A TALENTED young up and coming magician will return to the stage at The Customs House this week as a late addition to the South Tyneside International Magic Festival programme.
Joseph Mein, 16, will appear in Thursday night’s Family Magic Extravaganza which will kick-off three public shows as part of this year’s event.
The youngster, from Chester-le-Street, County Durham, won last year’s Search for a Summer Star contest at The Customs House after impressing the judges with his slick tricks and illusions.
His interest in magic began at the age of 11, when dad Paul took him into Newcastle’s Magicbox store, and he was instantly hooked.
Learning the tricks of the trade with help from Magicbox founder and long-time STIMF supporter Graeme Shaw, the teenager is now travelling up and down the UK to perform at shows and corporate events.
Following his win at last year’s Search for a Summer Star competition, organisers of STIMF decided it would be a good idea to invite him back to take part in the region’s famous festival.
“I’m really excited to have been invited to perform at the Family Magic Extravaganza, where I’m going to be sharing the stage with some of my favourite magicians from across the world,” he said.
“After winning the competition last year, it’s going to be great going back to The Customs House, especially now I’m getting the chance to take part in such a brilliant show.
“I perform at lots of different events, and I am a big fan of close-up work, but the material I’ll be bringing to this show will be a little bit different as it’s aimed at a family audience. I can’t wait for Thursday night, I’m really looking forward to it.”
Now in its 15th year, the annual festival is run by South Tyneside Council, in partnership with The Customs House and Magicbox and supported by BBC Radio Newcastle.
The Family Magic Extravaganza will be held this Thursday, 15 March and starts at 6:30pm. Tickets, priced at £8 each, can still be purchased from The Customs House Box Office on 0191 454 1234.
More information about the event can be found at www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival