French magician Robert-Houdin, father of modern stage magic
Peter Prowse
- Regions:
- South East, London, Wiltshire, Dorset
- Notice Period:
- Regular (more than one month's notice)
- Type:
- Hobby
- Fee:
- Paid: £75 plus expenses
- Category:
- Entertainment
- Updated:
- 23rd February 2026
- Tagged:
- Magic | Illusions | Tricks | French Entertainment
Robert-Houdin was a French clock-maker from Blois, in the Loire Valley. He discovered magic by accident and used his mechanical knowledge and imagination to create many of the stage illusions - such as cutting a lady in half - that are still performed today.
This talk covers the early origins of magic illusions, in Egypt, India and Europe and includes a demonstration of one of the earliest recorded illusions.
Views: 6 | Enquiries: 0About Peter Prowse
I am a songwriter, singer and guitarist and a qualified translator (from French). SInce 2020, I have been combining these interests by giving talks - mainly to French clubs in the UK and groups of professional translators in France - about French singers and songwriters (eg Georges Brassens, Charles Trenet, Yves Montand). I also give talks about the differences between French and English songs, and what happens when a song moves from one language and culture to another.
During the talks, I perform songs in both English and French. I can project the words on to a screen and many audiences enjoy a singalong.
I also give talks about:
- Cycling the Canal du Midi (with lots of information about the canal and the towns along the route)
- The history of magic, with special refernce to the French magician Robert-Houdin.
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