Piff the Magic Dragon, the comedic magician known for his appearances on America's Got Talent, is set to have upcoming exhibitions. Piff, whose real name is John van der Put, has become a popular figure in the magic and comedy world with his unique blend of humor and illusions. His upcoming exhibitions are highly anticipated by fans and audiences alike. One of the main draws of Piff's performances is his persona as a grumpy, yet lovable, dragon. Dressed in a dragon costume complete with a smoking jacket, Piff captivates audiences with his witty banter and clever tricks. His shows often incorporate elements of traditional magic, but always with a humorous twist.
His shows often incorporate elements of traditional magic, but always with a humorous twist. Piff's ability to combine comedy and magic has garnered him a dedicated fanbase and has led to numerous sold-out shows. In addition to his appearances on America's Got Talent, Piff has also made appearances on Penn & Teller: Fool Us and The Late Late Show with James Corden.
Witches and where to find them … if you dare!
As Halloween approaches and the evenings draw in, Tim Friend looks at how rumours of witchcraft still haunt some areas of the countryside.
The witches are about to take flight , landing on your doorstep with irresistible demand s : sweets and more sweets. Not so much scary as endearing; it’s the local children on their annual Halloween hunt for a trea t. Little ones in pointy black hats, cloaks and face paint are more likely to giggle at the front door than cast a spell.
Halloween products – witch costumes among them – accounted for £474 million of retail spending in 2019, and the total is increasing each year. It’s a spell that – apparently – can’t be broken: the sugar-rush from all those treats can be heady.
But it’s the rarely taken up offer of ‘trick’ that still gives a hint of witchcraft in ancient woods beyond the settled village. The origins of the children’s night-time round are set deep in English rural history.
And none of it was a giggle.
The history
The English countryside is full of such notorious places, where superstition once overwhelmed rational thought, and women, suddenly branded strange or outsiders, were ordered to be killed as witches.
'Witch trials, combined with rabid anti-Catholicism, reached their peak in the mid-17th century.'Many of them were the usual victims: the poor, those with mental illness. Others had provided herbal ‘cures’ and cast the occasional curse in rows with neighbours. The role of the village wisewoman dated back to pagan times, but now it was considered satanism.
It was a man who prompted this hysteria. James I of England became obsessed with witchcraft after the execution of his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, in 1587. Witch trials, combined with rabid anti-Catholicism, reached their peak in the mid-17 th century. By the time they were formally ended in 1735, it’s estimated that between 500 and 1,000 people were killed in England, often after excruciating torture to name other innocents. Women made up 90% of the executions. (I n Scotland, Claire Mitchell QC is leading a growing campaign for those executed as witches – 2,500 in total – to be granted a legal pardon.)
Where witches still haunt us
The graveyard where some of the Pendle witches are buried. Pendle Hill is in the background. | Alamy Stock Photo
Pendle
Pendle is full of mystery with its untamed bewitching northern countryside. The trial of the 12 Pendle witches in 1612 was the most famous in England. They were accused of murdering 10 people using witchcraft. The defendants were mainly from two families, both headed by women in their eighties. They had been in competition over their supernatural powers. And many of the allegations in court resulted from accusations they made against each other.
As well as walks around Pendle Hill, you can also visit Lancaster Castle where the accused were held in a tiny cell beneath what’s known as the Witches’ Tower.
Boscastle
Boscastle on the rugged north coast of Cornwall is unashamed of its witch connections . I n 2011, 3,339 people identified as p agan in Devon and Cornwall . Visit the Museum of Witchcraft and Magic with 3,000 objects and 7,000 books . The curator is a practising witch, and the ancient remains of a suspected witch were once on display in the museum. She’s since been laid to rest in a less public place. The museum strives to put the history of witches into context.
East Anglia
East Anglia is a region soaked in witch history. Here, the self-appointed Witchfinder General carried out his brutal regime. Driven by money and zealotry, Matthew Hopkins held 300 trials that led to the executions of more than 100 innocent people.
You can tour Colchester Castle where many of the accused were held in dreadful conditions.
At Framlingham Castle , Hopkins had the octogenarian vicar Reverend John Lowes dunked in the moat, accused of working with the devil. If not a witch, the accused would drown. Lowes floated and proved his ‘guilt.’
Bucks Wood in Bideford, Devon | Rachel HigBideford, Devon
The last women to be executed for witchcraft in England were from Bideford in Devon. They were convicted on hearsay evidence. A plaque in their memory is set into the wall of Rougemont Castle in Exeter .
Burley, New Forest
Sybil Leek made quaint Burley famous for all the wrong reasons. In the 1950s she was well-known as a white witch – someone who uses magic for benevolent purposes – and would walk around in her long black cloak with a pet jackdaw on her shoulder. In the end she flew off to America to continue her occult and astrology studies. Burley shops still have witch paraphernalia for sale.
A rare choice for a witches’ familiar, jackdaws are common in the UK | Alex DeveraTop dozen witch facts*
- The word witch comes from the Anglo Saxon ‘wicca’ or ‘wise one.’
- Wicca used their ‘magic’ in pagan rites to bring good harvests.
- Unmarried or widowed women would use their reputation as healers to earn a living.
- In the 15th century, witches began to be portrayed flying astride wolves, goats and even a shovel, before the broomstick became a common image.
- It was thought that the sound of church bells could bring down flying witches.
- One technique to prove a person was a witch was called ‘swimming’ or ‘ducking’, explained in a book by James I. If a suspect drowned, they were innocent. If they floated, they were guilty.
- James I also recommended looking for the devil’s marks on suspected witches. Marks such as birthmarks or even a flea bite, could be seen as the devil sealing his covenant or compact with the suspect.
- The witch’s hat was an exaggeration of 17th century puritan hats. Points were associated with the horns of the devil.
- Matthew Hopkins was dubbed the English ‘Witchfinder General’ after starting his work in 1645. He was personally responsible for the hanging of 68 witches .
- The witching hour is often thought of as around midnight these days but in th e past meant between 3-4am: regarded as the peak time for supernatural activity.
- Common in old M idlands buildings are witch marks – often on a beam or near a doorway, they were thought to protect against witches – or any passing evil spirits .
- Witches’ familiars, or attendant spirits, tend to come in the shape of cats for your modern witch. But in the past, several other animals have got a look-in, including dogs, mi ce, rats and even ferrets!
Finally, if you want to meet a real witch this Halloween, I suggest a trip to Pendle Hill. To feel a more intense thrill, stand in the dead of night, rising 1,827 feet above the old hunting grounds of Lancashire, and sense the ghosts of real witches. Make sure you’ve got treats in your pocket, or you could be in trouble.
*With thanks to Visit Lancashire and the National Trust for witch facts.
And none of it was a giggle.
These television appearances have further solidified Piff's status as a talented magician and comedian. The upcoming exhibitions by Piff the Magic Dragon are sure to be must-see events. Fans can expect an evening full of laughter, awe-inspiring illusions, and of course, Piff's signature grumpy yet endearing personality. Whether he's pulling a rabbit out of a hat or making something disappear, Piff's performances are guaranteed to leave audiences entertained and wanting more. Piff's ability to captivate audiences with his unique blend of comedy and magic sets him apart from other magicians. His upcoming exhibitions are eagerly anticipated by fans who are eager to experience the magic and laughter that Piff brings to the stage. With his charming personality and incredible talent, Piff the Magic Dragon is sure to continue wowing audiences for years to come..
Reviews for "What to Expect from Piff the Magic Dragon's Upcoming Exhibitions"
1) Jenna - 2 out of 5 stars - I was highly disappointed with Piff the magic dragon's upcoming exhibitions. I went with high expectations, thinking it would be a magical and entertaining experience. However, I found the show to be lackluster and dull. The magic tricks were predictable, and Piff lacked stage presence. Overall, it was a major letdown.
2) Mark - 1 out of 5 stars - I attended the Piff the magic dragon exhibition and it was a complete waste of time and money. The show lacked creativity and innovation, with the same old magic tricks that we've all seen before. Piff's humor fell flat, and his attempts at comedy were forced and unfunny. I would not recommend this exhibition to anyone who is looking for a truly magical and entertaining experience.
3) Sarah - 2 out of 5 stars - I had heard a lot of good things about Piff the magic dragon, so I was excited to attend his upcoming exhibition. However, I was left feeling unimpressed and underwhelmed. The magic tricks were average at best, and Piff's performance lacked energy and enthusiasm. The show seemed disjointed and poorly put together. It was definitely not what I expected, and I wouldn't go see him again.