Cheeky magicians give showcase of raw talent

BE UNDER no illusion — The Naked Magicians put on the world’s funniest and naughtiest magic show. And they’re bringing it back to Tasmania next week.

Stripping away the top hats and capes to present full-frontal trickery, The Naked Magicians — Mike Tyler and Christopher Wayne — have been combining magic and muscles since 2014, following several requests from audience members to make their clothes disappear.

After a stint on a long-running Channel 10 kids TV program, Wayne became the first Australian magician to have his own TV series, More Than Magic, which aired in Australia, New Zealand, England and the US.

Tyler, meanwhile, was a gun swimmer, competing at the national championships and Pan Pacific Games before becoming a magician and comedy hypnotist.

The pair’s R-rated live show, which brings a whole new meaning to the phrase “now you see it”, has been watched by audiences in more than 200 cities worldwide and millions more on TV.

“Good magicians don’t need sleeves and great magicians don’t need pants,” Tyler says. “When we say ‘abracadabra,’ the audience isn’t always looking at our hands.” The Naked Magicians perform at Wrest Point on Friday, July 20, from 7pm. Tickets are $50.82, go to www.ticketmaster.com.au or phone 136100 for bookings. Princess Theatre Launceston the next night. www. theatrenorth.com.au to book.