Mentalism is an ancient performing art in which its practitioners, known as mentalists, use mental acuity, principles of stage magic, hypnosis and/or suggestion to present the illusion of mind-reading, psycho kinesis, precognition, clairvoyance or mind control.

Nicholas Tweedy spent most of his childhood in Okinawa, Japan where is father was based in the military. At just age seven, Tweedy befriended a powerful Japanese mentalist named Hiroshi Demura, whom he trained with for 12 years.

Tweedy studied everything Hiroshi would teach, from levitations to psycho-kinetic energy manipulation and even a little mind reading.

In his Ararat performance, Tweedy will seamlessly blend far-eastern mysticism and western performance styles into an engaging, eye-popping spectacle that will leave the audience amazed and dumbfounded.

Ararat Performing Arts Centre managing director Rod McKenzie said the Centre was very fortunate to secure the high-calibre performance of 'The Mentalist'.

"Unlike a magician, Nicholas will challenge the mind through his illusions; blurring the lines between reality and imagination,'' said Mr McKenzie.

"Performing in glamorous casinos in Las Vegas to the dark, stone theatres of Transylvania, Nicholas is the 'reality bender' and is sure to entertain even the most die-hard sceptic.''

Mr McKenzie added that local act Chantic - an all-girl singing act which recently wowed the Jailhouse Rock crowds - would warm up the crowd prior to Tweedy's performance.

Tickets are $22.50 per person. To book phone 5352 2880.

Nicholas Tweedy will conduct a special preview performance tomorrow at 2.30pm for a lucky few at the Ararat Performing Arts Centre. To secure your spot in the audience, be one of the first 20 people to call 5352 2880.