Pete Firman tells EMMA DUNN he loves to make people laugh

COMEDY magic... or magical comedy. However you say it, Pete Firman’s performance in Swindon will be magical (and funny too).

The leading UK comedian and magician, who is the star of BBC1’s The Magicians, will be performing at Swindon Arts Centre on September 20.

The stand-up comedian said the audience can expect a night of laughter, but they will also leave feeling baffled.

And for Pete, seeing their reaction while he is performing is a great feeling.

“I get the best of both worlds,” he said.

“ There is nothing like the feeling of making a joke and getting a wave of laughter that comes back at you, and when you show a wonderful piece of magic you look out and see slack jaws – they’re baffled.”

Pete performed his new show at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival this summer. It was his eighth year of performing there in a row.

The 34-year-old received five-star reviews but said the most important thing is that the audience enjoyed it.

“I don’t want to say too much about the show because I don’t want to spoil the surprise. It’s jokes, it’s tricks and it’s a great night out,” he said.

Pete developed a passion for magic when he was eight-years-old and his parents bought him a magic set.

“I think everyone goes through a little magic phase. Every kid gets a magic set or magic book or tried to learn tricks. I was just one of those people who stuck with it,” he said.

“Magic is such a great performance art and it has been around for thousands of years. Nowadays how much is left to be discovered? To be able to suspend your disbelief for a couple of hours in the theatre and catch something that really blows your mind is a great feeling.”

 Pete Firman will be at Swindon Arts Centre on Saturday, September 20 at 8pm. For tickets, which are £16, phone 01793 524481 or visit www.swindontheatres.co.uk