The magic and illusion of Ben Murphy is set to bring audiences to their feet at this year’s Ballarat Begonia Festival.

Ben Murphy’s performance features a unique blend of comedy, magic and illusion. His performance will include stunning and impossible grand illusions and never before seen magic and tricks.

The 2011 Ballarat Begonia Festival will be held over the Labour Day long weekend Saturday 12 – Monday 14 March, 10am – 5pm.

Ben Murphy has specifically tailored his magic and illusion show for the Begonia Festival. His performance will include ‘The Slicer’, ‘The Twister’, ‘Heads Off’, ‘Lady Sawn in Half’ and ‘Houdini’s Famous Trunk Escape’.

City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for Destination and Connections Samantha McIntosh said it was a huge coup to have Ben Murphy perform at this year’s Begonia Festival.

“Ben is a first class performer, who has performed his magic and illusion around the globe. I have no doubt his performance will have audiences enthralled during his 40 minute show.  

“I encourage the community to come along to this year’s Festival. In addition to a wide range of performers there will be a gourmet food and wine experience, the ever popular Begonia Display and a free twilight screening of The Wizard of Oz.”

The Magician will perform on the Main Stage – Saturday and Sunday, 11am, 1.15pm and 3.30pm and Monday 12.30pm, 2.40pm and 4.15pm.

For a full list of performance times sand the event program for this year’s Begonia Festival visit www.ballaratbegoniafestival.com

Background:

Ben Murphy is the only Australian magician to have had his own season of shows in the USA. He is also the only magician in history to have attempted to perform the infamous ‘Houdini’s Water Torture Cell’ live, three times daily for four months – making him the World Record Holder for the most escapes from this deadly illusion.