WHAT started as a humble magic show in west Ealing has turned into a smash hit as it celebrates its third anniversary of packing in crowds.

Conjuring At The Court is a monthly event at The Drayton Court pub that combines the best in magic and comedy and has been delighting audiences since 2009.

It is the brainchild of Stephen Barry and Russell Levinson, both of whom hold down day jobs but are accomplished local magicians in their own right and are also members of The Magic Circle, one of the most prestigious magic societies in the world.

The night has become so well-known that it is now the only UK act listed in Genii, the international magazine dedicated to the magician community, according to Mr Levinson.

He said: “It’s wonderful that it has become so popular. It never stops getting exciting. As soon as one show is finished we get people asking about when the next one will be.”

Mr Barry, who works in television as a vision-mixer director, said: “When you say to people that you’re putting on a magic show, their first reaction is to think ‘that sounds like it might be a little bit cheesy’, but we pride ourselves on giving people great value for money. Every show is different and there is an incredibly high standard of magic.”

Mr Levinson, who works as an interrim finance projects manager, said the idea for the show first arose as a means of giving local magicians an outlet for their talents but its popularity soon grew.

Acts at the night now regularly perform to sell-out crowds and the event sparked further interest when it got TV personality Michael Barrymore to act as compere for its March event.

“We always get the best acts we can and people seem genuinely surprised by the quality of the acts on offer. We now have magicians getting in touch with us asking if they can perform.”

The pair said they have planned a memorable show to mark the night’s third anniversary. There will be free cake as well as a plethora of top acts for people to enjoy.

Topping the bill will be magician Paul Zenon, who has become famous for what has become known as street magic in a series of TV specials for Channel 4. He has also played to sell-out crowds around the world.

Conjuring At The Court takes place on Tuesday June 26 at The Drayton Court at 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, W13 8PH. Doors open at 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm

The show is likely to sell out so people are advised to book now on www.conjuringatthecourt.com . Tickets are just £10.