Beyond Possible: The Magic Of The Impossible Comes Alive In New Illusionist Show

Illusionist shows seem to be on the rise in recent months — audiences of all ages are bedazzled by the mesmerising magic, mind-bending tricks, and the immersive experiences that spark wonder and joy. Jackson Aces is an Australian illusionist who will be returning to perform in Sydney after a sold-out season in 2023 and audiences can expect to witness the unexpected, in his jaw-dropping show Beyond Possible.

Aces’ interest began one day at school when a friend pulled out a deck of cards and showed him a trick – and from that trick he became hooked.

“My first card trick was called the Key Card; it’s a simple beginner’s trick that my mum taught me. I’ve always had hobbies and passion projects, and magic is the only one that really stuck and that I eventually realised I could make a living from,” enthused Aces.

He went on to explain that his favourite trick to perform is a card trick called ‘The Ambitious Card’, which is one of the first tricks magicians learn if they’re serious about performing.

“It allows for a lot of creativity and variety within it. I love it because I’m easily bored and have an obsession for performing difficult tricks… it’s so satisfying. A card is signed by the volunteer, and in the basic version, the card is repeatedly put in the middle of the pack and continues to appear on the top of the deck (hence the name, Ambitious Card).”

Aces said that when he learns new tricks it takes him weeks or months to master them, which highlights his passion for the art.

“With every trick, there is a testing stage after you’ve taken the time to master it. You must put it in front of an audience – only then do you know if it fools them… Being caught out is all part of the process. It’s even important to discover how the audience thinks it’s done, even if they’re wrong.

“Because if they’re sure it went up your sleeve, it doesn’t matter how you really did it, they won’t be impressed unless you do that trick without sleeves!”

The magicians who inspired Aces the most were the two David’s. “David Blaine, still my hero and biggest inspiration, and David Copperfield, who I admire so much when it comes to performing on stage and making the show feel like a rock concert experience.”

He received added training from Andrei Jikh who taught the stars of Hollywood’s biggest magic movies Now You See Me 1 & 2, and his best friend in magic, Joseph Reohm from LA, who is booked out years in advance on cruise lines.

When asked to share a funny moment that happened during one of his shows Aces laughed saying that there were many but the first happened when he was performing his first public one hour show. He had unknowingly misplaced a dove during rehearsals, and no-one realised until it was almost too late.

“I was just about to perform my dove trick finale, when my assistant came on stage abruptly, with a feigned smile and wide eyes. She whispered, ‘Where’s the dove?’ It was then that I realised I had no finale…

“My volunteer was left standing there and the audience confused as we had a frenzied conversation beneath our breaths. As far as I was concerned, that dove had really disappeared!”

Aces is one of Australia’s most sought after magicians who has had thousands of hours of practice and who has also performed extensively. Come along to the iconic Opera House where you will be transported to a world of wonder, where magic meets art with a touch of Aces’ trademark cheeky humour.

Beyond Possible is showing at Sydney Opera House from July 30 – Aug 3.