Sunday, 3 January 2016


I've been a volunteer at our local theatre ever since it opened about ten years ago. I take tickets, show patrons to their seats, hand out programmes, tidy up after everyone's gone home. Consequently, my reward is the ability to see some terrific movies, concerts and shows.

Yesterday it was Vitaly - World Class Illusionist. Illusions? Magic? C'm's not real, is it? But this illusionist is truly World Class. Vitaly Beckman was born in Belarus, and now lives in Vancouver. He's doing two shows here.... last night's astonishing show was totally sold out, and for good reason. He got a well deserved standing ovation.

Vitaly can make people disappear from ordinary photographs and appear on another. He can levitate an apple, and then take a bite out of it. He has a paintbrush that paints by itself. His drawings magically turn into the real thing. He does illegal things with the photos on drivers licences.  He did all this only eight feet from the front row of the enthralled audience. And he's funny, personable and full of character.

Take a look:


  1. Great to see a young man be successful in such a difficult industry. How did he do those things? Thanks for sharing.

  2. Wow.
    The child in me is always fascinated by skilful illusions.
    What a wonderful place to volunteer.

  3. Whau!!! It sounds like great entertainment! Wishing you a wonderful year in 2016!! May great things happen, good health and happiness!!

  4. Amazing! How fun to work at a place like that!!
    All the best for 2016!

  5. You are doing a good things, and you saw a good thing too in this case.

  6. I have a bag full of rubber bands! Where do I start?
    Maggie x

  7. The good ones are always fascinating, aren't they? You have a great job volunteering.

  8. I would love to see that. I've never been able to figure out how these people do their awesome "tricks."

