Famous for producing a veritable aviary out of his coat pockets , Johnny Hart who has died aged 75 , was one of that select but notable band of British magicians who attained international recognition in the latter years of the last century .

Johnny Hart : Suave and debonair , and invariably immaculately attired in white tie and tails with never a hair out of place , he was among the very best at creating on-stage illusions that thrilled audiences worldwide . As such , his illustrious career took him from London to Las Vegas via New York , Paris , Copenhagen , Madrid , Shanghai and every major city in the world .

While initially intent on a career as a research chemist , he was rarely seen without a pack of cards in his hands , and he found himself increasingly in demand , participating in all manner of amateur concert parties . In 1961 , he was top of the bill at Preston ’ s Old Public Hall .

Wider fame subsequently beckoned when later that year , aged only 17 , he performed some impeccable manipulative magic to claim the inaugural Young Magician of the Year Award organised by the Magic Circle .

The TV magician David Nixon presented him with a commemorative plaque and a copy of Dai Vernon ’ s Book of Magic . The two would go on to become good friends , appearing together four years later in the Dora Bryan Show at the Royal Court Theatre in Liverpool . Nixon never missed an opportunity to present Hart on his long-running Thames Television Show , Magic Box .

Luckily the old-school variety circuit was then still operating , guaranteeing acts such as this a possible career . Prior to making it big in the USA , Hart spent countless hours honing his craft , while training the many animals that became a huge part of his appeal . https :// youtu . be / E3lhINcJ74U

Likewise , endless packs of cards would appear from seemingly empty hands . Very early in his career , when working at the Lido in Paris , he was once docked a considerable amount of his weekly wage for each card he missed dropping into his top hat , the management being scared that the dancers would injure themselves .

With his career carefully guided by promoter Harry Stanley , when not appearing regularly in the theatre or on television , both here and abroad , Hart also became a staple summer season support act . In 1963 he appeared with Bruce Forsyth at the Princess Theatre , Torquay , returning four years later , but now sharing the bill with Max Bygraves . In Blackpool at The Queen ’ s Theatre the following year alongside Irish tenor Josef Locke , three years later he kept the comedian Ken Dodd company at the resort ’ s vast Opera House . Returning to the ABC Theatre at Great Yarmouth in 1972 , but now with comedy impressionist Mike Yarwood , the duo were successfully reunited again the following year , but now at the ABC Theatre in Blackpool , for what would prove to be a record-breaking run .

Highly skilful as it still was , Hart ’ s act had changed little over the years and , like many , he found himself being overtaken by a new generation of entertainers . He would eventually retire and move back to his native Lancashire . Interest in his career was recently reawakened with the publication of a biography , which vividly outlined the endless allure of a man whose magic could so effortlessly redefine what someone believes to be true . There are not many people capable of doing that . Johnny Hart was one .

Johnny Hart , magician and entertainer , born 29 August 1943 , died 10 December 2018

VANISH MAGAZINE www . VanishMagazine . com

9