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What if you had to rewrite and perform the second act of a show with almost no preparation? In this episode, we sit down with the extraordinarily talented Simon Lipkin, who opens up about his remarkable journey from starring in Avenue Q at just 20 years old to his current role in Oliver with Cameron McIntosh. Simon’s career has been anything but conventional, and he shares the highs and challenges of his life in theater, including his sudden need to improvise and perform under intense pressure.

Listeners are in for a treat as Simon takes us through his transition into the world of mentalism and his role in Derren Brown's Unbelievable. We delve into the indispensable tools for any mentalist, such as the peak wallet and Harribo by Lord Harry. Simon's insights on the importance of a well-thought-out narrative and how to tailor tricks for a personal touch promise to enrich any magician’s repertoire. With Simon’s acting background and passion for improv, he offers unique perspectives on making magic feel interactive and tailor-made for the audience.

But that’s not all—Simon also shares his exhilarating experiences on stage, including performing at the Royal Variety Show and the thrill of creating new acts on the fly. From discussing the fascinating world of PK Touches to recounting magic mishaps and the joy of performing with simplicity and ingenuity, this episode is a celebration of Simon Lipkin's multifaceted career. Whether you’re an aspiring magician or a seasoned performer, Simon’s stories and advice are sure to inspire and entertain.

Simon's Desert Island List:

1) Stealth Assassin Wallet by Peter Nardi
2) Harribo by Lord Harri
3) Stirling by International Magic
4) Magicians Graphology by Andy Nyman
5) PK Touches
6) Smash & Stab
7) Change in Pocket / Swami
8) Try Colour by Simon Lipkin
Book) Dunningers Complete Encyclopaedia of Magic
Item) Rubiks Cube

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk