Fantastic Mr Fox wows Nevis climbers with peak performance
A MAGICIAN took his act to new heights by becoming the first illusionist to perform a show at the top of the UK’s tallest peak.
Former teacher Dave Fox trekked to the summit of Ben Nevis where he performed a series of illusions and close up magic to bewildered hikers.
Standing at 4411ft above sea level, the former University of Glasgow student showed off his “bread and butter” mind-reading talents along with some card tricks, before performing large scale illusions.
And while he wasn’t tempted to follow in the footsteps of David Copperfield’s Statue of Liberty disappearance by making the iconic mountain vanish, Dave did perform a ring trick where large metal rings magically link and unlink as well as the Professor’s Nightmare – a mind-boggling illusion where three pieces of rope are stretched to different lengths before punters’ eyes.
The 40-year-old took on the challenge in a bid to raise awareness for a pal’s charitable ventures, but hopes it made him a better magician in the process.
Dave, who now lives in Nottingham, told the Evening Times: “I’ve always wanted to do magic on Ben Nevis.
“I always want to challenge myself and it’s the highest peak in the UK so what bigger challenge is there? But it was lovely.
“We really go a lovely reaction. It’s quite unusual to do magic on Ben Nevis so we were very happy with how the climbers embraced us.”
He added: “One of the fascinating things, for me, is how the conditions affect how you perform magic.
“For example, having cold hands – like I did that day – means I have to think on my feet if my hands are too frozen to perform a trick.
“So it’s fascinating for me to find new ways to perform magic and I think it makes you a better magician when you’re forced to figure out how to perform.”
Dave is hopeful he is the first magician to complete the challenge and is currently searching to determine if it has been done before.
However, he hopes to perform an even bigger challenge than the August 26 event next year as he joins pal Daniel Kershaw, who climbed the mountain with him for a cause close to his heart.
Daniel plans to take on 10 marathons in 2019 in honour of the Brathay Trust, which works with young people in a bid to encourage them to engage with their communities.
Dave, who kicked off his magic career by performing for youngsters in his English
‘‘ One of the fascinating things, for me, is how the conditions affect how you perform magic
classroom, is keen to give back to the charity whom he credits with helping hundreds of lives for young Nottingham residents.
He said: “My father was a headteacher and he told me teaching as like an act, you have to hold the audience’s attention, much like in magic.
“I began my career in schools so I’m keen to do as much fundraising for charities like this when I’m in Scotland as possible.”