CHILDHOOD dreams can become reality. Ask Vindra Doone, 48-year-old father of two who who grew up to fulfill a fantasy - to become a magician.

Doone has, of course, kept his day job. He is also an investigator with a State company's estate police department. He has been an officer for the past 30 years and a magician for the past 17.

Most Sundays he hosts magical shows free of charge at his Farm Road, Aripero home. But even though patrons do not pay an entrance fee, they are asked during shows to give financial contributions. These contributions are used to help the sick and needy, Doone said.

His show usually starts with Doone speaking about something positive and encouraging patrons to improve their lives.

And you would not hear any songs about rum or vulgarity at his show.
Maybe some modern rock or alternative music.

Doone's main tricks include sawing a person in half, setting a person's head on fire without burning them, levitation, pulling a rabbit out of a box, and the "cube zag" in which a person is placed in a box and the box is split up into several compartments. The person comes out whole and unharmed.

His magic word is Alagazam. His main assistants are his family members. His wife of 18 years, Shirly Doone, 43, his sons, Brian,16 and Micheal, 14 and his 10-year-old niece Karuna Deza-John.

Doone said he always enjoyed watching magic shows as a child and it was a dream to become a magician.

" When I was 14, I was performing magic in front of my classmates. I don't know, like the teacher probably thought I was too young to do magic, and he took away all my

magic props and exposed my secrets to the class. I was very hurt about that and that was one of the things that encouraged me to do magic even more."
He explains how he first became involved in magic professionally.
"There was this couple from Houston, (Texas) who would always pass through the gate (at the company where he was based). I was telling them about my dream and they surprised me. They found out all the necessary information about magicians and

so on and it was through them that I was able to get in contact with international magicians." Much of his magical studies took place in the US, in Houston, Boston, and Florida.

Learning and practicing the art of magic was not difficult for Doone.
He said, " When you like doing something, it will never be difficult for you." Doone’ s first performance as a magician took place several years ago at Christmas party held at the Petrotrin Sport's Club.

"My first performance was really overwhelming everybody loved it."
His greatest joy that he gets from performing magic is seeing his audience’s reaction.

" I love to see their excitement. I feel encouraged seeing people laugh especially when I know I am the one making them laugh."
His shows will begin again on October 7.

For further information, call 648-9017 or 714-1863.