Magic series featuring DCU postgrad student

Paul Gleeson, aka RUA, will appear in TG4’s new ten part magic series, Draiocht, which is due to start on Sunday 12 January at 7.30pm

In each weekly episode, RUA will attempt 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 will see RUA take to the streets to demonstrate world-class magic tricks for the Irish public.

As an 18 year-old, RUA suffered horrific burns to his chest while practicing fire-breathing techniques.  While recovering in hospital, he was given a book on magic by a friend to pass the time and a life long love for magic was born. After completing his MA in Communications at DCU, he began to devout his life to studying his art.  Since then, RUA has had successful shows at Body & Soul, Electric Picnic and the Dublin Fringe 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.


To view clips from the series please visit:

http://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCUKgubo9dMofRjxdoSJsww?feature=watch

https://twitter.com/draiochtTg4

Draíocht is directed by Martin Daneels and produced by Lucia Gavin of Midas Productions for TG4.