Jamie Allan of “Amaze”
Clare Nordbruch
It’s called Amaze for good reason: this blockbuster New York show stars master illusionist Jamie Allan amd blends magic, technology, and live performance into an entertainment wonder.
Allan started young in the magic business: his iMagic creation premiered on ITV’s This Morning in 1995 when he was a teenager, and he has brought in elements such as laser beams and 3D video mapping into his shows.
He starred in the West End show Impossible and has brought his iMagician, show around the UK and the U.S.
Below, the talent shares his New York loves.
Where do you live in NYC?
I live in Hell’s Kitchen. When we moved over from the UK, we wanted to be right in the heart of Midtown. From our apartment I can walk to the theatre, which is incredible. And everything that makes New York so exciting is right on the doorstep. It’s fantastic being surrounded by that energy every day.
What is your favorite neighborhood in NYC and why?
We love being close to Broadway – there’s just nothing like it. But for time off with family, we often head to Greenwich Village, Central Park, or the parks along the Hudson. There’s something really refreshing about having that mix of city buzz and calm, open spaces within a few minutes of each other.
Can you share some of your favorite spots in the Theater District and what makes them so great?
Being in the middle of Times Square is such a buzz. it’s not just the lights and the billboards, you feel like anything can happen there. You’re standing right where so much of New York’s magic has played out for over a century. Maybe this year I’ll get to be there on New Year’s Eve! For a drink after the show, the Hudson Vu rooftop bar at the Ink48 Hotel has an incredible view. On one side you can see the Hudson River, and on the other you’ve got the glow of Times Square, the theatres, and the Manhattan skyline.
The best place for a pre- or post-theater meal and why. What are the dishes to order?
My two favourite restaurants for a special occasion are Gallagher’s (if I’m in the mood for steak), and Nobu 57. I absolutely adore their Black Cod with Miso! But for something pre- show, you can’t beat popping into the Barking Dog Restaurant, which is right above our venue. They’ve got so much to choose from and the staff are wonderful.
Best watering hole near your theater and the drink to get?
The 3 Monkeys, without question. And for me, it’s always an Old Fashioned.
Insider tips for enjoying a thrilling show like yours? Anything to make the experience better?
Whether you are a dreamer or a skeptic, the best way to enjoy Amaze is to leave the outside world at the door. Let yourself experience the magic as if you were a child again. With Amaze, if you come in with an open heart and mind, we will take care of the rest – and hopefully give you that ‘wow!’ Moment.
The New York City theater you love to go to and why?
Radio City Music Hall is just magic. I was so excited to visit there recently to see my friends, Penn & Teller on their 50th Anniversary Tour. There really is no theatre in the world like it. The Art Deco design is stunning. I also really admire the Hudson Theatre. I think it’s the oldest continuously running theatre in New York? So much history there. I would have loved to see it when it first opened with all its 1900s glamour. By UK standards it’s not that old, but the interior decor and styling makes it really special.
What other shows are on your radar right now?
Although not particularly a theatre show, I can’t wait to see Masquerade. I must be one of the biggest fans of Phantom of the Opera. I go and see it whenever I get the chance. I’ve lost count of how many times I’ve seen it around the world. And I also can’t wait to catch Stranger Things: The First Shadow. My friend Chris Fisher worked on the illusions and won a Tony Award for it, so I know it’ll be spectacular.
Share your insider New York gems.
When I get a bit of time to myself, I love heading over to Tannen’s Magic Shop. It’s the oldest magic shop in New York and has such an incredible history. You never know who you’ll bump into there. It’s really for professional magicians, and you’ll often meet plenty there. But it also gets very busy with young children just discovering magic for the first time. Everyone should pop in, even if you only go so the wonderful staff can you show you their latest mind-blowing trick. It’s always inspiring, and I could still spend the whole day there exploring and talking to people.
Can you share your favorite theaters around the world and why?
The London Palladium has to be at the top – for us Brits, it’s iconic, and most definitely has the wow factor. But the Criterion Theatre will always mean so much to me because it’s where we had our West End debut of Amaze. Those places hold a lot of memories for me. In Chicago, owned by my friend Dr. Ricardo Rosenkranz, The Rhapsody Theatre is one of magic’s best-kept secrets – a true hidden gem. Beautifully intimate. It holds a special place in my heart, as it’s where we first premiered Amaze in its original form. Three years ago we had no idea where the show would take us. And yet, now here we are in New York, literally living out my childhood dream.