Ireland’s Modern-Day Houdini and Hollywood’s Favourite Magician

Meet Steve Spade

Prepare to be spellbound. Steve Spade – known as Ireland’s Houdini – is about to bring his mind-bending blend of magic, escapology, hypnosis and mentalism to audiences across the UK and Europe. With a reputation built on spectacular stunts, spine-tingling suspense, and some serious celebrity sparkle, Spade isn’t just a magician – he’s a showman, stuntman, and storyteller all in one.

From escaping burning ropes to consulting on Hollywood blockbusters, Spade’s magic is as thrilling behind the scenes as it is onstage. Born and raised in Limerick, Steve’s journey began in the most humble of settings, performing tricks at children’s parties and on busy Irish streets. His uncle, a semi-professional magician, was his earliest mentor.

Inspired by Harry Houdini, Spade began studying escapology and magic in earnest, determined to build a life around his craft. Over the years, he’s done just that. With national headlines, television appearances, and a string of sell-out shows under his belt, Spade is now considered one of Ireland’s most successful and daring magicians.

The Art of Escape: Stunts That Defy Death Steve Spade doesn’t just perform magic – he lives it. His stunts are the stuff of legend. He’s escaped from a locked coffin submerged in the River Shannon, and freed himself from a burning stake Viking-style, replicating executions once inflicted on ancient warriors. That particular escape, which involved being strapped to a post with ropes soaked in petrol, ended with the ropes catching fire in front of a live audience. Not for the faint of heart.

A defining moment in his career came with what Q Radio called “the biggest escape stunt to ever happen in Northern Ireland.” Suspended high above the ground by a crane, Spade was locked inside a mobile home primed with explosives, with a 50-ton shipping container hanging above. Bound in chains and locks supplied by the challenger, he had just 90 seconds to escape before disaster struck. He made it out in record time – to gasps from the live crowd – proving once again that he is a master of high-risk magic.

From Limerick to Las Vegas: A Magician on the Rise Spade’s unique blend of showmanship and technical brilliance has taken him from small-town performances to international acclaim. He’s performed magic in Times Square, staged shows in Manhattan for celebrity guests, driven classic cars blindfolded, and even predicted

National headlines.

In 2023, he received one of the highest accolades in the industry – the International Merlin Award for Magic and Escapology – often dubbed the Oscars of magic. Hollywood’s Favourite Magic Man Away from the stage, Spade is just as influential. He works as a TV and movie consultant and magic coach, sharing his knowledge with actors and directors on major productions. His credits include Vikings (History Channel), Foundation (Apple TV), Cocaine Bear (Magic Consultant, Universal Pictures), and The Wonder (Netflix), where he coached Florence Pugh and advised on special effects.

He’s also made appearances and consulted for major broadcasters such as RTÉ, Sky, Virgin Media, Discovery Channel, History Channel, UTV, Channel 4, ITV, and BBC Northern Ireland. Festival Fame and Celebrity Applause Spade has wowed crowds at Electric Picnic, Ireland’s biggest arts and music festival, where he’s become a fan favourite thanks to his fusion of old-school sideshow antics and modern spectacle. His celebrity fanbase includes Rihanna, Florence Pugh, and Mike Tyson – who once declared, “That’s mind-blowing.”

Even when he’s not on a festival stage or primetime show, Spade brings magic to the streets. His impromptu performances have turned everyday spaces into theatres of wonder, drawing crowds with sleight of hand and spontaneous stunts. Whether on a cobbled corner in Dublin or a crowded market abroad, Spade brings the unexpected. More Than Illusion: Magic with Meaning While many magicians are content to perform card tricks and levitate objects, Spade’s work carries deeper meaning. “Magic has always been a form of storytelling,” he says. “Whether it’s helping people suspend disbelief for an hour or pushing physical boundaries in an escape, I want people to feel something real.”

His mix of illusion, mentalism, hypnosis and escapology means each show is immersive. He doesn’t just trick the eye – he gets inside your mind. From reading spectators’ thoughts to guiding volunteers into trance-like states, Spade’s work sits at the intersection of psychology and performance art. A Showman with a Cinematic Touch Steve’s background in television and film means his live shows often feel like blockbuster movies. With precision lighting, dramatic music, and carefully timed effects, he crafts immersive experiences that stay with audiences long after the curtain falls. The UK and Europe Tour: Magic on a Grand Scale Now, the magician is setting his sights on the rest of Europe. With a brand-new touring show, Spade is bringing his unique take on the magical arts to major cities across the UK and beyond. Audiences can expect classic illusions reimagined, daring new escapes, and moments of real interaction that leave them questioning what’s possible. This isn’t just a magic show – it’s a cinematic, immersive experience that fuses old-world tradition with 21st-century showbiz.

There are rumours of new televised projects and collaborations with well-known entertainers – and no doubt more high-risk stunts that will leave fans breathless. Spade is also keen to work with charities and younger magicians, passing on his skills and encouraging the next generation of performers to think big. For now, all eyes are on his upcoming tour.

Book the Magician

Whether you’re a sceptic or a believer, one thing’s for sure – when Steve Spade is on stage, anything can happen. To keep up with his tour dates and projects, or to book him for private or corporate events, visit stevespademagic.com or follow him on Instagram @stevespademagic