5 Minutes With Magic Maisie

5 Minutes With…

Magic Maisie

by KATE SMITH

Did you know our London borough is filled with hidden magicians? The Orpington Magic Society is home to a local community of enthusiastic entertainers - among them is Magic Maisie, a young magician who has astonished audiences nationwide with her unique array of almost 200 tricks! From appearing at the Magic Society’s third anniversary as a guest of honour, to joining universally-renowned magicians onstage at Blackpool’s annual Magic Convention, Maisie tells us all about her extraordinary experience in the unique circle... Q: Hey Maisie! What was your introduction to magic and how did you get started?

I went to a wedding about six years ago and I saw my cousin doing magic. He showed me a card trick and I was amazed, so he taught me how to do it. I went round the tables doing the trick and ever since then I’ve just fallen in love with it!

Q: How did you continue from there? Did you join a local society?

hearts. I fold up the invisible ‘card’, put it in the purse and then I take out their card, the nine of hearts!

Q: Amazing! So, has being involved in magic given you any exciting opportunities?

At my local magic club, I did a 90-minute solo stage show: that was really cool! Also, I went to the Blackpool Magic Convention where I met loads of famous magicians and they've been able to help me. They include Mark Calabrese, Jay Sankey, Fay Presto, Laura London, Wayne Fox… the list goes on. I even went on a Zoom call with Wayne Dobson, and he taught me a trick he performed on TV.

Q: How did you get involved in the Blackpool convention?

Someone at my magic society mentioned it, so I started to look it up and then mum and dad got me tickets for Christmas. It’s a three-day convention with lectures where you learn loads of tricks. They also offer advice, and we get to see magicians perform. There’s also a ‘Dealer’s Hall’ which is a big room full of stalls where you can buy stuff!

My dad worked with someone who is also a magician and he suggested that I go to a magic club called the AWS (Associated Wizards of the South). I ended up joining the club and became a member of the junior society.

Q: Was magic naturally easy for you or did it take a lot of practice to get to where you are now?

Some tricks are harder to master than others: some are really easy, and others are quite hard. If I just keep practising them, I get the hang of them!

Q: What’s your favourite trick to perform?

Probably ‘invisible purse’ by Wayne Dobson. You use a purse and an invisible ‘pack’ of cards- you separate them into the four suits, and someone chooses one of the suits and names one of the cards -for example, the nine of

Q: What’s your favourite part of being involved in such a unique society?

It's really exciting to meet people from all around the world with the same interests. Everyone gives each other advice and it’s great to be a part of the worldwide society.

Q: Do you have any magic-related plans for the future?

I’ve just completed a wedding gig plus a scholarship to attend a London convention called ‘The Session’. I’ll definitely be going to Blackpool Magic Convention 2023, as well as appearing on Facebook Live for a magic shop called Alakazam. I have a stage show in November too, which I’m really excited about.

Q: Finally, what advice would you give other young people like yourself looking to find out more about magic?

There’s a lot of great magic books that can teach you all the techniques. DVDs are good to watch as well, and check if there is a local magic shop or society near you too. If you’re looking to get involved in the magic phenomenon, Orpington Magic Society welcomes magicians far and wide to learn new knowledge - and share a few tricks of their own! You can find them online at orpington-magic-society. business.site or via their Facebook account of the same name. Magic Maisie is also online on the new website www.magicmaisie.co.uk or on her Instagram and YouTube @MagicMaisie.