https://www.xxzza1.com
24.4 C
Newcastle

Magician finds wand-erful way to share his talent

SHARE

Even though he’s been dealt a tough hand over the past two years, Hunter magician Joel Howlett remains positive. 

When the pandemic was first declared in 2020 his shows were cancelled and, just as things started to look up again, a second wave of coronavirus hit the region last month. 

While it has been a difficult period that’s presented many challenges, Joel has come up with a wand-erful way to keep sharing his magical talents.  

Through his enterprise JD’s World of Magic, he is offering shows via video conferencing platform Zoom to help spread wonder and excitement.  

“I really miss performing, it is what I enjoy most,” he said. 

“Last year I saw other magicians doing Zoom shows and I thought ‘oh that isn’t a great platform for magic’ because you have to be so interactive. 

“I believed you needed to see magic live, so I avoided doing them but then this year I got an offer to do a show and I gave it a try. 

“Much to my surprise and relief it went really well.” 

Ever since that moment, Joel has been doing what he can to share joy via the internet.  

As part of the school holidays, he’s partnered with Lake Mac Libraries to teach the region a new magic trick each day and he’s even created some activity packs to keep kids entertained.  

“These took a bit of work because I had to find tricks that were easy enough for kids to do but also weren’t giving away any trade secrets,” he said. 

Joel Howlett says he has enjoyed spending more time with his daughter Mia. Photo: Peter Stoop

For Joel, the best part of the Zoom shows is seeing the smiles. 

While it’s very different from performing live, it’s a chance for him to put on his suit and take to a stage for a while.  

“I am trying to keep it very playful and let them know the magic only works because we are doing it together,” he said.  

“The style of magic that I like is the classic magician look. 

“There are things like the cups and balls, the big rings that link and unlink, the live doves and the rabbit appearing out of the hat. 

“They’ve stood the test of time and they’re classics for a reason.” 

He fell under the spell of the profession after being mesmerised by a magician. 

“I wanted to be able to do it, too,” he said. 

“I wasn’t sporty or academic going through school so when I started to do my magic people said you’re good at this and that encouraged me to choose this for my career.” 

Joel said the best way the region can support him is to book him in for a zoom show, purchase an activity pack and spread the word about the work he is doing.  

While he is looking forward to performing live again, he says there is a silver lining to the lockdown – spending moments with his daughter.  

“I am enjoying time with Mia,” he explained. 

“That is special and it’s something a lot of dad’s don’t get.” 

For more information on Joel Howlett’s work, go to his website.

Get all the latest Newcastle news, sport, entertainment, lifestyle, competitions and more delivered straight to your inbox with the Newcastle Weekly Daily Newsletter. Sign up here.

More Stories

Newcastle Weekly

Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Subscribe to Newcastle Weekly. News, Community, Lifestyle, Property delivered direct to your inbox! 100% Local, 100% Free.

You have Successfully Subscribed!