ENJOY a close encounter with a master of magic in Chipping Norton's intimate Theatre.

In his third one-man show, the award-winning magician gets up close and personal with his audience in a way never attempted by anyone else.

His logic-defying sleight of hand tricks, seen regularly on television, form the basis of his new show Geoffrey Durham No Hat, No Rabbit, which can be seen at The Theatre Chipping Norton on Friday, March 24 at 8pm.

"My first show was autobiographical, the second looked at different kinds of stage magic," said Geoffrey. "This third show concentrates on the sort of close-up tricks I do on TV but also looks at what we can make believe through a combination of suggestion and sleight of hand.

"The magic that I do in this new show has no special equipment and is seemingly very simple - until the audience tries it at home."

After shedding his Spanish, spangly-suited alter-ego The Great Soprendo, a well-known figure on children's television, Geoffrey Durham became a favourite with the public as a regular guest on Countdown, where he made more than 160 appearances in ten years.

He has also earned recognition from her peers. In 2002 he was presented with The Maskelyne, the Magic Circle's highest award, and in 2003 he received The David Berglas Award for outstanding contribution to magic.

Geoffrey is Magic director of the acclaimed West End show Jus' Like That!, which depicts the life and magic of Tommy Cooper and which recently completed a nationwide tour. He is also a frequent guest on Radio Four, where his wit, charm and love of puzzles both verbal and manual, make him a popular panellist.

Geoffrey Durham No Hat, No Rabbit is a new show that has taken two years to devise. The audience not only gets a stage show full of laughs, charm and magic, they also have the chance to see a modern master of magic close up. Geoffrey will even be spending the interval in the bar and auditorium doing tricks under the noses of the audience.

Tickets cost £10, concession £8, and can be booked by contacting the box office on 01608 642350 or visiting the theatre's website www.chippingnortontheatre.co.uk.