This week on the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast, host Ira Sternberg engages in a riveting conversation with Colin Cloud, the world-renowned mentalist and performer known as the “closest thing to a real-life Sherlock Holmes.” Colin Cloud is headlining the world premiere of his new show, “Colin Cloud: Mastermind”, at Harrah’s Cabaret in Harrah’s Las Vegas, starting July 2. In this fascinating episode, Colin discusses his decision to headline his own show after a successful run performing alongside magician Shin Lim in the hit show “LIMitless” at The Mirage. He delves into his background in criminal profiling, his inspirations, and the unique blend of mentalism, comedy, and audience interaction that makes his performances unforgettable.
From Sherlock Holmes to Mastermind: The Journey of Colin Cloud
A Childhood Fascination with Sherlock Holmes
Colin Cloud’s journey into the world of mentalism began at the age of eight when he discovered the legendary stories of Sherlock Holmes. This early fascination with the famed detective’s powers of observation and deduction led Colin to start replicating these skills, setting the stage for his future career. At just 15 years old, Colin began studying Forensic Investigation in Glasgow, a discipline that would later inform his mentalist techniques and performances. This strong foundation in forensic science has allowed Colin to develop a reputation as a performer who can seemingly read minds, a skill that he showcases in his new show, “Colin Cloud: Mastermind”.
Transitioning to a Solo Show
After years of performing alongside other magicians and mentalists, including a successful partnership with Shin Lim in “LIMitless” at The Mirage, Colin Cloud decided it was time to take center stage with his own show. In this episode, Colin explains the challenges and rewards of headlining “Colin Cloud: Mastermind” at Harrah’s Las Vegas. He shares how his experience performing solo shows around the world, including at prestigious venues like London’s West End and Broadway in New York City, has prepared him for this exciting new chapter on the Las Vegas Strip.
The Art of Mentalism: Blending Comedy and Crime-Solving
The Influence of Criminal Profiling
Colin’s background in criminal profiling is a key element of his mentalism performances. He uses his knowledge of human behavior, body language, and psychological cues to create the illusion that he can read minds. In “Colin Cloud: Mastermind”, this skill is on full display as he engages with audience members, turning them into co-stars of the show. Colin explains that, much like comedy, mentalism is an intimate art form that relies heavily on the connection between the performer and the audience.
Why Mentalism Is Like Comedy
Colin draws parallels between mentalism and stand-up comedy, noting that both rely on the performer’s ability to engage with the audience and respond in the moment. He shares that his shows are fast-paced and high-energy, designed to keep the audience guessing and entertained from start to finish. The element of fun and play is crucial to his performances, and Colin emphasizes that the show truly begins the minute you buy your ticket. This approach ensures that every performance is unique, with Colin adapting to the energy and responses of the audience in real-time.
Not Just a Magic Show: The Experience of “Colin Cloud: Mastermind”
Creating Co-Stars Out of the Audience
One of the key aspects of “Colin Cloud: Mastermind” is the way Colin involves his audience in the performance. He explains that his job is to make the audience members he works with feel like co-stars, giving them a memorable experience that goes beyond simply watching a magic show. This interactive element is a hallmark of Colin’s performances and has contributed to his widespread acclaim. For those curious about how Colin creates these experiences, he reveals that it all comes down to understanding and anticipating human behavior.
The Importance of Location
Location plays a significant role in the success of Colin’s shows, and he discusses why the intimate setting of Harrah’s Cabaret is perfect for “Colin Cloud: Mastermind”. The close proximity to the audience allows for a more personal and engaging experience, something that is essential to the impact of his mentalism. Colin notes that being in Las Vegas, a city known for its entertainment, adds an extra layer of excitement to his performances.
Colin Cloud: A Global Sensation
Television Appearances and Global Tours
Colin Cloud’s talents have been showcased on television and stages around the world. He gained international fame as a semi-finalist on Season 12 of America’s Got Talent, where his mind-bending performances left judges and audiences alike in awe. Since then, he has made multiple guest appearances on the show and is currently a finalist on Britain’s Got Talent 2024. In addition to his television success, Colin has headlined major productions like “The Illusionists Live from Broadway” and received critical acclaim at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, where his show was named the critics’ choice, ‘Broadway Baby’ award winner in 2023.
Memorable Performances and Celebrity Encounters
Throughout his career, Colin has created unforgettable moments on stage, from playing a deadly game of hide and seek at the Edinburgh Festival to solving Simon Cowell’s murder live on NBC. He has also performed for royalty, leaving Prince William and Kate Middleton stunned during the Royal Variety Performance at the London Palladium. Colin’s ability to influence and amaze extends beyond the stage; he once enlisted the help of David Hasselhoff to subliminally influence the judges during AGT: Champions at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles. These performances have solidified Colin’s reputation as one of the most innovative and engaging mentalists in the world.
Behind the Curtain: Colin Cloud’s Creative Process
The Role of Fun and Play
For Colin Cloud, the element of fun and play is central to his performances. He explains that this mindset allows him to stay present and engaged with the audience, ensuring that each show is fresh and dynamic. Colin’s creative process involves constantly seeking out new challenges and opportunities to push the boundaries of what is possible in mentalism. His approach to performing is not just about showcasing his skills but also about creating a shared experience with the audience that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Performing in the Moment
Colin emphasizes the importance of performing in the moment, a skill that he has honed over his 20-year career. This ability to adapt and respond to the audience’s energy is what makes his shows so captivating. After each performance, Colin takes a moment to reflect on what went well and what could be improved, a practice that has helped him continually evolve as a performer. For those interested in learning more about Colin’s approach, his reflections provide valuable insights into the world of mentalism.
Connecting with Colin Cloud
Stay Updated and Engaged
Fans of Colin Cloud can stay connected with him through various online platforms. His official website offers detailed information about his shows, tours, and latest projects. Additionally, you can follow Colin on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook to get behind-the-scenes content, updates, and interact with him directly. For professionals interested in booking Colin for speaking engagements, his LinkedIn profile provides additional information about his work.
Catch Up on Previous Episodes
If you’re new to Colin Cloud’s work or want to revisit some of his previous discussions, you can listen to his earlier appearance on the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast here. In this episode, Colin shares more about his journey and the inspirations behind his performances.
Colin Cloud Podcast Episode Conclusion
This episode of the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast offers a deep dive into the mind of Colin Cloud, a mentalist who continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of mentalism, comedy, and Sherlock Holmes-inspired deduction. From his early days in Scotland to headlining his own show in Las Vegas, Colin’s journey is a testament to his creativity, skill, and dedication to his craft. Tune in to hear Colin share his thoughts on performing, connecting with audiences, and what’s next for him on the Las Vegas Strip.
For more engaging and insightful conversations, don’t forget to subscribe to the Talk About Las Vegas Podcast. Stay connected with Colin Cloud and explore his extraordinary work through the links provided.
🔗 Useful Links:
- Colin Cloud Previous Podcast Episode on the "Talk About Las Vegas Podcast"
- Colin Cloud Official Website
- Colin Cloud Official Twitter
- Colin Cloud Official Instagram
- Colin Cloud Official Facebook
- Colin Cloud Official LinkedIn
Watch the full Podcast Video
Read The Full Transcript
Talking with Colin Cloud Full Transcript
Ira David Sternberg: A mind is a terrible thing to waste, but my guest wastes no time reading minds. He’s award-winning mentalist Colin Cloud, known as the closest thing to a real-life Sherlock Holmes. He’s headlining the world premiere of his show, Colin Cloud: Mastermind, at Harrah’s Cabaret in Harrah’s Las Vegas starting July 2nd, with ongoing shows every week Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. For ticket information and everything about Colin Cloud, visit colincloud.com, and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Colin, welcome back to the show.
Colin Cloud: Thank you very much again, good sir. How are you?
Ira: Good! I love it; you have a different accent this time.
Colin: Yeah, I just like to tweak it every now and again to keep people guessing. It feels like you’ve got a completely different guest, so you know, you are most welcome.
Ira: Exactly! Well, here’s a question I bet you’ve never been asked, so I want to start off the show with this: What am I not thinking?
Colin: Oh, listen, I don’t want to get you in trouble, right? So that should probably remain between you and me.
Ira: But I’m not thinking, so you wouldn’t be able to tell me what I’m not thinking because I’m not thinking.
Colin: Yeah, I didn’t want to offend and go there and make cheap jokes at your expense, Ira, but yeah, it’s fine.
Ira: Well, it’s a delight seeing you again. I know you had a great run over at the Mirage, and now this whole new show is just yours. You were working with a fabulous magician beforehand, and now you’re adding your combination of deduction, mentalism, comedy, and an accent—so all those things pile on. And hairspray—let’s not forget hairspray.
Colin: Absolutely correct. Hairspray is very important—not the show, the actual product.
Ira: Yes, absolutely. So tell us about—we can go into your past in a minute for those who are listening or watching for the first time who may not know your background—but before we even do that, what are the daunting challenges of now headlining your own show? You were working with Shin Lim before at the Mirage, and now you’re headlining your own show. Do you design it differently than what you did at the Mirage?
Colin: I mean, before I even worked with Shin and before I got involved with the likes of The Illusionists, the Broadway touring show, I performed 10 solo one-man shows at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, which is the world’s largest performing arts festival. It’s odd since it’s in Scotland, not France.
Ira: Yeah, no, absolutely. And Edinburgh is a city that’s definitely not designed to hold 4,500 shows a day, right? A day, so like, it’s madness.
Colin: But you know, that led to me taking those shows to the West End, Australia, and more. I’ve become very comfortable doing solo shows. I think last year, going back to Edinburgh again to run a new show, I realized how much I missed it. That made me decide whether to extend with Shin or go solo. The feeling I got reminded me that I need to do this for myself now. The only thing left on my performing bucket list is to headline a Las Vegas residency, and it feels like now is the perfect time.
Ira: And it’s on the Las Vegas Strip, so even better.
Colin: 100%. Everything’s aligning. The demand for me to do my own show has been there for over a year now, and I thought, "If all these different people are asking me to do this, I must be doing something right." I feel like I’ve earned it, but I also need to continue deserving it. I’m ready as a performer with the perfect show for the Las Vegas Strip, and Harrah’s is centrally located, so it’s a plus.
Ira: How many seats is the room?
Colin: It’s 360 seats—perfect size. I tested the show back in February at my friend Jeff Hobson’s theater in Palm Springs, which is 125 seats. Both shows were sold out, and it felt great to be intimate with the audience again. I’ve played stadiums with 8,000 seats, the Mirage had just over a thousand, and while the energy was great, I felt guilty that people were watching a magic show, not being part of it. I love creating a feeling of inclusion and involvement. With 360 people, it’s nearing the limit of what I think is still intimate.
Ira: How hard is it to get the elephant on stage in a showroom that size?
Colin: Well, that’s why we’re really having this chat—I was hoping to rope you in to usher the elephant on stage every night.
Ira: So you’re calling me an elephant, is what you’re saying.
Colin: I support you fully in your decisions, Ira.
Ira: Give us a sense thematically of what the show is about. For those who haven’t seen Colin perform, it’s quite the combination that you bring to the stage. For listeners and viewers, I referenced in the opening your fascination with Sherlock Holmes, which I think started at age eight if I remember correctly.
Colin: Maybe just a little younger, but certainly around eight was when I discovered he never existed. When I was seven, I remember skimming through the books and being fascinated by how Sherlock deduced things about people. I thought he was a real person. By age eight, I found out he wasn’t real, but by then the bug had bitten. I wasn’t into magic as a kid; I loved science, understanding how things worked, and later, understanding how people work. I studied forensic investigation at university when I was 16 and specialized in criminal profiling. I realized stand-up comedians are the best at observing the world, like Sherlock Holmes. So I started mixing in comedy, hypnosis, and mentalism, which is more psychological-based. That led to my first show in Edinburgh, and it’s snowballed from there.
Ira: It’s an interesting career you’ve had, and I remember when you came to Las Vegas, it was such a different environment for you. You had to adapt a little to the Vegas vibe, but you’re on familiar territory now.
Colin: 100%. I was fortunate to tour with The Illusionists for four years in America, so I got a great sense of different demographics. Vegas is a real combination of backgrounds, which makes for a more interesting and exciting show. My job as a performer is to make everyone look good, feel great, and be the stars. If I have any real skill, it’s in learning how to involve people in a way that makes them shine. I want to create an experience where the magical things I’m doing become more amazing because we get to know the people involved.
Ira: Have you thought about taking it to the next level, like adding ventriloquism so you could work with puppets instead of actual human beings?
Colin: I admire Shin because a lot of his magic doesn’t involve engaging with people. He can perform without interruption, which is something I envy. But my show is all about connecting with the audience, reading people, and being present. When you come to the show, you’ll see that I’m already in the zone, reading people as they walk into the room.
Ira: Before I let you go, what do you want people to take away from your show besides the experience of being part of it?
Colin: Number one, the show isn’t about convincing anyone of anything. I want people to challenge the way they think and feel amazed, astounded, and entertained. I have a mantra before I start the show: This could be my last show, the first time someone is seeing a magic show, or the last time someone will experience a magic show. I remind myself that people are here to escape, and it’s my job to be present, have fun, and play. People may not remember exactly what I did, but they’ll remember how I made them feel.
Ira: That’s a great way to leave it. My guest has been award-winning mentalist Colin Cloud, known as the closest thing to a real-life Sherlock Holmes. He’s headlining the world premiere of his show Colin Cloud: Mastermind in Harrah’s Cabaret at Harrah’s Las Vegas starting July 2nd, with ongoing shows every week Tuesday through Saturday at 6 p.m. For ticket information and everything about Colin Cloud, visit colincloud.com, and follow him on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok. Colin, thanks for coming on the show again.
Colin: Thank you so much for having me, and thank you to everyone for listening. It is truly, truly appreciated.
faqs about colin cloud in 2024
Who is Colin Cloud?
Colin Cloud is a Scottish-born mentalist and illusionist, celebrated for his uncanny ability to blend psychological insights with entertainment. Often dubbed the "Real-Life Sherlock Holmes," Colin has carved a niche for himself by using forensic techniques, behavioral analysis, and sharp observational skills to create jaw-dropping performances. His unique approach has captivated audiences around the world, making him a prominent figure in the world of mind reading and mentalism.
Did Colin Cloud win AGT?
Colin Cloud participated in the 12th season of America's Got Talent in 2017, where he wowed the judges and viewers with his extraordinary mind-reading feats. Although he advanced to the semifinals and became a fan favorite, he did not win the competition. Despite not taking home the grand prize, his time on AGT propelled his career, earning him a place among the most innovative mentalists in the industry.
How does Colin Cloud read minds?
Colin Cloud’s "mind reading" is actually a sophisticated interplay of psychological manipulation, observation, and suggestion. By picking up on subtle cues like body language, tone of voice, and micro-expressions, he constructs a highly educated guess about what a person might be thinking. This ability, combined with his quick wit and deep understanding of human behavior, allows him to create the illusion of mind reading, leaving audiences in awe.
How does Colin Cloud do his tricks?
The magic behind Colin Cloud's tricks lies in his deep understanding of psychology and human nature. He uses principles of suggestion, misdirection, and keen observation to guide his participants in ways that seem effortless yet lead to mind-boggling outcomes. Each performance is carefully crafted, allowing him to manipulate the audience's perceptions and create the sensation that he is doing the impossible. His mastery of these techniques is what makes his tricks so compelling and mystifying.
Is Colin Cloud real?
Yes, Colin Cloud is a real and highly skilled performer, but it's important to note that his acts are grounded in science and psychology, not supernatural powers. While his performances may seem otherworldly, they are the result of extensive training in forensic science, psychology, and performance art. Colin Cloud's true talent lies in his ability to seamlessly combine these disciplines to create an experience that feels almost magical, even though it’s firmly rooted in reality.
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