EVEN Luke Jermay finds it hard to describe his show Sixth Sense which he will bring to two East Lancashire venues in the coming weeks.

“It is a difficult one,” said Luke who has advised the likes of Derren Brown and Dynamo on the TV shows. “Theatres never know how to advertise it. It ends up in listings as comedy, magic or even psychic but I’d say it’s a mind reading show. That’s the whole theme of it.

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“I’m not a psychic or someone using spirit mediums to contact the dead. The problem with what I do is that the vocabulary can often get in the way and put people off.

“The show is 100 per cent entertainment and is a light-hearted night out, but it will make you think.”

Certainly Luke’s shows have had audiences and critics alike raving about them.

“I don’t use tricks, I’m not an illusionist,” he said. “I just want to get an audience to start thinking that there perhaps there is more to all of this than we are aware of.

“I’d like to think that a good outcome from the show is for a couple to have a good natured argument on the way home.”

As well as working with some of the biggest names in the business – American illusionist David Blaine is a good friend – Luke has also acted as an advisor on the cult American TV show The Mentalist.

He is also well respected for his scholarly works on the history and traditions of magic and illusions.

“There is a great tradition of sharing ideas and techniques,” he said. “The books I have written are for those people within the industry and cover the mystery arts.

“A lot of things can be improved by listening to others and talking things through. By sharing an idea it can lead to something much more effective.”

Audience reaction plays a key part in Luke’s shows.

“A key feature of what I do is that each show is highly interactive,” he said. “As a result every show is different a no two people are the same – it’s a bit like improv comedy. I will try and talk to as many people as I can.

“The thing about that is if you are part of the show, what is happening and what I do are happening to you – at that point you are the show and you know that you aren’t a plant or in on the act. That’s what creates the surprise.”

  • Sixth Sense with Luke Jermay, King George’s Hall, Blackburn, Thursday, February 26, box office 0844 847 1664 and Burnley mechanics, Saturday, March 7, box office 01282 664400.