Broadway BUZZ

Gabriella Lester is a 22-year-old, international award-winning magician from Johannesburg, South Africa. Known for her quick wit and sharp, sardonic charm, she has rapidly emerged as one of the fastest-rising performers in modern magic. Lester made history at just 14 years old when she became one of the youngest performers ever to complete Harry Houdini’s suspended straitjacket escape. Since then, she has appeared on some of the most prestigious stages in the world, including major venues in Las Vegas, and is a frequent headliner at the world-famous Magic Castle in Hollywood. In 2023 alone, she performed more than 500 shows while solo touring across Europe and North America. Her recent appearances include Penn & Teller: Fool Us, as well as features in The New York Times. Beyond live performance, Lester has worked as a magic consultant for film and television, including Hallmark productions and Disney’s Descendants. In 2024, she became an Associate Producer on Penn & Teller: Fool Us and was recognized as a “Canadian Rising Star.” In 2025, Lester was cast as one of The Four Horsemen in Now You See Me Live premiering at the Sydney Opera House. Outside of magic, she is an accomplished motorcycle enthusiast and stunt double, with extensive hands-on experience in motorsports mechanics.