MIND-READING, sleight of hand, illusions and classic magic will be conjured up on stage at one of the North East’s most magical events this spring.
The 14th South Tyneside International Magic Festival (STIMF), organised by South Tyneside Council, is heading to The Customs House from 16-19 March 2017.
It will feature a three day convention aimed at magic professionals and ardent magic fans, as well as three shows for the general public
Among the highlights of the event is an International Gala Show on Friday 17 March at 8pm, featuring stars from America, Asia and the UK.
Asi Wind, born and bred in Israel and now living in New York, is a world-renowned mind reader who has won numerous awards including the Merlin Award for the most original show – an accolade previously handed to legends like Penn & Teller and David Copperfield.
His shows are regularly sell-outs, and it is very rare to find him taking part in conventions or festivals, making his appearance in the Friday night event even more special.
He will be joined by Canadian sleight of hand expert Mahdi Gilbert and Singapore sensation Ning: Mind Magic Mistress who will be showcasing her brand new act.
The Friday night performance will also feature two magical duos. Destiny, of Monkseaton, North Tyneside which is made up of Leah Mae Divine – the youngest member of the Magic Circle – and younger sister Sarah Jade who will be performing some of their classic tricks and illusions.
Back by popular demand are Danny Hunt and Stephanie Clarke, better known as Amethyst, and who are recognised as one of the UK’s leading illusion acts and have previously proved to be a big hit with North East audiences.
The show, which is ////+open to all ages, will be compered by Mark James, a comedy magician who is a regular audience warm-up act for top TV shows including The Voice and The Xtra Factor.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Deputy Leader of South Tyneside Council with responsibility for Culture and Leisure, said: “The Friday night Gala Show has traditionally been one of the festival’s most popular events, as it kick-starts an exciting weekend.
“This year the audience can look forward to a night of illusions, classic tricks and mind reading with some of the world’s biggest names in a night which I’m sure will be very popular.”
Tickets for the Friday night show cost £14 (£13 concessions) and are available to buy from The Customs House box office on 0191 454 1234 or visit the website www.customshouse.co.uk.
Other highlights of the 14th South Tyneside International Magic Festival include a second International Gala Show on Saturday 18 Match and a Family Magic Extravaganza on Thursday 16 March.
For further information about the event visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.