SPELLBOUND

When Lance Corporal (LCP) (NS) Kiki Tay was 14 years old, he saved up his pocket money for months to watch a magic performance by his biggest idol. Little did he know that it would be a show that changed his life.

In the blink of an eye, flurries of snow swirled down and transformed the Indoor Stadium into a winter wonderland. Even after the spectacle had ended and illusionist David Copperfield had vanished from the stage, a young LCP (NS) Tay sat riveted to his seat, enthralled and inspired by the magician's mysterious feats.

"At that moment, I decided that I would become someone who could also evoke those emotions in the audience, amazing them with unbelievable yet fascinating magic," said the illusionist-cum-entertainer, who turns 30 in December.

Living his dream

Since that show, LCP (NS) Tay has jumped at every opportunity to perfect his self-taught magic tricks, making regular appearances at school functions, birthday parties and corporate events.

For LCP (NS) Tay, 2004 was a memorable year as it marked the establishment of his own production company, Kiki Tay Productions. And on 29 Jun 2008, his dream of staging solo performances in theatres came true when his first ticketed show - Just Kiki Kidding! - debuted at Jubilee Hall, Raffles Hotel Singapore.

To date, LCP (NS) Tay has put together seven sell-out theatrical productions which feature illusions and comedy acts, and performed over 2,000 magic shows at private functions.

"I want to touch the hearts and minds of the audience by evoking different emotions like happiness, sorrow and fear. But what gives me the most satisfaction is seeing the crowd looking surprised and laughing hard," he said with a wide smile.

All-rounded entertainer

Great magic shows are enhanced by good showmanship, stage presence and presentation. While LCP (NS) Tay had plenty of magic tricks up his sleeve, he was once a fledgling in the field of acting. Luckily, he was able to hone his acting skills when he served his National Service (NS) at the Singapore Armed Forces Music and Drama Company (MDC).

Recounting his NS experience, LCP (NS) Tay said he was grateful that MDC had groomed him to become an all-rounded entertainer.

"Those were some of the most treasured times of my life, where I received disciplined training in performance art genres which I was previously unfamiliar with. Being able to act well has helped me better connect with the audience of my theatrical works, which usually incorporate storylines."

A veteran in the local magic scene, LCP (NS) Tay has been actively involved in numerous television and theatre productions as a magic consultant. His recent works include popular local drama serial The Illusionist, where he designed magic and special effects for the show. Spreading his wings overseas, he also performed for the Brunei royal family and at Hong Kong Disneyland.

Despite a hectic work schedule, LCP (NS) Tay relishes his job. "I wake up every morning looking forward to turning my plans into reality. It's a blessing that I get to do what I like at work."