Table Magician Q&A

Shubhda Chaudhary from the University of Westminster asked if she could ask me a few questions about what it's like to be a table magician. Here are my answers!

1. Why did you choose to be a Table Magician?

When I was younger I loved magic and spent a lot of time learning sleight of
hand. When I wanted to start performing I was offered jobs at weekends in family restaurants and then eventually at parties and weddings. I always wanted to be a magician but in truth I never particularly wanted to be a table magician, it's just what I've ended up doing.

2. Please name few close up and table magic events where you performed?

I've performed at well over 1000 events. Ones that stick out in my mind are when I performed at the Disneyland in Paris, The House of Commons in London and the Jumeirah Beach Hotel in Dubai. More unusual venues include an aquarium, two different zoos and I was once asked to do something in an Ice Bar in below zero temperature wearing big gloves. I had to turn that one down.

3. What is the difference in being a party magician, corporate magician and wedding
magician with respect to the audience and environment involved?

Birthday parties and weddings have a mix of family and friends, and everyone is there to have a good time which makes them quite easy. Corporate events are often set up for networking or client hospitality which means you have to be sensitive to that.

4. How difficult is it to perform magic in front of unknown people?

Easy! What's harder is performing for people that know you well. Friends and
family can often spot when you are doing something deceptive. When I do high pressure performances I prefer it that there is nobody that I know there.

5. What is the level of competition involved in the magician domain in UK?

Quite a lot of people advertise as close-up magicians or table magicians. Some people do it as a side-income, or they primarily do children's parties. Quite often they have flashy websites and talk a good talk but generally charge a lot less than professionals. I feel like I am competing with them all the time, but don't really see myself as competing with other professionals, many of whom are close friends.

6. How did you excel in the mind reading tricks?

I perform mind eading (or "mentalism") as part of my routine but it is not a
speciality. People react well to mindreading which is why I do it. I keep up to date with what's going on in that world and know the latest goings on which means I am able to add new mentalism tricks to my act from time to time.

7. Where do you derive your inspiration from?

Magic wise I like funny, skilled and original performers. I like any type of
performance when it's done well.

8. Apart from magic, what else interests you?

I like travel, the internet, street art, stand-up comedy and am currently learning to play the piano.

9. What is the most difficult part in magic?

In my line of work as a table magician it's trying to convince people who weren't expecting to watch magic that they will enjoy it. You have to do it in the first 30 seconds of the performance.

10. What is your inspiring quote in life?

"There is no happiness except in the realization that we have accomplished
something."
Henry Ford

11. Where do you see yourself five years from now?

I'm developing an old-style parlour magic show at the moment. I hope to be doing that a lot more and a few less parties and weddings perhaps.

12. What would you like to say to the budding magicians?

Work on your act before you work on your promotional materials.

13. What are your strengths in performing magic?

Self-awareness, humour, attention to detail.