Stuart Lightbody performs magic as you’ve never seen it before, engineering entertaining experiences of the impossible using a unique combination of skilful sleight of hand and sneaky psychology.
Stuart, born in London UK, grew up in Cape Town SA. As a child he picked up a pack of cards and has never put them down. His early interest soon grew into fascination and a deep passion for the secretive arts of magic and misdirection. He enrolled at the College of Magic where he won many awards and competitions. After graduating from the College of Magic with the highest honours in 2001 he spent some time travelling, performing and sharpening his skills. He eventually resettled in Cape Town (the best place on earth) where he rejoined the College of Magic, this time as a lecturer, in 2004.
At the 2005 SA Magic Championships he placed first in several categories, and won the Grand Prix Trophy, becoming the South African National Magic Champion. Since then he has gained international exposure by representing South Africa at the World Magic Seminar in Las Vegas in 2005 and at the World Magic Championships in Sweden in 2006.
His first one man show, “52” with Stuart Lightbody, debuted in 2008. The production revealed the myths and legends surrounding sleight of hand artists and card cheats and was a sold out success. (“Stuart Lightbody [is a] sleight of hand extraordinaire” -Cape Argus)
In 2009 Stuart performed in the “Stars of Comedy and Magic” show at the Artscape Theatre and then teamed up with fellow psychological illusionist Bryan Miles in their two-man show “Sleight of Mind”, which debuted at the Grahamstown National Arts festival. (“This show will leave you simultaneously bewildered and amazed! …the show is incredible.” –Cue newspaper)
In 2010 Stuarts next one-man show “Telling Lies” was an interactive exploration of the psychology of deception, body-language and lie detection. It debuted at the Artscape Arena Theatre in Cape Town, and then went on to rave reviews at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival. (“Lightbody is a master of lie detection… Telling lies is a riveting show…” -Cue newspaper)
In 2011 Stuart lectured and performed at the IMX convention (International Magic Experience) in Las Vegas, Nevada. His one-man show “Stuperstition” debuted at the Grahamstown National Arts Festival where it won a coveted Standard Bank Silver Ovation Award! The Ovation Awards were created to recognize artistic innovation, excellence, and the courage to open new conversations through the arts. This show is a critical exploration of superstitious and magical thinking filled with impossible feats and thought provoking demonstrations. (“A highly entertaining look at both superstition and magic. His visual trickery is accompanied by wit and self-awareness…” – Cue Newspaper)
In 2012 he debuted another sold out one-man show “Dark Imaginings” at Kalk Bay Theatre. This darker look at magic and illusion is filled with fascinating and unnerving experiences. An evening of shock and wonder with dangerous stunts, sublime sleight of hand artistry and sneaky psychological illusion.
Stuart currently entertains a wide range of audiences. His unique brand of entertainment works equally well shared with a small group at a cocktail party or in front of a few hundred people on stage. He can be found entertaining anywhere from theatres and comedy clubs to receptions and dinner parties to corporate launches and conferences.
Stuart has had the pleasure of entertaining many esteemed and diverse guests, like SA Rugby Captain Francois Pienaar and Nobel Peace Prize winner FW de Klerk. He has also entertained for top local and international companies, like Pick n Pay, Old Mutual, Vodacom, Nokia, Glaxo Smith Kline, BMW and Coca Cola.
Stuart Lightbody continues to enjoy a fascination for his art. His unwavering passion to study, develop and teach the art of magic is equalled only by his dedication to entertaining professionally, with a deep respect for his audience.
