Glaswegian magician Michael Neto gearing up for world title bid

May 10 2012 Exclusive by Nicolle Laurie

Michael Neto Image 1

MAGICIAN Michael Neto has come a long way from using magic tricks to meet girls in his teens.

The wild-haired 35-year-old is set to compete in the competition of a lifetime – the World Championships of Magic – in Blackpool this July.

And the city conjurer will be feeling more confident he can wow the judges after being named Scottish Close-up Champion last weekend – for the fourth year running.

Michael said: “This is a dream come true. I’m feeling confident and delighted to be taking part but I know it’s not going to be easy.

“I used to use magic as an ice breaker with girls. It went quite well, I must say. It was something a bit different from the other guys.”

Michael succeeded in putting one girl firmly under his spell and has found happiness with his fiancé in Ayrshire. He now finds other uses for his magical talents.

He added: “Magic is everything for me. It allows me to express my ideas and communicate something to the audience.

“Magic has changed a lot. It’s not all dressing up and rabbits in hats.

“Close-up magic is something quite special. The visual magic is there but it’s more intimate. You can connect with the audience in a way that’s not possible on the stage.”

Michael will premiere his championship routine at the Edinburgh International Festival in the first week of July – and his big hair is all part of the act

He said: “Without giving too much away, the act is called ‘The Scientist’ so the hair is part of the nutty
professor image.

“I’ve had the help of Glasgow actors and directors to get the narrative and the character right. It should be something really original. That’s what I fight for in magic.”