It’s all an illusion

The most famous transvestite cabaret in the world that draws visitors of all nationalities and persuasions to its spectacular shows, Tiffany's Pattaya is raising the bar to another level next month with a launch of a spectacular new show featuring Swedish illusionist Joe Labero.

A keen magician since being given his first Magic Box at the age of 12, Labero won the Swedish junior championships of magic in 1979 under the name Magino and achieved global fame in the 1990s with the stage production “A Magic Night”.

Labero will be performing regularly at Tiffany’s Show Theatre Pattaya from May to August and recently popped over to Thailand to check on the preparations for his new stage act.

He took time out from his busy schedule to chat with XP.

 

 

How did you become interested in magic?

I got a magic box from my parents when I was a kid and fell instantly in love. It was master magician’s Fred Kaps’ magic box and I still have it in my warehouse. It opens up like a suitcase and you do a whole show with it. I performed in front of my family and friends all the time. My brother was the toughest to impress. 

 

A lot of boys grow up with a passion in magic but most of them grow out of it. When did you realise that you wanted to be a professional magician? 

While I was doing my national military service. I was still doing magic even then and I remember showing my commanding officer a card trick. Unlike my brother he was impressed and I realised I could make a living out of it. As soon as I came out from the army, I started work and I’ve never looked back. 

 

Did you train to become a professional magician?

Not really. I guess it’s always there. I live in show business. I go to see shows and rock concerts and I get inspired by them. Rock concerts are particularly good because often I see something and think, maybe I can use that. I watch a lot of movies too. And of course I also practice. You need to do a lot of live shows to keep on top of your performance. I’ve been doing small shows and big shows for more than 30 years. 

 

How would you describe your style of magic?

It’s a kind of rock-n-roll style of magic. With the music and the energy, I make my shows interesting and cool. From the big illusion to the sleight of hand, I’m essentially an entertainer. I incorporate anything from money to rings to iPhones in my performance. I like to get people involved and excited about what I am doing. 

 

Can you give us an idea of the highlights we can expect from the show?

Well, I can say it’s going to be a cool show in terms of production because Tiffany’s is a big production in itself with the dancers as well as lighting and sound. And together with my magic, it’s going to be very unique. And that’s all I can say right now.

 

What’s your latest trick?

It’s actually an illusion. I put myself in cuffs and chains and hang upside down with 60 seconds to escape. It’s an illusion I came up with a year ago and I’ve been performing it during my tours of Scandinavia and in Singapore. And it will be performed at Tiffany’s too. It’s an escape number that’s my tribute to Harry Houdini. 

 

How does technology help with magic?

What’s happening today is really fantastic, I incorporate a lot of the new lighting and video techniques into my show. I use a camera that lets the audience feel me close-up. And of course there are a lot of laser effects coming in. That said, I am trying to ease off on the technical gizmos because I wouldn’t want them to take over the show. 

Everything is so much more accessible today. I sometimes have young kids coming up to me and saying ‘I saw you on YouTube.’ That’s their world but I always reply ‘Wow, but I’d like you to see me live’.

 

Is there a trick you’ve always wanted to do but haven’t been able to pull off yet?

I’ve tried a lot of things over the years. I want to have a white and a black horse and sort of squeeze them together to become a zebra. It ‘s an effect I’ve often thought about but I’ve never done it, as least not yet. Perhaps I should do it for my Tiffany’s show.

 

Who’s your idol in the world of magic?

I don’t really have an idol today. I grew up with Siegfried & Roy. They were like my heroes. There is a lot of talent around today. I went to a convention in Italy earlier this year, which is also a world championship event and I was pleased to see a lot of Asians coming up with new techniques. They work slow and clean and I find their stuff amazing. It’s a new style and it’s very, very good.

I do, however, have a mentor. He’s 90 years old now. I talk to him weekly. He’s a great guy. His name is Carlo Tornedo and he’s a Swedish magician who played at Radio City Music Hall in New York. I’ve known him for more than 20 years and he inspires me a lot. He always tells me anything is possible. It’s just a question of working hard enough. 

 

Can you explain the concept of the “‘cabaret and magic” show you’ll be putting on in Pattaya?

Magic is a fantastic art form in itself but with the collaboration between my magic and Tiffany, it will be a different kind of magic. I will have a total of 35 minutes and this combined with Tiffany’s trademark is going to be very different. Magic and fantasy together. 

It’s a great venue too. The stage is high and everyone is looking forward theatre style. It has everything. 

 

Can you say something to the Thai audience?

I love Thailand. I’ve been coming here for many years and I’ve worked here before too. I’ve just spent time in Phuket meeting up with some old friends there. I love it: the culture, the food, the mood, the smiles. Everything is accessible too.

So my message to Thai people is come see my show. It’s a show for people aged from five to 95 years of age. It’s a family show. Magic is great for young people and old people. A gentleman came up to me recently and said “I’m 97, Mr. Labero, am I not welcome?” So yes, there really is no age limit. It’s wonderful for everyone. Seeing is believing. Just come, sit back, relax and be entertained.

 

BOX

Now you see it …

“The Tiffany’s Illusion featuring Joe Labero” runs from Tuesday through Saturday at 9pm from May 1 through August 30.

Tickets costing from Bt1,500 to Bt3,000 are on sale at Thai Ticket Major counters and online at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.