BOLTON illusionist Richard de Vere is a high-flier in more ways than one . . .

The magician, who appears in Aladdin at Manchester's Opera House on a flying carpet, has been invited to entertain the King of Dubai at his birthday celebrations in the royal palace.

He said: "I did explain that I use about two and a half tonnes of machinery, but that did not seem to put them off. So, it looks as though I may be flying out to Dubai straight after my Blackpool summer. It is quite staggering for a little lad from Bolton!"

As a "little lad from Bolton" Richard recalls initially wanting to be a vet. But, he said: "I would always do magic as a kid -- little bits and pieces.

"It had always fascinated me. When you are a kid magic makes you feel like a superman. I was not particularly clever at school, but doing a good trick gives you pleasure when you see the puzzled expressions on your audience's face.

"Half the fun of magic for the audience is trying to work out how to do it. All the fun for me is not to let them know.

"It is entertainment in its most basic form, which dates back years."

Richard, aged 34, began his career as a Blue Coat at Pontins, where he worked with a 22-stone assistant, Caro.

He explained: "Most magicians at the time had slender assistants and when they did their disappearance acts, the audience would whisper that the assistant was obviously hiding at the bottom of the trunk. Well Caro could only just fit in the trunk, let alone hide in some bottom secret section."

As luck would have it Bernie Winters came to see the show at Pontins, liked what he saw, and came backstage to see Richard. He invited him to appear in his Crazy Gang Show the following summer at Torquay.

Richard said: "To go from Pontins to a top summer show in a theatre was tremendous. Bernie Winters became my mentor.

"I even moved in with him and his wife for a time when I moved to London. When Bernie died his relatives and friends were left money in his will -- I was left a St Bernard dog!"

That St Bernard was Bernie's treasured Schnorbitz, who would appear alongside him on stage. Richard said: "I continued the line, and now I have to be the only person who follows the dog in an act."

Since first appearing on stage, Richard's Mystique show has become a regular favourite in Blackpool. He is so well loved in the seaside resort that a statue of him and Schnorbitz has been installed on the promenade.

He said: "I think we are the only living partnership to have had a statue made of us before we are dead!

"My mum and dad used to take me to Blackpool to see the lights and to think I now appear here is amazing. They would also take me to the Manchester pantomime, and I would never dream for one second that one day I would be appearing in it.

"I have been very, very lucky."

However, Richard's opening night in Blackpool did not provide him with the most encouraging of starts. He said: "The North Pier used to be the number one venue and after that first appearance in the theatre with Bernie Winters, I was booked there for a season.

"I had a trick in which I would balance on a sword. The sword would appear to go through me as I spun around. It was opening night and I lost my balance. The sword ripped my back open.

"The world and his wife were there watching. It was a nightmare. It did affect my confidence, but it is like riding a bicycle -- if you fall, you have to get straight back on again."

Richard modestly says that anyone can learn magic. He said: "I run the Schnorbitz Trust which helps with transport for under-privileged kids. Magic can be a great escape for such kids.

"As a child I was bullied at school. I hate bullies and it is a big problem. But magic can help. Successfully doing a trick is something you feel proud of. It gives you that little bit of self esteem and respect.

" I am thinking of setting up a 'Wizard School' in Blackpool to give the youngsters confidence."

Since starting in the profession, Richard has seen the scale of illusions growing tremendously. He said: "It is frightening to think about the cost these days.

"If I am spending £14,000 on one illusion that lasts about two minutes I do not particularly want to show it on television when so many people will see it all at once. I enjoy doing the Blackpool show because I get value out of each illusion I do."

And what of the future?

Richard said: "I am creating new illusions all the time. I work with Bob Fishwick, who is also from Bolton. He used to make props for Tommy Cooper. He helps me throughout the year."

In the meantime Richard appears as Abanazer in Aladdin, at the Opera House, Manchester, until January 27. Tickets are from 0161 242 2524.

LIFE'S MAGIC: Richard De Vere with Schnorbitz