"This is no 'Hallmark' magic show. This is a frank, raw portrayal of my life with Autism."

Meet Aaron Ducker, who is the performer, creator and self-producer of all the "Master of Delusions" shows. Aaron is a magician who specialises in close-up magic with an often satirical, witty edge. He is unique in that he creates a lot of his own tricks for his shows rather than using magic store bought stuff. He has been performing 1 hour live shows since 2016.

Tell us about the show in 100 words or less

Autis-tricks is a magic show that uses the medium of magic tricks to talk about autism and my  life experience. It's far more autobiographical than any previous show and a lot of the tricks have been custom created just for the show. Of course my style is often very snarky and satirical so it was important to not turn this into something soppy or cheesy. This is no "Hallmark" magic show. This is a frank, raw portrayal of my life with Autism. Although like in all magic shows I will lie to you; this show will be my truth.

Anywhere Festival takes place anywhere but a theatre. Tell us about your venue. What is it about your space that adds to your audience experience?

It's a small little Vegan Cafe. Previously I did shows in a bookstore. I like cosy little venues because I like the intimacy it adds. It eliminates the divide between me as the performer and the audience. I like how involved the audience can get and as a result the show  becomes a kind of communal experience rather than just sitting detached from the performance.

What is your creative process like?

Firstly I think up what the theme of the show is. Then I think about what is it that I actually want to say with this show. Then I do two things: Firstly, I look at every existing trick I know and think about what could fit it. Second, I think of things I want to see; Maybe it's an image, maybe it's an idea I wanna convey and if there's no trick like it, I think about what would be a clever method to accomplish that. then I try the method, film it... see if it works. Then after that I try to streamline; cut out all the fat and make it as simple and clear as possible. Likewise for the show as a whole; I try to make the experience as coherent as possible. I think that's the key to any good narrative, whether it's a magic show or any kind of theatre show: coherence.

Tell us your origin story. How did your show start?

I've been doing magic for 15 years, but I've always felt a little bit like an outsider to the magic community at large. There's often very old ideas in magic and you can find yourself shunned for ever questioning them. I'm the kinda guy who questions everything! I especially hated how magicians would talk down to the audience. So 6 years ago I created the very first Master of Delusions show which was a satirical deconstruction of everything I didn't like in magic; With the selling point: "10 of the worst tricks you've ever seen." Which is a funny idea. Then subsequent shows followed that trajectory, diving a little deeper each time. So my brand is basically honest, satirical and somewhat intellectual magic.

Who is your perfect audience member? Who is going to LOVE this event?

The obvious answer I guess is "people who like magic!" In general though, anyone looking for a good time. I try to get every single person involved in at least one trick.

Autis-tricks takes place as part of Anywhere Festival on the 7th, 14th and 21st of May, 2021 at Shadowplay House.

Image credit: Tracey Wiggins