Summer magic on the pier

Among a full programme of entertainment for families and kids on Hastings Pier during the summer holidays, there will be magic courtesy of local prestidigitator Laurie Temple.

Laurie Temple will be performing six shows on Hastings Pier during August as a part of the pier’s summer season. Three successive Fridays have been designated Magic Fridays, on each of which he will give two shows.

An experienced international entertainer, he performs regularly at children’s and adults’ parties,as well as special events. “Laurie is a brilliant entertainer, who mesmerized both the children and the adults,” says Strictly Come Dancing presenter Tess Daly. “We have already booked him again for next year!”

Laurie came to live in Hastings 18 months ago. A graduate of Cambridge University, he began his professional career working with Sam Wanamaker at the Globe Shakespeare Company, in the Elizabethan international circus.

He then toured his vaudeville theatre company around the major festivals of England and Europe. His traditional variety shows are a hilarious mix of slapstick comedy with top class magic, juggling, comedy puppetry, guitar and songs. The shows are suitable for all ages from 3-103, he says.

Offstage Laurie runs personal development workshops for adults called Lifedance, comprising a combination of yoga, dancing and drumming. He also works with several local environmental groups and has recently made a short documentary film on The Hastings Greenway with local filmmaker Keith Rodway.

Magic Fridays with Laurie Temple. Hastings Pier, 10.30am and 1pm on Fridays 11, 18 and 25 August. Admission £5 plus fee.

See here for details of the pier’s holiday offering for families and kids.

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