Performers from across Europe and America will be cheating, conjuring and clowning their way into the North East for a special event taking place next month.
The 13th annual South Tyneside International Magic Festival, which runs at the Customs House, South Shields, returns with a host of entertainment from Wednesday March 9.
One of the most highly anticipated elements of the event, organised by South Tyneside Council, is an International Gala Show on Saturday March 12, starring six of modern magic’s most impressive illusionists.
This includes jovial juggler Steve Rawlings, conjuror and David Blaine consultant, Peter Clifford and professional cheat R Paul Wilson, who wrote and presented smash hit BBC TV show, The Real Hustle.
They will be joined by Belgian man of mystery, Rafael, American entertainer John Carney and award-winning German performer, Alana, whose latest act appears to show her with several hands.
North East magician John Archer will be compering the show and is helping South Tyneside Council to plan this year’s event.
“I’m thrilled to be so heavily involved in the South Tyneside International magic Festival 2016 and in particular to be comparing Saturday’s Gala Show,” he said.
“The line-up for the evening offers an amazing mix of talent and I’m sure audience members of all ages will be left wondering, how do they do that?”
Tickets for the South Tyneside International Magic Festival’s Saturday night Gala Show are priced from £13 each and on sale from the Customs House Box Office on www.customshouse.co.uk or 0191 4541234.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council, with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The Saturday night Gala Show is one of the most popular elements of the South Tyneside International Magic Festival and is often a sell out so I would advise people to get their tickets early to avoid missing out.”
Other highlights in this year’s festival, supported by the Customs House and BBC Newcastle, include a second International Gala Show on Friday March 11, a Family Magic Extravaganza, sponsored and programmed by MagicBox on Wednesday March 9 and a three-day convention for professional magicians and enthusiasts.
For more information and a full line-up visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.