Move over Harry Potter
Feb 16 2008 by Laura Sharpe, Liverpool Daily Post
tephen Williams, age13, from Aintree, competing in the World Junior Magician Championships, to be held in Blackpool for the first time next week, watched by his mum Mandie.
HEY presto...prepare to be amazed as a 13-year-old magician from Liverpool attempts to become the best in the world.
Talented Stephen Williams, from Aintree, will pull tricks out of his hat at the World Magician Championships on Tuesday.
Stephen, who has been practising magic since the age of six, has already made a name for himself and has performed alongside Ken Dodd.
The Archbishop Beck Catholic Sports College pupil caught Ken’s eye when he performed at the comedian’s birthday last October.
Since then, he has performed across the country in Ken’s Happiness Show before being chosen as one of 13 young people vying for the prestigious title.
Stephen said: “I love magic and I hope to become a full-time magician when I’m older.
“I first started learning magic when I was given a Paul Daniels magic set but I now prefer card tricks, close up magic and stage magic.
“I practise for two hours a day and meet and learn from other magicians but the best thing about performing is the reaction I get from the audience and making people happy.”
Stephen holds the title of Liverpool Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year 2007, two years after the adult-only group voted to let him join the circle.
Richie Smith, Guinness Book of Records holder for the longest magic show and founder of Liverpool Magic Circle, said Stephen was one of the best young magicians he had seen.
Mr Smith added: “Stephen performs better than a lot of older more experienced magicians, he practises hard and is always smart and invests in his props and himself to make his shows fantastic.
“He knows what he can get away with trick wise and doesn’t attempt older routines and he isn’t scared to ask for advice.
“The trick is that Stephen makes it look easy. I know as a magician how hard it is to do the tricks but to the audience it looks simple.
“He puts in weeks of practice and if he wasn’t good he wouldn’t be touring with Ken Dodd.
“I hope he wins, he’ll be up against older competitors but I’m sure he’ll be just as good.”
Stephen, whose magical heroes include Derren Brown and Wayne Dobson, has also worked with Ant and Dec, Ricky Tomlinson and Simon Cowell to name but a few celebrities.
He has also starred in a Sony Commercial filmed in Japan where Sony Marketing managers described him as a “child prodigy of real genius.”
The World Junior Championships take place at the Opera House, Blackpool, as part of a Showzam festival of magic, circus and new variety which attracts magicians from around the world.
Stephen hopes his snow trick and levitating table will help him win without the help of his magic wand.
He added: “I’ll probably be nervous on the day because I’ve only got 12 minutes and will be up against old more experienced magicians.
“But it will be a great day and I’ll get to meet new people and learn more tricks but I won't be revealing any secrets to anyone.”
laurasharpe
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