It's not all pulling rabbits out of hats

by Nicole Vanacore

Magic shows can be a bit tedious, pulling rabbits from hats and clapping children everywhere doesn’t really sound to me like a good night out.

The Cellar Door in the Strand is a swanky cabaret bar; small yet perfectly formed, the Moulin Rouge style décor sets the scene for a very classy magic show, aptly called Magic Mushrooms.

The club is pretty tough to find, but once inside you'd realise it was definatley worth the search. With personal waiters to make you feel welcome, this isn’t your average magic show venue.

At around 7.30pm, Steve Dela, the magician, dressed in a smart black suit and looking every bit Melvin the Magician, pays a visit to each table, and every group is treated to their very own, 10-15 minute magic show.

Card tricks and illusions have the audience in amazement. Each trick being performed with the magician's own personal touch. His light hearted personality and sense of humour, making what could have been just a few card tricks into a mini show.

Money, rings and audience participation are all part of his act, and judging by the reactions of other people in the audience, he is good at what he does. Loud laughter and shocked faces became a familiar sight throughout the evening.

Once your personal mini magic show is over, the cocktail list will keep you entertained until Steve does his next round of tricks.

Even the waiters that serve you look very cabaret with feathered wings and glamorous black dresses.

If a night out in a glamorous bar in Theatreland with added fun is your thing, this is definitetly somewhere you should spend a Sunday evening. Free entry and a 30 per cent discount at happy hour make it cheap enough for us students.

Both timeless classics and signature cocktails are all priced at around £9.00 pre-discount.

For £11 you can pre-book a table and get one of their delicious cocktail for free. Booking is recommended as tables are limited and it does get busy fairly quickly.

You never know, you might even learn a few new tricks.

Magic Mushrooms with magician Steve Dela

Every Sunday from 7 pm, free entrance
 The Cellar Door
Zero Aldwych
WC2E 7DN
Tel: 020 7240 8848