It must be magic - interview with Magical Bones

This March we’re excited to welcome Britain’s Got Talent finalist, Richard Essien, otherwise known as Magical Bones to Beccles Public Hall. Richard reached the final of the popular ITV show in 2020 by wowing the judges and audiences with card tricks, acrobatics, and illusions. During the show, Richard has revealed that his inspiration behind magic is Henry Brown, a former slave who escaped by mailing himself to another part of America in a box, before moving to the UK and becoming a magician.

Many of Richard’s magic tricks and illusions are inspired by the magic of Henry. Richard will be performing his unique routine, this march at the Hall. We caught up with him to find out more about the show and what the audiencein Beccles can expect.

Tell us what audiences can look forward to?

This is going to be a high energy, action packed show. The show will feature explosive street magic and illusions influenced from street-dance culture, music and lifestyle. It’s going to be a concert of magic.

How do you come up with the material for your shows?

My magic is inspired from my environment. The music I listen to, my family and friends as well performers I grew up watching. I love sharing my experiences and journey with audiences, using magic as my medium- and I hope to inspire a new generation as well.

You have been performing since you were 10, how did you get started?

When I was 10 my mum bought me a Paul Daniels magic set. He was the most famous magician at the time. The magic set had 100 tricks, and I practiced every single one of those tricks every day. Eventually, I had my first performance to an audience of five people in my living room.

I was also fortunate to have a drama teacher in my school who was also a professional magician. He encouraged me to pursue magic as a serious hobby, and I never looked back since.

How does being on stage with live magic compare to being on Britain’s Got Talent?

Britains Got Talent is an amazing TV experience, and although I did perform in front of a live audience, you only get a a few minutes to really showcase your act. Thus you don’t get enough time to show all your skills. Whereas on tour I get to perform my full 90 minute illusion show, so audiences really get to immerse themselves in a magical night.

Richard is the star of the TV magic series, Around the World in 80 Tricks, which is being shown to over 60 million homes globally. He also regularly tours the globe with the hit West-end Magic show, IMPOSSIBLE, and has just finished a sell-out run at the Underbelly Festival with his one-man show Black Magic, which received rave reviews.

You can see Richard on stage at Beccles Public Hall and Theatre on Thursday 9th March 2023, at 7:30pm. Tickets are just £19.50 per person and can be booked online via https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/becclespublichall/t-zzovazl or via the Box Office who are open, 10am to 3pm, Monday to Saturday. Pop in to purchase your tickets in person or call 01502 770060.

There is also the opportunity to book for an after-show meet and greet, where you will be able to experience the magic up close in a small group. Details on how to book is online now.I’m super excited to bring my magic to Beccles. It’s a beautiful part of the U.K. I have never been. I’m looking forward to seeing the area and meeting the community.