To bring the show Band of Magicians to Dunedin cost the Regent Theatre more than any other production it has bankrolled and poses a ''huge financial risk'' - but theatre manager Sarah Anderson is confident the tricksters will make empty theatre seats disappear.
The four Dunedin performances of Band of Magicians begin in Dunedin tomorrow.
Ms Anderson said the performances were the most expensive act the theatre had paid for and she expected it to be the most successful.
''It's a huge risk financially ... I think Dunedin will support this, not because they want to be charitable, but because it's a damn good show.
''This is not a cheesy magic show - these guys are internationally on top of their game.''
The band of four magicians was in Dunedin yesterday previewing the specialty tricks they would perform in the two-hour show.
Brett Loudermilk, of Los Angeles, said he performed ''weird'' tricks.
''The stuff that would make you cringe.''
Ben Hanlin, of London, said he would refrain from his usual ''prank'' magic.
''In this show, I'm a bit nicer and tell a lot of stories of how I was a sad child and used to try and use magic to meet women.''
Adam Mada, of Sydney, said the tricks he would perform were a secret but he served a teaser.
''I am going to get people up on stage who are very thirsty - think tea party.''
Fellow Sydneysider James Galea said he used ''distraction and misdirection'' for his tricks, which revolved around his training by professional conmen.
