The lights dipped, the curtain rose and a fluffy white rabbit hopped across the stage as curses and a top hat came from the wing. An old lady ran on to the planks fetching the hat as she pursued the rodent, then both disappeared behind the curtain. Laughter prevailed the empty stage then rumbled down to a male squeak near the back row. There were a few seconds of silence before the magician made his entrance. He strolled on gusting a wholehearted laugh before halting centre stage with his profile to the audience. There was a short cough before he introduced himself: ''I am Simon Ryzar! and I'm an alcoholic.''
