"For years I've always done my show solo - specializing in magic and mentalism with not a lot of comedy," says Mr. Bennett. "But during the last few years I started to team up with different comedians and intertwine their comedy within my show."
Mr. Bennett and Mr. McClellan worked together on one of comedian Shaun Majumder's shows last year as part of the Screech Comedy Festival in St. John's.
"Trent had everyone in stitches and was a favourite at the comedy festival," says Mr. Bennett.
While they have the opportunity to perform separately during this weekend's show, the entertainers will share the stage at different points - with Mr. McClellan acting as Mr. Bennett's assistant during a few of the magic routines.
Mr. Bennett says in addition to eight new magic effects, he will be bringing back an audience favourite.
"As most people know, at every show I magically change someone's $5 bill into a $50 and actually allow the person to keep it. No strings attached. So I hope the audience knows to take along some $5, $10 and $20 bills."
He notes there will be another magic routine where an audience member gets a chance to win $50 by using their "psychic powers."
Mr. Bennett says this is not a kids show, and is intended for those 13 years old and over. Magic Meets Funny is set for Oct. 2.
Other projects
Mr. Bennett will also be available after the show to sign copies of his book, The Power of the Mind: How I Beat OCD, which details his struggle growing up with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and severe depression.
He says he just started writing a second book, called The Astonishing Strength of Your Thoughts, which he expects to be published in mid-2011. "This book will be about the true power of the mind and how it can cure the body and attract the things you really want into your life."
He is also in the process of working on a television series, Occam's Razor, with Henge Productions and hopes to have cameras rolling early in the new year.
"It's been a very long process but hopefully things get worked out," says Mr. Bennett. "Getting to the point of 'shooting' in a TV series is an extremely long process. During the past four years, I've been working about 12 hours a day on some projects that are still not even finished yet. I must admit I am a workaholic but I enjoy what I do."
For more information on Mr. Bennett, and to watch videos of his magic, visit www.jeremybennett.ca.
editor thegeorgian.ca
