AWARD-winning magician Michael Jordan is up to his old tricks again – and this time he is coming to Southampton.
Michael, who has been one of the leading acts at Blackpool’s iconic tower for the past three years, will perform at the MAST Mayflower Studios on May 20.
He works under the stage name High Jinx - and is renowned for the way he engages with his audience.
Michael, 31, said: "There are two kinds of magicians – those who want to fool the audience and those who want to entertain. I’m one that’s keen to entertain.
"It’s not all about the trick or illusion in itself, more how it’s presented that really counts.
"You just don’t know what the magician will do or how they do it and that’s what makes it so entertaining. It gives a sense of shock, awe, surprise, and a few laughs.
"Magic is also a great introduction to the world of theatre and live entertainment."
Michael revealed that his dyslexia led him to learn circus tricks.
At school he used a wobble board, which involved balancing on a board on a large semi-circular ball.
It aims to combat dyslexia by strengthening muscles and posture and enhancing eye muscle co-ordination, making reading easier.
Realising he was a natural at the art of balancing, Michael taught himself circus tricks such as juggling and unicycling.
His career took off after he appeared on a TV show hosted by US magicians Penn and Teller and sawed a girl in five.
"It got me known and gave me the break I needed," he said.
Since then he has worked across the globe, touring with the famous Le Festival International de Magie in France - a travelling magic show that features Europe’s top magicians.
Michael has done 11 consecutive seasons at Blackpool since 2012 – the last three in the tower alongside its world-renowned circus – and is currently on his biggest-ever tour of UK theatres.
He has been described as a contemporary magician who also loves to pay homage to magic’s past.
One of his routines is known as the Great Barrel Mystery, which dates back 100 years and involves two full-size whiskey barrels – plus more than a touch of Houdini-style escape artistry.
Michael, a member of the Magic Circle, was named Young Magician of the Year when he was just 18.
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