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What does it take to create magic? How do you produce birdcages out of nowhere, turn a feather into a cane or pass a silk scarf through your neck?

For Romany, the British self-styled Diva of Magic, these tricks have been mastered through years of practice. She’s one of only a few female magicians in the industry, she’s won awards and performed in front of members of the British Royal Family. Now she has a new challenge. She’s preparing a show for the prestigious Magic Castle in Hollywood and she’s working on one very special effect in particular involving a mirror, a rose and a pair of glasses. This trick and many others will be tightly packed into a 4 minute opening routine. There’s a lot of work for Romany to do in a short space of time to get the act to work.

Natasha Serlin follows Romany through the process of creating her new act and watches as the effect with the rose and mirror takes shape. We hear how Romany works alone in her studio and with friends and mentors to create the perfect blend of magic and illusion.

Produced by Natasha Serlin and Emma Kingsley for Â鶹ԼÅÄ World Service.

(Photo of magician Romany, by Eddie Adams)