MAGICAL mystery, fantastic vocals and intricate illusions... Mystique is back at the Blackpool Pleasure Beach this weekend and the line-up is looking hotter than ever.

Master illusionist -- Richard de Vere -- says this year's show, which is set to start on Friday, May 16 at The Horseshoe, is bigger and brighter than ever before.

Richard -- who is more often seen with his St Bernards sidekick, Schnorbitz -- said: "Mystique is far more than just a seaside magic show.

"The show combines good quality family entertainment with unbelievable illusionary feats and has gone a long way towards making magic hip.

"We are now a world-renowned production, with people coming from America, Australia, South Africa and throughout Europe to see the the show.

"Artists and dancers are now opting to try-out for Mystique over many of the top West End shows and at the last round of auditions more than 2,000 people turned up for just twelve places.

"As a result the cast line-up we've got for this year really is the cream of the live entertainment industry.

"I'm sure audiences, old and new, will be dazzled by Mystique's development."

Another Mystique stalwart -- comedy compere Tom Bright -- is convinced the 2003 show will cast a spell over audiences as it has in previous years.

Tom -- who is celebrating his thirteenth year with the show -- said: "Mystique constantly moves with the times both in its content and technical features.

"Every year the show gets a little bit more daring. When I started out we'd never have contemplated doing the things we are putting on stage now, such as immersing a person in a water tank.

"Now the technology is there to push the show to its limits and leave the audience in disbelief.

"Mystique is the cutting-edge of magic and illusion. No matter how Blackpool or the times change, the show is, and always has been, a huge crowd puller."

Featuring a varied cast -- including madcap magician, Wayne Daniels, vocalists Gemma Forshaw and the sensational Popstar Search winner, Krystal Cooper -- Mystique is a blaze of colour, fireworks and dance, set to mystify audiences throughout the season.

Stageworks Worldwide Productions Producer and Director, Amanda Thompson said: "Our visitors have come to expect the best from Mystique and this year's production is no exception.

"We continue to break the bounds of all possibility with breathtaking effects which defy belief."

Mystique will be running three times a day, six days a week until Sunday, November 2. For bookings or further information contact 0870 444 5588.