Derek Hughes Works His Magic on Students

Comedian and magician extraordinaire Derek Hughes graced our platform stage in the Great Hall last Thursday, Oct. 21st, for a homecoming comedy show impossible to forget.

He opened his show with what we thought would be a simple string trick. With his stylistic hands and creative ways of keeping our attention he surprised the packed room after linking all three pieces of string into one long strand.

He continued the night with numerous acts that never ceased to amaze anyone watching. Before beginning a new trick, he would open up with a short story.
“I started when I was 10; I got into magic because I didn’t play sports. I traded a chemistry set for a comic set,” Hughes said.

His entire show flowed together so smoothly it was as if we as audience members were having conversation with him. He asked for audience participation numerous times, and anxious UMW students hopped to the opportunity. He made a few hilarious comments like, “cheerleaders represent raw sexual desire” and “I want a reality show called ‘The Stalker.’”

His biggest trick was strategically stretched out throughout the entirety of the show. At the end, he literally pulled a playing card out of his butt. The trick in this was that the card which he pulled out was the card that one of the lucky student participants had been asked to think about in her head. Everyone was slightly disgusted by this action, but found it hilarious nonetheless. It was a great way to finish the show.

I had the pleasure of being able to have a short interview with him after the show. Not to my surprise I was interrupted numerous times by students coming up congratulating him on his show.

“Every audience is a blessing,” Hughes said. “I’m very lucky to have a crowd that wants to listen to me.”

From the laughs and giggles in the audience it appeared that everyone had a good time. It was a great show; all who were there would attest to that. For the rest of you, you will just have to come next time.