On the original version of the Magic Seats website, I used to share pictures of all my collectables. I have many signed items, including playing cards, posters, books, and more. However, it became difficult to keep the collection updated, and some of the pictures weren’t of good enough quality. Nowadays, the site simply displays selfies that I’ve collected.
All of my collectables are special, and the vast majority have been collected in person when I have approached artists. Many have stories and special memories that should be shared. In this new series of blog posts, I will talk about my collectables, stories, and special memories.
This first post is about a favourite artist of mine and how her support helped reignite my passion for magic. It also emphasises that, as a magic enthusiast, the special memories I’ve made with artists are often just as meaningful as my signed collectibles, like photos and playing cards.
Mandy Muden
Back in 2018, when Mandy Muden appeared on Britain’s Got Talent, I instantly enjoyed her performance and I have followed her career ever since. She’s a very funny and likeable lady, and as many will know, this was the start of her talent show success, which includes AGT and The Ultimate Magician.
In 2019, I had tickets to Mandy’s “Cunning Stunts” show that was touring around the country. I was particularly excited about the show in Corby, which would be held in a studio-sized venue and promised to be a great night out. Unfortunately, due to a serious illness at the time, I was hospitalised and it became clear that I wouldn’t be able to attend.
Little did I know that my wife (Nadine) had contacted Mandy to let her know how disappointed I was that I couldn’t attend the show or meet her. Shortly before the show, my wife received a funny video message from Mandy for me that I still have to this day. It’s a humorous video that also includes a little magic and still puts a smile on my face. It’s a very special collectible that I often talk about because it means a lot to me. Mandy took the time out of her busy schedule to record a video where she obviously thought about the content. Within the video, her intro includes making a cucumber appear, followed by a sketch where she’s interrupted by fellow artist Kev Orkian. He questions her about why I missed the show and whether it was just because I didn’t buy a ticket. During difficult times, it cheered me up no end to know that Mandy passed on best wishes.
Here are a few screengrabs. I don’t share the video socially as it was recorded as a personal message to lift my spirits at the time, not for social media or this website. Hence, I don’t share it publicly.
When I received the video, I of course messaged Mandy and thanked her for taking the time to send such a brilliant video. I also hope Kev realises how much it means to me if he ever sees this write-up.
This wasn’t my first interaction with Mandy, and I’ve remained in occasional contact with her on Facebook and FB messaging ever since.
Back in 2020, when this website first launched, I contacted Mandy and arranged to interview her. Although it was a short interview, it’s still on this site today and has been very popular. It was the first interview of about 30 that I conducted, and Mandy was very kind to agree. You can read it here. Without Mandy agreeing to help, I wouldn’t have been able to gain commitment from other high-profile artists for chats for this site.
The following year (2021) I received a very special item in the post for my birthday. Nadine had arranged this with Mandy and I received a card and a signed photo. The picture is framed and hanging proudly in my office, a favourite collectible of mine. It’s a black and white photo with a 90’s publicity image. If my memory serves me right, the other side is a colour photo that due to the framing, I have not seen in a long while.
That same year (a little later), my wife and I finally got to see Mandy perform live and meet her. All those extra years of waiting had finally paid off, and we not only got to see her perform, but we also got to meet and chat with her before her show. A brilliant coincidence that we were in the foyer at the same time. Her show was also amazing.
The selfie (below) was taken before the show and just after lockdown restrictions had eased. A great conversation where we were able to meet and catch up. It’s one of my favourite photos, and not only does it feature on this website, it also appears on a poster that I compiled of some of my selfies at the time.
Since that meeting, my wife and I have always hoped to see Mandy perform again soon. However, I’ve been a little unlucky. While she has performed in a couple of shows in my area over the last few years, they’ve always clashed with other events I’m committed to. For example, I was at the BMC (magicians conference) one year when she performed near me, and this year, we were away on holiday!
I’m sure we’ll see Mandy perform again soon. We also hope to see her on a cruise one day, as she regularly performs on ships. Our next cruise is on P&O Arvia next year, but we can only hope. Now that would make my holiday!
Those familiar with my collection know that I have approximately 100 signed playing cards that I acquire in person. Mandy is not yet included in this collection, but I hope to add her to it in the future.
Mandy’s support and influence on reigniting my passion in magic makes for what I hope is an interesting story to help bring some of my collection to life.
I’ve got many more tales to tell about amazing magicians I’ve met, so please keep an eye out for future blogs in this series. I’m sure you’ll enjoy!
To book Mandy for an event, please do visit her site below.
