B.C. magician Guy Simmons returns to performing, bringing magic to those in need while rediscovering hope after tough times.
Bringing Old Tricks Back to Life
Guy Simmons holds up a crumpled newspaper and grins at his small audience. “Watch closely,” he says, “because I’m going to show you exactly how this trick works.” With a flourish, he rips the paper into strips, then compresses it into a tight bundle. Moments later, a flick of his wrists restores the paper to its original form. The crowd erupts in applause.
It’s the classic torn-and-restored newspaper illusion, a staple of Simmons’ decades-long career. But for the 74-year-old B.C. magician, this performance is more than entertainment it’s a way to reclaim a spark of joy in a life that has faced more than its share of challenges.
Life Off the Stage
Recent years have been harsh for Simmons. A relationship breakdown and ongoing legal battles left him without a home, living aboard his boat in Sooke since late 2023. With mounting legal costs, he faces the grim possibility of losing even that refuge.
“I’ve been having a really bad year and struggling with depression,” he admits. While mental health support has been invaluable, Simmons realized he needed to take action himself.
A chance conversation with a palliative care nurse sparked an idea: return to magic not for fame, but for healing. “Maybe performing for people who are worse off than I am will help me feel better,” he says.
Magic for a Higher Purpose
Now, Simmons aims to bring his act to retirement homes, hospitals, and palliative care units. His goal is simple: give people moments of wonder during difficult times. “Everyone needs magic at this time of year,” he reflects.
This desire to connect through magic isn’t new. Simmons’ fascination with illusions began in childhood, learning card tricks from his uncle and a kindly neighbor. By performing for children, he built confidence and learned the craft of engaging an audience.
From the “Wizard of the North” to the Magic Castle
As his skill grew, Simmons teamed up with like-minded magicians, including mentor Len Ventus, forming the Magic Alliance and performing as the Wizard of the North. They dazzled audiences with close-up tricks, large-scale illusions, and even appearances on television. Their feats earned them recognition, including a feature in the respected magic journal, The Linking Ring.
Simmons’ creativity extended beyond performing. He designed and built his own props, sets, and even transformed his Richmond Hill home into a personal Magic Castle a combination workshop, museum, and TV set. His artistry also produced custom creations for collectors, including a Toronto museum of oddities.
Trials and Resilience
In 2010, a septic hip infection forced Simmons to step away from his ambitions. Two years of recovery meant abandoning the Magic Castle, selling his home, and shelving planned TV projects. He shifted to flipping homes for income, eventually settling in Sooke.
Yet magic never left him. “It’s not just the tricks,” he explains. “It’s storytelling, making people laugh, and seeing someone walk away amazed.”
Now, Simmons is ready to perform again—not for applause, but to share joy where it’s needed most.
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