by Alex Robertson
Ever had a moment that felt too magical to be real? Let me show you a few of mine…
In the heart of our lovely town of Cirencester, where history meets the hustle and bustle of everyday life, I’ve found a unique way to weave a different kind of magic. It’s not about the thrill of the unseen or the sleight of hand, although I’m quite proud of my skills in that department. No, it’s about a deeper kind of enchantment – the magic of connection.
Often, people believe magic to be just a set of tricks, an illusion meant to momentarily deceive. But anyone in Cirencester who has seen me perform will vouch for something different. Magic, for me, is an icebreaker, a memorable conversation starter, and many times, the highlight of an event.
Picture a wedding in our town. Amid the familiar historic backdrops, families and friends come together, sometimes meeting after ages or for the first time. The atmosphere is festive, but there’s often an undertone of unfamiliarity. That’s where I step in. Close-up magic, combined with a dash of humour, works wonders in such settings. Cards fly, coins vanish, and amidst gasps of surprise and chuckles, I see barriers melting. Strangers start chatting, shared laughter creates bonds, and the room is soon abuzz with interaction.
It’s not just about the tricks, though. It’s the reactions they evoke and the memories they forge. Sir Roger Moore, the iconic James Bond actor, was one of my favourite audience members. He visited The Kings Head Hotel on multiple occasions to see me in action. He once warmly commented, “A Wonderful Entertainer,” a sentiment that I cherish and strive to live up to at every performance. And then there’s Jamie Oliver, who scribbled a hilarious (and perhaps not entirely for public eyes) compliment on a card after being part of my audience.
I’ve had the privilege to perform at various events – from corporate galas to intimate weddings and even a wake. Each performance is unique, tailored to the audience, the occasion, and even the time of day. For instance, if it’s later in the evening and spirits (both emotional and liquid) are high, I might switch things up to cater to a more lively and playful audience.
But beyond the tricks and the laughs, there’s a deeper purpose to my magic. It’s about creating moments of connection. When I was a student, I would bridge language barriers with exchange students through magic tricks. When I used to entertain in nightclubs, I developed a magic act that was completely silent so it didn’t matter how loud the music was, but this then worked for people I met years later who had hearing difficulties.
For me, the essence of my magic lies in feedback like, “You made a perfect day unforgettable, thank you.” It’s a reminder that in a world often separated by screens and distances, a bit of magic can bridge the gap, bringing us closer together.
If you’re curious to witness this magic firsthand, I entertain at The Kings Head Hotel restaurant in Cirencester the first Sunday of every month. or if you are having an event and you’re interested in having me there please reach out to me at alex@arcmagic.co.uk, or visit my website www.arcmagic.co.uk
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