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Quest for magic

By Producer Matt Percival
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(CNN) -- From the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas theatres, seeing is disbelieving this month as Richard goes on a Quest for magic.

He mixes it up with conjurers, tricksters and illusionists, skilled magicians who can alter our perception and seemingly shift the laws of nature before our very eyes.

Topping the bill is David Copperfield, one of the best-known illusionists of our time.

During the past decade, his shows have grossed more than $1 billion and his television performances have won him 21 Emmy Awards.

From making the Statue of Liberty disappear, walking right through the Great Wall of China to levitating over the Grand Canyon, Copperfield is constantly redefining the realms of possibility.

As Richard finds out, he also covets a more secret passion -- preserving the history of magic for future generations.

Richard gets a guided tour of Copperfield's private collection, which contains 80,000 objects of magic memorabilia, dating back to the 16th century. And there are a few surprises along the way.

From the grandest of stages, Richard then heads to the intimate surroundings of the dinner table where Fay Presto plies her trade on the London restaurant scene, entertaining customers between courses.

The audience is so close, the deception has to be immaculate. As Presto reveals why it is this type of magic that is her passion, she also gives an insight into the trials and tribulations of the nomadic magician-for-hire.

Aside from entertainment, there is perhaps a darker, mythical origin to the modern art of magic, but does does real magic still exist?

Then it is back to Vegas, to uncover what motivates the master magician.

On stage at the Monte Carlo Hotel, Lance Burton creates a world in which gloves turn to doves and women levitate across the stage.

From sleight-of-hand tricks to grand illusions, Burton does it all and has been the hottest act in town for more than 10 years.

He tells Richard about his deep connection to magicians of the past, his philosophy of performance and why some tricks are timeless.

As well as meeting some of the biggest names in the business, Richard takes to the stage at London's prestigious Magic Circle alongside some of Britain's top magicians.

But will he have the magic touch?

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