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Mike Wallis
Remembered by Paul Henri
(James) Mike Wallis started his career at a young age. Performing a
stage act with his sister as his first assistant he performed in the 50's, at
venues like Blazers in Windsor.
With a young family in tow he moved to Wales and needing work, convinced the
local council they needed a Punch & Judy show on the beach. He was given the
contract having never owned or performed P&J before - but ordered a set of
puppets and booth and wrote a show within a week to fulfil the summer long
contract!
Mike also had the first of his Wallis' Wonders magic businesses selling original
props and routines created and made by himself and his friends, including Harry
Parrot.
Mike in more recent years performed Punch & Judy and magic shows at
Pleasurewood Hills Theme Park, where he worked alongside Steve Ace, forming a
great friendship and later appearing in Pantomimes with Steve - as well as
Daniel Hanton and Gavin Dean.
I first met Mike at School of Wizardry - a magic shop and party experience
beneath Atlantis Tower on Great Yarmouth seafront. I would spend a few hours
talking to Mike and Steve - who would close up shop and go over the road for a
coffee with me.
After that closed, Mike (as ever) planned to open another shop - this time a unit
in the Indoor Market on Regent Road - by this time we were firm friends and I
became '2ic' (second in command!). I demonstrated for Mike, and advised on
stock. Mike loved opening up and talking to everyone that visited - his stories
were the best!!
Sadly a fire took Wallis' Wonders, and a fundraiser was staged at the Gorleston
Pavilion hosted by Olly Day and had performances from Roy Davenport, Sean
Alexander, Chris North, Steve Zebs and others, all to raise money for Mike who
had lost thousands of pounds of stock with no insurance due to the building.
Mike soon gained momentum to reopen Wallis' Wonders in Victoria Arcade, Great
Yarmouth and again I was 2ic! Mike was never happier than putting on his
'Evening With...' shows, inviting friends to perform for charity (often
Christian Aid) or welcoming folk into his shop(s).
Mike closed the final Wallis' Wonders, announcing his retirement in October
2019.
He was always warm, friendly and encouraging towards many of the performers in
East Anglia who will readily say Mike was a mentor and great friend. He will be
sorely missed by lots of folk in the Magic community, wider world of
entertainment and beyond.
R.I.P. Mike
Paul Henri (2IC), January 2026