After working as a driving instructor for 43 years – 30 of those in Cambridge – the pandemic years were some of the most difficult I have ever experienced. Like many others, I was forced to take a considerable amount of time away from work. I owe a huge debt of gratitude to my wife, who supported me throughout that period while working from home herself.
Then, quite by chance in 2017, something unexpected happened. I became involved with the 102-year-old Pentacle Magic Club in Cambridge.
At first, I simply began learning a few tricks and practising on my long-suffering wife, my pupils (a wonderfully captive audience!), and at various Masonic events. What started as curiosity soon became a genuine passion.
During lockdown, I realised I needed a new challenge and something positive to focus on. I decided to take my magic more seriously and joined the world-famous The Magic Circle as an Apprentice.
Most magicians begin learning as children, often through The Magic Circle’s Young Magicians Club. Starting as a complete beginner at the age of 64 meant I had a lot of catching up to do!
Ironically, while the world had shut down, the magic world suddenly became more accessible than ever. Thanks to Zoom, magicians from across the globe — performers I had previously only read about — were now lecturing and sharing their knowledge online.
Monday evenings became dedicated to The Magic Circle Apprentice Network, while Tuesdays were spent with the Pentacle Magic Club here in Cambridge. During that time, we had the opportunity to hear from and learn from famous magicians such as Dynamo, Andy Nyman, Jeff McBride, Lance Burton and Martin Daniels.
Although I was progressing, I knew I needed guidance to improve further. I approached Cambridge-based three-time Magic Champion Matthew Le Mottée and asked for help. Thankfully, he agreed.
That decision completely transformed my magic.
Under Matthew’s guidance, my performance, presentation and technical ability improved enormously. Eventually, I felt ready to take the examination for full membership of The Magic Circle – and I’m delighted to say that I passed.
Creating my act required an enormous amount of time, effort and practice, but I have loved every moment of the journey. In fact, I enjoyed working with Matthew so much that I asked if I could continue as his student.
Today, alongside my driving school work, I still regularly attend both my local magic club in Cambridge and The Magic Circle in London – continuing to learn, perform and enjoy this extraordinary art.