Will Ayling: The Genie joins the army
Will Ayling was known as The Genie. This was apt, for he was both a magician and rather short in stature. He discovered magic in his late teens, learned his craft as war clouds loomed across Europe, and deployed his organisational skills to produce entertainments for war-weary troops throughout India and Burma. Post-war, he made a significant contribution to the advancement of the art, as a performer, author, collector and leading member of the magic community. Promotional image for Will Ayling - The Genie (1954) (Source:Will Ayling) Learning magic William Richard Ayling was born on 2 March 1914 in the port city of Portsmouth on England’s south coast. As a youngster, Will was both ‘arty’ and a Christian. These two interests combined when he joined the drama group of a local church. He got involved in acting, writing and producing a range of entertainments. When the group put on a variety show, Ayling volunteered to find a magician to join the cast....