Matthew Keys, an Edinburgh-based magician, has just returned from Turin where he spent 10 days competing at Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques (FISM), the “Olympics” of magic.

On Saturday he won third prize in the new category of World Champion Of Street Magic.

Out of more than 100 applicants, 29 were invited to compete in Turin and just twelve were deemed to be of a high enough standard to compete in the final. Matt said it was a real surprise to get through in the tough weather conditions and against the high standard set by other acts.

He said: “This is a brand new category so it’s a historic moment as FISM recognises the ancient art of street magic, which many believe is where performance magic began.

“The competition took place in Turin, Italy and was organised by FISM in cooperation with the host partner Magic Masters. The conference and competition happens every three years with around 5,000 magicians attending from all over the world.

“It’s regarded as the highest level at which you can compete as a magician. I have a nine month old, and was torn about leaving him and my partner to go off and compete, but we’re all glad I made the decision to go to Italy. I’m so happy to bring back a prize and I’ve already had offers to perform at festivals across Europe because of it.

“I’m now hoping to use momentum from this win as a platform to organise a little magic and street arts festival on the Plymouth Barbican and in South East Cornwall where I grew up and my parents still live. In Edinburgh, I hope to one day open a small magic theatre as I think it is the perfect city to celebrate magic and there is a great community of magicians here. Several of them were in Italy and offering kind words and support as I competed.”

And as for the trick he perfected for Turin, Matthew explained it in detail (without giving it away of course).

He said: “I performed a comedy magic show called Matt Von Trap, and had to adapt to entertain an Italian crowd. Using jokes I’d pre-recorded on a sound board and mixing mime and visual comedy with the existing magic act I performed to a strict 25 minute time limit – having to cut from my usual 40 minute act. 

“I performed a mixture of classic magic and new effects. Turning a bubble into a coin. Producing another coin by peeling the letters ‘n’ and ‘o’ off  from a tattoo on my arm that says ‘nothing’. Leaving a ‘thing’ on my arm and the letters N and O burst into a fireball to become another coin. Nothing up my sleeve! 

“I plunged my hand into a bear trap to find a signed card. This is an innovative version of the linking rings with my own unique choreography. 

“I made several audience members knights of the guild of the bag of mystery as we hunted for a missing €100 and saved it from the jaws of the lemon of doom. 

“I’ve now got invitations to perform in a few festivals around Europe and I’m looking forward to taking an act I’ve honed on the streets of Edinburgh to new audiences.”

Matthew can be found on the Royal Mile – and this is his website –  https://royalmilemagic.co.uk/

Matthew Keys receives award from head judge Joshua Jay (Photo Credit:Felice Ling)

Matthew Keys (3rd), The Charming Jay (2nd) and Eric Evans (1st). (Photo Credit: Felice Ling).

FISM Awards Ceremony Turin 19th July (Credit: Felice Ling)

Matthew Keys back in Edinburgh

Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.

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