‘From the first moment I met James I was blown away by his thinking & creativity.’ – Andy Nyman

‘James Went is smart. Very smart. He only works with the best and now it turns out that his creative output is on a similarly rarefied level.’ – Mark Elsdon

We are excited to introduce James Went’s inaugural Alakazam Academy, ‘Secret Plans and Clever Tricks’. With over a decade of experience in television and theatre consultancy, along with high-profile corporate events worldwide, James is ready to unveil some of his original material used in both professional and casual settings. This lecture caters to all skill levels, featuring everything from completely self-working tricks to more advanced sleight of hand techniques. Additionally, James will share a treasure trove of previously unreleased material that he has kept private for years. This collection includes:

Paradox – A signature routine for parlour performances and a highlight of his Magic Castle act.

The Burn – An impossible location effect based on a classic Charles Jordan principle that will astonish your magic friends.

The Name – A spectator’s card is discovered by spelling a freely chosen name, culminating in a surprising kicker that will leave them speechless.

St. Elmo’s Opener – Where television magic meets corporate performance, providing spectators with an unforgettable souvenir.

Alongside the tricks, James will delve into:

His insights on professional close-up magic, emphasizing how he selects material for specific events and constructs sets around these routines.

His perspective on the significance and function of opening lines in performances.

His experiences in television and how they contrast with close-up magic at live events.

His thoughts on act structure and the creative process behind his Magic Castle performance.