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As part of our special interview series with the founders of The Leicester Magicians Network (LMN), our first interview is with Adam Edgeley. This is part of a series of four interviews for May 2021 to celebrate the excellent LMN club and the first birthday of Magic Seats.
Within this interview, Adam Edgeley talks about his book, performing and of course the Magic Circle.
Adam is one of the UK's most entertaining and popular magicians and is always in high demand.
As a close-up magician, he performs at wedding receptions, corporate events and parties bringing his own style of unique magic and humour to your event. He is a natural-born performer and is always excited to put his skills to the test in front of a crowd.
I am lucky to know Adam through the LMN and have attended some of his excellent workshops which includes the cups and balls which we will also discuss.
Thanks to Adam for taking the time to chat to us today.
Magic Seats - Thanks for joining us today Adam. It is great to have a chat with you as one of the founders of the Leicester Magicians Network and member of the Magic Circle.
What's your story Adam, how did you first develop an interest in magic?
Adam Edgeley - First of all, may I thank you for this interview you are doing a fantastic job.
I've always enjoyed magic and I, like many others, used to watch the Paul Daniels magic show every week; my Mum and Dad had a Betamax video and I used to record every show without fail on Betamax. Yes - that's how old I am!
Due to finding a job and raising two kids, my magic took a back seat as I got older. What I didn't realise at the time is that I would spend the next 20 years in the same job, although I always had an interest in magic. It wasn't until much later in life that my love for magic took off again.
Magic Seats - I have to say that I remember Betamax so you’re not alone. Though my parents went VHS!
As a full time professional who performs and entertains, you have of course also published a book called “Keep Calm and Perform Magic”, to assist performers who suffer from nerves, anxiety and stage fright. This must have been quite an undertaking and perhaps difficult.
What was your motivation to write this book?
Adam Edgeley - In 2014 I was diagnosed with severe depression and anxiety. I locked myself away for months, left my job and faced some of the darkest moments in my life.
It was during this time I picked up a few of my magic books and started studying magic again. However it wasn't that easy, I couldn't get the courage to perform due to my anxiety. I would get sweaty hands, shake, dry mouth and generally avoided performing for quite some time.
After a while, I felt that I was feeling a little better and was asked by my local magic club to lecture. I started to write a few lecture notes to accompany the lecture however halfway through decided to turn my work into a book.
Hopefully, it has and will help people in the same situation I was in.
Magic Seats - I am sure that many performers have found your book very helpful. Such a great achievement it can be purchased via your store. I know that you have just achieved something else very special. You have recently achieved a lifelong ambition to join the Magic Circle.
What advice would you give others who are perhaps sitting on the fence or needing encouragement to attempt to join?
Adam Edgeley - Go for it, I was made to feel at ease right from the beginning. They have a fantastic examination team run by Bob Pound who made the entire process as smooth as possible. There is also a fantastic Facebook page for those of you who are waiting to take your exam.
Magic Seats - Congratulations on achieving your ambition to join the Magic Circle. It’s deserved and I would put money on the fact that the cups and balls featured in your interview - your favourite!
Adam Edgeley - Yes mate, I did it to music and it was the last effect I performed for the examination.
Magic Seats - I've been lucky to attend your workshops on the cups and balls and have a jam with you.
What is it about the cups and balls that holds so much interest for you?
Adam Edgeley - Great question, I'm not exactly sure is my honest answer, I guess it's the history behind the effect as well as performing it. Not only that it can be performed virtually anywhere and in most situations. I also enjoy collecting the different cups, like most magicians I can get a bit obsessed with buying props.
Magic Seats - I know it gets addictive buying magic related things. £30 here, then another £50 and more etc! And of course, buying magic related items needs income.
As a professional magician, how have you kept busy over lockdown?
Adam Edgeley - It's been difficult, one thing I have found is that I'm revisiting old effects that I didn't at the time think would be commercial enough for my repertoire, however, I was wrong.
Lockdown has taught me a lot, classic effects are classic for a reason. As mentioned above I finally got round to joining The Magic Circle and for the last few months, I have been working on my audition.
Magic Seats - It certainly sounds like you have kept busy. And you cannot beat the classic effects.
What's next for the future. Any plans that you can share?
Adam Edgeley - At the moment nothing, I’m just looking forward to getting back to performing in the real world. I normally like to set myself a goal each year however there’s nothing in the pipeline as yet.
Magic Seats - Thanks Adam for taking the time to chat with us today and share your experiences. It has been really good to catch up.
To book Adam or learn more about his services, take a look at his website and social sites below.
Information about the Leicester Magicians Network that Adam is a founder of is below the links and video.
Social Contacts
The Leicester Magicians Network
As part of this series of interviews with the founders of the Leicester Magicians Network, I sat down with them and asked some questions about the club.
Magic Seats - What’s the story behind the Leicester Magicians Network. How did the idea come about to form a new club?
Whilst we all love and respect the traditions of ‘older’ magic societies, they can be sometimes intimidating to new members. The four founding members all shared a similar philosophy and it was something that we are all passionate about, particularly in bringing on the next generation of magicians.
This is why we thought long and hard about our mission statement:
“To Create A Magic Community Where Everyone Who Is Passionate About Magic Is Welcome, Built Around Trust, Friendship and Support, And Aiming to Help All Members to Be the Best They Can Be.”
Magic Seats - With many magic clubs to join, what is different about Leicester Magicians Network. Why join your club?
When founding The Leicester Magicians Network, the philosophy was to create a modern forward-thinking Club that was not constrained by out-dated ideas or principles. Unlike traditional magic clubs we have dispensed with the requirement for an audition in order to join. We do not want in any way want to preclude anyone from joining such as the hobbyist magician. Our desire is to promote a relaxed, friendly environment which allows members of all abilities to share ideas, ask questions without fear, or perform if they feel comfortable.
We also have what we believe to be a unique membership model where for when a small set annual fee is paid, it gives you access to many members evenings, workshops etc which occur average twice a month. On top of that, we of course have Professional Lectures which operate on a pay-as-you-go basis members are able to pick and choose which ones they wish to attend.
Magic Seats - How did you come up with the name of the club?
We had a bit of a brainstorming session and obviously creating a new magic club in the midst of a pandemic was a challenge. With the name we wanted to convey a message of ‘connectivity’ even though none of us could initially meet in person.
For information about the club, events or membership details, please visit the website here.
