On Thursday, January 1 at 9:05 p.m., French family network Gulli kicks off the new year with a primetime celebration of stage magic: Les plus grands magiciens du monde – Les Mandrakes d’or. Broadcast from Paris and featuring performers from several countries, the special offers U.S. viewers a rare window into one of Europe’s most respected magic showcases.
Why the Mandrake d’Or Gala Matters in the Magic World
For fans used to Las Vegas residencies or TV competition shows, the Mandrake d’Or ceremony plays a different but comparable role in the magic ecosystem. Launched in the 1990s, this annual festival has grown into a key international benchmark, often described in France as the equivalent of the “Oscars of Magic.”
The 36th edition, filmed at the historic Casino de Paris in October, continues that legacy. Each year, the French Academy of Illusionists selects standout performers from around the world and honors them with the Mandrake d’Or trophy. For magicians, being invited on this stage is both a career milestone and a stamp of international credibility.
A TV Event Designed for Family Viewing
While the Mandrake d’Or started as a stage festival, the Gulli broadcast is produced with television audiences in mind. The special is built as a family-friendly variety show that can be enjoyed equally by kids discovering magic for the first time and adults who already follow the art form.
The direction is handled by well-known French magician and creator Gilles Arthur. His role is to craft a flowing, TV-ready experience: pacing the acts, balancing visual illusions with more intimate pieces, and making sure that techniques normally meant for a live theater still land effectively through the camera.
Hosts Guiding Viewers Through the Illusions
To help viewers follow along—especially those not fluent in magician jargon—the evening is hosted by Charlotte Bermond and Maxime Guény. Rather than simply introducing acts, they serve as guides:
- They connect the different segments into a coherent narrative.
- They briefly explain what kind of magic viewers are about to see (grand illusion, mentalism, visual comedy, ventriloquism, etc.).
- They highlight what makes each artist’s style or discipline unique.
This approach makes the show accessible even if you’re not already deep into magic culture, and it mirrors the way American audiences might experience a curated variety special on broadcast or streaming platforms.
A Closer Look at the International Lineup
One of the big draws this year is the presence—on a French stage for the very first time—of current world magic champion Francesco Della Bona. For anyone curious about the cutting edge of modern sleight of hand and stage construction, his appearance alone makes the special worth seeking out.
He’s joined by a wide range of performers from different countries and artistic traditions, including:
- Mathieu Stepson – A French illusionist who broke through to the general public in France, known for large-scale illusions and a polished, contemporary stage presence.
- Celia Muñoz – A Spanish ventriloquist with a theatrical, musical style that goes beyond traditional ventriloquism routines.
- Trigg Watson, Ramo & Alegria, Nikolai Striebel – International artists bringing diverse influences, from tech-infused magic to highly visual, almost dance-like manipulation.
- Gaël Brinet, Michel Fages, Vincent C., Mao, Fabien Olicard – French and Francophone performers who cover everything from comedy magic to psychological and mentalist approaches.
Together, they form a cross-section of contemporary magic: visual storytelling, comedic illusion, refined manipulation, and mind-reading effects built for both stage and screen.
What Types of Magic Will You See?
Unlike single-artist specials, this Mandrake d’Or broadcast plays like a curated tour through different branches of magic. Expect a mix of:
- Grand illusions – Large-scale stage effects designed to wow a theater audience and translate impressively to television.
- Mentalism – Acts focused on mind reading, prediction, and psychological illusion, including work from popular French mentalist Fabien Olicard.
- Ventriloquism – With Celia Muñoz bringing a more theatrical, narrative-driven style to the discipline.
- Visual and poetic magic – Pieces built around atmosphere, emotion, and visual beauty rather than just a single “trick.”
- Comedy and character-driven magic – Routines that lean heavily on humor, timing, and personality.
This variety makes the special particularly approachable for American viewers who might know magic mainly through U.S. talent shows or Vegas acts; it’s a chance to see how different cultures interpret the same art form.
How and When to Watch on Gulli
The special airs on Thursday, January 1 at 9:05 p.m. on Gulli, a French TV channel focused on family and youth programming. While Gulli is primarily available in France and certain international markets, U.S.-based fans of magic may be able to access the broadcast through international TV packages, VPN-enabled streaming of French services, or delayed replays if Gulli makes the show available online.
Check local listings or your international TV provider to see if Gulli is included in your package or accessible via streaming apps that aggregate European networks.
A Cross-Generational Event Built to Be Shared
At its core, this Mandrake d’Or special is designed as a shared experience: parents, kids, and grandparents can all sit down together and react to the same impossible moments. The structure, pacing, and variety of acts lean into that communal feeling.
For American audiences interested in global entertainment, it’s also a window into how another country builds a mainstream, primetime magic event without losing sight of artistic quality. Rather than framing magic as a “gotcha” contest, the program treats it as an evolving performing art with its own stars, traditions, and innovations.
Key Details at a Glance
- Show title: Les plus grands magiciens du monde – Les Mandrakes d’or
- Channel: Gulli (France)
- Air date: Thursday, January 1
- Time: 9:05 p.m. (local French time)
- Hosts: Charlotte Bermond and Maxime Guény
- Artistic director: Gilles Arthur
- Location: Casino de Paris, 36th Mandrake d’Or edition
FAQ
What exactly are the Mandrake d’Or awards?
The Mandrake d’Or awards are annual honors given by the French Academy of Illusionists to some of the most noteworthy magicians on the international scene. Often described in France as the “Oscars of Magic,” they recognize excellence in performance, creativity, and impact within the magic community.
Is the Mandrake d’Or special appropriate for children?
Yes. The Gulli broadcast is explicitly designed as a family show. The acts are selected and staged so they’re accessible to younger viewers while still being engaging for adults, making it suitable for multi-generational viewing.
Who hosts the TV event on Gulli?
The special is hosted by Charlotte Bermond and Maxime Guény. They introduce the performers, explain the different styles of magic on display, and provide context so that viewers unfamiliar with magic festivals can easily follow along.
When does the show air, and on what channel?
The program airs on Thursday, January 1 at 9:05 p.m. on Gulli, a French television channel focused on family programming. Viewers outside France may need access to an international TV bundle or streaming service that carries Gulli to watch the special.
