Thursday, November 5, 2009

James Galea Down Under

James Galea is Australia's number one magician. Constant television and radio appearances and his own series for the Nine Network (Urban Magic) have seen James in constant demand not only in his home country but internationally both in the corporate arena and as a headliner world-wide, performing at the Flamingo Las Vegas and Hollywood's legendary Magic Castle.James Galea is vastly different to the stereotypical 'pull a rabbit out of a hat' magician - he breathes new life into the dying art of magic and trades the traditional rigid tuxedo and stiff top hat for a pair of sneakers, jeans and a tee shirt. Energetic and effortlessly cool, James presents the art of magic with a wicked sense of humour disarming audiences with his youthful charm and astonishing them with his talent.

James started learning magic at age 14 from someone he thought was a magician. He later found out that his mentor moonlighted as a professional con man who cheated in high stakes poker games. While his colleagues were learning how to make hankies disappear from old magic books Galea learnt how to deal aces from the bottom of the deck from a professional card shark.

It was in the field of close up magic that James' unique talent was discovered. His charismatic performances soon attracted notice and at just 19 years of age, James was awarded 'Australia's Best Close-Up Magician'.

In 2009 after sell-out seasons Australia-wide of his live show I HATE RABBITS, James took to the stage as an actor starring in LYING CHEATING BASTARD, a play he co-wrote about Australia's most successful conman. The critics were unanimous in their praise for the play and Galea's performance and the show will now tour internationally throughout 2010/2011. Galea is currently in development for several TV shows in the US and Australia.

Take a look at his version of Sam the Bellhop by Bill Malone The 2009 Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala.