Remembering Okito: The Deaf Magician Who Changed Magic Forever

 

Today, July 15, marks the birthday of Tobias “Theo” Leendert Bamberg, better known to the magic world as Okito.

Born in the Netherlands on July 15, 1875, Okito became one of the most respected magicians, inventors and builders of magical apparatus of his generation. His influence continues today through the props he created, the performers he inspired and one small coin box that still carries his name.

Born Into a Legendary Magic Family

Theo Bamberg was born into the famous Bamberg Magical Dynasty, a family whose history in magic stretched across several generations. His father, David Tobias Bamberg, reportedly served as court magician to King William III of the Netherlands.

Theo represented the sixth generation of Bamberg magicians. His son, David Bamberg, continued the family tradition and became internationally famous under the stage name Fu Manchu.

For the Bamberg family, magic was more than a profession. It was an art form and family legacy passed from one generation to the next.

A Childhood Accident Changed His Life

When Theo was a child, he nearly drowned after falling through the ice while skating. The accident reportedly left him almost completely deaf.

Rather than allowing this disability to end his performing ambitions, Theo developed a silent act presented through movement, expression and pantomime. His visual performance style allowed him to communicate with audiences without relying on spoken words.

He eventually adopted the stage name Okito, an anagram of “Tokio,” the spelling commonly used for Tokyo at the time.

Okito initially presented a Japanese-inspired act before later adopting the elaborate Chinese-style costuming and imagery associated with his stage character. Although this presentation reflected theatrical conventions of that era, it would understandably be viewed differently by modern audiences.

Okito Joins Howard Thurston’s Show

After moving to the United States, Okito became associated with legendary illusionist Howard Thurston.

Beginning around 1908, he worked as an assistant, advisor and featured performer in Thurston’s production. He was advertised as “Europe’s Greatest Shadowist,” performing intricate hand shadows as part of the show.

Working with Thurston placed Okito inside one of the largest and most successful touring magic productions of the period. However, his greatest contribution to magic may have come from something much smaller.

The Invention of the Okito Box

In 1909, Okito and Joe Klein opened the Bamberg Magic & Novelty Company in New York City.

According to magic history, Okito was experimenting with a small pillbox when he developed the prop that became known as the Okito Box. The simple cylindrical box allowed magicians to perform remarkable vanishes, appearances and penetrations with coins.

More than a century later, the Okito Box remains a standard piece of equipment for coin magicians. Numerous variations have been created, including Boston Boxes, slot boxes and magnetic versions, but the fundamental concept still bears Okito’s name.

That is an extraordinary legacy for a prop inspired by an ordinary pillbox.

A Master Builder of Magical Apparatus

Okito was also known for designing and constructing beautiful mechanical magic apparatus. His props combined clever methods with exceptional craftsmanship and visual appeal.

Unlike disposable tricks created for brief popularity, Okito’s apparatus was built as functional artwork. Surviving pieces are now highly sought after by collectors and magic historians.

His effects often included colorful boxes, unusual mechanisms and elaborate stage presentations. Okito understood that the appearance of a prop could be just as important as its secret.

He eventually toured throughout Europe and South America, presenting the larger illusions and distinctive visual magic that helped establish his international reputation.

War Destroyed Much of His Collection

Okito eventually returned to the Netherlands, but his life was disrupted by the Second World War. When Nazi forces invaded Belgium and the Netherlands, much of his property and magical apparatus was reportedly confiscated or destroyed.

He later relocated to the United States and spent his final years in Chicago, where he remained respected by magicians and magic collectors.

Okito died in 1963, leaving behind a remarkable legacy that connected magic’s theatrical past with the close-up magic still performed today.

Okito’s Lasting Influence on Magic

Many modern magicians may never have seen Okito perform, but they have likely encountered his influence.

Every time a magician performs with an Okito Box, studies beautifully constructed apparatus or creates a routine that communicates through movement instead of words, a small part of Okito’s legacy lives on.

His story is also an inspiring reminder that physical limitations do not have to prevent someone from becoming a successful entertainer. Okito transformed the loss of his hearing into a distinctive silent performance style capable of entertaining audiences around the world.

On his birthday, we remember Tobias “Theo” Bamberg—not only as Okito, the mysterious magician depicted on vintage posters, but as an inventor, craftsman and performer whose ideas continue to shape magic more than 150 years after his birth.

AGT Magician Horrifies Mel B by “Destroying” Her Priceless Spice Girls Bracelet

 Magician Joel Mawhinney created one of the most stressful moments of the current America’s Got Talent season when he appeared to destroy a sentimental bracelet belonging to Mel B.

During the Tuesday, July 14 episode of America’s Got Talent, the 28-year-old Northern Irish magician—known professionally as Joel M—borrowed several personal possessions from the judges. The items included Howie Mandel’s phone, a framed photograph belonging to Sofia Vergara and a diamond bracelet that Mel B received from her fellow Spice Girls for her 50th birthday.

Mel B immediately made it clear that the bracelet was not an ordinary piece of jewelry. It was a meaningful gift from Melanie C, Emma Bunton, Geri Halliwell and Victoria Beckham.

That made what happened next especially uncomfortable.

Joel Mawhinney Takes a Hammer to the Judges’ Belongings

After collecting the personal items, Joel placed them inside a zippered bag onstage. He then raised a hammer and appeared to smash everything inside—including Mel B’s treasured Spice Girls bracelet.

The judges watched in disbelief as Joel repeatedly struck the bag. Mel B appeared genuinely distressed by the possibility that her sentimental keepsake had been destroyed for an America’s Got Talent audition.

However, Joel had established an important rule at the beginning of the performance: anything that disappeared had to reappear.

That promise became the foundation for the routine’s surprising conclusion.

Mel B’s Bracelet Reappears Inside Her AGT Buzzer

Joel first returned Howie Mandel’s phone from a locked gift box that had been visible throughout the performance. Sofia Vergara then discovered her photograph hidden inside the cushion of her chair.

The biggest revelation was saved for Mel B.

Joel directed her attention to the red buzzer on the judges’ desk. Hidden inside was a tiny envelope containing her supposedly destroyed bracelet.

Mel B carefully inspected the jewelry and confirmed that it was unharmed, with every diamond still intact. Relieved by its safe return, she told Joel that the bracelet was extremely sentimental and declared that she believed in magic.

The AGT Judges Were Divided Over Joel’s Performance

Although the magical conclusion impressed the panel, the presentation received mixed reactions.

Sofia Vergara praised the magic while jokingly questioning whether smashing the judges’ desk was really necessary. Simon Cowell acknowledged that the routine took a long time but responded positively to the audience’s enthusiastic reaction.

Howie Mandel complimented Joel’s personality and appearance but criticized the performance for being too long. He ultimately voted no.

Mel B enthusiastically gave Joel his first yes, followed by positive votes from Sofia Vergara and Simon Cowell. With three yes votes and one no, Joel Mawhinney advanced to the next stage of the competition.

Who Is AGT Magician Joel Mawhinney?

Joel Mawhinney is a magician, content creator and television presenter from Bangor, Northern Ireland. Performing under the name Joel M, he reportedly began learning magic at five and was performing in restaurants by 11.

Before appearing on America’s Got Talent, Joel built a worldwide following through his magic, mentalism and illusion videos. He has accumulated more than 20 million followers across Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.

Joel also became the 41st presenter of the long-running BBC children’s program Blue Peter in 2022. His other credits include the BBC Northern Ireland series Life Is Magic, the live tour Joel M: Impossible and the book Make Your Own Magic.

Was the Risk Worth It?

Joel’s audition demonstrated why apparent danger can make a magic trick emotionally powerful. The bracelet was more than an expensive object—it represented Mel B’s relationship with the other Spice Girls.

That emotional connection immediately raised the stakes.

However, Howie Mandel’s criticism also highlighted an important lesson for performers: even when the ending is strong, pacing remains essential. A television magic act must create suspense without allowing the journey to overpower the final revelation.

Whether viewers loved the tension or felt the routine lasted too long, Joel Mawhinney certainly gave the judges—and the audience—a performance they will remember.

America’s Got Talent airs Tuesdays on NBC and streams the following day on Peacock.

Source credit: Performance details were reported by People

Background information about Joel M was referenced from his professional biography

J C Sum & 'Magic Babe' Ning

 

Penn & Teller perform Chipper on Fool Us

 

The Bullet

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The video explains how to repair it in case of accidents

Viral NYC Pop-Up Producers Launch Underground Overground Magic in Unexpected Venues

 

New York City’s live entertainment scene is getting a magical new addition—and it will not be taking place inside a traditional theater.

Ethan Mansoor and David Levine, the longtime friends behind the successful Underground Overground Comedy series, are expanding their unconventional entertainment model with a new project called Underground Overground Magic.

The pair became known for presenting comedy shows in unexpected locations throughout New York City. Since launching their company in 2021, they have transformed laundromats, barbershops, restaurants and other unusual spaces into temporary comedy clubs.

Their previous shows have included appearances by major comedians such as Bill Burr and Saturday Night Live performer Marcello Hernández. Now, Mansoor and Levine hope to bring that same sense of discovery and excitement to the world of magic.

From Comedy After-Parties to a New Magic Series

The idea reportedly developed after magicians began performing at after-parties connected with the duo’s comedy events. The enthusiastic response to those close-up performances convinced Mansoor and Levine that audiences were interested in seeing a larger magic-centered production.

Underground Overground Magic will showcase a rotating group of performers presenting everything from card tricks and mentalism to more dangerous variety acts such as sword swallowing.

Many of the participating magicians are young entertainers who are still building their careers. That gives the new series the opportunity to introduce audiences to emerging performers before they become nationally recognized names.

This is similar to what happened with the company’s comedy shows. Marcello Hernández appeared at some of its smaller events before joining the cast of Saturday Night Live.

Magic Comes to Some Unusual Locations

The locations may be just as surprising as the performances.

Upcoming Underground Overground Magic events are reportedly being planned for a downtown scuba shop, an abandoned barbecue restaurant in Williamsburg and Zabar’s, the famous specialty food market on New York City’s Upper West Side.

Placing magic inside these unusual environments could make every performance feel like a one-time experience. Even returning customers may encounter a different location, lineup and selection of acts each time they attend.

That unpredictability is expected to become an important part of the brand.

Instead of asking audiences to visit a permanent theater, Underground Overground Magic turns familiar or forgotten New York spaces into temporary showrooms. It is an approach that could also introduce live magic to people who might not normally purchase tickets to a traditional magic show.

A Growing Interest in Live Magic

The launch is another encouraging sign for the magic community. Audiences are continuing to seek live, interactive experiences that cannot be duplicated by watching a video on their phones.

Magic is especially well suited to unconventional venues because it can transform nearly any room into a place of mystery and wonder. A deck of cards, an engaging performer and an audience willing to participate may be all that is needed to create an unforgettable evening.

Mansoor and Levine have expressed hopes of eventually expanding their productions into additional cities and digital projects. If Underground Overground Magic follows the path of their comedy series, it could become an important platform for introducing rising magicians to new audiences.

For now, New Yorkers should prepare to encounter magic in places where they would never expect to find it—even between the aisles of a specialty food market or inside a neighborhood scuba shop.

This article was independently written using information originally reported by Lizzie Hyman for PEOPLE. Full credit for the original reporting belongs to PEOPLE.

The Secret Behind Ozzy Osbourne’s Throne: It Was Built by a Magician

 

One of Ozzy Osbourne’s most memorable stage props had an unexpected connection to the world of magic.

During Ozzy’s 1982 Diary of a Madman tour, the legendary Birmingham rocker appeared seated upon an enormous theatrical throne. The prop also appeared on the cover of his live album Speak of the Devil, becoming part of Ozzy’s unmistakable visual identity during that era.

But this was no ordinary chair. It was a working stage illusion created by veteran American magician and illusion builder Charles “Kirk” Kirkham.

From an Ice Show to Heavy Metal History

The throne was not originally designed for Ozzy Osbourne. Kirkham and his family first constructed it in 1976 for a touring Ice Capades production.

After several years of regular use, the prop was placed into storage. When someone connected with Ozzy’s production contacted Kirkham in need of something dramatic, practical and capable of being prepared quickly, the magician realized the existing throne could be transformed for the rock star.

The exterior was refurbished, the mechanical components were updated and the armrests were altered to accommodate Ozzy comfortably.

Kirkham’s son Richard, who assisted with the project, later served as the primary test subject while the family adjusted the chair and tested its hidden mechanism.

Ozzy’s Magical Appearance

The oversized throne was constructed around a smaller internal structure in which Ozzy could remain concealed. The outer portion could then be displayed in a way that made the throne appear empty.

When it was time for Ozzy to make his entrance, an electronically activated smoke device positioned near the front of the throne released a cloud of smoke. Ozzy would then appear dramatically from within the structure.

Although the presentation fit perfectly with Ozzy’s dark and theatrical image, the secret behind it came directly from the traditions of stage magic and illusion.

Richard and his brother proudly told their friends that their family had worked on Ozzy’s throne, although they were never able to obtain tickets to see it performed live. The family eventually watched footage of the illusion on the American television program Entertainment Tonight.

The Work of Charles “Kirk” Kirkham

Kirkham spent decades as a performer and builder of professional magic equipment. Based in California, he designed illusions and theatrical effects for magicians, television productions and live entertainment.

Richard grew up surrounded by these unusual creations and sometimes appeared as an assistant and performer in his father’s shows. Following Kirkham’s death in 2001 at the age of 75, many of his props found their way into museums and private collections.

Ozzy Osbourne’s throne remains a fascinating example of the relationship between rock concerts and theatrical magic. What audiences saw as an unforgettable heavy-metal entrance was, behind the smoke, a carefully engineered magician’s illusion with an earlier life in an ice-skating show.

It is another reminder that magicians and illusion builders have influenced far more than traditional magic shows. Their secretive work can be found throughout concerts, television, movies, amusement parks and some of entertainment history’s most iconic moments.

This article was independently written using information originally reported by BBC News. Full credit for the original reporting goes to the BBC.