The Man They Call Reveen
Peter Reveen was (and is) to Canada what Johnny Carson was to the United States...a household name! Originally from Australia, Reveen landed on our North American shores in January 1961, with his first stop being Honolulu, Hawaii. After a few trials and tribulations, Reveen saw himself on a not so pleasant boat trip to San Fransico. Once there he purchased a ticket for a long Greyhound bus ride bound to Vancouver, British Columbia. Being Australian, which was part of the British Commonwealth, as was Canada, Reveen was granted a six-month visitor's visa on March 16, 1961. It was on the outskirts of Chilliwack, British Columbia where Reveen began his auspicious rise to fame with, quite literally, a nickel in his pocket. This was to be the start of a long and very successful career for the Australian hypnotist, a career that spanned over 35 years.
Once in British Columbia, and with the assistance of an aquaintance, Reveen started to book himself into local community halls and legions with his very unique style of show. To promote the show, Reveen would hand out complimentary tickets to all businesses that would put a poster in their storefront window. In many towns, Reveen would work out a deal with the local radio station whereby he would give them a percentage of ticket sales in exchange for them promoting his concert. It was a long and gruelling road, but his hard work and efforts eventually paid off. He was given the opportunity to perform in one of the movie houses and the rest, as they say, is history. For over 35 years, commencing in 1962, Reveen toured the concert circuit throughout Canada, eventually playing for over 6,000,000 people. Because of the popularity of his concert, Reveen set many attendance records, some of which still stand to this day.
The above image is an example of a poster that Reveen used to help promote his concert during the late 1970's early 1980's. Below is an example of a Mirror Card (autographed by Reveen) that was also used as a promotional tool. At this time I would like to personally thank Nielsen Magic for granting me permission to utilize this image on this site. I really do appreciate it!
This following video is an actual television advertisement that Reveen used to promote his concerts throughout Atlantic Canada. The approximate date this commercial aired would be around 1987. Here is another television advertisement that Reveen used to promote his concerts. Again, the approximate air date would have been mid 1980's. In September 2007 Reveen returned to Atlantic Canada with a mini-tour entitled, The Return of Reveen. It had been ten years since Atlantic Canada last saw Reveen. At 72 years of age, it may be the last time Atlantic Canada will have the opportunity to see this legendary showman perform his hypnotic concert. Following is the television ad that ran promoting this tour. The spot was produced and directed by Reveen's son, Tyrone Reveen. On Saturday, September 22, 2007, Robert LAMAR, along with his family and a good friend, had the opportunity once again to spend time with his friends for over 20 years, Peter & Coral Reveen. What is impressive is the fact that this couple has been married for 50 years.
Here is a picture of the Reveen's with Robert LAMAR's daughter, Shayla. Both his daughter and son have begun to help their father with his stage concert: Shayla helps out on the stage while Robert's son, Connor (see below), is learning the technical side of presenting, Theatre of the MIND. Robert LAMAR's Show Director, Richard Bonner, has been very gracious and helpful in teaching Connor the technical aspects of the show.
Robert LAMAR's son, Connor, poses with The Man They Call Reveen. Unfortunately, Connor is very light sensitive and the flash from the camera bothers his eyes as is evidenced by the squinting look.
Below are some images of record albums (hypnotic recordings) that Reveen offered for sale at his concerts. When you click on an album cover you will be taken to a page which gives you all the text that was printed on the back of the corresponding cover.
Here is a picture showing one of Reveen's souvenir books and two of his show programs (circa 1977).
Reveen's first love has always been magic. Here you can see Reveen performing an old illusion called the Chinese Rice and Checkers (approximately 1980).
This video shows Reveen performing a Portal Production and Robert Harbin's Zig Zag Illusion onThe Merv Griffin Show. This next video shows Reveen The Impossiblist once again performing Robert Harbin's Zig Zag Illusion this time, though, onChannel 7's Eyewitness News with reporter Regis Philbin. This next video is a montage, filmed by Jim Tustian, of some of the illusions Reveen performed in his illusion show that toured briefly in the 1980's. In this next video, Reveen pays tribute to Siegfried & Roy, considered to be one of the greatest magic acts of all time.. This is a poster Reveen used in the early 80's when he toured for a brief period of time with a large illusion show.
In 1987 Reveen wrote a book entitled, "The Superconscious World." The back of the book's dustjacket states the following:
For more than fifty years hypnotists and psychologists Can it be used to control the minds of others? Can it be used to rediscover past lives? Can it be used to cure disease?
THE SUPERCONSCIOUS WORLD provides the
Unfortunately, Reveen has retired from touring his concert. His show was one that will not be easily forgotten by those who experienced it. Thank you, Reveen, for entertaining us for all those years. You are missed.
Peter Reveen's former, and longtime, Road Manager.
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