Homegrown illusionist brings parlour tricks to local hotel

Ryan McFarling, a Sault-based illusionist, will be performing his Imposter magic show at The Water Tower Inn’s Library Room this Valentine's Day, the first in a series of 48 shows to be held weekly at the local hotel.

“It’s very rare,” McFarling said of the intimate, ‘parlour’ magic show he’ll be presenting, consisting of the illusionist performing tricks in front of a small audience of a maximum of 40 people, directly engaging guests in the performance as opposed to huge David Copperfield-style shows.

“This is the kind of thing we’re bringing to The Water Tower. It’s designed to feel like you’re just hanging out with friends. It’s that date night. It’s a night out where you go for a bite to eat, come here for a drink as part of the tickets for the show...musicians will be playing at The Water Tower Pub that night, so it’s a full evening at The Water Tower. It’s going to be just awesome, and we’re going to go on every Thursday from there.”

“It (the magic show) is adding another element to the entertainment fabric of this city that currently doesn’t exist,” McFarling said.

McFarling gave a preview of his show at The Water Tower Inn Tuesday, performing card tricks to the delight of audience members.

The shows will be 60 to 90 minutes long, consisting of card tricks and other “off the wall stuff,” McFarling said, such as illusions with coins and eggs.

“There are no mechanical devices. It’s humour and it’s wit, and it’s that interaction between people,” McFarling said.

McFarling, 36, born and raised in the Sault, has been learning and performing illusions for 28 years, 20 of those years professionally.

“If you ask my mother she would say there are still, when they’re renovating the house, pulling out cards from the baseboards,” McFarling chuckled.

“My parents were patient and supportive.”

McFarling started off as a busker, performing on the road for several years before going with his preference for smaller, indoor shows and moving home to the Sault.

McFarling works for Great Lakes Honda, praising his employers for their flexibility.

“They knew they hired an entertainer. They’re very supportive, and they’ve been nothing but great and encouraging.”

“That’s my profession and this (performing illusion) is my passion.”

Tickets for the Thursday, Feb. 14 show go on sale Friday.

Tickets for Ryan McFarling’s ‘Imposter’ shows are available at The Water Tower Inn reception desk, going for $35 per person, which includes a choice of beverage and a $10 coupon for Casey’s restaurant (located within The Water Tower Inn).

‘Magical Night Out Dinner and a Show’ tickets can be purchased for $109, the package including a three-course dinner for two at Casey’s and seats at McFarling’s performances.

Tickets will also soon be available for purchase on The Water Tower Inn website, said Jamie Hilsinger, Water Tower Inn marketing and communications.