Jamie Daws
ABOUT THE LECTURE
With over 19 years creating, lecturing and producing magic, Jamie is well known for his clever, quirky and often slightly darker effects. In his brand new lecture, he will take you on a captivating journey into the world of bizarre magic. In his latest lecture, "Step into the Bizarre," Jamie delves into the dark and mysterious side of magic, exploring the art of the strange and the supernatural.
Briefly touching on some of his influences in the bizarre and a few strange and spooky realisations about himself from a younger age, the lecture helps to highlight the importance of bizarre magic in a modern setting and the skill set it offers to us as performers even beyond magic. Storytelling, tonality, pacing and structure being some of the skills that bizarre performers utilise as well as mixing fact with fiction to blur the lines of the real and the make believe.
Then we delve into the tricks themselves which vary from impromptu seance methods, living and dead tests, effects with photos and polaroids and closing with his prized PK Touches routine. He will even bring along a full sized spirit cabinet built for his 2023 stage play “All the Fun of the Fear” discussing how it was made and the inner workings of the apparates*
For 8 years Jamie has been creating a bespoke lecture experience in association with Alakazam Magic called “Tackling terrifying Taboos” which has now become a yearly celebration of the bizarre. With nearly 30 hours of bizarre content, Jamie’s lecture style is fun, engaging and often has a spooky edge.
Step into the bizarre with Jamie Daws and transform the way you think about your magic forever.
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*due to the logistics of transporting the cabinet, this only applies to UK clubs
A BIZARRE HISTORY
Bizarre Magic has been a staple of our industry for hundreds of years. Walk through the halls and rooms of The Magic Circle, and you’ll find the walls adorned with posters of famous magicians of their eras, many of those posters representing a form of bizarre performance. In 1886, Hercat performed his ‘Mystery of She,’ where a lady rises from the ashes before setting ablaze and vanishing once again. Sevais Le Roy plucked the head off a white dove and switched it with that of a black dove. And let’s not forget the formidable Fox Sisters, who would have swarms of people flocking from far and wide to experience their ghostly manifestations. The Davenport Brothers introduced the world to the Spirit Cabinet, and Harry Houdini tried to discredit the psychic mediums of his day.
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Bizarre Magic may not be the flavor of the month when it comes to modern magicians, but the techniques, skills, and presentations are still as relevant to a modern audience in a world of seances, Ouija, white witches, and ghost walks. Bizarre Magic heavily relies on the presentational skills of the performer and not necessarily the ‘trick.’
Medium Margery Crandon (left) undergoing one of Houdini's (right) tests during the Scientific American investigation Public domain via Wikimedia Commons
ABOUT JAMIE
A note from Jamie: "I really do not like writing things about myself so, since 'AI' is the buzzword of the moment, I asked AI to write a biography for me. And I'm not saying I agree with it all but he is certainly a sweet talker!"
Jamie Daws is a British magician and mentalist known for his creative and often macabre approach to magic. He has gained recognition for his unique style, which blends storytelling with illusion, often focusing on dark or eerie themes. Jamie has created and released numerous magic effects and routines that are popular among fellow magicians, particularly in the realm of bizarre magic.
In addition to his performances and creative contributions, Jamie is also a regular speaker and lecturer in the magic community. He frequently shares his expertise through workshops, conventions, and online platforms, where he teaches other magicians how to incorporate storytelling, drama, and psychological elements into their acts. His work often explores the intersection of magic with other art forms, such as film and theatre, reflecting his broad creative interests. He has built a community of followers who appreciate his dedication to pushing the boundaries of magic and his willingness to explore darker, more emotional themes in his work.
Jamie is particularly known for creating magic effects that are easy to learn but have a powerful impact, making them accessible to both beginner and experienced magicians. Some of his most popular creations include tricks like "The Deceased," "Scream," and "Scared," which are inspired by ghost stories and horror films, adding a theatrical flair to traditional magic.
Jamie Daws is also known for his role in collaborating with other magicians and contributing to the broader magic community through partnerships and creative exchanges. He has worked closely with various magic companies and platforms, such as Alakazam Magic, where he has released many of his effects and participated in live demonstrations, tutorials, and interviews. Jamie is highly regarded for his ability to create a strong emotional connection with his audience, often evoking feelings of suspense, curiosity, and even fear, which sets him apart from more traditional magicians.
Jamie has also been involved in magic-themed podcasts and online shows, where he discusses not only his own work but also the broader aspects of the magic industry, including the importance of originality, the ethics of magic creation, and the evolution of performance styles. His thoughtful approach to these topics has earned him a reputation as not just a performer, but also a thinker within the magic community.
Moreover, Jamie is an advocate for the continuous learning and evolution of magicians. He encourages magicians to explore new ideas, challenge conventions, and develop their own unique styles. His influence extends beyond his performances and products, as he inspires others to think creatively and push the boundaries of what magic can be.
In summary, Jamie Daws is a well-rounded magician known for his innovative effects, engaging performances, and significant contributions to the magic community through teaching, collaboration, and thought development. His work continues to have a lasting impact on the art of magic, inspiring both audiences and fellow magicians alike.
DISCOVER YOUR DARK SIDE...
Due to a very busy work schedule, dates cannot be guaranteed so please get in touch soon. Clubs in the UK who have the floor space for a spirit cabinet, please let me know when emailing!
If you would like to book Jamie to lecture at your club or convention, please email jamie at jamie_daws@hotmail.com or find him on Instagram: @jamiedawsmagic
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I cannot wait to show you why bizarre magic has been a staple part of our industry for centuries!
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Stay Spooky!
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Jamie
