Magic in the air for Ross (From Bradford Telegraph and Argus)

Magic in the air for Ross

5:27pm Wednesday 21st March 2007 in Leisure By Jim Greenhalf

Waking people believe that something is there when it isn't seems to be a popular past-time in Bradford.

More people are engaged in the practice of illusion than you might think. Bradford Magic Circle meetings in Thornton regularly have 20 or more in attendance. Membership is reportedly at least 50.

But is the art of bamboozling people a natural gift or is it learned?

Illusion, legerdemain (sleight of hand), is a skill that in young Ross Risdon's case was passed on to him by his paternal grand-father Derrick.

The Wibsey schoolboy (18 in March) has been surprising and delighting audiences ever since taking up illusion four years ago. He won Bradford Magic Circle's stage competition and close-up competition - two different aspects of a stage act - and is still the holder of the former.

What makes him special?

"I enjoy adding comedy to my routine. I play different characters in my show, one of them is an old man. I do poetry in my act as well," he said.

Does he write his own?

"Yes. I do break-dancing as well. I hope to add that to my act in Bingley," he added.

Along with other performers Ross will be appearing in Bradford Magic Circle's annual show at Bingley Arts Centre on April 14 - his first time on stage at the venue, but not his first in front of a big audience.

"The biggest was the International Brother-hood of Magicians at Southport. I was compere there. There were hundreds of people. It's an annual thing."

Does he model himself on a particular illusionist such as the extraordinary American David Blaine?

"I don't really follow anyone. I think the big things he does are probably real," he said.

But, without giving away trade secrets, he agreed that the art of the illusionist consists in getting people to watch one thing while doing another.

Does he have to practise regularly?

"No, not really. If I have a show coming up I will practise then. Lately I have had too much going on."

He is studying at the CTC college in Manchester Road and takes his GCE A Levels in Physical Education, Photography and IT this summer. He wants to make a career as a sports coach.

Since the age of 13 he has represented Yorkshire and Humberside at judo.

"I am a brown belt in judo and a black belt in jujitso. Jujitso is a self-defence sport really, judo is more of a competition sport."

What about money: is the art of illusion a paying proposition?

"You can make money out of it. They send me cheques sometimes, but I try to do shows for charity. I am not bothered about money. It's just a hobby.

"I would like to keep going until I am older, then I would pass something on to my kids. Hopefully I will keep it running alongside my studies and my career," he added.

The show at Bingley next month, compered by Nick Mohammed, is a family show with singing, dancing, juggling, children's magic, comedy magic and illusion.

Daryl Hackett will be performing his juggling skills at the Hey Presto show which is at Bingley Arts Centre on April 14, starting at 7.30pm. Contact (01274) 432000.