20-01-2024
Het carnavalsseizoen
In 2022, I presented my first alter ego: Josef-Emil Blokwurst ~ Der Wunderzauberer. It is a unique combination of stand-up comedy and magic entertainment. I have been traveling with my suitcase, full of magical moments, to the far corners of the Netherlands and worldwide for years. However, I wanted to do something relatable concerning my roots in the South of Limburg. In the Southern parts of the Netherlands, ‘carnaval’ is a big thing; see it a bit as Mardie Grass or non-scary Halloween with many traditions. Carnaval is embedded in the culture of the Dutchies, as they celebrate this every year from the start of the season, the 11th of November, till the end of the season, somewhere in February.
During the carnaval period, Prince Carnaval reigns and, in some cases, receives the key to the city from the mayor for the period of the carnaval celebration. The festivities are organized in almost all towns and villages, mainly by the local carnaval association(s). And that is precisely where my new act fits perfectly. I came in contact with a few well-known players in the Dutch carnaval world (Bas Keltjens and the gentlemen of DEH!), who encouraged me to go in the direction of stand-up comedy. After a long time of writing and a few tryouts, a unique alter ego and act was born: Josef-Emil Blokwurst. But, uhm…who is that?
About Josef-Emil Blokwurst
It is a German-Dutch character who tries his ridiculous (good) tricks all over the world … with an emphasis on trying. He takes his suitcase full of magical moments on stage and tells fantastic magic stories using his German-Dutch accent. The audience is actively involved in his act and even lets some people on stage. At first, his tricks seem like harmless jokes, but soon, everyone discovers that this guy causes amazement. His magic tricks, alternating with hilarious anecdotes about his upbringing and performances abroad, provide a unique piece of entertainment during proclamations, sittings, and other entertaining activities.
Touring around The Netherlands
During the Dutch Carnival season, I annually tour this act from town to town with over 30 appearances in just 2,5 months. Sometimes, I have to do my act two or three times a day. Each time I get on stage, I am still a bit nervous. Will they laugh at my jokes? How will their reaction to the magic be? Will they clap? Even though I have performed hundreds of shows, every crowd is different. It makes the first few minutes of my show the most important ones. Once you get the crowd going, everything will be fine. This is easier said than done. I still remember a show where nobody clapped or laughed throughout the first 20 minutes. Damn, I got nervous. Eventually, they got loosened up, and we all had a good time. But I was sweating like hell on stage.
Also, the size of the crowd is different in each performance. I performed Josef-Emil in front of 40 people and on a stage with 500 spectators. However, the jokes, the tricks, and the characters stay the same. It is the art of making a big venue feel small and seeking interaction with the crowd. I want everyone in the crowd to be involved in the act and feel the magic happening as closely as possible.
By pulling people from the crowd in an entertaining way, they are a vital part of my act. Picking the wrong person can make or break a trick. These challenges and uncertainties make this act so exciting to do over and over again.
The first bookings for 2025 and 2026 are already in the calendar. Also, a second script is made so excited customers can enjoy a new Josef-Emil act. I am looking forward to trying out a new act soon. What started as something to try out has become an essential pillar in my business: Comedy Magic. After the beautiful carnaval season 2024, I can tell that Josef-Emil is on a roll.
Also, Also, Also … hopefully we meet soon!
With magical regards,
