Back into the region after a little time away, the unique talent of “The Magic Mod” (aka Ben Taylor) has carved out a unique persona as almost the perfect combination of card magician and indie/pop/rock entertainer/comic.  Drawn from years of magician experience (he’s a member of the exclusive Magic Circle fraternity), The Magic Mod has perfected an act which combines magic tricks with humour and a passion for all things ‘Mod’.  Having gained a reputation on his own terms, he’s also earned notoriety by supporting dates with the likes of Paul Weller, The Libertines and The Brian Jonestown Massacre.  Damian Robinson caught up with Ben ahead of his show at the Newcastle Stand.

Hi Ben, for those who perhaps haven’t seen your set before could you tell us a little bit about your show?

Sure, I think when people often imagine what a magician is that conjures up certain ideas, but I’d say I’m probably the opposite of that usual type of magician.  In a way I’m inspired by the Mod culture and by bands like Paul Weller and The Libertines who always love a 3 minute pop song and want to put on a fast moving show that has lots of energy and very few breaks.  So I try to incorporate those types of ideas into my show which is a combination of magic and card tricks mixed with humour and energy.  My job is to put on something really original that has the pace of a good music show.

You’ve supported quiet a few bands as part of their show, how has that helped shape your performance?

I think when a lot of people go to see a show they’re often not too interested in the support band so there’s a certain type of pressure that comes in the support role.  Its that pressure that keeps you on your toes and sometimes means you have to work extra hard to win a crowd over.  I toured with the Libertines as their opening act so shows like that really help you engage with the whole of an audience, as well as helping you set a fast pace and a desire to really get the show as tight as it can be.  I think I probably do double or treble the number of tricks in my show as a regular act.

So those types of experiences hone your solo shows?

Absolutely.  For a while I maybe got a bit lost in the lifestyle but for the past three years I’ve really been focused on the show so taking the support shows of the music gigs and then transforming them into a solo show where I often have a little bit more time and can pack even more in to the show.  Really I just want to make people unable to catch their breathe given the speed of tricks I try to put together.  I really want my show to be completely different to what anyone else is doing in terms of look, feel and speed.  That certainly comes across at music gigs and more so in a comedy setting.

The Magic Mod plays Newcastle The Stand Comedy Club on Sunday 26 October