US illusionist Michael Barron conjures up Disney Live! show for Braehead Arena

Jun 21 2012 Exclusive by Ben Spencer

Michael Barron Image 2

HIS name is Mickey, he’s a Disney star and he’s an expert magician – but illusionist Michael Barron is no mouse.

The 27-year-old American is the man responsible for bringing to life the amazing magical effects during the Disney Live! show which will arrive at the Braehead Arena next month.

But Michael told The Glaswegian he found it funny he had ended up in a job that was so similar to that of his childhood hero Mickey Mouse.

He said: “More than anyone, as a kid I identified with Mickey.

“I’ve been doing magic since I was a little kid and my dream was always to become a professional magician. When I was six, my parents took me to see David Copperfield and that was it for me.

“In the cartoons, Mickey was also a magician and when I was a little, kid my dad used to call me Mickey, so I do have this personal identification with the character.

“Little did I know that 20 years later I would be performing all over the world with Disney.”

Michael spent years practicing to become a magician and was eventually snapped up by Disney bosses after they saw him performing his own show in Orlando, Florida, near Disneyland.

In his role with Disney, he performs incredible illusions and tricks alongside beloved characters such as Mickey and Minnie Mouse, Goofy and Donald Duck.

Michael, from Florida, said that many audience members were amazed by the quality of the magic.

He added: “You get to see a lot of cool stuff. I’m going to be splitting a lady in two, I’m also going to be escaping from a sealed box in under a second and there’s a beautiful levitation scene where I levitate Princess Jasmine.

“There are memorable scenes from the movies like Alice in Wonderland, where the Mad Hatter pulls all kinds of crazy things from his hat. There’s also an amazing sorcerer’s apprentice scene from Fantasia.

“It’s really fast-paced and will keep everyone interested in the show.

“But for me, being able to look into the audience and see those genuine reactions from people is my favourite part.”

Disney Live! is at Braehead Arena from July 11 to 15.