After more than decade of delighting audiences at the National Arts Festival (NAF), its safe to say magician and mentalist Brendon Peel is no stranger to the ups and downs of the annual event.
Gqeberha-born Peel, who arrived in Makhanda on Thursday morning after performing shows in Pretoria and Fort Beaufort on Wednesday, said it was the NAF that had helped propel his career and become a world-renowned performer.
“I love it, every year I go it is an amazing experience,” Peel said.
First performing at the festival back in 2011, Peel said there were many highs when it came to performing on stage in City of Saints.
“I love doing what I do, doing shows, magic and illusion is my thing and being able to entertain people keeps me going.
“I would not change anything for the world.
“The NAF is the perfect platform to grow as a performer.
“The Fringe is especially great and people get to see a variety of brilliant shows.
“My growth as a performer has mainly been assisted by the festival and what it has to offer,” Peel said.
Since starting at the festival 13 years ago, Peel has performed on more than 15 cruise ships and visited more than 50 countries.
In the past year he has performed more that 120 times and has produced five shows for the festival.
“At this years festival, I will be performing every day, either in my solo act or with Li Lau,” Peel said.
Peel said it was great to see things returning to normal after two years of online or virtual festival offerings.
While not performing, Peel spends his time promoting his shows, handing out pamphlets and putting up posters.
In the evenings he enjoyed spending time at the Rat and Parrot.
Peel said one of the best places to get good food and other delicious offerings was at the Village Green, which he encouraged visitors to the festival to enjoy.
For Peel, the top five things to do while at the festival are: :
- Watching Fringe performances “where the fun really happens”,
- Hitting the Village Green;
- Visiting art galleries “because the NAF is also about soaking in visual arts as well”;
- Making the best of the Makhanda nightlife; and
- “Catch a magic show, especially if Brendon Peel is in it.”
“There are so many quirky moments and experiences to enjoy.
“Makhanda is a magical place with unique and interesting people to engage with,” Peel said.
Visit the NAF website for more information on Peel’s shows, or follow him on Facebook.
The NAF runs until July 2.
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