‘Rough handling’: Tied up magician’s mortifying on-stage moment with Margaux Parker

They describe it as their most mortifying moment on stage, involving a radio star, a straitjacket and some “rough handling”.

After meeting over a magic trick, these two became best mates and co-performers as the Naked Magicians. Here they reveal their first impressions of each other, the secrets to their performances and their most embarrassing moment on stage - involving Margaux Parker.

Christopher Wayne, 35,
Teneriffe, performer/producer

How old were you when you discovered magic?

Growing up, my grandfather showed me magic tricks and I would spend my spare hours watching David Copperfield on TV, dreaming I could be an entertainer one day.

When and why did you decide to pursue performing as a career?

I didn’t choose performing as a career, it’s just what I am. It sounds a bit silly but it’s just my DNA – I don’t perform for a living, I am a performer.

Christopher Wayne, left, and Mike Tyler - "The Naked Magicians". Picture: Leonard Ortiz

What were your first impressions on meeting Mike?

I don’t normally like magicians. They are a certain type of person. I saw Mike perform and was enamoured by how he held the attention of an audience without being stereotypical.

How does he influence you?

Mike has taught me the importance of perseverance through adversity and having to stand beside him on stage makes me want to go to the gym more!

Do you prefer performing solo or alongside Mike?

Nothing is more fun than getting on stage with your best mate and entertaining a theatre full of people.

What is the difference between performing for kids and performing for adults?

The amount of swear words I use. 

Christopher Wayne and Mike Tyler having some fun. Picture: Annett Dew

Is magic finite or is there an endless potential for tricks and shows?

Magic is only restricted by your creativity. I think for Mike and myself, our focus is “How do we give audiences the best night out?”

What is your favourite trick to perform, and why?

The finale of The Naked Magicians. There is no funnier moment in live theatre that I have ever seen.

What has been your most memorable audience participation moment?

We last played Brisbane in 2021 as a part of the Comedy Festival. The First Lady of Brisbane, Margaux Parker, was invited on stage to tie me in a straight jacket for an escape.

I can’t fairly say what happened on stage, but her “rough handling” of me in the jacket required me to stop the trick, excuse myself from being on stage and hand the rest of the show over to Mike. Margaux, if you’re reading this - we need to talk!

Has a trick failed?

All I’m going to say is, “Don’t dislocate your knee on stage when you are performing naked”. (Texas, 2017)

Margaux Parker was involved in one of the magician’s most mortifying moments. Picture Josh Woning

Mike Tyler, 35,
Albion, performer/producer

How old were you when you discovered magic, and how?

In my early 20s … I had a date and a mate encouraged me to learn a magic trick as something unique and fun to impress her. I stuffed up the trick and didn’t get a second date, but my love of magic stuck around. 

How and why did you decide to pursue performing as a career?

Growing up, I was obsessed with superheroes. Being able to do magic was the closest thing to having a real superhero power. That initial love of being able to blow people away in person with something that was seemingly impossible got me hooked. Prior to my career as a magician, I worked in finance.

When and how did you meet Christopher?

I met him at one of my Brisbane events. I did some of my favourite trickery for his group and stole his wallet at the end (yes, I gave it back!). We hit it off over our common love of magic.

Christopher Wayne, left, and Mike Tyler.

How did you start performing together?

Neither of us is your stereotypical cheesy old-school magician. We love magic itself as well as the wonder and joy it brings, but recognised no one was doing a naughty magic show.

What do you like about collaborating and performing with Christopher?

He is a creative bombshell and one of the funniest guys you’ll ever meet. He’s a reliable, energetic and quick-witted partner on stage. We’re always trying to crack one another up with some improvised moments during a show. Getting on stage with your best mate, entertaining a sold-out theatre, is like no other feeling in the world.

How does he influence you?

He makes me a better producer, creator and comedian.

Have all magic tricks been discovered or does illusion have endless potential?

The Naked Magicians is a magic concept which had literally never been done before – a very naughty and very funny magic show where we get naked by the end. Magic and entertainment has endless potential. We just need the time, energy and desire to create something new.
 

The Naked Magicians: Gold Coast, Brisbane, Redlands June-July. nakedmagicians.com; The Showmen: Tweed Heads June 25, Caloundra July 2 and Ipswich July 3. officialshowmen.com