Magic... and more

INTERNATIONAL illusionist Michael Otton is bringing his stage show to The Haymarket, Basingstoke, next month.
From levitating audience members, visual illusions, psychic predictions and comedy, the Michael Otton Magic and Illusion Show, on Saturday, September 14, has something to entertain an audience aged from five to 105.
For more than a decade, Michael Otton has been performing his magic shows across the world, from Europe to America and the Caribbean, working in theatres, resorts and cruise ships. Virgin, Disney and Vodafone are just some of the global companies to have enlisted his talent to entertain at public and corporate events.
Born and raised in Tadley, Hampshire, Michael was keen to bring his latest show back to the area, for a performance in which he says the audience will be stars of the show.
“The main thing about my show is it appeals to everyone,” he said. “I love doing magic, bringing people up on stage so they can experience the magic in their own hands, that’s why my show is a lot more interactive than other traditional magic and illusion shows.
“It’s not a show where you just sit back and watch and don’t get involved – whether you are brought up on stage or you’re in the audience, you get to be involved in creating the magic.”
Inspiration for his show has stemmed from renowned magicians David Copperfield and Paul Daniels, but he added: “I like to add a comedic twist into the show to make it different from the usual seriousness so often associated with the world of magic performances.”
Michael has also recruited a helping hand from Tadley-based youth dance group Dance Phaze to kick-start the show, while the extreme acrobats of Nicki and Marius Ionescu will welcome the audience back to the second half on the night.
Tickets cost £12.50 for adults, £10 for over-65s and £8 for under 16s. To book, call the Anvil Arts box office on (01256) 844244 or visit