A Day in the Life of Christopher Whitelock…

So what do magicians get up to all day? Are their days filled with magic and trickery, mystery and intrigue? Well actually no, without wishing to ruin the illusion it can all be a little more hum drum than that!

If he’s not jetting around the world performing, Chris starts his day in his office at home. First job is to check his emails and see whether he has had any new enquiries in. If he has, he will contact the potential client, find out a few more details and confirm the booking. Five days before a gig he will again make contact to double check the particulars and check everything is ok.

Finding new work and bookings is a big part of Chris’s day to day work and so he regularly calls agents and clients to enquire about potential jobs. He may also find himself designing new promotional material such as flyers and posters and as an avid user of social media he will also spend time tweeting and updating his Facebook page.

Having completed his admin Chris will then turn his attention to any upcoming gigs and make preparations. “I may have a corporate party, for example I recently performed at a party with a Samba theme and there was a yellow and green colour scheme so I sourced cards and props that fitted in with the theme.”

He also spends time learning new material and perfecting different techniques. “I am learning all the time,” he explains. “What might work for a group of 25 – 40 years olds may not work for a group that is 60 plus.” His office is crammed with cupboards and drawers overflowing with books, DVDs and various props and he can while away many happy hours researching new skills and adding them to his extensive repertoire.

If he has a gig that day Chris will meticulously check the travel and weather reports before setting off and on arrival at the venue he ensures he is familiar with the layout of the room – essential when he is performing his trademark close up tricks.  Alternatively he may be teaching or consulting; possibly at a theatre company which needs an actor to be able to perform convincing magic on stage.

No two days are ever the same though if he has corporate events they tend to be on Thursdays and weddings – of which Chris can do three in a day – usually fall at the weekend. On other days he may be at a trade show, flying to Dubai or travelling 10 minutes down the road to a gig.

Depending on where he is and who he’s performing with, Chris may go out with his fellow performers after a show or alternatively he will pick up a sandwich on his way home before putting his feet up and unwinding.  In his free time he likes to relax by playing music, cooking and watching films.

“Every day is varied and I absolutely love it,” says Chris. “I very rarely stop but I wouldn’t have it any other way.”