Simon Alexander Blog: Professional Magician

Last Monday I got together with my ol’ buddy Richard Wakefield from FX Films to film something a little bit special.  The end product speaks for itself but suffice to say, Rich and I had great fun shooting this one.

To enhance your viewing pleasure, (as they say) when the film is playing, click the HD button at the bottom right of the screen.  You’re likely to get a short delay but you should then be able to watch the clip in glorious High Definition.  You don’t need any special equipment, just a normal screen.  Have fun!

Last Tuesday I had the privilege of working my wedding magic at Robert and Gillie Fraser’s celebrations.  The service was held in the Norman Chapel at the beautiful Bailiffscourt Hotel in Climping, and the reception was held in the hotel itself.

It’s always a privilege to be asked to be a part of a couple’s special day but this was a particular treat as the couple had known each other for over thirty years.  Now I won’t be ungallant enough to mention a bride’s age but Gillie’s grandson, Max, did one of the readings at the service … and he’s fifteen.

Robert and Gillie wanted something a little different following the wedding breakfast.  So I worked between the tables performing magic with watches, cards, finger rings, mints, wine bottles and cards. Everyone was up for some fun and, with the ages of the guests ranging from twelve to over ninety, it was great to see the different generations being swept along in the flow of the magic.

Just as an aside, I was given The Card Room  to prepare in prior to the performance.  The picture to the left shows the beautiful ceiling, which was decorated as a celestial scene made up from card suits - very appropriate. It was a pleasure to be involved in the day and I send my best wishes to Robert and Gillie for many happy years together.

Each year the RAC recognises and rewards its top-performing staff at the organisation’s most prestigious event, The Ambassador Awards.  This year’s awards were a glittering affair with over 250 attendees from every corner of the UK.  The venue was held, rather appropriately, at The Heritage Motor Centre in Gaydon, Warwickshire. 

The entertainment for the evening reception was provided by my old mate, the incredible Buckinghamshire Magician, Ian Souch and yours truly.  It’s always good fun working alongside your “magic mates” but this was a particularly cool gig as Ian and I had the entire run of the museum for the hour or so before the event.  Here’s a couple of shots of us before the show.

	Left: Ian alongside the 350 mph JCB Dieselmax.  Below: Me with some impressive MG land speed record breakers.  (A psychologist might say we were compensating for something!)
Right: “I am the law!” Me, looking somewhat less than threatening with a futuristic car from the movie, Judge Dredd.  (As if being a full-time magician isn’t enough of an excuse not to grow up!)

Regarding the magic, organiser Anya Broughton from The Production Bureau said, “The feedback from the delegates was really great.”  And certainly, from Ian’s and my perspective, everyone was up for a really good evening.

The only complaint that I have is that there wasn’t a single pyramid of Ferrero Rocher to be found.  What sort of Ambassadors are these, anyway?