Newcastle magician Chris Cross will take to the city skyline this month as he attempts to escape from a straitjacket while hanging upside down, 80 feet above the ground.
The dramatic stunt will take place from the rooftop of Newcastle Castle Keep at exactly 3pm on Sunday 19 July, with the Lord Mayor of Newcastle acting as the official timekeeper.
Spectators are being encouraged to arrive in the area by 2.30pm, although the escape will be visible from several locations around the city centre.
Cross, 37, will be suspended by his ankles above the roof of the historic landmark before attempting to free himself from a tightly secured straitjacket.
The Fenham-raised performer successfully completed a similar stunt at the Castle Keep in 2016, escaping in one minute and 30 seconds. Ten years later, he has accepted the challenge of repeating the feat while attempting to beat his previous time by ten seconds.
Cross says: “I’m ten years older than last time I attempted this and now I’m trying to do it 10 seconds faster! The maths doesn’t add up, so I really do hope I can beat my own set record! It’s not an easy thing to practice for neither – I’m just going to go straight in and do it though and have faith in my own abilities! I’m sure I’ll be able to rise to the challenge that has been set!
“I’m really looking forward to this stunt. People have said I must be crazy and they’re asking if it’s safe. The answer is yes to a little crazy, but as far as safety goes, things can go wrong. Anything could go wrong – the wind conditions might be wrong mid-stunt and cause big problems, I could blackout whilst in mid air due to the blood rush to my head, I could even fall 80ft to the ground if the rigging fails. Things can and do go wrong. I’m just ensuring all safety checks are carried out before I get up there and I’ll simply do my best… and hope for the best! At least I’ll get a great photo out of this, eh!”
A Tribute to Harry Houdini
The stunt will form part of events marking 100 years since the death of legendary illusionist and escapologist Harry Houdini in 1926.
Houdini visited Newcastle in April 1920 while appearing at the Hippodrome Theatre, which has since been demolished. During his time in the city, he is said to have visited Newcastle Castle and climbed onto its rooftop, where he dangled from one of the parapets.
Local legend suggests Houdini was challenged to perform an escape at the castle but declined. Turning down such a challenge was reportedly unusual for the world-famous performer, adding another layer of mystery to the building’s long and often dark history.
The castle once contained a condemned cell and was used to imprison people accused of witchcraft during the 17th century before their executions.
Cross says: “It’s been 100 years this year, since the great Harry Houdini passed away. So it’s a great tribute to Houdini by performing this stunt on the 100th anniversary from a building he visited whilst in the region over 100 years ago…”
Newcastle’s Own Escapologist
Cross has performed around the world and entertained famous figures including Sam Fender, Alan Shearer, Alice Cooper and Mike Tyson. He has also performed for the King.
Singer-songwriter Liam Fender, from North Shields, has created a special piece of music to accompany the Castle Keep stunt.
The escape will be free to watch, with people of all ages able to view the attempt by looking towards the Castle Keep rooftop at 3pm.
Cross says: “This event is completely free to watch and accessible to everyone from multiple points in the city – all you have to do is look to the roof of the castle at 3pm and you’ll see me!”
Should he succeed, Cross will not only repeat one of Newcastle’s most memorable modern magic stunts, but also set a new personal record high above one of the city’s oldest landmarks.
The post Newcastle Magician to Attempt Daring 80ft Escape from Castle Keep appeared first on Newcastle Magazine – Your source for inspiring Newcastle news.
