The Melbourne-based illusionist used cards, a straitjacket, music and dance among other elements to baffle and enchant his audience.

His pet rabbit Mr Snuggles was a crowd-pleaser in an original take on the time-honoured pulling-a-rabbit-out-of-a-hat trick.

“I’m not your typical or even your traditional magician,” he told his audience.

“I wanted to expose how beautiful my craft is when it’s executed correctly.”

Cosentino, who recently came runner-up on Australia’s Got Talent, said his decision to compete in the nationally-broadcast talent show had taken five years to make.

“I waited until I was ready,” he said. “I said if you’re not willing to die for a spot on this show, you shouldn’t be here.

“It forced people to appreciate (magic) ... when there’s someone playing a guitar and then I come on and I’m hanging from a string, putting my life on the line, it makes them go ‘Who is this guy?’ It makes them more interested ... that’s what we wanted.”

The Harry Houdini-inspired escape artist told West pupils he became interested in magic when he was 12 and that his hobby-turned-career had taught him to read, boosted his confidence and made him unique.

Cosentino said his success on TV had increased the demand for his performances but he still tried to fit schools in whenever possible.

“They’re (school performances) not as full-on, we don’t do escapes and things, but this stuff really resonates with the kids.”