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How did you get that job?
try to guess the style of magic that would work best to our audiences.
To make this happen I watch a lot of magic! This summer I’ll try to see as many magic shows as I can in the Fringe as well as other comedy shows, physical theatre, theatre and dance.
I also raise funds, build the website and pretty much anything and everything else I have to do to make the Festival happen!
As a professional magician I have show in the Fringe this year The Colour Ham and during the year I perform mainly at private parties and events.
Best / Worst Aspects? I love the people I work with. I couldn’t ask for a more inspirational, hard working and enthusiastic group to be surrounded by. I have a vision for magic that changes people’s perception of the world and challenges them to see things differently. It’s great to work with people that share those goals. The worst aspect is the hours. As a performer I work evenings and weekends and don’t spend anywhere near as much time with friends and family as I used to / would like to. However both my friends and family are
wonderfully supportive. I’m very lucky.
Looking back, what advice would you give to a young Kevin McMahon at the start of his career? Three things: 1. Work as hard as you possibly can. If you do you can be the best magician in the world.
2. Stay positive with an idea you believe in and surround yourself with enthusiastic and positive people. This is the easiest way to make your dreams come true.
3. Only take advice from those in a position to give it. If it’s someone who isn’t worth listening to – smile and nod.
and finally . . . what are you most looking forward to in 2012? I’m very excited about my Fringe show The Colour Ham. It’s the only sketch group in the UK that combines magic, mind reading and sketch comedy into a big ball of rock’n’roll silliness.
I’ve combined forces with a comedian and a mind reader to create a sketch comedy show with special effects. Really funny and really amazing.
We’re at the Big Cave with Just the Tonic from 2–12 August at 9.15pm.
Name Kevin McMahon
Job title Artistic Director and Professional Magician Company Edinburgh International Magic Festival
When did you start your job? I became a professional magician in 2005 after appearing on reality TV show Faking It At the time I was a research scientist working at Heriott Watt University. I quit my job and started a career in show business. My role as
artistic director at the Magic Fest started January 2010 when I founded the festival. So what does your job actually involve? For Magic Fest I create the vision for the festival, the direction the event should go in, and I