Escapologist and magician RUA to challenge celebrities
Performing mind blowing predictions, dazzling the public with close up street magic, escaping from the most deadly situations…this is all in a day’s work for the most exciting new name in the world of Irish magic. Over the course of ten episodes, Paul Gleeson or RUA (Paul’s stage name) will astound, astonish and above all entertain the entire family.
In each weekly episode, RUA attempts to infiltrate the minds of two Irish celebrities in order to predict the outcome of an event. Viewers will see model Rozanna Purcell, 2FM DJ Paddy McKenna, comedian Paddy Courtney, and former Riverdance star Dearbhla Lennon left dumbfounded after witnessing his gift at first hand.
RUA is also the world’s youngest ‘escapologist’; an artist in escaping from a straight jacket or another restraint in deadly situations. The first episode of the series sees RUA trying to escape from a straight jacket while balancing on a moving catapult on top of a five story building on Dublin’s O’Connell Street. This part of the show required extensive fitness training by our magician, due to the physical demands of every escape.
The final section of each show sees RUA take to the streets to demonstrate world-class magic tricks for the Irish public.
In the first episode of the series, on Sunday 12th January at 7.30pm on TG4, RUA tries to escape from a straight jacket while balancing on a moving catapult on top of a five story building on Dublin’s O’Connell Street.
Colm and Ronán O'Snodaigh of Kila take part in a 'guitar'prediction. They were asked to bring along Colm's favourite guitar which Ronan then had to avoid smashing to pieces. They were shell shocked after their experience.
And iradio DJ and TG4 presenter Barbara Nic Dhonnacha takes part in one of the celebrity segments.
Escape artist, mind reader Illusionist and a master in sleight of hand... We present RUA:
While practicing fire-breathing techniques, the then 18-year old Paul Gleeson suffered horrific burns to his chest. During his time recovering in hospital, the Dubliner was given a book on magic by a friend to pass the time and a life long love for magic was born. After completing a Masters in Communication, he began to devout his life to studying his art. Since then, RUA has had successful shows at Body & Soul, the Electric Picnic and the Edinburgh Arts Festival, garnering rave reviews. He has also been flown around the world to perform at private events. He also worked extensively with the ‘Science Gallery’ and recently co-curated the ILLUSION exhibition, which has now been scheduled for a world tour.
http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCUKgubo9dMofRjxdoSJsww?feature=watch