Interview - Jonny Ritchie

1 November 2022

Another month and another magician of the month, this month I've chosen the one and only Mr Jonny Ritchie, who has become one of my closet friends, he's a great guy - Super multi - talented and he is always there to help me out.

Me and Jonny are currently working on production of "'The Magic Show with no name' (I'm sure you have heard about it.)

Jonny has also been very busy with something which is much bigger and I'm so proud of him, I, caught up with him this week to ask him about his recent adventure to the states and for him to tell us a bit more about his travels.

Hello all, now as you all know I love running away from life and becoming a pirate from time to time. Yet now, the land lubbing life is now the life for me.

I, was recently promoted within the last cruise company, (Carnival Cruiselines) I, worked for. A company I, had the fortune to work with and develop my craft for the past 6 years.

As some of you might know already, I, helped develop and then performed in 3 of the brand new shows for their brand new ship in their fleet, the Mardi Gras. Whilst it was a tedious process, full of blood sweat and tears (bucket loads). It taught me so much about production, creation and the dark side of these companies. Originally it was planned that myself and the magician currently on board would flip-flop with our contracts, 3 months on and off, for 2 years. But this offer was made at the start of 2019 (pre covid). Then the world stopped, however, plans for life didn't. So I, didn't start again until 2021. Then after marriage came the baby and that threw a spanner in the works, and I, handed in my notice with the company.
However, being that I, am one of two people in the world that knows the shows and the other currently on board. I, created the opportunity to become the supervisor of magic for the new ship.

So from October 10th - 22nd I, was flown out to Florida, to the Carnival entertainment studios to teach the next two magicians going on board. It was a big learning curve and I, feel I, grew both as a person, a manager and professional in the short time I, was out there.

I, had to contend with breaking old habits of the performers so that they fit the mould of the 'product'. I, had to teach two different people that learn in different ways, the same show and to keep track of personal changes so that the script fit their personality. It was a lot of work and a lot of pressure too! However, I, managed to keep level headed, only shouted once and successfully taught three shows in less than two weeks. I, was due to take them on board to install but two weeks was enough for me, given current circumstances.

It was great being back in the studios and seeing the other side of the company once again. It was odd having so much responsibility and power. But it was really great to have something like this to work on.
I, am now currently waiting to hear what the future holds with the shows, ships, contracts etc. but I, am currently the 'Project manager of magic' for the Carnival Mardi Gras. It's a mouthful.

Thank you for taking the time to read this and for asking for my story.

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