The Magic Mod Brings Sleight, Style and Swagger to Bar 53two — A Modtastic Revival of Real Showmanship

WORDS AND IMAGES DESH KAPUR

Photo Credit Desh Kapur

Tucked beneath the railway arches near Manchester’s Deansgate, Bar 53two is one of those hidden gems that perfectly blends character with creativity. With its intimate, cabaret-style setting, exposed brickwork, and warm, laid-back atmosphere, it’s the kind of venue that feels tailor-made for live performance — especially something as personal and surprising as a night of magic.

Enter The Magic Mod, aka Ben Taylor, a performer who oozes charisma and charm before he’s even begun. With a sharp suit, a sharper wit, and a knowing grin, he embodies the cool confidence of a modern showman. Somewhere between Paul Daniels’ polished precision and Tommy Cooper’s mischievous humour, The Magic Mod brings a nostalgic touch of traditional stage magic crashing stylishly into the present day.

The show itself was clever, funny, and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish. Taylor’s sleight of hand and card tricks were performed with effortless flair, often punctuated by quick-fire quips and audience banter that had the room laughing as much as gasping. His comedic timing was spot-on — just when you thought you’d spotted the trick, he’d twist it into something even more surprising. The result was a seamless blend of classic illusion and modern wit, a reminder of how captivating live magic can be when done with skill and heart.

Hopefully, The Magic Mod is just the beginning of a revival of traditional magic shows — ones that rely on charm, craftsmanship, and genuine audience connection rather than gimmicks. His performance was a breath of fresh air: slick, cool, and, in true Mod fashion, modtastic.

A night of laughter, wonder, and style — The Magic Mod at Bar 53two proves that magic, done right, never goes out of fashion.

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