Some of the UK's best magicians are taking part in a conjuring contest for the Friends of Doncaster Grand Theatre. And the top tricksters' talent show has been endorsed by Mr Magic himself - Paul Daniels!

He likes the idea - not a lot - but he likes it!

He said: "I do know the Grand Theatre, and I think that once, too many years ago, I did a spot in a show there. You have taken on a mammoth task and I wish you well.

"As for your contestants in the Comedy Magic Competition, of course I wish them well, but will they please take note that there is no money in comedy magic. I mean, look at me!"

Geoffrey Durham - better known as comic magician The Great Soprendo - added: "Good luck to all the magicians who are giving their time and expertise in such a wonderful cause. Live theatre is essential and it will be a wonderful moment when The Grand Theatre opens its doors again to the people of Doncaster. Have a great evening."

Among the conjurers displaying their skills at the contest is Mexborough magician John Turner, better known to local youngsters as Silly Billy, who has been blowing people's minds for nearly 40 years.

"I started performing when I was 14," he said. "I won the Young Magician of the Year award then. But I'd been doing magic since I was nine - my dad bought me a David Nixon magic set for my birthday and it all took off from there.

"Some people take up fishing or darts - for me it was magic."

John has been a TV regular with appearances on Blue Peter, New Faces and Opportunity Knocks.

"Being on TV is great but what I really like is working in front of a live crowd - seeing the looks on their faces is amazing."

Hoping to pull something extra out of his hat and beat John is Bawtry's Eric Fabulous, who's only been a magician for 10 years.

Eric, aka Roger Yaxley, said: "I sold my business and got bored and I just wanted a challenge," he said. "It might seem a bit odd but I've always loved magic. A friend of mine worked as a magician and taught me a few tricks. Then I went to a wedding he was working and he just threw me in the deep end and made me work a table. It turned out alright and I've been performing ever since."

Eric promises to levitate on the night - and if you want to give a lift to the Friends of Doncaster Theatre's funds the competition takes place at Hallcross Upper School on Friday March 14.

Tickets, priced £7, are available from the Frenchgate Centre kiosk or by calling 01302 535546 or 881299.


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