Dragon Interview: Rabbits Out of The Hat at Farnham Maltings

Published on: 22 May, 2026
Updated on: 22 May, 2026

By Isabelle Trubshaw

Old-style magic feats have survived the test of time, but what if magic took on a new theatrical twist?

This innovative blend of magic and theatre is at the heart of “Rabbits Out of The Hat,” which comes to Farnham Maltings on 29th May as part of its UK tour.

Christopher Howell and Desireé Kongerød as Norvil and Josephine

Performed by magical duo, Christopher Howell and Desireé Kongerød, this performance transgresses the traditional barriers of magic and explores themes of gender equality and self-confidence through more meaningful narrative.

Howell explains that storytelling is key to creating meaningful audience engagement in magic shows, “If you care about the characters on stage, you care a lot more about the magic they’re doing and what happens to them as the story unfolds”

The play takes place in the year 1905, where siblings Norvil and Josphine perform their magic act for the Grand Impresario. As the show develops it becomes clear that Josephine isn’t so keen on the silent assistant role she’s been trained for. As such, Norvil is left to decide if he should enforce tradition or embrace the change.

Listen to Isabelle Trubshaw’s interview with Christopher Howell and Desireé Kongerød, as they discuss their best magical moments and memories from the show, as well as insights into the power of magic to both transform hats into rabbits, as well as a medium for self-transformation.