Audiences across the UK can expect wonder, laughter and a touch of mischief as Rabbits Out of the Hat heads out on tour from May 2026.
Created and performed by Magic Circle magicians Christopher Howell and Desireé Kongerød, known internationally as Norvil & Josephine, the show fuses dazzling illusions with musical numbers, circus skills and comedy.
Set in 1905, the story follows celebrated magician Norvil and his sister Josephine, his dutiful assistant. When Josephine becomes inspired by the suffragette movement, she begins to question her role on stage and off it, prompting a comic and heartfelt clash of wills.
As the siblings wrestle with hidden dreams and changing identities, the production balances its narrative with a playful take on classic stage magic, creating a family‑friendly experience that resonates with adults as strongly as with younger audiences.
The duo have performed together since 2006, appearing at venues including The Magic Castle in Hollywood, the Wintergarten in Berlin and theatres across the UK.
The production features music by New York composer Micah Young, with direction from Martin McDougall and Abigail Dooley.
The creative team also includes comedy writer Susan Earl, clowning specialist Ira Seidenstein and Las Vegas Grandmaster magician Jeff McBride as magic consultant.
Co‑creators Christopher Howell and Desireé Kongerød said: “On the surface, Rabbits Out of the Hat is a feel-good Vaudevillian romp full of gobsmacking magic and variety acts presented by the brother-sister duo Norvil & Josephine. While many magic shows stop at the spectacle, the real surprise here is the comical struggles of the two characters fighting to find their own voices in a world that demands they stick to the script. Though set in 1905, their journey resonates deeply today as a timely exploration of agency and identity. Crucially, this narrative depth never slows the pace; it’s a high-energy celebration that sends audiences of all ages out with a skip in their step.”
The show has already been praised by critics, with The Stage calling it “marvellous magic in a show full of surprises”.
The 2026 tour begins with a press performance on Sunday 10 May at Jackson’s Lane before visiting Exeter Phoenix, Farnham Maltings and the Ventnor Fringe Festival on the Isle of Wight in July.
Listings and ticket information can be found here.
