10/10/2020
Check out an interview I did with Leamington & Warwick Magic Society...
Meet the Members... Kev G
Kev G is not only a great performer but is also a creator and inventor of magic tricks and routines much loved
by the magic community. Kev is a real thinking mans’ magician and whether he is reading your mind, solving a Rubix Cube in 2 seconds, or showing you some amazing sleight of hand, you will be left with the feeling of being in the presence of a real-life professor of wizardry.
Q. When and why did you first get interested in Magic?
A. It’s difficult to pinpoint a specific time as I grew up with Paul Daniels on TV followed by David Blaine and then Derren so I think I always had intrigue and it really wasn’t until I was about 17 that I really started to delve deeper and grow my love of magic after a friend had shown me a card trick, which I was totally fooled by. I needed to know how it was done, so that led me on a book quest to find my answer and it never stopped.
Q. Who is your biggest inspiration in Magic?
A. I would say it has to be Derren Brown. I remember his first show airing whilst I was at college and at the time it was incredible. I think the fact that he was British, and had also taken a different angle from everything that had come before him was a breath of fresh air. Derren continues to push the art forward and he’s such a superb showman.
Q. What was the first trick you learned?
A. The oldest memory I have is learning the ‘broken match’ trick that my Dad showed me. A match is wrapped in a handkerchief (This was in the 80’s) and snapped – you feel and hear the matchstick snap in two, only to unravel the handkerchief to reveal it is fully restored! A miracle!
Q. What type of Magician/Entertainer would you say you are when performing?
A. Firstly, I think there’s a clear difference between the two. In order for magic to be entertaining, I feel it’s important to put as much of yourself into your performance persona as however good your magic is, it’s really you that the audience needs to connect with and build a rapport. If they like you, then the entertainment levels are naturally elevated. In that vein, I would say that I’m a confident, charismatic, and fun person to be around whilst performing.
Q. You are also a creator of magic and have released some great effects, where/how do you get the inspiration to come up with these ideas?
A. Thanks! Yeah, I'm humbled that they’ve been so well received and have been performed on TV around the world, it’s crazy to think about how far-reaching and accessible things have become. I think my inspiration has come from wanting to solve problems for myself, creating pieces that I’d like to perform.
I always keep my eyes peeled for interesting items or inspiring objects that could potentially be useful for an entertaining piece of magic. I have lots of tools and bits and bobs in my office, so if I have an idea it’s likely I can come up with some sort of solution fairly quickly to play around with. Sometimes an idea may take a backseat for a while and sit on my desk, until I find that missing piece of the puzzle or I know it can be improved further to a point I’d be happy performing it.
Q. If you could go back and re-invent one of your products now, which one would it be and what differences would you make?
A. Oh that’s got me thinking! I don’t think a magic effect is ever necessarily ‘finished’ and continues to grow with performances and input from others. I see them more like babies when they’re first conceived and once you release them to the community you can see how well they flourish and grow over time.
So really I can’t say I’d go back and re-invent any of my products, but there would definitely be additional ideas and thoughts I could go back and add now.
Q. How long have you been a member of LAWMS Magic Society and why did you join?
A. The first meeting I attended was 7th September 2011. At this point, I’d already been heavily into magic for at least 10 years and I couldn’t believe I hadn’t thought about searching online for local clubs before. Magic can be a very isolated hobby as obviously you don’t want to share any of your secrets with people you’re performing too.
The first meeting I attended, Dave Bonsall was lecturing and he was brilliant. It was great to have found somewhere to discuss magic, learn from others and develop your skillset further so I quickly became a full member.
Q. Is there anything you don’t like about magic?
A. There’s nothing I don’t like about magic in itself. What I’m not a fan of is the way magic can get a bad name for itself due to the behaviour of some magicians or poorly rehearsed and executed effects that really haven’t been thought through.
So I guess I don’t like the miss representation that magic can sometimes get from poor performances or the stereotypes of the ‘classic magician’ which are so far removed from the magic performed by many today.
I also think that sometimes there is a general perception that magicians are out to get one up on their audience, and they can really do Harry Potter wizardry. This is evident from the posts published online with people trying to debunk effects they’ve seen on TV or YouTube, which I’m not really a fan of. Really these people are just trying to stroke their own ego and display a level of bravado that they can’t be fooled. In reality, I think they’ve totally misunderstood what ‘magic’ is and I feel sorry that they’ve closed themselves off from experiencing a moment of wonder and disbelief. It’s that moment that really matters no matter how long it lasts.
Q. What advice would you give to anyone thinking of learning or starting magic?
A. Don’t rely on YouTube to learn. I understand everyone needs to start somewhere and online content such as YouTube is easily accessible and can be useful in certain instances. But too many youngsters rely too heavily and learn either poor effects and/or pick up really bad habits from people who are, to be honest, not really very good.
My advice would be to join a magic club or find a mentor so that you can receive helpful advice and guidance, rather than wasting time looking in the wrong places.
It’s also really tempting for beginners to spend lots of money on things that they’ll never use or that are just not right for them so will save you money in the long run.
Q. What is the most difficult thing you have tried to do or learn in magic?
A. Difficulty in magic is a bit of a sliding scale based on your prior knowledge, experience and skill set. When I first started, I don’t think I’d ever have imagined having accomplished what I’ve done to date. I could list hundreds of technical card moves that I can’t do, but I think I felt real accomplishment when I first learnt to solve the Rubik’s cube – which I am now addicted too!
Q. What is your favourite piece of magic to perform?
A. It’s got to be ‘cube cards’. I’m not just saying that as it’s my own routine, but also because it has multiple moments of magic, its hard-hitting and it’s just fun to perform.
Q. What do you do when someone asks you to ‘do something’ when you’re not expecting it?
A. It depends on the location and what items may be within close proximity, it’s always fun to be put on the spot and think on your feet. I like using personal items that people care about so probably something with their mobile phone or a bit of mindreading.
Q. What would you like to achieve in magic?
A. I’d like to do some more lectures at other magic clubs around the country, but my plans were somewhat hampered by the pandemic. I’m also in the process of writing up a number of effects and ideas to be published as a booklet, so I’m really looking forward to finishing that and getting it printed. I’m also looking forward to getting out and doing gigs again once restrictions are lifted, so if you’re getting married give me a shout or contact me via my website http://magicwedding.uk
Q. What would be your ‘Desert Island’ trick?
A That’s a no brainer, it’s got to be ‘walking on water’. Failing that, turning water into wine would work for me also!
Contact Kev at: http://magicwedding.co.uk
