Budding young magician launches magic initiative to cure lockdown blues

Budding young magician, Will France, 14, from Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, filmed and uploaded a different trick to his YouTube channel every day throughout January in the hope that the clips will bring enjoyment and entertainment to all ages, particularly as the current restrictions prevent people from being able to attend live performances.

Recent studies carried out by the Mental Health Foundation have concluded that people are increasingly struggling with their emotional and mental health and Will, who is also an ambassador for the Cleft Lip and Palate Association, believes that his initiative could go some way towards reversing these statistics.

Will said: “I love magic and performing for the public and thought that this would be a great way to reach out and help cheer people up. It’s really nice to be able to do something to entertain, especially for those who may be finding lockdown difficult.

"Coming up with 31 different tricks has been the hardest challenge, but I think that there’s something there for everyone.”

Will has honed his craft at Queen Elizabeth Grammar School, participating in circus skills training and magician impossible sessions as part of QED, the school’s unique weekly enrichment and development programme.

Jim Palin, Queen Elizabeth Grammar School Deputy Headmaster, praised Will for using his remarkable talent to help others in typical QEGS spirit.

He said: “Will is one of those characters in school who always has a smile and tries to brighten the day for others, no matter what he is faced with! He has an infectious enthusiasm for life and it has been brilliant to watch him inspiring and motivating other pupils in a range of year groups with his incredible talent.

"This morning I was listening to another talented former QEGS student, Joel Mitchell, who was presenting the early slot on Radio 1 and I suspect that in Will we now have another talent to watch who we may well see a lot a more of in the future!”