A deadpan British magician in a dragon suit, a magic-performing chihuahua called Mr. Piffles and a Las Vegas showgirl: Piff’s comedy-magic show at the Flamingo Showroom has passed 2,000 performances.
Piff the Magic Dragon is the stage name of John van der Put, a London-born magician who performs in a full green dragon costume with a face that never cracks a smile. He became known to US audiences through Penn & Teller: Fool Us and America's Got Talent. Since 2015 he has headlined at the Flamingo. The show plays the Flamingo Showroom at 7pm on most nights, and recent calendars have been close to nightly.
The act works because the deadpan is so committed. Piff is grumpy, sarcastic and visibly unimpressed by Las Vegas, his volunteers and his own tricks, while doing genuinely strong close-up and stage magic. His co-star is Mr. Piffles, billed as the world's only magic-performing chihuahua, who wears a matching dragon outfit and somehow upstages him. Jade Simone, a burlesque performer, plays his long-suffering Las Vegas showgirl assistant. Expect plenty of audience participation: several people are brought on stage, and the running jokes build to a finale that ties them together.
The show runs about 75 minutes with no interval. It is recommended for ages 8 and up, because there is some swearing and a few suggestive jokes that go over younger heads. It is otherwise a show that families with older kids, couples and groups all enjoy together. The Flamingo Showroom is set out with tables and booths in sections, and seats are assigned best-available within the section you buy.
Front tables put you in the first few rows and are where volunteers usually come from. Rear booths are cheapest and still have a clear view. Saturday tickets tend to cost more than weeknights.
If you are choosing one comedy-magic show for a first trip, this is the safest pick in town: funny even if you do not care about magic, and impressive even if you are not into comedy. It also leaves your late evening free, as the Flamingo has RuPaul's Drag Race LIVE! and X Burlesque later the same night.
What to expect
The experience
A 75-minute comedy-magic show with no interval. Piff performs card tricks, mind-reading bits and larger stage illusions, all delivered in a bone-dry, unimpressed tone. Mr. Piffles and showgirl Jade Simone share the stage.
Best time
Early-evening slots leave time for a later show in the same resort.
How long
About 75 minutes, plus time to arrive early.
Tips
Mr. Piffles is the chihuahua sidekick, billed as the world's only magic-performing chihuahua, in his own little dragon suit. He is the crowd favourite and the punchline to several running gags. Do not expect him to do much; that is the joke. Several volunteers are brought on stage, mostly from the front tables. Piff is dry and sarcastic with them but never cruel. If you would rather watch, book further back. Recommended for ages 8 and up, as there is some swearing and a few innuendos. Works for couples, families with older kids, groups and anyone who wants a laugh before a later show. Tables and booths are sold by section, with seats assigned best-available. Front tables are the first three rows. Rear booths and tables are the cheapest. Saturday prices are usually higher than weeknights. If your group cannot agree on a show, this one has the broadest appeal: clean enough for teens, funny enough for adults.
Quick picks
- Best for
- A first-time visitor's comedy-magic show that pleases a mixed group.
- Families
- Good for kids 8 and up who can sit through 75 minutes. A few jokes will go over their heads.
- Couples
- A clever, dry comedy-magic show; book further back if you do not want to be picked.
- Pair with
- Stay at the Flamingo for RuPaul's Drag Race LIVE! at 9:30pm, or walk to Harrah's for a late X Country show.
- Time needed
- About 75 minutes, plus time to arrive early.
Good questions
Where does Piff the Magic Dragon perform?+
At the Flamingo Showroom, inside Flamingo Las Vegas on the center Strip. He has been resident there since 2015.
What time is the show?+
Shows typically run 7pm on most nights. Check the calendar for your dates, as he occasionally takes breaks to tour.
How long is Piff the Magic Dragon's show?+
About 75 minutes, with no interval.
Is it suitable for children?+
It is recommended for ages 8 and up. There is some swearing and a few suggestive jokes, but nothing explicit.
Is Mr. Piffles in every show?+
Mr. Piffles is a regular part of the act and is billed as the world's only magic-performing chihuahua. Cast appearances can vary, but he is central to the show.
