Escapologist Antony Britton is bidding to go one better than legendary showman Harry Houdini.
The Linthwaite-based daredevil hopes to succeed where Houdini failed with his next charity fundraising thriller.
Antony will attempt to escape unaided after being handcuffed and buried in a standard-sized grave under six tons of soil.
The Buried Alive challenge, which takes place in March, is one that Houdini failed to meet, says Antony. When Houdini tried the same feat 100 years ago, he had to be rescued by assistants who dug frantically to save him from an early grave.
The escape act will be the highlight of Antony’s fourth Escape for Life event. It takes place – ominously – on Friday the 13th at the Traveller’s Rest, Meltham, following sponsorship from Slaithwaite-based Slawitink Tattoo Studio.
Antony’s previous Escape for Life events – which have included escaping from a burning cage and from a straitjacket hanging from a burning rope – have been held in Leeds and Bradford.
Antony said: “It’s going to be a tough one – and it’s going to be one-off. Even if I don’t manage to get out without help, I won’t be attempting it again.
“I will be buried handcuffed in a 6ft by 6ft by 3ft grave with over six tons of soil on top of me. I won’t be in a coffin or casket. I have been in training, but it’s mainly a matter of psychological training. It’s about keeping a cool head and not panicking when you can feel six tons of earth squeezing the life out of you.”
Said Antony: “This type of escape has only been attempted twice before – once in 1915 by Houdini and once in 1949 by the British escapologist Alan Alan. Both failed to escape the graves and needed to be dug out by their crews,
“Houdini allegedly stated ‘This escape is impossible, no one can escape beyond the grave’. Many other performers have attempted similar escapes and have failed and some have lost their lives, which shows this escape is not for the weak-hearted.”
Dave Greenway, licensee of the Travellers Rest, said: “When we were approached by Escape for Life, we couldn’t get our heads around it. But it is the chance in a lifetime and we are excited to be a part of it all. We are a fun local pub and hosting Buried Alive is exciting for us.”
Slawitink founder Paul Joyce said: “It will be great for Huddersfield and for local businesses – as well as giving the local community and surrounding areas the chance to experience this exclusive escape live. For Slawitink Tattoo Studio to be the main sponsor of Buried Alive is an honour.”
Other local supporters include The Salon at Slaithwaite, Walker Timber Huddersfield and Myers Group.
The evening gets under way at 6pm with close-up magicians Martin Allan and Russ Roberts and fire performer Lianne Fox before Antony’s Buried Alive stunt at 7pm. The night will also include a raffle, music and food. Tickets priced £5 each are available from Slawitink, The Salon at Slathwaite and the Travallers Rest at Meltham or by visiting the Escape for Life Facebook page. All proceeds from ticket sales will go to Comic Relief.
