A community center’s excitement for a magical event dissolved into frustration when the magician simply vanished, taking their money with him. Dean Spruce, the performer booked for a show promising wonder and amazement, never arrived.
Fiona Townsend, vice chair of the Crossens Community Centre, described the initial appeal of the package deal – a magic show, bubbles, workshops, and close-up magic – as “amazing.” The full payment was made in anticipation of a delightful event, but that anticipation quickly turned to disappointment.
The morning of the performance brought a message from Spruce claiming a family tragedy: his brother’s death required an immediate return to Scotland. This explanation, while initially met with sympathy, soon felt hollow as weeks turned into months without a refund.
Five months later, the center remains £300 short, despite Spruce’s repeated promises to repay the funds. A partial payment of £100 offered little solace, and his continued assurances proved empty, leaving Townsend feeling manipulated and strung along.
This wasn’t an isolated incident. Reports surfaced of a pattern of behavior: Spruce accepting payment for events across the country, then either failing to appear or selectively choosing which bookings to honor, often double-booking himself.
Spruce acknowledged the issues, stating that the Crossens Community Centre would receive a £200 refund and that he was “working hard” to reimburse everyone affected. He attributed the problems to a difficult year, referencing similar issues from three years prior.
However, his apology was accompanied by a plea for direct contact, a detail that raised further concerns given his history of unfulfilled promises. He admitted to handling the situation poorly but insisted everything would be resolved.
The scope of Spruce’s alleged actions extends beyond the community center. Charities and small businesses have also reported being left unpaid for performances that never materialized, amounting to thousands of pounds in lost revenue.
Authorities investigated a series of incidents between June and December 2023, resulting in a police warning issued to the magician. The pattern of accepting money and failing to deliver services prompted official intervention.
The story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the vulnerability of organizations relying on independent contractors and the devastating impact of broken promises. It’s a reminder that even the most enchanting illusions can conceal a troubling reality.
