Piff the Magic Dragon brings his deadpan comedy to Sarasota

His real name is John van der Put, which is kind of funny, but he performs as Piff the Magic Dragon, which is a lot funnier.

The British comic magician has set sales records at the mammoth Edinburgh Fringe Festival and his magic has impressed Penn & Teller. (He appeared on their show "Penn & Teller: Fool Us," and his illusion baffled Teller. Both Penn and Teller reportedly said Piff's act was their favorite of the 2011 season.) Piff also reached the finals of "America's Got Talent" last year. He's opened for Mumford and Sons on their 2012 tour and he has a one-man show at the Flamingo in Las Vegas.

Piff will be at McCurdy's Comedy Theatre in Sarasota for six shows beginning today.

When he performs, he dons a green, red and yellow dragon suit, a deadpan expression and a hilariously grumpy demeanor. His sidekick is Mr. Piffles, the World's Only Magic Performing Chihuahua.

Details: Feb. 18-21, McCurdy's Comedy Theatre, 1923 Ringling Blvd., Sarasota. Show times 7 p.m. Thursday and Sunday, 7 and 9:30 p.m. Friday-Saturday. Tickets: $29. Information: 941-925-3869, mccurdyscomedy.com.

-- Marty Clear

This story was originally published February 17, 2016 at 5:38 PM with the headline "Piff the Magic Dragon brings his deadpan comedy to Sarasota ."