About James
James Karp is not only an expert at entertaining audiences in the art of magic, he is also a writer, producer and a philanthropist.
After losing his father at the age of 20, facing his own illusions about life, James quit his job as a security guard and set off on a three year journey travelling around the world, in the hope of finding his calling. In his travels, he encountered strange and wonderful inspirational people and studied transcendental meditation and metaphysics before being seduced by the world of magic, where he found his true calling.
Soon after his initiation in the art of magic, in 1997 he took a three day trip to Las Vegas to meet his heroes of magic - Siegfried and Roy and to attend the secret magic seminar run by Siegfried.
As fate would have it, it is around this time when he met his future wife, Simone of whom he not only swept her off her feet, but made her levitate, quite literally. Before she knew it they were married and she was his unpaid assistant.
1999 James returned to Australia and produced his first magic and illusion show called Beyond Belief and has been wooing audiences ever since.
James Cockington of the Sydney Morning Herald reviewed his first theatre production, referring to him as Australia’s own Siegfried and Roy – “its vegas style magic”
2003 saw James travel the world again, performing his comedy magic cabaret show - Viva Lost Wages, for 6 months on the Norwegian Cruise line.
Along with performing in many magic shows, James is highly regarded as an entertainment Producer having produced shows and events for BMW mini Launch, L’Oreal’s Viktor and Ralph fragrance launch and A1 Grand Prix opening ceremony which is televised to 70 million people world wide. Bryce Courteney personally asked him to organise his last two book launches, Sylvia and the Persimmon Tree.
James’ list of VIP clients have not only included a long list of corporate companies but also international tycoons and sheiks, acclaimed film director George Lucas, Mr Toyota himself, the late Stan Zemanek and legendary actor / comedian Jerry Lewis, who described James as “a sleight of hand merchant”.
Travelling regularly to Las Vegas he became close friends with veteran Las Vegas producer Peter Reveen. Inspired by his intriguing stories, myths and secrets of classic Las Vegas James began writing a Musical. In 2008 he raised two million dollars and premiered Las Vegas the musical at the State Theatre to rave reviews. Aussie theatre.com described the show as “a winner with audiences” the credits kept on coming in – “Vegas with all the sparkle” Daily Telegraph, “the use of Illusion is spectacular” Sydney Morning Herald.
His work has again been recognised internationally with producers in China, licensing his musical.
Highly respected by his peers, 2008 saw James elected President of The Magic Academy.
James’ troupe includes his assistant / wife, two beautiful daughters, a rabbit, two doves and a duck!
James brings a unique and international style of entertainment to your event.