Bill's Magical Mystery Tour

On Saturday 31st August, the Pavillion Theatre in Blackpool’s Winter Gardens will host a one-off charity night of variety with an all-star cast including Phoenix Nights star Dave Spikey, Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist magician James More and local panto and BBC Radio Lancashire favourite Steve Royle, together with a host of surprise guests.

The show, Bill’s Magical Mystery Tour, is dedicated to the memory of Bill Thompson, of Blackpool’s House of Secrets magic shop. Although not well-known by the general public, as one of the most well-respected behind-the-scenes figures in the world of magic, Bill was responsible for setting numerous would-be wizards on the road to stardom.

Hosting the show will be TV magician and Countdown favourite, Paul Zenon who’s returning to his old stomping ground of Blackpool for the variety night.

As well as being one of Bill’s many protégés, Zenon is also one of the show’s producers, having known Bill since he was just eleven years old and worked alongside him for many years in the Promenade Magic and Joke shop.

Paul describes Bill as his lifelong friend and mentor and is proud to be associated with the memorial show. He says: “Bill was responsible for my career and that of many others in show business. We all miss him greatly and hope that this night of variety will capture some of his spirit and be a fitting tribute to this hugely talented, warm and generous man.”

Proceeds from the show will go to The Wonderbus, a charity set up by Paul which provides isolated and house-bound older people with a bit of fun and companionship by taking them on day-trips to see a range of events and shows – such as this one! To find out more about The Wonderbus, visit www.thewonderbus.org

Tickets are priced at £15 each with a special offer of half price for OAPs. Suitable for 14+, tickets are available from www.blackpoollive.com (booking fees may apply) or by calling 0844 856 1111