“Before you even got into the personal details of the story, I’ve never seen an audience so silent,” Judge David Walliams remarked after witnessing magician Michael Webb’s emotional performance on Australia’s Got Talent.
Michael, who performs as Magic Mike, has built a name for himself at events such as birthdays, weddings, and corporate functions throughout Canberra and beyond. However, he had always wanted to share a deeply personal story since he first picked up a deck of cards and amazed audiences with his magic tricks. That story is about “Jack.”
Before asking judge Shane Jacobson to select a card, sign it, and present it to the other judges and audience, Michael had Alesha Dixon shuffle a deck of cards on stage. He then mixed the signed card into the deck, not knowing which one it was.
Michael began his tale by drawing a Jack card from the deck, introducing the audience to Jack, who he described as having a loving family and many friends. Michael then pulled out a joker card, saying, “And they think he’s kind of funny, always seen as a bit of a joker.”
Next, he drew a King card and remarked, “They call him the king.” When he revealed a Queen card, he added, “It’s ironic because when the night ends at the karaoke bar, he’s always the one singing Queen.”
As he continued drawing cards, each one seemed to perfectly fit his story, with cards like “full house,” “flush,” and specific numbers representing moments in Jack’s life.
But despite the festive moments, like Christmas or his birthday, Jack often found himself wondering, “What’s wrong with me?” as he watched others enjoy themselves. He’d feel increasingly worse and guiltier, until he’d retreat to a quiet room and cry alone.
Michael shared how Jack didn’t realize he wasn’t alone until he learned that 3,318 Australians had committed suicide that year. “That’s 63 people every week, and for every person who did, another 20 tried,” he said.
He then asked, “So, are you aware of Jack’s decision?” Michael hoped that by sharing his story, it might help someone else. “Jack chose to share his story on Australia’s Got Talent,” Michael said, fighting back tears. Judge Shane Jacobson whispered, “You’re doing great, mate.”
Michael continued, “I want all Australians who are struggling with mental health to remember that there can be no rainbow without rain,” before pulling out the Ace of Diamonds card Shane had previously signed. “So I want all Australians to shine bright like a diamond.”
He then revealed that Jack, a 28-year-old man, had believed men his age should be strong and suppress their emotions.
The judges were left speechless, calling Michael’s performance “the perfect act” and “mesmerizing.” Alesha Dixon commented, “It was so touching. I’ve been doing this show for a very long time, so it was really amazing to see something like that.”
Michael expressed gratitude for the deck of cards, which gave him the courage to share his story. He felt like a huge weight had been lifted. Since 2018, after hearing stories like those on RU OK? Day, Michael wanted to share his experience. When Australia’s Got Talent reached out after hearing about his work in 2019, he saw it as his chance.
“It felt good to finally have it finished and broadcast—fully broadcast,” he said.
The response has been overwhelming, with hundreds of messages from strangers who found him on social media, as well as requests from organizations like Menslink and the Black Dog Institute to share Jack’s story.
“One of the most powerful messages I received was from someone who said, ‘If you can stand up and tell the world your story, I can talk to my friends and family.’ Thank you.”
Michael believes that if sharing his story helps even one person, it’s a huge victory. “It’s been overwhelming to have multiple people reach out,” he added.
