In the Gallery, you can view images of Jonathan’s magic in action, capturing some of the reactions it garners from his astounded audiences.
Media Clippings showcase some of Jonathan’s forays in TV, film and the media.
Image Credits: The Twins Weddings @thetwinsweddings (1, 4, 6, 8 and 10). Darren Edmonds (DJM Photography) www.djmphotography.co.uk (3 and 5). Joanne McNeil (Joanne McNeil Photography) www.joannemcneilphotography.co.uk (11). All additional images © Jonathan Pickard 2014-2023.
Article and video by India Adams, cited from Sky News Tyne and Wear website on Monday 24th June 2013 and formerly available via www.sky.com/tyneandwear. This article remains the property of Sky News and is included for reference on this site as it is no longer available online via its original URL.
"A Newcastle doctor is combining his passion for medicine with a love of magic.
Dr Jonathan Pickard works at the Freeman Hospital by day, but at night, he performs as a professional close-up magician.
The 26-year-old graduated from Newcastle University in 2010 with a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery and made the decision the pursue a career in the medical profession while keeping magic as a hobby.
Jonathan said: “It is a very unique combination, I don’t think there are many doctors who do magic as a hobby.”
Jonathan, originally from Nottingham, began learning magic tricks at the age of 13 after being inspired by American illusionist David Blaine.
He said: “ I’d always been interested in magic but this was something new and different. It’s a great skill to have and a very sociable one.
“I think magic and medicine go very well together. Being a doctor can be very busy job and one where you need a release so it’s great to have something artistic like magic to loose myself in.
“I do try to keep the two passions separate, but occasionally when I have some spare time I have shown staff, and on the odd occasion patients, magic tricks.”
To find out more about Jonathan visit www.jonathanpickard.co.uk”
Showcasing his own move, the ‘Topspring’, Jonathan performs in slow motion in a national advertising campaign for CarpetRight. The finished ‘bumper’ advertisement , produced by Dene Films, shouldered segments of Jasper Carrott’s “Golden Balls”, and displayed a selection of Jonathan’s card manipulation skills (over a nice carpet).
Footage courtesy of Dene Films (2010)
Award-winning Los Angeles magician, Ben Seidman (Netflix’s ‘Brainchild’) reached across the pond to involve Jonathan in his latest project for Vanishing Inc.
In this production — based on an idea originated by Jonathan and independently re-invented by the talented Seidman over a decade later — Jonathan performs for a live audience on location, before discussing and describing his ideas on camera for magicians to enjoy.
Jonathan directed, produced and managed post-production for his bonus segment, and Seidman’s finished project received rave reviews from the magic community.
Images from Jonathan Pickard, “Ambideckstrous Original Bonus Routine” and Ben Seidman
Jonathan performed as a supporting artist in this 2005 Universal Pictures comedy production featuring David Mitchell, Robert Webb (Peep Show), Jessica Hynes (Spaced, Shaun of the Dead), Alex Macqueen (The Thick of It, The Inbetweeners), and Peter Capaldi (Doctor Who).
Mediocre magicians Karl and Harry put their differences aside to take part in a magic competition, but before long the lads fall out and go head to head in a competition to win the coveted Magic Shield.
Trailer from YouTube
He spent three days on location filming at Nottingham’s Theatre Royal where he enjoyed meeting and working with the cast and gaining insight into the meticulous behind-the-scenes processes of feature film production.
Magicians: Universal Pictures (2005)
Site design and content © Jonathan Pickard, 2014-2023.
Additional photography from The Twins and Darren Edmonds, (DJM Photography) www.djmphotography.co.uk.
