MARLOW'S answer to Derren Brown is preparing himself for the biggest gig of his life at next month's famous Edinburgh Fringe Festival.

Award-winning magician Ian Souch has done hundreds of corporate gigs and has started branching out into taking part in cabaret acts, but his own mind-reading show at the Fringe is easily the biggest thing he's ever done.

The likeable 42-year-old, who won an award at last year's Home Counties Magical Society show, said the preparation for next month's 'Reality Vaccine' gig had been hard work but he was excited at the prospect of taking part in one of the world's biggest festivals.

Like so many people in his line of work, Ian, who has been a full-time magician for six years, first started performing at a young age.

“I have always been fascinated by magic,” he said. “When I was in my twenties and all my friends were working their way up the corporate ladder, I was reading books on the power of the mind.

“When I came over from South Africa eight years ago, I joined the Magic Circle and started to meet up with more people involved with mentalism, and decided it suited my persona.”

He says different types of magic suit different people – but added he was always quite quiet and being on stage had brought his mind-reading skills to the fore.

“Someone gave me the proverbial kick up the bum and said, 'You are doing a party for us',” he said.

“There were 200 people there – I was terrified but it ended up being the best thing ever. I loved it, trying to impress people.”

Anyone wishing to show off by telling their friends what they're thinking may need to take their time before going on stage however.

“There are certain things you can learn pretty quickly, but if you want to put a show together it takes a lot of effort,” said Ian. “You have to make it interesting. You've seen Derren Brown's shows – they're like theatre pieces, and I have tried to create a piece of theatre.”

He describes Brown as “a real gentleman” and someone he looks up to: “What he's done for magic has been extraordinary.”

Ian said mentalism – as his brand of mind-reading is officially known – had become one of the most popular forms of magic because of Brown.

Like Brown, Ian drew inspiration for his shows from jobs he had in the past.

“When I was in the army I was doing some hypnosis tricks and practised my skills on the lads,” he said. “I was also involved in alternative medicine, which has given me some great skills in observation.”

Before setting off for Scotland there's another gig coming up which is probably just as daunting as the Edinburgh Fringe – a preview show at Danesfield School in Marlow from 8pm on July 13.

*Ian will be performing in The Basement at The Newsroom from 6.15-7.15pm on August 6-15 and 17-23, with a preview on August 5. Tickets are free. For details go to www.freefestival.co.uk.