James Galea

James Galea
Born Sydney, Australia
Occupation magician, illusionist, actor
Known for 673 King St, Band of Magicians
Website
www.jamesgalea.com

James Galea is an Australian magician and actor based in Sydney and Los Angeles. He is also the founding member of the Band of Magicians, magic's first supergroup.[1]

Early career

Galea was introduced into the art of magic at age 14. He spent most of his youth studying sleight of hand magic, practicing for eight hours a day.[2] He also attended Marcellin College Randwick, graduating in 1998. Taken under the wing of a professional conman, it was not until recently that Galea discovered that what he was learning as magic his mentor was using to cheat people out of money in high-stakes poker games. In 1999, at age 18, Galea performed at James Packer's first wedding - the same year that saw him open his own stage show in Japan.[3]

In 2002, Galea became the Australian Close-up Magic Champion.[4] He has made numerous television appearances including the NRL Footy Show, Mornings with Kerri-Anne and 9am with David & Kim.[5] In 2005/2006, Galea headlined venues including the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood and the Flamingo Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas. Returning from the U.S. Galea filmed a six part series for the Nine Network titled "Urban Magic".[6][7][8] He has also been a headline act on luxury cruise ships around the world.[9][10]

2008-2009

In 2008, Galea premiered his one-man show I Hate Rabbits at Sydney's Enmore Theatre to a sell-out crowd.[11] The show featured in the 2009 Adelaide Fringe Festival before heading to the Forum Theatre in Melbourne as part of the 2009 Melbourne International Comedy Festival. During the Melbourne season, Galea appeared in the nation-wide broadcast of the Melbourne International Comedy Festival Gala Show and performed his award winning routine 673 King Street.[12][13]

After a chance meeting in 2007, Galea teamed up with writer/actor/director Nicholas Hammond to co-write a play, Lying Cheating Bastard. The plot features a young man drawn into the seedy underbelly of Sydney, the story of infamous con-man Jimmy Garcia (aka "Cricket") and how he became the most successful con-man in Australia by the age of 27.[14][15]

2010

With millions of YouTube hits getting global attention, Galea made his United States' TV debut on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show' in March and again on 'Ellen’s Somewhat Special Special' during the Just For Laughs Festival in June 2010.

Galea toured 'Lying Cheating Bastard' in 19 cities around Australia in July/August.

2014

James formed the Band of Magicians with Justin Flom, Justin Willman, and Nate Staniforth and performed a string of sold out performances in Australia.[1]

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Time Out, Band of Magicians - Sydney Festival 2014, October 23, 2013
  2. ↑ Iaccarino, Clara (23 April 2008). "I Hate Rabbits". Theatre Review (Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  3. ↑ Neill, Rosemary (29 November 2008). "The Face: James Galea". Profile (The Australian). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  4. ↑ Unlimited, Magic (2 May 2007). "Australian Magic Conventions". Blog (Magic Unlimited). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  5. ↑ Iaccarino, Clara (23 April 2008). "I Hate Rabbits". Theatre Review (Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  6. ↑ Cuming, Angela (5 February 2006). "Touch of Magic to Boost Nine’s Ratings Bid". Television News (Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  7. ↑ Jones, Sarah (26 June 2009). "Sexy, cool magic". Arts Preview (Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  8. ↑ Neill, Rosemary (29 November 2008). "The Face: James Galea". Profile (The Australian). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  9. ↑ Neill, Rosemary (29 November 2008). "The Face: James Galea". Profile (The Australian). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  10. ↑ Jones, Sarah (26 June 2009). "Sexy, cool magic". Arts Preview (Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  11. ↑ Neill, Rosemary (29 November 2008). "The Face: James Galea". Profile (The Australian). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  12. ↑ Poxon, Kim (8 April 2009). "James Galea I Hate Rabbits". Arts Review (Sydney Morning Herald). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  13. ↑ "James Galea I Hate Rabbits". Show Listing (Melbourne International Comedy Festival 2009). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  14. ↑ Armstrong, Anne (29 May 2009). "Lying Cheating Bastard". Theatre Review (ABC North Coast NSW). Retrieved 2009-12-10.
  15. ↑ Simmonds, Diana (3 July 2009). "Lying Cheating Bastard". Theatre Review (Stage Noise). Retrieved 2009-12-10.

External links