Torchwood actor Daniel brings one-man Houdini show to Newport Riverfront

Set in Newport docks between 1905 and 1913. A young boy from Pill, grows from boy to man. He is obsessed with Houdini and Magic. Houdini visited Wales twice in the Edwardian period sparking huge controversy with his cunning self promotion stunts. On both occasions, run-ins with Newport police eventually lead to arrest and a court appearance in Newport. We see the eight years, book ended by Houdini's two visits, through our boy's eyes. The biggest growth of the industrial period. Our boy grows to adulthood, measuring himself against the real working class heroes in his family whilst holding on to the ultimate dream of emulating his fantasy hero in Houdini. It is a moving, fantastical story of the imagination and spirit of youth, versus the cynicism of adulthood, in a ruthless industrial Britain.

This show is accessible to people of all ages, particularly ten years and above. The Whole story is told through a child’s eyes and the informative historical element of the piece is delivered with the magic and enthusiasm of youth. He lives through and tells of the massive industrial growth of South Wales, the building of the transporter bridge, The Newport dock disaster of 1909, which killed 39 people. The show is very moving but also hugely optimistic. There are magic tricks and fantastical stories of monsters and Cyclopes and even an appearance by Houdini himself.

Newport actor Daniel has spent the last 12 years at various regional theatres and the west end and has appeared on television in Eastenders, Midsomer Murders, Torchwood and Doctors. A regular Little Houdini is the first show he has written. It is directed by Joshua Richards (fringe first winner and winner of best of the festival award for Playing Burton and Rosebud). The Show features music specially written by 13 year old Newport Celtic fiddler Meg Cox.

Catch A Regular Little Houdini at Newport Riverfront from January 23 - 25. Call (01633) 656757 for ticket details.