Annie's Guest House Blog

Magicians from across the world descended on South Tyneside for a night of family fun. The conjurers performed in a Family Magic Extravaganza at the Customs House in Mill Dam, South Shields, to kick off the South Tyneside International Magic Festival. The week-long event, run in partnership with South Tyneside Council, is celebrating its 10th anniversary.

Among the acts was American Scott Land, the man behind the puppets in film Team America: World Police. He said: “This is my first time performing in England and my first time at the festival. Magic festivals get people that are interested in magic and magicians together in a unique way. I got into puppets when I was at a fair with my friends when I was 10 and I saw a puppeteer. I make all of my own puppets and each one takes about four months. I never thought that it would turn into a career.”

South Shields’s own Sarah Lloyd – who performs as Magic Myrtle – said: “I got into magic as a kid, caught the bug and never looked back. I love performing magic for kids because to them it’s still real and it’s great to see the looks on their faces.”

James Hudson, also known as Flash, also from South Shields, added: “This is my second time at the festival. It’s great because I get to meet up with some of my favourite magicians from all over the world, and you don’t get to do that at every convention.”

Graeme Shaw, who also performed in the show, said: “This is the big 10th year and there are some really big names here. I think this convention is so popular because there’s not another one like it, and there’s no other place like South Tyneside. Wherever people come from, France, Spain, Germany, America, Argentina, they always comment on what a beautiful place it is.”

The show also featured performances from Gary Dunn and Tony Junior.

You can see a video of the performers here…