A talented magician who wowed the world-famous Penn & Teller with his close-up tricks is swapping a Las Vegas casino for a top wedding venue in North Wales which is soon to reveal a major refurbishment.
Sean White, 32, from Bersham, near Wrexham, will be one of the stars of the show at a wedding fair at Soughton Hall Hotel, in Northop, Flintshire, on Sunday May 22 from 12 pm to 3.30 pm.
He will be among 45 exhibitors helping brides-to-be prepare for their magical day at the striking 16th century hall which was bought by Manchester-based bar, restaurant and leisure family firm, Elle R Leisure, in February.
Everything from local cake makers, florists, suit fitters, bridal stores, a harpist, a toastmaster and more will be on hand to help brides with their big day.
There will also be a chance to explore the majestic Soughton Hall, built as a Bishop’s Palace in 1714, which the new owners are set to develop into one of the UK’s most exclusive, luxury wedding venues.
The Hall is next to the home of former football star and pundit Michael Owen and its famous guests over the years include Luciano Pavarotti and King Juan Carlos I of Spain.
Elle R Leisure is investing in a major refurbishment of the mansion house with a view to developing the wedding and corporate side of the business.
The new owners say the £100,000 work to “add a bit more magic and sparkle” to the venue will be completed in time for the wedding fair.
James Ramsbottom, owner of Elle R Leisure, which is known for the successful Dukes 92 and Albert’s restaurants in Manchester and owns luxury boutique hotel Woodlands in Leeds, said: “The wedding fair is a chance for brides-to-be to come and see for themselves how we are already transforming this spectacular hall into a first class wedding venue.
“Work is currently underway to transform the bridal suite, overhaul the wedding marquee, re-landscape the driveway directly outside the hall and refurbish and redesign many of the guest areas such as the library, entrance hall, reception and residents bar.
“The event will also be a showcase for an array of local wedding based businesses so brides can shop for everything they might need for their special day all under one roof.
“Soughton Hall is the most beautiful building, with fantastic grounds and a long drive and it feels completely exclusive, tucked away from the outside world.”
With 14 bedrooms, spectacular dining settings and ceremony rooms, the bride and groom can enjoy their special day all in one place at Soughton Hall.
The Grade II* listed building can cater for wedding parties big and small, with the option of taking the venue over exclusively so the happy couple feel like Lord and Lady of the manor.
Sean, aka Kasper the magician, will help add to the magic at the wedding fair.
A master of illusion, his card tricks have impressed the likes of David Blaine and premier league footballers Michael Owen, Gary Neville and Lee Sharpe.
He performs across the UK at weddings and other functions with his fiancé and magic assistant Emily Williams who he met 12 years ago at the start of his magic career.
Sean was on holiday in Las Vegas performing magic when he was spotted by a friend of a casino owner who was impressed with his tricks. Suddenly Sean found himself entertaining guests at the Bellagio, MGM Grande and New York, New York hotels on the strip.
Sean, who names US magicians Gregory Wilson and Joshua Jay along with UK illusionist Derren Brown as his inspirations, said: “It’s hard to put into words how brilliant it was to perform out there but it is known as the magic capital of the world. It’s such a showbiz environment and you just get swept along with it.”
He was invited to perform for the world famous duo Penn & Teller after one of their sell-out Vegas shows.
Sean, who also works full time for a Deeside catering company and practices magic for two hours a day, said: “Performing for Penn & Teller was the most nervous I have ever been.
“I showed them one of my card to pocket routines and they seemed to like it. Penn smiled at me and said ‘top notch’ in an English accent. It was a tremendous privilege.”
The wedding magic has become a vitally important part of Sean’s career and he is now almost fully booked until the end of the year.
One member of a wedding party in the UK was so impressed with his tricks that she hired him for her own week-long wedding in Lithuania, paying for all his travel expenses.
Sean said: “Magic is a great way to break the ice among guests at a table if they don’t know one another and also a great way to entertain guests while things like photos are going on.”
For more information about the wedding fair, email info@soughtonhall.co.uk
