Singapore, 16 November 2009 - This November, be prepared for enchantment in AXN’s latest highly anticipated Original Production Cyril: Simply Magic, the much-talked about show featuring famed Japanese illusionist, Cyril.

In what is seen as the next logical progression in his illustrious career, AXN’s Cyril: Simply Magic is expected to see the talented performing artist rise to the next level of magical prominence.  As part of the US$6 million joint production fund between the Singapore Economic Development Board and SPE Networks – Asia, this three-part TV series – Cyril: Simply Magic – is an invitation to one and all to bear witness to Cyril’s drive to elevate his art of magic to a whole new level.

Since exploding onto the scene with his revolutionary and gripping acts of magic, Cyril has become a household name in Japan and inspiration for many aspiring magicians around the world.

A member of the prestigious Magic X Live and the recipient of the Federation International Society du Magique (F.I.S.M.) Grand Illusion top prize, Cyril is an internationally known performing artist who first began on the streets of Tokyo. There, the American-born Cyril, of Japanese and French parentage pioneered and honed his signature magic style by interacting with members of the public, offering delight with his curious performances. His never-seen-before acts of magic caught the attention of a TV producer, who introduced him to the rest of Japan.

Since his appearance on TV Tokyo, the Cyril phenomenon has grown exponentially, his captivating tricks were so enchanting that digital recordings of his videos were traded and watched extensively online, making him one of the most downloaded magicians in cyber history.

“People always ask me about the hamburger magic act,” laughed Cyril. He was fascinated by how one of his performances continues to enamor despite it being years ago since it was first performed. In that performance, he plucked a real, edible hamburger from a picture on a café menu. Since that video and other popular acts, like that with the Lacoste alligator, went viral, many imitators have tried to replicate his performance, but none with the success, finesse, or captivation as Cyril.

“I firmly believe you will see magic if you believe in magic,” said Cyril. Perhaps it was by adhering to this philosophy did Cyril win the 39th Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards in 2007, also known as the "Academy Awards of Magic."  That year, Cyril was voted "Magician of the Year", thereby joining the great icons of magic David Copperfield and Siegfriend & Roy.

Since then, Cyril embarked on a whirlwind tour around Japan, performing to sold-out audiences in more than 35 cities.  In February 2009, he filmed his 15th Japanese primetime television special for a leading Japanese broadcaster, Fuji TV.  The special was among the highest rated in the evening.

This November, AXN is proud to introduce Cyril to its audience of more than 84 million households across 23 countries in Asia, the largest TV audience to bear witness to the Cyril phenomenon.

Cyril: Simply Magic centres around Cyril’s first foray into international TV outside Japan.  It follows his journey through key iconic cities like Singapore, Kuala Lumpur and Taipei, where he gets to meet the locals, learn about their cultures, and be inspired for his magic acts that are set to touch the hearts of viewers.  Spreading happiness through Cyril’s unique brand of magic, viewers can expect to see some intriguing, amazing, yet heart-warming performances that will bring smiles and laughter not only to those who witnessed the magical acts first-hand, but those watching from home too. 

If fans of Cyril think they have seen some of the acts before, they will have to watch again as Cyril raises the bar with new challenges that will still captivate and leave them wondering.  In addition, there will also be brand new magic acts that he has specially created for the show, including a miraculous feat involving countless jigsaw pieces!

For this, Ricky Ow, Senior Vice President and General Manager of SPE Networks-Asia, said, “Magic speaks a universal language with no cultural barrier; it brings great happiness to people, and has the ability to wow the audience. Cyril is an exceptional talent who is extremely passionate about his magic. Above all, he is constantly innovating and reinventing magic, always looking for new breakthroughs. To be able to work with Cyril, is a dream come true for us.”

Mr. Ow was not the only person touched by Cyril’s magic in this AXN Original Production.  All the people who experienced Cyril’s magic in the course of the production, including some local celebrities in the countries that Cyril visited, all fell under his spell.

Singapore’s Oli Pettigrew, host of AXN’s TV magazine show, Sony Style, and 98.7FM Radio DJ hot Rozz were all treated, not tricked, by their encounter with Cyril. Malaysia’s Hip Hop band Pop Shuvit and even the legendary sutra and contemporary dancer Ramli Ibrahim were among the performing artists who were wowed by Cyril’s acts of magic. Even the usually cool Jeff Huang of Taiwan’s hip-hop group, Machi, was blown away by his “wizardry”.

To hear of great magic is something wondrous, but to witness the phenomenon that is Cyril is even more extraordinary. Join Cyril as he embarks on a magic quest through Asia starting Thursday, November 19, 2009. You will be captivated, charmed and Cyril-ed.

Cyril: Simply Magic airs Thursdays
November 19, 26 and December 3 at 9pm
First and Exclusively on AXN