David Goldrake in Conversation

Illusionist David Goldrake will be back in the Grand Duchy performing his "Smoke & Mirrors" show in Luxembourg during the second week of November; in the lead up to this sold-out show, we caught up with him, looking back over the past few years and his move to America and the pandemic, as well as looking forward to celebrating his 25 years in show business.

Chronicle.lu: You are back in Luxembourg for a short run in Limpertsberg: are you performing other shows in Luxembourg/Europe during your visit?

David Goldrake: This winter, I am only back in Luxembourg/Europe for a few weeks to perform my public shows in Germany, France, Sweden and Luxembourg. I also have several corporate Christmas parties booked, and hope to get some more, so I can share my magic with as many people as possible. I am also here to prepare next year’s national tour to celebrate my 25th anniversary as a professional illusionist.

Chronicle.lu: For a number of years you have been based in America: have you been performing primarily corporate or public shows, or maybe a mix of both?

David Goldrake: I started my new chapter in the United States with my award-winning residency @ the Tropicana on the Las Vegas Strip (we won the award for ‘Best New Magic Show’, ‘Best Magic Show, and ‘Best Family Friendly Show’). That lasted until the pandemic. When things picked up again, we reopened another show on the Strip for one year. Starting 2022, I started touring with public shows, corporate shows and private parties for high end clients.

Chronicle.lu: What has your experience been of the Magic Castle in Hollywood? Do you still perform there? and at other locations in the US?

David Goldrake: I have been one of the main headliners @ the Magic Castle since 2022. It’s still one of my favourite venues to perform in. I just finished a one week run in their main room (‘Palace of Mystery’), performing 29 50-minute shows in one week. Besides the Magic Castle, I have performed all over the United States, in various performance arts centres, smaller theatres, hotels/casinos and mansions.

Chronicle.lu: How did you spend your time during the pandemic? Did you research more routines, or did you see how you could perform online?

David Goldrake: I was one of the first magicians to perform online shows. Within weeks, a few friends/colleagues and myself connected to discuss the current situation. We quickly decided to go digital. I started performed weekly shows via Zoom in various languages for various time zones. Soon, I also started performing corporate shows via Zoom. I am very grateful to the clients who trusted me during those times. I found out later that a very famous colleague (and friend) of mine thought that my virtual show was one of the most professionally produced and performed show he had seen. It meant a lot to me, especially since performing virtually was extremely challenging (for all of us). Besides performing online, I also spend a lot of time researching new material, exploring new performance styles, and thinking about our species, society, life, death and other mysteries.

Chronicle.lu: For your current show "Smoke & Mirrors", have you had (m)any new props designed for it, or is it a show that is light on props?

David Goldrake: ‘Smoke & Mirrors’ is personality- and story-driven. The props involved in the show are mainly everyday objects or decorative objects.

Chronicle.lu: Do you prefer performing the more intimate shows, or the grand illusions?

David Goldrake: Both styles stimulate me in different ways. The more intimate shows allow me to feel my audience’s energy and establish a deeper connection with my guests. I get to know them better and share more privy aspects of my personality, life, and career. I get to make the show about them, rather than me. That is a very important factor for me. The bigger shows allow me to be more physical and theatrical. I love telling stories with lighting, sound, sets and movement. It’s completely different, yet equally satisfying. The balance between mind, body and soul is very important to me. Both styles allow me to have that balance.

Chronicle.lu: For your followers in Luxembourg, when can then next expect to see you perform?

David Goldrake: I am currently working on a new full-evening show/tour for 2025. It will be a hybrid show combining stand up magic and grand illusion. The occasion is my 25th anniversary as a professional magician. The tour will start 31 January and will end 26 April.