Biography
The following profile is of the Magician Richard Young
Written by Antonio Marshall
"One day I was really bored. I'd played every computer game in the house so I decided to get it out of
the cupboard". The object in question was a magic set, a Christmas present from his Godmother that had been consigned to the cupboard for several months. The fateful
day that this set re-surfaced was the day that a then 8-year-old Richard Young developed a passion for magic, a passion still present to this day.
Now 25 years old Richard has a philosophical view on what drew him to magic. Throughout school Richard regularly performed magic in front of his
fellow pupils and teachers during morning assemblies. These early experiences of performing to a live audience were a vital part of Richard's development as they
helped him gain the level of confidence necessary to perform at the highest standard.
Well into his 17th year as a Magician Richard credits his sustained passion of magic to a sheer love of the art form and the personal qualities it provided him with.
Richard's crowning achievement as a child came when at the age of just 14 he was crowned the winner of the prestigious 'Young Magicians
Close-Up Magic Competition'. The competition consisted of members of the 'Young Magicians Club' (a division of The Magic Circle reserved especially for
budding young Magicians) and was judged by a panel of elite Professional Magicians. His feat was even more remarkable by the fact that he was one
of only two finalists without the benefit of professional tutoring.
Richard's success in the competition paid immediate dividends. Following his win he received an offer of free tutoring from Professional Magician Bob Swadling
who has developed tricks used by such greats as Paul Daniels and David Blaine. Regarding Swadling Richard says: "When Bob first approached me with
his offer I thought O.K, how much? It turned out he didn't want money; he just wanted to give back to the profession he felt had rewarded him so richly.
Learning with him was fun. He taught me not just about the tricks themselves but also the performance aspect of magic". Another consequence of Richard's
win was an offer to perform in front of a live studio and television audience on national television, an offer he accepted.
Richard continued performing magic throughout his later teenage years, utilising it to open new doors and make new friends. He studied at Oxford Brookes
University and became a full time Professional Magician in his early twenties. He has been booked to perform for many different national companies and
celebrities including Jeremy Clarkson of Top Gear fame and Formula One World Champion Lewis Hamilton.
In 2008 after being nominated by two highly regarded existing members, Richard successfully passed the examination criteria and was offered full
membership of the world famous Magic Circle in London. This is an exclusive club for Professional Magicians who can perform to the highest standards.
Richard now regularly performs across the country professionally at private functions, weddings and corporate events.
Mobile: 07944 484 791