Usually I search the internet for already self written biographies (sometimes with hilarious 20 year old results, sorry Danny!) of the guest I've interviewed. It came as no surprise to me that Mark didn't have one. In the world he inhabits, his reputation is such that he doesn't need one!

In 2004 I was lucky enough to walk into JB Magic and find Mark Mason standing behind the counter. I didn't know that I was about to be treated to a performance by the greatest magic demonstrator alive. A statement that's as true now as it was then. Three years later I was entirely obsessed with magic and even found myself working behind the counter in that same store.

The years I spent working with Mark were easily some of the happiest in my life. I laughed more than I thought possible and learned more than I could ever say thank you for. Standing next to Mark making gimmicks or watching him demonstrate magic every day was really a gift. We talk about those days in great detail as well as Mark's beginnings as game operator turned magician.

We discuss the evolution of JB Magic as a physical store and all of his favourite routines for stand up and parlour shows.

I genuinely cannot tell you how thrilled I am to be able to bring you this chat. I hope you love it as much as I did.

I also recorded with Mark for my patreon page at www.patreon.com/markjamesmagician where we discussed the four performers he'd choose for his own magical variety show and Mark's love of silent film stars like Charlie Chaplin.

That chat is available RIGHT NOW along with extra content from every previous guest on the podcast. You can hear it all for just £5. It's the very best way to support the podcast.

Season sponsored by MagicBox! Don't forget to use discount code SHTICK at checkout for 10% of your total purchase. They're a great store so please support them !