Lawrence Khong: Polo-Playing Illusionist

Enchanted to meet you

He's been set on fire, locked in a box, and survived death-defying performances. However, MARCUS WONG discovers Lawrence Khong's most extraordinary trick is balancing his roles as husband and father, pastor, polo player and illusionist.

Lawrence Khong says that it's wonderful to be able to work with family as you enjoy "greater space for creativity" due to the understanding and mutual respect you share. As he and his daughter Priscilla are Singapore's only father and daughter illusionist team, they are in a unique position to act as healthy role models for other parents.

Knowing that you are putting your safety and life in the hands of someone that you love and trust makes all the difference, says Lawrence, explaining that this trust allows them to focus on the peformance instead of worrying about the dangers.

Juggle with joy
However busy his schedule, Lawrence sets aside quality time for his family - pausing to stop, listen and pay attention, he says, as sometimes your children just need a show of love and support to help them deal with their problems. "Once you set aside that time, everything else will fall in place."

Integrated lives
Lawrence says for his wife and himself, there is no segregation between "work", "personal" and "family" because they both love all three elements (and each other) equally. Thus, it makes no difference if they are going to church, attending a business meeting, working on a show, having dinner, or taking a vacation together. To the couple, it's all quality time - as long as they're together.

''There is a need for all pastors to connect with their communities. This is part of the Christian call to love and care for others, and as far as I know, pastors do that in different ways depending on their interest and talents. Performing is only one of the many ways."
Lawrence Khong

''You are never too old to do great things! 
I started performing illusions on stage when I was 50 and haven't slowed down since!"
Lawrence Khong

Spirituality and magic
There is no contradiction between spirituality and magic for Lawrence, as he sees them as two separate issues that work effectively together. To him, performing magic lets him "step out of the physical walls of the church" and reach the masses with "positive, wholesome content".

To Lawrence, the real 'pulpits' of the world are not found in church, but in cinemas, theatres, concert halls and on television. He knows of pastors who reach out through community service, grass roots activities, and social media platforms, but for him, performing is an opportunity to use his lifelong hobby to influence and positively impact individuals, families, society and Singapore's arts and entertainment landscape.

Inspired by ...
Lawrence says he learns from everyone in the industry as all illusionists have made their own contributions to the art be it style, music or magic. Personally though, he says he learnt a lot from Lance Burton, Jonathan Pendragon, and the legendary Johnny Thompson. Pendragon in particular shared insight on how to present illusions effectively, and Lawrence credits Jeff McBride from Las Vegas for helping him put together big shows in his early days.

Magic moments
Lawrence's favourite part of his shows is seeing the looks of awe when he defies the laws of logic. For instance, the first time he performed magic for his secondary school mates, he enjoyed the simple joy of "making the impossible, possible". These days, Lawrence finds satisfaction in balancing the fine technical aspects of magic and presenting world class entertainment.

Kid you not
He tries to inspire his family to keep an attitude of childlikeness, "a sense of wonderment and delight" to better appreciate things and people around them. He shares that it will allow you to "grow up" instead of "grow old", so always maintain a sense of excitement and anticipation about life.

Higher and further
Lawrence thinks it's simply a matter of having the right positive outlook - every day is a new adventure waiting to be discovered! The company that you keep also plays an important part, so be with people who share a passion for life and feel good about themselves. In his case, he has his daughter Priscilla who is always encouraging him to go the distance and push himself even further in the craft.

Make the fat disappear
"Honestly, there isn't any 'magic' or secret to staying young! It's all about making a conscious effort to love and respect your body, and know its limits." He watches his diet - especially his carbohydrate intake-loading up on fruit, vegetables, protein and lots of water. No more fatty foods, not even favourites like char kway teow for the past 10 years!

Besides playing polo every week, a personal trainer helps him build endurance and core strength in the gym two or three times a week - necessary for dealing with the physical challenges of his stunts and illusions. His beauty regimen? Going for a facial once a month and moisturising his face every evening.

Stretching time
Lawrence Khong, 56, makes more of the hours in a day than seems possible. Best known as a grand illusionist, he is CEO of Gateway Entertainment started eight years ago to make movies and stage illusion shows. With a biz ad degree from the National University of Singapore, he is naturally comfortable with running a business, but he is just as passionate about his other face - that of Senior Pastor at Faith Community Baptist Church, and for his community work.

Along with a team of volunteers, he founded TOUCH Community Services in 1986 to help the needy and disadvantaged. His work was recognised with a public service medal at the National Day Awards, 1998. In 2002, Lawrence brought Project Smile to youths, training them to use magic to cheer the less privileged.

Sporty too, Lawrence plays polo, and won a silver medal as part of the Singapore team in the 2007 Southeast Asian Games in Thailand.

The father of four is now a grandfather of one. How he manages to cram his day and maintain his good looks - now, that's definitely magical.