Magazine of The Magic Circle OCTOBER 2014

YOUNG AND STRANGE

Contemporary Illusionists
 THE MAGAZINE OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE
Issue 1179 Volume 108 OCTOBER 2014
EDITORIAL 07507 275 285
EDITOR Will Houstoun
Editor@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
40 Derby Road, London, SW14 7DP
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tim Reed
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Anthony Brahams, Dr Edwin Dawes,
Scott Penrose, Ian Rowland, David Tomkins
CONVENOR OF REPORTS
Mandy Davis
Mandy@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
PAGE 291 PAGE 297 PAGE 298 PAGE 308 DESIGN 020 8521 2631
ART DIRECTOR
John Hawkins
FEATURES john.hawkins.7@btinternet.com
104d Grove Road
293 Speaker Control – Bob Loomis Walthamstow E17 9BY
PROOFREADERS
300 Young and Strange – Will Houstoun Paul Bromley, Julie Carpenter, Barry Cooper,
308 I Remember Horace – John Derris Tim Reed, Lionel Russell, Mary Stupple,
Rob James, Darren Martin and Timothy
Dill-Russell
PHOTOGRAPHERS
REGULARS Mark Hesketh-Jennings
ADVERTISING 07767 336882
290 President’s View BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING MANAGER
Scott Penrose
290 Circular News Advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
292 Letters to the Editor 17 Berkeley Drive, Billericay Essex CM12 0YP
MISSING AND BACK ISSUES
296 Cheeky Dog Chicanery – David Tomkins 01923 267 057
Michael Candy
298 Circular Mentalism – Ian Rowland Sound of Music, Harthall Lane,
Hemel Hempstead,
304 Clubnight Events – Mandy Davis Herts HP3 8SE
304 A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities – Edwin A Dawes PRINTED BY
Perfect Imaging Ltd 020 8806 6630
311 Magic in the Regions – Elizabeth Warlock Copyright © 2014 by The Magic Circle. All rights reserved. No part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval
312 Crafty Conjuring – Chris Wardle system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the
prior permission of the Editor of The Magic Circular.
314 Reviews Views expressed in The Magic Circular are those of the
contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of
The Magic Circle unless specifically stated. Whilst every effort is
317 The Magic Circle Cares – David Hatch made to ensure the accuracy of all information published in
The Magic Circular, the Editor, Art Director, Staff and The Magic
Circle cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.
318 Council Minutes Contributions must reach the Editor six weeks in advance of
publication if it is essential that they should appear in the
second month following’s issue and should be sent via email,
320 Forthcoming Club Events – Darryl Rose on computer disk or on CD whenever possible.

Cover
Young and Strange
THERE IS A WAY
Will Houstoun MIMC
Published by
The Magic Circle them! He then sat with me outside the Dealers’ room and
12 Stephenson Way
London NW1 2HD introduced me to the social side of the event – to this day
VAT Reg No 233 8369 51 my favourite element of Dealers’ Day is to sit outside with
All enquiries
T 020 7387 2222
O ctober is a busy month for The Magic Circle, in terms the magicians one only meets once a year and catch up
of Members’ events, with both The Dealers’ Day and on all things conjuring.
The Awards Night taking place within a week of each My first visit to The Awards Night was much more
other. Dealers’ Day, in particular, holds fond memories for recent but, under the wonderful Katherine Rhodes, the
me as it was The Magic Circle event at which I spent the event appears to go from strength to strength. Each night
most time with my mentor Claude Perry. I had met Claude offers high quality entertainment, a chance to show off
several times at his home but, one year, he decided to our building to a new group of people and, of course, the
invite me to join him at The Dealers’ Day. I arrived some excitement of the awards themselves.
time before him and spent hours, as any magician in their Hopefully I will see some of you at one event or
mid-teens would, watching every demonstration and the other.
looking at every gimmick. Claude and I then walked
round discussing the items I was particularly taken with
and I am fairly sure he talked me out of every one of
 CIRCULAR NE
PRESIDENT’S VIEW
DEALERS’ DAY
The ever popular annual Magic
Jack Delvin MIMC Circle Dealers’ Day will take
place on Saturday 25 October,
2014, in The Galleon Suite, Royal
National Hotel, Bedford Street,
Russell Square, London WC1,
Wonders of Magic few years. I was well in there magically producing from 10am till 5pm. Entry is free
We’ve all heard of the Seven Wonders of the new model cars for the motor industry, right to Magic Circle Members and
World, but what about the wonders of The Magic before the very eyes of potential buyers, in members of The Young Magicians
Circle? dealerships all over the UK.
I wonder how they do that. Now, of course, the in thing is table hopping in
I wonder what tricks I should do. restaurants and hotels. Our own Fay Presto was
I wonder where the dealers get their prices from. deep in it right from the start – remember Magic
I wonder where my next booking will come from. Moments? Personally, even at my age, I still enjoy
I wonder why he is MIMC and not me. entertaining every week in a large Indian
I wonder how magic manages to satisfy all restaurant near my home.
media changes. I know I have written about this before, but
This is my last Presidential Review. Those five there is a bit of a stirring that could well mark the
years have absolutely flown by. Mind you my return of variety shows that could provide a
seventy odd years in magic have absolutely flown decent living for many of you entertaining
by too. When I first started the music hall was all magicians. These shows include burlesque and
the rage. I was able to see many of the great shows of nearly all magic, with sometimes
magicians of the day and even get to know some speciality acts like jugglers and ventriloquists to
of them. There was Dante, Jasper Maskelyne, Lyle, break it up. I recently had the pleasure of seeing
Levante, Robert Harbin, Chefalo, Jack LeDair, Ali one of these shows in the form of the fifth
Bey, Howard de Courcey, Murray, Masoni, etc. birthday performance of Conjuring at the Court. It
Families had an annual holiday at the seaside was an excellent show of very funny comedy
Photos: Mark Hesketh-Jennings

where they were entertained on the beach with magic. Two of our younger Members have also
magic and Punch; on the pier and in open-air been putting on magic shows at their universities
theatres with variety shows and concert parties. with great success. They both recently completed
First films then television changed all that. They their final exams and will soon be hoping to make
closed the music halls and the summer a full time living in magic. I am referring to Megan
entertainment became provided by holiday camps. Knowles-Bacon and Ed Hilsum. All these shows
Since then these have been greatly taken over by need and deserve your support. I regret that the Fay Presto
the attraction of affordable holidays abroad above refers only to the UK. I would love to know
provided by cruises. While this was going on what is happening magic-wise in your country.
children’s entertainment at parties and weddings You know you don’t have to be the President to
continued to be a good source of regular work for make yourself heard. Please write to The Editor of
hundreds of magicians. The Circular and let us know what is happening
Magic very quickly adapted to all these changes magic-wise in your part of the world.
including television with such stars as Tommy At the time of writing I haven’t the faintest idea
Cooper, David Nixon, Paul Daniels, Simon Drake, who is going to take over from me. I wonder who
Wayne Dobson, David Copperfield and Siegfried will be the next President of The Magic Circle.
and Roy. Mentalism also made a big impression Whoever it is I sincerely hope they will have as
on television, featuring stars like David Berglas, wonderful a time as I have. l
Chan Canasta and Al Koran.
Who are the magic stars of today? In the UK
we have Dynamo, Troy, Ben Hart, James More, Ben
Hanlin, John Archer and Max Somerset.
There have been other very valuable
entertainment opportunities for magicians who
are not so well known to the general public.
Russell Square
Corporate shows went through a very profitable President@TheMagicCircle.co.uk

290 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

WS

Club and £5 to non-Members. As

a bonus event lectures from Fay
Presto and Kieron Lefiever will
take place in the side hall for an
additional £10. The Dealers’ Day
is always a fun day, both as a
chance to survey the latest
products and catch up with a
selection of magicians so do plan
to attend if you can!

Connie and Fred as Van Buren and Greta

VAN BUREN AWARDED period of over forty years spent Erratum:

Kieron Lefiever Congratulations to Member Fred working as a magician and Observant readers will have no
Van Buren, from the Stoke on Trent illusionist, appearing with his wife, doubt noticed that an error crept
area, who has just been presented Connie, as Van Buren and Greta. into the August issue of The Magic
with a Lifetime Achievement Award Fred initially took to the circus as Circular which, on page 229,
from the Circus Friends Association. his view was that if you can work commented that Dennis Fenwick
This is well deserved thanks to surrounded, you can work had auditioned for Membership in
Fred’s international success for a anywhere. 1931. The correct year was 1951.

BALLOT PAPER In addition the number of 2002 he is happy that we start

ERRORS Council meetings attended by Scott counting from 2006 when he
It has come to light that two Penrose is seven. On the ballot paper was Chair of Judges and
mistakes occurred on the Ballot this was mistakenly given as eight. subsequently Host and Organiser.
Paper. Richard Pinner was Again the correct number was given Therefore nine years not fourteen
Seconded by Gay Blackstone in the Election Address booklet. years as stated in his Election
MIMC not by Graham Reed There has also been a question Address.
MIMC as the Ballot Paper says. raised over Richard Pinner’s Richard apologises for any
The correct details are given in involvement with The Magic Circle confusion that this may have
the Election Address booklet. Close-up Competition. Whilst there caused.
My sincere apologies to is evidence that he was involved Clive Hyams MIMC
Richard, Gay and Graham. informally at least as far back as Returning Officer

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 291

 LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
FAKING IT Ian Adair by Eytan Ayalon, for his many years of The ‘hat trick’ has now been passed of
I found the cover story in the August issue of
service to magic. course, as Ian has for many years been an
The Magic Circular most interesting… The Home Counties Magical Society actually honoured member of the Home Counties
because my wife Rosemary was one of the got a ‘hat trick’ in May this year when Eytan Magical Society since the happy days
three judges on Kevin’s episode of Faking It!
made the third presentation of the same when Supreme Magic were the main
And yes, Kevin most certainly fooled her (that
award to Robin Maddy. This followed the 2013 supporters of the Reading Junior Day, now
is more than I can do when showing her a award to Brian Dodridge and my open award an annual event organised by The Young
trick or two). in 2012. The awards to Brian and Robin (both Magicians Club.
Best wishes longstanding AIMC Members of The Magic I missed the item about Ian on my first
Jack Stephens MMc Circle) were both made in the Residents’ scan through The Circular (digital edition)
Lounge at Crayshaw Court and followed by and will do this more thoroughly in
HOME COUNTIES MAGICAL an entertainment from the three in 2013 and the future.
SOCIETY ‘HAT TRICK’ four in 2014. Best wishes and thanks for your untiring
I was pleased to see the item in the August I have already been asked by several other work for The Magic Circle.
edition concerning the recent award made to residents if there will be another visit in 2015! Keith Churcher MIMC

THE MAGIC CIRCLE

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292 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 SPEAKER CONTROL
by Bob Loomis AIMC

T here is an item in our Club Room that of the after-banquet entertainment was
has intrigued me for some time. After a provided by Houdini performing his needle
bit of investigation, I have finally managed threading trick. Somerville Gibney’s report
theory advise would-be magi to join useful
organisations like Toastmasters
International to improve their public
to solve its riddle. That captivating object is of that event said Houdini’s “display was speaking skills. What those books do not
part of the wonderful wall display both unusual and interesting.” Yes, the seem to give you is the other side of the
containing several of the treasures from typical ambiguous account, but then it story. Now, for the very first time ever, you
our magnificent Museum. The artefact I’m added that Houdini “volunteered the are about to discover what that is. Thanks
referring to has become informally known information that he had more knowledge again to our marvellous library, and a
as The Houdini Letter. No, it’s not a letter of magic and its history than any two other detailed report in the June 1918 issue of
by Houdini, it’s an extraordinary letter living men!” I assume it was the possibly M-U-M, here is how two other speakers
about him. So, what is its mystery? Read boastful/egotistical way his statement was got their own back on Houdini.
on to find out. put across, coupled with a regurgitation Just like the 1908 Magic Circle banquet
The short letter is on St. George’s Hall type trick viewed on a full stomach, which organisers, Houdini had obviously been the
letter headed paper, and was written in made Circle Members just a tad unhappy. victim of someone he had asked to speak
January 1920 by our second President, From the investigations I’ve made on in the past. That person had apparently
Nevil Maskelyne. Nevil sent it to our then Handcuff Harry in the past, it appears he used an old ploy that I admit to having
Honorary Secretary, William R. used myself on more than
Mimms. The subject of the one occasion. What is it? It’s
note was The Annual Magic the sneaky strategy where
Circle Banquet, which was you get up and say: “Your
being reinstated after an President has asked me to say
absence of seven years. After a few words. So, here they
congratulating Mimms on are: ‘a few words.’” Then you
how well the tickets for the sit down again.
banquet were selling, Nevil Houdini had clearly learned
added an astonishing from that experience and
statement. He wrote: “I think changed his approach, but, he
we are bound to invite still didn’t win. Why? Well,
Houdini, as President of the according to the report, when
S.A.M. but, after our asked to speak, one gentleman
experience, the last time he “informed the folks that he
came, I think we should not had arranged with Mr. Houdini
invite him to either speak or that, if called upon for a
show.” speech he would give a short
So, my question was: what Houdini with needles address, which he literally did,
exactly did Houdini do to apparently had the unfortunate knack of making people i.e., ‘157 West 57th St.’ was his address –
offend The Magic Circle hierarchy to such either love him or hate him, with no middle and he sat down midst much laugher.”
an extent that they did not want him to ground. The response to Houdini’s Not to be outdone, there was another
either talk or perform? Could I find the performance would seem to have put him in speaker at the very same banquet who
answer? My first problem was that the category of: “Well, we don’t want him used an even better stratagem, which I will
magicians don’t usually print bad reviews again, do we!” Nevil’s letter certainly puts a definitely be employing myself one day.
of their fellow performers, or say fascinating perspective on just how Houdini’s (Banquet Arrangers: You’ve been warned!)
detrimental things about each other. They contemporaries in The Magic Circle viewed After saying that it was a great pleasure to
use phrases like ‘it was interesting’ or him. be there that evening, the gentleman
‘definitely challenging.’ That trait could Now, if we take a step back, and think just explained that he had been chatting to the
make my search very challenging. What did slightly outside the box, this whole situation fellow next to him and made a discovery.
I do? I turned to the wonderful resources raises an enticing line of enquiry. To me, the Unfortunately the poor chap had not
of our club’s Library. I searched through the even more thought-provoking issue is that realised that he would be called upon to
reports of earlier banquets, and eventually Houdini, as President of the Society of speak. So, the present speaker decided to
discovered what I was looking for. American Magicians, was also at the mercy of give his prepared speech to him to read
The Magic Circular for January 1909 invited speakers at his own banquets. So, out. That fellow would be giving it to the
contained a report of The Annual Dinner what do I mean by that? assembled dignitaries now! With that he
that took place on December 1, 1908. Part Well, many books and articles on magic sat down. l

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 293

 THE MAGIC
CIRCLE AWARDS
CEREMONY 2014
Saturday 18 October 2014

What have
Paul Daniels
Debbie McGee
Derren Brown
Simon Drake
Luis DeMatos
Paul Kieve
John van der Put
Marc Almond
Johnny Ball
Steve Allen, and Harvey Goldsmith
to name just a few, all got in common?

They have all been to the recent The Magic Circle

Awards Ceremonies. Make sure
you’re there this year!

CE
Champagne reception with stunning close-up magic

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followed by a star studded stage show and the awards

HA ETS
announcements and presentations

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Doors open: 6.30pm Show Starts: 7.30pm

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The Magic Circle

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12 Stephenson Way
London, NW1 2HD

Ticket price: £30 (inc VAT)

Tickets available from The Magic Circle website
(www.themagiccircle.co.uk)
or call the box office 0871 220 0260

294 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JULY 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 It pays to ADVERTISE in

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

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on 07767 336882
or email advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 295

 CHEEKY DOG (PAST AND PRESENT.)

A round about my late teens, my ever dedicated Father came up

with the name Cheeky Dog, (which was later to become our
company name of “Cheeky Dog Entertainments” and still is to this
Cheeky Dog had said a few gags he would bring the smaller one up into
view but with a fez completely covering his head. He’d rock his head from
one side to the other muttering in Tommy Cooper style: “Not like that!
day.) I was known as the local children’s and family entertainer David Like that!” After two or three repetitions of “Not like that...” he’d throw
Tomkins, but Dad thought that the act needed an “away from the the fez off onto the floor revealing his face, a dead ringer match of his big
norm, more catchy” name that people would find easier to remember. brother. The audience roared! Around that time there was a TV talent
Cheeky Dog became that name. Various dog puppets were made and show on Sky called Sky Star Search, hosted by Keith Chegwin. I performed
experimented with over time, even by established soft toy makers, but this act on the show and at the time the judges were Anita Harris and
there was never one that I was entirely happy with. Eventually we Frank Carson who were both very complimentary but I didn’t win...
commissioned well known puppet maker Peter Pullen from Coventry to Speciality acts seldom do.
construct my very first professional working Cheeky Dog, which I was Another TV appearance for Cheeky Dog, (an advert, this time) was for
to use for many years. At the time I owned an original Pelham Puppet Butlins Holidays. The advert theme was about two blue coloured aliens
Fido Dog (one of their current vent range) and having been granted called Toot and Ploot who came down to Earth to check out the Butlin’s
permission from Pelham’s to have made a larger version and providing scene. If my memory serves me correctly Toot and Ploot were also rather
the puppet was going to be only for my sole use, Peter modelled the mischievous and walked around magically changing various objects to
puppet on the vent character Fido Dog. In addition, on our request blue. In the ad Cheeky Dog was to change all blue too. I had been
Peter added a boss-eyed feature as shown in the photo. contacted by the TV company as they were looking for a
The left hand went up into the side of the puppet body I was the only ventriloquist who didn’t mind one of their puppets being
to operate the head and mouth movement, whilst the person who repainted (including its hair) blue! I told them about my
right hand went in through the back, down the sleeve owned a Cheeky Dog character but made it quite clear I had no
and into an attached gloved so Cheeky Dog could use intention of letting them loose on my “Peter Pullen”
his hand and pick up props etc. I was the only person Pelham ‘Fido’ special. At the time, I still owned two or three original
who owned a Pelham ‘Fido’ that was about three times that was about Pelham Fido Dogs and reluctantly, very reluctantly
bigger than the one sold in the shops. three times allowed them to repaint and hair dye one of them. Well,
Most Members will associate me as only working this was going to get me on TV! All went well and the
with children. In my twenties and early thirties an agent bigger than Butlins advert was successfully completed. I enjoyed
from the Cambridgeshire area used to book me the one sold in watching it many times, but as so often happens, you
regularly within the surrounding areas for cabaret the shops spend literally hours, sometimes days working with TV
appearances at various RAF camps. Believe it or not this companies, to only end up on screen for a few seconds!
same Cheeky Dog puppet was used to close my cabaret act, (Thinking about it I still have the all blue Cheeky Dog stored away
performing the electric sawing through. I really don’t know how the somewhere in my magic den. Maybe I should reinstate him and put him
spectator must have felt being laid on a bench, a wooden frame placed back in the act, “singing the blues!”)
over her middle and then some crazy puppet mutt brandishing a noisy Many Members will know of the The Stage newspaper which
electric saw over her head. I had a much wider more visual, sharper specialises in the entertainment industry. At the time, acts could buy
looking blade made to replace the original. Combined with the sound space in the advertising section at the back of the newspaper. Either just
of the saw, this certainly hyped up the illusion and always grabbed line space or a box advert with a small photograph. My Father and I
their attention. I would hasten to add, this illusion was only ever used decided we would try out the latter. (I would just add that my Father was
for adult cabaret, never children’s shows! a management accountant all his life, kept me on the right side of the tax
As I mentioned earlier, the new larger Cheeky Dog included a facility man and was my business partner as well.) The photo ad appeared
where I could put my arm down his sleeve and move his hand. After weekly resulting in various enquiries and bookings for work, those were
experimenting with different magic props for him to work, I decided to the days! Then one day a letter arrived through the post, on opening it I
give ‘double vent’ a try. I was already able to do different character suddenly realised it was from Terry Hall the ventriloquist. (Remember
voices but had normally only performed with one puppet at a time. I’d Lenny the Lion? He’d made many TV appearances over the years and now
still got the original smaller Pelham Fido Dog which obviously looked for some reason he’d written to me.) Upon reading it, my surprise turned
identical to the bigger one, so I got Cheeky Dog to hold and operate to astonishment. Terry had seen my picture ad in The Stage Newspaper
the smaller dog. This looked great! At this time Tommy Cooper was still and was apparently most put out that I was using a very “similar looking
on TV, so I used a good opening gag to introduce the smaller dog. After lion” vent puppet in my act! He was obviously meaning ‘similar’ to his

296 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 CHEEKY DOG CHICANERY
David Tomkins MIMC

Lenny the Lion. Terry continued by requesting that I withdraw this

character from my act immediately or he would consider taking further
action. My Father and I sat down to write a polite response. We pointed
out that although Cheeky Dog had long golden hair similar to a mane, he
was in fact not a lion but a dog puppet originally designed and produced
by Pelham Puppets as a vent character called Fido Dog New Cheeky Dog
and he (Terry) was welcome to check this out for
himself if he wished. From memory I believe we
received a further letter of similar nature from
Terry, but from then on, it all seemed to
fizzle out and we never heard any more
from him. I’d seen Terry (and Lenny the
Lion) on TV many times and held him in
the highest esteem, so by contrast it was
quite a shock to receive his letter.
I’ve run out of space again this month but
I’ll just finish by saying that my latest Cheeky Dog
(pictured with me,) was made by Darryl Worby Studios,
maker of many puppets for TV, including Basil Brush.
As you can see, Cheeky Dog has certainly seen
some changes over the years. l

Old Cheeky Dog

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 297

 STEALING: THE SHOW

S ome time ago, several train service operators introduced the idea of
a Quiet Carriage on long journeys. The idea was that you could
choose the Quiet Carriage if, due to some rare genetic mutation, you
gets some spectators on stage and has fun raiding their pockets for ten
minutes or so. It’s great as part of a larger variety bill, but no one would
want to either perform or watch this kind of act stretched out for an hour.
preferred your journey not enhanced by talented primates cackling Earlier this year, James started wondering how to develop the
their way through phone calls about football; or rap music with the traditional pickpocket act into a full-length show featuring related themes
volume set to ‘busy iron foundry;’ or screeching brats with sufficient and demonstrations. He teamed up with Ed Hilsum, founder of Love
lung power to flatten a rainforest. Variety, and eventually – after a lot of hard work
Unfortunately, Quiet Carriages have turned out to be more trouble and three try-outs – the show was ready for
than they’re worth from the train companies’ point of view. It seems its Fringe debut: James Freedman, Man of
there are always a few noisy morons who either can’t grasp the whole Steal. It is one of the most spectacular
‘quiet’ concept or don’t care to respect it. Other passengers, seething triumphs of live entertainment I have ever
with righteous indignation, either get drawn into arguments – and seen.
ones that tend not to be terribly quiet – or expect the train staff to I won’t say much about the actual content
enforce the quietness, which they lack any practical means to do. For of the show for two reasons. One is that
this reason, it was recently announced that some train operators have many of you will eventually get a chance to
already abandoned Quiet Carriages and others may soon follow suit. see this dazzling show for yourselves, and the
I was reminded of all this when I recently made a trip to Edinburgh. less you know in advance the better. The
This fine city is located in a rather damp and remote place second is that the world of magic and
so there’s no good way to get there and several bad variety is sadly plagued by
ones, including a train journey that takes about three copycats who, lacking any
days. I booked a seat in the Quiet Carriage, of course, ability to come up with their
but I might just as well have sat in the middle of a own ideas, simply copy
panel-beating contest for enthusiastic chimpanzees. those of other people. I
At least I was spared any passport and immigration can’t stop them, but nor
nonsense, since at the time of my journey Scotland do I want to give them
wasn’t a foreign country. Things may have changed any help.
by the time you read this. What I will say is that
It was a terrible train journey, but it was worth James has taken his
it. Why? Because in Edinburgh I witnessed various interests
something truly extraordinary. (magic,
pickpocketing,
A New Genre fraud and crime
I went to Edinburgh to enjoy the sundry delights of prevention) and
the Fringe Festival, the unique annual event where shaped them into a
thousands of shows coherent set of
What I did not vie for the attention of 1.8 performance and demonstration
expect was to million cold, damp tourists. I segments that form an
expected there to be some extraordinary, beautifully
see a show that awful shows and some produced show. It is fun,
could create a great ones, because there educational, intelligent,
new genre of always are. What I did not distinctive and also highly
expect was to see a show entertaining. It’s not easy to
entertainment. so good, and so remarkable, sustain the attention of a typical
that it could actually create an entirely new genre of battle-weary Fringe audience, but
entertainment. James kept every single person in
James Freedman has established himself not only as a very the room mesmerised from start
talented magician (twice Magic Circle Close-up Magician Of to finish. Everyone was aware they
The Year) but also a highly skilled pickpocket. As well as being were seeing something new,
a first-class entertainer, he also works with the police as a different and fascinating.
consultant on theft and fraud prevention. The climax of the show is
We all know the conventional pickpocket act: the performer breathtaking in its audacity, and was

298 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 James Freedman www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 CIRCULAR MENTALISM

Ian Rowland MIMC

the talk of the Fringe. If I had not seen it with my own eyes, and downright weird and the vociferously drunk. It was a huge tribute to
notwithstanding my respect for James’s talent, I would never have Paul’s professionalism that he not only coped magnificently well, but
believed the show’s finale was possible, or that anyone would be either somehow turned each potential disaster into a triumph. I wish
brave or mad enough to attempt it during a live show that has to run someone had been taping the whole thing because it would give Paul
to a specific schedule. It is one of the greatest climaxes to a show a wonderful lecture on how to cope with weird and difficult spectators.
I’ve ever seen. Inevitably, there were some dreadful magic shows as well. I went to
Fringe shows have to run just under an hour. James is still developing at least two that lacked any trace of warmth, mystery or entertainment
Man of Steal, and I doubt he’ll have much trouble turning it into a value and could only be regarded as a complete waste of time. But
full-length evening show that could play just about anywhere. I hope he that’s the Fringe: you get highs and lows, hits and misses, fools and
takes it all over the UK and the rest of the world so that as many of you jewels. It’s still the greatest show on Earth.
as possible get the chance to see it for yourselves.
I honestly believe Man of Steal could start a new genre: the traditional QUICK TRICK
pickpocket act transformed into a full-length show. It is a remarkable Here’s a nice little method that you might like to play with. It’s not new,
achievement, and both James and Ed are to be congratulated on taking but it’s not much discussed or used either so it may be new to some of
an ambitious idea and turning it into such a brilliant show. I don’t know you.
how it could be more impressive, unless James can also figure out how to You have five identical blank pieces of white card. On the first card,
enjoy a long train journey in peace and quiet. a spectator writes the name of someone who means a lot to her. On
One last word. In these pages, I’m supposed to write mostly about the remaining four cards, she writes names that mean nothing to her at
mentalism. Man of Steal isn’t a mentalism show, but it is a mind-blowing all. She turns all the cards face down, mixes them up and spreads them
one. It will actually change the way you think – about security, identity, haphazardly on the table. This all happens without you being able to
and the modern world we live in. So maybe you’ll forgive me straying see anything or deduce any clues.
from my brief a little. This is my 112th article for The Circular. I can’t write You sit with your eyes closed. The spectator hands you any of the
about nail writer tricks every month, and you wouldn’t want me to. cards, still face down, and you raise it so that she can see it bears
either the significant name or one of the meaningless ones. You
The Magic of the Fringe psychically tune into her feelings, and correctly declare whether it’s the
My visit to the Fringe lasted about five days, during which I saw sixteen significant name or not. You repeat this process until you successfully
shows. This is a relatively light diet for the Fringe. The hard-core types identify the card bearing the name that means something to her. You
think nothing of packing in over half a dozen shows per day. Let me can repeat the whole demonstration if you wish.
mention some of the magic shows I saw. There are no visible or tactile marks on any of the cards. You don’t
Colin McLeod, who has recently started performing as Colin Cloud, had need to look or peek at anything, so to a large extent you can perform
a very good Fringe. His first solo mentalism show won packed houses, this under what seem to be strict ‘test conditions.’
rave reviews and a fair bit of media interest. Colin is talented, likeable, The secret? The first card is very subtly marked with scent. This can
ambitious and hard-working. It’s a good combination and he could well be a dab of perfume or cologne, a little spray of air-freshener, or any
be a household name before too long. other scent that can be subtly applied. As you raise each card for the
Ben Hart also did exceptionally well with his show, The Vanishing Boy, spectator to see what’s written on it, you bring it just close enough to
in which an intriguing story provides the narrative thread for a great deal your face, and your nose, to tell if it’s the scented card or not. The rest
of magic, ranging from manipulations to very clean, direct mentalism, all is acting. l
of it performed superbly well. This show also got rave reviews, largely on
the strength of Ben’s very likeable, intelligent personality and his
incredible rapport with the audience.
I was also lucky enough to see Paul Dabek’s show, Liar Liar. The show Invitation
If you have items, stories, jokes or vicious rumours of interest to
itself was very good, as one would expect from a seasoned professional mentalists, please drop me a line (ian@ianrowland.com). If you can’t
like Paul. However, on the particular night I saw the show, it was plagued afford Derren and want to hire a fairly good also-ran mentalist, or you
by several nightmare spectators, including the hopelessly giddy, the just have time to kill, please visit www.ianrowland.com.

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YOUNG AND STRANGE
Contemporary Illusionists
by Will Houstoun MIMC

Since appearing on Penn and

Teller’s Fool Us, Young and
Strange, both AIMC, have worked
more and more in the UK as one
of relatively few illusion acts.
They took some time out from
their run in Edinburgh to discuss
their magic.

Will Houstoun: Your act name is Young and Strange: The act just evolved. We both had a Strange: The truth is; at the time we filmed
Strange, are those your real names? passion for stage performance and we enjoyed Fool Us we had done fewer than a dozen
Richard Young: They are. Richard Young performing on stage together, however we never stage performances as a double act. Noel
and Sam Strange. As you can imagine it took made a conscious decision to form a double act. Britten was a huge help, he helped us script
months, and the use of a linguistics expert, to It only really became official when we landed a the entire thing.
think up the act name. spot on the ITV1 TV show Penn & Teller: Fool Us,
the producers asked us for our act name when Will: Do you have a career highlight?
Will Houstoun: How did the act come about? they were creating the VT for our performance Young: We will never forget our first show
Did you meet through an interest in magic? and it forced us to make a decision on the act in Edinburgh in August 2011. Having appeared
Sam Strange: We have actually known each name and things just kind of steam-rolled to smash a spectator’s watch into several
other since childhood, having both grown up in afterwards. It was only at that moment that we pieces, it was time for the big reveal. A reveal
Oxfordshire. It wasn’t until our teenage years realised we were a proper double act! that involved the spectator’s watch reappearing
that we became close friends because of our inside two locked wooden boxes. Locked
mutual love for magic. The depth of our Will: So when you entered Fool Us did you wooden boxes that required a key. A key
friendship has certainly been an asset in the act. have a goal? Had you kind of hoped to start that Strange had left in the apartment, three
working as a double act or was the goal simply streets away… You did say Career Low
Will: So have you always worked as a double to get on the show without something further? point didn’t you?
act or did/do you also work separately? Young: The goal was simply to get on the
Young: We did go through a period of show, looking back at it now (three years later) Will: Career Highlight…
working as individual close-up magicians before that particular amazing opportunity probably Young: Oh. We were fortunate enough to be
developing the stage act. We do still perform came a bit too early in our career and as a invited on a tour of David Copperfield’s private
close-up but focus our time on the double act. result of this we possibly didn’t get as much out museum and warehouse in Las Vegas. After
of it as we perhaps would if something like that seeing his show at the MGM Grand we spent
Will: Why did you decide to become a double act? came along today. the rest of the evening in his company. There

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were only five of us in total, including Chris and we love doing practical jokes on each other, connection with the audience. Just like anything
Kenner. For an act like ours that has a love for some of them have been quite elaborate and you do hundreds of times though, eventually it
stage illusion it was a genuine honour and quite ridiculous. It seems natural to bring reality to works like clockwork (most of the time at least)
a moving experience which we will never forget. the stage as we believe audiences enjoy seeing and you can begin to enjoy it and focus on the
That one night provided us with enough stage performers enjoying themselves rather relationship with the audience.
inspiration to last a lifetime. than just going through the motions and
speaking the script, which was prepared for the Will: In your own opinion, what’s your
Will: Some double acts famously don’t have performance. greatest strength as an act?
good off-stage relationships. Do you both get Young: It took us a good couple of years to Strange: We have always said that the
on well? get comfortable on stage, we are relaxed up biggest strength of any act is to recognise your
Strange: So, about the Copperfield there now and can focus on having a good time weakness. It’s a mentality that not many
Warehouse tour… with the crowd. In order to get to that point we magicians seem to have.
Young: He’s only kidding, we get on great! went through a long process of not being Young: We have had some amazing people
We are very lucky to share similar opinions and relaxed on stage, mainly due to focus and worry help us with our live show and it is only when
attitudes towards performance and magic. It about the ambitious nature of our show. It you get people with different skills involved that
can be stressful at times but we have a rock sounds odd, but when you perform multiple you realise how impossible it is to do everything
solid friendship that always shines through. stage illusions in a single performance, there by yourselves. We have paid a lot of money out
are so many moving parts, electronics and for nothing more than opinions and some
Will: You seem to have a shared interest in variables which can go wrong that your mind critique. We got nothing tangible in return but it
practical jokes in your act, is that real? doesn’t relax properly during the performance was the best money we spent.
Strange: The rivalry between the Young & for a long time, you are always waiting for
Strange stage characters is a continuation of something to go wrong or need immediate Will: And greatest weakness?
our real life friendship. We spend more time attention and your mind focuses on making Strange: The greatest weakness in our act is
s

with each other than we do with our partners sure the illusion works rather than your Richard Young.

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 Will: How do you find close-up and stage
magic differ in terms of their commercial appeal?
Young: There is a fairly big demand for
close-up magicians, if you can get your
marketing right it isn’t hard to get some work.
There are not many people searching Google for
‘illusionist for hire’ which is why you won’t find
many illusionists spending a lot of time working
on their website search engine ranking. The only
way to get work as illusionists is to get out there
and perform and network as much as possible.

Will: What percentage of your work is illusions

and how is that developing?
Strange: It is certainly heading in the right
direction, we do more and more work as illusionists
each year which is where we want it to go.
Whether we ever get to the point where we
make our living exclusively as Young & Strange
or not time will tell. We have made a decision
Will: Ha ha. Do you feel that you both have people at a table during a wedding reception to not go after cruise work as some of our great
different skills when it comes to magic? for seven minutes; they were probably already friends who work out on the ships have told us
Young: Absolutely. That’s one of the many having a great time before you walked over. that it is not the place to try and develop new
advantages with working in a double act – we Strange: In our opinion any magician who routines, which for us is most of the fun.
both bring different things to the table. We find thinks any different has probably never walked
it’s a more efficient creative process when two on a stage with something new, original (and Will: You have performed at The Edinburgh
people are involved, bouncing ideas off each probably terrible) in their lives. It is the most Fringe for the last four years? How has that
other, than it is working individually. terrifying and exciting thing you can do as a helped develop your act?
Strange: It’s not just in the creative process. professional magician and incomparable from Strange: Edinburgh is an amazing place
It’s also important to identify each other’s performing the omni deck for a room full of during August, it has unfortunately taken us
skill-sets so that we can apply them to every happy and polite wedding guests. four years to realise that we are not really an
aspect of our business. That could include Edinburgh act. The Fringe (on the whole) is
anything. Who writes a better email? Who Will: What is the difference between stage and about comedy and generally speaking the
moves better on stage to music? Who is good close-up magic in terms of your enjoyment? magic acts up there make very little impact,
at managing the money in our bank account? Strange: The most frustrating thing with there are of course exceptions and if you are a
We also motivate and manage each other, to doing close-up magic at private and corporate new act just starting out it is one of only a few
an extent. The relationship between the two of events is the constant compromise with the act options where you can get lots of stage time.
us is the most important aspect of our act, so to suit the performing environment. Loud music, Young & Strange are illusionists and doing an
we have a close trusted friend who mediates poor lighting, waiters who interrupt your illusion show in a venue which you are sharing
any disagreements. performance, people standing behind you, the with lots of other shows, performers and egos
list goes on and on. The real beauty of magic on that can be challenging as we need more of
Will: I know that you both performed close-up a stage is that it is a controlled environment. If everything: more set-up time, more space and
magic before taking to the stage, how does a stage performance goes badly you know it more load-out time. The biggest challenge as an
stage magic compare to close-up? was you and your act which was at fault illusion act in Edinburgh is realising that you
Young: This is probably the most controversial whereas with close-up magic it is more often will have to compromise on a lot of things and
thing we will say in this interview. We both than not the setting. Close-up magic can be
perform at around 200 close-up gigs a year very frustrating at times. The buzz from a large
each, mainly at corporate events and weddings. theatre loving what you are doing is
All close-up magicians who perform for the incomparable to storming a wedding or
public frequently hear this from punters, “I love corporate event. As we said earlier they were
this close-up magic stuff, it’s just so much more probably going to have a good night anyway
difficult and clever than magic on stage”. It is and you were a small addition to it.
apparent from having this conversation Young: Performing for people who want to
hundreds of times over the years that the public see magic is entirely different and more
is sometimes under this impression because satisfying. In a theatre they have come ready to
certain close-up magicians are telling them this see a magic show; they are magic fans. It’s
is the case. This really bugs us and in our interesting to think that when you are booked
opinion simply isn’t true. Trying to do something as a close-up act there are normally one or two
spectacular, original and entertaining on a stage people in the room who made that decision. We
for a room full of people, some of whom are in often find with close-up magic that we are
the back row of a balcony, for over ninety battling a wave of scepticism from guests who
minutes is a lot harder than performing for ten “don’t like magic” or “hate magicians”. On Fool Us

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might end up with a show, which is not a fair
representation of what you believe you are.

Will: How do you balance the compromise

between the show you want to do and the
show that is achievable?
Young: We push it to the limit actually, this
past Edinburgh we had five large-scale illusions
in the show, as far as we are aware it was the
biggest magic show at The Fringe with regards
to scale. A good relationship with the venue is
the most important thing as it cannot be
achieved by just ourselves and our ambitions.
We need the venue management to buy in to
the show vision too, we visit over six months in
advance of The Fringe to chat to them about
what we want to do. Fortunately the venue for
the last two years has been very supportive and
we have presented a full-scale illusion show to
around 300 people every day. Our show for the
past two years has been a unique Fringe
experience for the audience.

Will: Is the scale a selling point or do people

About to visit Copperfield’s Museum
feel that it isn’t a ‘proper’ Fringe show?
Strange: It is a double-edged sword; our Will: When you lectured at The Magic Circle Having been an act interested in magic since
unique selling point is the scale of the show you featured your take on the cardboard sword childhood, it’s very easy to recall the emotion of
and to a certain extent anything that makes you box. Can you talk through how you develop an seeing a proper magic show for the first time.
unique at The Fringe is a good thing because item like that for your show? It’s a real honour to be asked to do it and
there are 50-100 of every type of show/act you Strange: That particular illusion has been a something we have always wanted to do. We
can imagine within one square mile. The negative labour of love, we were obviously inspired by both hold The Magic Circle and our
aspect is that unfortunately some people have a some other great magicians who came before memberships in high regard.
preconception of what an ‘illusion show’ is and us who popularised it however we believe we
imagine it will be a cliché magic show because have made some steps forward with it that we Will: Who are your biggest magic influences?
it involves boxes and blades. You can’t win them really wanted to share with anyone else Strange: It is impossible to be stage
over if they won’t come and see the show, so all thinking of doing it as it makes it better and illusionists without being inspired and
you can do is focus on the audience who do come most importantly safer. Young is not a 5”11” influenced by David Copperfield’s work. He is
and see you and ensure they have a good time. size six dancer and this adds to the impossibility still the world leader and measuring stick in
of the illusion for our act, we were so pleased stage illusion. We also love the energy of Hans
Will: Your act is quite large in scale and contains that so many Members enjoyed our lecture on it Klok’s live show, he knows who he is and what
a number of big illusions. Is it a challenge and were impressed with the improved method the audience is thinking. In the UK there are a
having a show that doesn’t fit into a briefcase? we are now using. The development of it has few people who have really helped us a great
Young: It’s not easy. When we perform simply come from doing it thousands of times, deal: Andy Nyman helped us understand who
illusions we are always the first act to arrive and we would love to tell you that we were great at we are and more importantly who we are not.
the last to leave. Loading shows in and out of it when we started doing it but it simply isn’t Philip Hitchcock builds all of our illusions and
venues can be a real challenge and you need to true. Repetitive performances and attention to his attention to detail is extraordinary. Noel
be prepared for really long days. An 8am start detail is how it came to be what it is today. Britten who we find inspiring from a comedy
and 4am finish is not unusual. We meet lots of perspective is an influence on our act too.
magicians who love watching illusions but have Will: I see you are taking part in an upcoming
never given it a go, we believe the off-stage touring show called Champions Of Magic which Will: Who are your biggest non-magic
manual labour and expense is probably the is playing in some really big theatres in the UK influences?
reason why you can count the number of with two other Magic Circle Members and after Young: We try to create a big atmosphere
decent illusion acts in the UK on one hand. The the tour finishes you will be hosting The Magic with our show, we use loud music, swooping
effort to get to the stage for your first full Circle Christmas shows… lighting and pyrotechnics, these influences
length illusion show will be the hardest journey Young: The Champions of Magic show is the have actually come from WWE the professional
of your professional life as a magician. vision of an ambitious promoter, it is a magic wrestling company. People often turn their
Strange: Off the back of the Copperfield show of rock show proportions with projection, noses up to it and see it as a primitive form
experience, we are trying to set up an exclusive loud music and pyrotechnics. The magic acts are of entertainment. However there is a reason
tour of the Young & Strange International all very different, it is touring the UK throughout they can sell out 80,000 seat stadiums, they
Museum and Warehouse (Unit 225C of the Big the autumn, come and see it if you get a chance. know how to put on a big exciting show and
Yellow Storage). The lack of interest so far has Strange: After Champions we will be hosting the production they use is the best
been a crushing disappointment. the Christmas shows at The Magic Circle. in the world. l

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 CLUB NIGHT
EVENTS 431. PHILIP ANDERSON
IN THE EARLY 1880s: AUSTRALIA
Mandy Davis MIMC
CONVENOR OF REPORTS
Mark Hesketh-Jennings
PHOTOGRAPHER P hilip Anderson, under his newly assumed title of “The Wizard of
the North and Son of John Henry Anderson,” after spending two
nights performing at the Concert Hall in Lord Nelson Street,
MONDAY 30 JUNE 2014 Liverpool, was now about to embark on at least two decades of
ERIC EVANS LECTURE intensive overseas appearances in diverse venues and become
Reported by Tim Barnes arguably the most travelled magician of the nineteenth century.
Eric Evans hails from Texas and brought us a lecture featuring his During the 1880s these tours took him to Australia, India, New
trademark Street Magic. Zealand, Hong Kong, Japan, Brazil, Argentina, South Africa, Germany
A magic wand/stick vanished and then delivered a silver coin. This, in and France, as recounted in an article “Professor Anderson: A
turn, vanished and reappeared multiple times, passed through his trousers Description of his Travels,” which appeared in the Auckland Star (4
then turned into a giant bendy coin; then another bendy coin – and then October 1888) during his tour of New Zealand. The level of detail in
they weren’t bendy. this piece could only have come from Philip personally, and for his
A rope routine followed; then a beautiful presentation of the Slydini 1880s travels (though not entirely for earlier ones) the content
knots; and then the multiple production of balls from the mouth. The correlates fairly accurately in those cases where we have been able
pitch concluded with a couple of card effects – a chosen selection ejected to cross-reference it with other local sources.
itself from a hat and the traditional Cards to Pocket. The Liverpool engagement on Saturday 6 and Monday 8
The magic was fairly traditional although it’s years since I’ve seen the November 1880 was heralded as his “First Appearance since his
Slydini knots. But the insights into routining to suit a street audience were return from South Africa, after an absence of six years,” and he was
most insightful. Eric advised that he was presenting the effects as he assisted by his new wife (Louise Maude) billed as Mademoiselle
would on the street. One followed another, at breakneck speed, Blanche; it was the only European engagement traced before he
interspersed by fun bits of business and quick-fire humour. boarded ship again heading for Australia. Interestingly, he chose a
Eric explained how he uses noise to typically build a crowd, often westbound route via the United States, sailing from San Francisco
getting up to 200 onlookers, depending on location. He targets children on 15 February and arriving in Sydney via Honolulu on 14 March
for initial engagement with his magic and his pleasant demeanour and 1881 aboard the steam ship City of Sydney. This route presumably
non-confrontational style would seem ideally suited. He demonstrated a was competitive with
simple arm gesture for drawing onlookers closer in. By simply standing a Anderson have large the eastbound route
little to the side and motioning across, rather than ‘centre stage’ and and fashionable as the ship carried some
beckoning people to move closer, the result was tangibly more welcoming. audiences, and the English mails.
We then witnessed a barrage of one-liners, not only making it clear Philip’s venues in
that the performance was for income but providing multiple opportunities whole performance, Australia have been traced
for people to put cash into his hat – not just coins, but bills and not just now heightened from newspaper coverage
small bills, but bigger bills too. Such was the confident and compelling by the addition of and, of course, are not
way that this was delivered, Eric felt the need to explain that his pitch necessarily complete but
the decapitation
Photo: Mark Hesketh-Jennings

was only to give us an insight into his tactics. I suspect that several of the nonetheless they are quite
Monday-nighters had actually been reaching for their wallets! trick, gives full extensive. In all cases
Many questions followed from the audience, enabling Eric to explain and complete where billing was found,
his approach to handling hecklers, the police, licensing bodies and he appears as “Professor
competing performers. It was reassuring to hear that his fun style meant satisfaction Anderson, Wizard of the
that Eric rarely, if ever, encountered trouble. Patrolling authorities seem to North” (sometimes but not always qualified by the wording “Son of
recognise that those who watch him have fun. Yes, he might the Original Professor”), and is assisted by Louise Anderson (neither
be asked to move on but he is never Mrs nor Miss title is given and some newspaper editorial notes
actually arrested. Even so, Eric clearly erroneously stated Louise was Philip’s sister).
extolled the mantra that it is better to Anderson opened at the School of Arts in Sydney on Saturday 26
seek forgiveness after a performance March and played until Monday 4 April. He had now adopted the
than ever request permission before extravagant style of the original Wizard of the North and advertised
one. No forgiveness was needed that his mysteries occurred “in their resplendent
tonight. This was a great lecture Cagliostromantheum of Wizardian Prestidigitation,” and his Rubini
with teaching that will benefit gift show tradition continued with “Suite of Furniture or Handsome
many performers, regardless of Piano, together with one hundred other valuable Presents, given
whether they go anywhere near away nightly, expressly to advertise this MARVELLOUS
an actual street. ENTERTAINMENT.” The Era (9 July 1881) reporting “Amusements in

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 A RICH CABINET OF
MAGICAL CURIOSITIES
Edwin A Dawes MIMC

Australia,” noted He tendered one shilling for admission into the hall, and on
“Professor Anderson, the receiving a ticket, he asked if he was not to receive an envelope
Wizard, and Miss Louise containing a prize ticket. The money-taker, who had recognised
Anderson have large and him, was not to be “had” in this simple manner, and thinking to
fashionable audiences, turn the joke, told the detective that only those who paid four
and the whole shillings received an envelope containing prize tickets. The
performance, now detective “shelled” out his four “bob” like a man thinking no
heightened by the doubt that he would receive an envelope and get his name up by
addition of the having another case against Professor Anderson for a breach of
decapitation trick, gives the Lottery Act. He went to the door of the hall with his ticket of
full and complete admission, and imagine his disgust when looking around he saw
satisfaction. The School of the agent, ushers and everyone connected with the show in an
Arts Hall is a wretched uncontrollable fit of laughter. No tickets being issued he was
place for acoustics, but “sold.” He, however, manfully sat out the performance, but we
for entertainments such (Daily Observer) imagine that the little episode that took place on
as Professor Anderson’s it his entering the door must have kept recurring to his mind.

s
answers well.”
He then travelled some
120 miles west to
Bathurst NSW to appear
at the School of Arts there from 7-11 April, followed by a one-night stand
at Dubbo on 13 April. He next returned to the original Sydney venue for
an uninterrupted run from 16 April until 28 May; according to his adverts
the break was occasioned by “the arrival in town [i.e. Sydney] of the
Circus,” an attraction he presumably regarded as being too strong a
competitor. Thereafter he resumed touring in New South Wales, appearing
in June at the Victoria Theatre, Newcastle (the performance on 9 June
being cancelled due to inclement weather), the Victoria Theatre, West
Maitland, where a performance was cancelled on account of a low
turnout and ‘the Professor declined to proceed,’ and the School of Arts at
Wallsend, near Newcastle.
In July the Andersons moved north to Queensland, starting at the
School of Arts, Ipswich, near Brisbane, on 12, 13 and 16, and progressing
to the Town Hall, Brisbane, on 21 July for a run till 12 August, during which
Philip was prosecuted under Illegal Lotteries legislation and fined £20.
Arising from this incident an amusing article appeared in the Newcastle
Morning Herald and Miners’ Advocate on 11 August concerning a
detective’s attempt to incriminate Anderson for a breach of the Lottery Act:

A Detective Sold
If rumour is true, on Wednesday evening one of the members of the
detective force was very neatly “sold.” It appears that he went to
Professor Anderson’s entertainment at the Town Hall, Brisbane, and
had “made up” for the occasion as a bushman, with a slouch hat
and all the other peculiarities of this costume. He had evidently
gone to a deal of trouble in his disguise, but for all it was “spotted.”

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 The Andersons left Brisbane aboard the Lady Bowen for Maryborough,
some 150 miles further north along the Queensland coast, on 15 August,
to appear at the Town Hall there for at least three nights. From there they
progressed to the gold town of Gympie, fifty miles south, probably
travelling by the newly-opened railway linking the two towns, and
appeared at the Temperance Hall from 22 to 25 August.
They presumably then returned to Maryborough to take ship south, as
they are recorded passing through Brisbane on 5 September aboard the
Leichardt, travelling to Sydney where they arrived on 8 September and
then travelled overland on to Melbourne, where they appeared from 17
September to 17 October 1881 at St George’s Hall. Visits were also made
at this time to nearby Ballarat and Geelong.
Philip and Louise next sailed to Adelaide to play three venues: Garner’s
Theatre, Academy of Music and the Town Hall. The advertisement for
Garner’s Theatre offered “Amusing and Mysterious Wonders in their
Cagliostromantheum of Prestidigitation:”

Hundreds of European Marvels including the Great Sensational

Achievement of the Age
BEHEADING A LADY
Novel and Original Beyond all Precedent
Great Indian Basket Trick, Great Live Demon’s
Cauldron, the Vanishing Canaries and Cage

For anyone at all familiar with the magic scene of the day, the claim of
novelty and originality “beyond all precedent” would surely have raised
eyebrows!
On the conclusion of the Garner Theatre engagement on 4 November,
the South Australian Register advert of the previous day announced:

THE ONLY OPPORTUNITY of ever witnessing

Professor Anderson will be
TONIGHT and FRIDAY

LAST AND GRAND NIGHT OF THE SEASON

The Whole of Professor and Louise ANDERSON’S WONDERS,
including the Celebrated
INDIAN BASKET FEAT
The Handsomest Lady will receive a Handsome Dress.
Votes to everybody free
The Handsomest Man will receive an Elegant Hunting Case Watch.
Votes free.
A fine Gold Watch will be given to any Lady or Gentleman sending
in the best Conundrum on the Entertainment. The whole making
one of the most exciting and interesting Performances ever given,
and forming a suitable
FAREWELL TO PROFESSOR AND LOUISE ANDERSON

Their final Australian appearance occurred at the Town Hall on 21

November 1881, the programme including Conundrums in best original
Wizard of the North style. It was during this Adelaide engagement that

ories from 2013!

Anderson first advertised “The Living Marionette, A New Novelty. It Sings.
It Dances. See It,” with Mrs Anderson providing the necessary action.
Just a few memo What might perhaps best be described as an ‘advertorial article’
appeared in several Australian newspapers at this time:

Professor Anderson and his Goldfish Trick

At the close of Prof. Anderson’s season at St George’s Hall
[Melbourne] on Monday evening last, a few friends invited the
Professor and Mrs Anderson to supper, which had been provided in
the adjoining cloak room, and served in Clement’s best style. While
speaking of a number of his marvellous feats, our reporter told the

306 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 suffers from fearful neuralgic pains, always finds prompt relief using
the Wizard Oil. Mr R. Stewart declares that the Wizard Oil is the only
household remedy in which confidence can be placed.

One assumes that the Wizard Anderson’s endorsement of the Wizard’s Oil
brought financial as well as rheumatic relief.
Anderson’s adverts in the South Australian Register (Adelaide) in early
November 1884 stated that he was “opening in Calcutta, India,
December 23,” so presumably following the conclusion of the Adelaide
engagements the intention was to proceed to the sub-continent. The
1888 “Travels” article confirms this, and that they were conveyed there by
P&O, which strongly indicates they sailed from Adelaide aboard RMS
Indus, which was advertised as leaving Glenelg (port for Adelaide) on 25
November, calling at Galle (Ceylon; reached on 11 December) and
Bombay on its voyage back to England. If the Andersons were indeed first
bound for Calcutta (as suggested by the Adelaide adverts), they would
have had to transfer ship at Galle to do so, but possibly they went direct
to Bombay. This supposition is based on the stated order of Indian venues
listed in the “Travels” for this time, namely “Bombay, thence to Calcutta,
Rangoon and Moulmein…”
The “Travels” article is the only source traced for the Andersons’
movements in the first half of 1882, and records the ongoing itinerary
after Moulmein as Penang, Singapore, Hong Kong, Shanghai, Manila, and
Batavia, before returning to England, a journey we assume they made
westbound via Suez, although their actual travel details have not come to
light. l

(To be continued)

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I am indebted to Michael Dawes for his invaluable assistance in the research.

Professor that his Goldfish Trick had astonished him without

precedent. It may be mentioned that this feat consists of producing,
from under an ordinary handkerchief thrown over his shoulder, a
number of large glass vases, or basins, filled to the brim with water,
and each containing live goldfish. The Professor smiled and
remarked – “This feat cost me a vast amount of practice, and is one
of my best tricks.” He further explained that he had constantly to
practice this trick for hours at a time, and in his shirt-sleeves, and
the escaping water so saturated his shoulders that it caused a
severe attack of rheumatism to settle there, and presently the
infirmity was so aggravated that he was compelled to discontinue
the practice and performance of this special feat.

On his arrival, from San Francisco, in Sydney, he continued:

I met, at my hotel, Mr H.R. Harwood, Mr Richard Stewart, and Mr

Alfred Dampier, and to these gentlemen I am indebted for the
knowledge and uses of Mr F. WESTON’S WIZARD OIL. Through their
advice, I commenced using the Wizard Oil (feeling somewhat
sceptical), but with such good results that, as the production of my
second programme at the School of Arts in that city [this would be
in March 1881], I was enabled to successfully perform the feat for
the first time in over three years. Mr Harwood told me that during
his recent visit to India he cured his native servant of a most serious
attack of Eastern cholera by using this oil, whilst Mr Dampier, who,
through over-study and application to his profession, frequently

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 307

by John Derris MIMC

T here was a rap on the door of a corner house in Clapham South

overlooking the common.
It was a pleasant, early summer morning, on a weekend in June 1935
“Horace Goldin – The Whirlwind Royal Command Illusionist.”
Backstage the two men examined the shattered framework of the big
illusion. Ideas flowed, solutions were discussed, costs were considered.
and the owner, a Mr Lewis, who had a successful furniture manufacturing Finally Mr Lewis said he felt it could be fixed in time but he would have to
company in East London, turned to his wife Selina saying: “Are we call in some of his cabinet makers immediately. “Whatever you have to
expecting anyone?” do, please go ahead,” said Mr Goldin.
The loud rap was repeated but with more emphasis… Rat-a-tat By midnight the illusion was repaired.
tat-a-tat tat! The following day again there was the familiar, but less frantic,
The urgency of the rap suggested that it was important. Mr Lewis rat-a-tat tat-a-tat tat at the door of the house near Clapham common.
opened the door to see a large, portly, well-dressed, theatrical-looking Mr Lewis recognised Mr Goldin who greeted him with a relaxed beam
gentleman wearing a watch chain, on his face. “It’s wonderful Mr Lewis… and working perfectly. Please,
spats, a long black coat with an let me have your bill.”
astrakhan collar and a Homburg hat The two men moved to a nearby table to conclude their business. In the
which he raised in greeting. room at the same time were the fourteen-year-old boy and his older
“Forgive me for disturbing you but sister. Pocketing his pen Mr Goldin turned to them and said: “Good
I was told you are the best man morning. May I congratulate you on having a father who is a real
around here who works in wood. magician.” Suddenly he reached into the air and a black wand with a
Maybe you can help me with a gold tip appeared at his fingertips which he handed to the girl saying
problem?” “and this is for you.”
The caller spoke hesitantly, in He then reached into his jacket pocket and produced an envelope
broken English, with a touch of an adding: “and I hope you will come with your father to see our wonderful
American accent and an occasional show later this week. Here are tickets for you with my compliments.”
hint of Eastern Europe. Mr Lewis He doffed his hat, shook hands with Mr Lewis, and stepped smartly
guessed he was an immigrant who through the door, knowing that his big feature illusion was saved along
had now settled in the United States. with his reputation. Saved by the ingenuity of a furniture manufacturer
Henry Lewis
He said: “I’m sorry but you must from Clapham South, father of Stella and her younger fourteen-year-old
make an appointment to see me at my factory office on Monday.” brother, Henry.
“Monday,” said the man holding his face between his two hands. “Oh The posters shouted “A Two Hour
no, it will be too late. Impossible. I could be ruined, I have a contract with Show in Fifty Minutes!” A bold but
the theatre.” He shrugged his shoulders and raised his hands in the air. true description of Horace Goldin’s
“Impossible!” unique magic performance,
Mr Lewis gestured him into the large drawing room and said: “How highlighting the speed at which he
can I help you?” ignoring his fourteen-year-old son seated in the corner presented each mystery. Instructions
reading a book. were conveyed to his assistants by
“Well, I’ll tell you,” he said in his staccato English, revealing a slight pointing a black stick with a gold
stammer, “I’m an illusionist and conjurer, appearing at the wonderful knob at one end. No verbal or
Balham Hippodrome, and my most important illusion is broken… explanatory patter. No pauses
b-r-o-k-e-n. It’s my big finish advertised all over the town, the big finish, between tricks, the assistants queued
broken. Can you fix it? Whatever it costs, I pay.” up holding props, conveyor belt
The fourteen-year-old boy in the corner unobtrusively tuned into the fashion ready for him to instantly
conversation on hearing the word ‘conjuring.’ Since the age of eight he present the next mystery. It was his
had been interested in magic and indeed was at this moment reading a individual style of presentation that
book, Magic Made Easy by David Devant. Balham Hippdrome
got him booked around the world
The conversation in the background continued.“... part of the… yes… earning big fees.
wood framework… split… can’t stand any weight… yes, the wood Mr and Mrs Lewis, along with Henry and his sister Stella, sat in the
section… indeed… a ratchet… really… how long?” front row of the circle as the orchestra struck up and a maelstrom of
Mr Lewis said: “Well I don’t know magic but I do know wood. magic began. A long thirty-foot silk scarf was boldly cut in two, knotted
Let me have a look at it, we will go to the theatre.” The boy saw together and instantly restored. Without waiting for applause he made a
them depart and head off in the direction of the Balham Hippodrome, shadow of a rabbit with his hands on a white paper screen. Plunging his
aching to join them backstage amongst all the wonders of a magic hand through the paper he produced a live rabbit. Another hand shadow
show. Earlier in the week he had passed the theatre and had seen produced a dove and then a dog.
the posters on the outside, stating, in big exciting letters: Immediately a canary was taken from a cage, placed in a paper bag,

308 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 put into the end of a pistol which was then fired at
a light bulb. A flash of yellow inside then he broke
the bulb to reveal the live canary. Faster and faster.
This must be the end … but no. A girl lay on a
bench and was covered with a cloth and picked up
in Goldin’s arms. No dramatic pause, no build up,
straight away the cloth was thrown to an
assistant, the girl… gone!
The mood changed. The orchestra went classical
with slow, dramatic music signifying that
something special was about to happen A wooden
coffin was exhibited and Goldin took a girl
assistant’s hand as she stepped into the coffin, lay
down and was secured by members of the
audience. The lid was closed. A very large circular
saw was then wheeled into position directly above
the coffin with the girl inside.
(Mr Lewis recognised the wooden framework in
which this dramatic illusion was being staged.)
A button was pushed. The blade slowly turned
and then, amidst the noise of screaming metal, a
snowstorm of wood shavings and a crescendo of
frenzied music, the circular blade spun, faster and
faster cutting right through the centre of the
coffin, separating it into two equal halves.
No applause, just a storm of gasps from a
thousand seats.
The blade slowed to a standstill. The two halves
of the coffin were placed together and the lid
raised. Goldin reached in and grasped the girl’s
hand and she stepped from the coffin to
tumultuous applause. It was something that a
fourteen-year-old boy would never forget.
From the events of that week, Henry Lewis’s
interest in conjuring blossomed and quickly
developed into a passion that lasted a lifetime. So
Photo: TMC Archive

strong that he still performs magic today in many

parts of the world, both on stage and in close-up.
And with the realisation that he is probably the
Goldin last living Member of The Magic Circle to
personally meet Horace Goldin, he remembers
with affection the moment the spark was ignited
when the great man visited his family home at
Clapham Common.
He remembers also that his father refused
payment for the work he did for Goldin for as his
wife said: “My husband was not an illusion builder
but it was a pleasure to help a great person in
desperate need of assistance. And unwittingly he
left a wonderful legacy… an introduction to the
world of magic for my son Henry.” l

Postscript
The gold and black Horace Goldin Wand was
presented to The Magic Circle Museum by Stella
Lewis. Henry Lewis became a Gold Star Member of
the Inner Magic Circle, is Curator Emeritus, and
was presented with a Silver Wand and a Silver and
Photo: TMC Archive

Gold engraved gavel. He is also Honorary Vice

President of The Magic Circle, of which he is proud
to be a Member, and privately gives thanks for
The Sawing
that unique day in June 1935.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 309

 MAGIC CIRCLE DEALERS’ DAY
Saturday 25 October 2014

Royal National Hotel THE GALLEON SUITE

Bedford Street
Russell Square
London wc1

10am to 5pm

Free entry to Magic Circle Members,

YMC members and children up to 16
£5 entry to non-Members

Also at 4.30pm to 6pm APROX

Lectures by FAY PRESTO and KIERON LEFIEVER
£10 entry, pay at the Side Hall entrance

MANY DEALERS BOOKED

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310 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 MAGIC IN THE
REGIONS
A s we enter the last quarter of the year
there is much to look back on as well
as looking forward to some exciting events
Elizabeth Warlock MIMC

coming up. At the end of the month we will

see Halloween, when many of our Members months ago it came as a pleasant surprise Card Magic by Hugard and Braue. It was
will be exhibiting their skills, and then in when he revealed not only how knowledgeable Kevin who worked through this book chapter
November the annual International Magic he was about magic but also his entertaining by chapter with John thus giving him the
Convention organised by the MacMillan ability when presenting an effect. It is no grounding necessary to become the
family assisted by Noel Britten and preceded wonder he is much sought after by Mark performer and creator he has now become.
by the five-day Festival of Magic. There one Bennett at the Illusions Magic Bar in Bristol, Not only is he in much demand at prestigious
will be able to see appearances by such where he is a regular close-up performer. Since corporate events as a close-up worker with
names as Tom Mullica, Jim Steinmeyer, its tentative beginnings in 2007 this bar has cards and coins, but his DVDs showing his
Jonathan Pendragon, Jon Armstrong and so gradually established itself as one of the most many creations using these objects are highly
many more. Once again it looks like being an popular bars in Bristol, so much so that later sought after by magicians.
exciting event and one not to be missed. Mark founded Smoke and Mirrors, a Boutique Among those touring the magic clubs
For over twenty years now the name of Pub and Magic Theatre located in the centre of around the country there was American street
Jimmy Carlo has featured prominently when Bristol, where stand-up acts like those of John magician Eric Evans talking on ‘The Secret Art
there is anything to do with magic. Many will Archer, Danny Buckler, Mark Shortland, Andi of Magic.’ A protégé of Cellini, he showed
recall his hilarious Sumo act which won for Gladwin, and Morgan & West may be seen. It many of the effects that have proved so
him the British Ring Shield in 1991, and since would seem that Bristol is making its mark as a successful in his career performing this type
that time he has carved himself a niche as an centre for magic, and long may it continue. of magic, including the staple of all street
international children’s entertainer, popular Lectures continue to feature prominently at magicians, the cups and balls, but also a
on both sides of the Atlantic. But it is not all the British Magical Society meetings here in number of card tricks of which he showed
magic for children. With his gift for comedy Birmingham. There was John Carey who wowed and explained during the lecture. Also from
he is equally at home on the stage, the everyone with his superb card work that America came Peter Samelson who brought
cabaret floor, and at the close-up table, included such gems as his handling of the his theatrical experience into his magic which
where he is in great demand at prestigious Spread Cull, and an excellent commercial Triple included versions of effects like Gypsy Thread,
corporate events. He lives in the West Spellbound routine. John first got bitten by the Peter Kane’s Wild Card, the burned and
Midlands just outside of Wolverhampton. magic bug as a child when his parents bought restored napkin, and a routine with a ring,
When the famed Wall Street investment him a copy of the Nixon book, which then led rope and rose. Peter is the producer of
banker Alan ‘Ace’ Greenberg died recently in him to the Supreme Magic Company where he Monday Night Magic the longest running
New York at the age of eighty-six magic lost would regularly purchase many of their items. magic show in New York, is designer of
one of its most ardent supporters. In addition But it wasn’t until much later he met up with illusions for theatre, film and television and
to his financial wizardry he was an the late Kevin Reay who not only astounded the author of the book Theatrical Close Up. In
accomplished magician and member of the him with his technical abilities with a deck of addition he is head of the Afterglow Group
Society of American Magicians who loved cards but also introduced him to the best of all which produces live events and state of the
nothing better than to entertain friends and starters for card workers, The Royal Road to art digital multi-media for corporate accounts.
business associates with card tricks. But But to close the season prior to the
perhaps his role in magic will be best summer break there was Oliver Tabor, the
remembered for his collaboration, with the man now famous for his prize-winning
fledgling magic publisher Richard Kaufman, music-themed act where the violin diminishes
in the publication of many magic books such in size, musical notes and doves appear at
as Cardworks by Richard Kaufman, Darwin his fingertips, and finally a white cello is
Ortiz at the Card Table and Cardshark by produced. In the first part of his lecture he
Darwin Ortiz over a period of almost twenty explained many of the effects such as the
Photo: Mark Hesketh-Jennings

years. For many years now Richard has gone torn and restored manuscript, and the
it alone with publishing, including his purchase sudden appearance from a white balloon of a
of Genii magazine which he also edits. white tie around his neck. The second half
It is always interesting when one comes was devoted to dove magic including the
across new talent, so when Nemed Phoenix care and handling of doves.
started attending meetings at the British I’ll be with you again soon with more
l
Eric Evans
Magical Society here in Birmingham a few News from the Regions.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 311

 TAGGED

T he performer displays a fan of 6 card luggage labels which appear

blank. A spectator is asked to choose a number between one and
six. Whichever number is named is cleanly counted to along the fan of
presentation to share with Circle Members. This is as a result of my visit to
the Harrogate Society of Magicians, where I lectured last year. During the
coffee break, Harrogate member Alan Driffield kindly told me that he had
tags and a paperclip or miniature peg is attached to the chosen one. been carrying my original trick from Abra around with him in his wallet
The performer now turns over the fan to reveal that on each is written for all these years and that it is a great close-up effect. (The above is not
a destination – their choice could subconsciously show where the to ‘blow my own trumpet,’ merely to explain why I am, in effect,
spectator would most like to be in the world right now. The labels have plagiarising myself and think this idea is worthy of a revisit!) I hope Circle
cities from around the world written across them, but on the chosen Members will find this an interesting item, which they can adapt to their
tag is written ‘Right Here!’ “That is exactly where we would like you to own use.
be too,” comments the performer. “We’re so glad you’re here!” As you might expect, the six card luggage tags are not as innocent as
This is a very clean and deceptive force of one of six items, which they first appear. Here they are in an exposed view from the face: (see
could be used with numbers, business cards, colours, names, photos, in illustration below)
fact anything (even locations as in the effect above). It is very So the sixth card (as shown in the second illustration) has ‘LAS VEGAS’
adaptable. This is actually based on an idea called Pegged which I first on both sides, the fifth card has ‘PARIS’ on the back and a blank face, the
published in Abracadabra magazine (Issue 3186) seven years ago using fourth card has ‘RIGHT HERE’ on the back and ‘ROME’ on the face, the
‘WIN’ or ‘LOSE’ cards, with the spectator always choosing the winning third card has ‘SEVILLE’ on the back and a blank face, the second card
card. I decided to resurrect and adapt the idea, giving it a new has ‘BERLIN’ on the back and ‘RIGHT HERE’ on the face and the first card

RE
S

T HE
VEGA

R I GH
ROM
LAS

CARD 6 5 4 3 2 1
RE

S
T HE

VEGA
LLE
ON

LIN

IS
LOND

R I GH
SEVI
BER

P AR

LAS

And from the back when the whole fan is turned over

312 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 CRAFTY CONJURING

Chris Wardle MIMC

has ‘LONDON’ on the back and a blank face. As the text is centred, in a
tight fan all of the card luggage tags appear to be blank at the start.
You ask for a number between one and six, so if two is called, count
from the top and if five is called, count from the bottom of the fan and
you will reach the second card which says ‘RIGHT HERE,’ on which you
place the paper clip as a marker. Immediately widen the spread from the
bottom, revealing ‘LAS VEGAS,’ then a blank card tag, which you turn
over to reveal ‘PARIS,’ then show ‘ROME,’ then turn over the next card, as
if building up the tension, to show ‘SEVILLE,’ then turn over the top card
to reveal ‘LONDON,’ also exposing the chosen, second card beneath,
which you have paper-clipped, showing the ‘RIGHT HERE’ message. If
three is called, count from the bottom upwards and if four is called, then
count from the top down. Then place the paper clip on the ‘chosen’ card.
In these two cases, you will then turn the whole fan over, then spread the
cards more widely, as you will have landed on the ‘RIGHT HERE’ card on
the reverse side, as you show the other possible destinations.
There is nothing new here in terms of the ‘counting from either end’ that you can see the actual product within, their crayons have a photo
number principle, but as you also use double-faced cards this makes it of different coloured crayons instead, as if you are looking into the
more deceptive and no spelling is involved! What makes the trick difficult packet. Therefore, if you buy a few boxes, you can have a set of
for people to deconstruct is the use of the blank-faced luggage tag card identical colours. Take one of the boxes and cut out the shape where
on top. For choices of three and four, it gives the impression that all of the the photo is shown. Then, from a second box, take the front and glue it
card tags are the same way around and blank on the back. For two and behind the hole, to add depth and make it look even more like you are
five, it reinforces the impression that they all have writing on one side looking into the box from the front. Now fill this box with all the same
only also, as you turn some over to reveal the names and build up to the colour crayons, in my case I use blue. (See the photo which shows the
revelation at the end. fake layer of crayons.) Have a second box in your pocket with mixed
You could even use this idea with business cards, having joke cards and colours, minus the blue crayon and the front photo cut out, so that you
the spectator landing on your own actual business card at the end. (As a can actually see inside the box. On a piece of paper draw a triangle
further update from the original effect, it is useful to have pencil dotted and a circle with a blue crayon and have it folded as your prediction.
one side of the cards when they are set up, so that you can reset quickly, Ask a spectator to assist in a small experiment, saying that they are
as you may turn over some of the cards in the presentation and they need going to draw something big and bold, and take the crayon box from
to be orientated again to reset. Also, you may wish to choose a different your pocket, casually flashing the gimmicked front, then hold it above
city rather than London, as one of your locations, if you are performing their eye level in your hand, squeezing the box open and covering the
this in London!) photo with your palm, asking them to reach in and take any colour,
whilst you look away. You then pocket the box and give them a small
Just a Thought... CRAYON COLOUR FORCE pad, asking that they draw two geometric shapes, as described above.
Here is an idea to make an old principle more deceptive. I am sure that When they have finished, you then take out the un-gimmicked box and
you are familiar with the ruse of asking a spectator to draw two simple offer it for them to replace the crayon, so that they see the mixed
geometric shapes, such as a square, one shape inside the other. The odds colours. You recap that they could have chosen to draw any shapes and
are that that they will draw a circle and a triangle, as you have eliminated had a choice of colour, yet when you compare your prediction with
square by mentioning it as part of your instructions. Predictions which their drawing, they match, both shapes and the choice of colour too!
come in threes seem to add that extra punch, so I have added a choice of Three out of three! (If, as can sometimes happen, they have drawn one
colour for the spectator to draw with before you give them their different shape, then the fact that they used the same colour as you
instructions. I noticed that the company Crayola produce small packets of strengthens this ending, as you have at least partly matched and there
crayons and, unlike their other products which have a hole in the front so are immediate visual similarities between the two drawings.) l

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 313

 THE METHOD OF FALSE in new methods being developed. changes a card to a note.
SOLUTIONS AND Following an example of using the Mickael teaches
THE MAGIC WAY method for the vanish and reproduction many effects on
by Juan Tamariz of a coin he then applies the system to the DVD that
10.5 by 7.4 ins. hardbound book with firstly the Ambitious Card and then to utilise one or
photographs, 296 pgs. $47 (£29) from your Koran’s Divination. He then shows how it both of the
favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s has been applied to the Spirit Slates which gimmicks, each
Magic supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com. he tells us has an impact on an audience of which is fairly
Reviewed by Mike O’Brien greater than any other effect that he performs. different in nature
Finally in this section he then works through whilst still
It is some considerable time ago that the first one of his versions of Oil and Water. The final involving changes
edition of this book was published. It soon part of the book describes a further nineteen and transpositions
sold out and the only way to get a copy was methods for performing Oil and Water, all involving a bill and a card.
by going onto eBay and buying a copy there developed with The Magic Way, to show how My favourite effect described is similar
at a sizeable premium to the original price. fertile the system is in bringing about new to the effect detailed above, but the bill is
The new revised and enlarged edition is solutions to an effect. brought near a flame from a cigarette lighter
hard covered, 267 pages long and with 253 If you wish to either create your own effects causing a bright flash as the transposition
photographs and illustrations. The photos are or improve existing ones then this book is for occurs!
larger than in the first edition and are better you. Also the effects explained, eg Koran’s Most of the taught effects finish with the
for it. The book has been published by Divination, The Spirit Slates, are well worth non-examinable card or bill having to be
Hermetic Press Inc. knowing. Highly recommended. switched out for their authentic counterparts,
So what is The Magic Way? The Magic although some routines on the DVD suggest
Way is basically a book on Tamariz’s theory of BILL-FLASH REVERSE good methods of doing this with presentational
how to create a magic effect or to improve an Mickael Chatelain cover. I found the handling proposed by Mickael
old one. Its main aim is to produce an effect Instructional DVD and gimmick. $39.95 (£24) to change the card into the bill slightly
that is totally baffling and entertaining and to from your favourite dealer. Dealers contact unnatural, but it was fairly easy to rework the
give the impression of Murphy’s Magic supplies, handling to suit myself.
real magic. Ideally the www.MurphysMagic.com. Some work is required to combine the
spectator should be so Reviewed by Marc Kerstein gimmicks with your chosen currency which
entranced by the Mickael spends an adequate amount of time on
effect that he has no The effect: A spectator selects a card and is then the DVD teaching. A fake printed bill is included
desire to know how it instructed to fold the card into quarters. As an for this purpose which needs to be cut and
was achieved. apparent wager to guess the card the magician stuck on to both of the gimmicks, but any other
To follow The Magic removes a folded note, places it on the table bill of any denomination can be substituted. A
Way the reader needs and covers it with his wallet. After failing to photocopied bill can be used to avoid cutting
to follow eight basic guess the card, the magician shows his hands up a real note. Both gimmicks appear to have
steps and these steps empty, takes the folded card and gives it a been carefully made and are of good quality,
in turn are broken sharp wave causing the card to instantly change and Mickael kindly provides instructions to
down again. The first into the bill. The bill is unfolded and both sides move one of the gimmicks to another card if the
step starts with a are fully shown. The spectator then lifts the card’s folds eventually wear out.
description of the wallet from the table under which now lies a The preparation of the gimmicks is certainly
effect that you are trying to create. Tamariz folded card. The magician cleanly unfolds the worth the effort: the transposition has been very
demonstrates the method by taking the basic card revealing that it is the selection. well thought through and is visually impressive,
effect of vanishing a coin and then Two gimmicks are included in Bill-Flash as one would expect from Mickael. I imagine
reproducing it from the magician’s ear. Reverse: a gimmick that was used in Mickael’s that, with an appropriate presentation,
Apart from established methods to bring previous release, Money Shot, that changes a Bill-Flash Reverse would fit nicely in many
about an effect The Magic Way could result note to a card and a new gimmick that visually working magicians’ close-up sets.

314 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 REVIEWS
Mike O’Brien MIMC
Mike O’Brien MIMC Marc Kerstein MMC
Marc Kerstein MMC Ian Keable MIMC
Ian Keable MIMC Will Houstoun MIMC
Will Houstoun MIMC

COLLISION: THE ULTIMATE floor. The problem is that the very places where Justin Higham is well known in the card
AIRBORNE CARD STAB Tom is convinced the trick will work best – magic world as a Marlo student and technical
By Tom Wright those where forks are freely available, so you card expert. The majority of Justin’s work
Instructional DVD and gimmick. $95 (£58) can seemingly just pick one up – are surely also focuses on sleight-of-hand with cards but
from your favourite dealer. Dealers contact the very places where having dozens of cards two of his previous works, Secrets of
Murphy’s Magic supplies, tossed in the air would be frowned upon. If you Improvisational Magic and KOSBE System,
www.MurphysMagic.com. do find a venue where you don’t have to scamper concentrate on improvisational magic – a
Reviewed by Ian Keable around in an undignified fashion clearing up the genre in which the performer utilises
mess afterwards – such as a stage, for instance randomly occurring events to create magic
The Card Stab – the version in which the cards – then the justification for using such a that could not be achieved using traditional
are hurled into the air and the selected card is hard-to-see implement, as opposed to, I don’t methods.
displayed impaled on a sword – has always know, a sword perhaps, becomes redundant. The 75% Production falls into the
been a great trick since Ludwig Döbler first did The thinking with this trick is all decidedly collection of Higham’s improvisational works,
it on stage at the St James’s Theatre in London small. The technique suggested to produce the although it is a stand-alone text. It is slightly
in 1842. Swords, of course, meant something impalement involves having the fork essentially more focused than the previously mentioned
back in the nineteenth century; I’m not wholly out of sight, just before the folded cards are works concentrating on the effect of
convinced the trick has quite the same visceral flung at you. It is even suggested that you do producing a four of a kind from a genuinely
appeal now. the ‘move’ behind your back. Personally I would shuffled deck. By definition it is difficult to
So, you can imagine Tom Wright’s thinking just swap hands, enabling the fork to be clearly explain the effect that is taught in a book
when he decided to recreate a similar effect for visible both before and after the stabbing: but about improvising magic. Throughout the
a contemporary audience; and also to adapt it there am I thinking like a cabaret or stage act book, however, Higham has included
for close-up conditions, where most magicians and not a close-up performer. descriptions of actual improvised sequences
work these days. Instead of a sword, let’s use a The end result is strong; a signed card with a that illustrate the
knife – er, no, a fork actually. Because of course torn corner that can be matched up is indeed theoretical points he is
it’s quite possible to stick four prongs of a impaled on a fork. But the drawn-out procedure making and one of
dining fork right through a twice folded-up of getting there – involving a lengthy selection, these will give a flavour
playing card. However, many tricks have an signing and tearing of the card plus the necessary of the effects that are
illogicality that goes past an audience, so instructions to, and handling of, several spectators; created. At the start of
perhaps we should park that one. and not forgetting those fifty scattered cards – the performance a card
(It is only fair to say that there is a more makes you wonder if it is worth the effort. Certainly was chosen from the
impromptu variant where the card is found Tom Wright fails to make the case for his own pack which was then
between, rather than through, the prongs; it is product as he limply talks his way through a live shuffled by a spectator.
technically much harder and also means performance to a small group at a wedding. The spectator’s mind
physically altering the gimmick, such that you Ironically, at the end of the DVD, Tom and his was read, revealing the
are then unable to do the impaled version.) redundant co-presenter discuss a possible stage name of the card, and
Less easy, though, to overcome for ‘the presentation, using the business cards of your a second spectator’s
worker’ (that horrible description) is the fact corporate audience. Their brief run-through raises name was spelt with the chosen card
that at the finish you are left with some forty to so many questions that one suspects neither has discovered as the last one dealt. Two cards of
fifty folded-up playing cards lying all over the actually done it – not more than once anyway. the same value were then discovered by
Nicely made gimmicked fork though. spelling the spectator’s name twice more,
once with the pack face up and once with
THE 75% PRODUCTION AND the pack face down. The final card to
THE TRICK WITH NO METHOD complete the four of a kind was produced by
by Justin Higham spelling the name one more time, this time
8 by 6 ins. softbound; 30 pgs. £7.50 from with the spectator choosing whether to deal
www.card-magic.com from a face-up or face-down deck. Please
Reviewed by Will Houstoun
s

note that The 75% Production will not teach

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 315

you how to perform this particular effect on work, but a lack of knowledge will make POCKET
demand. It will, however, teach the mindset and Higham’s illustrative examples harder to by Julio
approach needed to create similar effects. understand. Besides those caveats The 75% Montoro
In addition to the specific techniques and Production is an easy book to recommend. Instructional DVD
approaches that are explained Higham makes Exploring an area of magic that is and gimmick.
some thought-provoking general points about under-represented in the literature, Higham’s $29.95 (£18) from
improvisational magic and conjuring in general. booklet is thought provoking and very your favourite dealer.
He explains, for example, that there are two reasonably priced – if you absorb and use the Dealers contact
forms of improvisational magic. In the first the ideas it contains you will also be fooling Murphy’s Magic
performer decides that they are going to magicians and laypeople alike with magic that supplies,
improvise, perhaps after setting an end goal, is incredibly hard to reconstruct. www.MurphysMagic.com.
and then does so. An example of this kind of Reviewed by Marc Kerstein
approach might be The Trick That Cannot Be MR ELECTRIC UNPLUGGED
Explained. The second form of improvisation is by Marvyn Roy The basic effect: The magician places a blank
when the magician performs planned effects $45 or $25 for 10 CD set or Download. playing card in his breast pocket, leaving most
but also remains aware of all the opportunities Available from www.mcmagicwords.com of the card sticking out. A card is selected by a
and possibilities that chance affords them, Reviewed by Will Houstoun spectator and lost in the deck. To find the card,
being fully prepared to deviate from their the magician draws attention to the card in his
original plan when the situation suggests doing For the last six years I have been lucky enough pocket, clicks his fingers, and the card instantly
so. The second approach is the one Higham to be one of the attendees at the biennial Los changes to the spectator’s selection. The card
favours, in his own words doing “the ‘usual Angeles Conference on Magic History. At one of can then be removed from the pocket and fully
tricks’ – revealing cards, changing them, and so these events a personal highlight was a talk shown.
on – but in a way which reifies and transforms from Marvyn Roy in which he spoke about his Pocket comes with an instructional DVD as
them into mini miracles.” Higham also time working for Thayer Magic at Brookledge. well as the necessary tools to construct the
convincingly argues that organic improvisation As well as providing new information Roy read gimmick. The charismatic Chris from SansMinds
offers greater benefits than forced an excerpt from his book, Mr Electric enthusiastically spends a good portion of the
improvisation, allowing the performer to focus Unplugged, which was moving and helped me DVD explaining the construction, for which a
on the final goal of performing the best magic experience his text in a new way. Now, a few fair amount of work is required (it took me just
possible rather than on forcing spontaneity at years later, magicians around the world have under fifteen minutes). Once installed in your
the expense of effect. the opportunity to hear jacket the gimmick can’t easily be moved to
Higham also makes an interesting point Roy read from his book another jacket, although the gimmick can be
about the benefits of improvised magic from a thanks to Mike Caveney’s removed and remade if needed.
structural point of view. Compared to the linear production of an Other ideas for card changes using Pocket are
methods which most traditional effects use audiobook edition, read by also shown on the DVD, including being able to
improvisational magic uses a very different Roy himself. change the colour of the back of a card and
structure. For example, if you were performing a In terms of the content, changing the value of a card. The trailer also
trick where you have to spread the deck face-up the audiobook is (as shows an effect where one bank note changes
and control a card before producing it there is a one would expect) a to another, however this change isn’t explained
complete thread of method running from replication of the on the DVD and bank notes are not something
beginning to end. If, however, you happened to 2005 printed work – that I have found the gimmick to be able to
notice that the card was in a position for which a wonderful book support without some modification to the
you could improvise a production without doing which traces Roy’s notes.
any sleight of hand, then a portion of the career from his Whilst Pocket is advertised as a visual card
method (the controlling of the card) has ceased earliest change (which certainly is true: the card change
to exist. In this way improvisation offers the interest in does indeed look as good as it does in the
possibility to perform magic for which a magic, promotional trailer), I much prefer the idea of
fundamental section of the method is missing. through the awards he won and on to his combining Pocket with some misdirection to
This can lead to particularly fooling incredibly popular Light Bulb act, performed change a card whilst attention is away from the
performances. with his wife, Carol. The book was wonderfully, pocket. Imagine a simple two card transposition
The 75% Production is clearly largely based and idiosyncratically written, you can almost effect: one card is held in the hands and
on improvisational magic which will hear Roy talking through the pages if you know another is placed partially in the magician’s top
immediately rule it out as a subject of interest him a little. The audiobook builds on this pocket such that much of the face of the card
to some magicians. If you are looking for a new footing and it is compelling to hear the emotion remains visible. The magician waves over the
set-piece to add to your formal parlour show in Roy’s voice as his reading takes you on what card in his hands and shows that it changes to
then this is not the book for you. In addition, feels like a very personal journey through his the one that was in his pocket. Upon seeing the
the book assumes a certain base knowledge of memories and his life. change, the spectators’ attention will revert to
card magic which may make it harder to If you have not read his book then you really the card in the pocket, and the sudden
understand if you do not have a reasonable should pick up a copy either in printed or audio realisation that the card in the pocket (which
grounding in card technique. Note that the format and discover Roy’s story. If you have has remained in full view the whole time) is
techniques referenced are not required for the read the book and enjoyed it, then I suspect now the card that was being held just moments
reader to understand the ideas contained in the the audiobook will provide a new opportunity ago should create a very strong effect.
book, or indeed to implement them in their own to enjoy the content once more. Pocket is a reasonably priced utility which

316 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

allows you to perform a fooling visual card about watching packets of cards twirl, fly and violinist stands on stage holding his bow
change. The effect is very easy to reset making it spin smoothly around the hands of an upside-down as the music plays – it is very clear
ideal for walk-around magicians. I feel experienced flourisher, almost seeming to dance that when a beautiful sound emerges it is
performing the change towards the end of a with a life of their own.With the popularity of nothing to do with him. If you are interested in
larger routine will get great reactions and I flourishing it is perhaps surprising that it has flourishes then I recommend you pick up a pack
would recommend the effect to any taken so long for someone to release a product of cards and expect to practise. If you decide to
jacket-wearing working or casual magician designed to make flourishes easier to perform. take a shortcut by buying the Magnetic Deck
wishing to add a surprising isolated card That is exactly the premise of Magnetic Deck, you will only delay the point at which you start
change to their close-up repertoire. which promises to “allow you to perform to practise properly and therefore increase the
unbelievable flourishes … in minutes [that] length of time, measured in months not minutes,
MAGNETIC DECK professionals take months to practice.” Supplied it will take to learn how to handle cards with
By Granell is a gimmick that consists of a number of cards style and elegance. l
Instructional DVD and gimmick. $29.95 (£18) hinged together which contain magnets to hold
from your favourite dealer. Dealers contact them together when not pulled open.
Murphy’s Magic supplies, Unfortunately the very concept of the Magnetic
www.MurphysMagic.com. Deck is flawed. The gimmick may well make it
Reviewed by Will Houstoun possible for you to make unusual card
castle-like displays with the pack but it will not
Perhaps one of the most significant stylistic give you the smooth elegant handling of cards
movements in the magic world over the last that makes a flourish look appealing. This point
decade has been the vast growth of flourishes is highlighted again and again throughout the
as an area of huge interest and, in some cases, included instructional DVD as the performer
as a stand alone branch of card handling. executes basic moves like overhand shuffles
Regardless of your views about the wisdom of messily and clumsily. When an interesting
combining flourishes and magic (I believe it can display is made possible by the gimmick it is
be done well) there is something wonderful analogous to watching a concert where a

THE MAGIC
CIRCLE CARES
David Hatch MMC

Members will have read of the death of Geoff August) in hospital after sustaining a broken hip If you hear of Members or their families who
Cooper MMC at the great age of 101. Several in a fall and will need even more care when she are sick or facing hard times please contact:
attended his funeral service where the Chaplain is discharged than Peter has devotedly given her David Hatch MMC (Welfare Officer)
sensitively performed the Broken Wand up to now. Our thoughts and prayers go out to 6 Darnley Road, Woodford Green,
ceremony. Geoff was a long-time supporter them and any other Members in need. Essex IG8 9HU
of The Magic Circle and all things magical. T 020 8504 4134
Just a thought: “Just when you think it can’t get E WelfareOfficer@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
There is good news from some Members any worse, it can. And just when you think it
about whom I have shared concerns can’t get any better, it can.” – Chaplaincy:
previously. Leslie Gerard AIMC has had Nicholas Sparks, At First Sight Revd Peter Liddelow AIMC
successful kidney surgery and is now 23 Kings Road, Barnet,
convalescing at home. Olive Fletcher MMC The latest welfare news can be found on Herts, EN5 4EF
is also home after having broken her leg and www.themagiccircle.co.uk where ‘Welfare’ is a T 020 8441 2968
is being looked after by her two daughters. sub-section of ‘Club Room’. Contact details for E Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
Ken Lee MMC will not be having further Members can also be found on the website Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler AIMC
heart surgery but is feeling better on new under ‘Membership List’. Although space 10 St Petersburgh Place, Bayswater,
drug treatment. considerations make it impossible to include the London W2 4LB
contact details of all those mentioned in this T 020 7229 6215
News is not so good for Mel Moore MMC column please do not hesitate to contact me if E Geoffreyshisler@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
who is starting on another course of you need help in contacting a fellow Member. I
treatment. Sylvia, wife of our Chaplain will continue to include contact details for
Peter Liddelow AIMC, is currently (13 relatives and non-Members where necessary.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 317

 MINUTES

Thursday 7 August 2014

Minutes of The Meeting 4. MATTERS ARISING anniversaries with a certificate or iii Reinstatements: None
Held on 7 August 2014 & MAIL LIST MATTERS something similar. She was iv Resignations: None
In The Magic Circle’s LH indicated that are about 150 reminded that this report is not v Promotions: Scott Wells
Devant Room members who have yet to renew. expected until after the MIMC*, Martin Cox MIMC*
From 6.30 – 9.35p.m This figure is lower than the last Membership Renewals process has and Zap MIMC*
time he chased up as an email been completed. vi Correspondence:
PRESENT reminder had secured more KD confirmed that Gordon vii Chris Wardle MIMC, thanking
Jack Delvin renewals. He will send a further Drayson has been taken on as the President for recent
Alan Maskell CHAIR from18.55 email prompt to those members for webmaster for the Young Magicians promotion to MIMC
Scott Penrose from 18.50 whom we hold an email address. Club under the supervision of a viii Will Gray MIMC, thanking the
Richard Pinner DEPUTY CHAIR DF also volunteered to contact Consultation Group comprising President for recent promotion
Keith Pain those members who have yet to Kevin Doig, Dave Andrews and to MIMC
Mandy Davis renew their subscription. Katherine Rhodes. ix Correspondence had been
Kevin Doig LH brought to Council’s attention Simon Lovell has now been received following the
Mark Lee a member who was claiming 50 reinstated as a Member. We have reinstatement of Simon Lovell
Katherine Rhodes years unbroken membership and heard that he was very pleased and thanks passed on to all
Lee Hathaway wished to claim free membership. with this. RP proposed a vote of involved.
David Fung Council voted to accept the thanks to the Welfare team and Fay
Andrew Eborn from 20.00 proposal. Presto in particular. 6. SEE TICKET SALES
Hugh Nightingale MD said some overseas members From the mail-list, MB had KD raised concerns about See
Jenny Mayers MINUTES SECRETARY had paid but not yet had suggested a streamed or recorded Tickets and the additional double
confirmation of this; she will liaise address by the candidates in the transaction fee and booking fee
The Chair being unavoidably with LH on this. forth-coming elections and views used by them. He was concerned
delayed, the meeting was HS2 – RP had confirmation that were taken. Members were having been contacted by someone
opened by the Deputy Chair. the HS2 consultation process was reminded of the current policy on who had bought tickets for a TMC
starting at the Birmingham end. He electioneering and some of the event, subsequently cancelled by
1. APOLOGIES also reported on a meeting with reasoning behind it. It was strongly TMC, and who had not received a
StP, MB, DR, FP, GD the Stephenson Way Community felt that once candidates had full refund of their booking fee. This
Group during which he invited HS2 submitted their names for would have been dealt with
2. DEATHS representatives to attend a Public consideration it would be very immediately had KD informed the
The death of Geoffrey Cooper Event at TMC. unfair to change the rules or style CMA directly. He proposed CMA
MMC had been announced not The Club night committee have of election. The written address look to find another agency and
long after his 100th birthday. still to write to the Monday night creates a level playing field and to not See Tickets. MD suggested we
Geoffrey was remembered as a performers whose inappropriate introduce other factors at this stage could research other systems and
great supporter of TMC and and potentially offensive comments would not be ethical. However, the was invited to bring any
Council stood in respect. had been the subject of complaints. next Council may like to consider suggestions to the next meeting.
AM will write to John Hill to what may be acceptable in the A written answer from Darren
3. Minutes acknowledge his piece in the future. Martin said all agencies charge for
There was discussion regarding Circular looking into the possibility The Chair was then taken by AM their services, indeed some more so.
abstentions. The Deputy Chair of celebrating members with over who thanked RP for taking the SP pointed out that See Tickets are
requested that Council Members 50 years membership. Council Chair in his absence. the agency of choice for a lot of
should only abstain when await his findings but have not west end shows and there are
absolutely necessary and committed any funding to this 5. SECRETARY’S REPORT advantages to us to use them. JD
couldn't think of any reason for possible event. i Apprentices: Simon Grant proposed we, TMC, refund anyone
abstaining that couldn't be made MD requested an update on ii New Members: See attached who incurred a loss in this way at a
public. MD strongly disagreed. possibility of marking membership schedule TMC event and asked that the

318 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

people involved received this. KD to is Guy Bavli. The program is fully excellent evenings put on by involved on a committee or similar.
forward details and Darren to booked through until April and is non-members, non-magicians and AE: Mentioned his concern that
reimburse. now on the website. The Close-up others. very few people came forward to
KD was also concerned that competition will be the last meeting RP: had a question regarding the sit on council. KR said some may
there had been some restrictions in January. summer school. MD did not have consider it to mean the
with See Tickets for last year’s YMC HN: The examinations secretary an answer and proposed the topic membership are satisfied with
J-Day and again alternatives were had asked for clarity regarding his be put to next meeting when DR the current Council. AM
discussed, including the use of role in accepting all offered will hopefully be present. suggested that the topic could be
Paypal. KD was reminded that examinations. Council agreed that MD: had received an email asking discussed by the incoming
J-Day is a TMC event and not the he could refuse or delay an entry if TMC would like a place on the Council.
responsibility of CMA. The YMC that the committee felt wasn’t SAM program for July 2015. TMC MD: reported that the British
may ticket their event however they ready to be examined and, indeed, has not held a reception there since Ring close-up competition has
choose. had a duty of care to do so. 2008. RP suggested the event to be been cancelled this year due to
HN A meeting is to be held to penciled in and the incoming lack of entries. RP suggested
7. IT AND WEBSITE co-ordinate examinations, President, (or Vice President) be those who had entered join TMC
LH asked about changes to the membership and apprentice related asked if they would be in a position and enter our competition
website to accommodate the issues and resolve anomalies. to host the event. Agreed by instead.
integrated database, etc. There is a KP Several more dealers have Council. JD apologised that due to
need for an upgraded/newer booked for dealer’s day, he will illness preventing him flying, he has THE MEETING CLOSED AT
website and infrastructure and liaise with SP to advertise the event not been able to represent TMC 9.35PM. NEXT MEETING:
although we have some very in the Circular overseas. TUESDAY 2 SEPTEMBER
competent and professional IT ML Presented a synopsis of the AM: asked Council members who 6.30PM – DEVANT ROOM
people working voluntarily on this report from MB re survey responses. are continuing to think about their
the time factor is restrictive. There has been a good response – responsibilities and roles ahead of NEW MEMBERS ON
Parallels were drawn with The 550 in all (190 online and 360 on the next meeting and asked those THURSDAY 7 AUGUST
Magic Circular and Council agree paper) and details will be fed back who had decided to stand down to 2014:
that the website and electronic to the membership via The Circular. consider if they could still be
communications are equally as MB: will give more detail in Sept.
important and that a similar Council meeting. Council again
professional approach should be thanked MB for the report and look
adopted. It was agreed to explore forward to hearing more next
the option of outsourcing our IT month. SP to talk to WH about
requirements to enable this further. putting aside space in the Magic Our Headquarters
KR proposed obtaining quotes from Circular for the Survey report.
various companies so that Council AE: proposed we act on what the Conventions
may gauge the costs as well as the members have requested.
practicalities and will present these SP: will have full report re CMA
findings as soon as possible to next month.
enable Council to make informed AM: The Young Magician of Year
decisions for the way ahead. committee has met in preparation
Seconded by LH and all were in for the 2015 competition. The
agreement with one abstention (DF). committee are AM, KD, Michael DRESS CODE
Colley, Chris Wardle and Sam Smart attire is required at all events in the Headquarters.
MOBILE PHONES
8. 2015 AGM Clarke. The heats will be held at
Please ensure that you switch off your mobile phone before
7 September to 5 October to Stephenson Way on 15th Feb and
entering the Headquarters. If you must make a phone call, please
confirm change of date as the final on 29th March. do so outside the building.
discussed and agreed online JD: had received an email from a PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOUND RECORDING
gentleman from Germany, who The use of any form of recording equipment, audio or visual,
9. REPORTS (ROUND THE speaks 2 or 3 languages, offering including cameras and mobile phones, is not permitted in any
TABLE ROUND-UP) his services as a Chaplain in part of the Headquarters except by special arrangement.
In the absence of a formal report Europe. Offer passed to the welfare GUM
from RP, KD commented that the first team for actioning. Please refrain from chewing gum of any sort in the Headquarters.
Summer Show had gone very well. SMOKING
AE: The publicity committee are 10. Any Other Business Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the Headquarters.
We all benefit from these conventions, so please respect and
working well and recently were AE: thought it was wrong for a
abide by them to avoid being turned away. Thank you for your
involved with another famous non-member or an apprentice to
understanding.
magician. run a Monday night event at TMC
MD: Club night committee, Noel and that there should be a ruling
Britton is organising Alan Alan against it. Council disagreed as
tribute and the lecture that evening there have been a variety of

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2014 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 319

 FORTHCOMING
CLUB EVENTS
OCTOBER 2014

T he Headquarters is open on Club Nights from 3:00pm until

10:30pm. Unless otherwise stated, events start promptly at
7:30pm and are scheduled to finish between 8:45pm and 9pm.
Looking Ahead to November

November Monday 3
Club Nights are principally for Members, so entry is by Membership PEKI: DREAMS OF THE MAGICIAN
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 show November Monday 10
membership of a magical society. A non-magician guest may only WAYNE FOX
attend evenings that are marked as ‘Show’. Guests may only attend
two evenings a year. No guest may attend unless booked in advance. If
you wish to bring a guest, please email cma@themagiccircle.co.uk. All Change of address? Please login to your account at
guests must pay a £15 entry fee at the door and respect our www.themagiccircle.co.uk. Under “Quick links”, click on
Conventions. Indeed, it is your duty as their sponsor to ensure that they “Profile”. At the top, under “Edit” you should be able
do. The Magic Circle reserves the right to refuse entry. See our website to select “update your profile”. You can contact
for all the latest event details and to subscribe to a weekly email webmaster@themagiccircle.co.uk if you encounter
reminder of upcoming events. any problems.
Member in need? Contact Welfare Officer David Hatch,
October Monday 6 WelfareOfficer@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
AGM
Strictly Members only. Admittance only on production of a valid
Membership card.

October Monday 13
HENRY EVANS
Henry Evans has performed around the world since winning FISM 2000
in Card Magic. He has amazed both laymen and magicians with his
devious mind, producing miracles with cards, silks and coins with his
particular twist. He will show us how important it is to imprint your
own personal style in every effect you perform. You will see original
openers and closers as well as new ideas created by Henry. He will
show very practical effects with cards using borrowed and shuffled
decks without any setup whatsoever. If you know his work, you know
why he has achieved the prestige of an original and charismatic
performer.

October Monday 20
SURPRISE LECTURE

October Monday 27
YMC ENTERTAINS
A selection of magicians from The Young Magicians Club will take to
The Magic Circle Stage to amaze and entertain you.

320 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR OCTOBER 2014 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk OCTOBER 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 000