Brendon Peel and the tricks up his sleeve…

Festivals, charity events, advertising campaigns, what’s next for the local talent?

By Julia Holmes

Born and raised in Port Elizabeth, Brendon Peel (22), who is currently studying Journalism and Drama at Rhodes University, prides himself as a “magician, mentalist and performer”. With a young fascination for illusion and magic, he was exposed to the field when reading magic books as a child, where he “read as many books as he could get his hands on”.

With much patience and practice, his love for the craft has built an impressive, growing list of achievements. Described by close friends as an ‘entreprenartist’ , age has never been a factor for Brendon, who, at 18, earned the title of the youngest magician to host his/her OWN solo illusion show at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. Furthermore, the multi-talented artist has directed, written, and performed in 7 successful National Arts Festival shows, which have all received positive reviews and sold-out status. Invited to perform in festivals nationwide, Brendon says: “I feel extremely blessed with all the success and support that I have”.

Topping the 2015 success list thus far, is his involvement in the incredible Lexus LS “Billboard that Reads Minds” campaign. Contacted by advertising company FCB (Foote, Cone & Belding), Brendon commuted to Johannesburg where he provided input and worked closely with the creative team to realistically devise and create a billboard that “knows which card you are thinking of”. Essentially, the purpose of the billboard was for drivers to experience the precognitive magic of the Lexus LS motor vehicle, prior to even test driving one. Developing the concept and assisting with the directing of the advertisement was “a lot of fun” for Brendon, although he says: “I did get nervous incase my idea didn’t work. I really did put my neck on the line”.

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WOW right? Feeling inspired? Local talent at its best! Brendon says: “I am currently working with FCB on yet another project, although everything is top secret right now so I can’t give too much away. But the minute it is published I will definitely post it on my Facebook page”

Overall, Brendon is influenced by the work of Derren Brown, David Blaine, Michael Moore, and Louis Theroux. Although Moore and Theroux are not magicians as such, he says: “their ways of thinking really inspire and motivate me to be more critical”. Involved in the professional circuit for 5 years, the charming, confident public speaker credits magic for teaching him to “question everything” and “be more critical”. For Brendon, the most daunting element, prior to executing a trick, is the question of “what if the trick fails?”, as his work encompasses various experimental effects, where risk and uncertainty come to play.

In line with his charitable spirit, Brendon has performed in aid of raising funds for numerous causes, including raising close to R5000 for the Animal Anti-Cruelty League, performances at The Rotary Club of Grahamstown and as well as adding a touch of magic to the lives of the elderly and financially disadvantaged.

He describes the reactions of the individuals whose minds have been blown as “priceless” and “what makes everything I do worthwhile”. Inspired by a wide spectrum of interests, such as “art, history, relationships, and most importantly the power and capabilities of the mind”, the 2015 Grahamstown National Arts Festival is scheduled to be busier than ever for Brendon, where he will be performing in two shows: Frame of Mind and Magic through the Ages. Approaching his 5th year at the festival, previous shows include: Mind Games (2011), Beyond Belief (2012), Hoax (2013), Think Twice (2014).

Commenting on crowd response, Brendon says that “every year that I come back to the festival I get more and more sold out shows. Over the past four years I’ve had close to 4000 different audience members, and I hope that these members only increase over the next 4 years”. His favourite dimension to the festival is “being on stage and showcasing my skills to the best of my ability”, where the festival is “an excellent platform to really show your creativity as well to see what paying audiences think of your performance(s)”. Additionally, Brendon has formed vital connections with both national and international performers over the years.

What to expect from his 2015 Grahamstown Arts Festival shows…

Brendon describes Magic through the Ages as “entertaining, informing and engaging”. Different to previous shows, Brendon says that Magic through the Ages “isn’t strictly mentalism, but rather an in-depth look at the history of magic and illusion with examples of various prominent tricks and illusions that have been performed throughout the past 4000 years”.

Running along the theme of visual art, Frame of Mind “is a show filled with mentalism and psychological tricks”. Promoting it as the “show that has it all”, audience members can expect twists, turns and surprises from areas of mind-reading to predictions of the future.

For my information on Brendon, and the opportunity for a mind-altering experience, “like” him on Facebook, follow his YouTube channel www.youtube.com/user/BrendonPeelmentalist or visit his website www.mentalistmagician.co.za. His networking pages have an insightful touch, ranging from posts regarding upcoming events, impromptu magic throughout shopping centres, and “fun #magicmonday facts”.

Contact Julia Holmes if you want her to write for you!