March 02, 2012
Video – Daring international illusionists break world magic record at V&A Waterfront
Fazielah Williams
Fazielah Williams has lived in and loved her Mother City since birth. Having lived all over the Peninsula during her childhood, she now calls the picturesque City Bowl home and likes nothing more than watching the sun set over Table Bay from the window of her apartment.
A lover of the arts and proud Cape Town fanatic, Fazielah began her writing career by spending many hours as a child conjuring fantastical stories that featured independent heroines from faraway lands who saved the Prince instead. This Capetonian princess has enjoyed stints as a magical arts PRO and TV publicist before finding her calling as a travel writer.
When not waxing lyrical about the Fairest Cape’s most loved attractions and activities and embarking on unexpected adventures, Fazielah can usually be found taking in a show at one of the City’s fabulous theatres.
Illusionists Wayne and Fran Houchin broke the world magic record for the fastest upside down dual straitjacket escape at the V&A Waterfront. Photo courtesy Wayne Houchin.
For over 20 years, Cape Town’s premier shopping destination, the V&A Waterfront has seen more than its fair share of interesting events and activities. On Friday March 2, 2012, it witnessed its most enchanting stunt yet when international illusionists Wayne and Fran Houchin broke the world magic record for the fastest upside down dual straitjacket escape!
Held at the Pierhead area of the V&A Waterfront, this dangerous stunt, a first for Africa, saw Wayne and his wife, Fran, suspended from cranes 25m above ground – without safety nets.
Attempting to break escape artist Harry Houdini’s legendary three-minute escape record, the magical Houchin duo captivated the attention of passers-by, media and visitors as they escaped from their tightly bound jackets in two minutes and 12 seconds!
“We did it! It feels amazing!” said Wayne and Fran after the death-defying stunt.
The escape was officiated by Eric Eswin, International President of the Fédération Internationale des Sociétés Magiques.
This is the California-based Houchins’ first visit to the Mother City’s shores and they’ve already fallen under her alluring spell. “We love Cape Town! It’s sunny and beautiful here and we don’t want to leave,” said Wayne.
To witness more of Wayne’s grand illusions, book your tickets now for the Stars of Comedy and Magic Gala Show, a College of Magic production, at the Artscape Theatre on Sunday March 4 at 18H00. Tickets are available through Computicket.
Watch a video of the unbelievable stunt:
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