Secret Treat!
Thank you!
The fact that you're here on this page means one of two things:
Either... you typed random letters into the internet and arrived here by pure serendipity (in which case - jolly well done!)...
Or.... you helped me during a live performance and you were such an excellent help that I have directed you to join me here for an extra little thank-you!
So in summary ... Thank you!!
First up, here's a little poem I've written.
For a bit of context ... It's currently November 2024, but throughout December I'll be onboard the beautiful British Pullman train in its beautiful carriages from the 1920s and 1930s. For the last two years, a murder mystery that I wrote and directed called "Dead on Time" has been happening onboard - performed by the most brilliant cast of sensational actors whilst the audience enjoy a five course meal and try to solve a devilishly mysterious plot. It follows on from the show I wrote, directed, and performed in onboard the Orient Express train between Paris and Venice. Both trains were part of the Golden Arrow train that connected London and Paris right up until the 1970s. "Dead on Time" has attracted rave reviews in the Sunday Times, Forbes Magazine, The Stage, and been shortlisted as BroadwayWorld's "Best Immersive Show of the Year" award. That story is being published as a novel in 2025, and in the meantime I'll be on the beautiful British Pullman myself, doing closeup magic and telling all kinds of stories to passengers as we travel through the countryside and enjoy a step back in time to the golden age of slow travel, fine dining, and luxurious train carriages.
Anyways, here's the poem:
A British Pullman Christmas
by Neil Kelso*
*Heavily inspired by Clement Clarke Moore’s 1923 poem "Account of a Visit from St. Nicholas”
’Twas the month before Christmas, and the Pullman’s so grand
With holly and crackers, a Yule wonderland.
At Victoria Station, the carriages glisten,
Is that sleigh bells a-jangling? You carefully listen.
The guests are all nestled in plush, velvet seats,
Sipping champagne and cocktails with nibbles and treats.
The vintage train purrs as it glides off with care,
Through England’s green pastures, and crisp winter air.
The stewards in livery, with smiles of delight,
Serve lavish cuisine in the warm carriage light.
With clink of fine china, by clickety clack,
We dream of St Nick and his presenty sack.
Outside of the windows, the countryside flew,
A patchwork of snowfields in silver and blue.
By the light of the moon in the star sprinkled sky
Is that Dasher and Dancer and friends flying by?
And then, at your table an explosion of jollity
A magician! And carollers! All sorts of frivolity!
The laughter and gasps, so jolly, so chic,
We’re under the spell of this festive magique.
As the train slows its journey and London draws near,
The passengers toasted with holiday cheer.
Though Myrrh is quite classy, and Frankincense bold,
A Christmas on Pullman’s more precious than gold.
The dinner is cooking, champagne’s being poured,
So go book your tickets, and I’ll see you onboard!
I hope you enjoyed that. I had such a blast writing it, and I can't wait to be sharing magic onboard the British Pullman this Christmas!
Secondly, here's a little trailer made by the amazing Matthew Kaltenborn of my show "Sounds Impossible". I created this show to combine my dual love of magic and music. Nobody has ever truly combined the two - there have been magic shows set to music, or themed on the idea of music, and there have been musical shows which have had magical special effects embedded in them to enrich the story, but I have researched far and wide, and nobody has ever created a magic show where all of the impossible things are brought about by music and sound waves and vibrations.
I created this show in 2022 at Edinburgh Fringe and it was chosen as "Pick of the Fringe" and raved-about by "The Herald" and most importantly word of mouth from the audiences was amazing. Since then I have toured it around the world - on cruise ships, at arts festivals, in stately homes, jazz clubs, historic music halls and underground cabarets! I am continuing to build on the work, and I expect I'll have some news early in 2025 about future performances.
If you'd like to hear what audiences thought about it, you can hear audience reviews here: Audience Reviews on YouTube
If you'd like to support my work further, the best way to hear my latest news is to join my 7Secrets mailing list (below). Once a month I share my latest secrets, what I've got coming up, what I'm working on... it's just a collection of creative fun. Everyone's welcome, so join us if you'd like.
And thank you once again for supporting my work. I am deeply grateful that you have not only enjoyed some of my live performance, but also that you've come here to venture deeper into my magical world. It means such a lot to me that you are here, and I hope it has brought a smile.
I couldn't do what I do without your kind support, so thank you.
Kindest wishes,
Neil