Interview: Magician Tom Brace on new show EMBRACE THE IMPOSSIBLE!

Following successful runs at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe and BarnFest, magician Tom Brace is about to embark on a UK tour of his new show “Embrace The Impossible!”, commencing at London’s Wonderground next Saturday (25 September).

We spoke to Tom about his new show and his career thus far.

At what age did you discover magic and what inspired you to pursue it as a career?

So I was a late bloomer! Most magicians seem to discover magic at a very young age. Usually getting a magic kit to kick start their passion. I was...24. I had been working at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival for 3 years for a venue doing theatre marketing. I loved my job but I missed performing, having originally aspired to be an actor. One day whilst sat in the Pleasance Courtyard, I was approached by a magician called Jim, who worked the tables showing people tricks. He showed me the most amazing card trick and I couldn't stop thinking about it. At the end of the Fringe, I got the train home to Kings Cross from Edinburgh and realised there was a magic shop about 10 minutes away. I thought I'd check it out and that's when the magic began! You're never too old to start something completely new. That card trick changed my life and me and Jim became very good friends.

Who are your idols in the industry?

Gosh there are lots. Of course I wouldn't be performing today if it wasn't for Jim! I love comedy and Nick Mohammed's character Mr Swallow is one of my favourite character magic acts. I have never laughed as hard as I have in his shows. He takes absolute classics of magic and turns them into something so unique. It's incredible. I'm also a huge Derren Brown fan. I recently saw his latest show and his showmanship is absolutely top tier. His ability to make me laugh, cry, gasp and shake with excitement all within the same show proves how talented he truly is. 

You recently performed at Edinburgh Fringe. How do you look after yourself with such an intense schedule?

So this was my 5th Edinburgh just gone. You'd think they'd be getting easier! Doing your show 27 times in one month is the most valuable tool in the world for performers. The show I start with is very different to the show I finish with. It is a long month and if you don't look after yourself you can burn out really quickly. There's no point lying to yourself either. You work extremely hard but you also enjoy the festival just as hard. It's all about balance. Get that water in during the day before those post-show pints and try and have some vegetables before the inevitable 4am crepe. It also helps to surround yourself with an amazing team of people to pick you back up when things get tough.

What do you enjoy (and not enjoy) about touring?

Before I became a magician, I had several desk jobs. I made some excellent friends but deep down I always knew it was never going to last because I just didn't have the attention span for sitting at a desk. I had to leave my last muggle job as a receptionist as I was often walking about the building showing staff magic tricks. Touring means that no two days are ever the same. I hop in the car, drive to a whole new part of the country and get to mess about on stage. I can't quite believe it's my job sometimes! The only downside is being stuck in a car for hours. If I didn't have the attention span for sitting at a desk, you can imagine what it's like stuck in a car for 6 hours overnight. Luckily I tour with one of my best friends who also techs the show. So it's not TOO bad!

Your backstage team aside, you are a one-man band. Does this make the interaction with your audiences even more important?

So important. To me the interaction with the audience is the most important part of my show. I get lots of volunteers of all different ages up in my show and spend a huge chunk of the performance getting to know people and chatting to them. My show is a conversation. It's different every time you see it because the audience is different. My show doesn't work without an audience. They very much create the show with me. Please come to my show.

Do you find audiences react to your material differently in different areas of the country?

Not particularly! Growing up some of my biggest idols were Ant and Dec on Saturday night television. They're clearly a huge inspiration for my show and what I love about those two is that their sense of humour and appeal is nationwide. No matter where you're tuning in from on a Saturday night to watch, they'll always put a smile on your face and that is very much my mindset when writing a new show to take on tour.

Tell us a story when something didn’t quite go according to plan on tour.

So one year I was performing at a fringe venue in a huge inflatable tent for 4 days. Before my show, I'd always flyer the punters sat at benches waiting for shows and looking for something to see. I spot this one table and decide to try and convince them to come see my show. I perform a couple of tricks to them with my back to the venue and they love it. At the end of my set, I tell them that I'll be performing my show in the big inflatable tent behind me in about 30 minutes if they'd like to buy tickets. They all burst into laughter and one chap says "I don't think you will be pal!". I turn around and much to my horror the inflatable tent has just deflated and I spot 15 technicians frantically running over. The power to the whole site had gone down knocking out the generators. Absolute chaos and not what you want 30 minutes before show time!

Your new show is called “Embrace The Impossible!” As a magician, do you truly believe that anything is possible?

It really is. I've absolutely loved working on this show. As a magician, you have the maddest ideas sometimes. Can we do this? Can we make this fly? There's always a way to do it. The same goes for real life. If somebody told me at 22 that in 6 years time I'd be a professional touring magician, I wouldn't believe you. No matter who you are, you can achieve anything you want to if you put your mind to it. it's never too late to start a brand new dream.

How would you encourage audiences to come and see your show?

After the last couple of years we've had, it's time to get back to the theatre with some family entertainment that I hope will genuinely blow your mind. There's no politics or Brexit or COVID. Just good old fashioned fun for all ages. This new show is all about growing up in the 90's and so you can expect tricks based around classic board games, Roald Dahl books and my favourite film of all time, Back to the Future! I'd love to see you there because I also need to pay my rent.

For full tour dates for Embrace the Impossible!, please click here.