SOME OF the industry’s top magicians will be heading to South Shields next month to showcase large-scale illusions, mindreading, close up tricks and more.
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival returns from 10 to 13 October, welcoming a whole host of performers from around the world.
And magic fans will have a chance to see them in action at the Customs House, when the popular gala shows return on 11 and 12 October.
The first evening will welcome the award-winning Maga Gisell, from Spain, with her unique theatrical act, French magician Olmac, who has performed in more than 20 countries, award-winning Welsh illusionists Safire and compere Mark Shortland, one of the top stand-up and cabaret magicians in the UK.
Joining the show from the US is resident magician at Hollywood’s world-famous Magic Castle, Mike Pisciotta, and author of Here is Real Magic, Nate Staniforth, who has appeared on ITV’s Next Great Magician and the Discovery Channel’s Breaking Magic.
Then, Saturday night will see a new line-up take to the stage, including Britain’s Got Talent winner Richard Jones, member of the Inner Magic Circle with gold star Laura London, and Adam Black, from Scotland, who is the current Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year.
Audiences can also enjoy Spanish magician and Penn and Teller: Fool Us champion Xulio Merino, along with high energy illusions from Matricks – who have performed at a variety of high profile events and venues.
And compere Steve Hewlett, who impressed Britain’s Got Talent judges with his ventriloquism, will also perform at the show.
Councillor Alan Kerr, Lead Member for Culture and Leisure at South Tyneside Council, is confident it will be a night to remember.
“The South Tyneside International Magic Festival always has a fantastic line-up and this time is no different, with some incredibly talented performers on the bill for the two gala shows next month,” said Cllr Kerr.
“It’s a rare opportunity to see magicians from all the UK, Europe and the US all under one roof and it’s certain to be a brilliant weekend.”
Tickets for the gala shows start at £13 and can be purchased from www.customshouse.co.uk or by calling 0191 454 1234.
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is organised by South Tyneside Council and magician Steve Gore, supported by BBC Newcastle and sponsored by The Customs House and Magicbox.
Tickets for the popular three-day convention are also available for budding magicians, priced at £65.
This includes entry to dealers, close up sessions, the two gala shows and the exclusive Late Night Show on Friday evening, featuring comedian Finbar Healy.
For more information on the festival or to book a convention place, visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.