Chubby Harris: A lot of the stuff that Stuart and Barry performed, were just a rip off of what Simon Drake has done long before, what are your views on this?

Pete Firman: I don't want to keep responding to people's opinions on Dirty Tricks as ultimately it is just personal taste, however I feel your argument is a bit sweeping. I'd be interested to know which items you feel were 'rip offs'.

I'm a big Secret Cabaret fan, it was exciting for me as a kid to stay up late and watch this 'new' and 'different' magic show. I know that Simon is a friend of Stuart and Barry's and a fan of their work. He actually hired us some props to use on Dirty Tricks and called Stuart after the first show went out to say how much he'd enjoyed it.

I can only assume you are comparing some of the illusions and the bloodiness of the show. I'm sure you know this, but Simon didn't invent the notion of using blood in a magic trick, he didn't invent the knife through arm and didn't invent many of the illusions he performed. What he did do is devise wonderfully original presentations that had drama, danger, and intrigue. Something I feel Stuart and Barry bring to the table also.

These are my views on the subject.

Dale Shrimpton: How much of what we see of you either on television, or Live, is you?

Your character seems to come over as being a little jittery, slightly nervous, yet cocky.

Almost vulnerable at times.

Now you’re a successful performer, with a background of theatre and character work, so one would assume that its not how you really are. Did you devise this character, or did it come naturally?

Pete Firman: Great question. I'm actually a little surprised that you see me like that, I've never had that kind of a description before, its very interesting.

Its a statement that is as old as Reggie Scott's thumb tip, but you have to be yourself. No one else can do you better. It makes me really mad when I see the Blaine and Brown carbon copies. I was with Ali at Derren's West End first night and we couldn’t believe the amount of mentalists/magicians wearing velvet suits and goatees, it really was sad.

I just amplify myself as a performer, I was taught that acting is all about reacting. I don’t mean raised eyebrows and shrugging shoulders I mean reacting to a situation, environment or person. Being in the moment.

The Pete on screen is just me but hyper aware.

John Doe: You say you are surprised to be seen that way. I think I would agree with most of it but probably add mischievous. How do you see yourself?

Pete Firman: I don’t know, suave, sophisticated, debonair. words like that come to my mind. Just kidding, genius, ahead of his time, visionary. I'm joking, iconic, flawless, the best. I'm messing with you.

Actually on reflection, any of the above.

Jonesy: This personally is my favourite magic show [Secret World of Magic]. I loved Ali's close up work with cards (especially his blackjack routine) and equally loved your performance style (The tennis ball assistant).

Anyhoo, any chance of another series? I did hear there was a possibility but nothing since. So... who was your favourite magician on the show?

And finally, any chance of Ali making a small guest spot on here? He’s my favourite magician. Uh...after you of course...

Benjonez: Any chance you could get Ali Cook to come on this site too?

JonFrog: Yeah Ali would be loads better than this guy.

Pete Firman: Hi Fellas, I'm glad you liked Secret World. No plans at the moment for another series, but who knows? It was great fun to make, a dream gig really.

Fave magician? Probably Tamariz, Mac King, McBride. To be honest everyone we met was great. It was awesome to work with my heroes and really rewarding to get good feedback from them once they'd seen the shows. When Tamariz said he thought the Spain episode was 'excellent' it made me feel very good.

Ali would love being on the forum I'm sure. Just don’t confuse him with big words.

Timnicebutdim: Great for you to drop by. I was wondering - putting other magicians aside for a moment...what other people have inspired your magic in some way or other?

Pete Firman: I am inspired by loads of people, movies, music, theatre, books, lots of things. I love old film comedies. My favourite film is Abbott and Costello Meet Frankenstein. I love Billy Wilder's stuff, the Ealing series, Terry Thomas, Carry On as well as more modern stuff like Coen Bros.

I'm listening to Dylan a lot at the moment, after watching the Scorsese film and going back to the albums I had. Reading 'The Book What I Wrote' right now. Eddie Braben's life with Eric and Ern.

I try to go to the theatre as much as I can, which isn’t as often as I should. I don’t go to West End stuff, I prefer smaller fringe shows. I saw some great stuff at Edin. fest. And recently went to see a French play which had one of my best mates from Uni in a lead role.

All of this stuff inspires me, directly or indirectly. I try to expose myself.

Alan Rorrison: Many people think that being on TV shortens your shelf life in magic. They also think that it gets you “type-casted” for other magic shows or gigs. I myself do not believe this and think that the opportunity is what you make it. What are your views on the subject.

Pete Firman: I agree with you. I think its about keeping working. I'm aiming to be like Billy McComb is or Jay Marshall was. Knowing my luck I'll probably die the day I do my first centre deal or truly invisible classic pass.

Jonathan B: First of all, thanks for taking the time to answer questions here on Magic Bunny.

I'm no mentalist but I reckon “Get Nyman” is one of the best value DVDs available. Any particular memories of your part in making it?

Pete Firman: I agree. I believe that its one of the best set of magic DVD's full stop.

If you mastered the material presented you'd have a killer act and work forever. Andy is one of my best friends. I think his work is awesome and I've had the priveledge of working on many of my own routines with him. It was great to help out on the DVD. In the performance section when he hits me and nearly knocks me over its cos I'm a little drunk. I had a few beers before we started and was a bit tipsy.

The explanations were good fun too. Just like 3 mates having a chat really and very interesting to hear all the thought Andy's put into those pet routines. He's the diamond.