Magician enjoys spell of success

BY LUCY VICKERS

Not many people can say they've eaten razor blades or levitated someone but for Brent McLeod it's part of his job.

The Milford magician admits you have to be mad to eat razor blades.

"I know people who have done it and ended up with 40 to 50 stitches in their mouth."

Don't try that one at home.

So has he ever had anything go wrong? He says he was once doing a demonstration with a guillotine and had a close shave with his finger but luckily the blade only got his fingernail.

Mr McLeod showed the North Shore Times just how he levitates people but we can't share his secret - that would be ruining the fun.

He says he got into magic at 12 years old, when he joined a club and shared his act with family and friends.

Now his audiences are much bigger.

He has performed all over New Zealand, and held fundraising shows with hypnotist Dave Upfold at North Shore schools.

His acts involve music, mystery, comedy and audience participation.

Mr McLeod has featured on television, in street festivals and theatres, and performed in London, Italy, Japan, Thailand and Israel.

He is a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians and the Shore City Magicians Club.

Recently he was named Top Variety Artist at the Variety Artists Club of New Zealand awards, which was completely unexpected.

"I didn't even know I had been nominated and was humbled and surprised."

Mr McLeod says he was nominated for the same award last year but didn't win and that it's great to be recognised this year.

- © Fairfax NZ News