the magic

NOEL BRITTEN
SERIOUSLY FUNNY MAN
 THE MAGAZINE OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE Issue 1138 Volume 105 MAY 2011

Features
136 A Beginner’s Guide to the Digital Archive –
Circular reasoning
by David Hibberd In a recent Circular I
136 Causing Controversy – by Bob Loomis mentioned that so-
140 Noel Britten: Seriously Funny Man – called ‘kickers’, or
by Matthew Field multiple, unrelated
Page 130
climaxes to routines
Regulars was a controversial
130 President’s View – Jack Delvin issue. This was
130 News something I discussed many times
132 My Favourite Magic Books – Graham P. Jolley with my friend, the late Patrick Page,
132 Letters to the Editor who had given the topic much
Page 148 133 Obituaries thought.
134 The Magic Circle Cares – Rev. Peter Liddelow One often-seen kicker is the use of
135 Clever Devil Corner – Harold Cataquet Card to Wallet as a climax to an
138 Circular Mentalism – Ian Rowland Ambitious Card routine. This at first
144 A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities – might seem logical, since Ambitious
Dr. Edwin A. Dawes does not, in itself, present a climax,
148 Club Night Events – just a series of rises.
Page 149 Mandy Davis, Convenor of Reports Pat was especially vocal about his
151 The Cecil Lyle Award – Cashcard by Mike Gancia conviction that finding the selected
152 Conjurors Collect – Tim Reed card in one’s wallet in this context was
154 In Review a bad idea. He was convinced that all
158 Council Minutes the spectator would remember about
160 Forthcoming Club Events – the entire sequence was that his card
Brian Sibley and Mandy Davis wound up in your wallet. The entire
Page 152 Ambitious sequence is seen as a sort
EDITORIAL 07910 317 902 DESIGN 020 8521 2631 of introduction, so instead of two
EDITOR Matthew Field ART DIRECTOR tricks, you’ve got only one.
Editor@TheMagicCircle.co.uk John Hawkins
The other point of view is that
102 Priory Road john.hawkins.7@btinternet.com
Hastings 104d Grove Road multiple climaxes provide a chance for
East Sussex TN34 3JE Walthamstow E17 9BY the performance to build, and ‘kickers’
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tim Reed PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Ward can keep spectator interest high over
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Anthony Brahams, Dr Edwin Dawes, ADVERTISING 07767 336882 a longer period of time.
Scott Penrose, Ian Rowland, BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING MANAGER I tend to trust Pat Page’s judgement
David Tomkins Scott Penrose
Cover CONVENOR OF REPORTS Advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk when it comes to issues like this. After
Noel Britten Mandy Davis 17 Berkeley Drive, all, he had a lot more performing
Mandy@TheMagicCircle.co.uk Billericay
Essex CM12 0YP
experience than me.
OBITUARIES Alan Snowden,
5 Folkington Corner, Woodside Park, MISSING AND BACK ISSUES What do you think?
London N12 7BH 01923 267 057
020 8445 7607 Michael Candy
PROOFREADERS Sound of Music, Harthall Lane, By the way – there’s a flyer in this
Cheryl Bell, Hemel Hempstead, issue for membership subscription
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Published by The Magic Circle Copyright © 2011 by The Magic Circle. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
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President’s view Circular news
John van der Put wins
ou may remember reading previous Amongst the audience were two gentlemen, The Magic Circle Close-

Y President’s Views when I wrote of the

sound of a new breed of members
coming to the fore; a new ethos, a vision, even
John Nevil Maskelyne and George Cooke,
local magicians. Just as the instruments started
to fly out of the cabinet, Cooke whisked aside
up Magician of the Year

a revolution. Well it’s all happening, now! a curtain from a hall window and there, plain
The Magic Circle, in very close conjunction to see, was the hand of one of the brothers
with Centre for the Magic Arts Limited, is hurling out the tambourine. The pseudo
delighted to announce a fantastic SEASON OF mediums were undone, in more ways than one!
SUMMER SORCERY. Those of you who embrace Maskelyne leapt up and declared that if they
the history of magic as well as the performance wished to see some real magic, the audience
of magic will know of the importance of the should attend a show that he would put on later.
Maskelyne dynasty to our society. The show was such a success it was booked
Here’s a quick potted history. Back in the 19th for a three week season at the famous
century two young sisters, Margaret and Kate Egyptian Hall in Piccadilly, London, where it Jack Delvin and John van der Put
Fox, were sitting in their parlour when there stayed not for three weeks, but thirty years! A very strong line-up of
was a clicking noise. Their older sister claimed Maskelyne’s Mysteries put on daily shows, magicians competed at our HQ
this must be the sound of a spirit from the evenings and matinees, and became one of in The Magic Circle Close-up
other side trying to make contact. She asked London’s most favourite visitor attractions, Magician of the Year contest
it to speak to them using one click for ‘yes’ and along with Madame Tussauds. on 28 March. Performing for
two for ‘no’, which it did. This phenomenon In 1905 the Egyptian Hall was closed for an audience of non-magicians
quickly became the talk of America. renovations and Maskelynes moved to St. in the Devant Room, with
Two bright lads, the Davenport Brothers, George’s Hall, Langham Place, where they simultaneous video projected
heard about this and decided to create a were joined by the top music hall magician of to a packed house in the
Spiritualistic Séance Show in the wake of all the day, David Devant, and the magical Theatre, were Chris Wood,
the publicity. The performance consisted of partnership ‘Maskelyne and Devant’ was born. Andrew Murray, James
being tied up by members of their audience Also in 1905, The Magic Circle was formed Freedman, Joe Stone, Jon Allen,
in a large wardrobe together with some by a small group of amateur and professional Tim Sutton, Marc Spelmann
instruments: a bell, trumpet and tambourine. magicians in Pinelli’s Restaurant, London. and John van der Put.
Doors were closed and the instruments struck Devant kindly offered the new club a room A judging panel of four
up an awful racket, apparently being played above his stage as its headquarters, and he magicians and three non-
by ghostly spirits. The doors were opened and became the first President of The Magic Circle. magicians voted John van der
the mediums were still securely tied. This was Why am I telling you all this? It has always Put as Close-up Magician of
repeated, concluding with the instruments been my dream that one day The Magic Circle the Year for 2011. Second place,
being hurled from a small curtained window would put on regular magic shows in London and the Originality Award,
in the centre front of the cabinet. – and that is exactly what we are going to do. went to Marc Spelmann, and
The show was a great success throughout We must not try to run before we can walk, James Freedman placed third.
Europe and came to Cheltenham, England. so we are going to try it out this summer. We’ll have full details and
Throughout June and July there will be shows photos in the next issue.
every Saturday covering all aspects of magic,
and featuring all the best magical talent we Romany Wins
can muster. THE TOP MAGIC STARS IN THE Golden Lion Award
TOP MAGIC VENUE. Congratulations to Member
This is going to be the most ambitious Romany, the Diva of Magic, on
venture The Magic Circle has ever attempted. winning the Siegfried & Roy
I hope to have Friends of The Magic Circle up Golden Lion Award at the
and running by the time you read this, and also World Magic Seminar in Las
hope that, with their support together with Vegas in February. This marks
the support of all you members, the SEASON the first time a British performer
OF SUMMER SORCERY will turn out to be has won the prestigious award.
another major success for The Magic Circle. Romany was the winner of The
Magic Circle Stage Magician of
the Year in 2007 and the
British Ring’s Shield for Stage
Performer in 2010.

Young Magician of the

Jack Delvin MIMC Year Contest
President@TheMagicCircle.co.uk The Young Magician of the
Year has been running since

130 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

1961 making this year’s Palladium over the past 100 Member Johnny Thompson
competition the 50th years, including the likes of acted as magic consultants for
anniversary of that first event Houdini, Cardini, Channing the ITV special Penn and Teller:
which started Johnny Hart on Pollock, Robert Harbin, Fool Us! which has been
the path to magical fame. The Siegfried & Roy, Lance Burton, commissioned as a new series.
preliminary heats will take and Tommy Cooper. Seven shows have been
place in the theatre at Specially honoured will be recorded in London ... Our Vice
Stephenson Way on Sunday 8 John Calvert, who will be President Scott Penrose was
May and are open to all Magic celebrating his 100th birthday Solomon featured in a two-page spread
Circle and YMC members free in August, with appearances by unusual venue. More info at in the London Metro
of charge, although seating is Jack Kodell and his wife Mary www.katherinerhodes.co.uk ... newspaper on 16 February in a
obviously limited to the size of Naylor, Marvin Roy (Mr Electric), Member (and former Circular story about about the
the theatre. and, of course, John Calvert columnist) Thomas Solomon, headquarters building of The
The Final will take place on & Tammy. the well-known escape artiste, Magic Circle ... Member
Sunday 31 July and it will be Full information is at will be performing his new Richard Cohn’s production of
compered by former Young www.palladiummagic.com. show at the Society of the annual Night of Magic at
Magician of the Year Richard American Magician’s 2011 the Brooklyn New York Society
Cadell (the hand of Sooty since Semi-Circles Salute to Magic at New York for Ethical Culture with several
1999). Tickets for the Member Lance Burton told City’s El Teatro Theatre on magicians, musicians and
afternoon show are £8 and Las Vegas interviewer Saturday, 14 May. More info at jugglers in February received
those for the evening Robin Leech that he and his www.sampa1.com ... Paul coverage in the New York

▲
competition £16, and will be entertainment partner, juggler Stone reminds us that he and Sunday News ... Member
on sale from the box office Michael Goudeau, are one-
from16 May onwards – book third of the way through
early to avoid disappointment shooting an independent
on 0207 387 2222. magic film ... Congratulations
to Members Eddie Dawes,
Paul Stone Presents whose face graces the cover of
Palladium Magic – A the March Genii magazine, and
Night of 100 Magicians to Brett Sherwood, who is on
Paul Stone reports that tickets the cover of the March Linking
for Palladium Magic went on Ring ... Finalists for the Magic
sale last month. The show, Castle awards this year include Siegfried, Roy and Romany
which takes place on Monday Members Mike Caveney, Rich
19 September at the’Home of Bloch, and Patrick Martin ...
Variety’, the London Palladium Paul Daniels and Debbie
Theatre, features Mac King, McGee star in a tribute to The
Silvan, Michael Finney, Erix Great Lafayette on 7 May at Paul Daniels
Logan, The Great Tomsoni & the Festival Theatre in
Co, Jeff Hobson, Kris Kremo Edinburgh. The illusionist died
and Hans Klok. Participating a hundred years ago this
close-up magicians will enjoy a month. More info at
once in a lifetime show and www.GreatLafayette.co.uk ...
details can be obtained from Member Kevin McMahon,
producer@palladiummagic.com Artistic Director of the
In association with Edinburgh International Magic
MagiCares The Magic Charity, Festival, has announced events
a ‘Palladium Magic’ – ‘Sponsor which will take place between Lance Burton Richard Cohn (on lower left)
a Legend’ initiative has been 1 and 8 July. Magic Circle
launched to pay tribute to the Members scheduled to perform
magic greats who have graced are John Archer, Alan
the stage of the London Hudson, Rob James and
Romany. More info at
www.magicfest.co.uk ...
Katherine Rhodes returns for
another season of magic at
Wilton’s Music Hall in London.
Kate and guests celebrate one
of the most popular forms of
Victorian entertainment in this Scott Penrose in Metro

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 131

news Letters to the Edi
Colin Francome ran the Surviving the Japanese
London Marathon juggling all Earthquake
the way as a fundraiser for [Member and escapologist Tom Lyon, who
Amnesty International. In is currently studying in Japan, sent this
addition, he produced a report for The Magic Circle Official
benefit evening of Comedy Maillist. We reproduce excerpts here. Ed.]
Magic in London with
performers including Members I was on my way to visit the Tenyo magic
Jack Delvin, Laura London, company in the East of Tokyo. I was on
Nic Picot and YMC member the tube heading East when I suddenly
Megan Knowles. £860 was noticed that the natural movement of the
raised on the door with more train was getting bigger and bigger and
from bar sales ... The tireless Pavel when I looked out of the window I
Mel Harvey has been booked of Pavel Pomezny. The Czech noticed that the train, bizarrely, was
to appear in the touring magician was born in 1945 stationary. Little tremors are not
theatre show Flanagan and and lived in Switzerland. He uncommon here but the shaking went on
Allen along with Member was famed for his innovative and on and became more violent.
Dave Short ... Sad to report rope magic and his “Walking The tremors subsided but the train
the death from cancer on 9 Knot” was a featured stage carried on rocking eerily on its suspension
February of Pavel, stage name effect in many magicians’ shows. for many minutes while we were stuck in
the tunnel. Suddenly the big tremors

MY FAVOURITE started again. The movement was huge.

We got up to ground level and were able
MAGIC BOOKS to find a taxi to take us the rest of our way.
by Graham P. Jolley MIMC We arrived at the Tenyo office and were
greeted by the Managing Director covered
Comedy mentalist Graham P. Jolley in white dust and grinning from ear to
spoke to a packed audience in our ear. The stock room had been completely
Library on Monday 14 March and trashed by the tremors. Stacks of
surprised many by choosing as his cardboard boxes had fallen over, great
favourite magic books a dozen piles of documents were slumped over
devoted to card magic. He demonstrated many of his the floor and you could not step into the
favourite tricks from those books to the appreciative room for the mess. There was smashed
listeners. The tricks Graham singled out follow the book title glass and crockery everywhere. He whisked
and author. Master these effects and you’ll have an excellent us up to the sixth floor of the building to
card magic repertoire. the show room for our meeting. The
room was lined with sample products and
1 Sonata by Juan Tamariz (“Neither Blind nor Silly”) the prizes the company had won. The
2 Secrets of Brother John Hamman by Richard Kaufman prizes were scattered, along with the
(“Two-Shuffles Harry”; “Perfect Bridge Hand”; heater and the company’s products all
“The Magic Cards”) over the floor. It was extraordinary.
3 Al Koran’s Legacy by Hugh Miller (“Five-Star Miracle”) Of course, at this point, we had no idea
4 Impossibilia by John Bannon (“Play it Straight of the scale of the disaster. When we
(Triumph)”) finished the meeting, we learnt that the
5 Al Koran’s Professional Presentations by Hugh Miller trains weren’t running. There were
(“Double Deal”; “Encore Card Stab”). [In the course of countless people in the streets walking
this, Graham referenced “The Lazy Man’s Card Trick” and a timid yet excited, disco-like
from Close-Up Card Magic by Harry Lorayne] atmosphere. I made it home.
6 Card Stories by Arial Frailich (“Superman!”) We are lucky that none of us is hurt
7 The Card Magic of Bro. John Hamman by Paul LePaul or damaged. Even as I write I can feel
(“Perfect Bridge Hand”) aftershocks shaking me. Now we are
8 The Card Magic of Nick Trost by Nick Trost (“Intuition”) waiting to see if there will be nuclear
9 Paul Gertner’s Steel and Silver by Richard Kaufman meltdown.
(“Unshuffled”) Tom Lyon MMC
10 Ken Krenzel’s Close-Up Impact by Stephen Minch
(“Double S’Entendre”) Royal Card Trick?
11 Dear Mr Fantasy by John Bannon (“Dawn Patrol”) With the approach of The Royal Wedding,
12 One Degree by John Guastaferro (“Truth in Advertising”) talk often turns to the comparison
between this wedding and that of the

132 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

tor
Prince of Wales and Diana, and the the stage management was in the energy and optimism that had no match.
suitability of the respective couples for capable hands of Allan Clarke. Despite the dreadful disease ravaging his
each other. I thought it might be Other members of the MML also took body he maintained his spirited
appropriate to draw attention to the fact part in the show. personality; he was always planning
that this is a perfect intro to Frederick A good show, and it certainly will have future projects.
Braue’s Married Bliss at Twenty-one in helped to put their name about ready for Last November, I visited him. His smile
Paul Clive’s Card Tricks without Skill (Paul their centenary in 2014. was still there although his mobility was
Clive & Co. Ltd, London, 1946, at p.124). Geoffrey Newton MIMC severely limited.
It does depend upon a mathematical force “Doc” leaves a wonderful family behind
which normally I would avoid like the Dr. Robert Albo and his legacy to Magic will be eternal.
plague, but it is cleverly camouflaged and Sadly, “Doc Albo” as he was called by his Mario Carrandi AIMC
my main point is that it is nicely topical. closest friends, passed away on 21
Walford Taylor AIMC February 2011. Because of his vision in [An obituary appeared in the April issue.
appreciating and recognising the Ed.]
Scottish Centenaries craftsmanship and ingenuity of early
May I draw attention to the conjunction magic apparatus, he became the most Errata
of two important Scottish Magic prominent figure in the Magic Collecting Apologies to Alan Maskell for errors
centenaries and a Diamond Jubilee world. His magnum opus “Classic Magic which crept in to the 31 January report
celebration, all of which occur in 2011. Series” will live forever, a true testament of The Council Entertains Club Night
The first is the celebration of the to Magic. event (page 116 in the April issue).
foundation in 1911 of the first magic In addition to his contribution as a Alan’s original Torn and Restored Six
club in Scotland, the Dundee Magical scholar of our passion, the medical Card Repeat was part of the main
Society, and it is fitting that the Sixtieth community paid homage to his skills as a programme, not a pre-show event,
Anniversary Convention of the Scottish top surgeon in his specialty of Neurology, as everyone viewing the event in the
Association of Magical Societies (SAMS) and sports fans in the San Francisco area Theatre or via the internet streaming
takes place in this Tayside City at the acknowledged his deserved fame as Team can attest.
end of April this year. SAMS is the most Surgeon for the Oakland Raiders and The And thanks to former Editor Peter Eldin
enduring of the three British magical San Francisco Warriors. for spotting errors in the last several issue
associations, following in the footsteps “Doc” was the most personable numbers. April was 1137 and March was
of the Societies Affiliated to The Magic individual I have ever met, with charisma, 1136. Ed.
Circle (1921-1944) and the National
Association of Magical Societies
(1944-1951).
The third is the centenary of an event
that reverberated around the world, the
Obituaries
death on 9 May of The Great Lafayette
and nine members of his company in the and aboard cruise ships until they
tragic fire at Edinburgh’s Empire Palace retired a year ago. He also had an act,
Theatre, which simultaneously robbed The Maventils, with his twin brother,
Scotland’s capital of hosting the first Royal David, and Les Hinsley. Derek was a
Command Variety performance in 1912. loving husband, father and grandfather.
This anniversary is being commemorated He was also a real practical joker,
in Edinburgh with an exhibition and Paul always clowning around, especially with
Daniels will be presenting a show and his children Stephanie and Kevin and,
recreating some of Lafayette’s magic. more recently with his grandchildren,
Eddie Dawes MIMC Amber and Billy.
He was an estate agent for 45 years,
Members in Action and was a member of The Magic Circle,
Members Brian Lead, Trevor Dawson, Paul The International Brotherhood of
Joyce and Allan Clarke (the northern Ventriloquists and The International
one!) were part of a Magical Variety Show Brotherhood of Magicians, and helped
presented by the Modern Mystic League raise money for local charities. He was
(MML) on 12 March at the Empire Theatre Derek Arthur Travis MMC an avid lover of holidays with his family
Blackburn (the hometown of that society). 22 March 1941 – in his caravan.
To a nearly full house Brian Lead 25 February 2011 The cremation service was held on 4
presented his unusual puppet routines, Derek Travis and his wife of 36 years, March. Our sympathies are extended to
and Trevor Dawson performed his C&R Doreen, performed a ventriloquism act his family.
bicycle inner tube. Children’s entertainer with his figure Terry at children’s parties Matthew Field MIMC
Paul Joyce kept the youngsters happy, and

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 133

 Liddelow AIMC
Peter Liddelowt

by Peter Liddelow AIMC The Magic Circle Chaplain and Welfare Officer
I am sorry to report the passing on of attention for fractures to his shoulder. Contact addresses:
Derek Travis MMC (Hook, Hants). Derek He is, at present, staying with his
was an accomplished magician and daughter Rosemary. Doreen Travis MMC –
ventriloquist and performed with Doreen, Alan Tall MMC (Stepney, London) is 33 John Morgan Close, Hook,
his wife, for 45 years. He will be greatly housebound and somewhat fragile. He Hampshire, RG27 9RP.
missed by his family and friends and the misses his Magic Circle friends. Benjilini MMC –
many children whom he entertained. Jack Young MIMC (Florida USA) – has Apt. 607, 3111 Aurelia Court,
I have been in touch with several of been far from well for several months and Brooklyn, NY 11210 USA.
our members who are finding life is now in a nursing home. Bobby Bernard MIMC – Flat 16, Young
somewhat of a struggle through illness, Court, 175 Willesden Lane, London
infirmity, old age and, in some cases, We also particularly remember the members NW6 7YX. T: 0208 451 1582.
hardship due to the recession. Whereas and their families who have been affected Mick Gurr AIMC – 9 The Almonds,
it would not be apposite to give by the appalling devastation following the Kempston, Bedford, Beds. MK42 7NP.
personal details please hold in your earthquakes and aftermath in New Susie Kovari – 3 Ainsdale Close,
thoughts and prayers: Zealand and Japan. Tom Lyon MMC Orpington, Kent BR6 8DJ.
(Reigate, Surrey) was on a business trip at Alan Snowden MIMC –
Benjilini MMC (New York USA) – who is the time visiting the magic company 5 Folkington Corner, Woodside Park,
receiving ongoing treatment for Tenyo to the East of Tokyo. He movingly London N12 7BH.
pneumonia and a pulmonary embolism. tells of a hazardous train journey when, at Alan Tall MMC – Flat A
Bobby Bernard MIMC (Cricklewood, one stage, he thought his life was in Sims House, 420A Commercial Road,
London) Thanks to the efforts of Magic jeopardy. Thankfully he arrived home safely. Stepney, London E1 OLQ.
Circle friends Bobby has now moved to Jack Young MIMC – Apt. T-307 605
a sheltered accommodation. He is Please let me know if you hear of members Universe Boulevard, Juno Beach,
delighted though it may take him a or their families who have suffered as a FL 33408 USA.
while to adapt to his new surroundings. result of these terrible tragedies. Tom Lyon MMC – 7 Pilgrims Way,
Mick Gurr AIMC (Bedford) – following Reigate, Surrey RH2 9LE.
an operation Mick is now at home and Just a thought – a lovely ancient Jewish
continues to have tests and treatment. greeting is ‘Shalom’ – ‘Peace be with you’. If you hear of members or their families
Pam, the wife of Bernard Juby MIMC As we seek peace in our world and nation who are sick or facing hard times
(Armaille, France) – Pam was in intensive we should remember and pray for members please contact:
care suffering from pneumonia but is now of our Magic Circle family who are afflicted,
receiving ongoing treatment at home. lonely, sad and bereaved that they might Peter Liddelow
Susie, the wife of George Kovari MIMC, have peace in their hearts and homes at (Chaplain and Welfare Officer)
(Orpington, Kent) is rather frail and is this time. A helping hand or an encouraging 23 Kings Road, Barnet,
being cared for at home. word of cheer can help to this end. Herts., EN5 4EF
Alan Snowden MIMC (Woodside Park, Shalom, T 020 8441 2968
London) – continues to receive medical Peter E Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk

134 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Harold Cataquet AIMC

Terrible Tables
had a tough table the other day. One sleeves”, and another person at the table are guessing methods at the end of my

I party had booked three tables of 15,

and three of them were having
birthdays (one at each table). In order
says, “Yes, I saw it go up his sleeves”, I
am (inside) a bull seeing red. When an
incorrect, knee-jerk attempted explanation
first routine, then the Rings are out. If I
get a group that is appreciative and
offers no sign of shouting out methods,
to allow the kids to talk to one another is confirmed as the actual explanation, I then the Rings is my next routine.
(or was it to let the parents talk among feel like stopping the trick and saying, Because of this selectivity in trick
themselves), they decided that one of “Don’t be so stupid! That’s not how it’s selection, I don’t get the frequent
the tables would consist of three adults done!” Of course, as far as that audience “There’s a gap in the rings” that other
(who positioned themselves so that they is concerned, I have ignored these performers complain about. The Rings is
could see the TV at the bar) and twelve comments and carried on. However, after one of my strongest routines, and I
ten-year-olds who were trying to outdo this trick is over, I immediately move on to sometimes find that another group
one another. Having successfully the next table – even if this is the first (which saw me performing the effect
entertained at the other two tables, I trick in my set. elsewhere) will ask me to perform the
opened my performance at this table To be honest, this ICIE (Idiot effect for them. The way they ask
with my personalised handling of Confirmed me determines whether I
Professor’s Nightmare (Equal/Unequal Incorrect perform it or not. If I sense a
Ropes). After getting the expected Explanation) only “I know how that’s done”,
reactions, I overheard two boys in the happens at about then I’ll kindly refuse (but
following conversation: 4% of tables. offer to show them something
“I know how that’s done.” When someone says, else).
“Yeah. I have one of those set of “It’s up your sleeve”, I very rarely get hecklers or
ropes at home.” they quickly realise rude audiences. If I do get
“When you twist the ends one way, the impossibility of any negative comments,
the ropes unlock and they grow what they have just it’s usually before I’ve
longer. When you twist the ends the said, and implicitly done anything. For
other way, the ropes shrink … Do withdraw their example, I think the worst
you have one?” comment as a comment I have ever received
“Yeah. I have one of those, but my possible explanation. was when I walked up to a
ropes are blue.” Thankfully, most of table and someone said, “Take
“Mine are red.” the time, I hear a comment like, “I that potsy deck of cards and beat
To make matters worse, one of the always thought that if I was this it!” In their defense, the table
adults (who didn’t even know what I close to the magic, I would be (room!) was in a bad mood
was doing because his eyes were glued able to see how it’s done. But I have no because the team they were
to the football on TV) then says, “Better idea!” supporting had just lost and they
do something else. All these kids have I don’t mean to boast, but no one has weren’t in a mood to be entertained. I
that magic set”. Needless to say, I had ever shouted out a correct explanation. In just walked away from the table.
to take that smack. my C&R rope routine, I am ready for a As is my nature, after the event I
When adults come up with ridiculous “You’re just cutting the ends” comment, described in the opening paragraph, I
explanations, it usually doesn’t bother but when these comments do come, they called a few magicians that I knew who
me and I reply something along the are always a quiet aside of one audience did both close-up and kids shows.
lines of, “That could be a possible member to another. I can spot the “What did I do wrong? How would you
method, but the truth is far simpler”. moment this conversation begins and I have handled it?” They all recognised
However, when one false explanation is use that to springboard into the the situation, and surprisingly, they
supported by another person at the Challenge C&R rope phase. However, this seemed resigned to the outcome I
table, I really do get annoyed. isn’t a commonly known method, so this described. The most common answer
Let me make that distinction clearer phase rarely occurs (less than 0.1%). was something along the lines of,
with a pair of examples. If someone at What about something that is more “You’re always going to get tough
the table were to say, “It’s up your commonly known (like the Linking Rings)? tables. Just do your bit and move on”.
sleeves”, or, “It’s a trick deck”, it’s like I love performing the Linking Rings in A few then described their worst
water off a duck’s back. But when walk-around, but I save the routine for audiences, and after a while, I didn’t
someone at the table says, “It’s up your the right table/group. For example, if they feel so bad.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 135

A BEGINNER’S GUIDE TO scanner, printer, external hard drive and
memory sticks.
Every Monday I take a batch of items

THE DIGITAL ARCHIVE

by David Hibberd MIMC, Archivist
home. Each one is individually scanned.
The image is given an identifying caption
and then stored in the correct file. Up to
30 “thumbnail” images can be seen on
the computer screen and it is easy to scroll
hat does it all mean? I mentioned flyers, theatre programmes, posters, down to see all the images in the file.

W the Digital Archive briefly in my

last article but I think that it
needs more explanation. Here in clear,
letters, etc.
Having so many images means that, to
find them easily, I have to divide them
Once the image is in the file, my printer
allows me to print a good quality copy
virtually any size up to A4. I can also send
non-technical terms, is what I am trying to into files. I currently have 75 files. the image to someone else by email or
do and why I consider it essential. Individual magicians are divided into copy it onto a CD.
The Magic Circle Archive consists of letters of the alphabet according to their For example, I recently had an enquiry
over 12,000 photographs, programmes, surname or stage name. I currently have by email from New Zealand. A lady was
advertising literature, posters, etc. plus 180 images for A, 233 for B etc. Well- enquiring about her grandfather. I already
around 3,000 slides. These have already known magicians such as David Berglas, had his photograph and was able to scan
been sorted and are carefully arranged Houdini and Robert Harbin have individual his 1937 obituary from The Magic Circular
in albums and file boxes in the Inner files. David Devant has nearly 600 images so that I was able to send these to her
Sanctum. and the Maskelyne family over 500. There within minutes.
I often receive enquiries or requests are other files covering specific events An external hard drive allows back-up
concerning photographs for magazine such as the 2005 Centenary. copies of every file. Small size memory
articles or from the public enquiring about Now comes the difficult part! I have to sticks, about 60mm long, can be used to
relatives who were Members at some time explain how I do it. My base at The Magic copy files for back up or distributing. I do
in the past. The circumstances that I Circle is in the Inner Sanctum but I am not want to lose anything by accident.
mentioned in my September 2010 article only there for about 40 Mondays every For example, I have just finished the
prompted me to start filing photographs year. It costs me money to get to London Robert Harbin file which contains 104
on my computer. I now have over 7,000 from Kent so I do most of my work at images. The file is stored on my laptop
images which include photos, advertising home. For this I have a laptop computer, a and is also on the external hard drive and

CAUSING insane execution of innocent women. An

earlier 1563 book, by Dutch (or German)

CONTROVERSY
physician Wierus (or Wier, depending on
your source), protested against the
hanging or burning of witches, but it
by Bob Loomis, Hon. MMC. Editor of The Magical Spectator stopped at denying that witchcraft
existed. Scot fearlessly declared it.
HATE TO cause controversy. Okay, I By “discoverie” he meant “exposure”. King James I, however, was convinced

I admit it. But this time I have an

excuse, because it involves someone
who caused a major controversy in his
That exposure included the magicians of
his day, who often claimed supernatural
powers. Yes, exposing magic goes back a
witchcraft was genuine, and was
determined to make it a capital crime. He
took exception to Scot’s Discoverie and
day – Reginald Scot. Now, before I upset long way. Although the conjuring section wrote a book himself, Daemonologie
anyone, let me remind you about Reggie’s was a very small part of Scot’s tome, it (1597), in which he called Scot, “an
important contribution to our art. has been called the cornerstone of our Englishman of damnable opinions.”
We honour Scot with a wonderful art. His explanations of the era’s standard Fortunately for Scot, he died before James
wall painting on our headquarters’ magic feats were then repeatedly VI of Scotland became James I of England.
spiral staircase, and his picture, thanks plagiarised for the next 200 years. Yes, You often read that King James had
to Harry Reeve’s excellent research, stealing magic tricks also goes back a copies of Scot’s book burnt on Tower Hill
hangs in our library. Reggie was a long way. by the public hangman. It makes an
pioneer hop-grower and brewer, and Now, here’s where I cause trouble – I excellent story, but sadly it seems to be
the acknowledged father of beer; but differ from most magic authors because I just that – a story. (See Magicol, Feb.
that’s not why we revere him. It’s think the second edition of Scot’s book is 2010 for the lack of book burning
because of his 1584 book criticising the far more important than the first! Why? evidence.)
horrific treatment of women accused of Well, although the first edition described So, why do I claim that the second
Devil worship. Shakespeare and Sir sleights and tricks still performed by our edition of Scot is more important? Well, it
Walter Scott are both said to have members four and a quarter centuries appeared in 1651 – more than half a
studied Scot’s book, The Discoverie of later, Reggie’s mission was not to glorify century after Scot’s death. Those five
Witchcraft. our art; he was on a crusade to stop the decades were not a time to defy the

136 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 on a memory stick. Tomorrow, when I go
to The Magic Circle, the memory stick
goes with me and I will copy the file onto
the Archive laptop in the Inner Sanctum.
The memory stick is then handed to Matt
Field so that it can go onto his computer.
So, each file will be stored in four
separate places.
Please note that the Digital Archive
does not replace the original items. It is
entirely complementary and means that
fragile items do not have to be handled
again and possibly damaged. When
everything has been copied it will be a
permanent and accessible record of a
great Collection. Of course, the job will
never be finished. There will always be
something else to copy in the future.
Will it be available for members on the
internet? Certainly not before the existing
Collection has been scanned; but
eventually it needs to be more accessible
and the decision can then be made by the
Council.

I am always looking for more items. Does

the Archive have your photograph?
Donations are welcome. Please bring or
From Laptop to Flash drive or CD and DVD,
a convenient way to store and transport files
send them to HQ or you can email me at
davidhibberd56@btinternet.com.

ruling authority. It was an era when you So, how did R.C. have the courage to publish their thoughts.
could be publicly hanged on a street republish Scot’s controversial book during Another possible factor for the
corner for what we now consider minor that most turbulent period of English republishing of Scot’s condemnation of
misdemeanours. Republishing a book history? It was a grim time of turmoil – witch execution was the beginning of a
the King had condemned was very suspicion and unease reigned. After the more enlightened attitude toward those
courageous. I believe that if the unpopular King James died in 1625, his accused of sorcery. The general fear of
publisher had not dared to reprint son, Charles I, further alienated people. witchcraft was diminishing. Judges were
Scot’s “blasphemy”, we might not A power struggle between Charles and growing more intelligent, as well as
be aware of it today. This is Parliament led to a bloody Civil War humane. Imprisonment was gradually
confirmed by the first edition having from 1642 to 1651. The country was replacing burning and hanging.
been referred to as “extremely torn apart. Families were divided against Considering the social circumstances
rare”, while the second is themselves. Brothers fought brothers. of the time, R.C. was very brave to
“infinitely commoner”. Eventually, in 1649, Charles was put republish Scot’s outcry against the
The second edition’s on trial for treason and executed. atrocious treatment of those
publisher printed only his The year R.C. unfortunate women. But the gamble
initials, R.C., on his first re-issue, so reprinted paid off because his second edition
it appears he was not quite sure of Scot’s book was re-issued four times.
how it would be received. I By the third issue, R.C. was sure he
suspect his book was not Reggie’s had made the right decision. How
put on public do I know? Because he triumphantly
Copyright R. Loomis October 2010.

display in book work, 1651, put his full name, Richard Cotes, on
shops, but kept under hostilities its title page.
the counter, and ended. A Council So, the next time you climb our
produced with a of State replaced a headquarters’ spiral staircase, please
furtive look over the lone monarch. look at the outstanding wall painting of
shoulder, and perhaps a Committees aren’t as easily Scot’s 1584 title page, and mentally
“Psst, want to buy a book the King offended as a single individual, thank Richard Cotes for having the
condemned?” so people were beginning to boldly courage to reprint Reggie’s book.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 137

 Ian Rowland MIMC
MIMC

Duzzle Pelights
agic should never be presented as a puzzle, but Anyone organising a magic convention should consider

M sometimes puzzles can be magical.

The finest example I know consists of a simple
lock and key, as illustrated in Fig. 1. I give these to someone
inviting them to come along and set up their stall. They are very
friendly demonstrators of their own work, and more than happy
to show visitors how all the puzzles work and what points or
in the audience and invite him to put the key in the lock. This principles they illustrate.
is easy. I invite him to give the key a gentle turn. This is also What’s all this got to do with mentalism? Well, if mentalism is
easy. I then invite him to take the key out again. This is where magic of the mind and imagination, which is what I tell my
it starts to get interesting. audiences, then any exploration of mental ingenuity has
Try as he might … he relevance. Puzzles and quirky scientific demonstrations can
cannot remove the key provide a nice change of pace and tone, and might possibly be
from the lock! just as entertaining as your latest billet routine. Of course you
At this point, everyone need a good script and presentational angle. It’s not enough to
present can try to remove just say ‘Here’s an interesting thing I bought’. You have to work
the key, or suggest solving a little harder than that.
strategies. Some turn the
lock upside down or hold it Puzzles Galore
at weird angles, in case Another terrific source of puzzle fun is Archimedes Laboratory
there’s some sort of gravity (www.archimedes-lab.org), run by Gianni A. Sarcone and Marie-
Fig.1 The lock and key puzzle
mechanism involved. Some Jo Waeber. I first met these two wonderfully creative people at
try tapping it at strategic points, or spinning it. There tends to an international sceptics conference in Italy where I was the
be a lot of jiggling, shaking and rattling. I’ve shown this Saturday night
beautifully simple puzzle to sales people, magicians, managers, cabaret. As you will
psychologists, puzzle experts and expert locksmiths, none of see from their
whom have ever been able to get the key out. website, Gianni and
This is where it gets even more interesting. Removing the Marie-Jo are gifted
key is actually very easy. It requires neither skill nor strength, designers with a
and in fact a child with weak wrists could do it. You just have passion for optical
to do something very counter-intuitive – something that, in my illusions and
experience, only about 1 person in 1000 would ever think of. geometrical oddities.
I have used this amazing puzzle in more close-up shows and Some of their
corporate talks than I can remember. I seldom present it purely products are old
as a puzzle in its own right. I generally use it as a way to illusions rendered in
illustrate some point or other to do with creative thinking, a new way. Others
problem-solving, or the wonders of human ingenuity. It are entirely original. Fig.2 Hendrik Ball, founder of Grand Illusions,
generates plenty of interest, and when I finally show the One final source of with friend
solution it creates a beautiful WYDITOT moment for all unique puzzles is Kadon Enterprises (www.gamepuzzles.com) in
concerned (‘Why didn’t I think of that!’). Maryland, USA, founded and run by the tireless Kate Jones. She
This particular lock-and-key puzzle is no longer made, but creates puzzles with a geometrical or mathematical basis,
there are plenty of similar puzzles that can be used in the ranging from kids’ stuff to puzzles that would fry Einstein. The
same way. The finest source I know of is Grand Illusions, the puzzles are crafted in wood and acrylic materials, and are all
company run by Hendrik Ball (Fig. 2) and Tim Rowett colourful and enchanting to look at. Kate provides an excellent
(www.grand-illusions.com). Be careful to include the hyphen in service, and will happily spend forever explaining which of her
the website address or else you’ll end up in the wrong place! many creations might best suit your needs.
The Grand Illusions website is full of strange, brilliant and
unusual items, the majority of which are unavailable anywhere Wise Man
else. You can find optical toys, beautifully-crafted wooden One of the finest lectures we’ve ever had at the Circle was
puzzles, metal puzzles, devices that alter the way you see the presented earlier this year by Professor Richard Wiseman, a keen
world, things that move in odd ways and toys that magician who also runs the parapsychology lab at the University
demonstrate curious scientific principles. The site also features of Hertfordshire. His lecture was more or less perfection: pacy,
a number of short videos illustrating some of the ‘toys’ in smart, unusual, challenging, eye-opening and very, very funny.
action. It’s a wonderful place to browse for ideas. Like all great teachers, he has the gift of making complex

138 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

material seem fun and accessible. I strongly recommend that you today’s secret target’, using the same nw and the same
take a look at Richard’s books, website nailwriting technique you will use in performance. This is so
(www.RichardWiseman.com), blog and Twitter feed, all of which that later all the writing will match. Close the cover and keep
are informative and entertaining. the pad and your trusty nw in your pocket ready to perform.
Last year Richard’s excellent book 59 Seconds rightly became a To perform, you place the prediction on the table, in full
best-seller. I would say it is required reading for anyone in the view. You stand up, take out your notepad, rip out one blank
mentalism field, or anyone who wants to get into corporate talks page from the middle and leave it on the table. You will come
and the personal development business. This year, Richard has a back to this in a moment. You say you’re going to write a
new book out called Paranormality. This too should be on the secret target number. You take your pen and pretend to write
‘must read’ list of anyone involved in mentalism. It’s a wonderful your target number message on the first page, using the
survey of why people believe in things that aren’t true, and above wording as your guide. You close the pad and leave it
provides an eye-opening account of how our own minds can on the table, close at hand.
lead us ever so easily to false conclusions. You take the piece of paper you just ripped out and hand it,
In some ways, Paranormality is the successor to Flim-Flam by with your pen, to one of the group present. Let’s call him Ben.
James Randi. I still think this is Randi’s finest work, and perhaps His job is to record everyone’s guesses during what follows.
the greatest book ever written about the delusion of paranormal You invite everyone present to think of a number from 1 to
ability, how and why it persists, and how it can properly be 100, but to make sure it’s not one you could possibly guess.
investigated and assessed. You then invite everyone to announce their chosen number in
turn, as you point to them. You make sure Anna is the second
Court Magic person you point at. During this process, Ben writes down
A brief note for anyone within range of West Ealing in London. everyone’s names and chosen numbers. You wait until the
Every month, Russell Levinson and Steve Barry produce the fourth person has announced their number, say, ‘That’s
‘Conjuring at the Court’ magic show, which I recently saw for interesting’, casually pick up the pad and open it as if
the first time. It’s a very neat show indeed, in a more or less reminding yourself of the ‘target’ number. Actually, you write
perfect venue, with a very eager and supportive audience. You in a number that is 2 away from Anna’s number. You then put
get Russell or Steve hosting the event plus four acts, and there’s the pad back down.
generally at least a little bit of mentalism involved. I highly After all numbers are announced, Ben will have a list of
recommend the show (www.ConjuringAtTheCourt.com). names and chosen numbers. Invite him to check today’s target
At the show I saw, Marc Paul delivered a perfect set of strong, number but not to say it out loud. You open your pad to show
appealing mentalism. People were literally gasping out loud in him the ‘target number’ message you apparently wrote at the
disbelief at his ability to read minds. In last July’s issue I plugged start. You helpfully ‘suggest’ that he copy it at the top of his
Marc’s ‘Fleetwood Lecture Notes’ in this column, and I am happy own piece of paper for handy reference. You can then quietly
to do so again. The notes contain several first-class routines and put the pad away. Ask him to check if anyone got the number
also the best pages of advice for aspiring mentalists I’ve ever absolutely right. He says not. You ask him to announce who
read. Available as an eBook from was nearest. He names Anna, and he reads out that the target
www.MarcPaul.com/FleetwoodNotes.htm, price £15. was for example 75, and she named 73. Then have someone
check your prediction.
QUICK TRICK This is just a very basic routine to illustrate the idea. The
There are good and bad ways to use a nailwriter. The bad way is nailwriting action is very well buried deep in the routine, and
to do the nailwriting at the moment of maximum heat and takes place when there is little or no heat on the performer’s
attention. The best way is to use the writer at a time when there actions. There are countless variations on this theme. Used
is literally no attention on you whatsoever. I sometimes refer to well, this approach amounts to having a nail writer you can
this as the invisibility cloak of good plotting. Here’s a simple use invisibly.
example, based on an effect I first saw performed by Marc
Salem. Invitation
Suppose you are going to be entertaining some friends after If you have items, stories, jokes or vicious rumours of
dinner. Ahead of time, you choose someone you know will be interest to mentalists, please drop me a line
present and write a prediction that includes their name, e.g. (ian@ianrowland.com). If you can’t afford Derren and
‘Anna will be closest, but she will be out by 2’. You fold this up want to hire a fairly good also-ran mentalist, or you just
so the writing can’t be seen. You take a small notepad with a have time to kill, please visit www.ianrowland.com.
flipover front cover, and on the first page you write, ‘ ______ is

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 139

 M What type of material were you
doing?
N I was doing the typical stuff – Baking a
Cake, Run Rabbit Run. I got a subscription
to Abra as a birthday present and started
going to conventions like Reading Junior
Day and Ron’s. Reading Junior Day had a
competition, which I entered each year,
and continually came second.
by Matthew Field MIMC

Stand-up comic, magic enthusiast, talent M What stimulated your interest in M You went on to study for a career in
booker and compère for the MacMillan magic? business or accounting, didn’t you?
International Convention, orang-utan N My grandfather, Freddie Brickman, N I went to university and studied
lover – Noel Britten MIMC is a man who was a hobbyist member of The Magic business administration, mainly to keep
thinks a lot about magic and is not afraid Circle. He’d show me and my two elder my parents happy. I entered The Magic
to speak out about his thoughts. He is brothers magic bits and pieces, and all Circle’s Young Magician of the Year
also willing to give time to the things he three of us went through a phase of competition in 1981 and came second ...
believes in. His Bizarre Bath Walk is an having it as a hobby. The difference was again, this time to Andrew O’Connor
institution. We met in our HQ building that a friend of the family asked me to do [who sold his Objective Productions TV
for a chat. a show at their son’s birthday party. From company, producers of the Derren Brown
that one I got another booking, and that shows and many others, for millions of
Matthew Field: Where did you grow up? led to another, and before I knew it, it pounds]. My parents wanted me to have
Noel Britten: Wimbledon, in London. was a career option. something I could fall back on. My father
had a small advertising business and I
think it was assumed that I would go into
that, despite all my proclamations that I
wanted to be a performer. In my second
year at university my father died and so
that option disappeared. I had started
busking for beer money while I was at
university in Bath, which is a great place
for that because of all the tourists. Show-
wise, the main effect was sticking my
head in a bucket of water and getting out
of a Siberian chain escape.

M That’s still something people

remember you for – when you have your
wrists chained up and say you’re going to
Leading Bizarre Bath perform the escape underwater, get down
on your knees and stick your head in a
bucket – that’s very memorable.
N It had been done by various people
before me – I’d seen a photo of someone
doing it and thought it would be
something good for the street. By this
stage, I’d been going to Alan Alan’s magic
shop, The Magic Spot, so I had the
theatrics of escapology drummed into me,
and escapes are a particularly “buskable”
art form. Alan would tell all his stories
about circus and performing around the
world. In the same vein I used to love
reading Billy McComb’s articles in The
Magigram about cruises, and other
people talking about working summer
seasons and pantomimes and things
like that.

M So the attraction for you in part was a

sort of gypsy experience – travelling
Walking the 'invisible dog' around, one night stands.

140 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

N Yes, and I still love the travelling. I
didn’t have any plan or anything like that.
It just sounded like a brilliant way to make
a living, travelling around the world,
doing those things, working with great
people, having all those incredible stories
– that sounded great. I was doing street
magic in Bath. I took my A-Levels a bit
early so when I graduated I thought I
would take a year off and go to Australia
because I heard that street performing
was good there. I had saved up money
from the previous summer’s busking in
England and thought I would just travel
through the winter. I went over, did a
couple of shows, and fell on my rear end
because the audiences there didn’t go for
the twee, happy-type persona that had
worked so well in Bath. I decided to do
one more show, before just backpacking
instead, and tell the audience exactly
what I thought of them.

M Building bridges.
N Exactly. That new attitude worked. As
I got annoyed at them and told them they
were a terrible audience and they didn’t
get my act, they loved it. So I realised
that’s what worked over there. I worked
with it and got booked for a long run at
Expo 88 which led to other festival
bookings around the world.

M Did you go from doing the busking to

doing comedy in clubs?
N No, there was one intermediate step. I
went from the street into doing the Walk
[the Bizarre Bath Walk]. I started it with JJ
[former co-editor of Opus magazine] in
1992, and the initial impetus behind it
was me getting fed up with the busking
▲

side of street performing. More and more

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 141

 time, to put it kindly, liked M The other thing that I know you and
the idea. He was also Lisa are passionate about is orang-utans.
interested in starting street N They are gorgeous creatures, and a
performing back then. I threatened species with their habitat in
started it out with him and Borneo being destroyed for palm oil
we did it as a double act, plantations to cater to Western demands.
six nights a week. After We go over there each year to help
the first year we rejigged it rehabilitate baby orang-utans, taken out
so that we alternated of the pet trade, back into the forests.
leading the group with the
other running around M What do you do?
backstage setting and N On the basic side, a lot of cleaning of
striking stuff. In year three their holding areas, food preparation, etc.
this job was farmed out On the rehabilitation side, taking them
and suddenly we were back into the jungle to exercise, and
making the same amount becoming used to a “wild” life, teaching
Under water 1993
of money and working them to build nests, what to, and not to,
street performers were working in Bath, half the time. And the numbers built up eat and other natural behaviours that
and I had to get up earlier and earlier to slowly from there. they’ve lost.
claim my place in the queue. It was worse
than going to work at a regular job. I was M At what point did you meet your wife? M Obviously this is a great passion of
getting up at five o’clock in the morning N I met Lisa during year three of the yours. How long have you been doing
to go out and sit on the pitch, waiting on walk. this?
a bench in the freezing cold for the first N Eight years. We tend to spend a bit
show to happen at 10 or 11. It might M And she said, “What you’re doing more time over there each year. We’re
start raining, and you’ve been up since looks like a nice, solid life”. now up to about 14 weeks. I’m very lucky
five and going home with empty pockets. N It was a blind date, she was a good that the Walk lasts for seven months of
friend of someone JJ was seeing at the the year and that funds my time away.
M Where did the idea for Bizarre Bath time, and her dad was really into theatre
come from? and had been down to watch my street M At some point you became involved
N I had seen Arthur Smith, an English show several times – so at least he with Martin MacMillan.
comedian, do a very improvised comedy approved! We live in Bath. It’s a lovely N The first International Magic
tour of Bath during one of the Festivals town, historic, and perfect for the Walk. Convention (aka Ron’s Day) that I
there, and realised that it could be made attended, at age 13, was in 1977. The
into a more structured event with M Bizarre Bath has gotten amazing following year I attended with school
magic/street theatre set pieces being part reviews and highlights as one of the great chum Richard McDougall. The first one I
of it, although the street environment – things to do; it’s been a great success. attended featured Fred Kaps and Richard
weather and passers-by – always dictated Then at some point, comedy clubs Ross, the next year they had Slydini,
a certain level of improvisation within it. entered the picture for you. Albert Goshman and Juan Tamariz, and it
N In the summer of 1992 I was doing was such an amazing event I returned
M You mentioned JJ – how involved was the walk in the evenings and some street annually and it was one of the big reasons
he in setting it up? performing during the day and a local guy I stayed involved in magic. Rich did the
N I came up with the idea and wrote it, who was going to open a comedy club in Gala Show one year when he was in his
and my thing, at that stage, was that I Bath got in touch with me and asked me early 20s and it was amazing to see him
was very comfortable working for a big to compère it. I agreed because it was performing at the convention we had
crowd of 200 or 300 people. Working for going to run through the winter when I always attended as kids. Several years
just two or three people scared the wasn’t working. I was bored of going later, Martin booked me to do a spot in
daylights out of me. I’ve never done a back and forth to Australia. That got me the Gala show, I think at the urging of JJ.
close-up gig in my life. The thought of properly into stand-up in 1993 or ‘94
walking up to a table and asking if I can when he opened another club in Bristol,
show people something gives me the so I was working there as well, for
shudders. A “No” means rejection on a university-aged audiences. I went to a
very personal level. I thought the Walk couple of comedy stand-up competitions
would attract a good number of people in in London and managed to put the
time, but could imagine in the initial “second place” curse behind me, which
stages only a couple of people showing led to more bookings in London. This was
up. In that situation I thought we could 1995. About ten years ago I started to
take them into a pub, just show them work on cruise ships. I really enjoy doing
some close-up, and I knew that JJ was those. I think I’ve run my course of doing
very good at that – the close-up bit just as stand-up comedy in clubs now – the
much as the going into a pub bit. JJ, who travel aspect drags, but I still really like
had a few open dates in his diary at the working on the ships.

142 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

The following year they asked me if I Do you take it a day at a time?
would compère the Gala Show, which has N My business degree background
continued to this day. I started making suggests that you should find what a
suggestions about one or two acts they market demands and then supply it. I
could book, and at some point, after Ron guess I’ve tended not to do that! I’ve set
had died, Martin asked me if I would take things up like the Walk, which no one
on the talent booking side. That in itself is was exactly demanding, but thinking that
a huge amount of work – I have no idea it should work. My attitude is: I’m going
how Martin had previously done that as to do this and hopefully enough people
well as the registration and dealers’ side will like it. It’s a bit like the convention,
alongside running the business side of the my bullish attitude that I’m going to put
convention and the International Magic on what I’d what I want to attend. Build it
shop at the same time. and, hopefully, they will come.

Photo Caroline Mardon

M You certainly have very big names at M I don’t know how involved you were
the convention, but there is always a in The Magic Circle in the years before I
selection of unusual, unique people emigrated here, but in recent years you
whom you would not have seen gave a rallying lecture in which you said
anywhere else, and that takes a certain that magicians, including yourself, have a
imagination, vision, and faith in the higher opinion of themselves than the
audience, to know that it doesn’t have to public does. And you helped organise
be the biggest name in Vegas, it can be workshops, centring around the Summer
On stage with bird 1991
somebody who everybody looks up to School, to attempt to improve skills such
who has not been seen on these shores. Friday to the Sunday as usual (18-20 as how to move on stage and how to
N In organising a magic convention the November 2011), but in addition we’ve speak. And now you are a member of
first thing you realise very quickly is you booked the Bridewell Theatre, where Council. Where do you see magic, as an
can’t please all of the people all of the René Lavand did his show last year and avowed fan, today? How do you view the
time. If I book the acts that I want to see, which is close to the Mermaid Theatre state of the art?
I know at least I will like the show. I complex in central London, for the entire N Stagnant, or where it is moving it’s
believe that if people know every name week of 14-20 November. It seats 130 mostly happening in a very copycat,
on a bill, they’re not very excited because people and the idea is to provide more mimicking way. Derren Brown has
they feel they’ve seen everyone before, so niche and specialised one-day seminars reinvented mentalism to a great extent,
there’s no point in going. If you have a list during the day for the week, and then in and what would be great is to find other
of people, none of whom they’ve ever the evenings we’ll have one-man as well people capable of doing that with other
heard of, they don’t see any point in as variety-type magic shows. More genres of magic. I remember people
going either. We tempt them in with big, information will be at saying about Robert Harbin and Billy
known names in the “living legend” slots, www.InternationalMagic.com. McComb that we were so lucky that they
but then pleasantly surprise them with loved magic as much as they did, because
several acts they’ve never heard of. And I M Now, you purchased a duck. McComb could have been a great
love presenting people who are N Yes, well two actually. Francis the comedian without it and Harbin could
performing over here for the first time, duck, which was used by John Salisse. It’s have been an incredible inventor without
like David Minkin and Derek Hughes. Part a quirky looking duck with a big bill and I it. The fact that they were so passionate
of my goal is that I want youngsters to bought the one John used and also a about magic, and weren’t prepared to
see great magic that they are going to newer one, made by the BBC for Paul give it up, meant that magic as a whole
remember, and give them an experience Daniels to use on his TV programme. (The benefited tremendously. So maybe there’ll
similar to that which I experienced and very first Francis currently nests in TMC be someone out there about whom we’ll
remember so vividly, with Kaps, Ross and Museum.) I remember seeing the routine say that we are so lucky that they loved
Slydini. In the Mermaid Theatre, I think when I was a kid, nine or ten, and I magic because they could have been a
we have the best overall conditions to particularly remembered one moment in brilliant performer without it. Currently
perform and watch of any of the British it, which was hysterical, when the duck’s there are too many magicians around, of
Conventions. eye fell off. Totally unexpected. I’ve whom, if you take away the tricks, there’s
worked on the routine over the last three very little left.
M This year is the 40th anniversary of years keeping some elements and
the International Magic Convention and changing others – but the eye’s still in, or M I see you often in The Magic Circle
you have told everyone that the out, if you prefer. Library looking through old books and
convention will take place the third magazines and you’re not looking
week of November instead of the M What I liked about learning that you through the Orben books for gags, you’re
fourth week, some big names will be had done this is that once again you looking at magic. That is one of the
appearing, including Max Maven and decided to move into another realm, since things that makes you intriguing to me.
Eugene Berger, and there will be you had never worked with a figure N I would say magic is my hobby,
additional shows the week before. before. So this is a whole different side of comedy is my profession, and Monday
N The Convention will run from the Noel Britten. Do you take the long view? nights are hobby nights.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 143

 Edwin A. Dawes

390. MAX RASKIN: FOUNDER AND ARCHITECT OF THE SCOTTISH ASSOCIATION OF MAGICAL SOCIETIES. Part O
The year 2011 marks two very that members complained they didn’t
significant anniversaries in Scottish have time for their customary tea and
magic other than the tragic death of biscuits! (Cuthbert, 2008). However,
The Great Lafayette in Edinburgh on they did support Max and, as a
9 May 1911. These are the representative of their Society, helped
centenary of the founding of the him to realise his dream.
first magical society in Scotland, the The Scottish Association of Magical
Dundee Society of Magicians, and Societies (SAMS) came into existence
the sixtieth anniversary of the on 16 December 1951 at a meeting
founding of the Scottish Association attended by delegates from several
of Magical Societies, and it is fitting Scottish clubs and Max Raskin was
therefore that the latter should be elected President. It launched the
held in Dundee. The present SAMS Magazine in March 1952 edited
contribution focuses on Max Raskin, by Johnny Geddes. In his first
the man whose vision it was that President’s Page Max posed the
Scottish magic clubs should be rhetorical question, “What further
associated with one another via an progress can magic make, and what is
umbrella organisation. to be derived by the development of a
The concept was not, of course, new association?” He answered in
novel. Following the founding of the terms of enabling contacts between
Scottish Conjurers’ Association in magicians on a broader scale, resulting
Glasgow in 1924 the founder in the development of magic by
members envisaged other Scottish observation, comparison and healthy
clubs becoming Clans under its curiosity, and that one is apt to learn
aegis, an idea that did not find Max in the 1940s more by circulating among several
favour with the majority of Societies. South of the border, The hundred magicians than the twenty or thirty in a local club. “It
Magic Circle had in 1921 pioneered an Affiliation of will be a day to celebrate when conjurers ‘Fae a’ the airts and
Societies associated with it, an organisation that pairts’ are gathered together, conjurers with a common interest
existed until 1944, and over the years three Scottish to share, who may never have met but for our newly formed
clubs were associated, namely the Glasgow Society brotherhood.” And that statement was certainly prophetic for
of Magicians, Aberdeen Magical Society and the present author!
Dundee Magical Society. Max presided over the first annual SAMS Convention at
The Affiliation was replaced in 1944 by a new Kirkcaldy in June 1952 and celebrated his fortieth birthday
autonomous body, the National Association of during the weekend. He amazed reporters with his coin work,
Magical Societies. No doubt it was the existence of just as he had flabbergasted the Provost of Kirkcaldy during the
this organisation that led Max Raskin, a member of opening ceremony by re-uniting that worthy with his wallet! The
the Paisley Magical Society, to the belief that dealers at this inaugural weekend were Ken Brooke (the life and
Scotland should have its own Association. In the soul of the Convention), Jack Hughes, Carlos (of Brighton) and
event, the National Association lasted only seven the Scottish Magic Studio in the person of Jack Silver. At an
Max Raskin age four years and was dissolved in 1951, the year in which Impromptu Session following the Saturday night Gala Show, Max
Max achieved his aim and the Scottish Association was provided an insight to his greatly admired coin routine and
launched, a body which has proved much more durable. palming. He also donated the Max Raskin Cup for annual
Max had joined the Scottish Conjurers’ Association around competition for the most original children’s trick, and from a
1948 and endeavoured unsuccessfully to interest their field of six entrants he was able to award the trophy to Johnny
members in his project, undoubtedly because of their failed Geddes for his ‘Winnie the Witch’ routine.
attempt to initiate Clans some twenty years previously. So Max The 1952 minutes of the Paisley Magical Society record their
then joined the Paisley Magical Society. Interestingly, the congratulations to Max for setting up the Scottish Association
minutes of the Paisley club during session 1949-50 disclose and for “presenting the best magic convention in Britain”, a
that, arising from Max’s passionate championing of his sweeping claim which says rather more for local pride than
proposed Association, the discussions on the formation and factual accuracy! After 1953 Max’s name is never again
organisation extended the club’s meetings to such an extent mentioned in the Paisley Society’s minutes.

144 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

MIMC

One.
The first Annual Dinner of SAMS was held at Kirkcaldy in
March 1953 with Max presiding over a gathering that included
John Ramsay and the Provost as guests and had John and Louis
Histed in the show together with the President, who astonished
everyone with his remarkable muscle control with several coins
and an egg.
The second SAMS Convention, held in May at Largs on the
Ayrshire coast in Coronation Year (1953) with Geoffrey
Buckingham as the Guest Artiste, marked my introduction to the
world of organised magic and thereby the previous loner in
magic met fellow magicians en masse for the first time and was
invited to join the Scottish Conjurers’ Association (Dawes, 2003).
And as the British Ring of the IBM was holding its first ever (and
the only one as subsequent events have shown) Convention in Max’s Tools of the Trade
Scotland at Edinburgh in September, I was advised to join that with coins, eggs and other commodities that appeared and
organisation too. SAMS hosted the Night Before Party when Max disappeared in the most bewildering fashion. John encouraged
Raskin welcomed the conventioneers to Scotland. Veteran his interest and a good friendship developed.
magician John Gambling was the President of the British Ring After leaving school Max began his highly successful
that year and he offered to present SAMS with a Presidential business career by dealing in cleaning rabbit skins. From that
chain of office. Unfortunately John died before he could make beginning he progressed to dealing in furs and then into
the presentation and so in September 1954 John’s daughter fashion, a business he ran with his partner Ted Benjamin from
made a special journey to Glasgow where, at an informal dinner the early 1950s. They had splendid premises at 11 Royal
at the Rogano Restaurant, she fulfilled her father’s wish and Exchange Square in Glasgow, and later in the 1960s also in
presented President Max with a lovely emblem embracing the St Nicholas Street, Aberdeen. (It was noted in the SAMS
Lion Rampant of Scotland set in a Scottish Thistle surround. Magazine in 1953 that Max spent as
At this point let’s pause to take a look at Max Raskin’s family much time in London as he did in
background. He was born in Glasgow on 14 June 1912, the son his native Glasgow. Therefore it
of Isaac Raskin, an antique dealer whose wife also worked in the might be a good idea if he started a
business. Max was their dealer’s business and brought some
firstborn and followed by of the props from down south up
a brother Sidney, and then north for his magical colleagues to
sister Emma. Their parents have a look at!)
both died in their Max married Ethel Mason and they
seventies. In childhood had two children, Linda the elder, and
Max suffered a bout of Philip. He always performed at their
pleurisy which led the parties when they were little and on
family to relocate in Ayr any other family occasions such as
where young Max would anniversaries and weddings. Linda
benefit from the sea air, recalls her father was great fun, a Ethel Raskin
and it was in the Robert huge personality, always ready to play, tell a joke or show a
Burns country that Max’s trick, and indeed was a compulsive performer – in cafes,
introduction to magic shops, at bus stops, hotel lounges, in fact anywhere. He
occurred during his always had his coins, an egg, flowers, pencils, thimbles and
schooldays. His mother the like which he would make appear from an ear, someone’s
would send him on pocket or inside a jacket; the stream was endless, and you
errands (messages in the could never be sure what he might be up to next.
local idiom) to John There was one particular occasion when impromptu magic
Ramsay’s grocer’s shop got Max out of a difficult spot. He was driving to Edinburgh
where, over the counter, when he was pulled over by the police for exceeding the
Scotland’s most famous speed limit. With the window down to converse with the
SAMS First Annual Dinner 1953 magician mystified him officer, Max slipped a thimble on to his forefinger and, as the
▲

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 145

 Bennett, together with Tom Harris as escort, visited Scotland,
SAMS hosted a meeting at the North British Hotel in Glasgow
where several performers entertained and Dr Bennett performed
his famed Jumbo Cards act. Max thanked all the artistes and Mrs
Raskin presented Dr Bennett with a tartan scarf.
In September 1955 BBC Television screened from its Edinburgh
studios the first of David Nixon’s It’s Magic!, a series of six
programmes, and in the fifth of these, on 4 November, Max
Raskin joined fellow Scot Oliver Mackenzie, the Great Masoni,
Gus Southall and Al Koran on a show that Goodliffe in his
review acclaimed as the “the best programme of its kind since
the Circle [Golden] Jubilee”. Max made a great impression with
his six pennies trick, to the extent that he was invited back on
three future occasions.
Eleven years later, in an interview, David Nixon told the
Raskin Family Group: Linda and Philip on extreme left and wife following story when pressed about the difficulty of getting on
Ethel on Max’s left
to television: “Any magician who is good enough and will pay
letter of the law was being laid down to him, repetitively put the proper attention to all the essentials including dress, presentation
thimble under his lapel from whence it disappeared only to and so on, can impress a producer with a new angle. You don’t
reappear on his finger. The officer’s curiosity being aroused, Max believe me? Many years ago Graeme Muir, the producer, and I
explained he was a magician and went into his full thimble were holding auditions for four-minute conjuring spots on It’s
routine, the outcome being that Max was let off the hook and Magic! For hours we watched the same old stuff, and I don’t
told to watch his speed in the future! Max loved to tell this mean this unkindly. It was often done very well but with no real
anecdote, complete with thimble to demonstrate the action. thought to making an impact on ten million people in four
Additional to his magic, Max was a skilled ventriloquist with a minutes. The sort of stuff that had been in people’s acts, and
figure named Peter, who Linda was afraid of because she served them well at all the local halls for decades. Then in came
thought he was real. Peter would tell them what to do and to a quiet and unassuming Scot. We asked him where his
eat their dinner, which they did! Max even wrote a poem about apparatus was and he took out six pennies. Without any fuss he
him: performed a little miracle on the table top in front of us. Dear

Peter the Ventriloquist’s Doll

My Daddy once brought home a doll,

Which created quite a fuss,
For it rolled its eyes and showed its teeth,
And spoke like one of us.

The doll could see I was amazed,

And laughed on Daddy’s knee,
But when we both were quite alone,
He wouldn’t talk to me.

I questioned him on many things,

But he’d only sit and stare,
And wouldn’t speak a word to me
As he sat stiffly there.

I felt quite hurt but Mummy said

That Peter had no choice,
For though he seemed to talk like us,
It was really Daddy’s voice.

His talents extended to other hobbies too, including painting

life-like portraits and landscapes, marquetry and, out of doors,
fishing. He was a Samaritan and the family treasures a letter he
received from a man thanking him for having saved his life.
Max was a regular diner at the famous Rogano Restaurant in
Glasgow and, without fail, by the end of the meal his table
would be surrounded by people enjoying his impromptu show.
Linda named her Dad and his two usual companions ‘The
Roganeers’.
In September 1954 when the noted Detroit magician Dr Zina

146 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Max Raskin, who later became a friend, came back three times
to perform that trick in my show” (Dawes & Short, 2009).
Four days after his first appearance in It’s Magic! Max was
elected a member of The Magic Circle (8 November 1955). For
those who had not seen his television appearance, he very
quickly established a reputation for his immaculate sleight of
hand when he performed in the club room on an evening of

SAMS Convention group in 1952 with Macmillan Shield and

Raskin Cup
close-up magic in April 1956 in the distinguished company of
Alex Elmsley, Devano and Billy McComb, among others. Later
that year in October he participated in a ‘How is it Done?’ night
when reporter Cyril Capon observed “Our guest for the evening,
Max Raskin, who hails from Scotland, then showed us his
famous six coins trick and this brought a great ovation from the
audience.” It also brought forth his promotion to AIMC with
Silver Star in the following month. And now that Max had
become a not infrequent visitor to the club room, in 1957 Jack
Gittings’ column in The Magic Circular brought forth the quip,
“the rumour [is] that he now comes all the way from Scotland to
return his library books since the postal rates went up.”

John Gambling’s daughter presents SAMS (To be concluded)

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 147

 Mandy Davis MIMC Convenor of Reports. Photographed by John

Monday 28 February 2011 He turned his back for a second and a leave the theatre. “That was
Strategic Marketing for selected card was seen in his mouth. fun!” summed it up nicely.
Magicians – Bob Yelland MMC How? Well, obviously a mechanical arm [The Pre-Show Hands-On
built into his jacket and a ‘holey’ second session in the Devant Room
Reported by Tim Barnes deal. How else?! The phrase “You had to featured Russell Levinson,
Bob Yelland is the marketing be there” springs to mind so if you ever who ably demonstrated ‘The Russell Levinson
director of a global IT company and get the opportunity – be there! Hatton & Plate Clip’, a low lateral card
knows what clients want. He knows ‘Chain Letters’ was a Just Chance palm, and some useful applications.]
how to target them and how to routine with envelopes on a plastic chain
gain differentiation in a crowded in an inimitable Ali Bongo carrier bag. A Monday 14 March 2011
market. He also knows how to prediction was put in a balloon, which Rob Cox and the Lecturettes
communicate this and he was inflated and left in view. Flags of the
understands magic and magicians. world were eliminated from a disc/globe Reported by Mandy Davis
Bob Yelland We were immediately dispelled of until only one remained and you can Illness forced the cancellation of the
any thought that there were secrets to guess what was written on the prediction evening’s scheduled event, but with the
be revealed. What Bob had to offer was when the balloon was burst. help of various professional colleagues,
a set of tools and techniques that we For a grand illusion take a large Rob Cox was able to produce one of his
could all employ. We learned the cardboard box in which you incarcerate popular Lecturette evenings at a
importance of differentiating our offer, your puffed and twisted balloon assistant. moment’s notice.
and that not all markets are equally Now thrust razor-sharp swords through Peter Pinner provided a great insight
price sensitive – e.g. magic for this paper prison. Oh into his Smartie trick. Four cardboard
weddings is clearly less so than magic woe … portentous tubes of sweets were displayed in
for children. We were encouraged to pops are heard and different coloured holders and we were
create a scoring grid to compare the your inflatable friend told that three contained only one Smartie
type of work we do against what has met with an whilst one was a full tube. Three volunteers
makes that work of interest to us. From horrific end! But wait were each asked a too simple to be true
this we were shown how we could … open the box and question which they answered correctly.
focus our efforts to growing those areas she emerges On being given a tube, they were all
Rafael
that will achieve the most beneficial unscathed.
change. Bob asked us how we target Rafael explained his version of
our publicity and how we keep up with Bongolian thinking based on his
marketplace changes. friendship and discussions with Ali. You
We were pressed to sell the value of list the main elements of a trick. Then try
what we do, rather than the cost. This and change at least three of them.
was a well-delivered, and thought- Colour, size, prop, order, etc. Eliminate a
provoking lecture. For a parting shot he part, add another or combine two. Think Rob Cox Peter Pinner
warned us that all markets, those for about adding a new feature – music,
magicians just as much as for global IT, song, puppetry or mime. Make the prop
move to being price-based over time, more extreme or more ordinary. Ask
unless we do something about it! friends, and those you respect, to view
your routine and give honest advice.
Monday 7 March 2011 Don’t just practise … rehearse! Review
The Ali Bongo Memorial your performance on audio-tape as well Martin Cox Fay Presto
Lecture – Rafael as video. Be original even if it is a total
rethink of a very old idea.
Reported by Hugh Nightingale Rafael finished the lecture by donning
Surely there cannot be a better way to an exact copy of one of Ali’s jackets and
shuffle cards than in a plastic cup glued doing a very funny version of the Pom-
to the top of your hard-hat?? That set Poms – a great tribute.
the tone for the Bongolian thinking that A gauge of the success of a lecture is
went into Rafael’s lecture – funtastic! the comments overheard as the audience Richard Pinner with Clive Hyams

148 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Ward MMC

delighted to find that they had full tubes.

The remaining one, belonging to Peter,
was found to also contain a twenty
pound note.
Richard Pinner performed and
demonstrated his own variation of
‘Anniversary Waltz’, which ended with Tim Shoesmith, Sean Heydon, Dave Allen, Roy Marsh, Jack Delvin and Peter Altman
two signatures on a double-faced card.
Martin Cox was delighted to share his
views and workings of the ‘Top Change’.
He also explained how to take an avid
spectator’s gaze away from the card in
question. This was a very thoroughly
thought-out exercise. David Weeks, Katherine Rhodes, Fay Presto, Dave Allen and Gordon Drayson
Fay Presto performed one of her stand-
up signature tricks, the classic Drink in
News. She explained the full workings, set
up and disclosed some of the wrinkles in
the effect that she had ironed out over
past performances. Andrew Eborn, Mandy Davis, Carlos Vinuesa, Alexander Crawford, Daryl Rose,
All in all this was a good and enjoyable Clive Hyams, and Roberto Forzoni
evening with lots to learn for everyone
present and sprinkled with entertainment
along the way. Once again Rob Cox
gave us some interesting and informative
lecturettes from some truly professional
presenters.
Laura London, Tim Decker, Hugh Nightingale, Clive Hyams and Jack Delvin
Monday 21 March 2011 did his Bill Change in the mode of a to produce an act with random objects.
Magic Olympics – politician at election time. Fay Presto did a Peter Gardner did an improvised ‘Sam
hosted by Alan Browne Cut and Restored rope in ‘wild west’ the Bellhop’, Fay Presto did a Hindu
fashion and, to demonstrate cooperation, Thread and Laura London acted the
Reported by Hugh Nightingale MIMC Gordon Drayson performed Equal/Unequal part of a BBC interviewee who was
Alan Browne began with a little history Ropes with gobbledygook patter as Dave trying to promote a particular Chinese
about Keith Johnson and his Allen translated. Mandy Davis and Andrew restaurant and was then challenged to
improvisational acting workshops at the Eborn performed a cake routine, one perform a rope trick.
Royal Court Theatre. Then it was on with playing the right hand and one the left. Finally Jack, Clive, Tim Decker and I
‘the games’. Tim Shoesmith silently acted How many magicians does it take to do did a kind of Just Chance routine with a
tricks, while we guessed their names. a card trick? Five. Roberto Forzoni had a cup and ball interlude and a dove pan
Between each game Alan gave us some card chosen, Clive Hyams shuffled it into finish. Roy Marsh, Dave Allen, Sean and
theory, like learning to deal with sudden the deck, Darryl Rose reshuffled and Alexander did some juggling and
magical catastrophes without spending Alexander Crawford cut, leaving Carlos transposed a five pound note into a
time thinking. Vinuesa to reveal the card. ‘Smarties’ sweet tube.
Sean Heydon volunteered to do a card Jack performed a children’s trick on The evening had a great club feel, we
trick. Then he discovered he was only birthday child Gordon as Mandy (playing learned about working in a team and
allowed to use one word – rabbit. Jack Gordon’s mum) got in the way with her had many, many laughs.
Delvin did a ‘cards across’ camera. David Weeks’s volunteer turned [The Pre-Show session
effect on Peter Altman. Alan out to be the assistant (Kate Rhodes) that in the Devant Room
joined two ropes in the he had fired before the show. You can featured an
manner of a vicar marrying imagine how helpful she was! illustrated talk by
a couple and David Weeks I was chosen to be in one of two teams Paul Freeman.] Paul Freeman

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk Alan Browne MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 149

 Tricks submitted to the Editor for consideration for
The Cecil Lyle Award, a trophy given at The Magic Circle
Awards Banquet, are presented here for your enjoyment

Cashcard by Mike Gancia MIMC

Effect corner until the corner burrs, and slightly playing card is required which, when
A 10p coin is borrowed and initialled ease it apart with your fingernail or a folded and stuck together, forms a slide
with a pen. It is placed underneath a blade of a knife (but not a sharp one), for or tongue for the loading of the chute
handkerchief and the performer asks about two thirds of its length (Fig. 1). into the business card (the Entry Slide).
the spectator to put their two hands Now coat both sides of the inside of the The piece of plain card is removed from
together with the palms upright. He card with Cow Gum or Zig adhesive the split business card. The Entry Slide is
explains that he is going to drop the around the perimeter, creating a 1/2 in. placed into the centre of the business
coin on to the spectator’s upturned margin. Any of the adhesives will work card and the sides lightly pressed down.
palms and they are to grab it quickly, that create the situation of a self-seal The tongue on the Entry Slide is
because as soon as it touches their envelope. Leave to dry and then place a threaded through the slit in the case
hands it will disappear. This he does piece of plain card between the leaves and placed into position as in Fig. 2.
and the coin vanishes. The performer wider than the business card to prevent The chute is now pushed through the
explains that he does know a better them coming into contact at this stage. slit into the business card and the
trick with a £2 coin. Whilst there is now tongue (Entry Slide) removed. The case
some reluctance to lend the performer The special holder: is closed and the bottom is wedged into
another coin, the magician removes This is made of plasticard and covered the upstand at the bottom of the
from his pocket a small business card with a black vinyl tape. There is a clear holder. Finally the holder is placed into
case explaining that he is insured piece showing at the rear which hooks the left inside breast pocket of the
against any disasters. He removes from over the top of the pocket. At the bottom jacket, with the clear section shown in
his case a business card pointing out a of the front edge there is an upstand and Fig. 3 hooked over the pocket to hold
telephone number to ring. On ringing the chute attachment is hinged at the top the holder in place.
the number, he explains, you will be to facilitate loading of the card case. The
sent a new 10p coin. The magician overall measurements of the holder are 6 Performance
tears the business card in half and in inches by 2 3/4 inches wide and the chute A 10p is Finger Palmed in the right
the centre is the signed coin. 2 1/2 inches by 1 1/4 inches wide with an hand as you ask to borrow a10p from a
opening sufficient to accommodate a 10p member of the audience, which you get
Requirements coin. the assistant to initial with the pen. You
A prepared business card (Fig. 1) Shuttle Pass the coin from the left hand
A plastic playing card case and slide or The plastic card case: to the right hand. Basically, you show
tongue (Fig. 2) There is a slit at the rear of the left hand the signed coin in the left hand palm
A special holder (Fig. 3) side, 1 3/4 inches wide to enable up. As you turn the hand palm down to
A Sharpie the chute to be introduced transfer the coin into the right hand,
An opaque handkerchief when loading. A small you hold back the coin by Finger
A 10p coin piece of Palming it. At the same time you show
the coin in the right hand. You now
▲

Set Up look at the coin in the right hand and

The special holder is hooked over the
Cashcard holder
top of the right inside breast pocket
with the plastic card case in place, and
behind it is the handkerchief folded into
fourths. The pen is in the top left inside
breast pocket. The plastic case with the
business card in position is set onto the Fig. 1
holder and the 10p coin is finger
Fig. 2
palmed in the right hand.

Preparation
The business card:
You need to be able to split a business
card in the same way as you split a
Fig. 3
playing card. Take the card and tap the

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 151

 Tim Reed AIMC

CELEBRITY MAGICIANS IN ADVERTISING

In the last ‘Conjurors Collect’ I discussed how magic, as an art used his image to promote Grundig Tape Recorders in 1958. The
form, was portrayed in press advertising. In this article I will heading ‘Top Stars Use the Top Tape Recorders’ drew the reader
cover how the celebrity magicians, often household names in into a message from him which said: “I sometimes think my
their respective countries, use their image to advertise Grundig ought to be an honorary member of The Magic Circle.
products and services. I have excluded any ads pertaining to It packs so much entertainment into its cabinet that taking a
the performer’s own business ventures, any campaigns for rabbit out of a hat looks like amateur’s stuff”.
shows in which they appear or star, any editorial or ‘spin’ press Into the 1960s and Milbourne Christopher’s image was used in
coverage in which products or services are highlighted and any a campaign for Crosse & Blackwell’s Cocktailer machine. The
promotions for magic tricks or products. Also excluded are any colour advert showed a likeness of the performer under which it
corporate promotional activities where the said ‘Christopher – The Marco Polo of Magic – says there is no
magician is hired for in-house jobs. trick to it’.
The following is a selection of press ads, In America in the mid 1970s Doug Henning came on the
aimed at the public; again, by no means scene and the public perception of the magician was changed
exhaustive but I hope you will find the forever. His colourful, modern presentation, and lavish illusions,
range as fascinating as I do.
Harry Blackstone was America’s star
name in the thirties, forties and fifties,
after the passing of Howard Thurston
in 1936. In a 1938 edition of Collier’s
magazine, a half page ad for Gillette
Razors was fronted by the illusionist,
under the heading ‘How A Simple
Trick Makes Shaving Easy’. The reader is
informed: “Making whiskers disappear like magic is one of
the easiest tricks on earth … That’s why I say the cheek is
quicker than the eye”.
A decade later, in 1947, Blackstone was used to promote
Lifebuoy soap and competition entrants could win a copy of
his My Secrets of Magic booklet. About this time Tootsie
Confectionery alerted readers about a promotion to win a Bag
of Magic Tricks which included the same booklet.
Several years later, in 1962, Blackstone was involved in a full
colour, full page advertisement for the Curtiss Candy Company
and its Baby Ruth bar. The page shows the now elderly
illusionist producing the chocolate bars out of a top hat.
It is a charming campaign.
Over in Britain, the magic celebrity of the time, David Nixon,

casually ask the assistant what his first initial stands for. withdraws from underneath. The left hand is allegedly holding
▲

The left hand goes to get the handkerchief from the right it by the corner with the second and third fingertips. The right
inside pocket, at the same time dropping the borrowed coin into hand withdraws, giving the impression it is empty.
the chute of the holder. You explain that you are about to play a You apparently release the coin, but as the assistant has
game with the coin. You proceed to cover the coin with the failed to catch it you explain that it appears to have disappeared.
handkerchief, while at the same time asking the assistant to hold You remark, “Sorry, but it always seems to do that. Not to worry,
his hand palm up, ready to catch the coin. You raise the I do know a better trick ... have you got a two pound coin
handkerchief up to eye level and further explain that you are I can borrow?”
going to release the coin from the handkerchief and that he has As these remarks are being made, you fold up the
to close his hand quickly as soon as the coin drops and catch it. handkerchief and put it in the left jacket pocket, ditching the
The coin is held with the right hand and the left hand covers it palmed 10p at the same time. The trick is now done. All that is
with the handkerchief, gripping just a small portion of the required is to say, “ Not to worry sir. I am insured, and if you
handkerchief as if holding the coin beneath it. Underneath the care to ring up my secretary…”. You remove the business card
handkerchief the coin is Classic Palmed in the right hand and case from the holder by lifting it up slightly to clear the upstand.

152 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 THE MAGIC CIRCLE
SHOWCASE SALES

combined with charm and likeability, catapulted the Canadian ● Magic Circle Umbrella.
Navy blue with
to huge levels of fame. Not surprisingly, he had great family
silver coloured
appeal and was perfect for advertising campaigns. In a 1984 handle and printed
advert for the Plymouth Voyager: The Magic Wagon (“It’s silver logo. Automatic
three feet shorter outside than a big conventional station opening. £14.95
wagon, yet gives you more carrying space inside …”) we see ● Magic Circle Playing Cards. Poker Size
Mr Henning, in a variety of seating positions, highlighting the with black backs and gold coloured
flexibility of the vehicle’s space; one image shows how three logo. £3.95 each or £6.95 for two
tigers can fit comfortably in the back! Ideal for any budding ● Magic Circle Key Ring. £1.95
illusionist! It is a wonderful promotion and I am pleased to
● Souvenir Pocket Mirror. £2.95
have a copy in my collection.
Early on in his fame, in 1982, David Copperfield appeared ● Postcards. Four styles depicting posters from The Circle
Collection, namely Soo, Devant,
in a series of ads for Kodak: “Watch the shadows do a
Le Roy and Hertz. £0.50 each
disappearing act with Kodamatic Instant Cameras and film”.
However, the advert which is most often associated with ● The Magic Circle: Performing Magic Through the Ages.
Book by Michael Bailey. Hardback. 288 pages. £18.95
him is the Milk campaign from 1997. Several big names were
used by the National Fluid Milk Processor Promotion Board ● Bob Read's Magical London Map. £2.95
to encourage the healthy drinking of milk. While levitating ● Inside The Magic Circle. Souvenir booklet. £1.95
an inverted glass of milk, the illusionist educates the reader:
● Fridge Magnets. Four styles depicting posters from The Circle
“With a wave of my hand, skim milk will now be called fat Collection, namely Soo, Devant, Le Roy and Carter.
free milk …”. This advert was also released as a promotional £2.95 each or £9.95 for four
postcard.
MEMBERS ONLY *please state your Degree when ordering
It will come as no surprise that while talking about star
names in magic, Houdini must get a mention. Interestingly, the ● Button Badge* £3.95 ● Jewel with or without Star* £13.50
two examples I have use his name and image posthumously. In ● Cufflinks* £11.95 ● Tie £14.95
1969 The Hammermill Bond Paper Company used a manacled
● Membership Certificate frames £26.95
image of the escapologist under which is the heading, “A
good letterhead creates a little magic about your name”. In These items can be purchased from the Showcase at The Magic
Circle Headquarters on a Club Night or can be sent by post to your
1995 the Absolut Vodka company uses the name in the
address (P&P extra). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and cheques
‘Absolut Houdini’ campaign. The advert is just a blank page, drawn on a UK bank accepted (cheques payable to “CMA Ltd”).
on which there is a spotlight, showing how the vodka bottle
has escaped!
By now you may have spotted a certain very well known
magician whom I have not mentioned – Paul Daniels. The
simple answer is there are so many campaigns associated with For more information Email
Paul that I will continue this theme in the next ‘Conjurors ShowcaseSales@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
or telephone 0207 387 2222
Collect’. Until then, happy collecting.

Upon opening it the audience will see a business card and a

picture of a girl who you explain is your secretary.
You draw attention to the business card as you withdraw it,
pressing on the sides as you do so. Point to the telephone
numbers and say, “Here are two telephone numbers, one is
mine and one is hers. If you care to ring her on this number she
will send you a brand new 10p coin ... or you can have this
exact replica,” drawing attention to their signature on the coin.
You tear the business card in half and reveal the signed
borrowed coin in the centre.

[This effect was marketed by Doug Bennett as “Trapped” in

1984. Mike’s gimmick and handling are improvements. It is an
independent invention. Ed.]

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 153

 Siegfried and Roy: fold-outs, is accompanied by two DVDs to own this magical touchstone which
Unique in All the World containing much of the 2008 star-studded celebrates a show business legendary act
by Diana S. Zimmerman and Palladium tribute to the pair produced by and partnership. Siegfried and Roy are,
Robert Gould Paul Stone, which includes video of the indeed, unique in all the world, and so is
250 pages, hardbound, colour S&R Mirage show and an appearance on this book.
illustrated throughout, with tipped in stage by the duo. A third DVD contains
mini-books. 3 DVDs (2.5 hours total) only a 30-second TV commercial featuring Magic SMS
and CD included. 12.5 x 9.25 ins. with S&R promoting the Las Vegas Convention by Angelo Carbone
dustjacket and presentation box, and Tourism Bureau’s pitch to visit the city, App for iPhone and iPod Touch. £1.79
including numerous inserts and cotton and the CD contains Darren Romeo’s four- ($3.00) from the Apple iTunes Store in
conservator gloves. Signed by the minute song, ‘It’s Time for You’. iTunes.
authors and numbered. Limited edition Accompanying material includes an
of 500. $695 (about £435) plus p&p actual piece of the S&R marquee, Reviewed by Matthew Field
from Noesis Publishing, brochures (some reproductions, in colour) Member Angelo Carbone has come up
www.NoesisPublishing.com. from the Palladium tribute, the Mirage with a very clever and mysterious app for
programme, notes by John Gaughan on the iPhone (although it can be used on
Reviewed by Matthew Field an illusion design, actual give-aways from the iPod Touch as well, if you pass it off as
If ever there was the Mirage show, extraordinarily detailed an iPhone). A spectator thinks of a colour
a lavish magic notes by producer Kenneth Feld on what and a playing card, without telling you.
show, it was was wrong with the costumes he saw You say that you have a friend with
that of Siegfried presented for approval, a programme psychic abilities who can read his mind.
and Roy, who from an early appearance by S&R at the You send your friend a text message
transformed the Lido de Paris, and lots more, all of which telling him what has occurred, and asking
image and is stored in a compartment in the him to name the colour and card, then
bookability of presentation box. put your phone into standby mode to
magic in Las The effect of all of this is overwhelming, await his response.
Vegas and had a fabulously successful which it is obviously meant to be. The While you wait, you ask the spekky to
career until Roy’s tragic accident cut the message one is left with is that Siegfried tell you what he thought of, to ensure he
show short. and Roy were uncompromising in their tells the truth when the friend texts back.
If ever there was a lavish magic book, desire to present an audience experience He does so. Then your phone rings. You
it is Siegfried & Roy: Unique in All the the likes of which had never before been touch nothing. The spek enters the
World, a multimedia extravaganza seen. They invested their own money to passcode to answer
which does justice to the careers of two make sure that they were not the message and,
amazing men who, through hard work, compromised by corporate restrictions. sure enough, it’s
perseverance and talent, rose from They followed their dream to include from your friend
humble beginnings to the apex of show tigers, panthers, lions and other big cats who correctly
business. in their show, and to provide an names the colour
The book and its accompanying environment where the animals could live and card.
materials contain extraordinary photos good, rewarding lives. You have touched
of Siegfried & Roy from every era of It’s easy to label Siegfried as the magic nothing. (I know I said that already.) A
their lives, with tributes from a list of expert and Roy as the lover of animals. copy of the Sunday newspaper costs more
celebrities and magicians too long to list More accurate would be to say that the than this. It’s a real fooler, thoroughly
here. One might not expect someone duo’s interests and energies combined thought out, very well explained, not
like Penn Jillette to hold these men in with their unique personalities and difficult (but not self-working either) and
such high esteem, but he eloquently aspirations, each supporting the other to yet another winner from Angelo.
explains why he does. The authors achieve phenomenal success.
show us the rise of the pair from a The book is very, very expensive. Nomad Pad
workaday magic act to the addition of a Collectors are, undoubtedly, the target by Nikola Pelletier
panther and their path to success is Las audience for this, but the millions of $99 (£65) plus p&p from your favourite
Vegas. The weighty volume, including lovers of Siegfried and Roy will, dealer. Info and demo at
scores of photos and many four-page presumably, include some who will want www.MathieuBich.com. Dealers contact

154 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Murphy’s Magic Supplies, although with a little imagination you site identified another body with
www.MurphysMagic.com. could get a stage routine out of it. The Lafayette’s rings – the wrong man had
gimmick can’t capture fine details and been tagged as Lafayette.
Reviewed by Ian Rowland isn’t meant to. You will only be able to That’s just one of the anecdotes,
This is an impression device for reading use it for a simple drawing or, say, a descriptions of illusions and questions
minds, and a very good one indeed. You couple of initials written with a thick raised in an enjoyable and illuminating
have a small pocket notepad and a marker pen, but this is perfectly good book. Although much of the text is
marker. You tear out a piece of paper, put enough for many mind-reading routines. reprinted from other (credited) sources,
it on the pad and hand this, together with If you enjoy reading minds, you’ll enjoy as publisher John Alexander wrote to
the marker, to a spectator. using this very smart and well-produced me, “There has only ever been one
He writes any kind of pad. book on Lafayette, and this has been
secret information or unobtainable for some time”.
makes a simple drawing. The Great Lafayette The present volume is bargain priced
He folds up the paper and by John Alexander and and a welcome addition to the
keeps it, all done out of Christopher Brinson bookshelf of anyone interested in
your sight. You take back 59 pgs., colour-illustrated, softcover, 8.5 x magic’s history.
the pad, tear out a piece 7 ins. £12 postpaid in the UK, additional
of paper for your own use, postage elsewhere. Via PayPal in the UK Time for a Change
and you can now reproduce whatever the from www.ArcadyPress.co.uk. $20 plus by Lee Alex
spectator wrote or drew. p&p in the US from 72 min. DVD. £24.99 ($34.99) plus p&p
It’s as clean, simple and direct as that. www.MagicBookshop.com. from www.RSVPmagic.com or your
The basic principle isn’t anything new – favourite dealer. Dealers contact
this is yet another application of magnetic Reviewed by Matthew Field Murphy’s Magic,
trace film. But the joy is in the details, and I’ve read many things about The Great www.MurphysMagic.com.
I highly recommend this as one of the Lafayette, the turn of the century
finest and most practical mind-reading American performer whose great devotion Reviewed by Matthew Field
tools currently available. was to his dog, Beauty, which was a gift There is no question but that quick
A great deal of thought has gone into from Houdini. Lafayette died in a tragic change acts provide
the precise way the gimmick is concealed theatre fire on 12 May 1911, which much in the way of
within the pad, making the pad itself makes this the centenary of his death. audience appeal. Lee
seem eminently innocent. It can be used To commemorate that date, Members Alex has written a
as a normal pad, and can certainly John Alexander and Christopher Brinson couple of books on the
withstand casual handling and inspection. have put together a nice small volume subject, and here he
There are no difficult moves or tricky devoted to this very popular performer, demonstrates and
handling involved, the pad is simple including reprints of writings by our own explains five male
enough to be 100% reliable under ‘battle’ Dr Eddie Dawes and some great graphics costumes designed to
conditions, and the handling will always from the collection of Executive Librarian change into something else as the
seem perfectly innocent and natural. You Peter Lane. performer either walks behind a
get a well-written booklet of instructions In his prime, The Great Lafayette had concealing flat or otherwise obscures
containing plenty of clear photographs the highest paid touring show on both himself for a brief moment.
and good advice. A beginner could use sides of the Atlantic. His principal These designs utilise either snap
this to read minds, although of course it assistant, the glamorous Lalla Selbini, fasteners or Lee’s own magnetic
takes time to learn how to present this appeared in his shows in a skimpy, fastenings in a carefully designed
kind of routine effectively. provocative bathing costume. After the costume that is not at all what it
There are consumables involved, but theatre fire, a appears to be. Obviously, you or a
refills for the pad and replacement pens body was bespoke tailor will have to work to
are available as and when needed. recovered, make these outfits, and much rehearsal,
I’ve seen every kind of impression identified as sometimes with an assistant, will be
device released on to the market in recent Lafayette, and required.
years, and to my mind this is one of the cremated. Further Lee goes into what’s behind the
▲

very best. It’s mainly for close-up use, searches of the dressing process, pre-show, and the

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 155

pull-offs which result in the reveals. Not least one other episode. Highly variant of the trick taught in Aaron’s
discussed, but of concern I believe, is the recommended. excellent book, The Paper Engine.
choice of fabric used. Lee also Included on the DVD is Aaron teaching
demonstrates his Colour Changing Revolution kids at the Sorcerers’ Safari summer magic
Waistcoat, with tips for the proper way to by Aaron Fisher camp, and some discussion of the
effect the changes. Member Russ Stevens 77 min. DVD. $30 (£22.50) plus p&p from background of the move. Picture-in-
does his usual fine job directing the your favourite dealer. Dealers contact picture is used for detailed views in the
production. Murphy’s Magic Supplies, teaching segments, and performance
There is precious little available to the www.MurphysMagic.com. segments were shot at the
performer who wishes to pursue the aforementioned summer camp as well as
quick change act, and nothing else I know Reviewed by Matthew Field the Magic Castle. Aaron also teaches a
of in the DVD format. This volume does a I’ve written enthusiastically about Aaron deck switch and my only criticisms are that
good job filling that gap. Fisher’s DVDs teaching various card the sound on the DVD could be better
moves, and his latest offering is excellent and that I believe Aaron should credit
Wheeltappers and Shunters as well. It teaches Revolution, a colour Steve Draun’s Starfish Change for the
Social Club: The Complete Third change in which a card is outjogged in a open-fingered right hand which effects
Series fanned deck and, by the switch as it is waved over the deck.
2-DVD set, 5 hrs. 20 min total. PAL region waving your hand In general this DVD will be excellent for
2. Price: £12.93 (about $20) plus p&p. over the card, it beginners, setting them off on the proper
Available from www.amazon.co.uk. changes or turns over path to the Royal Road, with much of
in place. The move is interest to the more advanced card
Reviewed by Tim Reed not difficult to do and magician as well.
This is the title of a popular 1970s variety looks excellent. Aaron
series set in a fictional Lancashire working goes into great detail Nothing but the Best
men’s club, particularly prevalent in the teaching it, showing by Darwin Ortiz
north of England at the time. Infamous what to look out for (the move can be 3 DVDs. $34.95 (£28) each, $99.95 (£75)
for their tough, hard to please audiences noisy if you don’t know what you’re for the set, plus p&p from your favourite
who were relaxing after the daily toil of doing) and emphasising his often dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic
their industrial jobs, these clubs were the repeated points about removing tension Supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com.
ideal training ground for a plethora of in the hands while performing to better
touring artistes who earned a living doing deceive your audience. Reviewed by Michael Vincent
one-night stands and week-long concerts, Also taught is an application of the It has been seven years since Darwin Ortiz
earning a living in post-Variety Theatre move, Helter Skelter, a colour changing released a triple DVD set to the market
Britain, in which only the lucky few got deck trick, and Revolution No. 10, a place. This new collection from L&L
their ‘big break’ on television. Publishing is fantastic and different from
However, one successful The Magic Circle Library any of his previous releases for a number
‘clubland’ performer did get of reasons.
the opportunity to appear on
this series, after being spotted MY FAVOURITE First, with the exception of five effects
all of the material has appeared previously
by producer Johnny Hamp.
That was Paul Daniels. On 22
BOOKS on DVD and in book form, in Darwin
Ortiz at the Card Table, Cardshark and
A series of occasional 30-minute
February 1975, when the Scams and Fantasies. In this set, Darwin
talks to be given by individual
show featuring Paul’s first has taken material he has been
members of The Magic Circle about
important television appearance was performing for well over thirty years and
their favourite books on Magic.
transmitted, the history of British magic decided to revisit the effects to showcase
was changed forever. how he now performs for laypeople,
The next talk will be given by
Paul’s segment, featuring a hilarious, illustrating many of the concepts he has
very slick card shuffling routine, Chop written about in his books.
Cup and Note in Polo Mints, is a joy to GRAHAM REED This new project also features many
watch. While the technical skill is self- new technical enhancements Darwin has
evident, it is his quips and banter with the on Monday 23 May 2011 added to his routines. Each DVD begins
audience which, for me, are the reasons at 6.15 pm in the Library. with what I consider to be the most
why his star quality is so apparent. Paul is important part of any DVD project, and
unbeatable in these surroundings. Library: 020 7387 1533 that is a live performance of the material,
Other performers in this series include library@themagiccircle.co.uk a “show”. The performances are
ventriloquist Terri Rogers with her figure wonderful and I believe this is where the
Shorty Harris; and Richard and Lara real value of this product will be found.
Jarmain, who perform the Zig Zag and During the explanations Darwin shares
Sub Trunk with charm. Anybody his latest technical developments. For
interested in magic and show business example, he has completely reworked the
should buy this DVD. Other series are opening sequence of Museum Piece
promised, and I know Paul appeared in at which allows for a smoother handling and

156 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

shows off a humorous dialogue between café-bars and pubs. mentalist Al Mann, who used to perform
Darwin and an audience member. The book title is a the old trick in which the mental wizard
Each disc contains a theory section, bit misleading, since holds up a column of want-ads and,
which provides useful information for all it’s not a technique holding a scissors to the paper, cuts it at
card workers to consider, a sort of verbal Mark writes about, the spectator’s direction. The spectator
commentary on Darwin’s books. but a way of building picks up the cut-off piece and reads the
Full descriptions can to a big finish. He lists first line. It matches a prediction.
be found on ten such big finishes, which includes nine There were a couple of problems with
www.LLPub.com. marketed tricks (loosely described) and the method, the original ‘Clip Line’. The
As an artist grows the old chestnut of tearing a sheet of first is that the magician had to stand far-
in his self-expression newspaper into 32 bits, having a enough away from the spectators that
this must have a spectator call out a number, and they couldn’t clearly see
positive impact on his accurately describing what’s written on the printing on the paper,
material and how he the chosen bit. or notice that the layout
relates this to his The advice from Mark is solid, and I of the ads looked
audience. I believe this is what makes this haven’t read it before. If you work in the somehow ‘wrong’. The
an important contribution to card magic café-bar/pub world, you may well find this second is the fact that
and magic as a craft. of interest. The price is a bit steep for newspaper clippings are
what is on offer. very 20th century –
The Meridian Technique somewhat old-fashioned.
by Mark Elsdon Double Clip Line Devin Knight has some interesting
40 pages, softcover, 8.25 x 5.75 ins. $28 by Devin Knight wrinkles on the trick. There is a simple
(£15) plus p&p from your favourite dealer. 14 pgs., 8.5 x 11 ins., of instructions plus gaffed envelope supplied to, I believe,
Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies, two small envelopes, one gaffed. $20 boost the asking price for this. It is really
www.MurphysMagic.com. (£17) plus p&p from your favourite dealer. an item that should have been included
Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies, among others, but there are several
Reviewed by Matthew Field www.MurphysMagic.com. effects and if the overall concept appeals
Mark Elsdon is a very clever UK magician. to you, the ideas are solid.
This book is a description of the way Reviewed by Matthew Field
Mark structures his 2-hour residencies in Devin Knight was a student of the late

Buy books, DVD’s,

magazines, ephemera,
cards, silks, magic sets,
magicians for hire
and more
Tel: 01362 859491
All available for sale online at
www.magicianslibrary.com

MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 157

 a new book, Sleights of Mind, clear majority, the Chair did not

Council minutes by members Stephen Macknik

and Susana Martinez-Conde
use his casting vote.

which appeared as full extracts BREAK

in The Sunday Times magazine.
Exposures included: Ambitious 6. TREASURER’S REPORT
Card, Watch Steal, Miser’s Subscriptions
Dream, and others. The Acting Treasurer had
The Chairman explained that circulated a paper to Council
under contracts with publishers and asked that, in his absence
there is a serialisation rights the following resolution be
clause which includes the right considered:
to publish extracts for the that subscriptions and entrance
purposes of advertising. Earnings fees remain unchanged for
under such arrangements are 2011/12 to avoid losing
normally earmarked by the members in the current poor
publisher and off-set against financial environment;
advance payments made to the Councilors were asked to
author. This clause can be recognise that this will put
removed by the author or their pressure on the budget
MINUTES OF THE MAGIC on 2 February 2011 were agent and does not necessarily requests to be discussed at the
CIRCLE COUNCIL MEETING approved. Those not attending mean that the rest of the April Council meeting.
HELD AT THE HEADQUARTERS abstained. contract will not go ahead. Proposed by Richard Pinner,
ON 1 MARCH 2011 6.30 pm Members should be made seconded by Alan Maskell.
4. MATTERS ARISING aware that authors can block Passed unanimously.
PRESENT The policy book and several the assignment of these
Jack DELVIN (President) boxes of legal documents have particular rights which would Renewals
Andrew EBORN been gratefully received from have avoided the current Following a paper from the
James FREEDMAN Rupert Connell. problem. Secretary and discussions on
Will HOUSTOUN In accordance with Rule the Council Mail List regarding
Alan MASKELL James Freedman reported that 3.9.1 the Secretary is to write renewals, the following
Richard PINNER the Live Streaming Committee to the two members proposal was presented to
Fay PRESTO had met and established that concerned, requiring them to Council for ratification.
Katherine RHODES not all competitors of the give an explanation for the In place of the existing
Martyn ROWLAND Close-Up Competition were alleged exposure. arrangement, under which
Brian SIBLEY (Chairman) willing to be live-streamed so a renewal fee of £100 is
Michael VINCENT that another event would have MINUTES PREPARATION payable once a member
Chris WOOD (Secretary) to be found for another trial. Further to an e-mail sent to has failed to renew by the
Next year it could be that Council, Andrew Eborn raised due date, that a sliding
Kevin DOIG (Assistant willingness for the competition the matter of the distribution scale be implemented:
Treasurer) to be live-streamed would be a of initial draft minutes to all four cut off periods: June
David WEEKS (Minute condition of entry. Council members on no fee, July – Sept £20,
Secretary) completion by the Minutes Oct – Dec £50, Jan – Mar
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT secretary. Discussion followed £80 April and after the
1. APOLOGIES i.) There were five new during which it was pointed full £100.
Noel BRITTEN, Rob COX, members. (see attached out that a similar proposal had Proposed by Richard Pinner,
Alexander CRAWFORD, Mandy schedule) been made at the October seconded James Freedman.
DAVIS, John VAN DER PUT, and ii.) There were no meeting of Council and had Passed unanimously.
Scott PENROSE reinstatements. not been taken up.
iii.) There were no resignations. That the minutes are sent to Direct Debit
2. DEATHS iv.) There were no promotions. Council members by the Whilst the Acting Treasurer and
Steve Dacri MIMC from USA. v.) Correspondence: Minutes Secretary before the Council are keen to implement
Dr Robert Albo MIMC and Letters of thanks had been Secretary or Chairman of direct debit for members, the
former member Nicky Ward received from Joyce Van Dyke Council has checked them. Acting Treasurer has advised
AIMC. Members of Council via the Benevolent Fund in Proposed by Andrew Eborn, that the bank requires a
stood in silence as a mark of respect of flowers for Pat Page, seconded Fay Presto. The personal and unlimited
respect. from Terry Wright for his resolution was not passed. indemnity from each of the
award of AIMC and from For: AE, JF, FP, RP, KR. signatories because we are an
3. MINUTES Stephen Kennard for his Against: JD, WH, AM, MR, unincorporated body (i.e. not a
On a proposal by Jack Delvin, award of MIMC. MV, CW. limited liability company). It is
seconded by Alan Maskell, the Two members had written to There being no objection to also not clear how such an
minutes of the meeting held complain about exposure from CW voting and there being a indemnity would be removed

158 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

in the situation that a signatory informed of the requirement to especially at the time of Steven SPURGEON MMC
ceased to be a signatory. comply with the brand renewing subscriptions. (Professional name –
Consequently, he is exploring guidelines. Steve Mages)
other options but it is with Proposed by James Meeting ended: 9.30pm Suffolk
regret to report that a direct Freedman, seconded Fay Date of Next Meeting: Dafydd WILLIAMS MMC
debit facility will not be in Presto. Passed unanimously Wednesday 6 April 2011 (Professional name - Jamie
place for membership renewals at 6.30pm Williams)
in 2011. PRO: Andrew Eborn has co- Wales
opted Darren Tosell and Bob New members elected on
7. COMMITTEE REPORTS CMA: Yelland to the Publicity 2 March 2011 Member elected to AIMC
Council were happy to ratify Committee in order to add Richard KETTLE MMC on 2 March 2011
the appointments to the board expertise in the area of Surrey Christian SCHENK AIMC
of Chris Weller and Peter Kyle proactive publicity. Megan KNOWLES-BACON MMC Germany
OBE. The intention is that they There were strong feelings London
should serve as Treasurer and that Monday Nights should not
as Chair respectively. have the press visiting, nor
Proposed by Andrew Eborn, taking photos. Michael Vincent
seconded Chris Wood. Passed suggested we need to set up
unanimously with James what is seen by the public and
Freedman abstaining having be in complete control. The
previously declared an interest committee intend to create our
as being a supplier to CMA. own ‘Club Night’ pictures, and
Council were agreed on the those of the building, to be
principle that the CMA are available in an EPK (electronic
moving to have their accounts press kit).
subject to external examination
rather than an external audit to Club night report:
save costs, pending the The question of drinks in the
clarification of the position of theatre was considered and
the auditors as appointed at Council reaffirmed the current Our Headquarters
the CMA AGM. rules banning them as
experience has shown the risks Conventions
PUBLICITY: of spillage and consequent
BRANDING cleaning time and expense
Martyn Rowland presented a outweigh other considerations.
detailed report about branding
written in conjunction with the Liaison Officer: Fay Presto
publicity committee. raised a close-up competition
Material produced by TMC question which will be dealt
must follow the guidelines as with via the Council mail list.
to the use of logos and our Dress Code
Smart attire is required at all events in
standard font style, and that 9. ANY OTHER BUSINESS the Headquarters.
anything produced for the Clubroom: Appearance and
public must be seen first by Displays. Katherine Rhodes will Mobile Phones
Please ensure that you switch off your
Council before it is published. prepare a paper as, after mobile phone before entering the
Whilst it is recognised that this discussion with Scott Penrose, Headquarters. If you must make a phone
has cost implications it still it is clear that there are number call, please do so outside the building.
needs to be done, so will be of factors that need to be Photography and Sound Recording
phased in. considered. The use of any form of recording equipment,
Members developing their audio or visual, including cameras and mobile
phones, is not permitted in any part of the
own materials whilst not obliged Welfare: Headquarters except by special arrangement.
to use the standard font, are Jack Delvin is concerned that
required to use the logo some members of TMC are Gum
Please refrain from chewing gum of any sort
correctly following the style infirm and losing touch. It in the Headquarters.
sheet, in respect of orientation, would be desirable if regional
positioning, colour, complete reps could check on their Smoking
Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the
and without distortion. members, drop them a line, ask Headquarters.
It was proposed that the how they are, and to see if
brand guidelines be adopted help were needed. Alan We all benefit from these conventions, so please
respect and abide by them to avoid being turned
and made available to Maskell asked to be informed if away. Thank you for your understanding.
members with immediate anyone knew of such cases
effect and that all members be which may come to light

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk MAY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 159

Forthcoming club events
Club Night Committee: Brian Sibley, Chair; Mandy Davis, Secretary Monday 16
BISH, BASH, BOSH! – Dave Allen, AIMC
The Headquarters are open on Club Nights from 3:00pm until Multi award-winning family entertainer, Magic Dave (British Isles
10:30pm. Unless otherwise stated, events start promptly at 7:30pm Children’s Entertainer of the Year 2009/10) returns to present his
and are scheduled to finish between 8:45pm and 9pm. Club new lecture covering children’s magic, ventriloquism and family
Nights are principally for Members, so entry is by Membership cabaret. A must-see for anyone who ever performs for family
Card. A bona fide magician guest may attend any evening that is audiences.
not marked ‘Members Only’ on condition that he or she is able
to show membership of a magical society. A non-magician guest Monday 23
may only attend evenings that are marked as ‘Show’. Guests may MONKEY BUSINESS – Matt Johnson
only attend two evenings a year. No guest may attend unless the Born in Britain, living and performing in Vancouver, Canada,
CMA is told in advance, so if you wish to bring a guest please do Matthew Johnson’s credits such unique, worldwide-marketed
not contact me but phone (020) 7387 2222. There is a limit of ten effects as ‘ALONE’ and ‘The Secret Art of Monkey Business 1
guests per night. All guests must pay an entry fee of £10 at the & 2’. His lecture is an eclectic mix of close-up Magic, stand-up
door and respect our Conventions. Indeed, it is your duty as their and comedy magic that is easy to do, fun to do and, most
sponsor to ensure that they do. The Magic Circle reserve the right importantly, FUN TO WATCH!
to refuse entry. See our website or subscribe to Big Reminder
(free weekly emails) for any last minute changes to the schedule. Monday 30
CLUB ROOM CLOSED
MAY 2011
Tuesday 31
Monday 2 ASI WIND
CLUB ROOM CLOSED New York top magician and mentalist comes to TMC!

Tuesday 3 Looking ahead to…

KOZMO JUNE 2011
Kozmo, hot off the cover of MAGIC Magazine, is the creator of
one of today’s premier magic video production companies. Monday 6
Kozmo will begin with a performance of his professional street TBA
act – a treat in and of itself. Then he will explain each effect, why
it was chosen and why it is placed where it is within his act. Monday 13
There is ONLY ONE card trick in the lecture, which, for some, SCRATCH NIGHT – Hosted by John van der Put, AIMC
may be just the motivation needed to attend the lecture!

Monday 9
ANNUAL FORUM – Chaired by Brian Sibley, AIMC Change of address? Contact Secretary Chris Wood,
An opportunity to ask questions, make suggestions, air views, Secretary@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
trade ideas and discuss magic (and Magic Circle) matters. Send Member in need? Contact Chaplain and Welfare Officer,
questions, thoughts and topics to Chairman@themagiccircle.co.uk Peter Liddelow, Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
(Note: TMC Members Only)

Wednesday, 31 August 2011

(The day before the EUROCOL Convention starts!)

A large assortment of rare posters, books, props

and ephemera from The Magic Circle Collection
will be offered for sale; as well as choice lots
from other vendors.
An illustrated catalogue will be available soon.

WATCH THIS SPACE!

Auction Manager: Tim Reed AIMC

160 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR MAY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk