Thanks to an unlikely 1980s musical comedy pairing, 2019 Britain’s Got Talent semi-finalist John Archer is bringing his “must see” magic show to Haslemere Hall to swell restoration funds for three historic churches in Fernhurst, Lynchmere and Camelsdale.

Not many people know the Rev Nick Haigh, vicar of St Margaret’s, St Peter’s and St Paul’s churches, once worked in showbiz and teamed up with John to form Take Two, a stage partnership that lasted for six years.

Before training to be ordained as a minister, Nick was working as a professional musician and performed with John, providing live music interspersed with traditional double-act comedy and gentle magic.

When Nick needed to raise funds for the upkeep of his three churches, he knew who to call for help and his old friend, also a devout Christian, turned up trumps.

John is not only seriously funny, but he has some impressive magic credentials. In 2002 he was promoted to member of the inner Magic Circle – with gold star – and awarded The Carlton Comedy Award. In 2003, he was awarded the Senator Crandall award for comedy in the US and the Magic Circle’s stage magician of the year competition in 2008.

TV performances include appearing in the 2012 CBBC series Help! My Supply Teacher’s Magic. A second series aired in 2013 and won a children’s entertainment BAFTA.

This year, John was one of the top three in Britain’s Got Talent.

“It was a mind-blowing experience,” he said, “particularly when David Walliams called me ‘hugely funny, hugely talented, you are a superstar’.

“I really couldn’t believe it.”

Enjoy a special one-off show – and help raise funds for three historic churches at the same time – when John takes to the stage at 7.30pm on Saturday, September 28.

To book tickets for the John Archer Magic and Comedy show call the box office on 01428 642161 or go online to

www. haslemerehall.co. uk