A magic performance that has drawn criticism in recent weeks drew hundreds of customers over the weekend.More than 200 people last night enjoyed the Magic of Rick Thomas, featuring jokes, dancing, magic and the white tiger that has sparked debate.While activist groups, including the Bermuda Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SPCA), initially objected to the use of performing animals, show organisers said that the tiger’s wellbeing was a chief priority and emphasised the educational merits of the performance.Despite the controversy, the tiger’s role in the show itself is minimal, appearing in only one trick just before the show’s conclusion.During the show, Mr Thomas spoke briefly about the struggles of the tiger, but after the show the showman stayed behind to speak with the audience about tigers and give them a chance to take a closer look at Kaos, the tiger.From the opening performance by Wendell ‘Shine’ Hayward to the final trick, the audience were thoroughly entertained, laughing and clapping throughout the show.Nigel White said he and his daughter enjoyed the show, but he wondered why a tiger had been involved at all.“All the talk was about the tiger, but he was only on stage for a couple of minutes, if that,” Mr White said.“It probably would have been a lot simpler to leave him at home.”His eight-year-old daughter Sophie, however, said the tiger was her favourite part.“It was really big,” she said. “I wanted to get close, but it was a bit scary.”Asked if she learned anything about tigers, she shook her head.The show runs from February 25 to March 5 at the Mid Ocean Amphitheatre at the Fairmont Southampton Princess.