the magic

Russ Stevens
COMING FULL CIRCLE
 THE MAGAZINE OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE Issue 1156 Volume 106 November 2012

Features There is a Way

331 The Legend of The Badge – Bob Loomis
y the time you

Page 323
332
344
348
Russ Stevens - Will Houstoun
Exposure of Magical Secrets – Richard Rawlins
The Magic Circle AGM 2012
B read this I hope
that I will have
had the chance to say
hello to many of you at
Regulars two of The Magic
Circle’s popular annual
322 President’s View
events: The Magic Circle Awards
322 Circular News Ceremony and The Magic Circle
325 Letters to The Editor Dealers’ Day. Later this month I will also
Page 329 be attending The International Magic
325 In This Month – Will Houstoun
Convention (Ron’s Day) as well as some
327 Clever Devil Corner – Harold Cataquet of The London Magic Festival which
328 Conjurers Collect – Tim Reed precedes the convention. It is always a
pleasure to meet Circle Members so I
336 A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities –
Edwin A. Dawes hope you will come and say hello if you
see me, especially if you have any
Page 340
339 Club Night Events – Mandy Davis
feedback to pass on to me about The
342 Circular Mentalism – Ian Rowland Circular.
346 In Review Inspired by the newspaper feature
“On This Day” I have recently started to
347 Magic Circle Cares – David Hatch
add a new monthly item to The Magic
351 Council Minutes Circular – In This Month. The idea is
352 Forthcoming Club Events – Noel Britten that every single month there will be a
Page 345
short article drawing your attention to
some important magical event that
EDITORIAL 07507 275 285 PHOTOGRAPHERS
EDITOR Will Houstoun John Ward happened in the same month.
Editor@TheMagicCircle.co.uk Mark Hesketh-Jennings Sometimes it will be historical
40 Derby Road, London, SW14 7DP ADVERTISING 07767 336882
information on a particular performer
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tim Reed BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING MANAGER
ASSOCIATE EDITORS Scott Penrose or event, other times it might be
Anthony Brahams, Dr Edwin Dawes, Advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk something more contemporary or
Scott Penrose, Ian Rowland, 17 Berkeley Drive,
Billericay light-hearted. The idea is simply to
David Tomkins
CONVENOR OF REPORTS Essex CM12 0YP provide you with some interesting piece
Mandy Davis MISSING AND BACK ISSUES of trivia relating to the month in which
Cover Mandy@TheMagicCircle.co.uk 01923 267 057
Russ Stevens Michael Candy you receive the magazine. And that is
Photo: Steve Lee PROOFREADERS
Paul Bromley, Julie Carpenter, Sound of Music, Harthall Lane, where I need your help – to try and
Barry Cooper, Tim Reed, Lionel Russell, Hemel Hempstead,
Herts HP3 8SE feature the broadest selection of events
Mary Stupple, Rob James
DESIGN 020 8521 2631 PRINTED BY I would love to hear from you with your
Perfect Imaging Ltd 020 8806 6630 favourite pieces of magic trivia that
ART DIRECTOR
John Hawkins relate to any particular month. The
john.hawkins.7@btinternet.com
104d Grove Road more information I receive, the better
Walthamstow E17 9BY the column will be, so please get in
Copyright © 2012 by The Magic Circle. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
Published by The Magic Circle stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, touch!
recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the Editor of The Magic Circular.
12 Stephenson Way Views expressed in The Magic Circular are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views
London NW1 2HD of The Magic Circle unless specifically stated. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all
information published in The Magic Circular, the Editor, Art Director, Staff and The Magic Circle cannot accept
VAT Reg No 233 8369 51 responsibility for any errors or omissions.
Contributions must reach the Editor six weeks in advance of publication if it is essential that they should
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T 020 7387 2222 whenever possible.
President’s view Circular news
The Magic Circle
hat a lot has happened since the would have left my mother on her own, I Christmas Show

W October issue! Personally it has

been a roller-coaster ride trying to
get my Day with Delvin off the ground. The
turned it down. I also went in for a
competition run by the New Cross Rangers
Speedway Club at the New Cross Empire. I
Every single
year The
Magic Circle
idea was to present a one-day, one-man, got into the final but was beaten by no less a Christmas
mini-convention as a sort of swan-song – star than Ray Alan. show is a
featuring four lectures covering all types of Now, I have to be a little careful here as I sell-out
magic and selling the books from my library. don’t want to upset anyone, but what I tell success
The intention was to give the lectures for you now is the absolute truth as far as I and
the very last time as I no longer wish to make remember it. I was told something which I every
journeys all over the country to the various have no reason to doubt, but cannot possibly single
magic clubs. It was also to sell off five hundred prove. year
or so books as, at my age, there will not be I entered the Britain’s Young Conjurer Circle
the time for me to read again even a quarter Competition held at the Whitehall Theatre, Members
of them. It became a roller-coaster when, just London, when I was about sixteen. This was in comment that they wish
a week or two before the promised date, I had conjunction with an all magic show featuring they had been able to attend
less than twenty tickets sold. After much no less than Jasper Maskelyne, Robert Harbin, but that all the tickets had been
running around with leaflets and the very kind Masoni, and Edward Victor. It is important to sold. If you are thinking about
help of friends we ended up with some sixty note that a substantial sum of money was the going to The Christmas Show
attendees. Judging by the results of the book prize. After my offering, which included a make sure you don’t leave your
sale and what visitors said on leaving, it colour changing billiard ball routine, Edward booking too late to avoid
appears to have gone off pretty well. Victor, the best manipulator at the time, came disappointment. The show will
The subject of ‘competition’ has been in the backstage to have a word. He was very run at 14:30 and 19:00 every
news lately. There is, in operation in the UK, complimentary and suggested that I hold my day from 27 - 30 December. For
the idea that children should not be made to hands further out from my body to improve more information and booking
compete with each other as the losers will the angles. Not only that, he also took the visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk
become upset. Personally, I have never been in trouble to introduce me to Jasper Maskelyne
favour of this as we all face competition himself. Real Magic
throughout our lives whether we like it or not. From this special attention, as I saw it, and If you are getting fed up with
If nobody leads, every individual, every not knowing how the other competitors had card tricks and want your
company, science and the arts stagnate. fared, I assumed I was in with a chance. The magic to take more of a
Isn’t that why The Magic Circle has a degree prize was won by the daughter of Oscar wizardly
system? It is also why groups throughout the Oswald, a well-known children’s entertainer feel then
magic world hold competitions. When I was and dealer – with rag pictures. I was not the Brian
young there were many competitions on the only one amazed by this. Many years later I Sibley’s
go. The famous ones were Bryan Michie, met Edward Victor’s widow who told me the new
Carroll Levis and Opportunity Knocks. I went show had taken so little money that they book may
in for the Bryan Michie competition and won a could not afford to present the prize and, as a well be of
place on the touring show. However, as I was consequence, awarded the title but without interest.
only thirteen and leaving home for touring the money! The book
is the first
of the
Official
Movie Guides
that chronicle the making of
Peter Jackson’s new trilogy of
Jack Delvin MIMC films based on The Hobbit. The
President@TheMagicCircle.co.uk book will be available in
November in anticipation of the
first film’s December release.

Erratum:
Unfortunately the Friends of
The Magic Circle leaflet that
was supposed to be included
with the October Circular was
not sent out. You will find the
leaflet enclosed with this
month's issue. Ed.

322 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Ghost The
Musical
In August we reported
that David Copperfield
was impressed with
the stunning magical
effects that Paul Kieve
created for Ghost The
Musical. David’s praise
for Paul’s effects was
used on the Times
Square billboards for
the show where David
was quoted as saying:
“I was truly amazed for
the first time in years.”

Celebrity Antiques
Road-trip
In the current series of the
BBC television show Celebrity
Antiques Road-trip Stefanie
Powers and Charles Hanson
will visit The Magic Circle.
The footage for the show
was filmed in the summer
and is provisionally scheduled
to be shown on 14 Stefanie Powers and
November. Charles Hanson Fergus Roy Honoured
Congratulations to Member Fergus Roy who, on the 26 July, was
Piff Makes A Cameo presented with the Milbourne Christopher Literary Award at the
Piff the Magic Dragon, aka John Van Der Put, will soon be Society of American Magicians’ convention in Las Vegas. The
appearing in a record store near you. Unfortunately he will not be award was presented by William V. Rauscher for Fergus’s work on
there to perform, instead he has made a cameo appearance on the four volume Davenport Story. The only other British Magician
the popular band, Mumford and Sons, new CD cover ... If you to have won the award is fellow Circle Member Eddie Dawes.
look closely you can even see his loyal sidekick Mr Piffles.

The London Festival of Magic

After last year’s success International Magic are staging the
second London Festival of Magic from 12 - 16 November. The
festival will include all-day workshops on Direction in Magic,
Card Magic, Mentalism, Perception and Deception and
Comedy Magic as well as eight
magic shows that will be open
to the public. Participating
magicians include Rob
James, Woody Aragon,
Michael Vincent, Vincent
Heden, Will Houstoun,
Chris Cox, Ian Rowland,
Luke Jermay, Richard
Wiseman, Pete Lamont,
Arthur Benjamin, Stephen
Bargatze, Juan Tamariz, Rick
Merrill and Neal Austin. For
more details on specific events
visit www.internationalmagic.com

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 323

A N N O U N C I N G
THE MAGIC CIRCLE
STAGE MAGICIAN
OF THE YEAR 2013
THE PAST WINNERS

Scott Penrose 2000 Loki 2002 Duncan Trillo 2004

Romany 2006 John Archer 2008 Peter Wardell 2010

THE PRIZE
The prestige in becoming The Magic Circle Stage Magician
of the Year

PLUS
£1,000 and a trophy for the winner,
£500 for the Runner-up & £250 for Third Place

THE FINALS DATE

Saturday 27 April 2013
at The Centre for the Magic Arts

ENTRY FORMS
Available NOW from the Organising Secretary
Michael Carr AIMC, 205 Windmill Road, Adeyfield,
Hemel Hempstead HP2 4BY
T: 07786 075750 E: SMOTY@michael-carr.co.uk

Open to all Members.

Entries close 31 January 2013. Rules are on the website.

324 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Letters to the Editor
Dear Members,
I have now relinquished my duties as the Monday Club Night by Will Houstoun AIMC
Host and it has been a most enjoyable four years. I have met so
many interesting Members from all walks of life and varied
professions, thank you all for making my Monday nights so
interesting. On 19 November, 1938, the man responsible for
I also wish to thank those regular Monday night club Members creating one of the most iconic illusions of all time
who have acted as fire marshals, the office staff and Council died. His name was Percy Thomas Tibbles, although
Members who have always been so helpful to me when I have he performed as P T Selbit, and the illusion was, of
made enquires. I extend particular thanks to David Hatch our course, Sawing a Woman in Half.
Welfare Officer for his help in sharing these responsibilities. In performance Selbit would introduce his assistant
I will be taking a sideways step to help with the Tuesday Meet who would climb into a roughly crafted wooden box.
the Magic Circle events and look forward to these new duties. A committee of audience members would be invited
Yours faithfully, onto the stage where they would tie the assistant in
Michael Gurr MMC place by her neck, wrists and ankles. In the first part
of the trick, Selbit would push a glass sheet through
the box, and apparently the lady, before splitting her
into four separate parts using large steel blades. The
performance would then become more dramatic as
the blades and glass were removed and a large saw
was introduced. Two assistants would then saw right
through the centre of the box, clearly dividing the
assistant in two! To finish, Selbit would cut the cords
holding the woman in place and help her to step out
of the box, completely unharmed.

IT PAYS TO
ADVERTISE
IN THE
To reach 1500 magicians
around the world costs less
then you think

Full page from £100.00

Half Page £55.00
Quarter page £30.00
all prices subject to VAT

For full details contact the Business and

Advertising Manager Scott Penrose
on 07767 336882
or email advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk Percy Thomas Tibbles aka P T Selbit

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 325

6 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk
 Harold Cataquet AIMC

Say Hello To My Little Friend

lose-up Magic is very different to they’re ready to move on to the next table you’ll sometimes see performers

C other forms of magic in that the

performer is potentially part of the
audience. That is, when you see
and make that same pitch again. When
that performer leaves, the audience is
relieved. On the other hand, when some
concentrating solely on the volunteers
at the table. They do that as if to say to
the observers: “This is my audience.
performances in other types of magic, performers are finished, you wish they Watch their reactions.” This is not an
the performer is usually on a stage (or could stay. No, you do not want them to example that you should follow in the
some other platform) separated from show you more magic; you just want them real world. Performing for just one
the audience. The close-up magician to sit down and talk with you. Having audience member effectively excludes
can break that fourth wall and interact likability makes your magic performance the rest of the audience. This is fine
directly with the audience. The audience so much easier – the audience cheers you when everyone wants to see the
is no longer watching a performance on when you succeed and supports you when reactions of just one person (eg, when
stage; they are part of that stage. In you make a mistake. performing for a child at a table of
some cases, they are simply witnesses to To make yourself more likeable, there adults) but should only happen once in
the events, but in better performances, are some obvious suggestions – look clean a performance. It shouldn’t occupy the
they are sharing an experience. and smell clean. I didn’t need to mention entirety, or majority, of a performance.
Moreover, and this is the key point, those, and I won’t expand upon them. But I frequently tell magicians that in
when the performance is over, the I will need to expand upon a third obvious every performance you should be telling
performer doesn’t just retire to some suggestion that I didn’t mention – smile. the audience why you are showing
place back-stage; he often simply moves Smiling is more than just flexing your facial them this particular trick (of all the other
on to another group at the next table or muscles and possibly flashing some teeth. tricks you could show them), and/or
in a less formal setting, ends his A smile needs to convey a positive telling them something interesting
performance and returns to his lay emotion. Some people talk about a about yourself. These items make up
identity. In the latter case, I am Duchenne (genuine) smile, where the the context of a performance and help
describing the close-up magician who is smile has raised cheeks and crow’s feet to maintain/generate audience interest.
just showing a few tricks to his friends. around your eyes. It’s difficult to fake this For example, if I told you that this
In both cases, there is a state before kind of smile, and if you try, it can really particular trick was a favourite of the
the performance, the magic look fake and creepy. A key component of President of the United States, but you
performance, and then the state after the the smile is eye contact. Don’t just smile at didn’t believe me, then the performance
performance. However you look at it, one person and then begin your would seem contrived and less
close-up magic is an interruption. This is performance; try and visually acknowledge interesting. I am immediately at a
compounded by the fact that the close-up everyone in the audience (because this is disadvantage and the trick
magician is never the main focus of close-up, it won’t take long). It’s hard to hasn’t even
attention. In most formal settings, the master this first contact smile, but you’ll begun.
close-up magician finds himself having find it incredibly worth the time invested. Conversely, if I
to fit in while other ‘more important’ For example, you might find it helps your told you that I
things are going on. In our minds, these smile to think of something funny before keep bees and
other things (food and drinks being you begin. A friend of mine, simply recites then bring out a
served, orders being taken, plates and the punch line of a joke to himself before packet of cards with bees
cutlery being removed/replaced, public he begins (effectively a personal mantra), on them, then my
announcements, etc) are nothing but and the difference in his smile is obvious. I obvious enthusiasm
distractions to our performances. But, as like to use the title of this month’s column. about the subject would be
much as we hate to admit it, we’re There isn’t a solution that will work for contagious, and I guarantee you that an
really just garnish on a plate. everyone; everyone has to discover what audience would become interested –
So, how can we become more than works for them. not just about the trick, but about this
just garnish (or at least, become Once you’ve made this connection, you beekeeping magician. Anything that
memorable garnish)? The most need to continue to make occasional eye you can tell the audience to make you
important thing is to be likeable. Some contact with the audience. Eye contact more interesting as a person
performers can come across like creepy, injects intimacy into human interactions. If automatically makes the magic more
self-obsessed salesmen who have a you fail to make eye contact, then you will interesting. But as I said, these
pitch to make, and once they’ve made come across as insincere and revelations have to be be believable (and
that pitch (regardless of the outcome), untrustworthy. In close-up competitions, preferably true!).

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 327

 THE MAGIC CIRCLE
SHOWCASE Tim Reed AIMC

SALES
l Magic Circle Umbrella. Navy blue with
silver coloured handle and printed
PRESS PHOTOS
ou may be thinking: “How can Channing Pollock with actress Edy Vessel
l

l
silver logo. Automatic opening. £14.95
Magic Circle Playing Cards. Poker Size
with black backs and gold coloured
logo. £3.95 each or £6.95 for two
Magic Circle Key Ring. £1.95
Y you obtain original press photos of
magicians, unless you have a
contact within the industry?” Well, in
to promote the release of the film
Rocambole. It shows the magician in his
trademark tails with the glamorous actress
l Postcards. Four styles depicting posters
recent times, with technological looking on, enjoying a party to promote
from The Circle Collection, namely Soo, advancements, it is becoming much the film in Rome, 1962.
Devant, Le Roy and Hertz. £0.50 each easier. Large organisations like Harry Blackstone was a household name
l Bob Read's Magical London Map. £2.95 newspapers, both here and abroad, are in America for decades. I have an image of
l Inside The Magic Circle. Souvenir
booklet. £1.95 scanning their vast files of photographs the illusionist in a magic shop holding a
l Fridge Magnets. Four styles depicting in favour of digital versions, and then Mirror Box and it shows Blackstone
posters from The Circle Collection, selling off the photos themselves. Such looking less formal than in some photos. It
namely Soo, Devant, Le Roy and Carter. decisions save money, as huge rooms of is a charming image.
£2.95 each or £9.95 for four
photo storage are costly, and, frankly, David Copperfield photos, used to
MEMBERS ONLY times have moved on from rifling promote his many years on TV, are quite
*please state your Degree when ordering
l Button Badge* £3.95 through racks of metal filing cabinets to plentiful. However I was pleased to get a
l Jewel with or without Star* £13.50 find a suitable image. rare early image from 1975 showing him
l Cufflinks* £11.95 A few years ago, there was a dealer in headlining in the musical The Magic Man,
l Tie £14.95
Cecil Court, London who had acquired performing the Zig Zag at the First Chicago
l Membership Certificate frames £26.95
over 100,000 press photos. Luckily I Center. The rest, as they say, is history…
These items can be purchased from the managed to buy dozens of photographs David Nixon performed magic on British
Showcase at The Magic Circle Headquarters
on a Club Night or can be sent by post to of well known magicians – a magical TV from the 1950s until his death in 1978.
your address (P&P extra). Credit cards (Visa goldmine! His family-friendly persona made him ideal
and Mastercard) and cheques drawn on a eBay is now the main source to get for a whole plethora of chat and quiz
UK bank accepted (cheques payable to
“CMA Ltd”). such photos. Magicians’ images tend to shows too. One photo has him with “The
fall into two categories: First, those Silver Wand, which was presented to him
which capture a one-off moment in by Herbert J. Collings, President of The
time to record a specific event, in a Magic Circle, at The Windsor Restaurant in
For more information Email particular town, or city. The second London”. The photo is from The Daily Mail
ShowcaseSales@TheMagicCircle.co.uk group are those which are and dated 1957.
or telephone 0207 387 2222 predominantly head shots, sent to all Tommy Cooper was a gift for any
the newspapers and magazines, and photographer and there is an abundance
used as stock images of the performer. of photos of him hamming it up for the
The Magic Circle Library Although this group is interesting, it is camera. However more unusual is a photo

MY FAVOURITE the first group I like to collect the most.

The majority of the photos have a
of Tommy taken in Ron Macmillan’s magic
shop in 1977, with Ron, Bobby Bernard
BOOKS caption and other information, on a
piece of paper affixed to the back of the
and others looking on.
Les Levante was a prominent Australian
A series of occasional 30-minute talks photo. Some have black markings on illusionist whose extensive touring
to be given by individual members of
them to indicate how they should be included playing British theatres on many
The Magic Circle about their
favourite books on Magic. cropped, while others have the occasions. One dramatic photo shows him
background detail greyed out. It sounds impaling a woman with a ribbon in the
The next talk will be given by dated now, but this was the standard Shooting Through A Woman trick. Dated
NOEL BRITTEN practice for many years. Other 1939, it is one of my earliest examples.
identifying marks include date stamps As with the Levante example above,
on Monday 5 November 2012
when they were used as well as images that create excitement using
at 6.15 pm in the Library.
notations on the reverse to indicate how weapons, and instruments of torture (!),
Library: 020 7387 1533 they were filed. provide a good story for any journalist.
library@themagiccircle.co.uk I have dozens of press photos in my Milbourne Christopher performing the
collection and the following are some of Head Dagger Chest, in 1954, is an
my favourites. unusual and striking visual. Another image
One Italian photo shows the debonair from 1955 shows Richiardi performing his

328 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

David Copperfield Richiardi

Harry Blackstone

Buzz Saw Illusion and educates the

reader in what to expect from his
spectacular show.
Harry Anderson is, perhaps, most
famous in the US as an actor but he is a
successful magician, too. A striking
Channing Pollock Chris Charlton example of a press photo for the 1995
Magician’s Favourite
Magicians special, by CBS,
shows him producing a large
playing card from his jacket.
It immediately grabs the
attention of the viewer.
Dunninger, the mentalist,
was never publicity shy and I
was impressed by the image Dunninger
of his head, which appears to be
floating, against a dark background. It
has a coldness about it which I think
makes it very dramatic. It is one of my
favourites.
I hope you enjoy seeking out
interesting examples, too. Happy
Harry Anderson Milbourne Christopher Collecting!

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 329

330 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk
The Legend of The Badge
Bob Loomis MMC

ould you like to impress your pilgrimage three of those magi made over supposedly protected him from diabolical

W clients when they ask you about

your Magic Circle badge or
“jewel”? If yes, then here is a tale you can
2000 years ago while following a star. The
magi’s study of the sky eventually
overthrew astrology as a sacred belief, and
powers. Nevil stated that historically the
most frequently used symbols for those
magic circles were the Signs of the Zodiac.
tell them: created the foundation for astronomy, the You can see a modern version of a
On the surface, The Magic Circle is a world’s oldest science. wizard’s magic circle in our headquarters.
group, or circle, of magicians having a So, the symbols on our badge honour It’s on the floor of The Devant Room. A
common interest in the magic arts; but, those early magi who created the basis for statue of our first President, that great
like everything in magic, there is a deeper our present-day science of cosmology. magician David Devant, often sits in the
meaning behind our badge. Clockwise from the top, they are Aries middle of the circle. Could it be to protect
The story of the badge’s symbolism goes (Ram), Taurus (Bull), Gemini (Twins), him from the birds our members keep
back a very long way. It began when our Cancer (Crab), Leo (Lion), Virgo (Virgin), producing? (Yes, that sounds silly, but did
early ancestors looked up at the night sky Libra (Balance), Scorpius (Scorpion), you know the statue of Winston Churchill
and beheld the magical sight of thousands Sagittarius (Archer), Capricornus (Goat), in Parliament Square is electrified to
upon thousands of stars. Although the Aquarius (Water Bearer), and Pisces (Fish). prevent birds perching on it!) By the way,
stars moved, they seemed to be in a fixed You can easily recognise the first symbol, I’m sure you are aware that Reginald
relationship to one another. This led to Scot’s 1584 “Discoverie of Witchcraft”
using star groups as a guide while explains many of the tricks still done by
wandering from place to place hunting for today’s magicians; BUT, did you realise that
food. To help remember the various star it also discloses the best places to draw
patterns, stories were invented for each your magic circles?
cluster – the constellations. When people Nevil also explained why the symbols on
settled down to begin farming, the stars our badge are arranged in a clockwise
became their crop management system. order. It is the direction of the sun’s
The appearance of specific constellations apparent movement around the earth. The
signalled when to plant and when to ancients thought this was good luck and
harvest. called it “niddershins.” If the arrangement
Wise men, known as magi (the origin of had been in the other direction it would
our word ‘magic’), noticed that a few have not been so lucky, and known as
celestial objects did not remain fixed. They “widdershins.” Nevil pointed out that the
were the bodies in our solar system, ie the original ancient wizards must have lived in
sun, moon and known planets. They the northern hemisphere. [If you live in the
wandered backward and forward in a southern hemisphere, I suggest you tell
narrow belt of twelve constellations. As your listeners that as the sun travels in the
most of the star groupings in that zone opposite direction for you, your luck is
represented animals, the ancient Greeks living where you do!]
called them zodiakos kyklos, (a “circle of the ram, as it resembles a ram’s horns. The Probably the earliest major public
animals”) or zodia. So, the zodiac is an next one, the bull, also looks like its horns. showing of our badge was a century ago,
ancient circle. Symbols were developed to When our second President Nevil in 1912, at the First Royal Command
represent each of those individual star Maskelyne designed the badge in 1906, Performance. David Devant had a specially
groups. They are the symbols, or star he called the zodiac “nature’s true magic embroidered version of it on the cloak he
signs, on our badge. They don’t circle”, but he said it was only part of his wore during the final ‘curtain call’ of all
necessarily have anything to do with the inspiration. Nevil explained that magicians the participants.
pseudo-science of astrology. For example, in the middle ages drew magic circles on So, the next time you pin your badge on
a number of early synagogues in Palestine the floor or the ground (The Magic please mentally thank the ancient
had the zodiac signs on their floors in Circular, July 1906 & June 1909). A typical ancestors who laid the foundation of our
mosaic representations of the seasons. one is shown in the old woodcut magic art. Now, what about our
The most illustrious of the magi were an reproduced with this article. The organisation’s motto? If you want to know
ancient Persian clan who were credited sorcerer/wizard stood in the centre of the the amazing story behind that, then watch
with profound religious knowledge. Today completed circle to cast his spell. The signs for my next enthralling article, when all
many people annually celebrate a and symbols drawn around the circle will be revealed.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 331

Russ Stevens you are not prepared for it!
Right. I had this act that I had
developed for two years, working talent
shows and pub shows, and that meant I
had something to use when the

COMING FULL CIRCLE opportunity came up.

What aspect of magic really appealed

After a performing career, that spanned over thirty-two years as one of the to you when you were doing all these
UK’s most successful illusionists, Russ Stevens MIMC has taken his life into a shows?
new magic direction. A chance meeting really did mean everything seemed to It has never been about the performing
be coming full circle. Interview by Will Houstoun AIMC for me – it isn’t about being on stage or
being the centre of attention. The thing I
really love is the magic itself. I love putting
Will Houstoun: Starting at the beginning, talent shows ... so I needed to either give an act together, working out how all the
you won The Young Magician of The Year up school or give up the shows. My Dad pieces fit together, and how it can be
in 1977. What made you decide to enter didn’t even bother to ask me because he developed. During those early summer
the competition? knew what my answer would be! Looking seasons I worked with people who were
back I was so lucky to have parents who really helpful and they taught me so much
Russ Stevens: I was inspired to enter by were so supportive of what I wanted to do about lighting, how to walk onto a stage,
Johnny Hart, he is the reason I got into and for that I’ll be forever grateful. and how to walk off a stage. I love the
magic. I vividly remember seeing Johnny All I did was my ten-minute card and creative side of lighting and staging magic,
on TV, before I was even interested in dove act. Being young and full of but the performing, if anything, is the
magic, and the way he could produce confidence, I wrote to some of the London least exciting part for me.
cards had a huge impact on me. Of agents to see if I could work for them. I
course, he was the first person ever to win got a call to go and meet a a big agent That is interesting. What happened
The Young Magician of the Year and called Dave Forrester who I had written to next?
because he had done that I wanted to win because he used to book Johnny Hart. He I did the same act for about five years,
it too. had a big office on the top floor of a block doing better shows and even appearing
in Park Lane and smoked a big cigar – a on a Royal Variety Show. Then, in the early
So did you decide to perform the same typical agent. At the end of our meeting eighties, I wanted to try and develop a bit.
kind of magic that Johnny did? he asked what I was doing the following I wasn’t a patter magician so the next
That is the kind of magic I have always Sunday. I told him I wasn’t doing anything logical step was to add a few small
loved and still do. The act I won the and he told me I would be working in illusions. The first one was a broomstick
competition with was a ten minute silent Bridlington with Ken Dodd. I remember suspension but I wanted to present it
act I had been developing for a few years getting the bus home and thinking: “This slightly differently, so I did it with a mic
that featured doves, candles and card is it, I’ve made it!” stand and a girl who was singing. I kept
manipulation. There also used to be long summer working a lot and then, in 1988, I got the
seasons you could do, travelling around the Mystique show in Blackpool. That was a
What kind of thing were you doing to country for four or five months with a pretty real game changer for me.
develop it? big show. I was really lucky with it all.
Well, I had entered the competition And that was really a big scale kind of
before, when I was 14, and failed to get But you had to have done the work to show?
anywhere. After that Pat Page helped me be ready for the lucky break when it came Yes, but all I had when I went into it
with my act and that was one of the along ... It is no use having a lucky break if was my broomstick suspension and a
things that really made a big difference to sword box! I did have a huge amount of
me. In between the two competitions I performance experience, however,
was also doing lots and lots of shows in because at that time variety acts were
talent competitions. I always used to do being booked in discos. Along with people
pretty well in those because most of the like Marc Oberon, The Zodiac Brothers and
acts were singers and bands, and there Duncan Trillo, I was able to work a lot
was something different about a kid doing doing magic for a younger crowd.
a magic act. All of this must have made a On New Year’s Eve in 1987 a disco hired
difference because when I came back to me to produce a leopard and I had the
the competition I won and immediately whole thing filmed. When I heard about
became a professional magician. the plans for Mystique I sent that video to
the producers and it looked like I was
How did you find the jump to performing to a huge international
becoming professional? audience! That got me a meeting with
Well earlier that year my school had them and I caught their attention with
called up my father and said that I was loads of ideas on how to present illusions
spending too much time doing all these Johnny Hart in a new, interesting way.

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 What do you mean? dark way, with a grungy costume and
Well, if you look at Richiardi, one of my plenty of blood.
heroes, everything he does has some sort The Impaler also turned into a bit of a
of clever twist or story to it. I was hugely symbol for the show. It was, I think, the
into Our Magic, the Maskelyne and fourth one to have ever been made and
Devant book, which is all about the idea nobody had seen anything like it in Europe
of magic as an Art and the way in which at the time. We did it in quite a full-on
adding meaning to magic makes it more way, with blood and everything, and an
powerful. It was that kind of idea that image of me being stabbed by it was even
went into Mystique; using strong plots, featured on the posters for the show.
music, and lighting to tell a story. Fortunately the guy who financed the
show didn’t mind controversy. He decided
So the people who were producing the Receiving the Murray Award that controversy would just mean more
show gave you enough control to make to suggest everything I wanted and use people talking about the show and
these things happen? their budget to make the ideas I had, but coming to see it – thankfully he was right!
There were some problems because, could not afford, a reality. Later on we even added a Buzz Saw
apart for the big boss of the company, the One peculiar thing happened with a Illusion that was presented in a similar
director and choreographer didn’t like sequence that was based around a way, a la Richiardi, but with my own twist
magic and didn’t want to do a magic vampire. One illusion we had was an at the end.
show. In the end, I had plenty of ideas for Impaler which was great because the
illusion sequences which they ended up vampire could get staked at the end of the I think you left the show in the mid
liking. They had no ideas themselves, piece and, instead of being restored, 1990s. Why did that happen?

s
which was fantastic because it meant I got would just be killed. It was all staged in a It was in 1994 and I think the main

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 close about six weeks before we were
supposed to because I literally ran out of
money. That was a big deal because I lost
everything I had saved – I don’t regret it
because it was a really good show but the
stress was unreal.

So how did you get back on your feet?

Well, I still had all the props and
illusions that were in the show and, before
the theatre shut, I had been booked for a
huge gig at the motor-show in
Birmingham and also had a contract for a
pantomime at the Birmingham
Hippodrome. Now, I hate pantomime with
a passion so I had always turned it down,
German Show Poster On Stage in Germany but this year I agreed because they also
asked me to design and stage four
illusions for them. It was a mixed bag
because I loved the illusions but I hated
the idea of the pantomime and I had to
compromise so much on the illusions that
they didn’t work as well as they could
have done. Financially, however, the gigs
gave a chance to bounce back fairly
quickly.
Before the show in The Pavilion closed,
a group of producers from Germany had
also seen the show and they really liked
what they saw. They hired me to put on a
big illusion show in Germany, which I
worked on for three years. That was great
Russ with his Friends - Brian Sefton, Michael J Fitch, John Archer, Duncan Trillo, Wayne because they decided to give me full
Dobson and Joe Pasquale control over everything again.
reason is that I wasn’t being given any think I could commit to them whilst still I also did quite a lot of television in the
credit for the work I was doing behind the doing Mystique. Mystique was my passion late 1980s and 1990s, working on shows
scenes. I didn’t ever get a directing or so I left Wayne’s show and Pat came in. like The Paul Daniels Magic Show, and a
production credit and when I asked about show with Paul Zenon called Tricks and
it they were quite clear that was never So you decided to stop doing Tracks as well as smaller chat shows.
going to happen! When they started the Mystique, what did you do next?
project they had planned a generic magic I went to The Grand Theatre in That sounds like quite a comeback!
show that they could switch the magician Blackpool as a guest on Joe Pasquale’s It was, but around 1999 I was coming
in. In the first year I made such an show. I went back to doing a ten to up to forty years old and started to think
impression and became an integral part of fifteen minute illusion spot in one part of about what I really wanted to do with my
the show, so they kept me for seven years the show and then an illusion with Joe in life. The performing was never the main
at the end of which I decided to leave. It the second half. The big thing about thing for me, I enjoyed being on stage and
was nice to finish that way, on my terms, working there was that it was the first having the reputation, but it wasn’t the
when I decided it was time to go. time I had ever spoken on-stage in any of main thing. I was talking with my best
my magic. It was a great thing to be able mate, Duncan Trillo, and he had spent a
You were also involved with Wayne to do because it let me develop from a year and a half cruising on one ship. For
Dobson’s TV shows around this time I slick magician character into a performer him it was a life changing experience
think? with a bit more depth. It was also great to financially because you can get paid very
Right at the same time Mystique was work in a show with other acts again well, all your expenses are covered and
starting I was the magic adviser for the rather than just working on my own. you can save a life-changing amount of
first two series of Wayne Dobson’s TV The following year I took over a derelict money. I told Duncan about wanting to
shows. Having had very little to do with theatre in Blackpool called The Pavilion change direction and he encouraged me
magic outside my own fifteen minute act, and I pumped every penny I had into when I was approached by Royal
suddenly all of my work started to be based doing it up and putting on a show. It was Caribbean to do an illusion show on their
around larger productions and illusions! a real stretch for me financially, but I knew boats.
For the third series of Wayne’s show Pat that I wanted to do my own show without It was so easy... you lived on a ship for
Page was the adviser and that was any restrictions. We ran the show for six months doing your show and it
because the production company didn’t about three and a half months and had to became your home! Duncan told me to

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make sure I got something from it because It also seems to be a format that lots of
otherwise you either get divorced, because people use now.
you are away so much, or become an Yes, but a lot of that goes through me!
alcoholic, because of all the booze. I don’t As well as every DVD that RSVP Magic
drink and my girlfriend was with me so produces, I shoot and edit every DVD that
neither of those were an option! I had Peter Nardi puts out through Alakazam
decided that because I was interested in Magic. I would imagine that I have
video editing I would try to learn about produced as many, if not more, DVDs than
that. This was in 2000 so it was just any other company. Peter is now one of
possible to get a laptop to do editing on my best friends too and I see he has, at
and I spent loads of money on all the last, been awarded his MIMC with Gold
equipment. Star. Much deserved too.
I was on the ships for two years doing
one show per week so I used the other six So now you do all of the video
days to teach myself all about video production but you have retired form
editing. I would never have had the performing?
patience to work through it all on land, Yes. The last proper gig that I did was
but because I was on the boat I spent all in 2008 when I was asked to do a one-off
my time working on it. When I couldn’t do show at the Mandalay Bay in Las Vegas.
something I would just spend a whole day We were there for a week to make it all
trying to figure out how to make it work. happen and it was the biggest show I ever Mystique poster
did. In fact, the two biggest gigs I have
So that was the start of your video ever done were both in that last year of I understand that having retired from
production company, RSVP Magic? professional work. The other one was for performing you finally met Johnny Hart,
Yes. One of the first DVDs I did was the first keynote Bill Gates gave outside the person who made you start in the first
Corporate Close-Up with Martin the US after 9/11 – I did a 30-minute spot place!
Sanderson. The title was great because right before he did his talk. If anyone had asked me the name of
everyone thought that corporate gigs Going back to Vegas, they particularly the one magician I would most want to
were where the real money was and we wanted me to do this show in a giant meet, it would have been Johnny Hart. I
also shot a great selection of commercial, arena and so I went out with a whole think his act is still one of the best of its
working magic. Martin is a great worker crew. Duncan and I had always wanted to kind and that all UK magicians should be
and was so enthusiastic about the project, go to Vegas together for a week of magic extremely proud of what he achieved.
allowing for my early mistakes with sound and when I got the gig he came out with Last year The Magic Circle made Johnny
and lighting by coming up to film multiple me as the magic consultant which suited an Honorary Professional Life Member.
times. I remember contacting Hocus Pocus us both! After the show was over and we Because he is not able to travel, The
Magic and being really pleased they walked back to the hotel, I remember Circle sent Dave Andrews up to interview
wanted to stock the DVD. Then, within saying to Duncan: “That’s the end. I didn’t him. I was going to help with digitising
half an hour, I got an e-mail from enjoy it, it was stressful and even going the tapes but there was a problem with
Murphy’s Magic with an order for a huge over well to 8000 people didn’t give me a the machines so I ended up finally
number of copies. Something we had buzz.” That was the last real gig I ever did, meeting Johnny when I went to help
decided to do for fun, turned into a apart from an appearance on The record the interview. At the end we
project that was also really quite successful Blackpool Gala Show a year or so later started chatting and Johnny showed Dave
commercially. (see some of the photos). and I some Card Manipulations. Dave,
Johnny and me sitting on the floor in a
What do you think makes your DVDs Blackpool B&B, seeing Johnny with the
different to the other ones that are out cards must rate as one of the most surreal
there? experiences of my life! He gave me his
When I started all I really knew was the phone number and now we meet pretty
material that L&L put out. They are much every week. The first time I went to
famous for their studio set-up and the meet Johnny, my wife could see how
actors they use for an audience but I excited I was and reminded me that it’s
wanted to do something that felt a little not good to meet your heroes as it
bit more real. My rule has always been could be a huge disappointment.
that if a project is being sold as With Johnny it has been nothing like
commercial real-world material, then the that. Meeting him proved to be quite an
performances should be filmed in a real emotional occasion for us both for
gig environment to show the material various reasons and I’m very proud to
working with a real audience. now be able to call him my friend. He
was the reason I got into magic and
And that has been a really popular idea. having finally met him only a year or so
Yes. I think it is a more entertaining after I stopped performing seems like
thing to watch. Performing in Blackpool 1978 everything really has come full circle.

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 Edwin A. Dawes

408. MAX ANDREWS IN THE ANTIPODES

y 1958 it seems certain that the very little information about his

B recent marital and financial

problems that had befallen Max
Andrews led to his decision to make a
activities filtered into British
magic literature, and what
morsels did appear provided
complete break and emigrate from very different stories. For
Britain to New Zealand. Furthermore, example, Ernest Brisbane, a
Max’s sister, Olive Cynthia (who was a fellow Magic Circle Member
year younger than her brother) and her who had later emigrated to
family decided to emigrate with him at New Zealand, reported that
the same time. Olive had married an Max was doing well in the
Army officer, Major Leonard Stanley insurance business, Val Andrews
Cattle, and they had a daughter Lysia, wrote he had opened a café
who was born on 1 September 1950. and worked as a
They lived at Sunbury-on-Thames. semi-professional magician, and
Their chosen destination probably most recently, Fergus Roy
influenced the decision of their parents, (2011) reported that he had a
Charles Ernest and Rose Andrews, who prosperous photographic
also moved there in 1959 from their business. In an effort to put
home in South Africa; they had some flesh on these bare bones
relocated from London for the sake of I contacted Bernard Reid, who is

Blackmore Collection
Rose’s health around 1947. Two of currently engaged on a history
their grown-up daughters had of magic in New Zealand, to ask
accompanied them to South Africa. if he could help. As a result of
The parents had visited daughter Olive his kindness I was favoured with
and family in 1956, arriving at recollections, anecdotes and
Southampton and returning from London on 5 October of scans of memorabilia from a number of New Zealand and
that year as Saloon passengers aboard the SS Umgeni. The Australian magicians without whose help Max Andrews’s life in
ship’s manifest shows that, although they held British the Antipodes would still be an almost closed book.
passports, they were permanent residents of South Africa at It is evident that within a short time of his arrival in Auckland
that time. Max was engaging in magical activities. After barely three
It appears that Max’s original intention had been to take his months in New Zealand, on 2 September 1958 he appeared at
two daughters with him. He travelled as a first-class passenger the War Memorial Hall in Whakatane as ‘The Amazing Doctor
on board RMS Ramgitiki, operated by the New Zealand Howard, the Man Who Sees Tomorrow.’ On 11 September 1958
Shipping Company, which departed London on 9 May 1958 the Wanganui Chronicle carried the report of a blindfold drive
bound for Auckland and arrived on 14 June. He is on the that he had performed as a publicity stunt to advertise his Spring
manifest for this journey as Howard Andrews, born on 16 March Soirée season, which had opened to great acclaim the previous
1908, described as ‘Single’, and of occupation ‘Manager’. evening. In the guise of ‘The Amazing Dr Howard,’ at Wanganui
The original manifest also has Miss Deirdre Andrews (born 20 Racecourse he drove his Volkswagen van impeccably around an
July 1947) and Miss Carolyn Andrews (born 18 March 1952) obstacle course of empty tar drums, having been previously
travelling on the same ticket number. These typed entries have denied permission by the police to drive blindfolded in one of the
then been crossed out, and later, at the end of the list of first town’s streets. Max told the press he and his manager, Major L.S.
class passengers, Howard’s detail alone has been hand-written Cattle, had arrived from England about two months ago on
back in. Presumably there had been some last-minute wrangle holiday, but liked New Zealand so much they had decided to stay
between Max and Helen as to whether the children went with and had bought a house in Auckland and intended to make that
him or stayed with her. The address on the manifest given for their headquarters. It was reported that Major Cattle was himself
Max, Deirdre and Carolyn was 8 Riverside, Sunbury-on-Thames, an accomplished escapologist and, as well as his stage pursuits,
Middlesex, the home of Max’s sister Olive and her husband. Dr Howard was an accomplished psychologist. To prove the latter
Before Max left Britain he had made a farewell tape point, Max proffered his view that psychologists were underrated
recording for The Magic Circle, which was played at a club in New Zealand with salaries much inferior to those in Britain. It
meeting on 8 June 1958. was noted that the previous evening Dr Howard had amazed a
After Max’s arrival in the ‘Land of the Long White Cloud’ large audience with his prodigious feats of mental telepathy,

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MIMC

thought transference and mind reading, and there were in Onehunga (a suburb of
supporting acts that included Major Cattle, a former Carla Rosa Auckland) proclaimed
Opera singer June Trelawney, radio star Reg Morgan, and an ‘Direct from London, The
Auckland impressionist, Don Linden. Doctor Howard Mystery
Around this time Max was signed up by Fullers, the leading Show!’ It listed ‘Magic of
theatrical agency in the country. By a curious coincidence, Mary the Hands, Telepathy,
Throll, the Scottish lady who founded Fullers Agency in 1954, Predictions, Thought
died at the age of 89 in June 2012 at the time this article was Reading, Luck, Horoscopes
being written. Bernard Reid (who was formerly on Fullers’s books) etc.’ and asked ‘Will this
was alerted to the fact that something had turned up in an old man read your mind?’ It
Fullers brochure that might interest him. Indeed it did, for it was was for a Tuesday evening,
a page at the front of the publication featuring Max Howard and 30 September, and

Blackmore Collection
his alter ego Dr Howard, under which names Max Andrews was although no year is stated,
now working. it is almost certainly 1958
Mary Throll, a colourful Glaswegian, had arrived in New (1969 is the next year
Zealand many years previously as a singer known as ‘The Scottish which would fit the data).
Nightingale’, a former child music hall star with numerous Always adept at publicity,
recordings and notable appearances to her credit. In 1954 she Max had a series of
founded Fullers Entertainment Bureau and in 1959 decided to brochures printed to advertise the different acts he could offer
publish a brochure listing all the artistes and acts that her Agency prospective clients. One of these, presenting ‘The Magical
represented. It was postcard size and each entrant was assigned Comedian’, is particularly amusing, depicting him in Egyptian
a full page. The brochure appeared in 1959-60 providing evidence garb, wearing a fez, inevitably recalling the act of Wilson,
that Max had quickly established himself in his adopted country. Keppel and Betty. For this act he reverted to Max Andrews,
The first thing that catches the magical eye in the with somewhat extravagant claims that it was “Comedy Magic
advertisement is the incorrect at its International Best – Max let’s
statement that he was a Gold his hair down – why don’t you and
Medallist of The Inner Magic BOOK Max Andrews.”
Circle, London, possibly believing We are assured that “Max
he was sufficiently far from Andrews accompanies his act with a
Headquarters to be challenged! running fire of humorous patter. His
Working as ‘The Talkative every trick is a ‘mime of mirth’ –
Trickster,’ Max was offering a new even if the finish is sometimes a
fast act, slick tricks in the surprise! His final item is an
continental manner and with impersonation of a French magician
snappy, humorous patter, and he performing an Egyptian [sic] trick –
possessed a large repertoire growing the famous MANGO
enabling programmes to be PLANT. He dons Egyptian dress in
offered to suit any occasion. full view of the audience – and the
The ‘Doctor Howard’ act, as was magic ritual provides a ‘GALE OF
apparent from the Wanganui LAUGHTER’ ” He adds “This
report, was essentially mentalism, Polished Professional has performed
featuring telepathy, thought all over Great Britain, London, the
transmission, predictions and Capitals of Europe and America.”
second sight. But he also offered He also offered his services as a
Children’s Shows: “Renowned as a Magical Compère, keeping the
children’s entertainer, Max Howard show together and performing a
Blackmore Collection

has a charming way with children humorous trick between each act.
and will be happy to attend your To prove his versatility, Max also
next party for any time up to an presented “Ukelele Impressions of
hour”. George (Cleaning Windows)
s

A poster for the Strand Theatre Formby. An unusual turn always

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 habit of visiting Rex Sinclair’s Magic Shop in Newcastle every
second Saturday morning, which from then onwards until early
1969 became every Saturday. On one of these occasions he
recalled “Rex excitedly said that the world famous Max Andrews
favourably received by those who loved this artist – and who was in town and would be calling in later to see us.” From
didn’t?” The parenthetical ‘Cleaning Windows’ was a reference memory Peter believes it was in the early to mid ’60s and not the
to one of George’s best known songs, When I’m Cleaning late ’60s “We were expecting great things and about lunch time
Windows. Max turns up and he performed for us. This was the first time I
It is interesting that initially Max kept a low profile and did not had the displeasure of
make any attempt to fraternise with local magicians, which may watching that
account for some of the less than complimentary remarks about disgusting trick where
him. Jon Zealando recalls attending a public show that Max (as the performer takes
‘Dr Howard’) presented in a hall in Auckland and being appalled small squares of
by the way he “put down” the local magicians to a lay audience aluminium foil, rolls
by saying “Here is the way we do it in England”. Jon confirms them into little balls
that Max ran a café in Auckland which he visited on a number of and proceeds to poke
occasions, and a New Zealand woman, who Max met after them up his nose, into
arriving and with whom he had a long term relationship, worked his eyes or other body
there. Max introduced her as his wife but, as Jon remarked, “She cavities to produce
had a thick Kiwi accent”. them from his mouth.”

Blackmore Collection
Eventually, however, Max did attend New Zealand “Max told us he had
Conventions, the first in 1967 at Christchurch where he appeared checked into a cheap
in the Gala Show. The reporter in Magicana said that “Max pub, which from
Andrews was the memory was up near
surprise of the Bar Beach or
Convention. In a Merewether Beach. He had negotiated with the publican that
quiet and unassuming instead of paying in money he would perform his magic act in
manner he had mixed the bar that night.” Although Peter didn’t see the performance,
well with he was given a lift by a Newcastle amateur conjurer, the late Rex
conventioneers and Rennie, out to the pub and Max showed them some of the
led me to believe that things he was going to do. He would dress up in a ridiculous but
his club act might not colourful clown-like costume and perform card fans and tricks
register from the with parasols. From later discussions with magic friends he
stage. He brought the learned “it was terrible” and not what was expected from this
house down from a world famous performer. Peter says “It appears that at this time
quiet build up until in Max’s life he was broke. I heard that not long afterwards he
his heart was poured moved to New Zealand and then later on he was back in Sydney
into the final botania at Paddy’s Markets selling horoscopes. He had a pre-printed sheet
routine as a gilly gilly of paper with many statements on it. Each customer received the
man.” Alfred Hayes same sheet and all Max did was go down the list and tick boxes
compered this show against the appropriate statements for each customer.”
and we shall later Another Australian, Ron Coleman, remembers Max as a poor
Blackmore Collection

record his demonstrator but an excellent businessman, adding that “At one
recollections. Not only time Davenport’s were worried about his impact as a dealer in
was Max the hit of the UK”. And Ron’s understanding was that “Max’s wife ‘ran off’
the Show, but he also with a vacuum cleaner salesman and he came over to New
was awarded the Zealand”. Presumably Gerald Sullivan had progressed from
Richard Walls Shield vacuum cleaner salesman to illusionist, but whether this arose
for the best trick of the Convention. after his investment in the Vampire business as described by
Later, in 1967 and possibly early 1968, Max was in Australia Fergus Roy (2011), or before that step occurred, remains unclear.
performing and selling horoscopes in Paddy’s Market in Sydney. Ron Coleman considered Max’s ‘Dr Howard’ mental act to be
His return to Auckland “after his success in Australia” was noted good, but the comedy act wasn’t. Apparently Max told Ron that
in the March/April issue of Magicana, and at the 1969 New he ran a bar (not a coffee shop!) in New Zealand, which is where
Zealand Convention he was one of what was described as “An he started his Psychic Readings, and later came to Australia and
unusual army of Magic Dealers [who] presented a varied range of worked Paddy’s Market and others very successfully. He also
effects that were quickly consumed by eager buyers.” Later in divulged the reason for leaving New Zealand was that he had
1969 the Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians conferred been diagnosed with cancer and Australia was a better place for
Honorary Membership in recognition of Max’s contributions to treatment. He met up with and, Ron thinks, finally married the
magic. nurse who looked after him at North Shore Hospital in Sydney.
Australian magician Peter Rodgers’s memories of Max Andrews The Brotherhood of Auckland Magicians’ Club News for March
paint a rather different picture. They stem from a period 1971 in Magicana reported “Max (Vampire) Andrews has left
spanning the middle of 1962 until April 1965 when he was in the Auckland for Australia, where he will probably take up

338 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

permanent residence”, which clearly links to the foregoing
information from Ron Coleman.
Historian Kent Blackmore possesses a folder of Max
Andrews material, principally relating to his time in the
Antipodes, which he purchased from Dovellini (Harry Rendell), Mandy Davis AIMC Convenor of Reports.
and thanks to his kindness, this important resource has Photographed by Markby
Reports.Photographed Hesketh-Jennings
Gor don Drayson
provided the majority of the illustrations in this present article,
as well as newspaper reports.
Alfred Hayes, who in 1966 opened De Larno’s International
Magic Centre in Sydney, recalls that Max did advise him on
some aspects regarding the Magic Centre, but cannot now Monday 3 September 2012
remember him working at any time in the shop, although him The Rich Bloch Lecture
doing so for a short time is mentioned in Brian McCullagh’s
splendid Sydney’s Magic Heritage (1994) and seems to be in Reported by Tim Barnes
general currency among other magicians. A possible American magician Rich Bloch promised us an hour of tips
explanation is that Max was seen in the shop on the and tricks that make his life easier as a performer – his
occasions when he was there in his advisory capacity. But Alf premise for this being that magicians are the only
retains a vivid recollection of an occurrence at the New performers that don’t routinely seek direction on stage.
Zealand Magic Convention 1966/67 in Christchurch where he Forty years ago Rich had hired the services of professional
compered the show. Max was the next-but-one performer director Davey Marlin-Jones and, as he described it to us,
and in Alfred’s words: “He was patiently waiting alongside his the man had changed his life!
‘roll-on’ table in the wings. For some unknown reason I Right from the start Rich offered techniques and insights
announced Max as the next performer, and in true that have served him well. His stage entrance has him walk
professional style, he came out wheeling his table, as if it was forward and past the mic stand, pausing, and then
the norm - showman, plus! He saved my ass (if I may put it in returning centre-stage. The result – significantly prolonged
that context).” And Max won the Richard Walls Shield for the applause! Tips on body-language which were designed to
best trick of the Convention. help an audience to see the
The final years of Max Andrews’s life still remain uncharted. magician as open, receptive,
After his move to Australia in 1971 no further documentation and vulnerable were also
has yet come to light. His brochures did not bear any dates so shared.
it is not entirely clear whether any of these were issued after Props are your enemy, Rich
he took up permanent residence in Australia. A business card warned us. He then told us a
is annotated with the address of 7 Hanford Place, Potts Point story of his struggle to get
(a suburb of Sydney). He may, perhaps, have decided to retire laughs from what should have
from performing after undergoing his cancer treatment. One been a sure-fire stage illusion.
might consider that he remained in the Sydney area, or at “The problem is”, Marlin-Davey
least in New South Wales, but that is pure speculation. had advised, “It’s just more
Likewise, the source of the year of his death, given as 1988 interesting than you are!” Not
by Whaley, and its location remain unknown. Attempts to only this, we were also
find this in Australian death records (which are State registries cautioned that so much of our
and not a single national one) have so far failed, but the stage kit is painted brightly, and
Rich Bloch
possibility he had returned to New Zealand seems unlikely as covered with glitter, which all
we have found death records for his mother (1966), father just helps to make the issue so much worse.
(1967), sister Olive (2003) and brother-in-law Leonard Cattle Tips aplenty followed, including techniques to add light
(2007). and shade to the flow of an act, to build control, to vanish
Consequently it is my hope that this series of articles on silks, and to ensure retention of the performer’s name.
Max Andrews might bring forth information that will help to Rich also gave a passionate sales pitch for the Bose
fill the remaining gaps. SoundLink and Soundbyte app to ensure the performer is
heard and their music effortlessly cued.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS A number of playing card based tricks were presented
I am greatly indebted to a number of people for their and explained. A great card cutting routine was first, with
generous assistance. For images: David Hibberd (Magic Circle a spectator making several attempts to cut an exact
Archivist), Bernard Reid, and especially Kent Blackmore. number of cards, but, in fact, discovering an Ace on the
Fergus Roy kindly gave permission to quote from Volume 3 of base of each pile. Next was Any Card at Any Number
The Davenport Story. For information, I thank Ron Coleman, which delivered exactly what it promised, together with
Michael Dawes, Alfred Hayes, Bill Kalush and ‘Ask Alexander’, encouragement from Rich to get over the inevitable fear
Peter Rodgers, Gerald Taylor, Steve Walker, Jon Zealando, and that many have of tackling a routine that is reliant on
particularly Bernard Reid who orchestrated the Antipodean palming. A story deck followed, with corny gags, jumbo
responses to my queries. cards and the need for little, if any, technical skill.
After the suggestion to tackle palming, we were now
s

REFERENCE strongly encouraged to learn a stacked deck, with the

Roy, Fergus (2011). The Davenport Story 3, 141-143.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 339

s
Aronson and Tamariz decks both receiving
high praise. This was despite Rich also
telling us that learning one would take a
considerably greater effort than anyone
would normally admit. Four to six months
of our lives would seem to be the norm –
but we were promised that it would leave
us with an invaluable tool in our card
arsenal.
An almost throw-away tip for forcing a
jumbo card was, for me, the offering of
the night. This involved second dealing
from below a card with a huge slice
removed from its corner. Super simple,
Sir Ian McKellen Ryan Johnson Preston Nyman
super direct and completely undetectable!
To finish, Rich performed a couple of
routines based around a shuttle pass – one
with a spectator’s ring appearing in a card
box left in full view, and the second a
signed card being found buried within a
freely chosen box of cereal.
It had been twenty-five years since Rich
Bloch last lectured at The Magic Circle – I
have no idea why. Let
hope the next time will
be much sooner.
[The Hands On
Pre-Show in The
Devant Room featured
Chris Wood Chris Wood]

Monday 10 September 2012

Camera Tricks – James
Freedman MIMC

Reported by Geoffrey Shisler

A number of the top magic performers in
this country consult on magical effects for
TV, film, and stage. James Freedman is
amongst them and, this evening, he
explained some of the three-hundred plus
effects that he has devised! James
concentrated on three of the films on
which he worked.
The first was Oliver Twist, directed by
Roman Polanski, for which he taught
youngsters how to pick pockets (!) and James Freedman
also how to handle cards. The actors were
to play a card game called Speculation and The third film was The Illusionist, To round off the evening we saw a short
the scene was filmed four times from four directed by Neil Burger. Since this film was film, called The Egg Trick, in which Sir Ian
different angles. This meant that James all about magic there were many magical McKellen performed David Devant’s
had to be especially vigilant to make sure effects to be planned and, in fact, James famous trick of producing a large number
that the same cards were being used each was one of a team of magic consultants of eggs from anywhere and everywhere.
time! including Michael Webber, Ricky Jay and Sir Ian was in the audience, along with
The second film was Brothers Bloom, Scott Penrose. In this film James also acted actor Preston Nyman and director Stephen
directed by Ryan Johnson, starring Rachel as a hand-double and he explained the Kroto. They all came onto the stage to talk
Weisz, in which Rachel was required to do intricacies of lining-up the double’s hands about this film and Sir Ian also mentioned
a card trick. James taught her how to with the actor’s. some of the magical effects used in The
handle a pack of cards and he told us how One of the important lessons James has Hobbit.
she literally wore out a close-up mat and learned doing this kind of work is that as This was a particularly interesting
two packs of cards practising. (There’s a magicians we must always realise the evening that gave us an insight into an
lesson there, I think!) value of our expertise. aspect of the professional magician’s work

340 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 that most amateurs
never encounter.
[The Hands On
Pre-Show in The
Devant Room featured
Harry Reeve Harry Reeve]

Monday 17 September 2012

Larry Barnes Tribute Night

Reported by Chris McGeever

Magic took its place on a traditional bill of
variety in this unique event staged in Lola McDowell Mickie Driver Jo Below
memory of the inimitable Larry Barnes.
There was a warm atmosphere in the
theatre before the show, aided by the
piano-playing of Laurence Payne. Chair
David Weeks began by welcoming the
guests in the audience – as well as the
London Pearly Kings and Queens Society
who emerged from the wings and took
their seats at the front.
The first performer was Larry’s long-time
stage partner, Lola McDowell. She sang
with aplomb and included some magical
surprises along the way. Mickie Driver was
Katherine Rhodes
next up, with a rendition of The Future
Mrs ‘Awkins’. The audience were able to
join in all the songs’ refrains thanks to the
song-sheets provided.
Ed Hilsum featured his dove act which
he has performed internationally, including
Las Vegas. His technique was immaculate,
the music choices well thought-out, and
his care for the birds palpable. Then an old
friend of Larry’s, Jan Hunt, took to the
stage to deliver a song about unrequited Megumi Biddle
love, Why am I always the bridesmaid?
She inserted her own funny asides
between verses which kept the audience
laughing.
Megumi Biddle captivated the crowd
with enchanting Japanese paper-cutting.
In a few moments, she cut out silhouettes
of a horse, a panda, and even an audience
member.
After Mickie returned, with I’m Shy Jan Hunt Ed Hilsum
Mary Ellen, Lola
also came back to an amusing paper-cutting prediction and a entertainment which made your
feature her singing torn newspaper restoration – all with author rue the fact he never had the
and great, funny patter. pleasure of meeting Larry in person.
balloon-modelling We were treated to a video clip of Larry The proceedings in the theatre were
talents, himself singing If It Wasn’t for the ‘ouses followed by a jovial pie and mash supper
simultaneously. in Between whilst skilfully tearing in The Devant Room with community
With just a newspapers into all sorts of shapes to singing led by the various Pearly Kings
concertina and her illustrate the lyrics. Following this, the and Queens and
vocals, Jo Below whole company joined together to lead a featuring our Chair of
managed to tickle sing-song of The Lambeth Walk and Dear Council, Brian Sibley.
David Weeks
the funny bones Old Pals. As the show drew to a close [The Hands On
with her naughty, suggestive lyrics and several rows of houses, made of newspaper, Pre-Show in The
catchy, original songs. Katherine Rhodes were unfurled across the theatre. It was a Devant Room featured
then entertained with the Six Card Repeat, rousing end to an enjoyable evening’s Brendan Rodrigues] Brendan Rodrigues

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 341

 Ian Rowland MIMC
MIMC

Harks and Jets

his month I’d like to talk about grown men wearing tights the planes down a different flight path some distance away. After

T and pretending to be women. For all I know there may be

many places in London where one can observe such things,
but in this particular instance I’m referring to an evening spent
all, that’s what they did in Shakespeare’s day (as noted in
Falstaff’s famous quip, “Now art th’ infernal jets by Greenwich
sent / Their rancorous din shall not our play prevent”).
at The Globe Theatre, the Elizabethan time machine perched All of this reminded me that in many ways magicians endorse
on the South Bank of the Thames. A friend offered me two an original practices policy without really intending to. Many
tickets to see the current production of Richard III, which I tricks that are today considered standard repertoire date back to
accepted eagerly even though I don’t normally like sequels. Shakespeare’s day or even earlier. One early book that explained
When it was completed in 1997, the Globe Theatre was magic, Scot’s Discoverie of Witchcraft, was published in 1584,
intended to be an accurate reproduction of the original theatre and contains references to moves and ruses that are still in
of that name, which was built in 1599 and had links with common use today (Scot has a particularly detailed section on
Shakespeare’s acting troupe. As far as we know, it’s the most routines using Labco’s Mindbuster for the iPad).
accurate version of someone’s guess about what a sixteenth A very good book on this subject is Cony-catchers and Bawdy
century theatre looked like based on a couple of sketches made Baskets by Gamini Salgado, rather delightfully sub-titled “an
four centuries ago which may not have been terribly accurate, anthology of Elizabethan low-life”. A ‘cony’ was what the
in the world. modern-day con-artists call a ‘mark’ — the person suckered into
The tickets I’d been given turned out to be for seats (well, either an elaborate con or a simple card swindle. Books such as
wooden benches) in what is known as the Lord’s Room. This this are an excellent read, provide fascinating details into the
sounds rather grand, but in fact it means sitting at the back of origins of our craft, and can also suggest good ideas for patter
the stage area and above it. In other words, I had to lean themes.
slightly forwards and look down in order to see the tops of the Incidentally, the production of Richard III I saw starred Mark
actor’s heads as viewed from behind. This was the weirdest Rylance and either will soon transfer to London’s West End or has
view I’ve ever had of any performance in a theatre. I was recently done so, depending on when you read this. You don’t
amazed how little this bizarre vantage point detracted from the need to know much to enjoy it. A mad, bad guy is annoyed his
overall experience, and I actually thoroughly enjoyed the whole brother has been made king, decides he wants the crown for
evening. himself and kills everyone who gets in his way. It’s black comedy
While I may not have seen much of the actors’ faces, I did with a pantomime villain and some nice, funny scenes. For
have an excellent view of everyone in the audience, including example, two murderers are sent to kill someone but, upon
the poor souls who had chosen to stand in front of the stage, reaching their victim, one of them gets an attack of conscience
in the ‘pit’ area, for the duration of the performance. Even and worries if he’s doing the right thing. The resulting three-way
though this was a trimmed-down production of the play, it still conversation between the two murderers and their victim (who
lasted 2 3/4 hours. This is way too long to stand and watch wakes up to find the two murderers bickering over whether to
anything, no matter how cheap it is. kill him or not) has a Fawlty Towers level of nonsense to it. Highly
It was what they call an Original Practices production, recommended.
meaning they attempt as far as possible to present the play as
it would have been performed in the early seventeenth century, Mad Pad
with men playing the female parts, music played on ‘authentic’ Consider a simple pseudo-graphology routine. You have a small
instruments and so on. It also means that you are forbidden spiral-bound notepad. You tear out a few pages to give to
from reaching the Globe via taxi and must get there either on different spectators, each of whom provides a handwriting
foot or by horse. On Saturdays they also burn a witch before sample while you look away. These are folded, mixed and
the show, just to liven the mood a little. Incidentally, the returned. Although all seems fair, in reality you already know
devotion to original practices does not, sadly, extend to the exactly which piece of paper belongs to which spectator and can
prices charged for either the seats or interval drinks. The bar proceed accordingly.
prices are, if anything, set quite some way into the future. There are lots of ways of doing this, the obvious one being a
Given the effort that is made to re-create the seventeenth pad of paper that is secretly marked in some way so that you
century experience of watching the play, it’s a shame that the know Spectator #1 used the piece of paper bearing Secret Mark
illusion is rather undermined by jet aircraft flying overhead at #1, and so on. The best method I know of is the Mad Pad,
regular intervals. Not many things can ruin a lofty soliloquy available from the Head Hacking website
delivered by a trained actor in authentic tights, but the sound (www.headhacking.com). As the sales description says, “The
of another 747 punching its way across the stratosphere is one markings are subtle and can be seen even when the pieces of
of them. I don’t see why the air traffic controllers can’t send paper are folded twice, in any orientation, and without having to

342 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

handle them”. While I’m open to correction on this, I can’t a Festival of Magic in the week leading up to the Convention
readily think of any other method that could satisfy these itself. This consists of four solid days of lectures and shows,
conditions, which is what makes the Mad Pad so great. each day given over to a particular theme. This year the
The Mad Pad is expensive. This is not because the Head Wednesday is devoted to mentalism and, as plans currently
Hackers want to rip you off (they actually make a very slim profit stand, I am included in the line-up. A ticket for the whole
on the item). It’s just because the darned thing is laborious and mentalism day is very reasonably priced, given that you get
expensive to make. Personally, I think it’s worth buying for the four lectures, a panel discussion and two evening shows from
secret, after which you can probably think of modifying a normal, the wonderful Chris Cox as well as myself. I look forward to
un-gaffed pad in some similar way. Worth checking out. seeing you there!

Shakermaker Quick trick

I was recently invited down to Bournemouth to give a talk. My You are hanging out with some friends. The kind of friends
friend James Brown, one of the greatest magicians I know, is who have smart phones that can look at pages on the internet.
based in the area. When he’s not creating outstanding miracles of You write out a specific web page address on the back of your
the mind, James spends a bit of his time helping his family run a business card. You hand this over to your victim and ask him to
very popular and successful milkshake emporium called keep it somewhere safe, eg in his pocket. You invite him to
Shakeaway (they had the sense not to call it Brown Milkshakes). choose any one item from a printed list of twenty. He can
Before giving my talk, I visited this bastion of milky goodness so change his mind as often as he likes. You bet £50 that you
that James could personally make a milkshake just for me. He have predicted his exact choice, he only has to bet £1 that
did, and I took a photograph. He said I wouldn’t put this photo in you’re wrong.
The Magic Circular. I said I would. Here it is. He makes his choice. He takes out your business card, looks
My invitation to give a talk came from Adam Eason, whom I at what you wrote earlier and taps the relevant web page into
mentioned back in the July issue. Adam runs one of the finest his phone. It’s a prediction page on your website e.g.
hypnosis and www.yourwebsite.com/Prediction . It correctly predicts the item
hypnotherapy he selected.
schools in the Here’s how. You create twenty different prediction pages,
country, and each corresponding to one item on a printed list (use any
organises such talks twenty items you like):
for his students as www.yourwebsite.com/Prediction_Dog
part of their www.yourwebsite.com/Prediction_Car
“ongoing …and so on. You also create a page called
professional www.yourwebsite.com/Prediction. On your website control
development”. I panel, set up a re-direct that points from this page to one of
believe this is the the twenty you have created.
current buzz-word One of the people present when you demonstrate this item
(buzz-phrase?) for is your stooge. On his phone, he has your control panel open,
James Brown, Master Shaker
going to a hotel and he can modify the re-direct page. As soon as your victim
conference room, sitting through a talk of some kind and then has made his final choice, your stooge (hanging around on the
having a drink and a bit of a chat in the bar. periphery of the group) quietly adjusts the re-direct page and
On this occasion my talk was about information products: saves it. This only takes seconds. Your prediction page now
what they are, how to create them and how to make money automatically redirects to a correct prediction, so you can prove
from them so you never need to have a job. It seemed to go your miraculous psychic talents and collect your winnings.
quite well and I have since had about half a dozen people
contact me for help and mentoring re developing their own
information products. This alone would have made the trip Invitation
worthwhile, of course, but for me the highlight of the day was If you have items, stories, jokes or vicious rumours of
definitely my Brown milkshake. Very tasty! interest to mentalists, please drop me a line
(ian@ianrowland.com). If you can’t afford Derren and
Festival of Magic want to hire a fairly good also-ran mentalist, or you just
The Macmillan International Convention is always thoroughly have time to kill, please visit www.ianrowland.com.
well-organised and great fun. This year, as in 2011, there will be

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 343

EXPOSURE OF MAGICAL SECRETS
ADVANCING THE DEBATE BY SCORING OPINIONS
Richard Rawlins MMC

ince time immemorial, magicians His introduction to Modern Magic (1876) When challenged, he suggested such

S have relied upon their effects being

mysterious, esoteric, and secret. In
ancient times there was little difference
set out his own motives for exposing the
magic arts – to improve literature!
“At the present day the secrets of the
publication was “beneficial to the art of
magic.”
Devant’s status as President was not
between religion and magic, between art are not so well kept; there is hardly a sufficient to prevent his being expelled by
priests and the magi. Today we have to trick performed upon the stage which the the Circle. Devant resigned in 1910, only
consider how the revelation of magical amateur may not, at a sufficient to be readmitted in 1912, but then in
techniques and methods affects the art and expenditure of shillings or guineas, 1935 he published an article in The
practice of magic as an entertainment. procure at the conjuring depôts. There Windsor Magazine, which again was not
The ethical obligations of Membership being, therefore, no longer the same strict dedicated to magicians but available to
of The Magic Circle, to which all Members secrecy, the literature of magic has the public. “Revealed for the first time –
must assent, is captured in the promise: improved a little, though it still leaves the secrets of some of the author’s most
“…not in any way knowingly, or much to be desired.” mysterious magics.” Devant told how he
intentionally, to disclose any secret of Not everyone welcomed the effects of had been interested in magic from
magic to anyone unless they be a his exposure. The Professor had violated childhood and that “at some time or other
magician, and to confine the discussion of the code that magicians’ secrets were not we have all decided that life is one long
effects and secrets originated within the to be exposed and he was the subject of disillusionment … it was during my most
society to Members of The Magic Circle or much criticism. One performer wrote: impressionable years that I also received
affiliated societies.” “Hoffmann deserves to be hanged”. my greatest disillusionment. The tricks
So, exposure to fellow magicians is exposed were my own, so I did not think
acceptable, but not to the lay public. S.W. Erdnase wrote The Expert at the that I had broken any rules. I owe it to
There has always been exposure – Card Table (1902), the author setting out posterity to give the world my secrets
necessary in order to advance the art. The his motives in its preface: before I die. The Magic Circle seems to
contemporary issue is the extent to which “In offering this book to the public the think that the mechanics of a trick are the
any particular exposure is beneficial or writer uses no sophistry as an excuse for secret of its success. In my view, it is only
harmful to the magic arts. its existence. The hypocritical cant of the artistry of the performer that can
reformed gamblers is not make it magic.”
Reginald Scot wrote one of the earliest foisted as a justification The Circle’s Council sympathised,
books to expose the methods of for imparting the particularly as Devant was clearly unwell. It
magicians in 1584. The knowledge it contains. is now accepted he suffered from
Discoverie of Witchcraft had two It may caution the dementia. Perhaps this was the cause of
laudable aims. Firstly to help the unwary who are the depression he had expressed in The
public protect themselves against innocent of guile Windsor Magazine. But the Secretary drew
charlatans, quacks and and it may inspire attention to Devant’s infringement of The
mountebanks, by explaining that the the crafty by Society’s Rule on exposure, and Devant’s
amazing magic was in fact sleight of enlightenment on resignation was requested for a second
hand and jugglery. Secondly, to save artifice. If it sells time. Council felt that “if the rules are to
the poor women identified as witches it will mean anything at all, no other decision
and therefore under death sentence, by accomplish the could have been reached.”
showing that any magic which might primary motive
have been ascribed to them was mere of the author, as he John Scarne became games and
trickery, and not evidence of any needs the money.” gambling consultant to the US Army’s
connection with the supernatural. Scot At least Andrews was honest about his newspaper Yank in 1940, and setting his
even raised the possibility that the illusion motives, but was he ethical? magic career aside, toured military bases
of witchcraft was due to the mental state teaching servicemen how to avoid being
of the observers. David (Wighton) Devant (1868 – 1941) cheated by crooked gamblers. Military
was undoubtedly the foremost magician commanders credited Scarne with saving
Angelo John Lewis (1839-1919) was of his day and was the obvious choice to servicemen millions of dollars in potential
born in London, qualified as a lawyer, and be first President of The Magic Circle in losses. His book Scarne on Cards “was
practised at the Bar. Lewis was naturally 1905. Its Rules demanded the preservation written for the average citizen who likes
concerned that his clients might have of magic secrets. Council were therefore to play cards for stakes. He is the lamb
some chagrin at their lawyer being dismayed when Devant authored a that the other classes of gamblers are
capable of deception, and as a magician number of articles describing “Tricks for trying to fleece.” Scarne exposed methods
styled himself Professor Louis Hoffmann. Everyone” in The Royal Magazine in 1909. used by magicians, but with the express

344 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 purpose of assisting readers avoid l To advance the Magic Arts.
gambling cheats. A sorcerer’s sophistry? (Hoffmann, Devant)
You must be the judge. l To amuse youngsters.
(Hoffmann)
Leonard Montano performed as Val l To improve the standard of
Valentino for many school students in the magic literature. (Hoffmann)
United States in the 1990s. He exposed l To protect the gullible and
secrets, he explained, “in order to vulnerable members of the
encourage others to become magicians.” public against charlatans and
In his disguise as The Masked Magician he quacks. (Scot)
revealed secrets in television specials. He l To save women being
claimed his motive was “my lifelong identified as witches. (Scot)
dream of promoting my love of magic, l To protect the card-playing
sharing my passion with the viewing public against cheats.
audience and inspiring a new generation (Scarne)
of magic fans.” All of which could have l To encourage others to
been achieved by good magical become magicians, and
performances – without exposure. “inspire a new generation of
Magic fans.” (Valentino)
Currently, Penn and Teller appear to l To provide a salutary lesson to
expose magic methods, but give only students of magic, that they

Magic Circle Archive

bizarre explanations which offer no might avoid disillusionment.
challenge to the practice of regular (Devant)
magicians. The audience learn there is a l As an intellectual debt to
trick involved, but the details are subtly posterity. (Devant)
David Devant
disguised. The ‘exposure’ is a trick, an Many motives for exposure
illusion, and part of the magical are specious. Concerns about exposure, revealed as such, but whether there is any
entertainment itself. unethical motivation and harmful effects genuine benefit which accrues to the
The issue of exposure is not black and need to be considered because: magical community and to the art of
white. The various motives which have l Exposure to the public removes the magic itself. Claims along these lines may
been offered for the exposure of magical element of surprise and excitement and be spurious. Given the propensity for
effects lie on a spectrum. Some exposure degrades the value of the entertainment exposure to benefit the author personally,
has been deemed to be beyond the pale. offered. “The art is harmed if methods the motives of exposers must be
Some is tolerated as being the only means are exposed.” (Hoffmann, ironically) questioned. To what extent is there any
whereby the art may be advanced. l Threat to the livelihood of professional genuine benefit to magic? Does the
The spectrum of motives includes: magicians, and abuse of intellectual exposure merely benefit the exposer?
property rights of the trick’s All examples of exposure should be
creator. “A conjurer gets no qualitatively analysed, not simply as ‘good’
credit once his trick is explained.” or ‘bad’, but a determination made as to
(Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, a noted where, on a scale between high and low
amateur magician) beneficence, a fair assessment lies.
l Simple justice to the magician – “Blatant, gratuitous exposure” – brazenly
and recognition of his skills. obvious and flagrant, without reasonable
(Hilliard) justification – should be distinguished
l The promiscuous distribution from “teaching magic and advancing the
of the secrets through the art.” Ethical exposures are qualitatively
public press worsens the offence. different from gratuitous exposure –
(Hilliard) And the Internet can those that are “given, done, bestowed,
only make this worse still. or obtained without charge or payment –
l The more gratuitous exposure is being without apparent reason, cause,
often suspected as being used to or justification” (OED).
advance personal gain: To garner The public will always be able to access
larger audiences (Valentino); to magical texts, not least by the internet.
earn the author money (Erdnase); The question, and test, is: Was the
to promote book sales (Devant); exposure for magicians or expressly for the
to promote TV shows (Penn & public? To whom are secrets exposed and
Teller). for what purpose? The offence of
Magic Circle Archive

exposure is not absolute but rather a

Assessing and analysing the matter of opinion, and the opinions of
effects of exposure of magic individual magicians and groups, such as
The effect of exposure on magic, Members of The Magic Circle or its
Professor Hoffmann
s

depends not on the secrets being Council, can be assessed objectively.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 345

s
I recommend the method
developed by New York
organisational psychologist Dr Rensis
Likert. The Likert Scale captures the
intensity of feelings of respondents,
whether individuals or larger
populations, and signifies the extent
of agreement or disagreement with
stated propositions. This is the basis
of the many customer satisfaction
surveys and questionnaires which are Thinking the Impossible favourite effect in the book is Telepathy to
now commonly used. Statements are by Ramón Riobóo Order. In this routine a deck is shuffled
made with both positive and 291 pgs., 9 x 6 ins., hard bound with and then thrown to somebody in the
negative connotations of benefit and illustrations. $40 (£25) plus p&p from audience. They then give the cards as
harm. For example: “This exposure your favourite dealer. Dealers contact many cuts as they like before passing five
provides magic with great benefit.” Murphy’s Magic Supplies, cards to different members of the
(Positive); “This TV programme’s www.MurphysMagic.com. audience. Everyone who is holding a card
exposure provides Magic with no is asked to concentrate on it and gradually
benefit whatsoever.” or “This Reviewed by Will Houstoun the magician starts to pick up information
exposure was purely for the benefit Ramón Riobóo was the winner of the about the cards. First he identifies the
of the author.” (Negative). Ascanio Award in 1993, he won First colour of some of the cards, then the
Respondents indicate the extent of Prize in Card Magic at the Spanish suits. Eventually he correctly names every
feeling about the stated propositions: national convention and some of his single one of the cards! The deck is
1, Strongly disagree with the material has previously been published completely normal, the magician never
statement; 2, Disagree; 3, Neither by Steve Beam in his Semi-Automatic has to see the cards, the audience
agree nor disagree; 4, Agree; 5, Card Magic series. Thinking the members hold the deck, and the routine
Strongly agree. These scores can then Impossible is, however, the first book can be performed without any
be summated to give an overall score. devoted to his material in the English understanding of de Bruijn sequences!
Such analysis does not provide an language. As has come to be expected of books
answer to these ethical issues, but The material in Thinking the published by Stephen Minch’s Hermetic
can give an idea of the feelings of Impossible is, for the most part a rather Press the production values of Thinking
individual magicians and magical particular type of card trick. A large the Impossible are fantastic. There is only
communities, and can assist the quantity of the effects are impossible one real thing that I find upsetting about
deliberations of authorities. The locations, in which a selected card is Thinking the Impossible. I wish that I could
exercise can be repeated to assess found under particular conditions, and have seen someone do the material before
changes in opinion over time, and the majority would fit best into a fairly reading the book as I know I would have
between different groups based on informal conversational style of close-up been fooled badly by the majority of it.
age, magical status, society or performance. A selection of the tricks
country. An assessment can be made also have requirements like table space PET
to distinguish the curious reader from and the occasional fairly precise by Richard Pinner
the serious; of where on the scale procedure. Every effect in the book is, 2 special wallets and 20 gimmicked
offence is caused; where rules are however, incredibly well thought envelopes. £25 from
broken; where sanctions should be through. Outside magic Riobóo worked www.littleshopofmagic.co.uk
introduced. as a director for television. Within magic
I suggest that there is a spectrum one of his closest friends is Juan Reviewed by Darren Tossell
between beneficial and harmful Tamariz. Both influences are clear in his Richard Pinner’s PET is, apparently, a
effects of exposure on magic. work and each trick has been ‘plastic envelope thing’. (Mine’s a Border
Modern methods of assessing masterfully crafted, for the most part Terrier in case you’re wondering.) The
opinions can provide greater without recourse effect is a variation on the well-known
objective clarity to the vexed question to difficult card to wallet. The spectator signs a card,
of exposure, and give a quantitative sleight of hand, it’s returned to the deck, and you do your
assessment of qualitative opinions. in such a way favourite card routine (ambitious card,
That clarity will assist the magic that every omni deck, etc). At the end of the routine
community in restricting unjustified possible the card vanishes from the deck, you
revelations and provide a firm explanation produce a plastic wallet from your pocket,
underpinning for the ethical for the unbutton it, and pull out a sealed paper
standards and obligations of effect is envelope. The spectator rips open the
magicians. The gratuitous, selfish, stripped envelope and inside they find their signed
and malign activities of those who do away. card. A miracle.
not have the art of magic at heart My The genius of the prop is its simplicity.
will be exposed. It’s easy to load, simple to reset and you’ll

346 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 by Alexander Kolle
be up and running Instructional DVD with props. $35 (£22) The effect itself is very good, if the
within minutes. The from your favourite dealer. Dealers contact gimmick is well-made your trousers do
precise and clear Murphy’s Magic supplies, appear to be genuinely ripped — you
instructions are www.MurphysMagic.com. can even see the performer’s skin
excellent and it’s through the hole! The handling is as
ideal for every Reviewed by Lewis Starnes clean as I’ve described above and there
level of magical Stitched is certainly one of the more is nothing to hide in your hand
skill, from the original plots I’ve seen appearing this year. before or after the
beginner to the In performance the magician points to the effect. I was also
experienced frayed rip in his/her jeans before covering surprised by the
‘worker’. If it with their empty hand. The magician practicality of this
you want to proceeds to rub the rip and, when they lift trick. Once you’ve
see more their empty hand, the jeans are completely set up the gimmick
about PET Richard has restored — everything can be examined. you could walk around
even put the instructions for the trick You receive a comprehensive DVD with all day with the
up online at www.littleshopofmagic.co.uk Stitched to get you up and running with gimmick in place, it
PET is a great, affordable alternative to this effect. Included is performance would be largely
expensive gimmicked leather wallets and footage, how to construct the gimmick unnoticed and ready to
its use is limited only by your imagination. and how to perform Stitched, as well as go whenever you desire.
Signed coins, business cards and more are additional handlings and even some Alternatively, it can be kept in your
ideal to load in the ingenious little device history on the effect. In the box you get pocket out of the way and, when ready
— or as Richard likes to call it, PET. Highly pretty much everything you need to to perform, would take about 30
recommended. construct up to two gimmicks although it seconds to set up somewhere private.
will take you about twenty minutes to Personally, I think the barrier for
Stitched

s
make each one. performing this effect is the context.

David Hatch MMC

I am sorry to have to report the death of but has been seen on Monday evenings, who are sick or facing hard times please
Leonard Jarrad AIMC. Len was a very where he remains his usual smiling self. contact:
keen amateur magician who was a Alan Shaxon MIMC continues to recover David Hatch MMC (Welfare Officer)
Member for over fifty years and even from surgery, and Bobby Bernard MIMC 6 Darnley Road, Woodford Green,
drove a car with the registration mark has been in and out of hospital again in Essex, IG8 9HU
MMC. He was described by everybody recent months. Lionel Russell MIMC’s wife T 020 8504 4134
who met him as a true English has had a serious head injury after a fall, E WelfareOfficer@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
gentleman. Our condolences go to his and we wish her a speedy recovery. Chaplaincy:
wife Pamela and their three children. Revd Peter Liddelow AIMC
Just a thought: “Being friendless taught 23 Kings Road, Barnet, Herts, EN5 4EF
I have also heard the sad news of the me how to be a friend. Funny how that T 020 8441 2968
deaths of three former Members – Les works”. Colette, The Pure and the Impure, E Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
Hinsley, who was a Member for 47 1932 Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler MMC
years, Tony Faro, and William Andrews. 10 St Petersburgh Place, Bayswater,
John Ward MMC, having made a good Contact address: London W2 4LB
recovery from his knee surgery, is now (see website for Members’ details): T 020 7229 6215
receiving therapy for a back problem, If you hear of Members or their families E GeoffreyShisler@TheMagicCircle.co.uk

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 347

 THE MAGIC CIRCLE Examinations Secretary David
Weeks and his deputy Matthew

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2012 Garrett. Also to all the examiners.

Rob Page for his help as Deputy
Secretary.
The Chair Brian Sibley and three former members The Magic Circle. Regional Representatives,
welcomed members and who had died during the past Brian Sibley thanked the especially at Renewals time.
introduced the President year and members stood in President and Vice President for Matt Field and Will Houstoun
Jack Delvin, the Secretary silence as a mark of respect. their continued commitment for their editorship of The
Steve Price and the Treasurer and service, Alexander Magic Circular (now available
Alexander Crawford. 3. Minutes Crawford for his exceptional online from the First of each
To confirm and sign the work, Steve Price for his calendar month).
1. Apologies minutes of the Annual General dedication and efficiency and Publicity committee who seized
Bernard Juby, John Palfreyman, Meeting held on Monday Alan Maskell as Deputy Chair. numerous opportunities,
Peter de Horsey, David 3 October 2011. Brian also thanked Council for including Guzzle Puzzle sweets,
Goodwin, Diane O’Brien, Mike Agreed. Proposer: Keith Pain, their committed work, and Playstation wands, Fergus
O’Brien, Maurice Rowlandson, Seconder: Lionel Russell Council members who are Anckorn’s DVD.
Ronald Frost, David Hibberd, standing down – Noel Britten, The IT and webteam for all
David Owen, Roy Mackenzie, 4. Matters Arising James Fortune and Roberto their technical input and
Katherine Rhodes, John Hill, Both The Magic Circle and Forzoni (also John van der Put expertise.
Dennis Patten, James Fortune, CMA are in consultation with earlier in the year). Their Treasurer Alexander Crawford
Noel Britten, Alan Maskell, Tim HS2 regarding the planned contributions were of great value. and his deputy Kevin Doig for
Reed, Steve Biddle, Rajan, Scott expansion of Euston Railway the huge amount of time,
Penrose, Peter Pinner Station. 5. Annual Report effort and energy that the role
In attendance: 52 The AGM minutes will be Steve Price summarised his requires.
published in the November Annual Report (see September Chaplains Rev Peter Liddelow
2. Deaths issue of The Magic Circular. issue of The Magic Circular). and Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler. Also
Honorary Chaplain, Rev Peter Articles will appear in future Thanks go to: Welfare Officer David Hatch.
Liddelow, presented a visual issues of The Magic Circular to Returning Officer Clive Hyams The technical crew for their
tribute by Bob Hamilton to the provide more detail about and his deputy Gordon unstinting attendance.
memory of the 11 members CMA, and its relationship to Drayson. The museum team, the

www.MurphysMagic.com. definitive teaching on this fascinating

s

optical illusion and ramps it up into the

Reviewed by Noel Qualter strong magic category. You only get one
Paul Harris has an almost perfect lens with the DVD but you can buy refills if
Certainly if you don’t tend to wear ripped reputation in magic. His innovative, you happen to scuff it up with use. You do
jeans it’s probably not for you unless creative magic created a whole new style get a pouch with the lens to keep it safe.
you’re happy to change your wardrobe. I in the 1970s and 1980s, and his influence The best routine on the DVD is the
do wear jeans although they’re not really is just as strong today. In recent years previously released Reality Twister. It's a
the frayed/ripped variety and therefore though Paul has focused on the Paul very visual piece of magic where the
one single, distinct rip felt a little suspect Harris Presents range which has been a bit middle section of a pen disappears, when
for me. Also, even if you do wear those of a mixed bag. viewed through the lens, and finally ends
type of jeans, are you wearing them to This latest release shines a light on a up permanently twisted. I really do advise
gigs? I suspect not. For that reason, I don’t prop devised by a true genius of magic you to check out an online demo as it’s
think the majority of performers will use and puzzles, Lubor Fiedler. Our community super visual. You can knock-up extras for
this. If, however, you’re looking for that is very lucky to have such an insanely the give away in 30 seconds or less and I
impromptu miracle for down the pub or smart and talented man focusing his really do advise you to giveaway the pen.
you’re looking for new material for your attention on magic rather than something The big question that you need to resolve
next street magic TV series, this is that would come easy to him, like if you are to use Lubor’s Lens is: what on
perfect. taking over the world. earth are you pretending the lens is? You
Paul Harris can't introduce it as an optical illusion lens
Lubor’s Lens popularised the lens as you'll destroy the magic for the mid-point
by Lubor Fielder invented by Lubor of the routine. Your host on the DVD is
and Paul Harris and, over the Bro Gilbert and he has a suggestion
16 Min. instructional DVD years, Paul has although that wouldn't suit for me.
with props. $15 (£10) from sold it or included My only thought is that you could find a
your favourite dealer. Dealers it as part of several piece of plastic the same size and glue a
contact Murphy’s Magic different products. crocodile clip to the back of the regular
supplies, This, however, is the plastic. Then print your name on a suitably

348 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

heartland of our conservation for organising a varied Katherine Rhodes and Jack members go on to join TMC.
and history. programme of events Delvin for producing the Gala Clive Hyams explained that a
The Library staff, for their throughout the year. Awards dinner. discount on TMC joining fee
dedicated service. Fay Presto for providing cakes Richard Pinner and Katherine exists (the discount increases as
Archivist David Hibberd, for the in the clubroom (donations to Rhodes for producing the the duration of YMC
hours he puts in to ensuring TMC). Fay would welcome Christmas Shows (the most membership increases). There is
that our records are preserved culinary contributions from any financially successful to date). also a £50 membership for
for future generations. members. Those involved with the Seasons students. Mandy Davis pointed
Geoffrey Newton for overseeing Noel Britten, Richard McDougal of Winter Wizardry, spearheaded out that not all YMC graduates
our Memorial Initiative. and Will Houstoun for by Jack Delvin. go on to become students.
Those involved with making the arranging Magicians’ Choice Chris Wood for driving the Close Kevin Doig said workshop
Heritage auction a success. over the summer months. -up @ The Magic Circle events. attendees are encouraged to
Those who ran the thirty-sixth Andrew Eborn and OctopusTV Henry Lewis for providing The join. Fay Presto suggested a
Collectors’ Day, another for live streaming events Magic Circle Experience on year’s membership at cost.
successful event. including the Paul Daniels Monday lunchtimes. The annual report was adopted
All those involved with the lecture, Council Entertains and Aidan Heritage, Sarah on a show of hands. Proposer:
running of the Young Close-up Competition. Campbell and Matthew Garrett David Weeks, Seconder: Fay
Magicians Club. Membership The front of house team. Mick for helping to develop Friends Presto
has increased by 73% this year Gurr is stepping down from his of The Magic Circle.
to 574 members. hosting duties on Monday 6. Balance Sheet and
Noel Britten for organising The nights, so President Jack Delvin Membership numbers stand Accounts
Young Magician of The Year took the opportunity to present around 1400, 50 members To receive, consider and adopt
Revisited, to celebrate 50 years Mick with his AIMC have not renewed from the Balance Sheet and
of the competition. membership card. 2011-2012. 45 new members Accounts of the Society for the
Diane O’Brien, Mike O’Brien Richard Pinner and Katherine joined in 2011-2012, and 15 year ended 31st March 2012.
and David Ball for all their input Rhodes for running the were reinstated, having allowed Alexander Crawford
into Meet The Magic Circle Close-up competition. their membership to lapse for presented the accounts
events over the years, and thanks Mandy Davis for running the Ali more than a year. showing an accounting surplus
to Richard Pinner and Rob Page Bongo Saturday Shows. of £7,437, and a cash surplus
for stepping into their roles. Katherine Rhodes for Nick Prince (formerly from of £33,781. This was partly due

s
The Monday Night Committee co-ordinating the Dealers’ Day. YMC) said that few YMC to a strong performance from

sized piece of paper and slide it between Drawn In, continues that that you had predicted their
both regular plastic and lens. Now you can trend with what has to be every choice from the
introduce the ‘name badge’ saying you've the most novel beginning. The instructions
been attending/performing at a presentation for the for the trick are concealed at
conference and picked up a freebie pen. Invisible Deck that you will the back of the book itself
Now all heat is on the crazy pen that ever see. and Oliver also gives ideas
you've noticed has ‘weird powers’. In The idea is inspired by for performing the routine in
performance you just dismantle the ‘name the Choose Your Own a variety of settings: from a
badge’ to use the lens in the routine. Adventure series of books one-on-one performance to
Paul Harris only appears at the end of that were popular in the a full stage show. In order to
the DVD to offer some further thoughts 1980s and 1990s. For perform the routine you will
and reiterations of important points Bro anyone not familiar with need to supply your own
already covered. Lubor’s Lens might look them the idea was that Invisible Deck but the book
like a toy but you can create strong magic after reading a few pages does the rest of the work
with this, it just needs a little thought. of the story you were and even makes the already
given a series of options for what the lead straightforward Invisible Deck easier to
Drawn In character should do next. Depending on use.
by Oliver Meech your choice you would turn to a different In conclusion, Drawn In is a clever,
131 pgs., 8 x 6 ins., soft bound page in the book where the story would innovative presentation for the Invisible
instructional book and prop. $64 (£40) continue based on the choices you had Deck. It will certainly not be an idea that
plus p&p from your favourite dealer. made. will appeal to everyone but, if the Choose
Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies, In performance you introduce the book your Own Adventure concept appeals, or
www.MurphysMagic.com. as a part of the Choose Your Own even if you just want to support someone
Adventure series, explaining the way in who is creating something a little bit more
Reviewed by Will Houstoun which the books work if your spectator is exciting than the standard magic product,
Oliver Meech is building a reputation for unfamiliar with them. They then read the it is well worth a look.
developing some fantastically innovative story aloud, making various choices along
and creative magic. His latest offering, the way until, at the very end, you reveal

NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 349

s
YMC. Also licensing initiatives. Benevolent fund (in respect of that 193 members, such a decision should not be
The Treasurer apologised for members’ subscriptions, grants representing 15% of the made before the budget
an error, introduced by the and flowers etc) was £3,838. membership, exercised their process at the beginning of the
auditors in last year’s accounts Income from dividends and right to vote. calendar year and so it would
and not picked up by him. Note donations was £3,490. The proposal “to remove the be difficult to bring it forward
1(f) to the accounts, whilst Investments had increased by requirement for new by much.
correct in substance, incorrectly £3,541. Funds at the end of the applicants’ proposers and Maurice asked if departing
refers to the Society as a charity. year had increased to £83,210. seconders to have known the Officers leave an exit report for
Alexander thanked his Adopted on a show of applicant for at least one year” incoming Council members.
deputy, Kevin Doig, and Scott hands. Proposer: Clive Hyams, was rejected (139 votes for, 53 Alexander Crawford reported
Penrose, also on the Finance Seconder: Roy Marsh votes against – not the required that he would be fully available
Committee, the current and 75% majority) to assist the new Treasurer to
former CMA treasurers, Kevin 7. Appointment of Officers The proposal “to reduce the take up his role smoothly to
Laxton and Chris Weller, the The Returning Officer, Clive number of signatures required whatever extent he wished and
YMC treasurer, Stephen Hyams, explained that this had for members to propose special needed and Steve Price
Kennard, his fellow Officers been an unusual year in that business for the Annual reported that a good handover
(including in particular Steve the number of candidates General Meeting” was passed would generally be
Price for his assistance in the standing was equal to the (176 votes for, 15 votes implemented for all Officer
renewals process) and Council number of vacancies, thereby against) positions.
members and the members of rendering an election The proposal “to allow a Maurice asked about the
the Society for their assistance unnecessary. fairer treatment of proposal that he understood
and support in his period as subscriptions from members in had been considered to reduce
Treasurer. President: Jack Delvin their first year” was passed the size of the Society further.
Gordon Drayson asked about nominated (187 votes for, 6 votes against) Steve Price reported that
TMC’s financial state overall. Vice-President: Scott Penrose The Returning Officer said he Council had considered such a
Alexander was pleased to note nominated hopes to have Online Voting proposal carefully, but the
the Society’s return to Secretary: Steve Price available as an option next year. proposal had not achieved the
generating an accounting nominated majority support on Council
surplus and that the Society Treasurer: Stephen Kennard: Brian Sibley welcomed the new required to bring the rule
was in good financial order. He proposed by Andrew Eborn, council members – Stephen change to the AGM. Fay Presto
noted that the increase in seconded by Rowland Valentine Kennard, Keith Pain and suggested reducing the size of
subscriptions this year was the Sebastian Hunt. Council Quorum.
responsible course given prior 8. Constitution of the Derek Hilton asked about
years of deficits, but that the Council 10. Auditor members without an internet
increase had generally been less Nominations for Council in Alexander Crawford proposed connection voting online. Clive
than inflation over the period alphabetical order: Moore Stephens as our Auditor Hyams replied that the default
since the previous increase and for the ensuing year, Seconded would be to receive a postal
did not seem to have adversely Alexander Crawford, Mandy by Clive Hyams. All in favour ballot unless members opted to
affected our renewals. Davis, Kevin Doig, Andrew except 1 abstention and 2 vote online on TMC website.
He was also pleased to note Eborn, James Freedman, against. Paul Roffman asked if we could
that CMA Ltd, whose success is Matthew Garrett, Will help members without internet
of great importance to the Houstoun, Sebastian Hunt 11. Returning Officer access.
Society, was in a much better (Proposed by Steve Dean, To appoint a Returning Officer Mandy Davis asked for
financial state than last year Seconded by Martin Daubney), for the ensuing year. clarification whether
thanks to the hard work of the Alan Maskell, Keith Pain Clive Hyams was returned as non-members could attend the
CMA team and many members (Proposed by Paul Clancy, Returning Officer. Proposed: building on an AGM evening
of the Society and would, he Seconded by Brian G Fisher), Kevin Pain – Seconded: David (although not the AGM itself).
understood, be reporting a Richard Pinner, Fay Presto, Hatch James Freedman said in the
surplus for the year to 31 Katherine Rhodes, Brian Sibley. past there would be no space
March 2012. 12. Any Other Business for guests as members packed
Adopted on a show of As the number of candidates is Kevin Doig expressed the the building.
hands. Proposer: Kevin Doig, equal to the number of membership’s thanks to Brian Fay Presto asked that next
Seconder: Mandy Davis positions for each of the Officer Sibley as Chair of council. year the AGM not clash with
To receive and adopt a Report posts and for Council, the Maurice Blackman asked if IBM.
and Statement of Accounts of candidates were declared we could have 6 months
the Benevolent Fund for the elected by the Chairman on a notification of any increase in Meeting closed at 8.52pm
year ended 31 March 2012. show of hands in accordance subs. Alexander Crawford
The Chairman introduced with Rule 5.4.7. replied that he could not say Steve Price – Secretary
and thanked the Welfare when or whether the incoming
Officer. 9. Proposed amendments to Treasurer would look to
The Treasurer reported that the Rules of The Magic Circle recommend a further increase
total resources expended by the The returning Officer reported in subscriptions, but in his view

350 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 9d. Public events

Council minutes RP reported that sales had been

slow, but this had been the case
with many large venues over the
Olympic months. The decision
not to run Summer events had
been a sensible one.
MTMC Sales are holding up.
With 50 Club Nights, 23 Meet
The Magic Circles, 12 Close-Up
Nights, at least 40 corporate
events, 10 YMC related days, 8
Christmas Shows, The Magic
Circle Experience, Ali Bongo
Shows, Winter Wizardry &
MINUTES OF THE MAGIC 4. MATTERS ARISING 7. The Hoffmann memorial Summer Season of Sorcery this
CIRCLE COUNCIL MEETING St P reported that a trademark lecture year the building is not “Just
HELD AT THE HEADQUARTERS request had been made to The entries for this year’s used 3 hours a week for Monday
6 September 2012 6.35 pm Twitter on 11 August. There competition had been received Nights”. The September close-
had been no feedback. and are in the process of being up event was at 50% capacity,
PRESENT Council would like the Stage judged. The idea of making the but the October event was
Jack DELVIN Magician of the Year to take competition biennial (every 2 already at 47% capacity and
Alan MASKELL place early in the New Year. RP years) is being considered. likely to sell out. The Christmas
(Deputy Chairman asked for an update regarding Show is expected to sell out.
Steve PRICE (Hon Secretary) scheduling, but there was no 8. FISM The Magic Circle Experience –
Noel BRITTEN information. WH had circulated a report prior take up has slowed down. No
Alexander CRAWFORD The agreed “deadline” for to the meeting regarding the need for a publicity drive, just
(Hon Treasurer) renewals had now passed. Any standard of entries in the FISM provide when it is desired.
Noel BRITTEN further renewals would be competition. AC suggested that
Mandy DAVIS deemed to be dis-continuous. the Maskelyne Endowment 9e. Young Magicians Club
Will HOUSTOUN The issue of the Re-joining fee Fund could be used to help KD reported 574 members.
Richard PINNER was raised. FP suggested an competitors. WH suggested Two members are auditioning
Fay PRESTO amnesty for former members. seeking help from former for Diamond Kids – a chance to
Kevin DOIG MD suggested June to coincide successful FISM entrants. appear in the Royal Variety
Katherine RHODES with 15 years of the building Performance. Three members
being opened. RP asked why 9a. Magicians Choice had agreed to take part in Jack
1. Apologies we have the re-joining fee. AC Council expressed their Delvin’s day.
Brian SIBLEY, Roberto FORZONI, said it was essential to the appreciation to NB and WH for
Scott PENROSE, Matthew renewals procedure. arranging a very interesting and 9f. Jack Delvin’s Day
GARRETT, James FREEDMAN, varied programme of events JD reported that a number of
Andrew EBORN, James 5. SECRETARY’S REPORT over the summer months. tickets had been sold, but help
FORTUNE i New Members (See attached with promoting would be
schedule) 9b. Video report greatly appreciated.
David WEEKS (Minute ii Reinstatements. Luis de NB had agreed with Bob
Secretary) Matos MIMC* Hamilton a fixed rate for 9g. Regional Reps
iii Resignations. Norman filming TMC events. Council AM said that Carlos Vinuesa
2. DEATHS Phillips, Mario Carrandi, Albert gave NB the authority to had agreed to become a
Non-member Cynthia Neptune. Lasher, Ian Thompson determine which nights are Regional Rep when he returns
AM and MD both paid tribute iv Promotions (See attached filmed. Council agreed to give to Spain shortly.
and expressed the amount of schedule) permission to a Magicians’
work that Cynthia had done, v. Correspondence: Choice contributor to use 10. Advertising members’
particularly for Young Letters from Chris Wood, commercial activites on TMC
footage of his talk on his blog.
Magicians, and producing the Darren Tossell and Steve Price Provided that he covered thewebsite
Stars of Tomorrow shows. were read, thanking the A discussion took place as to
costs of filming, reference to
President for their respective TMC could be made. whether members should be
3. MINUTES promotions. able to promote their own
On a proposal by JD, seconded 9c. Club night committee shows/events on TMC website.
by AC, the minutes of the 6. Circular deadlines The Club night committee are It was agreed that they could
meeting held on 1st August WH reminded Council that the very happy to advertise non use the mailing list and forum,
2012 were approved. Those deadline for each edition of The “Member Only” Monday Night but the main TMC website
who did not attend the last Magic Circular is six weeks Events on Magicweek alongside should be exclusively for TMC
s

meeting abstained. before the publication date. other public events at TMC. events.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk NOVEMBER 2012 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 351

 Forthcoming club events
through card effects ranging from easy to intermediate skill
levels. As suitable for those who specialise in card magic and
The Headquarters are open on Club Nights from 3:00pm until those who do not, the lecture features classic effects rejigged for
10:30pm. Unless otherwise stated, events start promptly at walk-around situations, two very different vanishing deck
7:30pm and are scheduled to finish between 8:45pm and 9pm. routines, and a previously unpublished Roy Walton effect that
Club Nights are principally for Members, so entry is by Membership you’ll be using right after the lecture.
Card. A bona fide magician guest may attend any evening that is
not marked ‘Members Only’ on condition that he or she is able to Monday 26
show membership of a magical society. A non-magician guest DAVID ROTH LECTURE
may only attend evenings that are marked as ‘Show’. Guests may David Roth is considered to be one of the finest sleight-of-hand
only attend two evenings a year. No guest may attend unless the performers in history, and is world-renowned as the finest coin
CMA is told in advance, so if you wish to bring a guest please manipulator alive today. He has twice won the coveted Magician
phone (020) 7387 2222. There is a limit of ten guests per night. of the Year award at The Magic Castle, and their Creative
All guests must pay a £15 entry fee at the door and respect our Fellowship for Lifetime Achievement in Magic. His book, Expert
Conventions. Indeed, it is your duty as their sponsor to ensure Coin Magic, has become a standard text on the subject and is
that they do. The Magic Circle reserve the right to refuse entry. known to magicians all over the world. Honing his remarkable
See our website for all the latest event details and to subscribe to skills the way a concert pianist would, he is continually
a weekly email reminder of upcoming events. developing new routines and adapting classical ones. A chance to
spend the evening with one of magic’s ‘greats’.
November
Monday 5 Looking ahead to
ExPECT FIREWORKS, WE’RE HAVING A HEATED DEBATE – DECEMBER 2012
Noel Britten MIMC
Three contentious magical issues discussed with one noted Monday 3
magician for and one against. The audience can then vote for WE ASKED 100 MEMBERS OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE –
who they think has got it right following their cross-examination Peter Pinner MIMC
of the protagonists.
Monday 10
Monday 12 THE MAN IN THE PUNCHLINE – John Styles MIMC
WOODYLAND – Woody Aragon
Direct from Spain the Winner of The International Close Up
Competition 2011 will explain several routines, innovative moves, Change of address? Please login to your account at
and principles which are easy to understand and do. Join Woody www.themagiccircle.co.uk. Under “Quick links”, click on
as he also discusses his theory of structure in his inimitable style “Profile”. At the top, under “Edit” you should be able to
with wit, charm, and hardly a hint of an accent (he learnt all his select “update your profile”. You can contact
English from Lennart Green DVDs!) webmaster@themagiccircle.co.uk if you encounter any
problems.
Monday 19 Member in need? Contact Welfare Officer David Hatch,
A FORCE MUCH GREATER THAN LUCK – Peter MacLanachan WelfareOfficer@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
A lecture on card magic which takes magicians step-by-step

with the General Manager. NB New members elected on

s

Council minutes pointed out that the General

Manager’s time was split
between overseeing events and
6 September 2012.
Damian Surr – MMC
Simon Coronel – AIMC*
marketing the building, and
11. Any Other Business taken down in May. Council that the former needs to be Promotions
Council strategy day – Thursday therefore agreed that his profitable enough to offset the Mick Gurr AIMC
20 September, a chance for application be processed as time then lost on the latter. NB Barbara Astra MIMC
Council to plan for the future. usual. expressed concern that the Mandy Farrell MIMC*
10.30am at TMC HQ. Although Council were number of bookings for Peter Nardi MIMC*
A précis of reports given to provided with income figures December had not increased
Council should be submitted for the hire of the building, from three in the last two
simultaneously for inclusion in these did not show the real months.
the minutes. profit. FP said that a Theatre
An application had been made group had been quoted a Meeting ended 9.35pm
by a magician who had prohibitive amount for use of Date and time of next
previously had an exposure video our facilities. AM said that meeting: Tuesday 2 October
on YouTube. The video had been negotiation might be possible 2012 at 6.30pm TMC HQ

352 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR NOVEMBER 2012 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk