A MASTER magician hailing from Russia is set to dazzle his new-found home of Barry with a mind-bending fundraising performance.

Vladimir Dimitri Kockov grew up in the former Soviet Republic of Monrokvia, where, until the winter of 1989, he lived with his 17 brothers and sisters.

A resident of Barry Island, he enjoys nationwide and international performances throughout the year and now is set to stun with a Barry gig.

Kockov is the award-winning alter-ego of Barry entertainer Jasper Blakeley, one of the UK’s most exciting magic performers, who spent a season delighting Cardiff City FC home match fans.

Magic Circle member Jasper has won many accolades for both cabaret and close-up magic since turning professional in 2003.

The entertainer has also had a sell-out week-long run of his one-man show at the 2006 Edinburgh Festival, worked extensively as a headline act on the UK stand-up circuit, appeared on Brian Connolly’s BBC2 show ‘Let Me Entertain You’ and was a second-round finalist on the first series of ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.

He appeared in a multi-million dollar illusion show in Las Vegas and in 2010 he was named as UK Corporate Entertainer Of The Year runner-up.

Jasper said: “I headlined at the Cardiff Glee Club last November and December, but this is a full show and Kockov promises some of his signature mind-reading effects along with some new magical delights.”

Kockov will be up to his tricks with a full two-act show at the Mount Sorrell Hotel, Barry, at 7.30pm on Friday, February 7.

The show has already sold-out, but some more seats may become available. Interest may mean Kockov returns, by popular demand, for more fundraising entertainment in his Barry home town.

Tickets cost £10 and are available from Doctor Bob’s Balloons, High Street, Barry, and from Jasper Blakeley via Facebook or by visiting www.jasperblakeley.co.uk