Newspaper article from the Southend Evening Echo
Oliver Tabor, from Rochford in Essex, became the UK president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians in September last year, the “biggest magic club in the world” with almost 18,000 members.
He first got into magic after a trip to Hamleys Toy Store in London when he was 12 years old. There was a counter selling magic tricks, where a staff member performed a card trick for him, and since then he fell in love with magic. He will hold the position for a year and in his role become an ambassador for magicians in the UK as well as promoting engagements, meetings, and conventions in both the UK and abroad.
Oliver was 12 years old when he saw one of the Hamleys staff members perform a card trick, and immediately wanted to do it. So, he received a box of magic tricks for Christmas and performed a show for his family. When he left school, he worked at a magic shop in London, called Davenports Magic, which was like being at ‘Hogwarts’ to him.
Working there for five years he learnt so much, met all the famous magicians and was hugely inspired. Since then, Oliver has worked for holiday centres, theatres, cruise ships and his own London show, West End Magic at the Leicester Square theatre.
Over the years Oliver has also performed at the Alexandra Palace in London in front of thousands, as well as performing in a Beijing Magic Festival. Amongst his repertoire he makes doves appear, turns bubbles into glass balls, and people levitate.
He has been a member of the International Brotherhood of Magicians since he was 16, as well as being on the council there for five years and then was given the incredible honour and opportunity as president. He was appointed the position in front of an audience consisting of his friends, family, mentors, teachers, heroes, and past presidents. His main aim for his year in the office is to help and encourage young magicians and help promote magic, and the society, through his shows around the U.K.
For more information about the International Brotherhood of Magicians, how to join, visit www.britishring.org.uk