Performing magic in china
At the beginning of September, I flew out to China after being invited to perform and lecture at the 2nd International Festival of Magic in Beijing. With around 40 stage magicians, illusionists and close up magicians booked from around the world, it was incredible experience and a chance to catch up with friends made over the years from USA to Australia and many congeries in between.
I performed one of my own creations that enabled me to communicate with the audience in Chinese without saying a word! Magic is a truly universal art form. Despite me not being able to speak Chinese (except for counting up to three) the audience were fully able to appreciate each effect. “Oooooooh” and “Aaaaaaah” and “Huuuuuuh” sound the same in any language.
Aside from the opportunity to meet up with friends from around the world, they also inspire me to work on my own performances in ways that don’t happen here in the UK. Their way of thinking about performing, psychology, methods and creativity are different to what I can get from the UK. As such, the magic I do and the performances I give are always improving in ways I never expect.
Standing on The Great Wall of China!
Being in Beijing gave me the incredible experience of walking on The Great Wall of China. It is a truly awe-inspiring place with breath-taking views. Nothing prepared me for the physical demands of walking on it though. At fairly regular intervals there are horrendously steep uneven steps, or very steep inclines. If you are going to visit it at any point, I strongly advise you wear solid walking shoes and, if it is a hot day, take PLENTY of water.
Performing magic has enabled me to visit many incredible places around the world and to meet up with some of the greatest magicians in the world, many of whom I am honoured to call my friends.