FIRE eating, escapology and drilling nails into his head – that’s all in a day’s work for Westbury performer Kondini.
With over 30 years’ experience, Kondini has entertained and amazed audiences with his acts all over the world, breaking records and appearing in TV shows and the tabloid press.
One of his more recent acts and his own invention is Britain’s only “Human Toolbox”, while his exploits as an escapologist have earned him a name in the escapology world – particularly having managed to escape the Fenton lock – a challenge Houdini failed and only two people have succeeded to do.
But how did such an illustrious performer learn such trades? Kondini explained, “I started off as an entertainer, working in comedy in London. I met people who did speciality acts. The first thing I developed was pick pocketing and then one thing led to another and I was doing stunt work!”
Drawing on the fascination and entertainment of the Victorian sideshows, while he has created his own acts, much of his knowledge comes from other masters – but often developed with a more modern twist.
“Fire eating you have to have training, it’s handed down. Escapology is also handed down. I’m learning all the time, mainly from masters that go way back – Indians especially from their street entertainment – what they do with snakes, I do with electric tools.
“I’ve developed the human toolbox act – shovelling nails, hammers and drills into the body – that originated back in America 100 years ago with the Anatomical Wonder.”
Despite the perils, it’s a job Kondini loves. “The best thing is the reaction on people’s faces – I see a lot of funny things!” he said. “Most people are interested in the fire eating or escapology. I’ve done over 500 escapes, which is quite a holding in the escapology world. I’ve worked for royalty and at all the major resorts and places throughout the world.
“People come back time after time – I’ve got quite a following – they want to see the unusual. It makes people think and if I can do that, I’m happy.”
You can find out more about Kondini at www.kondini.com or call on 077763 68334.
