Performing is ‘therapy for the soul’ admits FizzWizzPop

With theatres and venues closed, shows have been cancelled, rehearsals halted, and many performers have found themselves struggling both financially and creatively.

Nickola Arkane, Northern Ireland’s only professional female magician, has had her fair share of ups and downs during the lockdown. However she has been determined to continue to be productive and share her talents online. “Although the lockdown period has been devastating for my business and the industry as a whole I have done something I feel extremely positive and proud of that has helped many lives in lockdown,” said Nickola.

“I am best known by children and families here for my character FizzWizzPop. Alongside birthday party Magic shows I perform close up magic and am the current British Champion in Close Up.

“Rather than do nothing in lockdown I decided to turn my bedroom into a mini theatre. I call it my Isolation Creation Station. A space where I can make, create and imagine.

“I decided in March that I would use this time to educate myself, learn new skills and keep magic alive for me and others. After successfully receiving an Emergency Arts Grant from the Arts Council of Northern Ireland and National Lottery fund, I bought equipment like lights, microphones, backdrops making the space a professional studio to stream shows live for families in need of joy in their lives.

“With this grant I have been able to support charities whose families have been severely affected by this pandemic. These organisations include the Belfast Children’s Hospice, Dementia NI, and Mae Murray Foundation so far. Being able to continue doing what I love in these uncertain times is giving myself, and the people watching, something fun to focus on, a space to laugh, and gives hope that things one day will get back to some normality.”

During the lockdown many people have discovered a new appreciation for the world of arts, whether its literature, theatre, music, art, or something else altogether, people who would never have given arts a second thought, have come to value its importance. In her recent blog post, Nikcola said: “Over the last ten to twelve years in the UK our society has been nurtured continuously to devalue a creative purpose. From governments to funding it is becoming increasingly difficult to sustain a living wage as an artist. Even though I believe we continue to deliver so much to communities, culture, the economy and individual lives. Not everyone feels this way but it is compounding at times as an artist when you know that the work that goes into bringing your creativity to life is worth so much more than it’s valued at.

“I’m finally getting used to the new world I’ve created in my bedroom making videos and now the only limit appears to be my imagination. I’ve had ups and downs myself but performing has really helped. It’s therapy for my soul.”