Many a child has spent a birthday or Christmas morning dazzling family with tricks from a newly unwrapped magic set.

But while most of these budding Houdinis go on to become doctors, bankers or builders, few continue to fool people on a professional basis.

This is exactly how Borehamwood's Jon Allen, the recent winner of the 'close-up' championships of the British section of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, got started.

Jon, who recently moved to Eldon Avenue, said: "I've been into magic since I was nine. It was a great hobby at school because I could do things that other kids couldn't. I was a bit of an extrovert, but magic gave me more confidence."

Having won the equivalent American competition in 1995, Jon is only the second person to have been awarded both titles. Previous holders of the impressive cup include the likes of Paul Daniels, Ali Bongo and Wayne Dobson.

Performing to a room full of professional magicians was a nerve-racking experience, but Jon now feels he has gained his peers' recognition and respect.

He said: "They were looking for entertainment and originality -- anyone can just copy someone else's tricks."

Close-up is very distinct from stage magic, and is Jon's speciality.

"People think it's more impressive because it's right in front of their eyes. Interacting is also much easier."

After school, Jon went to Sheffield Polytechnic to study information technology. So why the career change?

"I'm often asked if I did magic at university. I say that I did magic at Sheffield, but mainly during electronics lectures. It's kind of funny, but sadly pretty true.

"On my last night up there I saw a magician at a restaurant and thought I could do a lot better. A magician should be somebody who, even if they're not doing magic, should be interesting to talk to at a party. It's not just a matter of doing tricks."

For six months after graduating, Jon worked in an accounts department. He soon became bored of the routine and went to America.

On his return he embarked on a career in magic -- and has not looked back since.

"There are busy and quiet periods, but even if I'm not out performing, I'm doing other stuff like making props."

His routine now consists of tricks he has devised himself, and those that have evolved over time.

As well as entertaining guests at weddings and bar-mitzvahs, Jon wows audiences at trade shows, private parties and celebrity gatherings -- including most recently Simon Mayo, Gary Linneker and Princess Margaret.

"I get these jobs through agencies or word of mouth, but I don't really care as such about famous people. It's very nice to be able to mix with them and entertain them, but to me everyone's the same."

But magic has a down side too as weekends off are not that easy to conjure up.

"It is pretty unsociable and you are usually out on a Saturday night. But then I do have fun when I'm working and I get to meet a people and travel to different places."

Still, at least he has the companionship of his personal puppet, Benson.

Speaking affectionately about the yellow feathered chick, now an invaluable part of the act, Jon said: "I love him because he's fun and I know that everyone has such a good time with him. People have actually cried with laughter at Benson."

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