Dream Come True for Newcastle Magician!
A Geordie magician who was inspired by legend Paul Daniels to follow his career in illusion is about to fulfil his greatest ambition – performing with the man himself.
Chris Cross met Paul Daniels at the age of 13 at The Whitley Bay Playhouse and was in awe of his magic trickery. Amazed at the way he made his career from his passion, Chris decided he wanted to follow in his footsteps.
He met him again at age 16 and asked Paul what he thought of his stage name ‘Conjuring Chris’. Paul told him that the name wasn’t professional enough and suggested ‘Chris Cross’ – the name that he is known by today.
And now a decade later the pair will be performing together at Chris’s very own Quayside Cabaret Club on June 17th and 18th, upstairs from Prima Ristorante.
Chris said:
“When I was 13 I remember going to see Paul Daniels and he was great. I knew I wanted to be the guy on stage entertaining everyone after watching his show. So that's what I did! Like Paul, I have worked very hard at my magic and have performed all over the world; for royalty, celebrities and sportsmen. Seeing the success of Paul, and knowing that magic could be more than just a hobby really spurred me on.”
The 25-year-old added:
“Now I can perform along with the very guy who inspired me to become a professional Magician. These will be very special shows for me and I can't wait to be side by side with the legend that is Mr Paul Daniels.
I am just a local lad from the West End with big dreams and even bigger tricks and I am so excited to be bringing my hero to my hometown.”
The Quayside Cabaret Club was set up by Chris in November last year and has already hosted four sell-out shows. The latest two-hour extravaganza of magic, illusion and escapology will feature performances from Chris, Paul and wife Debbie McGee, and will offer a Q and A session with Paul and Debbie.
Paul, who achieved international fame through his television series The Paul Daniels Magic Show, which ran from 1979 to 1994, says he can’t wait to perform alongside Chris in the North where his roots lie.
- “I like the North; I am from South Bank near Middlesbrough so I am Northern myself. I will treat the audience as if they are my friends – I will go on stage and I will have a party! My favourite thing is making people laugh – I am an entertainer and I am not bad it either.*
I like working alongside magicians. I do it all the time, recently I was in Portugal with David Blaine and Dynamo and they are great. Magic doesn’t change – just the stubble and the clothing!”
And the 77-year-old even joked when asked about giving Chris Cross his stage name.
“I won’t take the blame for that! I remember meeting Chris and telling him that he wouldn’t be respected with a name like Conjuring Chris.”
Both Paul and Chris Cross love to perform, are proud of their Northern roots and promise a great night of entertainment.
The Paul Daniels and Chris Cross Cabaret Show will be held on two nights – June 17th and 18th, from 7pm. Tickets are £45 and includes a three-course Italian steak meal and after-dinner cabaret show with Q&As and photograph and autograph opportunities.
To book call Prima Ristorante on 0191 2331011 or pop in to the restaurant.
Go to www.chris-cross.co.uk for info on Chris Cross, or www.pauldaniels.co.uk for Paul Daniels.