Paul Gleeson

Paul Gleeson or Rua (born 7 December 1987) is an Irish TV magician, mentalist and escapologist.

Early life

Born in Monkstown, County Dublin, Ireland, Rua developed his interest in magic at the age of 18. He had previously worked as a fire performer, and after a freak accident suffered second- and third-degree burns to his hands, face and chest. While he was in hospital, he was given a book on card tricks by a friend, through which he developed his interest in sleight of hand.^[1] Rua holds a BA Honours Degree in Communication Studies, and a Master's degree in Film and Television Studies from Dublin City University.^[2]

Television career

Rua's television career began in 2012 when he started filming his debut series Draíocht for Irish national broadcaster TG4, with Midas Productions, the company that was originally behind Irish Hypnotist Keith Keith Barry's debut TV series in 2003. This 10-part series was the first Irish-language magic series to be broadcast in Ireland, and the first Irish television series that featured an escapologist.^{[2][3][4][5][6]}

Curator

Rua was the co-curator^[7] and researcher for Dublin's Science Gallery 2013 Exhibition, 'ILLUSION',^[8] alongside renowned author and professor, Richard Wiseman,^[9] who was the primary curator with Michael John Gorman. This exhibition explored the neuroscience of magic and illusion.^[10][11][11] This exhibition is now in the early stages of planning a tour around the world.

Live shows

In 2013, Rua had a successful run of one-man shows in the Dublin Fringe Festival titled Of Rogues And Knaves.^[12] This show explored the techniques of con-artists, pick – pockets and card cheats. The Irish Theatre Magazine wrote: "Gleeson has established himself as a master in the dying, though still fascinating craft of live deception."^[13]

During the summer of 2013 he performed on stage at one of Europe's largest outdoor festivals, the Electric Picnic,^[14][15][16] as well as the somewhat smaller "Body and Soul Festival".^[17]

References