The inevitable question of the age reached me recently: “Are you worried that you are going to be replaced by A.I.?” After all, scripts can now be written, music can be composed, even photographic illusions can be rendered perfectly. Is A.I. coming for me?
I have always embraced new technology in my private life. I am of the home-computer generation — a ZX-81 was proudly unveiled in my house when I was eleven. Part of my degree was in Information Technology and I have always tried to keep an eye on the latest innovations.
Therefore I am acutely aware of Moore’s Law — the idea that computing power doubles (or cost halves) every couple of years. The advances we enjoy today will be eclipsed in ways that will make our jaws sag in five, ten, fifteen years time. (At which point, I intend to still be working.) ChatGPT-5 has made great strides; imagine what ChatGPT-15 might be capable of. The brain boggles.
It is folly to ignore this onslaught, and we should embrace the best bits of what is, ultimately, a human achievement. That said, there are lines to be drawn, and I want to state quite clearly which hill I will die on — and why.
Recently, I had an opportunity to properly play with A.I.’s formidable power. For a long time I’ve had a silly photographic project in mind. I’ve often wondered how I ended up as the sort of magician I am: a close-up, be-hatted performer at elegant events. I’m wildly grateful for the career I have enjoyed, but forgive me if I am simultaneously curious about the path not taken. To that end I have fantasised about a day in a photographic studio trying on different performer personas — the dark, dangerous stage act; the children’s entertainer; the soul-piercing mentalist.
Staging that properly would have been prohibitively expensive. But A.I. has made it possible. A crazy whim is now reality thanks to its amazing capabilities. And I feel no remorse at utilising this power. The results are fun, occasionally daft, and (if you’re curious) are up on my social media for a giggle. The picture leading this article is a concocted digital rendering of the mind reading hypnotist that I could have been. I have no problem in involving A.I. in this piece of frippery.
But, for me, that is the end of its influence. Because although AI can stimulate, it cannot connect. Being present at a miracle is about people coming together at live events: the weight of my coin in your hand, the conspiratorial wink when you think you’ve caught me out, strangers laughing together at an unscripted aside — these are beyond the borders of any algorithm. And here I stand firm against the onslaught.
So, in the spirit of honesty, (an honest magician, will wonders never cease!) here’s what I will and will not allow A.I. to assist with at TBHM, which reflects my approach to performance and connection:
• It will, and does, help me with admin.
• It’s useful for thrashing ideas around in a theoretical space.
• It can help polish photos.
But:
• It will never write this newsletter.
• It will never replace you connecting with me — whether that’s through booking or a performance.
• It will never be the method by which you are astounded by a moment of magic.
TBHM will always be about connecting you, me and your guests in a truly human moment, and I still look forward to every engagement with joy in my heart because that is what I love doing in this incredible job.
And if, one day, A.I. does create a bowler-hatted digital magician, I will tip my hat to them and say, “fancy that!” Even then, I wager they won’t sincerely toast you at your wedding or thoroughly enjoy photobombing a snap at your Christmas party!