Stranded with a Stranger: William Poliet

William Poliet takes us on a magical journey spanning two decades of professional performance across France and the UK. As President of the Coventry Magic Circle and Warwickshire’s regional representative for The Magic Circle, William's carefully curated repertoire reflects both technical excellence and genuine audience connection.

His magical origin story begins with a profound childhood moment at his 11th birthday party, William's uncle performed a card effect that left him utterly spellbound. So captivated was young William that his only wish for his 12th birthday was to witness this miracle again. Years later, his uncle gifted him The Royal Road to Card Magic, revealing the method behind what William now affectionately calls "My Uncle's Trick" in his professional shows.

The eight effects William would take to a desert island showcase his performing philosophy. From Nick Einhorn's Signature Triumph to Michael Hout's "Priceless," William selects routines that establish rapport, generate laughter, and create memorable moments. His thoughtful commentary on sponge balls reminds us of magic's primal appeal: "When the audience member opens their hand and finds two or three sponge balls when they were convinced they only had one, the reaction is priceless."

Perhaps most insightful is William's perspective on his bent coin routine: "For us it's a bent coin, but for them it's a strange experience they'll remember forever." This profound understanding of how laypeople experience magic elevates William's selections beyond mere tricks to meaningful theatrical experiences.

Want to share your own desert island list? Send your eight tricks, one banishment, one book, and one non-magical item to sales@alakazam.co.uk with "my desert island list" in the subject line, and you might be featured in an upcoming episode!

Find out more about the creators of this Podcast at www.alakazam.co.uk