Hampstead. I’ve actually lived in London longer than I’ve lived in Bradford now. I started coming when I was 15. I’d get on the £1 bus from Bradford. It would take eight hours — this was before wi-fi so it was proper boring — and when I’d get to London, I’d go straight to Covent Garden, St James Street corner, which is the magicians’ corner, and busk there. I’d stay on other magicians’ couches for the weekend. Jump on the bus back up to Bradford and hopefully go home with a stack full of change in my pocket.
Cops pull me over all the time — just so they can find out if it’s me and see if I will show them a trick
Where was your first flat in London?
When I first properly moved, I lived in Walthamstow. I lived above a chippy. But it cost me 50 quid a week, and that was quite easy to make busking in Covent Garden.
What was your first job here?
I’ve never had a proper job. My first residency? That was at a venue called Too2Much which is now The Box. I was performing in the VIP room every week and they were guaranteeing me the 50 quid for my rent. I was getting £50-note tips and stuff like that: it was amazing. The people that would come to that venue: Kate Moss was in there hanging out, all the rock bands.
Kate Moss, who used to go to Too2Much where Dynamo performed
Jonathan Short/Invision/AP
Which shops do you rely on?
There’s a shop called END. It’s just off Carnaby Street and literally I think I’m one of their best customers. They’ve got me on speed-dial now: they know what I like, so they even put stuff aside. I walk in and they’re like, “Oh, yeah, we know what you want.” If I’m going to do a shoot or if I’m going abroad and I haven’t had chance to sort out the wardrobe, I know I can go there and I’ll get everything under the one roof.
Best meal you’ve had in London?
It’s not top cuisine, but it’s the meal that reminds me the most of home and a meal I can’t get anymore because my nana’s not alive to cook it for me. My nana used to make the best, biggest Yorkshire puddings with all the different toppings inside. She’d roll it up like a wrap. And there’s a place called Yorkshire Burrito; it makes me feel close to home.
What would you do if you were Mayor for the day?
I would try and find homes for all the homeless. It’s an incredible city we live in. We should not be driving down Tottenham Court Road and seeing people living in tents. I wish I had the magic capacity to fix it myself.
Who is the most iconic Londoner?
I’m going to say Giggs, the rapper. He’s proper London and for the music that’s my favourite genre, he’s the guvnor.
Tabatha Fireman/Getty Images
What’s the best thing a cabbie has ever said to you?
If this guy reads this, he’s going to remember it. I wasn’t in the cab, I was walking my dog, and a cabbie pulled over, right in front of me. He jumped out the car and he goes, “I’m a big fan of your magic. I make caps, you wear caps, so I’m gonna give you one of my caps.” And he gave me a baseball cap and it was quite a cool design. It’s weird because I’ve bumped into that cab driver since. I recognised his hat. I was looking at him, and I was like, “I’ve got one of those.” And he goes, “Yeah, I gave you it.”
Have you ever had a run-in with a London police officer?
All the time. I have been pulled over before just so they can find out if it’s me, and will I show them a trick. I had one run-in with a policeman about a week and a half ago. We were going to the rugby and on the way my wife had a headache. We were trying to find a shop to get some paracetamol and a cop stopped me. “Alright Dynamo? Can you do me a trick?” I went, “Well, if you can give me some paracetamol, I can do magic,” and he pulled out some paracetamol. It was a good trade.
Where do you let your hair down?
I’ve been going to The Rex Rooms. My friend just started this cool club, and because he owns it, it’s like another home. But I’m not a big partyer per se. I love going to the cinema; I love getting lost in film. And a perfect day is exploring magic ideas without the pressure of a specific project. Just exploring something new.
What’s your biggest extravagance?
Probably my car. I’ve only got one, so I’m not being over the top. It’s a G-wagon AMG Mercedes. It’s one of my dream cars.
Mercedes G Wagon
Mercedes
What are you up to at the moment for work?
My residence at Underbelly Boulevard Soho. I went to see a show there before Christmas. And then they emailed me out of the blue saying, “We heard you were in this venue tonight. If you ever want to look at maybe doing a couple of warm-up shows, we’d love to have you.” And I was like, I want to come and do a whole run. When you can you fit me in?
Steven Frayne — Up Close and Magical is at Underbelly Boulevard Soho, March 28 to May 11, underbellyboulevard.com