Magician's bag of tricks pulls its own disappearing act in Cambridge
An award-winning close-up magician had his props swiped from outside a hotel minutes before a show – and he'd quite like them to reappear.
There are few things more awkward for a magician than something vanishing without their permission.
Award-winning close-up magician Matthew Le Mottee was getting ready to perform at the Clayton Hotel, near Cambridge railway station, at about 2.40pm on Saturday 24 October when his brown leather bag was taken from outside the venue.
Inside were his props – the tools of his trade – plus what he called “prized possessions” from big performances, including last year’s World Championship of Magic. And anything a thief might actually want? By his own account: some cufflinks, a Zippo lighter and “maybe some 10 pence pieces”.
Le Mottee reported the theft to police, spent an hour sifting through nearby bins and has since scoured local hedges. So far, the bag has stubbornly refused to reappear in a puff of smoke.
“I’ve got clients who are looking forward to seeing me and I have no props at the moment,” he told BBC Radio Cambridgeshire. Fellow magicians have rallied round with offers to lend him kit because, as they say in the trade, the show must go on.
Cambridgeshire Police confirmed it had received a report of theft. The suspect is described as wearing blue jeans, a black hoodie and a pink and cream scarf, and carrying a backpack.
Le Mottee was named Close-up Magician of the Year by The Magic Circle in 2017. If you spot a bag that looks suspiciously full of playing cards, Cambridgeshire Police would like a word.
