The bullet catch is probably the world's most dangerous magic act; so dangerous that not even Houdini gave a liver performance (although he had toyed with the idea, and was wounded after several practice attempts). Many performances have gone hideously wrong; for example, in 1820, Madame DeLinsky, the wife and assistant of a Polish magician was accidentally shot in the abdomen, killing her and her unborn child. The tragedy sent her husband mad. In total, the bullet catch has taken the lives of twelve illusionists, assistants, and audience members since the first show in 1613 (the French magician, Coulew of Lorraine, who conceived the act, survived the performance, but was later beaten to death with his gun by his assistant).
Fortunately today, there is a bit more health & safety, but the trick is still incredibly dangerous. If that sounds like your kind of thing, then head down to
The Shed between the 21st May - 1st June to see a thrilling performance by Ben Walter. As well as the death defying finale, the show will also include mind reading and levitation.
Tickets cost £20, which includes a post-show talk on the 23rd May.