Dynamo the Magician has just performed his biggest ever stunt—escaping from a burning car suspended 100 feet in the air in New York—and is gearing up for a return to the live stage in 2027. In an interview with the Manchester Evening News, he reveals how Manchester has played a pivotal role in his career, from his first stage experience with Ian Brown to his upcoming tour starting in Salford.
Escaping a Burning Car: Dynamo's Biggest Stunt Yet
When asked how he is, Dynamo replies matter-of-factly: “I’m a bit sore because I just escaped from a burning car 100ft in the sky in New York at the weekend. I was put in a straight jacket, chained up to the car on the inside and then it lifted 100 feet in the air, set on fire and I had to escape.” The stunt, emulating Houdini, will be featured in a Sky TV special titled Dynamo v Houdini later this year. He adds, “Obviously I made it out as I’m here talking to you today—but my body is definitely feeling it so I’ve been in the hospital for the last couple of days. What I’ve just achieved is probably the greatest, biggest stunt I’ve ever achieved in my entire life.”
Health Comeback and New Tour
Dynamo, real name Steven Frayne, stepped back from the limelight five years ago due to Crohn’s Disease and arthritis. Now, he says he is “the healthiest I’ve ever felt” and has announced his first major UK tour in 10 years, starting at Salford’s Lowry Theatre in January 2027. “I’m in a very good routine at the moment and I’m pacing myself. I am feeling probably the healthiest I’ve ever felt and mentally I’m the happiest I’ve been in a long time. I’m so excited I feel like a curious kid again. It’s like I found magic all over again.”
Ian Brown and Manc Swagger
Dynamo credits Ian Brown for giving him his first stage experience. “My first ever, ever time on stage was at an Ian Brown gig. He brought me out in front of like 20,000 people at Manchester Arena—and I’ve never been on stage before in my life. It was terrifying right? And also it’s an Ian Brown crowd so I know they’re a tough crowd to please—you’ve gotta have a certain level of swagger!” He met Brown through their mutual love of Adidas trainers, introduced by Speziali designer Gary Aspden. Dynamo remains friends with Brown, John Squire, Bugzy Malone, and the Gallagher brothers. “I’m a northerner, through and through. I just look at these guys, they’re legends. When I go on that stage, I need to always try to be a little bit Ian Brown and have that swagger.”
Imposter Syndrome and Rebuilding as a Magician
Dynamo performed a run of shows in London last year under his real name, Steven Frayne, to combat imposter syndrome. “I wanted to make sure that as Steven I was good enough. I was in hospital at times and I couldn’t even make a cup of tea. Yet as Dynamo I’d do all these crazy things—it’s a lot of pressure. I’ve lived through a lot of imposter syndrome—probably I still do. But the things I’ve achieved over the last year, I finally feel like I’m in a place where maybe the audience is going to get to see the Dynamo they all loved as well as Steven.”
Intimate Venues and Fan Connection
He chose smaller theatre venues for the tour to connect intimately with fans. “I love being able to actually see everybody in the audience and connect with people. After every show I get to hang out with everyone. These people have supported me through thick and thin—when I’ve been too sick to perform magic and I’ve been in hospital they’re the ones who’ve been sending me messages online and giving me the strength that I need when I didn’t have it myself.”
Homecoming to Bradford
The tour ends with a homecoming to his hometown of Bradford. “To still be doing magic all these years later and to finally be bringing a show back to my hometown—it is a real full-circle moment. It’s going to connect on a different level. For me, representation is important for inspiring hope because there’s lots of kids still on the estates in Bradford who might think that there’s no way out. Seeing me knowing that I’ve come from where they come from shows them that it’s possible.”
Dynamo’s ‘Up Close and Magical’ tour runs across the UK in 2027, starting at Salford’s Lowry Theatre from January 21–27. Tickets are on sale now.
