The Session 2022 Performer Spotlight | Hector Chadwick
By Vanishing Inc. - Tuesday, March 29, 2022
Fresh off his book The Definitive Mental Mysteries of Hector Chadwick becoming an instant bestseller, Hector Chadwick (aka Stephen Long) will be joining us at the The Session 2022. The convention is almost sold out, so make sure you get a ticket as soon as you can to experience firsthand why this underground legend has been one of Derren Brown's most trusted writers and companions for years.
Until then, we pass it over to Hector to introduce himself to you…
What Is your favorite convention memory?
At The Session 2014. Max Maven—introducing the premise of his next effect—asks the audience, ‘What’s the easiest aspect of a playing card to predict?’ Pit Hartling yells out, ‘The shape!’ Such a wonderful heckle.
What legacy do you hope to leave on the magic world?
That I was not entirely unhygienic.
What excites you most about the future of magic?
The thought that one day Peter Pellikaan may release his best packet trick yet.
What’s one mistake in your career you encourage others not to repeat?
It's good to have goals, but do your best to take pleasure in whatever you're working on right now. Enjoy the journey. Appreciate the process. I’m not sure I’ve done that enough.
What do you consider to be “real magic”?
The total disappearance of my keys when I need them most and had them in my hand just a few seconds ago. It’s the cleanest vanish I’ve ever seen.
I live in Windsor, which is also home to Windsor Castle, where the Queen of the United Kingdom lives. I once had the opportunity to perform magic for her, and so I did. I did one of my favourite tricks, Guy Hollingworth’s ‘Waving The Aces’. And just as I made the final card turn over, Her Majesty turned the lights on, sat bolt upright in bed, and started totally freaking out! She was screaming and going bananas and insisted that the guards join us. Unfortunately, the guards completely misread the situation, refused to pick a card, and escorted me from the premises. It was all pretty crazy. In any case, word must have spread about the trick because the rest of the staff were looking at me in awe. One of the best reactions I’ve ever had, and clear testament to the strength of Hollingworth’s original routine.
What’s your favorite fun fact?
Data has mass, and the internet is believed to be approximately as heavy as a large, plump strawberry.
If you had Josh and Andi over for dinner, what would you cook?
I cheated and emailed Andi to ask him what food he likes. Turns out he loves Mexican food, which I don’t know how to cook. No idea about Josh, but I’d try to cook Mexican anyway and just hope it’s edible.
What are some other fun things or interesting facts about you?
- I’m not a professional magician. I earn most of my income from writing story and dialogue for video games.
- I’ve co-written several Derren Brown TV shows and am proudest of The Great Art Robbery.
- I once wrote a book on mentalism called The Mental Mysteries of Hector Chadwick, although it’s been out of print for years.
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