There were moments of pure magic on The Pantiles this week.
Adam Smith, the town’s most prolific magician, who has performed for the likes of Kate Moss, Jude Law and Boris Becker, undertook a 48-hour magic marathon on the famous promenade, finishing at 12pm yesterday.
When the Times met up with Mr Smith yesterday afternoon – 20 hours after our first visit – the prolific performer, surrounded by family and friends, was in a mixed state of joy and exhaustion.
“I am so happy, but I feel like death,” Mr Smith said. “I really can’t keep the tears back, because I just wanted to do this for my mum.”
His gruelling task – which had left his fingers calloused from the 26 decks of cards that he had already got through – was undertaken to raise money to help fight multiple sclerosis, the neurological condition from which his mother Sue has suffered for 32 years.
But despite the stress of performing all night, Mr Smith was in characteristically good spirits as he fascinated the audience with a range of 50 tricks from his position on the bandstand.
“I try and do something for charity each year and I decided that this year I would do ‘the big one’ and perform for 48 hours because this year I am doing it in aid of MS,” Mr Smith said.
His mother Sue and father Dave were both there to see the end and spoke of their pride in their son’s achievement.
“I’m a bit teary because of what he has done. It has been a hard slog but he has been so well supported,” said Sue.
Mr Smith, who had raised his £3,000 target by yesterday, thanked the large crowd which had gathered to watch him and singled out his partner Jacquie and good friends Nikki and John who had been there for the duration.
In addition to donations and sponsorship, those watching also participate in a raffle for dozens of gifts donated by local shops, which combined had a price tag running in the thousands of pounds.
“The local traders have been so generous and I am very grateful for their support,” Mr Smith said.
