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Magic Andrew is the ace in the pack

12/11/2003

AN Ashton Sixth Form College student has taken the next step to ensuring his dream of emulating David Blaine is not just an illusion.

Andrew Walde, who at 16 is the youngest member of the Manchester Circle of Magicians, has just applied to join the youth branch of The Magic Circle.

And the illusionist is also busy recording a promotional video he hopes will secure more exposure after appearing on Channel 4's 'That'll Teach Em' over the summer.

"Street magic is basically what I want to do, what David Blaine does - I am a big fan of his," said Andrew, of Howbro Drive, Ashton.

"But I wouldn't go as far as sitting in a box and not eating for 40 days! What I like to do is card tricks, coin tricks - any alternative tricks similar to those David Blaine does.

"Stuff that creates a reaction and surprise on people's faces, and this is something we've been looking for when making the video."

A friend has been helping Andrew with a tape of him wowing street crowds in Blackpool, Manchester and London. Andrew headed south when his idol went in and came out of the glass box, to entertain the masses gathered by Tower Bridge.

The drama, media, and psychology student also praised the college for helping his ambitions in magic.

"All the courses I'm doing relate to performing and understanding the audience. We've been allowed to work on the video at college and they've also let us borrow the camcorder," he said.

But magic is the main priority for Andrew at the moment as he plans to learn from the lectures, fairs and meetings he will soon be attending through the Magic Circle.

He said: "I just want to focus on improving my tricks and getting a bigger repertoire."