Wizardy Woo hangs up his cloak after 36 years
LEGENDARY CHILDREN’S ENTERTAINER BROUGHT JOY TO GENERATIONS OF KIDS
“HOW do you do, I’m Wizardy Woo.”
It’s the greeting that will bring back memories for generations of people in Coventry and the surrounding areas.
But now Wizardy Woo, the legendary children’s entertainer from Coventry, is calling it a day.
Geoff Suddens, the real name of the magician and entertainer, has packed up his magic collection after nearly 40 years - 36 of which were full time.
But after thousands of performances Geoff has no regrets, saying: “I’ve really enjoyed every minute of it.”
And after a career which started in 1982, 75-year-old Geoff reflected on his career, and how Wizardy Woo came to be.
Geoff said: “My mum and dad used to take me to the Hippodrome to see pantomimes and variety shows when I was younger.
“I think that was what got me started. “I even remember seeing Laurel and Hardy.”
Geoff went on to show films in church halls, before a chance encounter with a magician set the wheels in motion.
He said: “He showed me some tricks, and after a while, I started a little magic act.
“I was working at the Morris Engines factory at the time. That closed down in 1982, so I started doing it full time.
“It kept us going, my wife and two children.”
Quickly, Wizardy Woo developed a reputation as the go-to entertainer in Coventry, and as his peak, he was performing 10 shows a week.
Geoff said: “I really got a buzz from it every time, and even now I still do.
“I was doing 10 shows a week, performing in people’s houses at parties and at working men’s clubs in front of bigger crowds.
“I even performed for the cast of EastEnders one time.
“But the most well known person I have performed for is Andrew Davies I did a show for his family in the 1970s or 80s. His wife used to run a play group in Cheylesmore.
“I didn’t have a car at the time, so he offered me a lift. But I didn’t know who he was at the time!”
Eventually, Wizardy Woo himself became the celebrity, being recognised far and wide.
But not only has he been spotted in Skegness and Great Yarmouth, he was once recognised while on a boat in Italy, with the legend of Wizardy Woo going continental.
This isn’t much of a surprise, considering the amount of people that he has performed for. “I must have done thousands and thousands of shows.
“I built all of my own equipment, including magic wands, and I’d give two out every show.”
Over the last few years, the appetite for children’s parties has shifted, and from the 10 shows a week, Geoff noticed a slow-down in bookings, compared to previous years.
He said: “Over the last few years, it has really slowed down. These days, kids go to McDonalds and have bouncy castles.”
In November, 36 years after starting his career as a full-time entertainer, Geoff decided to call it a day, saying: “I realised that I was slowing down, and my equipment was getting heavier and heavier. “I’m really going to miss it, but I’ve got grandchildren now, so there’s school runs to keep me busy.”
Geoff will now enjoy a much deserved retirement, but he can be certain that the legend of Wizardy Woo will live on.