Wayne Dobson was born in Leicester and was just a youngster when he discovered the fun of magic for the first time. At just 16 years of age became the youngest-ever member of the Leicester Magic Circle.

Throughout his teens he worked on his magic becoming a real master and having great fun performing to friends and family, and the occasional show at his local youth club.

"David Nixon, Pat Page, Roy Johnson and Ken Brooke were all great influences on me."

Wayne was also inspired by another brilliant man of magic, Dai Vernon.

"I think it was because of Dai Vernon's influence that I became so interested in close-up magic. He was revered, and rightly so, by all the modern-day magicians and illusionists. He was one of the great innovators. The 'Cups and Balls' routine was one of his specialities."

At just 16 Wayne was demonstrating great flair and originality and started to pick up local engagements and club work, on a semi-professional basis. In 1977 he was a joint first prize winner in the close-up competition at the IBM British Ring Convention. This led to his television debut on BBC TV's Blue Peter. At just 21 he decided to become a professional magician.

Wayne was achieving great things on the notoriously difficult British club circuit. His original style of magic with fast talking patter and hilarious split-second one liners was having its effect. A run of tours with some of the UK's top performers ensued; Wayne opened for Freddie Starr, Shirley Bassey and the Shadows. The TV companies picked up on Wayne's magic and he performed on a number of top shows. In 1988 accompanied Engelbert Humperdinck on a comprehensive American tour which saw him entertaining in Las Vegas, Lake Tahoe, Hollywood, Los Angeles, Atlantic City and Chicago. The tour was a tremendous success. Wayne was blessed with a rare talent for blending great humour and great magic, evidenced by the high regard accorded him by fellow entertainers. Dean Martin was a fan and took him to Las Vegas..

In 1988 he was diagnosed with MS, his future was redefined in a moment; his world became inverted and uncertain. In the face of such adversity most would be tempted to give it up, quietly fade away into the unknown. Wayne didn’t give up, he saw it as a defining moment, he rose to the challenge, he continued to work, and he discovered his real and true friends like Joe Pasquale. Within the fraternity of magic he was regarded as an icon, frequently lecturing to the numerous societies up and down the country, his natural wit and ability to create wonderful magic effects found continuing favour. He was still a gifted entertainer and now he was to become an inspiration to others.

In this interview Wayne looks back at his career at the highs and the lows.  He talks about how to make a name for yourself in the magic industry, creativity and how anyone can be creative.  He also talks about his hopes and dreams and also talks about his new series of books which should be published in December 2021.