- Interview -
Paul O'Neill
'The Funniest Magician On The Planet'

I have been trying to interview Paul for quite some time as I am sure his talents will be of interest to Mediaman Australia readers.
So, today we explore the world of magic and entertainment with one of Australia's premier magicians, Paul O'Neill.
Paul takes us through his career and where he is performing now.

GT: Where are you based?

Paul: I live in Sydney, Australia but I travel to wherever people book me to perform.

GT: What's your background?

Paul: I started performing magic when I was young and it was a hobby throughout my primary school years. I lost interest during my teens but got back into it when I was about 16 after watching a magician on television. I have been performing professionally now for 18 years.

GT: What type of events and functions do you perform at?

Paul: My shows fall into two main categories. I perform walk-around magic at 21st Birtdays, 40th Birthdays, Dinner Parties and Corporate gatherings. I also perform a children's show at kid's birthday parties and Family Days. They are totally different styles of performing, the kids show is much more high energy whereas the walk-around magic is more laid back. I enjoy the variety of performing for both markets.

GT: Explain your style?

Paul: I perform in a relaxed and modern style. I place a lot of emphasis on comedy and visual magic. I discovered long ago that people are not interested in how clever I am, they just want to laugh, have a good time and enjoy themselves. If I can help create the atmosphere for them to do that, my clients are very happy.

GT: Do you perform blue or suggestive material?

Paul: Never, for two reasons. Many people find it offensive and it limits the places I can work.

GT: What is the strangest place you have worked at?

Paul: In a barn full of straw. They stacked the bales together to form a stage and I performed a 30 minute show on it. The smell of the straw was pretty weird I can tell you.

GT: How has the Internet helped you?

Paul: It has made things much more time efficient. Years ago I would have to fax or courier my promo material to people then wait for them to receive it. Now people can look at my website at www.ovationmagic.com while I am talking to them on the phone and I can instantly answer any questions they may have. Clients also can get a much better idea of me and how and where I have performed. By the way, was that a subtle plug or what.

GT: What is the biggest compliment you have received?

Paul: I performed at a 50th Birthday party a while ago. They were all friends and family of the guest of honour. One lady was getting right into the magic and laughing at everything and having a wonderful time. Later someone told me that it was the first time they had seen her smile since her husband died six months earlier. It was a great feeling.

GT: What is the biggest event you have worked on?

Paul: The Michael Jackson concerts at Parramatta Stadium in the late eighties. It was huge.

GT: What are the key benefits for people who engage you to entertain their guests?

Paul: My clients tend to book me over other forms of entertainment because I help to make them look good in the eyes of their guests or their boss. I engage with their guests and help to get them mixing and talking. I help to create an atmosphere where people feel comfortable about letting their hair down and enjoying themselves.
People remember the party for a long time to come because they had a great time, a great laugh and saw some mind-blowing magic. This reflects well on the person organising the function.

GT: What media coverage have you received?

Paul: A bit of television coverage and newspaper articles.

GT: Great that we could do the interview at last. Paul can be contacted through his website. Tell him Mediaman sent you.

www.ovationmagic.com
email: paul@ovationmagic.com
mobile: 0411-663-919