The International Stars of Magic and Variety provided trickery, illusion, comedy and ventriloquism, but probably divided opinion among the large audience that flocked to the Congress Theatre on Saturday.

We saw nine talented acts but most of the tricks performed by the Brotherhood Of Magicians had been performed many times before, and for a family show it went on too long, stretching to almost three and a half hours including the interval.

Compere-comedian Mel Mellers, who told several amusing jokes at the expense of audience members and their attire, resorted to making a dog out of a balloon for the third time to give the last act, Natalie and Eli, more time to prepare.

Fortunately the glamorous Natalie and Eli treated us a stunning finale with continuous quick costume changes and endless bunches of flowers.

Illusionist Andrew Green & Co. had brought a fitting end to the first act, making ladies pop up and disappear from cabinets.

Eastbourne ventriloquist Steve Hewlett was also entertaining with his marvellous voice throwing, though his self deprecating humour acknowledged that a couple of jokes fell flat.

The pick of the rest were magicians Romany and Charlie Mag who both made birds appear – in Charlie's case real ones.

Three stars