The Naked Magicians are returning to the US with a few stops in South Florida, including the Coral Springs Center for the Arts on October 12 and the Seminole Theater in Homestead on October 14. This show stars Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne, two of Australia’s most famous magicians. The duo will forego top hats and capes for full frontal illusions complete with magic, muscles and endless laughs. Perfect for date night or the ultimate “Boys Night Out,” The Naked Magicians have performed — and undressed — for millions of fans in more than 200 cities and seven countries.
“Good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants,” says Tyler. “When we say ‘abracadabra,’ the audience isn’t always looking at our hands.”
The 33-year old buff bros went from best friends to partners in prestidigitation following several boisterous audience members asking them to make their clothes disappear. “It’s kind of crazy because magic is the second-oldest profession ever and we couldn’t believe that no one had combined the two things that everyone loves — magic and nudity,” says Wayne.
The broad-shouldered Wayne and proud owner of a freakishly long tongue is the first Australian magician in TV history to have his own TV series (More Than Magic). The sporty tan lines and incredible physique seen on stage hint at Tyler’s Speedo-wearing days when he swam competitively at the Australian National Championships and Pan Pacific Games before becoming a professional magician.
“Being on stage doing magic without relying on pockets or sleeves does add that extra challenge and ups our game,” Wayne says.
It was a pleasure to sit down with Christopher Wayne for this exclusive Hotspots Interview:
At what age did you see your first magician, who was it, and how did it affect you?
Despite the nature of our act, my love for magic is innocent and the first magician I saw was David Copperfield with my grandfather. David Copperfield is still my favorite magician, and he is someone that I got to meet and am so thankful to know.
When did you do your first magic trick and what was it?
Even though I was young when I saw David, I didn’t start doing magic until I was 21, and trust me it was a shitty trick where you put your assistant’s head in box with some fake swords. I thought it was amazing at the time, but it was horrible.
When did you realize magic would be your career?
I was working full time at a cookie factory and at about 23, and I wasn’t happy. I asked myself what would be my ultimate job and I said Magic and I forced myself to get into it.
When did you meet Mike Tyler and when did you decide to work together?
I met mike in our hometown of Brisbane. I was at an event where he was the entertainment. He was the best magician I had ever seen. I introduced myself afterwards and within a year we became best friends. We were both passionate about creating something new in our industry and we became partners.
When you got together was it always naked or when did you decide to incorporate the nudity and why?
From the beginning we knew we needed some gimmick, something special and original and the naked gimmick came about.
How nerve racking was it to be naked and are you still nervous?
The first time I almost threw up, and Mike was having heart palpitations. Naked and speaking in public, are probably the 2 things people fear the most and we put them both into one bit. However, once we did it, it was the most exhilarating this ever. We immediately knew we had something special. Now we don’t event think twice about it.
What is your favorite trick and why?
It is the finale of our show. You have to come see it to understand. There is nothing funnier or bolder in any magic trick on this planet. It is pure unadulterated magic.
What do you do for fun?
My favorite things to do is running and going to the movies. I love the escapism of it, and it’s the place I feel the most normal. One of the best parts of my job is I get to explore the world, and local towns.
What should the audiences expect from The Naked Magicians?
I have 2 answers to that question. The funny answer, which is: Magic mike with actual magic. The real answer is they should expect 3 things: the funniest comedy show you will ever see. The most amazing magic show you have ever seen, and to see it being by 2 buff Aussie’s that are wearing nothing but a top hat and a smile.
Is there anything I haven’t asked you that want to talk about?
Actually yes: America has contributed largely to the success of our show, and our first ever shows in the US were in Tampa and Fort Lauderdale, so Mike and I have a special place in our hearts for Florida. Also, this is an inclusive show, and we love seeing people from every background in our audience.
The Naked Magicians come to Coral Springs Center for the Arts on October 12 and the Seminole Theater in Homestead on October 14 (both at 7:30 pm). For more information, or to purchase tickets, go to nakedmagicians.com.
