Good morning – Wayne Dobson here! The magician who swapped a thumb tip for a sharp tongue and still manages to cause mischief from a wheelchair. Magic might be visual, but what I’ve learned over the years is that true impact comes from the mind, and I’ve got a few tricks left up my sleeve—figuratively speaking!
Recently, a dear friend (and one of the few people who genuinely gets me) penned a heartfelt piece about yours truly. And what a tribute! Hilarious, inappropriate, occasionally offensive—but like all the best magic, utterly honest. He even suggests Eddie Redmayne could play me in a film called The Theory of F** All*! I’d pay to see that.
But let’s get down to business…
Magic: More Than Just Tricks – It’s a Mindset
Fifty Shades of Gold isn’t just a cheeky title – it’s a genuine peek behind the velvet curtain. It's 40+ years of showbiz pain, progress, and punchlines, crammed into a series of unfiltered, practical tips to elevate any magician from “meh” to “marvellous.”
Whether you’re new to magic or a seasoned pro, these are lessons that matter. From learning how to work a mic without looking like a weather presenter, to choosing the right lighting so you don’t look like a ghost, it’s all here.
Here’s a taste:
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Z the audience with your eyes when entering stage – simple, powerful, and unforgettable.
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Don’t clone other magicians – read books, not just DVDs. Your voice matters.
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Treat your volunteers like royalty, especially the ladies (unless you want to deal with an angry boyfriend).
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If a heckler gets cheeky, sometimes you just need to mouth the magic words: Don’t f** about*.
Magic is Theatre – So Don’t Bore Me!
Magic isn't just what you do—it's how you are. Audiences don’t just want tricks; they want someone they like. If they like you, the tricks are the cherry on top. I go into detail on everything from microphone technique to managing overzealous producers, and even the secret to remembering a volunteer’s name (hint: picture them with a number plate on their forehead—try it, it works).
I also reveal my best-kept secrets like:
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Why you should NEVER wear sunglasses on stage.
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Why less is more (even in illusions).
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Why it’s okay to whisper sweet nothings to a difficult spectator—just not into the mic.
A Final Word: This Book Isn’t Just a Read – It’s a Legacy
Fifty Shades of Gold is more than tips and tricks. It’s a celebration of survival, resilience, and stagecraft. I've had to adapt my entire approach to magic due to my disability—but if anything, it’s made me sharper, funnier, and far more focused on what really matters in a performance.
So, if you’ve ever wanted to climb inside the mind of someone who’s been there, done it, and still managed to crack a joke at the end—this is the book for you.
Support the Magic – Shop the Dobson Way
And while you’re here, why not pick up a few miracles from the official Dtrik shop? From my books to custom illusions and cheeky close-up magic, every product has my unique stamp—smart, strong, and a bit sarcastic.
👉 Visit www.dtrik.com and bring a bit of Dobbo into your life. Because if you’re going to learn magic, you might as well learn it from someone who’s survived the business, the backlash, and the British weather.
Until next time—stay magical, stay cheeky, and always remember: if you’re not making ‘em laugh, you’re just doing puzzles with props.
Wayne Dobson
– The OPTIMAS PRIME of magic.