Fifty countries later, mentalist excited to perform on home soil again
At the age of 30, Gqeberha’s mostwell-known mentalist and magician Brendon Peel has visited 50 countries and has a new and exciting project up his sleeve.
Peel, of Summerstrand, will be performing at the Splash Festival among other great acts this Easter weekend.
Q: You’ve been travelling all over the world of late. What are some of the shows that stand out for you and how would you compare audiences abroad to SA?
A: I have been blessed enough to have performed for audiences from all walks of life, also from all over the world. I generally only alter my act slightly with each new audience, however, it does become more difficult when the entire audience can’t understand English. When that happens, I tend to do more visual magic than effects that rely on words. It’ sa unique challenge but one that helps me grow as a performer.
Q: Your favourite country visited to date?
A: I have been blessed to have visited nearly 50 different countries in the last few years and each of them have their own unique appeal. However, some of my favourite places are Santorini in Greece, as well as Kotor in Montenegro. Both are stunningly beautiful places.
Q: With all the travelling, do you miss SA and do you still consider this your home?
A: Yes of course! SA is and always will be my home.
Q: You have a “top secret” project with magician Li Lau. Can you give us any hints?
A: It is something really epic and I can’t wait to share it with everyone. For now, I can say it is for a TV show that millions of people from around the world will watch. We are both very excited about it.
Q: Have you learnt some new tricks along the way?
A: Yes, I always believe in upskilling oneself so I’m always tweaking routines or learning new ones.
Q: When can we expect your next show in Gqeberha?
A: I’m very excited to be performing in Nelson Mandela Bay once again this weekend as part of the Splash Festival. My shows will be on Saturday and Sunday at Kings Beach. Though I perform across the world, the Gqeberha audience is always my favourite so I will always come back for more shows in the metro, just stay tuned on my Facebook page for when I am around.
Q: Who is your role model or someone you draw inspiration from?
A: There are many but I would have to say David Blaine and Derren Brown are the two artists and performers I draw the most inspiration from.
Q: Did you ever think when starting out you would become such a success, and what do you believe set you apart from the rest?
A: I honestly did not expect this level of success and support from my followers. It has been such a blessing to be able to live out my dream. I believe one of the things that has made it possible is that I am always authentic and real with everyone I come across.
Q. How do you balance all the travelling, shows and your personal life? Is there someone special in your life at
the moment?
A: It does get a bit crazy at times and my social life often takes a back seat these days. Luckily my loving girlfriend, Bronwyn, understands this journey I am on and has been very supportive of me and this crazy dream. It’s one of the many reasons why I love her.
Q: What do you enjoy doing when you are not on stage?
A: My family and I are avid quizzers and I love all things quiz and trivia related. If I’m not busy travelling around, then you will find me and my family on a Tuesday night at a quiz.
Q: And ... do you think you can teach an old dog new tricks?
A: I fully believe it is never too late in life to learn something new and to grow. New knowledge can be gained every day. I also want to say a massive thank you to each and every person who has supported me on this journey. To everyone who has come to my shows and followed me online, you have all collectively changed my life and it truly means the world to me, so thank you.