Some of the best magicians in the country will gather in the North East for an annual convention this weekend.
Although daytime events at the convention - held in The Gibside Hotel in Whickham from Friday to Sunday (April 19 to 21) - are strictly for magicians only, evening gala shows on Friday and Saturday will be open to the public.
On Friday, the first public event will be an ‘Alternative Comedy Magic Show’ that features North East magician Chris Cross performing his Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2024 preview show.
Cross started on Northumberland Street, Newcastle, with a straitjacket stunt and has since taken his show across the globe, including Dubai, Brazil, Egypt, Bahrain, Thailand, Italy, USA, and South Africa.
He has entertained numerous famous faces from Mike Tyson to Sam Fender - and even the Princess of Wales on a state visit.
Cross’s set will be followed by Chris Lynam, who has been performing his unique style in the festival circuit for over four decades.
Lynam combines clowning, with mime and magic, and has become a pioneer of British alternative comedy – even appearing on ‘France’s Got Talent.’ Doors open for Friday’s adults-only comedy show at 7.30pm and tickets are available here.
Saturday will see a night of family fun with ten of Britain’s top magicians and variety performers putting on ‘The Stars of British Magic & Variety Show.’
Notable performers include Paul Wilson, star of the TV series ‘The Real Hustle,’ and Luke Jeramy, a mind reader who looks to captivate the audience with some deceptive tricks.
The night starts at 7.15pm with Chris Cross hosting. Also on the bill are Roy Davenport, Ian Kendal, Dan the Freak, Steve Faulkner, Peter McLanachan, Colin Bourdiec and Dr. Diablo.
Cross said: “It’s great to be gathering the best magicians in the UK to perform in my home region.
“Audiences will be in for a true treat and get absolute value for their money. Each act on the show is worth the ticket price alone, each."
Cross said that the intimacy of the venue really adds to the magic, adding: “It’s much better than watching it on the telly.
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“We have attendees and magic fans coming from all around Europe to see this - and it's right on our own doorsteps. The Friday and Saturday shows are completely different to each other, so come see both.
“I've put a lot of work into putting this weekend of magic together and I'm confident that you'll not see better magic shows this year in the UK.”
Less than 40 tickets remain, with an anticipated sell-out. Tickets can be booked here.
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