The name Cosentino is synonymous with magic and entertainment, not only in Australia, but around the world.
Arguably Australia’s best ever and most popular illusionist, Cosentino first came to national attention on Australia’s Got Talent in 2011, but since then has worked tirelessly on his craft and image, spreading his love of the arts throughout the world and into the minds and hearts of people everywhere.
Australia’s master illusionist and magician recently announced his first national run of his home country for early next year as he embarks on the Decennium Tour, which is basically a celebration of his ten years performing magic and illusions.
Those who have seen Cosentino before will attest to his mind-blowing live show, featuring not only magic, tricks, illusions and escape feats, but also lashings of music, humour and audience participation that elevate Cosentino above the status of mere magician.
He is an entertainer of the highest degree and one who constantly strives to better himself with each performance.
HEAVY was lucky enough to snare 20 minutes of Cosentino’s time for an entertaining chat about magic and what it takes to be the best.
“I haven’t been able to do a national tour for a long time,” he sighed. “Obviously a few of those years were taken up with COVID, so it’s good to be back. This is a big show with semi-trailers, and we’re bringing our own lights and sets and costumes, so everything is custom. It’s a best-of tour, it can’t get any better – well you’d hope from my end (laughs). It puts a bit of pressure on me because I think it’s the best of, it’s the best it’s ever going to be! It’s never going to get any better, guys (laughs).”
Ten years of performing is a long time, and Cosentino would have entertained with countless tricks and illusions over that period, which begs the question of what was the selection criteria for the tour? Was it audience reaction? Personal favourites? None of the above?
“It’s a combination of both,” he smiled. “Without trying to come off conceited, it’s really, really tough. All of the national tours I have done – the nine television specials, the guest appearances, international touring, shows across talent franchises across the world as a guest artist – it’s hard to just go this is what I’m going to do. And to bring it down to 90 minutes… The reason why it’s tough is because the show can’t just be all dramatic. Or it can’t just be all romantic, or it can’t just be all funny. It’s got to be… there’s got to be a storyline with a bit of humour, a bit of comedy, a bit of romance and a bit of drama. It’s like a good film. You want it to flow nicely, so not necessarily what’s the most spectacular? What’s the most death-defying? What’s the most shocking? It’s not that at all. You want an overall best show, and that’s why it’s challenging.”
In the full interview, Cosentino talks us through the show more, discusses his role as writer, producer and choreographer, the dangers involved, how much practice and preparation goes into one 90 minute show, the drive needed to perform at the highest level, mixing comedy with his act and why, using music as an enhancer, his early days with magic and how he got into it, the show finale and what to expect and more.
For complete tour, ticket and VIP experience information, visit: livenation.com.au
