A Moment With ‘Andy The Mentalist’
ABIA talks tricks with this Sydney-based magician
Image Lovepixelsau
Andy Nunn was just 10 years old when he became intrigued by magic.
“I watched a magician make my uncle, and his friends, scream with childlike laughter, and figured that was a superpower I needed,” he says.
He made a lifelong friend of that magician and eventually transformed his passion for magic, or ‘mentalism, into a highly-successful, sought-after entertainment business.
We chatted to Andy, and convinced him to divulge a few of his secrets.
Image Declan Blackall Photography
Tell us about your entertainment business. What is a mentalist?
Mentalism is a form of magic that combines sleight of mind and hypnosis to give the illusion of mind-reading. When you see someone hypnotised, or experience it yourself, you question whether magic is real or not.
How did you fall into magic?
I met a magician when I was 10. He was performing to my uncle, and his friends, and the way he made them laugh like kids was fascinating to me. I befriended that magician, and we remain friends to this day. I started performing at weddings for him when I was 16, and in September 2019 I began performing full-time.
When Covid lockdowns set in, months later, it was a nerve-wracking time, but my business survived. Every event felt like a blessing after that, and in three years my business has grown dramatically. I’ve performed for some fantastic clients, expanded into other industries and been given some incredible opportunities.
Image Lovepixelsau
Where are you based and what locations do you service?
I’m based in Sydney, and most of my events are within NSW, but I perform nationwide — one of my latest bookings is in Port Fairy, Victoria.
What does a mentalist do day-to-day?
My fiancé would say that I sit around playing all day, then get to be the most popular person at a party in the evening. I like to think that I spend my free time ‘researching the mind and its capabilities’, and seeking inspiration outside of magic. From participating in silent retreats to ultra-marathons, I do whatever it takes to ensure my audiences have a fantastic experience.
Why should couples hire a magician for their wedding day?
Couples often say they want something different, to make their day stand out, without being too over the top — that’s magic!
Roving magic, in particular, fits in with the natural flow of a wedding day while providing a unique experience. And it’s an instant ice-breaker. While performing, I often look out for quieter guests and use my magic to help them feel a part of the gathering. Magic can give people the confidence to connect with others, and that buzz can carry through to the rest of the event.
Image Declan Blackall Photography
What's the difference between ‘Roving Magic’ and a ‘Magic Show’?
Roving Magic could also be described as ‘walk-around’ or ‘close-up’ magic, as it’s a performance that occurs close to the audience, and is typically performed without a stage or formal setting.
A Magic Show takes place on stage, as part of the ‘formal’ entertainment. I tailor my shows to suit each audience and they’re a highly-interactive experience, involving dozens of audience members. My goal is not only to entertain, but to also create long-lasting memories. I work closely with a couple to go over all the details of their wedding day to ensure that I offer the best possible service. Often, roving magic suits best, but I have also had some of my best shows at weddings.
When is the best time to ‘bring out the magic’ at a wedding?
Performing during a stand-up cocktail session, prior to a sit-down reception, works really well. When guests are mingling, magic can act as a social-lubricant — it brings everyone together, allows for a natural flow and the excitement carries through to the reception.
Image Declan Blackall Photography
What makes your service unique?
My style of performing is playful and fun. We all have that sceptical uncle who doesn't believe in anything, and I make it my goal to get him laughing.
I bring people together and get them talking. My performance isn't about tricking people, it’s about reintroducing them to childlike ‘wonder’ — in that state, people connect, they laugh, they play together, and everyone has a great time.
What was your favourite wedding performance?
A standout was performing for Dara Lawson (aka DJ Tigerlily) during her wedding while guests mingled over cocktails. It was such an amazing, relaxed vibe, that I wished I could have stayed longer.
What are your favourite wedding venues?
There are so many great ones, especially around Sydney, but I am getting married at Kangaroo Valley Bush Retreat, in NSW, so I guess that’s my personal favourite.
Image Declan Blackall Photography
