Steven Frayne

Frayne was born in Bradford, England, to an English mother and a father of Pakistani ancestry.{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-09-04/dynamo-paul-daniels-stayed-on-tv-too-long-and-ruined-the-magic/|title=Dynamo: 'Paul Daniels stayed on TV too long... and ruined the magic'|website=Radio Times|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/dynamo-dying-on-stage-would-be-good-for-the-legacy/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/men/thinking-man/dynamo-dying-on-stage-would-be-good-for-the-legacy/|archive-date=12 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=Dynamo: Dying on stage would be good for the legacy|work=The Telegraph|date=18 January 2016|access-date=9 June 2019}}{{cbignore}} Frayne is the eldest of four children, his late father went to prison in 1986 when Frayne was four. At the age of 19, his father came to see his act and, according to Frayne, made a failed attempt to recruit him into crime.{{Citation|title="Dynamo Is Dead!" The Heartbreaking True Story of Why Dynamo Vanished For Years!|date=14 December 2023|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTzgD6Tn9DY|access-date=2024-03-04|language=en}}{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2018/03/26/dynamo-magician-age-net-worth-height-real-name-best-youtube-videos-7418366/|title=Dynamo magician age, net worth, height, real name and best YouTube videos|date=2018-03-26|website=Metro|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Frayne grew up for a time on the Delph Hill estate in Wyke,{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/9956977.world-famous-magician-steven-frayne-brought-up-in-delph-hill-is-back-to-meet-the-fans-and-sign-his-autobiography-in-waterstones/|title=Magical moment as Bradford's Dynamo visits home city|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=29 September 2012|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}} one of the most deprived areas in the UK at the time.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2005/aug/28/nicolemowbray.theobserver|title=Hey presto! Bradford's answer to David Blaine|last=Mowbray|first=Nicole|date=2005-08-27|work=The Observer|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-GB|issn=0029-7712}} Frayne suffered from bullying at school, and as a result, his grandfather taught him his first magic trick to make it seem like he was much heavier than he was in reality, so that other children couldn't pick him up.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/sep/27/dynamo-magician-next-trick-live-tour-interview|title=And for Dynamo's next trick? A live tour|last=Sawyer|first=Miranda|date=2015-09-27|work=The Observer|access-date=2017-12-28|language=en-GB|issn=0029-7712}} Frayne is a supporter of Bradford City A.F.C.{{Cite news|url=https://www.bradfordcityafc.com/news/2015/may/dynamo-in-disbelief-at-season-ticket-prices/|title=DYNAMO IN DISBELIEF AT SEASON TICKET PRICES!|website=Bradford City A.F.C.|date=16 May 2015|access-date=31 March 2021}}

Frayne was given the name Dynamo in 2001 while performing at Houdini's centenary celebrations at the New York Hilton{{Cite news|url=https://www.nzherald.co.nz/entertainment/news/article.cfm?c_id=1501119&objectid=11131981|title=Dynamo: Magician Impossible: It's all about sharing the wonder|last=Gregory|first=Carrie|journal=The New Zealand Herald|date=2013-09-29|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-NZ|issn=1170-0777}} in front of magic peers including David Blaine and David Copperfield.{{Cite web|url=https://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/dynamo-aims-to-play-cards-right-on-debut-australian-tour-20160727-gqepmt.html|title=Dynamo reveals the life trick he learnt from his grandmother|last=Choueifaty|first=Elie|date=2016-08-02|website=The Sydney Morning Herald|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}} Impressed by Frayne's magic display, a member of the crowd shouted out: "this kid is an effing dynamo", and the name stuck.{{Cite news|url=https://www.thetimes.com/culture/tv-radio/article/how-dynamo-made-magic-cool-xmtddgplhnk|title=How Dynamo made magic cool|last=Leith|first=William|date=2016-01-23|work=The Times|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en|issn=0140-0460}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2011-07-14/interview-dynamo/|title=Interview: Dynamo|website=Radio Times|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}

In 2003, Frayne was given a loan from the Prince's Trust, allowing him to start his business and invest in camera equipment. Frayne moved to London in 2004 to build a career in magic,{{Cite web|url=https://w.uktv.co.uk/dynamo-magician-impossible/article/dynamo-biography/|title=Dynamo Biography {{!}} Dynamo: Magician Impossible {{!}} W Channel|website=w.uktv.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.performingartistes.co.uk/artistes/dynamo|title=Dynamo – Performing Artistes|website=performingartistes.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}} and his plan was to create the first ever 'magic mix-tape'.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2012/jul/07/dynamo-magician-impossible-magic|title=Saturday interview: Dynamo, the magician who walks on water|last=Saner|first=Emine|date=2012-07-06|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} He set out with a small team to film his performances on the streets of London and backstage at events, after he had been permitted entry by impressing doormen and tour managers. Within a year, Frayne had created footage with Coldplay, Gwyneth Paltrow, Snoop Dogg and more.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thestage.co.uk/features/interviews/2018/dynamo-after-my-illness-returning-to-magic-in-small-rooms-was-the-perfect-way-back/|title=Dynamo interview {{!}} After illness, returning to magic in small rooms|last=Bano|first=Tim|date=2018-11-13|website=The Stage|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-16}} He quickly developed a fanbase after posting the clips on YouTube, helping to boost his profile to a wider audience.

Dynamo's first TV appearances began in 2002 on Channel 4's Richard & Judy.{{Cite web|url=http://www.k9magazine.com/dynamo/|title=Interview with Dynamo|date=2014-11-19|website=K9 Magazine|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-16}} Bosses at the station were impressed with his magic abilities, and commissioned a one-hour documentary titled Dynamo's Estate of Mind,{{Cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguide/features/story/0,,1741466,00.html|title=The ace in the pack {{!}} The Guide {{!}} guardian.co.uk|website=The Guardian|access-date=2019-04-16}} which followed him doing his routines around the London circuit.{{Cite web|url=https://www.talkmagic.co.uk/ftopic10549.php|title=Dynamo's Estate of Mind : Magicians' Hall of Fame|website=talkmagic.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Dynamo: Magician Impossible is a fly on the wall documentary series that followed the life of Frayne. The series was produced by Frayne's own production company Inner Circle Films and Phil McIntyre Productions for UKTV and Universal Networks International.{{Cite web|url=http://mcintyre-ents.com/talent/dynamo-live/|title=DYNAMO: LIVE|website=Phil McIntyre|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://lexhag.co.uk/dynamo-magician-impossible/|title=DYNAMO: MAGICIAN IMPOSSIBLE|date=2018-08-14|website=Lexhag VFX|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-16}} The series reached more than 30 million viewers in the UK{{Cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/dynamo-shard-levitation-magician-breaks-4125729|title=Dynamo Shard levitation: Magician breaks silence over criticised stunt with mysterious 'all will be revealed' tweet|last=Bond|first=Anthony|date=2014-08-28|website=mirror|access-date=2019-04-16}} and more than 250 million viewers worldwide across 193 territories.{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2014-08-13/dynamo-confirms-magician-impossible-will-end-after-four-series/|title=Dynamo confirms Magician Impossible will end after four series|website=Radio Times|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}

The four-episode first series aired from 7 July 2011 until 28 July 2011.{{Citation|title=England|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2004545/|access-date=2019-04-16}} To launch the show, Frayne walked on water across the River Thames outside the Houses of Parliament, in front of a crowd who had gathered on Westminster Bridge.{{Cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/uk/2011/jun/27/magician-dynamo-walks-across-thames|title=Trick or feat? Magician Dynamo 'walks across Thames'|publisher=Press Association|date=2011-06-27|work=The Guardian|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-GB|issn=0261-3077}} The first series was filmed in London, Miami and Los Angeles, and had 6.69 million viewers in the UK, leading to UKTV renewing the show for a second and third series in February 2012.{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a363465/dynamo-magician-impossible-renewed-for-two-more-series-by-watch/|title='Dynamo: Magician Impossible' renewed|last=Wightman|first=Catriona|date=2012-02-02|publisher=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Series 2 of premiered on 5 July 2012, and was again four-episodes in duration.{{Citation|title=Venice|url=http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2252200/|access-date=2019-04-16}} The show generated 7.67 million viewers in the UK and won the award for Best Entertainment Programme at the Broadcast Awards, show of the year at the Virgin Media awards{{Cite web|url=http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/news/Dynamo-280093.html|title=Dynamo Wins Tv Show of the Year at Virgin Media Awards|date=13 February 2013|website=femalefirst.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416132417/https://www.femalefirst.co.uk/tv/news/Dynamo-280093.html|url-status=dead}} and was shortlisted for Best Entertainment Programme at the 17th National Television Awards.{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/2012-01-26/the-national-television-awards-2012-winners-in-full/|title=The National Television Awards 2012 winners in full|website=Radio Times|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}} This series also received a BAFTA nomination for Best Entertainment Programme.{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2013/television|title=Television in 2013 {{!}} BAFTA Awards|website=awards.bafta.org|access-date=2019-04-16}}

In 2013, Frayne travelled to New York City, Ibiza, South Africa and London to film content for the show's third series. The first episode, filmed in New York City, was broadcast on 11 July 2013 and was viewed by 1.35 million people. The series was again nominated for BAFTA's Best Entertainment Programme award,{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2014/television|title=Television in 2014 {{!}} BAFTA Awards|website=awards.bafta.org|access-date=2019-04-16}} alongside Ant & Dec's Saturday Night Takeaway, Derren Brown: The Great Art Robbery and Strictly Come Dancing.

A fourth and final series of the show was commissioned by UKTV in 2014, which aired in the September of the same year.{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a590102/dynamo-magician-impossible-to-end-after-fourth-series/|title=Why is Dynamo ending his TV show?|last=Wightman|first=Catriona|date=2014-08-13|publisher=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-16}} In this series, Dynamo performed street magic in California, India, Paris, London, Manchester and Bradford. For the third year running, Dynamo: Magician Impossible was nominated by BAFTA for the Best Entertainment Programme award.{{Cite web|url=http://awards.bafta.org/award/2015/television|title=Television in 2015 {{!}} BAFTA Awards|website=awards.bafta.org|access-date=2019-04-16}}

On 19 December 2013, Watch broadcast Dynamo Revealed, a documentary in which Frayne spoke to the then BBC Radio 1 presenter Zane Lowe about the steps he took to grow from rough area of Bradford to the magician that he is today.{{Cite web|url=https://w.uktv.co.uk/dynamo-magician-impossible/article/about-dynamo-revealed/|title=About Dynamo Revealed {{!}} Dynamo: Magician Impossible {{!}} W Channel|website=w.uktv.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=http://blog.magicshop.co.uk/2013/11/dynamo-magician-impossible-two-christmas-tv-specials-interview.html|title=Dynamo Magician Impossible – Interview and Two Christmas TV Specials|date=2013-11-18|website=How to do Magic Tricks|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-16}}

In 2016, Watch commissioned an hour-long TV special titled Dynamo A–Z, where Dynamo presented a retrospective, alphabetical review of clips of some of his magic tricks from Dynamo: Magician Impossible.{{Cite web|url=https://www.radiotimes.com/tv-programme/e/dvvznj/dynamo-magician-impossible--s1-e5-dynamo-a-z/|title=Dynamo: A–Z – S1|website=Radio Times|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Frayne continued his work with Watch to bring his live arena tour, Seeing is Believing, to TV screens across the United Kingdom. Dynamo Live at The O2 followed Frayne as he embarked on the biggest live magic performance in British history.{{Cite web|url=https://w.uktv.co.uk/shows/dynamo-live-o2/|title=Dynamo Live at the O2 {{!}} W Channel|website=w.uktv.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}} The show was broadcast live across the UK on Watch.{{Cite web|url=http://www.magicweek.co.uk/backissues_0800-0849/0822.htm|title=0822 – MagicWeek UK Magic News|website=magicweek.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://worldscreen.com/tveurope/2016/03/15/uktvs-w-channel-to-broadcast-dynamos-live-magic-show/|title=UKTV's W Channel to Broadcast Dynamo's Live Magic Show|last=Alessi|first=Sara|date=2016-03-15|website=TVEUROPE|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Dynamo is Dead is a 2023 TV special in which Frayne interviews a number of celebrities in preparation for his premature burial. He holds candid conversations about mental wellbeing and his own personal struggles with guests Pete Davidson, Demi Lovato, Dave Chapelle and others. Frayne is then buried alive without a coffin for 2 mins and 57 seconds. This show was released on Sky TV{{Cite web|title=Dynamo is Dead {{!}} Sky Max {{!}} Sky.com|url=https://www.sky.com/watch/dynamo-is-dead|access-date=2024-08-19|website=sky.com}} in UK and History TV 18{{Cite web|title=HISTORY TV18|url=https://www.historyindia.com/|access-date=2024-08-19|website=HISTORY TV18}} in India.

Miracles is a 90-minute TV special that aired on Sky Max on 19 December 2024 and features Frayne performing street magic around England.{{cite web|url=https://www.skygroup.sky/en-gb/article/steven-frayne-formerly-known-as-dynamo-brings-miracles-w-t-to-sky-this-christmas-|title=Steven Frayne, formerly known as Dynamo, brings Miracles (w/t) to Sky this Christmas|website=skygroup.sky|access-date=23 November 2024}}{{cite web|url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2024/dec/19/tv-tonight-startling-magic-as-dynamo-goes-back-to-his-roots|title=TV tonight: startling magic as Dynamo goes back to his roots|website=The Guardian|access-date=11 January 2025}}

Frayne has appeared and performed on multiple TV shows, including Friday Night with Jonathan Ross,{{Cite web|url=http://www.magicweek.co.uk/backissues_0350-0399/0355.htm|title=0355 – MagicWeek UK Magic News|website=magicweek.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}} Snoop Dogg's Fatherhood,{{Cite book|title=Nothing is Impossible|last=Frayne|first=Steven|publisher=Ebury Press|year=2013|isbn=978-0-09-194892-4|location=London|pages=[https://archive.org/details/nothingisimpossi0000dyna/page/175 175]|url=https://archive.org/details/nothingisimpossi0000dyna/page/175}} the MTV EMAs and more. He has also featured in advertisements for the likes of Adidas, Samsung and Pepsi, and has appeared on the catwalk for Naomi Campbell's Fashion for Relief.{{Cite web|url=https://www.huffingtonpost.co.uk/jasmine-dotiwala/naomi-campbells-exclusive_b_6721006.html|title=Naomi Campbell's Exclusive Star-Studded Fashion For Relief Show|date=2015-02-25|website=HuffPost UK|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Frayne's media appearances have regularly involved magic stunts with celebrities. In May 2009, Dynamo levitated comedian Matt Lucas four feet off the ground in front of a crowd at the Emirates Stadium in London.{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10140245/Are-these-the-secrets-behind-Dynamos-greatest-tricks.html|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/10140245/Are-these-the-secrets-behind-Dynamos-greatest-tricks.html|archive-date=12 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=Are these the secrets behind Dynamo's greatest tricks?|last=Sanghani|first=Radhika|journal=The Daily Telegraph|date=2013-06-25|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.flavourmag.co.uk/dynamo-supports-%e2%80%98be-a-gooner-be-a-giver%e2%80%99/|title=Dynamo supports 'Be a Gooner. Be a Giver'|last=Foster|first=Leonard|date=2009-05-19|website=FLAVOURMAG|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Frayne collaborated with Pepsi Max in 2013, where he levitated next to a London Bus driving through Central London.{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2013/06/27/revealed-the-secrets-behind-magician-dynamos-london-bus-levitation-trick-3859172/|title=Revealed: Secrets behind Dynamo bus trick|date=2013-06-27|website=Metro|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-16}} The stunt attracted media coverage from across the globe, including Good Morning America{{Cite web|url=http://gma.yahoo.com/video/magician-dynamo-levitates-alongside-double-151446377.html|title=Magician Dynamo Levitates Alongside Double-Decker Bus|website=gma.yahoo.com|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-16|archive-date=29 June 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130629053119/http://gma.yahoo.com/video/magician-dynamo-levitates-alongside-double-151446377.html|url-status=dead}} and Sky News. Later in the year, Frayne worked with Mercedes-Benz to create a video called Dynamo vs Coulthard, featuring Formula One driver David Coulthard.{{Cite web|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/mercedes-benz-dynamo-v-coulthard-weapon7/1193927|title=Mercedes-Benz "Dynamo v Coulthard" by Weapon7|date=2 August 2013|website=campaignlive.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.rubberrepublic.com/portfolio/dynamo-vs-coulthard/|title=Mercedes-Benz: Dynamo vs Coulthard – Rubber Republic|website=rubberrepublic.com|access-date=2019-04-16|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416135238/https://www.rubberrepublic.com/portfolio/dynamo-vs-coulthard/|url-status=dead}}

In 2014, Frayne worked with Hunter and became an integral part of their London Fashion Week show. Frayne appeared to levitate and then made models, including Suki Waterhouse, vanish in front of the crowd which included Stella McCartney and Anna Wintour.{{Cite web|url=http://fashion.telegraph.co.uk/news-features/TMG10641734/Hunter-makes-its-London-Fashion-Week-debut-with-magic-by-Dynamo.html|title=Hunter makes its London Fashion Week debut with magic by Dynamo – Telegraph|website=fashion.telegraph.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=http://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/london-fashion-week-2014-alasdhair-willis-unveils-new-hunter-collection-9131746.html|title=London Fashion Week 2014: Alasdhair Willis unveils new Hunter|date=2014-02-16|website=Evening Standard|location=London|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}

2015 saw Frayne work with Fiat to launch the Fiat 500X. Frayne made the car appear in a beam of light in front of a live audience at the Copper Box Arena in London for the car's pre-launch event. The live performance was a result of three years of work and preparation by Dynamo.{{Cite web|url=https://www.campaignlive.co.uk/article/event-tv-fiat-partners-magician-dynamo-500x-car-launch/1331569|title=Event TV: Fiat partners with magician Dynamo for 500x car launch|website=campaignlive.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://www.stareventsltd.com/star-turn-for-fiat-500x-launch/|title=Star turn for Fiat 500x launch|date=2015-12-09|website=Star Events|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-16|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416140341/https://www.stareventsltd.com/star-turn-for-fiat-500x-launch/|url-status=dead}}

In March 2017, Dynamo worked with Betfair to help the FC Barcelona team bond with a series of unconventional training techniques.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thedrum.com/news/2017/04/10/dynamo-works-his-magic-with-barcelona-fc-players-betfair-partnership|title=Dynamo works his magic with Barcelona FC players in Betfair partnership|website=The Drum|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}} Dynamo first appeared at the club's training ground, before working on visualisation exercises with the likes of Luis Suárez, Jordi Alba, Gerard Piqué, Sergio Busquets and Sergi Roberto.{{Cite web|url=https://metro.co.uk/2017/04/10/was-british-magician-dynamo-behind-barcelonas-6-1-win-over-psg-6565212/|title=Was the magician Dynamo behind Barcelona's 6–1 win over PSG?|date=2017-04-10|website=Metro|language=en-US|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Frayne has made multiple charitable media appearances for Comic Relief, Sport Relief and Children in Need. In 2010, he appeared on BBC One's coverage of Sport Relief, where he appeared to turn lottery tickets into cash in front of singer Robbie Williams and presenter Davina McCall. He then later performed a levitation in front of comedian James Corden and a live studio audience. The following year, Frayne appeared on Comic Relief, highlighting the work that British Airways had done to raise money.

Dynamo has appeared on networks and shows including ESPN, the BBC's Never Mind the Buzzcocks and Young Apprentice and more. In 2013, Frayne was flown out to Hollywood to film with pop band One Direction, as part of 1D Day. He also opened the semi-final of Strictly Come Dancing with a magic and dance routine.{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/reality-tv/a538368/strictly-come-dancing-dynamo-to-perform-card-trick-with-pros/|title=Strictly: Dynamo to perform card trick|last=Harp|first=Justin|date=2013-12-15|publisher=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-16}}

In February 2018, Dynamo appeared in an episode of Amazon Prime's The Grand Tour,{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/on-demand/2018/02/02/grand-tour-episode-nine-amphibious-cars-knitwear-debate-touch/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/on-demand/2018/02/02/grand-tour-episode-nine-amphibious-cars-knitwear-debate-touch/|archive-date=12 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=The Grand Tour, episode nine: Amphibious cars, knitwear debate and a touch of magic|last=Power|first=Ed|date=2018-02-02|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} and in November of the same year, he made an appearance for Prince Charles' 70th birthday,{{Cite web|url=https://www.express.co.uk/news/royal/1013399/prince-charles-birthday-70-royal-news|title=Prince Charles given magical 70th birthday performance – celebration details revealed|last=Yedroudj|first=Latifa|date=2018-09-05|website=Express.co.uk|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/05/prince-charles-celebrate-70th-birthday-tv-magic-show-43-years/|archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/09/05/prince-charles-celebrate-70th-birthday-tv-magic-show-43-years/|archive-date=12 January 2022|url-access=subscription|url-status=live|title=Prince Charles to celebrate 70th birthday with TV magic show, 43 years after he joined Magic Circle|last=Furness|first=Hannah|date=2018-09-05|work=The Telegraph|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-GB|issn=0307-1235}}{{cbignore}} where he performed on ITV's We Are Most Amused and Amazed.

In 2014, Frayne announced his first live tour, Seeing Is Believing.{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/tv/a598139/dynamo-announces-first-ever-live-tour-next-year/|title=Now you can see Dynamo perform live|last=Wightman|first=Catriona|date=2014-09-22|publisher=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-16}} Frayne's ambitions for the show were high, commenting to the press that "[he was] hoping that like [he] did for magic on TV, [he could] reinvent the live magic show and produce something fans have never seen before."{{Cite web|url=http://www.mirror.co.uk/tv/tv-news/dynamo-announces-first-ever-live-4303309|title=Dynamo announces first ever live tour in 2015|last=Ahmed|first=Tufayel|date=2014-09-22|website=mirror|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Dynamo was initially booked to play a 10-date run of shows in the UK, but following high demand for tickets, the run was extended to three years and 145 dates, where he sold more than 750,000 tickets and filled arenas across the UK, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.

As part of the tour, Dynamo became the first magician to headline The O2, London.{{Cite web|url=http://www.digitalspy.com/showbiz/a783095/dynamo-adds-extra-dates-to-his-tour-and-will-be-the-first-magician-to-do-the-o2/|title=Dynamo will be the first magician to play The O2 Arena|last=Hegarty|first=Tasha|date=2016-02-10|publisher=Digital Spy|language=en-GB|access-date=2019-04-16}} He performed at the London venue three times, with the final show being screened live on TV.

Frayne has written several literary accounts which revolve around his upbringing, his personal story, magic and his relationship with the artform. In 2013, Frayne released his debut book Nothing Is Impossible: My Story, which became a Sunday Times Bestseller{{Cite web|url=https://www.blinkpublishing.co.uk/dynamo-the-book-of-secrets.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416141842/https://www.blinkpublishing.co.uk/dynamo-the-book-of-secrets.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=16 April 2019|title=Dynamo: The Book of Secrets|access-date=16 April 2019}}

In 2017, Frayne released Dynamo: The Book of Secrets, a fully illustrated beginner's guide to modern magic with tips, tricks and some of his best kept secrets for new, aspiring magicians to learn.{{citation needed|date=January 2025}} The Book of Secrets reached number 1 position in The Guardian's Paperback non-fiction chart.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thebookseller.com/news/bad-dad-motors-number-one-spot-walliams-fastest-seller-669471|title=Bad Dad motors into number one spot as Walliams' fastest seller {{!}} The Bookseller|website=thebookseller.com|access-date=2019-04-16}}

Frayne has worked with several charities throughout his career as a magician. As well as his work with the BBC's Children in Need, Comic Relief and Sport Relief, where he has appeared on screen performing magic.

In 2016, Dynamo worked on a film for Theirworld titled Safe Schools: Children can no longer wait, directed by Sebastian Thiel. In 2017, he was announced as Theirworld ambassador.{{Cite web|last=Theirworld|date=2020-07-21|title=Magician Dynamo announced as Theirworld ambassador during star-studded 15-year celebration event in London|url=https://theirworld.org/news/magician-impossible-dynamo-announced-as-theirworld-ambassador-at-15-year-celebration-event|access-date=2020-07-21|website=Theirworld|language=en}} Since then, Frayne has worked with the organisation to help promote the education of Syrian refugee children.{{Cite news|last=Shah|first=Bela|date=2018-04-18|title=Dynamo's campaign for Syrian children|language=en-GB|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-43810740|access-date=2019-04-16}} As part of his work with the charity, Frayne has travelled around the world and to the United Nations to meet world leaders and discuss opportunities to help Syrian refugees.

Frayne was diagnosed with Crohn's disease when he was 17, and he had part of his intestine removed when he was a teenager in America visiting family.{{cite news|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/magician-dynamo-reveals-battle-with-food-poisoning-and-crohns-disease-left-him-suffering-from-a3800221.html|title=Dynamo illness: Magician reveals Crohn's disease battle and food poisoning left him suffering from arthritis|last=Williams|first=Sophie|date=27 March 2018|work=Evening Standard|location=London|access-date=27 March 2018}} In 2018, he posted a video on Twitter{{Cite web|url=https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/dynamo-chrohns-disease-body-photo-impact-face-image-a8276286.html|title=Dynamo shares photo to show the impact Crohn's disease has had on his body|date=2018-03-27|website=The Independent|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.bbc.com/news/newsbeat-43567078|title=Dynamo 'helping people talk about Crohn's'|date=2018-03-28|access-date=2019-04-16|language=en-GB}} discussing his struggles with the disease following a severe bout of campylobacteriosis food poisoning in 2017,{{Cite AV media|url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wJn2pGKOzEg|title=Why Dynamo Stopped Doing Magic for 6 Years! "I was vomiting blood!"|date=2023-12-14|last=The Diary of a CEO Clips|access-date=2025-03-14|via=YouTube}} which led to his suffering from severe arthritis, weight gain and rashes.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mirror.co.uk/3am/celebrity-news/dynamo-reveals-horrific-range-health-12258585|title=Crohn's sufferer Dynamo reveals horrific health problems after food poisoning|last=Saunders|first=Emmeline|date=2018-03-27|website=mirror|access-date=2019-04-16}}{{Cite web|url=https://news.sky.com/story/and-for-my-next-trick-getting-back-to-health-dynamo-suffering-from-arthritis-11305784|title=And for my next trick... getting back to health – Dynamo suffering from arthritis|publisher=Sky News|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}} In June 2020, Frayne issued a High Court writ for damages in excess of £200,000, against the franchise owners of a north London KFC for damages, alleging food poisoning, due to his consumption of uncooked chicken.{{Cite web|last=Kirk|first=Tristan|date=2020-11-13|title=Magician Dynamo sues KFC for £200k over 'food poisoning hell'|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/dynamo-sues-kfc-uncooked-chicken-food-poisoning-b65941.html|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Evening Standard|location=London|language=en}}

In 2012, Frayne married his partner Kelly, whom he met at a music festival.{{Cite web|url=http://www.irishmirror.ie/showbiz/celebrity-news/magician-dynamo-makes-rare-appearance-7706587|title=Magician Dynamo makes a rare appearance with his wife on a day out in London|last=Forrester|first=Katy|date=2016-04-07|website=irishmirror|access-date=2019-04-16}} The couple now live in a Grade II listed cottage in Hampstead, north London.{{Cite web|url=http://ldnfashion.com/interviews/dynamo-my-london-interview/|title=My London: Dynamo – Magician {{!}} LDNfashion|website=ldnfashion.com|date=25 September 2014|access-date=2019-04-16}} During a trip to South Africa in 2018, his London home was raided and robbed of £100,000 worth of watches and jewellery.{{Cite web|date=2018-12-17|title=Thief targets magician Dynamo in £100,000 raid at home|url=https://www.standard.co.uk/news/crime/prolific-thief-stole-100000-of-gems-watches-and-a-deck-of-cards-in-raid-on-home-of-magician-dynamo-a4019276.html|access-date=2020-11-14|website=Evening Standard|location=London|language=en}} The thief, a career criminal, was caught and convicted of the theft.

Dynamo was promoted to Associate of the Magic Circle for Performance by the magicians' society The Magic Circle in 2012,{{Cite web|url=https://themagiccircle.co.uk/news/663-dynamo-exclusive|title=Dynamo Exclusive!|website=themagiccircle.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16|archive-date=16 April 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190416141652/https://themagiccircle.co.uk/news/663-dynamo-exclusive|url-status=dead}} the same year that Dynamo: Magician Impossible won the award for Best Entertainment Programme at the Broadcast Awards.[http://themagiccircle.co.uk/news/716-dynamo-wins-best-entertainment-programme "Dynamo Wins Best Entertainment Programme"] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151222095307/http://themagiccircle.co.uk/news/716-dynamo-wins-best-entertainment-programme |date=22 December 2015 }}, The Magic Circle, 31 January 2013.{{cite news|url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-16870507|title=Fred West drama Appropriate Adult wins TV award|date=3 February 2012|access-date=3 February 2012|publisher=BBC}}

The show also won Show of the Year at the Virgin Media Awards and received nominations for Best Entertainment Programme at the BAFTA TV Awards and the 17th National Television Awards.

Frayne was awarded an honorary degree from Bradford University in 2013, for his commitment to Bradford, improving opportunities for young people and his charity work.{{Cite web|url=https://www.thetelegraphandargus.co.uk/news/10854917.dynamo-receives-honorary-degree-at-bradford-university-ceremony-today/|title=Bradford's Dynamo is now a doctor after Bradford University ceremony today|website=Bradford Telegraph and Argus|date=4 December 2013|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}} 2013 also saw Frayne receive the Grolla d'Oro award at the Masters of Magic Convention in Turin.{{Cite web|url=https://www.prestigiazione.it/wp/dynamo-al-masters-of-magic-2013/|title=Dynamo al Masters of Magic 2013|last=Jaqk♣♥♠♦|date=2013-03-12|website=Prestigiazione.it|language=it-IT|access-date=2019-04-16}}

In 2015, Dynamo was named AMA Magician of the Year award at The Academy of Magical Arts 48th Annual Awards Show.{{Cite web|url=http://www.magiccastle.com/content/uploads/2016/03/april16real.pdf|title=The Academy Newsletter – April 2016|date=April 2016|website=The Magic Castle|access-date=16 April 2019}} He was also given a Fellowship to the academy by its board of trustees. Dynamo was also awarded The Magic Circle's Maskelyne Award in 2016, which is awarded for services to British magic.{{Cite web|url=https://themagiccircle.co.uk/the-society/our-awards/the-maskelyne-award|title=The Magic Circle Maskelyne Award|website=themagiccircle.co.uk|access-date=2019-04-16|archive-date=26 January 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210126043147/https://themagiccircle.co.uk/the-society/our-awards/the-maskelyne-award|url-status=dead}}

Following series 2 of Dynamo: Magician Impossible, the show again won the Broadcast Award for Best Entertainment Programme in 2013. Dynamo also won the accolade of TV Show of the Year at the Virgin Media Awards and was nominated for Best Entertainment Programme at the BAFTA TV Awards in the same year.

In 2014, Dynamo: Magician Impossible was nominated for Best Entertainment Programme at both the BAFTA TV Awards and the Televisual Bulldog Awards.

Dynamo was included in Forbes' list of The World's Highest-Paid Magicians in both 2016{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/sites/hayleycuccinello/2016/10/26/worlds-highest-paid-magicians-2016-david-copperfield-conjures-64-million-tops-list/|title=World's Highest-Paid Magicians Of 2016: David Copperfield Conjures $64 Million, Tops List|last=Cuccinello|first=Hayley C.|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}} and 2017.{{Cite web|url=https://www.forbes.com/pictures/580a450a4bbe6f0ad5da669f/highest-paid-magicians-of/|title=Highest-Paid Magic Acts Of 2016|website=Forbes|language=en|access-date=2019-04-16}}

• Dynamo's Underground Magic (DVD){{cite news|url=https://www.theguardian.com/theguide/features/story/0,,1741466,00.html|title=The ace in the pack|access-date=6 July 2008|work=The Guardian|location=London}}
• Dynamo's Estate of Mind (Channel 4)
• Dynamo's Concrete Playground (DVD) [2006]
• Dynamo: Magician Impossible (Series 1, 2, 3, 4) (DVD/Blu-ray)
• Dynamo Beyond Belief (Sky One)
• Dynamo is Dead

{{Reflist}}

• [https://u.co.uk/shows/dynamo-magician-impossible/watch-online Dynamo: Magician Impossible]
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/features/rampage/dynamo.shtml BBC 1xtra – Rampage -Dynamo]
• [https://www.bbc.co.uk/1xtra/features/rampage/dynamo.shtml BBC 1xtra – ME -Dynamo]

{{Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year}}

{{The Magic Circle - The Maskelyne Award |state=autocollapse}}

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Category:1982 births

Category:Living people

Category:Academy of Magical Arts Magician of the Year winners

Category:English magicians

Category:English people of Pashtun descent

Category:Mass media people from Bradford

Category:People with Crohn's disease

Category:Television personalities from West Yorkshire