Steve Spade to be burned at the stake

Steve Spade, the self-styled "magician with attitude" from Limerick, is to be burned at the stake this weekend.

In an act billed under the title of 'Sacrifice', Spade – who is heavily influenced by the legendary escape artist Harry Houdini – will be tied up and set alight at King John's Castle in Limerick. He will have a matter of minutes to effect his escape from the ropes and chains with which he will be bound in advance.

Space, whose stage show combines magic with mentalism and escapes, is best known for his appearances on RTE television's The Daily Show earlier this year. His work to date has seen him share the stage with Pat Shortt, Tommey Tiernan, Jason Byrne, PJ Gallagher, Colin Murphy, David Mc Savage, Neil Delmere and Des Bishop as well as Limerick compatriots Rubberbandits.

He has also impressed a wide range of celebrities, including Kevin Spacey at the Jameson Dublin International Film Festival, who was forced to ask "Can I have my watch back?". He has also variously wowed Metallica’s James Hetfield, MGMT, Florence & The Machine, Calvin Harris, Example, The Coronas, Bressie, Glen Hansard, DJ Ahmed, Aslan, Royseven, Keywest, Ham Sandwich, Irish Model Georgia Salpa, Derren Brown, Keith Barry, Jedward and Irish rugby star Paul O Connell. Spade made a guest appearance last night at the launch of the Hot PressYearbook 2012/13.

Sacrifice, which opens its doors in King John's Castle at 7pm is part of the Elemental Arts and Culture Festival.