Home Counties Magical Society

Member Ian Souch Features in The Marlow Free Press this week:

MARLOW'S answer to Derren Brown is preparing for the biggest gig of his life at next month's Edinburgh Fringe Festiva. Award-winning magician Ian Souch has performed at hundreds of corporate gigs, and is branching into cabaret, but his own mindreading show at the Fringe is easily the biggest thing he has ever done.

The likeable 42-year-old, who won an award at last year's Home Counties Magical Society show, said the preparation for next month's Reality Vaccine gig had been hard work but he was excited at the prospect of taking part in one of the world's biggest festivals. Like so many people in his line of work

Ian, who has been a full-time magician for six years, first started performing at a young age. "I have always been fascinated by magic," he said. "When I was in my 20s, and all my friends were working their way up the corporate ladder, I was reading, books on the power of the mind. When I carne over from South. Africa eight years ago, I joined the Magic Circle and started to meet up with more people involved with mentalism and decided it suited my persona."

He says different types of magic suit different people - but added he was always quite quiet and being on stage had brought his mindreading skills to the fore. "Someone gave me the proverbial kick up the bum and said, 'You are doing a party for us'," he said. "There were 200 people there - I was terrified but it ended up being the best thing ever. I loved it, trying to Impress people."

Anyone wishing to show off by telling their friends what they are thinking may need to take their time before going on stage, however. "There are certain things you can learn pretty ~ quickly But, if you want to put a show together, it takes a lot of effort"said Ian. "You have to make it interesting. Derren Brown's shows are like theatre pieces and I have tried to create a piece of theatre."

He describes Brown as "a real gentleman" and someone he looks up to: "What he has done for magic has been extraordinary." Ian said mentalism - as his brand of mind-reading is officially known - has become one of the most popular forms of magic because of Brown. Like Brown, Ian drew inspiration for his shows from jobs he-had in the past. "When I was in the army. I was doing some hypnosis tricks and practised my skills on the lads," explained lan. "I was also involved in alternative medicine; which has given me some great skills in observation"

Before setting off for scotland, there's another gjg' coming up which is probably just as daunting - a preview show at Danesfield School in Marlow from 8pm on July 13.

Ian will be performing at The Newsroom, Leith Street, Edinburgh. on August 6 to 15 and 17 to 23, with a preview on August 5. Tickets are free. for details go to www.freefestival.co.uk