3-053-254 - The London Archives (City of London)/Heritage Images

Messrs. Maskelyne and Cooke present Will, the Witch and the Watch at the Egyptian Hall, Piccadilly, 1873. 'The Royal Illusionists, assisted by a Talented Company, will have the honor of giving their original and novel entertainment...a seven-character sketch, embracing the most Marvellous Magical Transformations ever witnessed. The Press, the Public, the Clergy, the Gentry, all agree that this is an Entertainment suitable for all Classes - it being full of genuine Amusement, and entirely free from vulgarity'. John Neville Maskelyne (1839-1917) and his partner, magician George A Cooke (1825-1905) performed at the Egyptian Hall showing their inventions and wonders as clever illusions rather than genuine interactions with the spirit world.