Christopher Wayne is the co-creator and co-star of The Naked Magicians which, he assures us, is the funniest, sexiest and naughtiest magic show on the planet. What started as a funny idea that best mate and co-star Mike Tyler had, has turned into a show that sells out no matter where they take it. The boys are believers that ‘Good magicians don’t need sleeves, and great magicians don’t need pants.’
We sent Christopher some questions. Here are his answers.
Your first gig; when and where and how did it go?
“My first ever show as a (clothed) magician was at a Church Kids Club (yep) 10 years ago. I was dressed in a suit that I got from Vinnies, and did old-school magic tricks… horribly. But from that night, I was addicted.”
What drew you into performing?
“Out of high school I worked in a biscuit factory as a labourer, and one day I stopped at work and asked myself ‘If I could do any one thing with my life, what would it be?’ The answer was to be a magician. I was a magic geek that liked the thought of making people happy. I got off my backside and practised non stop, doing everything I could to work towards my goal. Six months later I became the magician on a kids TV show called Toasted TV, which is where my whole career started to move.”
Favourite performer?
“David Copperfield is my all time favourite performer. He was the first ever magician to take “tricks” and inject storylines and emotions into them. To today, he is still the only performer that I can watch and feel like I’m 10 years old all over again.”
Duo or trio; who would be your partner/s in crime?
“My Naked Magicians’ co-star Mike Tyler, who just happens to be my best mate in real life. Before we were friends and before we did the show together, I already knew him as one of the funniest magicians that I had ever seen perform. We make a great on stage team.”
Most famous person’s number you have in your phone?
“I’m not going to tell you who it is, because it’s a female, and a gentleman doesn’t kiss and tell…”
Favourite movie line?
“It’s easy not to cheat when no one wants to fuck you…” Adam Sandler, Funny People.
Favourite imaginary friend as a kid?
“I had an imaginary friend called Emily. We don’t really catch up any more.”
Job you currently perform in your alternative life when not performing on stage?
“Outside of The Naked Magicians, I am one of the managers of The Illusionists, which is now officially the biggest magic show in history, it just went to #4 on Broadway.”
Do you have a secret desire to be a movie star?
“Zero desire. I would hate to experience fame like movie stars do. However, I do want The Naked Magicians to be the biggest comedy show to come out of Australia. That’s my goal.”
What is your hidden talent?
“I play guitar, drums, and sing. It’s my ultimate down-time hobby.”
Tell us something that people don’t yet know about you.
“I will tell you that on my chest I have one tattoo, the word “once.” over my heart. I get asked about it every single day, but only three people know the meaning behind it. Because I get naked in front of 1000’s of people, my body doesn’t really belong to me any more. My tattoo, however, is that little piece of me I hang on to.”
Celebrity meet that left you star-struck?
“David Copperfield has influenced my life in a massive way. The first time I met him I was shocked in to silence. I had no idea what to say or do, and I have the ultimate awkward photo to prove it.”
Pet hate?
“People who take selfies at the gym. Exercise, eat some kale, and get over yourselves!”
Secret crush?
“My secret crush is Kristen Wigg. Any woman who can make me laugh gets me going in a crazy way.”
Time travel: where would you most love to go and why?
“I have to tell you that Im pretty happy to be living as an adult in 2015, it’s a boring answer, but I love my iPhone and I can’t help but feel that there wasn’t 4G reception in 1921.”
Most memorable thing someone shouted out during one of your shows?
“After a very fun night before, someone yelled out ‘How did you get the scratches on your back?’ The whole theatre cracked up and I got on with the show with a slightly red face.”
What’s something from your childhood that you still love and have today?
“My Mum.”
What’s the best trick you have up your sleeve?
“Come to the show and see the finale. Nobody on the planet does it so believe me when I tell you it’s the naughtiest, funniest and most magical thing that you will ever see in your life.”
Which performer would you…
- Snog? “The blonde girl from Diva Live that covers Christina Aguilera. I know she’s from Adelaide, so if you are reading this, let’s kiss and/or get married.”
- Marry? “Cat from the last season of Big Brother. I don’t watch the show, but if you are reading this and are in to 30-year-old magic enthusiasts, tweet me.”
- Avoid? “I don’t want to answer this because I’m pretty sure they are at the festival, and I don’t want an awkward encounter at the artists’ bar.”
Favourite or worse heckle you’ve ever had, if any?
“Someone yelled out once that we have small dicks…we rebutted 5 minutes later when we got naked.”
If you were a flavour of ice cream, what would you be and why?
“Rocky Road. Interpret as you wish.”
Any famous last words?
“Find what you love and let it kill you.”
The Naked Magicians perform at Gluttony’s The Lotus Palace from 8.15pm on Fri Feb 13 until Sun Mar 1.
Book at FringeTIX on 1300 621 255 or adelaidefringe.com.au/fringetix. Click here to purchase your tickets.
