Harry Houdini
the world's most famous magician and escapologist
Harry Houdini is probably the world's most famous magician and escapologist. Born Erik Weisz in Budapest in 1874 he moved to The States with his family in 1878 making his debut on the stage at the tender age of 9 years old as a trapeze artist. In this latest of Steve Short's illustrated talks Houdini's life as stunt performer and brilliant illusionist is explored in detail. Learn how "Harry Handcuff Houdini" challenged police forces in the US and Europe to try and keep him under lock and key. Houdini never failed to escape from prison cells, ropes, handcuffs, straitjackets and chains. Many of his acts were death defying and included escaping from a milk churn or being hung upside down in a tank of water.
Steve's illustrated talk recounts many anecdotes and stories about this most interesting of charismatic performers using many period photographs to illustrate the story of Houdini's life. Steve will replicate one or two of Harry Houdini's remarkable escapes.
An external website devoted to Harry Houdini
Covering all of the UK including Lincoln, Harrogate, York, Hull, Sheffield, Beverley, Bridlington, Doncaster, Halifax, Huddersfield, Leeds, Bourne, Brigg, Grantham, Horncastle, Louth, Market Rasen, Spalding in fact all of Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Lancashire and Norfolk.
Reviews
He made us laugh
Our meeting of the Ruskington Young At Heart Club was very well attended - our speaker/entertainer for the afternoon was Steve Short. He made us laugh; his talk and film show on Life of Houdini with his magic performed was brilliant the afternoon was much enjoyed by all . We will be sure to book Steve again for another of his talks in the future.
Wendy Dann - Chairlady RYHC
Popular talks
Jasper Maskelyne
Born of a family of magicians, Jasper Maskelyne was a successful stage magician in the 1930s and 1940s, who, during the last war, was alleged to have been drafted into MI9, a secret department of the British Military Intelligence.
Norman Wisdom
Sir Norman Joseph Wisdom, was raised in extreme poverty and by the age of 11 he ended up in a children's home in Deal from which he ran away.
David Nixon
David Nixon was the best known magician in the UK in the 1960s and 70s and one of the most popular personalities on British televison. Nixon was the inspiration for Steve Short's career as a professional magician.
Morecambe & Wise
Using photographs and video clips Steve will bring to life the story of how these two great comedians met to become Britain's best ever double act.
Laurel & Hardy
The world's most famous double act, Laurel & Hardy, started during the early Hollywood period of American cinema. Englishman, skinny Stan Laurel and the plump American, Oliver Hardy
Tommy Cooper
I went to the doctor; he said "I'd like you to lie on the couch". I said: "What for?" He said: "I want to sweep the floor." .