THERE are not many Oliver Mealings in this world. Here is a 15-year-old who regularly dumbfounds crowds with his impressive card tricks and natural confidence.

He has already established himself as Malvern's resident restaurant magician and now he is preparing for his first full-length magic show.

"The best way to practise is in front of an audience," he said.

"I practise whenever I can - on the bus, in between lessons, while I'm waiting for toast to pop up from the toaster. Literally, whenever there's a free moment."

The Young Magicians' Club member has his sights firmly set on joining the famous Magic Circle and carving out a career in the magic industry.

He first became interested in it all at the age of five.

"My Christmas present was a magic set," he said.

"I couldn't do the tricks. I didn't really understand them but my dad would show me them.

"I was about 13 when I really started to get into card magic."

The Colwall Village Hall show will feature juggling and escapology, as well as a healthy amount of audience participation, but it's card tricks that Oliver really revels in.

"I focus on my cards.

"When I first started card magic I didn't think there was that much to do but there are just millions of things you can do with a simple pack of cards.

"You can learn the basic moves from books and then really experiment.

"Sometimes you make a mistake and think, I've messed that trick up', but really you've invented a new one."

Oliver isn't overly impressed with the league of celebrity magicians such as David Blaine and Derren Brown.

He cites his hero as the much lesser known Pit Hartling - "the best card magician there is".

In the past he has performed at the Magic Circle headquarters in London alongside the legendary Ali Bongo.

He has also performed magic at the Big Chill Festival, for bands including Nouvelle Vague and Reverend and The Makers, as well as celebrities including Ken Dodd, Les Dennis, Dave Benson Phillips (Get Your Own Back) and Jeremy Edwards (Holby City).

For tickets to the Colwall show at 7.30pm on Friday, March 16, call Adrian and Carole Mealing on 01684 540366.

They are priced £6 and £4 concessions.