The multi-talented Ali Cook is the new kid on the block of the magic scene. Fusing stand-up comedy with magic, his act is both unique and astounding, having gained outstanding critical acclaim from critics and punters alike. He’s also a regular on the TV circuit and has even co-written and starred in Get Lucky, a film due for release with Universal Pictures. He swallows razorblades, escapes from water tanks and can read your mind, and we were lucky enough to hear first-hand about some of his escapades.
Your current show
‘Principles and Deceptions’ has had some rave reviews. Can you tell us a little
bit about what to expect?
So really it’s very much a magic show. It’s the best magic show that’s been at the Edinburgh Festival, I think we had 4 5* reviews and 7 4* reviews. The Principles and Deceptions is the title of an old magic book, which is the first magic book to describe every type of deception there is. So normally when someone sees a magic style show, it would be either mind reading or maybe illusion, whereas what we do is we actually do every type of magic style there is.
So really it’s very much a magic show. It’s the best magic show that’s been at the Edinburgh Festival, I think we had 4 5* reviews and 7 4* reviews. The Principles and Deceptions is the title of an old magic book, which is the first magic book to describe every type of deception there is. So normally when someone sees a magic style show, it would be either mind reading or maybe illusion, whereas what we do is we actually do every type of magic style there is.
You’re known for
being a comedic magician, adding a stand-up element to your magic shows. How do
you feel the mix of magic and humour works together?
It’s hard to be contemporary sometimes. I think it works because a magic trick and a joke have the same structure, so they have a set up and then they have a punch line.
It’s hard to be contemporary sometimes. I think it works because a magic trick and a joke have the same structure, so they have a set up and then they have a punch line.
Your shows contain
everything from the intricate sleight of hand tricks to the large and glamorous magical productions
and everything in between. What is your favourite sort of magic to perform and
why?
My favourite magic is sleight of hand magic, and it always has been. Nowadays it’s called street magic, or close up magic. It’s because it’s the most challenging. It’s the hardest thing to do, and it’s also one of those things where it’s quite hard – people can’t really copy you if you’ve spent hours learning this unusual thing.
My favourite magic is sleight of hand magic, and it always has been. Nowadays it’s called street magic, or close up magic. It’s because it’s the most challenging. It’s the hardest thing to do, and it’s also one of those things where it’s quite hard – people can’t really copy you if you’ve spent hours learning this unusual thing.
Some of your most
talked about tricks are ones that involve thought control. What’s the strangest
thing you’ve ever ‘read’ from somebody’s mind?
I once was doing kind of a tarot reading on stage but in a comedy way, in a comedy club, but I just got this intuition and it was in the cards that this woman was having an affair. She just owned up to it in the comedy club and it was just the most hilarious thing ever because she just revealed her darkest secret to a room full of strangers!
I once was doing kind of a tarot reading on stage but in a comedy way, in a comedy club, but I just got this intuition and it was in the cards that this woman was having an affair. She just owned up to it in the comedy club and it was just the most hilarious thing ever because she just revealed her darkest secret to a room full of strangers!
One of your routines
involves eating razor blades. Does it hurt as much as eating a really spicy
curry?
I would say eating razorblades and eating a spicy curry are a very similar experience. For everyone else it’s very entertaining, but you’re mostly in pain!
I would say eating razorblades and eating a spicy curry are a very similar experience. For everyone else it’s very entertaining, but you’re mostly in pain!
It’s a lot harder to
cook when you’re on tour. What’s your favourite Indian takeaway dish?
Oooh that’s a good question! My favourite Indian takeaway dish is Chicken Bhuna, or Chicken Dopiaza.
Oooh that’s a good question! My favourite Indian takeaway dish is Chicken Bhuna, or Chicken Dopiaza.
Catch Ali on his
‘Principles and Deceptions’ tour or in ‘Get Lucky’ at a venue or cinema near
you soon!
INTERVIEW BY BECKY GILLARD
INTERVIEW BY BECKY GILLARD
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