A POPULAR magician is looking forward to performing in Darlington tonight – and showing his audience props which once belonged to his hero, the late Paul Daniels.

Chris Cross will perform his touring theatre show at Darlington Majestic Theatre tonight.

His show includes the revival of some BBC TV illusions that belonged to Daniels. After his death, last year Cross uncovered a dozen of his props in a barn in Wales.

Cross said: “I’m very excited to be finally embarking on a tour in my native North-East, this will be the first tour of many more to come.”

“I’ve wanted to tour theatres with a magic show since I was 12 years old, after watching Paul Daniels on stage in Newcastle.

“I’ve specifically priced the tickets to make my show affordable to almost anyone that wants to come along and enjoy a proper night out at the theatre. We are living in a world where theatre and arena shows are only for the wealthy, sadly, with ticket prices more expensive than ever before. My show is affordable and I think entertainment needs to be kept live – and that can only work if the people buy the tickets.”

He has been performing nationally and internationally for the last 12 months, attending many special events, and most notabl appeared on BBC’s The One Show, and was also the surprise special guest on the US illusionist, David Blaine’s, first ever UK tour.

Tickets cost £10-£12 and are available from the Majestic at www.majestictheatre-lee.com or by calling 01325 633296.