We often say in Cairns that we are blessed to have so many interesting, exciting, unique places to go and see.

DETAILS
WHAT Xtreme Illusions Dinner Show
WHERE Velvet Underground in the Reef Hotel Casino
CONTACT 1300 500 331
COST Adults $49 | Children $29 | Families (2 adults, 2 children) $149 |  Dinner show packages from $66 (includes three courses and show)

And “they” say you never explore your own backyard but I can tell you we have one particularly special attraction here that you won’t see in all of Queensland.

And despite having been here five years, I’ve just discovered it.

The it is, in fact, a him – Sam Powers.

Yes, you’ve probably seen the advertisements on tv but let me tell you, nothing is quite the same as attending a real, live magic show in person.

I know it might seem a bit clichéd, but no matter your age, you will enjoy this show – regardless of whether you’re a little person who will wonder at the magic or someone a bit more mature trying to work out how it all happens.

Even with a full house, the intimate atmosphere at Velvet Underground, and Sam’s walks around the audience, ensures everyone feels they are close to and part of the action.

The night begins with a short video where we learn “how to be an audience” and finally the great man arrives with some funky music, vibrant light show and the always-clever disappearing dove trick.

The white dove turns into a stunning young lady and is a fabulous start to the night.

At times intimate, with Sam closely engaging with the audience and at other times with a very “Vegas” showbiz feel, the show is always entertaining.

The young and attractive Sam apparently has a big “deck” as he tells the crowd early on, and the cheeky comments seem to flow effortlessly from this seasoned entertainer.

Other tricks include the bowling ball, which we’re still scratching our heads about, and, of course, the famous cutting the girl in half.

Then there’s the trick where our man Sam had a dream the night before – and it turns out he predicted what the audience would say.

We think we had this one worked out – or did we?

Sam finishes with another well- known trick – locking himself in a box, using handcuffs, and later managing to break free. Again, we think we had this one worked out, but we’ll never know.

Maybe it really is magic? Or is it sleight of hand?

The only way to know is by going yourself.

This is an ideal night out, for the whole family and is good value to boot.

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