AN unforgettable show of proper magic is promised at Exeter’s Phoenix arts centre on June 4 when Danny Lee Grew brings his box of magic to the venue.

However, for the talented illusionist it’s a big career move from what was his original job in the healthcare industry.

Danny initially worked within the NHS as a clinical support officer, assisting in minor surgery – and wrapping patients in bandages. He practised his magic on colleagues and patients before taking the plunge and making magic his full-time career.

The gamble paid off and he has entertained audiences globally appearing on television, in pantomime, supported comedy stars, headlined at holiday resorts, on ships and at fringe festivals around the world. and has entertained the likes of David Beckham, James Corden and Stormzy.

And now he is venturing out to take his one-man magic show 24K Magic on the road to wow live audiences across the UK with a performance jam packed with jaw-dropping magic, astonishing illusions, laughs, gasps and stunning sleight of hand sorcery.

“It is one of those rare art forms where it is better when it is live,” said Danny. “When you see it for yourself in the flesh and there is no way it can be a camera trick, it catches people off guard.”

One of his illusions will see Danny take a flower petal and bounce it on a tennis racket as it grows bigger and bigger and turns into an egg, which Danny then breaks into a glass. He added: “My work is very visual magic. The type of thing if people saw it on the telly, they would put it all down to camera tricks.”

He also loves bringing a classic Tommy Cooper trick to today’s audiences, making glass bottles appear in what seems to be a trick gone wrong – but is pure comedy magic in front of your eyes.

No television trickery, just what Danny calls “proper magic” in front of the audience’s eyes.

It all started at the age of ten when Danny joined Young Magicians Club, the Magic Circle’s youth initiative and received training from magicians each month to perfect his craft.

Having found a passion for magic as a child, he said: “Magic was a phase for me as a child that I simply never grew out of. I watched Sooty at the theatre and took part in school talent shows, and won.

“My school careers advisor subtly suggested I come up with a back-up plan. I remember telling them I wanted to be a magician and they didn’t know where to go with that.”

In 2024, Danny became the Stage Magician of the Year at the British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, and was presented with the British Ring Trophy for the most entertaining magic act.

Tickets for his 7.30pm show at the Phoenix on June 4 can be booked at https://exeterphoenix.org.uk.