Watch out, Derren Brown. Magician Oliver Hambling has performed for Paris Hilton, Adam Sandler and Jon Bon Jovi — and plans to become the UK’s top trickster.
Twenty-two-year-old Mr Hambling, the resident magician at Hamleys Toy Store in London, says his repertoire ranges from mind-reading through to close-up magic — including levitations and fire. He tells People: “My magic idols are without doubt Derren Brown, for his uniqueness and sheer brilliance, as well as Daniel Alexander, an excellent magician who I have much to thank for.
“I have always loved magic but only got into it a few years back and have been lucky enough to be mentored by some of the country’s top magicians, transforming myself into one of similar stature,” adds Mr Hambling, a former pupil at King Solomon High School in Essex.
He has performed at the Bett Show, Europe’s largest educational event, the Earl’s Court and Olympia exhibition in London and, more recently, the BRIT awards afterparty.
Of course Mr Hambling says he can not reveal any of his secrets. Favourite trick, then? “When a spectator chooses a card at random, signs the card and places it back into the deck. The cards are then mixed up and placed onto the table. There is a moment of silence, suddenly the cards start moving on their own and one card slowly glides out of the pack. It’s the signed card.”
