Tim Ellis

Tim Ellis, one of Australia’s most highly acclaimed magicians, is not only renowned worldwide for his original and innovative approach to magic, but was also the only Australian to sit on the Jury at The FISM World Championships of Magic. Known within the magic industry as “The genius from downunder”, Tim’s career spans over four decades, during which he has continuously revitalised the ancient art of magic with his blend of comedy and hyperactive spontaneity. Tim was also the owner of the iconic ‘Bernard’s Magic Shop’ for several years.

Tim has been featured in numerous Australian and international magazines, press articles, and television shows, including appearances on ‘Hey Hey its Saturday’, ‘Today’, and ‘Sunrise’. Highly sought-after worldwide for his engaging style, Tim is not only a performer, but also one of the most consulted experts in magical matters for film, television, and theatre. 

Tim’s career has seen him being the recipient of countless accolades, including ‘Best Stage Magician in Australia’, and ‘Best Close up Magician in Australia’. He received international recognition at the FISM World Championships of Magic, including the ‘Silver Medal – Close Up Magic’ in Yokohama, as well being voted the ‘Most Valuable Participant’ at FFFF in New York. He also holds a Guinness World Record for the longest non-stop magic show ever… 75 hours!

In 2006, the highly regarded ‘Dictionnaire de la Prestidigitation’ was released and Tim was one of only two living Australian magicians to be included in this world history book of magic spanning the centuries, along with Orson Welles, Houdini, David Copperfield and Siegfried & Roy. 

Tim has graced prestigious venues worldwide, from the Crown Casino in Melbourne to the Sullivan St Playhouse on Broadway, and from the Riviera Casino in Las Vegas to Le Double Fond in Paris. He has performed at Hollywood’s famous Magic Castle, headlined at The Grand West Casino in Cape Town, South Africa, and made special guest appearances on luxury cruise lines such as the Royal Caribbean and Cunard. 

Beyond his performances, Tim is also a dedicated educator, having lectured fellow magicians at various renowned venues. He has toured extensively, teaching other magicians how to perform their magic more effectively across the USA, Europe, Asia, and Africa.

Tim’s contributions extend far beyond the stage. He has acted as Magic Consultant on numerous plays, television commercials, and series, including ‘Blue Heelers’, and has produced large-scale events such as The National Festival of the Magical Arts and several International Magic Conventions. Currently, serving as the Artistic Director of the Melbourne Magic Festival, Tim continues to push the boundaries of magic while exploring new avenues for artistic expression.

His life has been a roller coaster ride of magical adventures, ranging from being buried alive, to escaping from a wooden crate at the bottom of the Yarra River, to freeing himself from straitjackets hundreds of feet above city streets and driving a $100,000 sports car while blindfolded.

In addition to his incredible career in magic, Tim is also a passionate advocate for autism awareness, having been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome. He explores the positives and negatives of the condition in an autobiographical one-man show ‘AspyCadabra’, and collaborates with Swinburne University on their ongoing project ‘Aspergion’.

Tim is the artistic director and founder of the Melbourne Magic Festival, and as of 2022, the president of The Australian Institute of Magic. Living in a converted broom factory in inner Melbourne with his two rainbow lorikeets Sir Spectrum Sparks and Jackie the Bandit, while playing poker in his spare time, Tim ensures a personable and exciting experience at every event.