Angus Baskerville, a Warwickshire performer, is set to captivate audiences at the prestigious Edinburgh Fringe Festival with his compelling new one-man magic show, “Hidden Powers.” This unique production delves into his profound personal experiences of growing up with autism and ADHD, offering a powerful narrative that intertwines entertainment with deep insights into neurodiversity.
At 29, Baskerville, hailing from Binton, brings “Hidden Powers” to the famous Royal Mile throughout August, following a series of sell-out summer tours and a burgeoning reputation on the national magic and public speaking circuits. His show is not merely a display of illusion but a candid exploration of his life’s journey, using his platform to advocate for greater understanding and acceptance of neurodiversity and mental well-being.
Diagnosed with Asperger’s and ADHD at the age of 15, Angus is now a vocal proponent for mental health awareness. His advocacy extends beyond the stage, culminating in the recent publication of his autobiography, “Naughty or Neurodiverse: An Aspie’s Road To Magic,” which provides an intimate look into his formative years and the challenges he overcame.
Reflecting on the significance of his return, Baskerville expressed immense gratitude, stating, “Edinburgh Fringe has been a massive highlight of my career that created a lot of opportunities for me. It is known to be the third biggest ticketed event in the world behind The Olympics and The World Cup so I feel extremely privileged.” This sentiment underscores the magnitude of his presence at such a globally renowned cultural event.
His career in magic, spanning over a decade, was ignited by a transformative magic course at Davenport’s in London, a gift from his parents. This initial spark led him to join the Leamington and Magic Society, and by 2020, he had earned a coveted acceptance into the esteemed Magic Circle, marking significant milestones in his artistic development.
However, Angus’s path into magic was profoundly shaped by a childhood fraught with exclusion, misunderstanding, and significant struggles with mental health. He recounted being bullied and expelled from three schools, which left him with a persistent feeling of not belonging, highlighting the isolating impact of undiagnosed neurodevelopmental conditions.
Baskerville passionately advocates for early diagnosis and understanding, asserting, “Lack of understanding of Asperger’s Syndrome, when everyone thinks you’re being odd or naughty when in actual fact it’s something you can’t help, can be a first-class ticket to serious mental health problems and it’s why I urge people to fight to get their diagnosis as soon as possible.” This personal plea underscores the critical importance of timely recognition and support.
Through both his book and his show, Angus aims to demystify life with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), sharing both effective coping mechanisms and unhelpful experiences. His overarching message champions the idea that being different is not a deficit but a source of strength, firmly believing that individuals with autism possess unique and valuable gifts to offer the world.
