Chris Cox
One of the biggest misconceptions about magicians, British escapologist-illusionist Ali Cook pointed out, is that it’s a form of entertainment primarily geared toward kids.
“The kids already believe in magic. Perhaps the people who need a bit of wonder in their lives are their exhausted parents,” Ali, one of the six acts taking part in the Manila run of the London West End magic show “Impossible,” said in a recent e-mail interview with the Inquirer.
British mindreader Chris Cox, on the other hand, observed that people tend to assume that his entire life revolves around magic.
“I love doing magic, but it’s only a part of who I am,” he stressed.
Joining Ali and Chris in “Impossible’s” Manila—which is running at Smart Araneta Coliseum until Jan. 3—are the comedic daredevil Bello Nock, magician-dancer Magical Bones and illusionists Ben Hart and Josephine Lee. The production is presented by Wilbros Live (call 911-5555 or 374-9999).
“Having six performers is the strongest element of our show—there’s something for everyone. We’re all different,” Josephine said.
Excerpts from Inquirer’s interview with Ali (A), Chris (C) and Josephine (J):
What’s the most complicated or grandest magic trick/illusion you have done?
C: I have a routine called “Control Chris Cox” that I have been working on for nearly 10 years now. I let the audience take control of my act every night. I pick people at random, read their minds, and do exactly what they’re thinking of.
J: I performed an original act in “Britain’s Got Talent” at the beginning of the year. My inspiration for it came from the Disney film “Maleficent.”
A: The most difficult trick I do is when I multiply one coin into 20 from under a credit card. It took me eight years to get it just right.
What kind of audience do you find most difficult or easiest to entertain? How do you gauge them?
C: The hardest types are usually those who just don’t want to have fun, don’t want to take part, and are standoffish. It’s tough to gauge an audience … So, the best thing is not to judge or gauge.
J: The hardest audiences are the ones who don’t believe in magic.
A: The hardest audience I have performed for was for a room full of dentists. I’m not sure why they were so difficult—I think they were too busy looking at my yellow teeth, instead of my hands!
What’s the best piece of advice you could give an aspiring magician?
C: Be yourself. Find something you love … and find a way to show that to the audience.
Ali Cook
J: When you enjoy yourself, so will your audience!
A: A famous British comedian, Frank Skinner, told me that a show is not about the jokes or tricks, but your relationship with the audience.
Do you retire or change your tricks depending on the kind of audience you have?
J: All audiences are different, and the environment you perform in can also change the dynamic. For example, if you’re in a small room, it’s nice to keep it intimate. If you’re in an arena, that’s the time to put on a big show!
A: It’s important to keep innovating new tricks, as well as new presentations.