DNA DUO HAVE THEIR MINDS SET ON
How did DNA begin?
We met at an event more than seven years ago. The fact we were both magicians meant we had something in common straight away and we just hit it off as friends.
We wanted to create a totally unique act that no-one else was performing. It’s this determination and belief that got us through the thousands of hours it took to develop what we do today. That’s not even including the arguments!
What kind of places did you first play starting out?
It was always very difficult explaining what we did to an events organiser or customer. People understand when you say you perform magic tricks, but when you explain you’re part of a mind reading telepathic double act and we get people to concentrate on things and reveal what they are, it didn’t really translate into bookings.
It wasn’t easy but it was those years where we really learned to perform and sharpen our skills. We used to perform at private parties, corporate events and weddings. Basically anywhere someone would want us, we’d be there!
How did it feel to be on Britain’s Got Talent and get through to the finals (Tokio Myers went on to win)?
It was such an incredible experience. The audition was a whirlwind and was over in the blink of an eye. We just remember standing on the stage receiving a standing ovation and getting amazing comments from the judges. Fast forward a few months (of really hard work) and we won our semi-final show to go straight into the final. To know the public were behind us was a really amazing feeling and one we’ll treasure for the rest of our lives.
The whole experience was bittersweet as we changed our routine for the final on the day. We wish we hadn’t and instead performed our original routine but hindsight is 20/20.
What’s been the funniest thing that’s happened to you during a performance?
Once we dropped a whole deck of cards in front of the entire audience right at the start of the show. That was pretty funny – and embarrassing.
What kind of reaction do you usually get from audiences?
We get a mixture really. It’s either ‘What on Earth? That’s amazing’ or ‘I don’t believe it, you won’t be able to read me mind’.
We made a conscious decision years ago to never embarrass anyone or make anyone look or feel silly through our performance. Our shows are designed for people to sit back and enjoy as well as being involved in our show all while being entertained and amazed. Our goal is for our audiences to have had an amazing time and enjoy something totally unique.
Has anyone ever tried to catch you out?
Yes! It happens all the time. What we perform isn’t an exact science so we’re totally open to not getting everything 100% right all the time. Normally there is a reason for it though. What we perform really requires our concentration and we can be distracted.
We love a challenge and are looking forward to what the audiences have got for us.
You’ve taken the show around the world. Have there been any memorable performances?
We’ve been extremely lucky to be invited to perform at some incredible places around the world. One really stand out time was meeting a guy at an event in London who runs a luxury travel company in New York. He said if we could get his mother’s maiden name correct he’d fly us out to New York one day. He kept his word. He flew us out there for three nights for his 40th birthday party and it was amazing.
We blend a mixture of what people have seen us do on Britain’s Got Talent with some brand new, never before seen material. We have worked extremely hard to make our show different, entertaining and totally baffling. We try and get as many people involved with our show as possible so, if you decide to buy tickets, be prepared to have your mind read as part of our show.
Of course, it’s totally optional, but as we’ve said, we never do anything to embarrass anyone and everything is for entertainment purposes only. We want everyone to question whether or not we really do know what you’re thinking.
What can audiences expect?
Our show is suitable for all ages (although we’d probably suggest eight plus) and is a demonstration of what we’re capable of as mind readers as well as allowing an audience to get to know us a bit better. We hang out in the foyer after every show and want to meet every single person who wants to hang around and meet us too.