A TALENTED local magician taught and coached the leading lady of an upcoming Hollywood blockbuster.

Oliver Tabor, 37, of Shopland Road, Rochford, helped to teach and coach one of the main characters in Now You See Me 2, which is out in cinemas next week.

Mr Tabor, who is also the organiser of this weekend’s Magic at the Barn event in Rochford, worked with the films lead lady who together with his performing doves appear in the film His doves are becoming famous as they also recently performed in front of the Queen for her birthday celebrations.

He said: “I was brought in as a consultant for the film, they had a scene they needed to film where the lead female performs a few effects with doves appearing and vanishing.

“I spent a couple of days with the main magic consultant for the film Keith. We worked out how to achieve what was needed at the film studios and what was needed to be made. I also spent two days with Lizzie Caplan who is the female lead in the film, teaching and coaching her how to produce the doves needed, all this was done in between her shooting other scenes for the film on set in Greenwich.

“When filming had finished, the cast and crew gave the doves a thank you cheer and round of applause!”

Talking about his doves growing popularity he added: “I get used to it as they always steal the show.

It was an amazing experience and very proud to be part of it and to see my doves in a Hollywood film.”