Catch him before he vanishes

Levitating a child into the air and marvellous card tricks are just French magician Laurent Beretta's idea of teasers. You can find out what else he's got up his sleeve at his debut appearance in Thailand from today until Sunday at Central Chidlom.

You'll have to watch carefully, because Beretta refuses to reveal what's in store. "I bring what I love to the stage - magic, music and choreography," is all he's willing to say.

Since initially appearing in a puff of smoke at a Paris cabaret in 1998, Beretta has won magic competitions in his homeland and Monte Carlo, and something called the Golden Dove, thanks to his unique style.

It's an approach to performing that's caught the eye of big-time clients like Louis Vuitton, Porsche, Sony and Blackberry.

Reckoning they needed more than just magic to sell their wares, these companies fell for Beretta's addition of dance to the show - jazz, ballet, hip-hop and breakdancing - with all the tricks synchronised to the music.

He got the dancing-magician idea from well-known illusionist Jeff McBride, but the credit for Beretta's original passion for sleight of hand belongs to his grandmother, who showed him how to make cookies disappear when he was nine years old.

He developed his skills in manipulation and close-up magic after graduating from university in the US, and mounted a show called "The Paradoxes" that wowed audiences, critics and even other magicians with its mix of illusion and literature - specifically Oscar Wilde.

Appearances on television followed - and tours of the world. Language and cultural boundaries have never been a problem, Beretta says.

"Magic is universal. If I make it look impossible, it looks impossible in any culture!"

Asians are distinct for their willingness to participate in the action, he says.

That's your cue to get onstage when he calls for volunteers.

A rappin' rabbit?

Beretta presents his final "Central Great Magical Million" show today at 5pm in the Events Hall on the third floor of Central Chidlom. It's free to see. Get more details at www.Central.co.th or call (02) 739 7777.