International Magic Gala
The Save My Life charity fundraisers have become a regular and very important event for Benidorm Dog Homing, whose prime objective is to help rehome abandoned, abused and sick dogs. It is a financial lifeline, to help the hundreds of animals in their sadly sometimes not so temporary care, have a second chance in life and Dona Sandland has once again helped organise the fifth such fundraiser. However, it would certainly not be possible without Palace owner Christine Climent, who offers the facilities for the event. This time, in part due to the COVID restrictions and no live singers on the stage, the Palace will be hosting an International Magic Gala with five of the most prestigious illusionists in Europe – local talent Mag Malastruc, Christian Miró from Argentina, Miguel Gavilán from Mallorca, Brit Rodney J. Piper from Salou, who has the House of Illusion and Benidorm’s very own David Climent.
It will be a spectacular like never seen before and will be premiering a brandnew act from David Climent – the ‘ Water Torture’ set, a Harry Houdini inspired water escapology number. The tank contains 450 litres of water and David will be chained up with the clock ticking. Obviously, security will be on standby, with a pickaxe and bolt cropper to hand as this is actually a very dangerous act, but one that he has always aspired to perform. The set was built in Italy but stuck there with the COVID restrictions so only recently arrived. He is currently rehearsing 2 hours a day and after premiering at the Magic Gala, the act will be incorporated into the AQUA show.
After the charity gala David will be off on his travels again as part of world renowned The Illusionists show, with performances currently scheduled in France ( 712 October), London ( 28 Oct 2 Nov) and Tenerife ( 1415 Nov).
Two of the dogs currently in the care of foster parents Sue Lewis and Alan Brenchley made an appearance at the Palace – 3month siblings Buddy and Libby, dumped in the campo but thankfully off to Germany to the Breton Association in the next few weeks. The couple have been fostering for over 2 years and currently have 8 dogs and 3 cats.
Another who came to the Palace was Mitcham– a high Leish partially blind 18monthold Rotweiller, who requires a lot of costly medication which fundraisers such as this helps pay for. He was taken out of the Benidorm pound 9 weeks ago and also has kidney and lung damage… to date his medication and vet care has amounted to around € 2,000. Thankfully he also has a new mummy ready and waiting in Scotland and as soon as he is stable will be good to go and finally enjoy a happy life.
Tim Ames will be host and compere for the event and is also an avid supporter of the work that Dona does at the Benidorm Pound, volunteering every Wednesday to take the dogs out for walks… they are always on the lookout for more, so if you have a couple of spare hours one morning a week please get in touch with either of them.
There will be two performances on Saturday, October 3rd. A Matinee show at 1.30pm ( doors open at 12 noon) and the Evening show at 8pm ( doors open 6.30pm) and tickets are just € 12, all of which will be going to the fundraiser pot. Food is available – either fish or chicken and chips for € 8 or children’s meals for just € 5. As there will be restrictions on capacity, booking in advance for this oneoff spectacular is recommended. Christine would like to assure all readers that the strictest of measures are in place at the Palace to ensure all health protocols are adhered to. In fact, Benidorm Palace have been awarded a Triple Gold Award for their safety measures… one of only 2 establishments across the entire Valencian region to receive such a high accolade which covers Sanitised Venue, Excellence in Service and Acoustics – reassurance for all those that visit this iconic venue.
This is absolutely going to be an amazing and unique show from the snippets I have been lucky enough to see and certainly suitable for all ages. You will leave totally astounded and in awe, with a feeling of satisfaction that you have helped towards such a worthy fundraiser with the bonus of having had a fabulous and entertaining couple of hours. What’s not to like?