USA escape artists attempt to break Houdini's world magic record for fastest escape whilst hanging in mid-air at V&A Waterfront

Internationally renowned illusionist Wayne Houchin and his wife, Fran, are set to perform Africa's FIRST ever dual upside down straitjacket escape whilst hanging 30 meters above ground – without safety nets - and suspended from cranes at Cape Town's premier shopping destination, the V&A Waterfront, on Friday 2 March 2012 at 13h00.

This gravity–defying act will be hosted at the bustling Pierhead area near Hildebrand & Den Anker and is a teaser for Wayne's highly anticipated performance at the College of Magic's Stars of Comedy & Magic Gala Show at the Artscape Theatre on Sunday 4 March.

The American endurance artists have performed their unique variation of legendary escape artist Houdini's most famous and dangerous illusion all over the world and are thrilled about attempting to set a new world magic record on Cape Town's shores. "Most people would consider escaping from a regulation straitjacket while hanging 30 meters above the ground impossible. To be a magician is to accomplish the impossible and we look forward to achieving this feat in South Africa," says Wayne.

Harry Houdini – one of the world's most famous escape artists – popularised the extreme stunt in the early 1920's. "The inverted straightjacket escape is one of the most dangerous of all. Suspended by just your ankles – high in the air – with blood rushing to the brain, any mistake could lead to a fatal fall," said Eric Eswin – International President of the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques – who be attending from Holland to officiate the escape.

The College of Magic is a non-profit magical arts organisation and the only one of its kind in the world. The Stars of Comedy and Magic Gala Show is a one night only fundraising event for the College of Magic's Community Outreach Programmes - a place where the youth of Cape Town can escape from the harsh realities of poverty and crime and enter a world of promise and hope.

In addition to the mind-blowing talents of Wayne Houchin, audiences will be entertained by the likes of top comedians Riaad Moosa - star of SA's hit new movie 'Material', Alan Committie, Stuart Taylor; ventriloquist Conrad Koch and a host of incredible specialty acts. Tickets for the Stars of Comedy and Magic Gala Show are from R140 and are quickly disappearing! Book yours now at Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or www.computicket.com

Video preview: http://youtu.be/TJZ970Jc3G0

Issued by:

Fazielah Williams on behalf of the College of Magic (interviews and hi-res images available on request)
Contact: 083 929 6999
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.