Local magician wakes up with a bat on his arm in real-life Halloween encounter

After an unexpected 2am visitor flew through his bedroom window, award-winning magician Chris Garside has a spooky real-life story to share ahead of his Halloween show at Stantonbury Theatre.

A local magician's Halloween season got off to an unexpectedly spooky start when a pipistrelle bat flew through his bedroom window in the early hours and he woke to find it on his arm.

Following the encounter, Chris, also known as ‘Krisgar’ underwent precautionary medical treatment. Although a bite was considered unlikely, bat bites can be tiny and go unnoticed.

The bat was carefully taken back outside, where it made its way beneath the eaves of an outbuilding and sheltered until later that evening, when it eventually flew away.

“I'd like to think it found its way back to its family,” said Chris. “It was quite an experience, but I was just glad the little thing was okay.”

Thankfully, Chris has completed his treatment and continues to entertain audiences. With Halloween approaching, he has a story that no magician could have scripted.

Chris will bring his Halloween Magic Show to Stantonbury Theatre on Saturday 31 October 2026 at 2.30pm. Featuring his lovable puppet Tricky Teddy, the show promises a fun-filled mix of comedy magic, ventriloquism and non-scary Halloween entertainment for the whole family, the perfect treat of tricks before heading out for a spot of trick-or-treating.

“I've had some unusual experiences over the years, but waking up with a pipistrelle bat on my arm at two in the morning is certainly one of the strangest."

“I can reassure everyone that I won't be flying off halfway through the Halloween show, although I might have to resist the temptation to sleep upside down in a cupboard when I get home!”

EVENT DETAILS

• What: Halloween Magic Show

• When: SAT 31 OCT 2026, 2.30PM

• Where: Stantonbury Theatre, Milton Keynes

• Tickets: https://stantonburytheatre.ticketsolve.com/ticketbooth/shows/873688778

• Ticket prices: Adults £10, Concs £8, Family Ticket £34. Booking fees apply.