IF one of the world’s most famous performers David Blaine tells you to keep doing what you are doing, the chances are you will listen.

And that’s exactly what happened to Hamilton-born illusionist Scott Silven.

The 27-year-old is preparing to wow international audiences at this year’s Edinburgh Fringe with not one but two shows.

And those shows might have not been possible had it not been for a certain call he received from US illusionist Blaine, whose name is on everyone’s lips when it comes to magic.

“I produced a short film demonstrating the sort of stuff I did and I put in on YouTube,” explained Scott.

He said: “I didn’t expect to hear anything from it. But I got a call from David Blaine’s assistant and she said that he would like to speak to me which was incredible.

“One evening he was flying back from New York and he called me on his mobile.

“He said that he had seen my video and he had been inspired by the work that I did. He told me I should totally consider doing it full time.

“So after university that’s what I decided to do and I have travelled the world with it.”

He added: “Even now, that call still amazes me and inspires me.

“I think initially when anyone is starting out in a job were they are self-employed, there is always a hesitation of is it going to work or is it not going to work.

“But it was that phone call that really drove me to putting in the work, putting in the effort and wanting to do it full time.”

The inspirational talk from Blaine, however, wasn’t the only influence on Scott’s desire to be an illusionist.

He started out as a youngster at around the age of five, and it was a famous Glasgow joke shop that really caught his imagination.

He said: “I was quite a curious kid and I think I was around five when my grandad showed me a little card trick.

“We were always playing practical jokes and that sort of stuff – and that is what started it off for me.”

He added: “There was a magic shop in Glasgow called Tam Shepherds. I remember my mum taking me in there when I was very young.

“It was just the most incredible place I had ever seen, a treasure trove of curiosity.

“There was a magician in there called Roy Walton who is really respected in the magic community.

“And from that age he sort of helped me and he mentored me a little until I was about 14 or 15.”

It was as a teenager, Scott’s career then took a turn into illusionism.

He studied hypnosis and mind reading before going to University in Edinburgh to study drama and performance.

He said: “Once I graduated I realised that is what I wanted to do full time – travelling the world and performing.”

And since then he has never looked back with his two shows at the Fringe - At The Illusionist’s Table and Wonders At Dusk – set to delight audiences.

Scott said: “It’s the biggest arts festival in the world and I can’t imagine anywhere else better to perform

“You have to bring your best possible game to the performance arena so I have created two very interesting shows that hopefully stand out from the rest.”

He added: “The first show is a unique dining experience. I’ve partnered with Scotch Malt Whiskey Society in Queen Street and we have created an almost Heston Blumenthal style of dining.

“The audience will sit around one table and I will be at the table with them. They will experience this unique sensory journey were the food and the whisky are the illusions all tied together.

“The second show I am doing it is really special show at the Dome. It’s a late night show, it is called Wonders at Dusk. “

Despite being a popular attraction at the Fringe, Paul still has ambitions as an illusionist which even includes the possibility of moving into broadcasting his shows.

He said: “Each year I work on a brand new show and I bring that new show to an audience.

“I am constantly improving myself as a performer and constantly creating the most unique and memorable experience for my audiences.”

He added: “I think right now magic is going through a renaissance. You are seeing it everywhere, on TV and on the latest films as well. So that is really fascinating to see the audiences connecting with It

“It’s been here since Egyptian times it never really leaves us but it comes in peaks and waves.

So I really like the idea of developing my own show that could be broadcasted whether that’s on TV or through online content.”

At The Illusionist’s Table runs at The Scotch Malt Whiskey Society on Queen Street from August 5 to 29. Except Monday, August 8 and 22.

The show starts at 7pm and tickets cost £59 including a three course meal and two drams of single cast whisky.

Wonders At Dusk runs at The Dome on George Street from August 5 to 29. The show doesn’t run on Mondays.

It starts at 10.30pm and tickets cost £15.

For more visit, http://www.scottsilven.com/