Dawud Hussain’s mindblowing magic tricks saw him blow up online during lockdown – and now he’s set to play his first live theatre show, writes Antonia Vlad
With more than 500,000 followers across social media and millions of views, 24-year-old Dawud Hussain has attracted fans including Jack Grealish, Anthony Joshua and Ed Sheeran.
And on 18th December, Dawud is set to take his talents from social media to the stage with his debut live theatre show, BEYOND, at Tramshed in Greenwich.
Dawud’s journey into magic began at just 14, after watching fellow magician Dynamo walk on water.
Massively inspired, he quickly developed his passion by practising tricks with playing cards and coins before showcasing his talents through TikTok livestreams during the COVID-19 lockdown.
As his online following grew, so did demand for his performances, with bookings for weddings, corporate events and celebrations involving the Premier League, Chelsea FC and Manchester City.
Dawud said: “I think people often see magic as simply fooling people. For me, it’s about creating memorable moments. Even a simple card trick can brighten someone’s day, and that’s what makes magic special to me.”
But his career has brought challenges beyond mastering the art of illusion. In a February 2025 profile for Hyphen, Dawud discussed how some people within the Muslim community have viewed his work with suspicion, associating magic with sorcery.
He maintains that his performances are about sleight of hand and entertainment, rather than anything that conflicts with his religious beliefs.
His repertoire goes far beyond card tricks. Dawud performs some stomach-churning stunts, including pushing a needle through his hand and inserting a nail into his nose – skills he has described as “not for the squeamish”.
His biggest ambition is to take his magic to an international audience and bring smiles to people around the world.
He said: “I’m now taking a big step towards that dream and after years of people watching my magic online, I want to bring that experience to life on stage, with the ultimate goal of touring worldwide.”
One celebrity reaction has particularly stuck with Dawud. After watching him perform a trick, Nigerian singer Burna Boy reportedly exclaimed: ‘He’s not human, is he?’ – a reaction that captures the sense of astonishment Dawud hopes to inspire in audiences everywhere.
Tickets to BEYOND at Tramshed in Greenwich on 18th December can be purchased directly via: dawudmagic.com
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