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Phil's fantastic feats astound the famous

NEW ROLE: Phil Partridge

Now the senior clinical pharmicist is stepping into the limelight as Manchester's top illusionist.

Phil, 35, is the new president of the 370-strong Manchester Circle of Magicians, the country's largest magic club.

His interest began when he was given a magic set as a seven-year-old in 1977. The sorcery rubbed off and, though he gained a degree in pharmacy from Manchester University and went on to take jobs in children's and adult hospitals, the lure of magicbecame too strong.

Phil, of East Didsbury, said: "I walked away from a good career to follow a compulsion to brighten peoples' lives by working some magic."

Beckham

He began living his childhood dream with a decision which was to bring him to the attention of Prince Charles, David Beckham and Sven Goran Eriksson, as well as six million TV viewers.

"I have performed for Prince Charles and was booked by David Beckham for his son Brooklyn's third birthday party in Manchester," said Phil.

He went on to perform in an entertainment special of The Weakest Link. His most spectacular venue was seeing the New Year in at the Persian Gulf's seven-star Burj Al Arab Hotel in Dubai.

"I was performing for the diners, including Sven and Nancy but I was also closely watched by sharks and rays in a huge fish tank," said Phil, who believes The Lord Of The Rings and Harry Potter movies and books are powering a magic renaissance.
"The Manchester Circle of Magicians invites people to come to a meeting. We have international lecturers and also a junior members' section," he added.

Phil can be contacted on 07970 871544.

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