Acclaimed magician Tom Brace will return to London next month for one performance only as part of a UK tour of his new show “Tom Brace: Embrace The Impossible!”
Tom will bring his unique blend of comedy and magic to the Speigeltent at Underbelly’s Christmas in Leicester Square Festival . We caught up with him to get an insight into the magic.
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Tell us a bit about Embrace The Impossible. What can audiences expect from the show?
Tom Brace: Embrace the Impossible is a magic show inspired by having magic powers in the 90s and 00s! Set in my childhood bedroom, the show draws from all the things I loved as a kid. Cluedo, Roald Dahl and the film Back to the Future. It’s a love letter to those of us who grew up then and just as much fun for kids growing up now.
How old were you when you got into magic?
So this is an interesting one! Even though the show explores me having ‘magical powers’ in the 90s, I was actually 24 when I started magic. Having originally trained as an actor, I fell in love with magic accidentally whilst working at the Edinburgh Fringe. Despite being in my 20’s, magic made me feel like a kid again.
Who are the magicians that have influenced you the most?
I’m a huge fan of magic now. Nick Mohammed’s character Mr Swallow was one of the first live magic shows I saw and is a huge inspiration for my work. His ability to combine belly laughter and magic is astonishing.
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The last 18 months have been really tough for everyone involved in the performing arts. What did you get up to during lockdown, and how much are you enjoying performing to in person audiences again?
Lockdown was a particularly tricky time for the arts. For the first 6 months I had my entire tour cancelled and no income. It was terrifying. Like most, I had to adapt and my Zoom show was born. I thought I’d hate it but I absolutely loved the challenge of working with a whole new medium. It ended up being hugely popular and I ended up entertaining for LBC’s James O’Brien and Alistair Petrie from Sex Education!
What’s it like performing magic tricks online? Do you find the technology limiting or liberating?
At first it was hugely daunting. It felt like it shouldn’t work. But soon it became apparent that I had to adapt. The magic community is incredible and soon magicians were sharing their set ups and tricks they’d adapted to use on Zoom. It soon became very clear that there were advantages to Zoom magic. Everyone had a fantastic view of the action and everyone could get involved in the show!
What’s your favourite trick that you perform?
Ooo tough question! In my show I have a section dedicated to the film Back to the Future. I love that movie so much and so to be able to create something based around such an iconic piece of art means a lot to me. Doc Brown would be proud of what I pull off in this show!
If you had one real magic power, what would it be?
What are you talking about? I do have REAL magical powers…
Are you excited to be returning to London with the show?
I cannot wait. London is my hometown and to be performing in the iconic Leicester Square Spiegeltent is so exciting! Christmas is my favourite time of year and so to be able to bring some festive cheer to families this December fills me with joy.
Tom Brace: Embrace the Impossible! is playing at the Underbelly Speigeltent, Leicester Square on 11 December at 2pm. Find out more and book tickets at www.christmasinleicestersquare.com.