ASK AN ECO ACTIVIST

This month Megan Swann, first woman president of The Magic Circle, on new tricks for saving the planet

TELL US ABOUT YOUR COOL NEW JOB…

I’ve just been elected president of The Magic Circle. I’m the first female in its 116-year history – and, at 28, the youngest!

AND YOU SPECIALISE IN GREEN MAGIC?

Yes, one of my favourite types of magic is what I call environmental magic. I studied wildlife conservation at university and used to do tricks to illustrate my points in presentations – like ripping up a newspaper to demonstrate deforestation, and then restoring it. I like to combine my interests with tricks, and do some good as well.

SO YOU’RE A MAGICIAN ON A MISSION?

Magic is a powerful messaging tool. I use it to tell people about issues but also what we can do to help. For example, I pour coloured sands into water to represent pollution. The water goes dark, then I restore it, showing that the seemingly impossible is achievable.

WHEN DID YOU FIRST GET A MAGIC SET?

I was five. Then, aged ten, I joined The Magic Circle’s youth initiative before being accepted into the real deal at 18.

One of my favourites is from my routine demonstrating the science of climate change. I use a clear balloon to represent the earth’s atmosphere and a black ball to symbolise greenhouse gases. The ball magically appears inside the balloon to signify CO2 being pumped into the atmosphere.

CAN YOU REVEAL ANY TRADE SECRETS?

I’m afraid not! Our motto in The Magic Circle is ‘Not apt to disclose secrets’. But we’re not a secretive organisation. We like people to know that we exist, and to come along and see our shows.

WHERE CAN WE SEE YOU PERFORM?

I do a lot in schools now. I’ve developed a routine using magic to teach children about the environment. The messaging around climate change can be scary, so I wanted to create something positive. With children there are always lots of “ooh” and “ahh” noises. Teenagers are trickier. They see magic as uncool, but after a few tricks, I’ve got their attention.

WHAT ABOUT GIGS FOR GROWN-UPS?

Adults are actually really receptive to magic. I’ve done shows for the Marine Conservation Society, English National Parks and the International Institute for Environment and Development. One of my classic tricks is to use coins to equate saving money with saving energy. Of course, I’m under no illusion I’ll solve the problem, but it sparks a conversation and captures imaginations.

ARE YOU GREENING-UP MAGICIANS?

I’d like to encourage more magicians to use public transport to get to shows, but it can be challenging with all the gear. Two years ago, I travelled to a competition by train with all my props in a suitcase. I didn’t factor in winning the trophy, so had to make my way back carrying a massive bust of Houdini!

AND FOR YOUR NEXT TRICK?

Many people have an outdated idea of what a magician looks like, so I want to make our world more diverse.