So how did you get into the position you’re in today?
I was studying for a Maths Degree and joined the English Civil War Society where I realised I have a talent to entertain. I honed this through intensive training and performance all over the UK with a Commedia Dell’Arte troupe called “The Gobbi Players” where all my creativity was pushed into the spotlight performing as ‘The Magic Cavalier’.
I was then the resident magician and sword fighter at ‘The Shakespeare Tavern’ in London and it didn’t take long for word-of-mouth to spread! Management at a number of Prestigious Venues, together with ‘Event Management Agencies’ began calling upon my expertise. This led to weekly performances as a resident magician at such notorious and legendary venues like Peppermint Park and Coconut Grove.
Being seen in all the right places got me to perform at the Roof Gardens in Kensington, which soon turned into me becoming the “In Flight” entertainment for Virgin Atlantic for all the inaugural flights.
What has been a career highlight for you so far?
Performing in Cyprus ( where I come from ) alongside Tom Jones, Rod Stewart and Earth Wind and Fire for Sir Philip Greens Birthday Party was amazing.
What venues do you think deserve more attention?
I love the variety of venues from the quirky to the ultra-stylish, I don’t have a favourite!
What are some upcoming projects you’re excited about?
Every year, I am responsible for putting entertainment proposals for graduation balls and corporate parties. This year is no exception!
I am excited about putting a proposal for the prospective client, then once confirmed, I love scheduling the event, then finally running the event on the night.
My best party ever was a function at the Grosvenor Hotel and I hope that this year’s projects will be bigger and better!
Why is magic so exciting in event entertainment?
Magic has a capacity to provoke feelings, emotional reactions and weird sensations.
I like my performances to be “experiential”, which means that the guests will actually be involved with the performance and will feel the magic happening in their own hands.
When guests feels a coin bending in their hand, and when a signed note is found in the middle of a kiwi fruit that they were holding the reaction is amazing, and the rush I get from knowing I created that moment for them is amazing
What’s a promotional tactic you love to use?
Magic is one of those activities that needs to be seen to really appreciate what is going on.
I am not the typical magician with tattoos and who barely has a command of the English language, there is a different energy when I perform. I like my work to be engaging and very interactive, so I use any networking opportunities to get the chance to demonstrate what I do in a live environment, without the aid of camera tricks ( as used by many TV Magicians )
Once my performance gets my foot in the door, I follow up with some email marketing
Have you got any mentors in the biz? Or mentored anyone?
My first job in the Computer industry was in Covent Garden, so every lunchtime as spent watching all the acts performing in and around the Piazza where I learnt a lot. I also watched a lot of Paul Daniels back in the day. His people management is amazing. I spent a lot of time with and old school friend of mine call Fay Presto and I got a lot of inspiration from her, and I still do to this day. Right now I really like a young magician called Jonny Driscoll. I predict he will be a big part of the future of magic
Where trends do you see evolving over the next five years?
Seeing a lot of magic on TV has made magic quite cool now, but there is nothing like performing to a live audience. Magic is a cool way of entertaining at an event in a very cost effective way. I think the trend will be for more close up magicians, unlike the stage magicians who can have expensive production costs.
How would you spend 24 hours with no limits?
I would love to visit all the Theme parks in Orlando as I have not been for many years, and I would love to see how they have moved with the times, I would then head out the Maldives to enjoy an evening of fantastic food, followed by walking along the beach, hand in hand with my lovely wife looking at the stars
Describe your perfect night in London
Have a lovely pampering session complete with massage, after that going to a top West End show. Dinner would be a fabulous Thai Buffet and followed by Champagne at the top of the Shard looking at London at night. The most exciting city in the world
