


SCARESVILLE - KENTWELL HALL - OCTOBER

Dean and Darren took control of Scareville’s Unfairground at Kentwell Hall throughout the month of October. Compereing and entertaining with baffling, mysterious and macabre magic.


EASTBOURNE STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL - SATURDAY 12TH & SUNDAY 13TH SEPTEMBER.

Darren compered the main music stage whilst Dean kept the little ones enchanted with balloon animals aplenty. The boys re-combined their resources to provide table Magic in The Winter Gardens for the evening ball.


COLCHESTER FREE FESTIVAL  - CASTLE PARK - SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST & SUNDAY 30TH AUGUST.

Dean Allen Jones took control of the Spoken Word Tent with his usual aplomb and compered both days of this busy and bustling festival.


THE CLOCKWORK UNDERGROUND - THE ASYLUM, LINCOLN - SATURDAY 29TH AUGUST.

Darren added his acting and magical skills to The Clockwork Watch team for an evening of immersive theatre, music and magic.


SURREY STEAMPUNK CONVIVIAL V - THE ROYAL OAK, NEW MALDON - SATURDAY 22ND & SUNDAY 23RD AUGUST.

Dean and Darren returned to Surrey for the usual mirth and merriment of Ben Henderson’s most delightfully eccentric of all Steampunk gatherings… Darren performed excerpts from “Leopold Thorn”, plus his “Dracula Letters”, in addition to officiating over ostrich and teapot racing!


LOUNGING ON THE LAWN - SATURDAY 15TH AUGUST - CASTLE PARK COLCHESTER

Darren Gooding provided a grand opening ceremony in the guise of “A Right Worshipful Mayor of Colchester” and comedy with the cast of “I Hear Voices Theatre Company” at the town’s brand new Mini Beer, Cider, Food, Music and Comedy Festival which took place in Castle Park’s beautiful and secluded Upper  Bowling Pavilion.

A fantastic time was had by all and all proceeds from the event were donated to the Robin Cancer Trust.


THE SECOND SUFFOLK STEAMPUNK SPECTACULAR - THE LONG SHOP MUSEUM, LEISTON - SATURDAY 11TH & SUNDAY 12TH JULY.

Darren and Dean returned to The Long Shop Museum for more Theatre and Magic. This year they were joined by Alice, who co-compered the evening Cabaret with Steampunk comic legend, Count Rostov.


HEADWAY ESSEX 30TH ANNIVERSARY PEARL BALL. - FRIDAY 19TH JUNE - STOCK BROOK MANOR, BILLERICAY 7pm - 1am.

Headway Essex; the charity supporting those living with acquired brain injury, their families and carers, celebrated their 30th anniversary with a black tie ball.  The evening included a canape reception, three course meal and coffee. Entertainments included live music from SOUL’d Out! Plus Illusion from the Magicians of Nothing up Our Sleeves; in the form of Darren Gooding and Dean Allen Jones.


GRIMM TALES OF FUNK - A TEA & SYMPATHY BAR NIGHT - SATURDAY 6TH OF JUNE - THE LIGHT SHIP, HYTHE

Tea and Sympathy presented a Grimm Fairy Tales inspired Bar Night with a Funk and Soul soundtrack. Dean contributed brilliant close up magic, whilst Darren created the immersive comedy and theatre; in the form of the satirical “Trial of Little Red Riding Hood” and an audience with a Prince who was more Charles than Charming… There was also brilliant Fire Performance and Burlesque with T&S regulars; the sassy Helles Belles Burlesque and the incomparable  Fyreflies. The gang were back together again with one of the best Tea and Sympathy Nights so far…


THE MAD CATTER’S BALL - SATURDAY 25TH APRIL

Colchester Arts Centre threw open their doors to celebrate the first birthday of Poppys Place Animal Rescue.

The resulting “Mad Catter’s Ball” was an outstanding success. This night of the weird and the wonderful; of magic and delights was compered by Nothing Up Our Sleeves’ regular Wonderland Girl; Miss Alice d’Lumiere who wiggled back into her powder blue frock and tied on her frilly apron  to indulge her passion for Lewis Carroll’s nonsense poetry, much to the delight of the enthusiastic audience. Meanwhile, Close-Up magic was provided by Dean Allen Jones. Headline band Jupiter Ray kept the evening rocking, with help from the graceful, gravity-defying ladies of Flight Aerial Arts. Flux Dance Collective created startling and delightful pieces of unexpected, immersive theatre, and NUOS’ old friends Fyreflies kicked the evening off with their customary pyrotechnic flair.

This was a gig to remember and Nothing Up Our Sleeves was proud to be a part of it.


THE SECRET VINTAGE FAIR - SATURDAY 25TH APRIL - Colchester Town Hall.

Nothing Up Our Sleeves resident retro girl Alice d’Lumiere straightened her seams and went all 1950’s when she helped out at Colchester’s Secret Vintage Fair. Alice compered the charity Vintage Fashion Show and introduced the glamorous ladies of Burlesque Bangs


THE NOTHING UP OUR SLEEVES MAGICAL WORKSHOP - WEDNESDAY 8TH & FRIDAY 9TH APRIL

MINORIES GALLERIES.

Nothing Up Our Sleeves presented half hour magic shows followed by workshops on magic and life skills. Led by Dean Allen Jones, with assistance by Darren Gooding. A fun time was had by all in the idyllic surroundings of a sunny Minories Galleries garden. Watch out for more workshops at the Minories this summer holiday…


2014

MISSY MALONE & FRIENDS BURLESQUE REVUE - 12th December, The Regal Cinema, Evesham

Dean and Darren turned their  conjuring  skills to pre-show and interval close-up magic to assist the exquisitely glamorous Missy Malone and Friends in the breathtakingly beautiful, art deco surroundings of the The Regal Cinema in Evesham. A sparkling Christmas Treat for all involved and a truly magical close to the year.


WHITE CHRISTMAS IN NARNIA 6th December

Dean astounded as “The Magician’s Nephew” and Darren performed dramatic excerpts from “The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe” at Tea and Sympathy’s C.S. Lewis inspired Christmas party.   


THE CABINET OF LEOPOLD THORN, 25th October, The Bank Eye.

Nothing Up Our Sleeves co-founder Darren Gooding returned to the show which began the whole “Storybook” project. This epic tale of loss, scandal, sleights, misdirection and Steampunk Science was staged for the final time in 2014 at The Bank Eye - check out their website for details of this fantastic, idiosyncratic little venue.

For more details of this show and the full “Storybook Cycle” please check out the Truelove Tours website.


CROSSNESS ENGINES STEAMPUNK CONVIVIAL - 28th September, Crossness Pumping Station, London

Mr Gooding and Mr Jones continued their adventures into the impeccably tailored world of Retro Futurism at the Crossness Engines inaugural  Steampunk Convivial. Darren  performed excerpts from the Leopold Thorn Storytelling cycle, whilst Dean enchanted with his customary close-up magical prowess. There were Steampunk Traders, Music and even functioning Tesla Coils!


DIRTY POP AT THE LOCAL SHOP  - 20thSeptember

The good ladies of Tea and Sympathy are took a trip back to where it all started; their little shop on Crouch Street for a party night with an immersive theatre feel. There they introduced their cast of local people from the Crouch Street Village…

NUOS’ Dean Jones and Darren Gooding were be joined by other T&S regular performers… Helles Belles, Fyreflies, and Nicola Goodchild, with guilty pleasure pop from DJs Sneakers.

Darren performed as a “A Mayor of Colchester” - a character he created for the 2013 and 2014 Colchester Comedy Festival. For a look at “A Mayor” in action check out the Truelove Tours Comedy Page.

Meanwhile Dean was back in his enchanting attic room: performing in the guise of the village Tailor with more than a few tricks up his sleeves…


INVASION COLCHESTER IV - 6th SEPTEMBER

Dean provided some additional peripatetic wonderment at Colchester’s annual Science Fiction and Fantasy themed town centre charity event. Whist Darren dashed around in a pinstripe suit; doing his best David Tennant impersonation!

  

MAGIC and SCIENCE WORKSHOP - 27th AUGUST

Dean Jones and Darren Gooding returned to Halesworth Library for Dean’s now regular children’s magic workshop. Kids and adults alike were delighted for hours on end by the huge ball of madcap Welsh energy!


SECRET VINTAGE FAIR - 23rd AUGUST

Self confessed frockoholic Alice d’Lumiere was in sartorial heaven when she was asked to compere the Secret Vintage Fair’s Fashion Show at St. Helena School. No card tricks this time just the magic of full 50’s retro glamour.

 

T&S: ACID HOUSE - 19th JULY

A return for Dean and Alice to the Light Boat at the Hythe for an evening of all things nineties and neon. Dean was even spotted not wearing a waistcoat…


SUFFOLK STEAMPUNK SPECTACULAR - 12/13th JULY

Darren and Dean were invited to take their Storytelling and Magical talents to the inaugural Suffolk Steampunk Spectacular at The Long Shop Museum in Leiston. Darren performed two of his Leopold Thorn “Storybook” shows whilst Dean provided close up, walk-around magic for the hundreds of splendidly dressed Retronaught Revelers. The pair combined their comedic talents in the evening for some science-themed cabaret magic.


THE TERROR BENEATH THE BOARDS - 10th JULY

The second play in Darren Gooding’s “Storybook of Leopold Thorn” cycle received its World Premiere at Colchester Arts Centre. The darkly comic Odyssey of ghostly apparitions and vanishing elephants engendered much mirth from the audience, culminating  with a cameo appearance from the series’ magical advisor…


THE FLING FESTIVAL - 28th JUNE

When the ladies of Tea and Sympathy took their “Wonderland” Cabaret to Chelmsford’s ‘Adults Only’ Fling Festival Dean finally got the chance to play the role he was born to play; The Mad Hatter! Meanwhile Alice found herself once again wiggling into her namesake's frilly frock and stripy tights for a decidedly Burlesque tumble Down the Rabbit Hole…


T&S: THE RED CURTAIN CLUB - 7th JUNE

A stunning Moulin Rouge themed Tea and Sympathy Cabaret gave Alice and Dean the opportunity to perform some beautiful narrative magic and Alice the chance to show some leg in the cancan!


THE CABINET OF LEOPOLD THORN - 22nd MARCH

The Angles Theatre, Wisbech, 7.30pm.

Nothing Up Our Sleeves co-founder Darren Gooding received a rapturous reception when he took his original “Leopold Thorn” play out to the Angles Theatre in Wisbech.


T&S: A LITTLE BIT QUENTIN - 15th MARCH

Alice and Dean joined the ladies of Tea and Sympathy to go 'A Little Bit Quentin' at Colchester Art Centre. Dean provided close up magic and sword play whilst Alice compered the cabaret and hosted a Jack Rabbit Slim Dance Competition for this night of all things Tarantino.


THE CABINET OF LEOPOLD THORN,

TALE ONE: “THE PRINCESS AND THE CANDLESTICKS”

Saturday 1st March, The Cut, Halesworth. 7.30pm.

Nothing Up Our Sleeves co-founder Darren Gooding returned to The Cut in Halesworth for the first 2014 Tour Gig of the opening show in  his new Leopold Thorn “Storybook Cycle”. The 70 minute storytelling piece was preceded by a half hour of magic and comedy from Darren and fellow NUOS Magician Dean Allen Jones.

For full details of this gig and the “Storybook Cycle” please check out the Truelove Tours website.


2014 began as 2013 ended; with another madcap adventure with Tea & Sympathy…

T&S: DOWN THE RABBIT HOLE -1st FEBRUARY

Our very own Alice, (that’s Miss d’Lumiere), fell Down the Rabbit Hole and found herself suddenly stuck in Wonderland! No conjuring tricks this time; as dear Alice found herself rather busy hosting a Lewis Carroll themed Cabaret featuring Helles Belles  Burlesque and Fyreflies, not to mention attending a string of increasingly deranged Mad Hatter’s Tea Parties presided over by the wonderful Miss Nicola Goodchild.

2013

Nothing Up Our Sleeves rounded off their 2013 gigs with a final Bar Night with the lovely ladies of Tea and Sympathy.

“YOU KNOW YOU’VE GOT SOUL” - St. Martin’s Church, West Stockwell Street, Colchester. Saturday 28th December 2013.

Dean Allen Jones and Alice d’Lumiere provided walkabout close up magic whilst DJ Spiv Mod took the revelers on a Northern Soul adventure with a mix of Tamla Motown, Girl Groups, and Sixties Heartbreak…

The Fyreflies were back along with Helles Belles Burlesque for fabulous festively themed performances introduced by Miss d’Lumiere.

1960’s Frocks, abounded with hair and make up courtesy of Fringe Art Team and Swapna Kandukuri of Avani Beauty.

https://www.facebook.com/tea.sympathy.9

THE MASQUERADE CIRCUS  Saturday 7th December

Nothing Up Our Sleeves’ glamorous retro girl, Miss Alice d’Lumiere, wiggled into her favourite polka dot frock and fluffy petticoats to provided card magic and mind reading at the GO4 Market Cafe’s circus-themed day of Christmas wonders.


COLCHESTER CHRISTMAS LIGHTS SWITCH ON Saturday 30th November

Darren Gooding and Dean Allen Jones switched on the Christmas Lights in Colchester’s Culver Centre in aid of Headway Essex. The boys used comedy, magic and laser light to turn on the tree and entertain the thronging crowds.


THE STORYBOOK OF LEOPOLD THORN, TALE ONE:

 “THE PRINCESS AND THE CANDLESTICKS” Wednesday 20th November

Nothing Up Our Sleeves co-founder Darren Gooding returned with Truelove Tours to his home venue of Colchester Arts Centre to premier the first show in the new Leopold Thorn “Storybook Cycle”. The performance was warmly received by the delighted audience and the 70 minute show was preceded by a half hour of magic from Darren and fellow NUOS Magician Dean Allen Jones.   


Tea and Sympathy presents…

GYPSIES, TRAMPS & THIEVES Saturday 16th November
There was live music from seven piece 'Band of Fools', DJ Fettdog with some toe tapping gypsy inspired mashups, DJ Simonovich playing Electro Balkan and Swing, Helles Belles Burlesque Troupe, Fire and Hoop Performance and, as is traditional, the Magicians of Nothing Up Our Sleeves: Dean hustled like a card sharp whilst Deceptrix Miss Alice d’Lumiere, read minds and generally defied the laws of physics…  


HEADWAY: “GATSBY BLACK TIE BALL” - Friday 15th  November

The Headway Charity returned to THE FENNES ESTATE in BOCKING for their Traditional Winter Black Tie Ball. Following on from the success of last year’s Dickensian themed Extravaganza, The Magicians of NUOS were invited back to once more provide close-up trickery; plus Darren Gooding took the role of Master of Ceremonies in the urbane guise of Nick Carraway whilst Dean Jones baffled with American coin magic.



Tea and Sympathy presents…

“A NAUTICAL ADVENTURE” - Saturday 28th September

Salty Sea Dogs, Mermaids, Sea Monsters and Pirates were present when the Adventurous Ladies of  TEA & SYMPATHY presented an evening of maritime themed revelry aboard the Colne Lightship on King Edward Quay.  The famous Jam Jar Cocktails, were in evidence along with tunes from D.J. FETTDOG, Burlesque from HELLES BELLES, and Fire performances from FYREFLIES. NUOS provided Magic from Dean and MC duties from Darren.


COLCHESTER FREE FESTIVAL - Saturday 24th August

IN THE SPOKEN WORD TENT Darren Gooding  entranced the audience with excerpts from his first epic Magical Drama “The Cabinet of Leopold Thorn”.

http://colchesterfreefestival.org.uk


MAGIC AT HALESWORTH LIBRARY - Friday 23rd August

Dean Allen Jones was asked to bring his unique blend of magic and mad science to Halesworth Library. Assisted by Darren Gooding, Dean’s visit was part of a wider initiative to show children just how magical science can be.


MAY - JUNE

THE CABINET OF LEOPOLD THORN - Darren restaged his astounding One Man Show. Audiences and critics alike were enthralled with an evening of sleights, misdirection & Steam-Punk Science in the eccentric, enigmatic company of Leopold Thorn: Illusionist (professionally), Murderer (reputedly), Visionary Genius (quite possibly) and Strutting Dandy (unquestionably), as Darren attempted to answer the question of how a man who invented the greatest illusion ever known was so comprehensively erased from the history of stage magic…


MAY 16th (Thursday) -

The Headgate Theatre Colchester, 14 Chapel Street North, Colchester, Essex CO2 7AT -  www.headgatetheatre.co.uk Box Office: 01206 366000

JUNE 14th (Friday) -

The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, Suffolk, IP19 8BY - www.newcut.org Box Office: 0845 673 2123.


What the Critics said about “THE CABINET OF LEOPOLD THORN”

“I can honestly say that this is a gripping, intriguing, magical and superbly acted tour-de-force. If I were pitching it to Hollywood I would probably say: ‘It's Sherlock Holmes-meets Dickens-meets Doctor Who!’"

Liz Mullen - Colchester Garrison Radio

“Gooding is a compelling performer, vocally brilliant, swapping gender with ease, and bringing to life an array of characters, each becoming visible before us… one of the best solo performances I have seen in a long time.”

Paul T. Davies - Colchester Gazette 29.05.13

Check out the full reviews at Darren’s website www.truelovetours.co.uk



TWO PERFORMANCES AT COLCHESTER CASTLE!

Colchester Castle was empty in 2013 to allow for a massive refurbishment to take place. The exhibits and structures within the castle were removed between January and March and the refurbishment began in late April.

This meant that for a very limited period, it was possible to stage events in the full open space of the main Castle keep. This opportunity will probably never occur again in our lifetime and the performers of Nothing Up Our Sleeves were invited to perform at not just one but TWO of these fabulous events…

March 23rd (Saturday)

Dean and Darren performed close up and table magic at Fade to Black Television’s ELIZABETHAN EVENING at  Colchester Castle. The evening was (loosely) set in Elizabethan times. Queen Elizabeth I visited Colchester on two occasions and the event was set around her second visit in 1579!

The evening was an outstanding success; the guests dressed up with aplomb and the International all girl classical music quartet - BLAYZ topped the bill in exuberant style.


All profit from the event went to Headway Essex, who support the victims of acquired brain injury and their families. Please take a look at what they do:- www.headwayessex.org.uk


APRIL 6th  (Saturday)  -

A fortnight later NUOS returned to Colchester Castle to perform close-up Magic at THE MASQUERADE BALL, which raised money for St Helen’s Hospice. Once again the good folk of Colchester were presented with an opportunity to dress to the nines. This time Dean and Darren were joined by Master of the Bizarre Harvey Kennett. Whilst Darren and Dean baffled and entertained the guests with close-up and table magic, Harvey was the undisputed star of the night; thrilling and disquieting in the Castle Prisons as the masked God of the Underworld…


2012


2012 proved to be a busy year for the Gentlemen of Nothing Up Our Sleeves; a selection of eclectic gigs, included Weddings, Birthdays, Kids’ Parties, a Dickensian Ball  in aid of the Headway Charity and a Variety Night, culminated in the Sell-Out Premiere of the group’s first full length Stage Magic/Comedy Show - Inventions of the Impossible  at Colchester Arts Centre on Wednesday 28th November.


“A Little Bit Quentin” &

“Down the Rabbit Hole”

 Posters by Prescribe Designs