AN illusionist was in Stevenage this afternoon (Friday) wowing the town’s youth football team as part of research for a TV documentary.

Magician Michael Gee, a Magic Circle member and friend of Derren Brown was in Stevenage checking out venues for a proposed TV pilot about the business.

The Londoner, who has performed at TV and music awards, wowing the likes of Barbara Windsor and Guns and Roses guitarist Slash, pulled out a bag of tricks for the Stevenage Youth FC squad who happened to be in Nando’s opposite possible flim venue Chicago’s on the Leisure Park.

Michael said he is keen to bring his work to places where people are not used to seeing his brand of close-up conjuring.

“I enjoy doing magic wherever I am, for everybody.”

He added it was an exciting time to be in the business with a new generation of magicians.

“With the likes of Derren Brown, Paul Zenon and Dynamo, magic is certainly up and coming. The more magic that’s on TV the better it is for the magic fraternity. I’m happy to be involved, to be a part of magic’s exciting future.”

Revellers at Chicago’s will get the chance to see Michael work his magic tonight.