A Very Warm Welcome to Kevin McMahon

Nigel Shelton: Before the Bank Holiday weekend I am sure that, for many residents of the UK, the name of Kevin McMahon would have been relatively unknown in the world of magic. Since the broadcast of “Faking It” on Channel Four, Sunday evening all that has changed and now the name of this new magician is on the lips of hundreds of magicians within the UK and beyond. It is no exaggeration to state that the “General” forum is buzzing with activity with feedback from this show and I am aware that one of the most popular threads in that forum has already accumulated one and half thousand views in simply two days.

Kevin McMahon has managed to achieve notoriety and success in just four weeks of hard practise and has learnt (and passed on through the broadcasting of his programme) a wealth of skills and attributes from which we all have something to learn. Since filming the show in November 2004 Kevin has followed his heart to pursue a role in performing magic and has proven himself to be a natural performer, becoming a highly accomplished magician and entertainer. You many find more about Kevin from his website or at the “Faking It” links at the Channel Four site.

I am very pleased to announce that this forum is now open for questions regarding the C4 “Faking It” programme or any other associated issues. Kevin has offered, in addition to answering threads each day (for the next few days), to make a pledge to be present online between 10.00pm and 11.00pm (BST) on Thursday 31st March so that any member may enter into a basic and brief “real time” dialogue in a thread on this forum, with immediate feedback from Kevin, if they should so want. (It will be prudent for members to avoid sending private messages to our "Special Guest" during this time.)

Did Teller Talk off Camera?

Baz

A silly question but I really want to know. What was it like getting advice from the two greats from across the pond?

Kevin McMahon

I honestly didn't appreciate it at the time, as you can gather from the terrible performance. Looking back I never cease to be honoured. Teller took me back stage after his show at the Rio Grand and I had dinner with them and the crew. They had a really cool backstage area, I'll try get the photos on the website soon.

I spoke to Teller on the phone after I'd 'faked it' and he was really pleased for me. He actually thought I'd be able to do it. I even had the nerve to say on the phone, 'Say hi to Penn for me'! How show biz is that! I'm a very lucky boy.

In the warehouse he showed me some of his prize possessions, like some Houdini stuff he'd bought. Brilliant. He was a true illusionary genius.

Pat Page

Wiffyboy

What was it like working with Pat Page? What was the one key piece of help or advice he gave you? He is someone I have admired since I started out in magic and I only wish I could meet him sometime.

Kevin McMahon

Pat is a true legend. He is a straight talker and someone who really cuts to the chase. I am lucky to have had two days of his time.

His best advice was to enjoy what you are doing then, all going well, the audience will relax and enjoy it too. Don't use material or magic that you are uncomfortable performing. If you don't like it, the audience will see this and probably won't like it either.

Practising

Yoshi

Hello Kevin. Firstly thanks for coming to this forum.

I have a couple of questions. Firstly, when you started magic you had the most wonderful assistance, scrupulous, experienced and constructive (well, not always) advice from talented professional magicians, Pat Page, and Penn & Teller. Now that you no longer have this, how do you know how good your routine is, how subtle your sleights are and how interesting your performance is? Secondly, how were you chosen from the whole population of Great Britain (minus those who already do magic) that they could have chosen?

Kevin McMahon

a) I have a standard close-up routine that I use. I add stuff to it when I feel it is ready. I write a structure for the patter, covering important misdirections. If the audience doesn’t respond well, then I change it until it does. I have my note pad with me all the time. At the end of a close-up set I spend the 45 minutes I have on the train noting all my observations. I address them during the week. I think my performances are fun to watch and I involve people as much as possible. The only guide I have is the audiences’ response. I often test effects at posh pubs in Edinburgh. I approach a table and perform just saying that I'm the magician etc. I try to avoid showing the regulars at my local. They're just too used to me to be honest. Watch peoples eyes. This is where you'll find the most telling information.

b) Faking It contacted the Institute of Physics, of which I was a member. After three weeks I responded, just trying to adapt to the media way I structured the email around what I like and what I don't like. They liked it, did a telephone interview and asked for a ten-minute short film based on some questions. They viewed this and invited me to London for interview. After two days they phoned and asked me to be the faker and the rest is history.

Yoshi

a) Hey, you've got it all sorted nicely! It sounds like you're managing fantastically well without the help, very good!
b) Bet you're glad you passed the interview.
Thanks very much for the replies.

P.S. I hope you're sticking around after all these questions are over!