Li Lau's journey from a young MacGyver fan to a professional magician exemplifies how childhood interests can blossom into a successful career. Growing up in Port Elizabeth, Li’s fascination with magic was sparked by TV shows where characters would escape from seemingly impossible situations. “I was always captivated by how they used their wits and everyday objects to free themselves,” he recalls. “While I never imagined becoming a professional magician, I enjoyed learning magic as a hobby and developing skills that I still use today.”
Living in South Africa presented its challenges, as magic resources were both scarce and costly to import. It wasn’t until Li moved to the UK that he met fellow magicians and deepened his knowledge of escapology. “In the UK, I bought my first genuine handcuffs and professional lock picks. Returning to Gqeberha, I continued to hone my skills and eventually got the chance to perform at an Animal Welfare Society Club meeting in 2012, after a guest speaker canceled. That performance opened doors I hadn’t even imagined,” he shares.
Port Elizabeth, with its limited exposure to live magic performances, played a significant role in shaping Li’s unique style. “Growing up in South Africa during the 80s and 90s, it was tough to meet other magicians or see them perform. PE’s smaller scene allowed me to develop my own style without being influenced by the commercial norms of bigger cities like Joburg or Cape Town. It pushed me to be more creative and build a character that’s truly my own,” Li explains.
Despite its niche status, Li finds magic both rewarding and challenging. “The rarity of live magic performances means I get to showcase unique escapes that people haven’t seen before, which is incredibly rewarding,” he says. “However, the niche nature of magic can make some people hesitant to watch, as they might not know what to expect or fear it might not be their cup of tea. Many don’t realize how diverse magic can be, from card tricks to large stage illusions.”
Li’s recent performance at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown highlighted his commitment to pushing boundaries. “I start preparing for each year’s Festival almost immediately after the previous one ends. For ‘The Bizarre Magic of Li Lau,’ I expanded on what worked well in last year’s show, ‘Paranormal Activity,’ and incorporated new effects and storytelling elements,” he reveals. “It’s always hectic, managing multiple shows in a day, but the festival is a fantastic platform for exposure.”
Reflecting on memorable moments, Li cites his crossbow escape accident in 2019, which led to an invitation to “Britain’s Got Talent,” and winning a Standard Bank Ovation Award in 2021 for his show “The Magic of Sideshow.” “These moments have been pivotal in my career, opening doors to international opportunities and expanding my visibility,” he notes.
Looking forward, Li’s aspirations are grand. “While performing before Penn and Teller on ‘Fool Us’ was a significant achievement, Brendon and I aim to perform in Las Vegas and tour global Fringe Festivals,” he says. “I also hold a world record for a stunt called ‘Flaming Pick’ and hope to create new stunts that will earn more records. Working with Brendon is incredible—we’re great friends and partners both on and off the stage.”
Outside of magic, Li enjoys board games, reading, wine and gin tastings, and indulging in his love for comic books. “I relax by catching up on superhero adventures and drawing inspiration from them for new escapes,” he adds.