A COLCHESTER Zoo keeper is swapping caring for animals for a magic wand as she takes to the stage this weekend.
City resident, Lizzie Durkin, 30, has been working as a zoo keeper since 2015 and discovered her ‘passion’ for magic when she attended a show in Edinburgh.
Lizzie said: “I went to some PBH Free Fringe magic show in Edinburgh when I worked at Edinburgh zoo.
“It sparked an interest, and I returned year on year to watch as many magic shows as possible.
“I decided to give it a try myself and joined the amazing Ipswich Magical Society.”
After becoming a society member in 2022, Lizzie’s passion for magic has grown into her own ‘unique’ magic concept – The Zoollusionist.
The show combines Lizzie’s ‘two passions’, creating a unique experience for its audience.
Last year, Lizzie performed at the London Magic Convention last year, and completed a week of shows earlier this year – as part of the PBH Free Fringe at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival.
“They’ve fuelled me to throw myself into every opportunity that I can.
“The concept of the Zoollusionist naturally formed from my two passions of working with animals, and my love of magic.
“My aim is to share stories of my experience working with animals and offer people a unique experience by blending these stories with a magical, silly and chaotic twist.
“I really just want people to come along, relax, have a chaotic and fun time with me, enjoy the magic and learn a bit about some amazing animals along the way.”
This weekend, Lizzie will perform her show in Colchester for the first time, taking place on Saturday 26 October at 4pm on the top floor of the Three Wise Monkeys.
“This will be the first time this show has been performed in Colchester,” She added.
“Locals can expect to leave their worries at the door, and be immersed in an interactive, chaotic and fun show.
“It will be a friendly atmosphere, with everyone taking part in one way or another.
“Everyone will be on the crazy journey together with the Zoollusionist.”
The Zoollusionist will return to Colchester on November 2, with tickets for both shows available online.
“I am so excited to be bringing my show to Colchester as part of the Colchester Fringe,” Lizzie said.
“I can't wait to share the absolute madness that evolved at Edinburgh Fringe to my home town.
“I hope people will take a chance on my show - the more people, the more chaotic it becomes!
“The show very much revolves around the audience, which I absolutely love, as every show ends up a unique experience for the audience - and for me too - which makes me even more excited.”
For more information, visit https://colchester.ssboxoffice.com/events/the-zoollusionist/
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here