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The Magic Duel

4.9 (194 reviews)
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Updated 2 months ago

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Maria L.

My friend and I didn't know exactly what we were in for but the combination of comedy and magic sounded like a win win situation. Be prepared to laugh and be amazed. :) The Mayflower is a beautiful venue, a staple of DC, and also metro accessible. Grab a drink before the magic duel and/or at intermission! Enjoy the show!

Rumit P.

The Magic Duel show was incredibly fun (lots of laughs and thrills), funny (original, topical jokes), lively and interactive (super energetic performers, engaging audience), entertaining (surprise elements, competitive nature, savvy magicians), wholesome (for the whole family), and clever (storytelling mixed with magic and comedy is a rare art). The performers were charming, professional, smart, and delivered their jokes at the right times. They know how to work an audience and engage a range of people. The comedy was just as good as the magic tricks, which I found cool and head-scratchingly exciting. I went to see Margaret Cho last night and laughed far more often and raucously with the Magic Duel than I did at the Cho show. I read three of the three-star reviews carefully and with a open mind and found none of their complaints justified or valid, mostly just eyeroll-worthy. If you know the venue is at a hotel ballroom, you can't complain about it being at a hotel. If you're worried about length, then... ask how long it is, and decide if it's worth the cost? It's not stadium seating so of course if there's a row of people in front of you, there will be some obvious visual obstructions (bobbing heads). Maybe I'm approaching with a kind of abstruse logic. The show was great, and I would highly recommend to all.

a group of people on stage
Shawn H.

This past weekend was my second visit and all I can say is WOWZAH!! I still don't know the science behind them tricks and I may never know. The second time was even better than the first. I was called up the first time but I was also warned beforehand that I'd be called- I think it was bc it was covid times and they wanted to make sure people were comfortable going up on stage. They don't do that anymore. They called my guest up this time and the mystical nature of the mind reading trick was bonkers!!!! We're still trying to unravel what happened. They have such great humor too- we were cracking up when we weren't ahhhhing and ooohing. They're so engaging and the maturity level is more suitable for adults but they'll engage your child as well bc they're good sports. Grab a drink before you head down the elevator to LL- make sure you check in and get your seat assignment. You're welcome to take photos and videos. I rewatched ours a couple times. What an unforgettable evening this was.

Lauren P.

Yes, I am almost 40 years old, but I LOVE magic. I was very lucky to see these two duel via Zoom show during the pandemic and my husband and I thought the show was quite cute. He bought tix as a surprise at the Mayflower for date night, and we loved them even more in person. Honestly, I thought Ryan was the more hilarious comedian of the two. Both of their slight of hand was impressive. Even my scientist husband was surprised by some of their tricks! Highly recommend this for DC-residents looking for something fun -- especially good for kids and those who like to be amazed. :)

After show photo with Mark and Ryan.
Lilian Z.

My husband and I truly enjoyed the magic duel! Very funny and impressive - don't miss it!

This was an incredible magic show for the entire family. The venue located at the Delegate Restaurant is at the back behind the bar and is private for this event only. You may purchase drinks (which are incredibly overpriced) at the Delegate bar. The show is both funny and clever. Lots of jaw-dropping tricks.

Michael Jons and Mark Phillips
Elio P.

Mark and Mike were hilarious and the magic was actually very impressive--I'm still scratching my head over some of the tricks. Two people in my party participated in the show, so if you want to get picked, sit towards the front. The show is a good length, with an intermission, and a fun night out to do something different. You're bound to have a great time. Highly recommended.

Sarah Y.

Had the best time! Great laughter and had me questioning if magic was real the magicians really made sure everyone had the best time. You can tell they genuinely care about their business and making everyone feel welcomed. Xoxo

Lakeia B.

Absolutely AMAZING and worth it. Never ending laughs and still trying to figure out how they did all those great tricks. I'm definitely going again....I have to bring my sister as she never seen a magic show before !!

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8 years ago

This show was so great!! It was extremely funny and I have no idea how they did ANYTHING! Very entertaining... Highly recommend!

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9 years ago

A truly superb blend of comedy and magic. My daughter and I were entertained beyond expectations. Only drawback: bathrooms are hard to find.

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9 years ago

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7 years ago

Fun show. Pick up a drink at the hotel bar and head downstairs early for a good seat.

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Brian C.

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Brian C.

Thanks for the great review! We're glad you had fun. :)

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7 years ago

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8 years ago

Honestly, one of the funniest shows I've ever seen and that doesn't include the insane magic tricks they are doing. So good!

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11 years ago

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Brian C.

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9 years ago

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8 years ago

Fantastic show! The perfect combination of magic and comedy. If you're looking for an enjoyable evening out, this is the event.

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7 years ago

Great show, from start to finish. Magic was amazing and the show was also extremely funny. Highly recommend!

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8 years ago

Such a wonderful show! Great magic and these two were hilarious! Loved every minute! Highly recommend.

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8 years ago

The show was awesome. Great way to spend date night. Brain and Mark was hilarious. The Magic was fantastic. Highly recommend the show.

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8 years ago

These guys are real pros; hilarious improvisers and great champions of the magic arts! Daughter and I loved it.

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7 years ago

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Ask the Community - The Magic Duel

What is the age policy? 18+ or Teens?

Teens are welcome, we always like to clarify that this is a show designed for adults. Since most of our 8 PM audiences are couples, we suggest that younger people come to the 5 PM shows. As an updated policy, we seem to get many more family… Read more

Is there a date for August 22?

No, unfortunately we don't have any shows on Aug 22. Thanks for checking?

I see tickets available until March 30th will there be shows in April and may? I'm planning for my bud's bachelor party and he is all about magic.

Yes, we’re still working the dates out with the Mayflower. They should be listed hopefully in the next week.

Typically, how long is each performance?

Show was about 90 minutes with a 15 minute intermission.

I see that the website says cocktail attire. Based on some of the pictures, I see that some people wore nice jeans with a nice top. Is this acceptable?

Absolutely. You'll find that some people are dressed up, and some people are more casual. We don't kick anyone out.

From No VA. Group of 6 of us are going in a few weeks 8pm show for my birthday :) Any helpful tidbits would be appreciated ! Timing, Parking, dinner, seating etc....Help?

Try to arrive early right when the doors open to snag seats toward the front (the front row is reserved for VIP ticket holders). You can also grab drinks upstairs at the hotel bar to enjoy during the show.

What do the VIP tickets cover?

Front row seating.

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Review Highlights - The Magic Duel

We were so happy to have Mark and Ryan of The Magic Duel entertain us at our virtual department holiday party.

Mentioned in 44 reviews

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