For once, the pretty blonde is not the assistant… But indeed THE magician!
In her show “Girl Power”, Caroline Marx changes the codes of magic. By putting men in a box, she gives power back to women, so rare in the world of magic.
France Dimanche: How did you become a magician?
Caroline Marx: I started doing tricks when I was little, because I’m lucky that my father is a magician. I often saw my parents rehearse in the dining room. My mom used to work in the bank, she got cut to pieces on the weekends (Laughter). I didn’t know if my father was a magician or a serial killer. My mother always told me:I’m fine don’t worry darling“. I was totally freaked out. And I secretly said to myself: “one day i will box men“, hence the title of my show “Girl Power”.
You specialized in the field of close-up, can you explain to us what this entails?
It’s close-up magic. In my shows, I use everyday props. But I am also a stage magician. I love doing big shows. In my show “Girl Power”, I combine several disciplines of magic such as the great illusion, mentalism, spiritualism, close-up…
But you don’t just perform magic on stage. You sing, dance, play the piano… all with a lot of humor, interactivity and proximity!
The show is really thought of as a stand-up, with a lot of magic and humor! It’s very important for me to entertain, to put on a real entertaining show.
In the series “The Magicians” (SYFY), you trapped a beanie player who abused tourists in Montmartre. How did you come up with the idea of reporting these scams?
Caroline Marx: SYFY wanted to do a commercial for their new show, “The Magicians.” They absolutely wanted a woman to direct this sequence. I found the idea brilliant because I had been going to see the tactics of the boners for a long time. It was important for me to highlight these practices to warn tourists! Because yes, the hosiers take 100 euros per person. And if you don’t give the money, they catch you! This video, seen more than 25 million times on Youtube, caused harm to the honkers because it was shared a lot, especially on social networks.
TIE: TALON DIVERSION from Caroline Marx on Vimeo .
You have also participated in shows like Diversion (TF1) presented by Arthur. Do you have a particularly striking TV anecdote, in France or abroad?
In the program “Magicians: their greatest secrets” (M6), I had to put a box in the pocket of a spectator. But his pocket was sewn. I tried to wave to him and he didn’t understand. Suddenly, I had to tear off the pocket to put the box in it. And no one noticed! It marked me a lot because you can’t say when it’s not going well. In this type of situation, you have to find a solution and keep your cool!
You even officiated for Madonna’s children. How were you approached?
15 years ago, I played at the Bobino theater (Paris), directed by Gérard Louvin. One evening, Madonna’s assistant was in the audience. I didn’t know at all. At the end of the show, she came to see me to ask me to play for the birthday of David, Madonna’s son. I couldn’t believe it. I immediately accepted. The show took place three days later. I had to learn my whole show in English, even though I didn’t speak the language at all! I worked like crazy. For a whole day, I found myself in front of Madonna at the Hôtel Crillon. She was in the front row and clapped like a child! It was my biggest stress but this experience was totally extraordinary! I didn’t want to leave the hotel anymore!
You have won numerous awards including the Mandrakes d’Or in 2018, the highest distinction in magic in France… what does this award mean to you?
For magicians, this prize is very important because it rewards the best magician of the year. I was really very proud and honored when Olivier de Benoist gave me this award. I put the Mandrakes d’Or directly in the window at the apartment!
You evolve in a masculine environment… What is your view of the place of women in magic?
At the beginning, I encountered difficulties to impose myself. I was always told “she uses her physique to succeed“. But when I started to win prizes in conventions, I was recognized by other magicians. Now I am respected because I do unique and unseen tricks, which do not exist in other magicians, like when I flick my stiletto heel for a card to land in it!
Have you had any female influences that have particularly marked you?
When I started, I didn’t have a female role model because there are very few female magicians. We can say that I am the only magician in France who does long shows lasting 1h30. There are a few magicians who also do close-ups, but as far as the stage aspect is concerned, I’m really the only one in France to do shows like this.
What would you advise a little girl who wants to become a magician?
To become a magician, you have to work a lot, especially the technique and the staging. To start, I would advise him to go to magic shops, to learn about this practice through playful little tricks. She can also attend magic shows. In my show “Girl Power”, I do a number that my father taught me when I was 6 years old. At each performance, I choose a little girl in the audience to teach her a few tricks. It’s very moving because she becomes a magician for a few moments. I think that the more examples of magicians we see, the more it will make little girls want to get started!
What are your plans for the future?
You can find me soon in two shows. The first will take place at the MEETT in Aussonne (Haute-Garonne) from December 3 to 4. 2,600 people are expected to attend a one-hour show combining great illusions, mentalism, manipulations and diversions! At the end, I even make Santa Claus appear in a helicopter! And from February 2023, I will perform my show “Girl Power” at the Théâtre Rouge in the Jardin d’Acclimatation, before continuing on a tour in the provinces!
Do not hesitate to come and share an unforgettable moment with family, lovers or friends Théâtre Rouge du Jardin d’Acclimatation! From February 2023.
Info. Bois de Boulogne, Rte de la Prte Dauphine to the Prte des Sablons, 75116 Paris – 01.40.67.90.85 – Jardin d’Acclimatation website
We also advise you to watch the film The elusive (2013) by Louis Leterrier, a real reference for Caroline Marx.
Interview by LR