First class magician Marvin Berglas is internationally recognised as the leading light in Magic and has inspired literally millions of young magicians worldwide. Not only has Marvin put magic back in the spotlight he has also been very much in the spot light himself. His innovative performances have amazed and delighted audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Sports personalities, politicians and even pop stars can be counted as fans of Marvin’s Magic.
Interviews by name:
David Roth - Marvin Berglas - Todd Diamond - Six - Kevin Parker - Daryl
Simon Lovell - Paul Carpenter
Interview with Marvin Berglas on June 26, 2007...
David: There are so many things I could ask you about! You've got so much going on! I wanted to ask you first about your beginnings in magic. How did you get started? Who influenced you?
I grew up in a famous magical family. My Dad is David Berglas. As a child, although he was prominent on TV, I didn't realize til later, when I got into magic myself, quite what a legend he was. To be fair my brother Peter and I weren’t that interested in magic when we were youngsters; preferring instead to chase girls and play football! When I was growing up many of the best illusionists and magicians were our family friends including the likes of Harry Blackstone Jnr and Mark Wilson. We grew up in London when I was about 16 or 17 I went to a magic convention in Lyon in France to help my Dad and ended up causing quite an impact demonstrating some new magic on behalf of my Dad. It came quite instinctively and I suppose I got bitten by the bug.
Clearly my Dad was my biggest influence (although he's not involved in the business in any way). Artists that I have admired for a variety of reasons such as showmanship and great presentation have been Hans & Helga Morretti, David Williamson and some closeup guys here in the UK.
David: How was Marvin's Magic born and what is attributed to it's huge success?
I had already built up a fairly successful business straight from school... I was always entrepreneurial, and was demonstrating a great art and craft product in Hamleys or Regent Street (Britain's top toy store). Because I was the top instore demonstrator and as they knew of my magical background they asked my advice about their ailing magic department which was no longer flourishing. I had this idea to bring magic right up to date with cool gift boxed type packaging. Demonstration was already my area of expertise so to scale out the business seemed logical. Its coming up to our 20th Anniversary and so much has happened in that time... but its great to be thought of as the number one brand in magic.
David: What's next for Marvin's Magic? What exciting things can we look forward to?
We are just about to launch a truly remarkable new set called 'Freaky Body Illusions'. Its unlike any other magic set that’s ever been invented. We always try to be innovators backed up with great packaging, quality product and unrivalled marketing.
David: Do you perform publicly, or are you more of a big time VIP party/corporate event kind of magician?
Most of my performances these days are linked to the brand or top corporate events. I am lucky enough to be in a position to pick and choose my gigs so I try and do things that I either enjoy or find stimulating and challenging. For example, I combine my other passion, football, with my magic. I am Arsenal Football Clubs resident magician (the top soccer club here in London) which means I entertain the VIPs and sponsors before sitting down to enjoy the game..
This weekend I did a big public show to literally thousands in West End Live in Leicester Square. It was a festival showcasing the best of the theatre shows etc. It was fun thinking what would work well to such a massive audience but thankfully there were two giant screens either side of the stage so everyone could see even closeup.
David: What is the magic community like in England? In the US, the magic community has been very inviting. There are wonderful magicians everywhere I go.
Magic is a very small fraternity and its great that unlike other pastimes sports and hobbies the very top pros mix readily with enthusiasts. I have many friends in magic around the world and have been delighted to start off so many young magicians including many well known British guys in magic who came through Marvin's Magic stable. What's nice is that many acknowledge their time in store with us as an invaluable experience for performing and people skills.
David: How is Marvin's Magic made available?
We created and still run the magic shops for Hamleys of Regent Street and Harrods, but our products are throughout the high street in the UK. In the US, Toys' R' Us in Times Square is our flagship, but a selection of our products are available throughout all the TRU chain and other US stores.
David: What are your plans for the future?
I have always thought it would be great if one day a magic company would float....literally! We just enjoy what we are doing and want to continue to develop our range and brand of magic. Things like being on the front cover of this months National Geographic Kids, KFC Kids Meals, a variety of cereal packs and Arby's Kids Meals (Jan 08) are all testament to top bluechip companies wanting to partner with the wholesome family values of our unique brand which is Marvin's Magic.
