and is re-defining the rules of magic entertainment. Over the last few years he has become the face of the alternative magic scene and can be seen later this year presenting ‘Dirty Tricks’, a Friday night studio magic show for Channel 4.
Pete was born in Middlesbrough, an industrial town on the Northeast coast of England. Birthplace of another magic guy Paul Daniels. Like two little dickie birds they’ve since flown south of the border. Pete was always interested in magic as a boy, fascinated by the ability to impress people that were bigger than him. “I’d show friends of my Dad my card stuff and they were blown away”. After winning the Acklam Grange School Talent Show twice (“Yes!”) Pete did the right thing by going to Middlesbrough College then to University in Scarborough where he gained a BA Hons in Theatre. “My Mum kept telling me I needed qualifications to fall back on. In hindsight maybe a Theatre degree wasn’t quite what she meant”. He had always gigged in pubs and bars as a magician to earn extra money and “meet chicks!” Hopelessly single and skint he worked part time for his Dad, he’s in the motor trade. “The Firman business is cars, Dad and Grandad had garages. I used to sell cars, that’s where I fine tuned my banter!” Pete’s gift of the gab has stood him in good stead in the magic trade.
In 2002 he made ‘Monkey Magic’ for FIVE. It was a radical new form of magic show, with a team of 4 magicians each with their own style and personality. It was short listed for a British Comedy Award and nominated for the Golden Rose of Montreux. The show was a hit and FIVE quickly commissioned Pete and the other guys to make the fantastically named ‘Greatest Magic Tricks In The Universe…….Ever’ which proved to be one of FIVE’s highest rating shows. The second series of ‘Monkey Magic’ aired in 2004 to critical acclaim.
In 2004 Pete along with Ali Cook travelled the world and met his heroes in magic. ‘The Secret World of Magic’ was aired in May 2005 on Sky One. Pete says the offer was very surreal, 
“Wait a minute, we get to travel the world, do tricks, meet our heroes and stay in swanky hotels? You know what let me think about it!”
Pete’s most recent project, Dirty Tricks, is a studio magic show, with celebrity guests, ritual killing, swearing and blood. It was recently nominated for the variety award at The Rose d'Or Festival.
Television Credits
Dirty Tricks – Channel 4
The Secret World of Magic – Sky One
Monkey Magic 2 – FIVE
The Greatest Magic Tricks in the Universe……Ever – FIVE
5 Go Dating – Channel 4
Monkey Magic - FIVE
