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Making Magical Moments with Stephen Mulhern
Primary Times caught up with award-winning television presenter and magician Stephen Mulhern as he reveals his secrets…
Regarded as one of TV’s favourite magicians and a household name in British entertainment, Stephen Mulhern is also a successful children’s author, with his latest title Unbelievable! released just in time for the holidays. Packed with spectacular tricks, the book celebrates confidence, creativity, and the power of performing for ages 8+. Stephen offers his tips on sharing the gift of magic this festive season.
Your new book is called Unbelievable! – can you tell us why and what readers can expect?
It’s called Unbelievable! because I say that phrase a lot and when I perform magic, nine times out of ten, people’s reaction is me saying “unbelievable!” I’ve revealed 30 of my all-time favourite magic tricks, from the very first trick I ever learned from my dad through to tricks that I still perform today. At the back of the book, there’s also a QR code where you get to see more from me!
Can magic bring families and friends together?
Without question, absolutely! Ever since I started performing magic at age 11, I found I made more friends because it helped me build my confidence. Even now, I use magic as icebreakers at parties and it really helps me day to day.
Performing can feel scary – what advice would you give to children who want to try magic but feel shy about showing others?
This is the massive bonus of doing magic because not only is it an amazing hobby, but people are fascinated with magic. If you’re nervous or you have stage fright or performance anxiety, read this book because it will help build your confidence. There are even top tips on what to do if a trick goes wrong and how to get out of it!
Which trick from Unbelievable! is the easiest for beginners?
The first one called “Banana Split” and for me, it’s the most fun to perform too.
What’s the best thing about performing magic?
Making people laugh and seeing the reaction on people’s faces!
Have you ever had a trick go a bit wrong – and what did you learn from it?
Quite a few, and what I’ve learnt is to practise more. I did a trick once where I made a lady’s ring vanish and it reappears in my pocket. However, on this occasion when I did the trick and revealed the ring (which normally gets an amazing reaction), this lady was adamant that it wasn’t hers, which it absolutely was! Luckily her husband was with her at the time and confirmed it was definitely her ring!
Could Unbelievable! inspire the next generation of magicians?
I hope that Unbelievable! creates the next star of magic, and I think it can. Once you get the bug, you’ll keep going and going. I’m hoping it’ll create the next winner of Britain’s Got Talent!
What’s your favourite festive trick?
It’s called sponge reindeers. With this trick, you can make it look as though it’s Rudolph’s nose! It makes people laugh and jump, and that one is in the book.
If you could give every child one magical message for the New Year, what would it be?
Never give up on your dreams!
Are there any other exciting projects on the horizon?
Keep your eyes peeled for my new TV show, The Accidental Hotel, which also has Ant and Dec in it. You’re in for a treat!
Unbelievable! by Stephen Mulhern is out now, published by Piccadilly Press (RRP £12.99).
Photography © Oliver Rosser