IF you're a sucker for the three-card-trick, you'll flip over Mystique.

And if you shudder at the thought of the ultimate illusion going terribly wrong, then you'll simply tingle with nervous expectation.

Mystique, running at the Horseshoe at the Pleasure Beach until November 14, is not only a masterpiece of mystery and illusion, it is a revolutionary approach to the whole stage concept of magic.

The dark and sinister Richard De Vere elevates illusionism to new, spine-chilling and spectacular heights.

And he does it with part of the audience seated to each side of the stage, making total illusion that much more difficult.

But he is the undoubted master, slicing with a sharp knife through the arm of one of his glamorous assistants until blood drips to the floor, using a three-foot circular saw to cut in half a male dancer (and his bed) and turning a girl in a crystal casket into a cat.

But it's all kidology, you might say.

Of course it is, but it is absolutely mind-boggling and defies explanation.

And, of course, there's an appearance from the roguish Schnorbitz, De Vere's faithful St Bernard.

Mystique broke all box office records last year and it is certain that more records will fall with this year's show.

Award-winning compere and comedian Tom Bright adds his own brand of side-splitting wit to give the show a clever touch of humour and there are enchanting moments from superb vocalist Sasha Millard, making her first appearance in the show.

Once again, Amanda Thompson has sprinkled her inevitable touch of stardust over the whole presentation, underlining her creative genius as producer and director.

Antony Johns' choreography is of the highest quality considering the restricted stage space and the dancers produce energy and sparkle to blend perfectly with the air of mystery and expectation.

Mystique runs at the Horseshoe daily - except on Mondays.

There are special offers of two seats for the price of one for Tuesday and Thursday evening performances only.

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