VIDEO: TV Magician Jamie Allan performs famous death-defying Houdini stunt live on stage in Southport

Photo: Jamie Allan

One of the most dangerous magical illusions ever seen on stage is to be performed live on stage by a star of the hit ITV show Get Your Act Together.

Jamie Allan will perform his death-defying version of Harry Houdini’s lethal but rarely seen water tank routine at Southport Theatre on Saturday, April 18.

Jamie has performed the show-stopping routine six times this year and each time brought the audience to its feet in an instant standing ovation.

The stunt has been performed by only a handful of top illusionists since it was invented by the legendary Houdini in 1911.

Jamie mesmerised millions in January by teaching comic Rufus Hound to saw a woman in half with an industrial laser beam.

But his water tank routine sees Jamie bring an even sharper edge of danger to his act – iMagician: The Evolution of Magic.

The audience will see him shackled before being plunged into a glass water tank.

As the clock ticks, loudspeakers will amplify the sound of Jamie’s heart as he struggles to free himself before losing consciousness, adding one of many state-of-the art touches to Houdini’s masterpiece.

After some near misses in rehearsal, Jamie has now perfected the routine for the public.

Jamie, 38, who has a partner and baby son, said: “For this particular illusion, it has to be dangerous for it to be exciting. That is what Houdini intended and we have to stick by his principles. So I’m afraid there’s no health and safety rules for me in this act.

“At first, my partner was very apprehensive but she has learned to trust me to get it right and I’m certain I’ve covered all the angles.

“But we can’t remove every element of danger completely which is why it’s such a great favourite with audiences. But it’s also why it’s rarely performed.”

Truly great magicians come along only once in a generation and Jamie has been hailed as the Harry Houdini of the 21^st Century.

After mesmerising American audiences for 12 years with his fusion of magic and technology, Jamie is now touring the UK.

His world class sleight of hand and breathtaking feats of trickery and illusion are combined with state of the art technology.

Jamie’s shining talent has been recognised by the cream of the entertainment and corporate world, where he has performed some of the most awe inspiring illusions in the history of magic.

These include:

ï Making a £180,000 Robinson R22 helicopter vanish and reappear, live on stage during the maiden voyage of the Queen Mary II – a trick he repeated on TV for millions of viewers.

ï Making the new Mercedes Benz M Class appear from thin air at the car’s UK launch.

These astonishing tricks have earned Jamie a reputation as one of the most respected and accomplished magicians in the world.

iMagician explores the work of the legendary Harry Houdini. Then uses modern technology to make them even more mind blowing.

In this action packed show, audiences will witness some of the most incredible illusions ever staged.

Using the latest technology, iMagician includes high powered laser beams, iPads, Twitter and Facebook.

New to his 2014 show is the mind blowing ‘Virtual Assistant’, a routine which involves her passing in and out of a digital world.

An assistant in a see through glass box is also sawn in half with a laser beam.

His ultra-modern delivery brings magic up-close and personal for today’s demanding audiences.

Although Jamie’s performance is state of the art, behind his cutting edge act lies a seasoned, tried and tested professional.

Jamie has headlined at The London Palladium. And he has worked in all aspects of the entertainment industry – as performer, producer, director and writer of a vast array of TV and theatre projects throughout Europe and the USA.

He has worked alongside and designed effects for many top stars who demand only the best in the business to enhance their ‘A List’ brand, including Sting, Tim Minchin, Katherine Jenkins, Lulu, Leona Lewis, Billy Ocean and Jools Holland.

He has already become an instant family favourite after hitting UK TV screens. His appearances include ITV’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show, BBC’s The One Show, BBC Breakfast and CBBC’s The Slammer.