Well-known Isle of Wight magician David Randini will be providing free popular seafront entertainment at Appley and East Cowes on Monday mornings during the Summer holidays.
Randini’s Summer shows started when the Punch and Judy man booked by the council was unable to fulfill his contract, and David stepped in to save the day. David changed the shows to be free for Islanders and holidaymakers alike. They continued until 2001 when council sponsorship ended, and the Isle of Wight Stream Railway stepped in with sponsorship so these shows could continue.
David says:
“It’s been my pleasure to perform these shows for more years than I care to remember. When I took the contract on, which was a busking contract, I had one stipulation – that they were FREE to those who watched them.
“I have always encouraged and promoted all the wonderful attractions and events we have crammed onto this small Island whether I am performing at them or not, but some families are not in the position to go to these. To be able to go to something and have no pressure to put your hand in your pocket is very rare these days. It also gives me the chance to promote what’s going on on the Island and put over the important safety messages about litter, the heat and tides.
“My thanks to all those who have helped in keeping these shows going. Especially David Leal who – when the Ryde venue was in doubt – moved them to Appley because he loved to see the joy on the children’s faces, and to Lana and Ben who continued them. To Jane and Eric at the Shoreside but most of all to the public who in 2001 protested when these shows were to end, prompting the Steam Railway to offer sponsorship for many years, for which I will always be grateful.”
Performances start at 11:00 on Mondays. David will be performing at Appley cafe on 8th and 22nd August. He will be at the Shoreside cafe on 1st, 15th and 29th August.
“Well known” ? Maybe amongst the blue rinse brigade. Never heard of him.
Pretty much any Islander who has had kids in the last 30 years will know David Randini.
Can he turn the island into the mainland