Who is Lawson Reeves?
I’m a Perth boy at heart but am now living in Melbourne. I gained some public notoriety after my appearance on Big Brother in 2014 as the first reality magician. I have been able to continue telling my story through the blog I co-write called The story from both sides. I have been obsessed with entertaining and performing since I was a kid and discovered my love and passion for magic and have been able to build this into a career. I’ve preformed all across Australia as well as the International Comedy Festival, the Melbourne Magic Festival, and corporate gigs and parties, I love that magic gets to be a part of my everyday life and share that with everyone.
What would you do differently to what you do now?
I would never change being a magician but my other passion is performing arts and I would love to continue chasing that dream as well and put my degree in the arts to good use.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by my Dad, he has always done everything in his power to give us the life we have and he has always been a vibrant, boisterous, entertainer that will give anyone the time of day and has the confidence to be himself without caring what anyone thinks of him. I always strive to be like him, the life of any party and an interesting confident man who would make time and try to help anyone before himself.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
People often get caught up thinking how they can help the world on a grand scale but if you can just be kind to other people, smile more, wave and hold open the door for someone, be friendly and not expect anything in return. Positivity breeds positivity and there is already too much negativity in this world that any positivity any shape or form is greatly needed.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I was blown away by the beauty of Sri Lanka both the scenery and the people. Such love and passion in a country that doesn’t have much. It really made me appreciate the little things in life. Magic isn’t massive in Sri Lanka and everywhere I went for many it was the first time they had ever seen magic performed. I will never forget some of the incredible reactions I received, to be a part of someone’s first ever experience with magic was pretty special.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I like to take people to the botanical gardens. It’s so easy to lose yourself in there and forget that you are still in the city.
What are you currently reading?
Scar Tissue – Anthony Kiedis
What are you currently listening to?
Camp – Childish Gambino
Happiness is?
Happiness is about the journey not the destination, if you get caught up in where you are trying to be you will lose focus of what you have now. Stop and smell the roses, enjoy the present and be present. We all get caught up in an online persona and forget that social media isn’t the, be all end all. Be grateful and count your blessings. My Dad always says “I cried because I had no shoes, until I saw a man with no feet.”
What does the future hold for you?
I have no idea, but I am excited for what it holds for me. I’m at the beginning of my journey and can’t wait to see where my first solo show will take me. I’m proud of what I have created and am excited for audiences to see what I can do.
Lawson presents his first ever solo stage show, Genuinely Impossible at The Butterfly Club for a limited season from 9 January 2018. For more information, visit: www.thebutterflyclub.com for details.
Image: Lawson Reeves (supplied)