Weekend of magic spells a wizard fundraiser
MAGIC will be in the air in Sheffield next month thanks to a 17-year-old student's efforts to conjure up money for Bluebell Wood children's hospice.
Fifteen local magicians will be performing in and around Sheffield over the weekend of June 11 to 13, with an 'extravaganza' at the Library Theatre in Tudor Square on the Sunday night.
It's the idea of Dan Ellis, who is studying A-levels at Tapton School and has set up a magic entertainments agency with partner Jared Manley, a professional magician from London.
City Magicians signed up last March to the Master Cutler's Challenge in which participants commit themselves to finding ways of generating funds for Bluebell Wood.
"We have wanted to do something like this to raise the profile of magic in Sheffield, but have never had the opportunity," said Dan, who lives in Crosspool. "Then this cause came along and it was the perfect event. People have seen magic on TV, but it is different when you see it live."
The marathon of magic and illusion will take place in restaurants, clubs and bars in the city centre and at Meadowhall and Crystal Peaks.
Jared, aged 33, said: "Both Dan and I believed it was a fantastic way to raise money for such a worthwhile cause as well as provide us with a great opportunity to demonstrate the skills and talents of our magicians."
Dan has been performing since he was a youngster, starting to do paid performances three years ago.
"Most people do it as a hobby and grow out of it, but I never grew out of it," he said.
Specialising in close-up magic, such as card tricks, he averages at least one performance a week, such as at parties and weddings. Now a career in magic is beckoning. After A-levels, Dan plans to take a year out to "see how it goes. If it's not successful, I'll always have the A-levels to fall back on."
He will be one of the performers at the Library Theatre along with Jared whom he met at gigs, and others, including Steve Faulkner, the Sheffield magician who last year won National Street Entertainer of the Year.
BUY ONLINE: The Sheffield Telegraph and Property Guide are now out every Thursday. To sign up on line click here.
MORE:
Local News
Local Sport
Arts Guide
Community News
Listings Guide
Restaurant Guide
Letters
Email to a friend
Print this page- Sheffield school massage sessions under fire
- SHEFFIELD UNITED: Blades told to turn on style in bid to regain second place: Urges Danny Wilson
- A tough-talking TV show has put the spotlight on a Sheffield restaurant. Julia Armstrong went to see what has changed...
- Biobank study will add to knowledge
- Fleetwood Mac, Sheffield Arena - REVIEW AND SLIDESHOW
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Friday 25 May 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: 10 C to 22 C
Wind Speed: 18 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Sunny
Temperature: 9 C to 20 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: East
