Separated at birth? I don't know, first he steals my name, then he nicks Steve Andrews' image...

ME: I think most magic fans have a favourite illusion, mine was one I saw Russ Stevens perform. Sam and I went to a show of his in Blackpool in the mid 90s, I was absolutely spellbound throughout, amazing performer. The illusion that completely blew me away was when he appeared to make a woman materialise from nothing in a tank of water. You kind of saw this hazy image starting to form, then develop and fill in, until a whole woman was there, just not possible, is it? Do you have a favourite illusion performed by a favourite magician yourself, and what is your favourite in your own acts? And is using the word ‘favourite’ three times in one sentence too much? 

HIM:  My favourite illusion is the ‘Losander’ floating table. I own one, and even performing it and knowing how its done, it still gives me the sense of wonder. Its an amazing, and indeed expensive, magic prop. As a member of the audience, my favourite illusion was to see a real elephant covered and change into a tuk tuk (those little 3 wheeler Thai motor scooter taxis) at the Phuket Fantasea Show in Thailand. At one point, there were 15 elephants on stage. Amazing. 

ME: And, of course, being Scottish, the BIG question… Celtic or Rangers? 

HIM:  Oh please! Neither, I would rather watch paint dry! Not a football fan, I’m a petrol head and love motorsport, especially short circuit racing. I am lucky, with three circuits all within ten miles of home. Thanks I enjoyed that. Have a magic day! 

ME: You’re very welcome. You’ll always have my gratitude for leaving mickmagic.net available for me! You strike me as a genuinely nice guy and I love your enthusiasm and passion for magic, I shall be keeping a keen eye on your career. Well, it’s my name at stake as well, innit? Been an absolute pleasure, even though I kept getting confused and thinking I was talking to myself! So, just to assure the audience, can you confirm to them that you and I have never met? J

ME: I also see amongst your achievements that you are the man behind The Castle Of Magic and The Palace Of Magic Festivals (attendances up to 7,500, I wish we’d had that at a MMATT gig!), so what made you decide to take on such a monumental task and what’s on the menu for this year?  

HIM:  In the magic world there are many conventions for magicians, but very few magic events for the public. My idea for the event was to have a magic castle. I approached the National Trust for Scotland who liked the idea. With the help of a fellow magician and co producer, Mr Jay Scott Berry, we created this amazing event. The event grew and moved to Stirling Castle after a two year break, making a welcome return in 2012. This year, I hope to have a similar event. I am also working with the Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre and Glasgow and we hope to have a new festival celebrating Puppets and Magic – Magipup.

ME: Do let me know when something is confirmed, be happy to give it a plug for you. I understand now you’re also planning to start magic workshops for young and old alike. Must say, I’m a little tempted! You couldn’t teach me how to make David Cameron disappear, could you? Perhaps you’d like to tell us something about the workshops and the sort of skills you’ll be teaching? 

HIM: Yes, I have been doing this for nearly a year now. The workshop is aimed at 8-12 year olds. Lots of magic with everyday items. I provide a one hour workshop at my little boy’s Primary School every week. I am looking to roll out, as an extension of my business, to other schools, clubs and even private parties.

E-Mail Inquiries - whosaclosetfootballf@nthen

Website - www.mickmagic.com

Facebook - http://www.facebook.com/themagicalwizard/

If he'd rather watch paint dry, how come he's all cosied up to the mascot of Dunfermline Athletic, eh?