Marc Paul – Big Hit on SunInside MagicMagic News Updated Daily for the Professional Magician

Marc Paul

As part of the Magic Circle’s centenary
celebration, The Sun
(UK), is going all out with stories, features, and even is promoting a six-part
documentary exploring magic from Egypt to Las Vegas.

The tabloid called on Magic Circle member Marc
Paul — whom they proclaim is “the man voted the world’s greatest
mind-reader” — to perform for their staff and set-up interactive tricks for the
readers of their on-line edition.

Mr. Paul describes his seduction into our art beginning at the age of seven.
He was given a magic set, found it unworkable, stowed it away, and rediscovered
its contents years later. By the time he was 12, the still young magician
performed for birthday parties and other gatherings.

He found mentalism brought the best response from audiences. “I would meet
other magicians to brainstorm about ideas and in the early 1990s I started
getting into mind magic, because I realized out of everything I was performing
that was getting the best reactions.”

Mr. Paul is quick to point out he does not have special powers:

“Whereas other magicians use slight of hand or illusions or optical
principles, a mentalist uses psychological trickery. The best way to describe it
is slight of mind.”

He opines mentalism is at the forefront of the new magic wave. “There was a
time for big stage illusions and rock magicians like David Copperfield, but
people realize it’s just a show. The lovely thing about mentalism and
mind-reading is it’s very raw and is a one-on-one experience – so it’s a much
more active type of entertainment.

While he’ll fight to the death to keep his secrets secret, he insists there
is nothing secret about The Magic Circle. Membership in this prestigious
institution is open to those who love the art. You may not make it to the Inner
Circle – reserved for the very best practitioners – but there is a place for
you, Mr. Paul explained.

All initiates are asked to perform to prove interest and knowledge of magic.
“If you’re a performer, then that’s fine, you perform. If you’re a collector
then maybe you can show some of your collection or do a talk about the history
of magic.”

This can be a stumbling block for some.

“Quite a few people fail at that stage, but those who pass become
full members and can attend meetings every Monday, where there will normally be
some sort of talk, lecture of demonstration and a social event where we’ll swap
new tricks and ideas.”