the magic

MARTIN S TAYLOR
HYPNOTIST WITHOUT HYPNOSIS
 THE MAGAZINE OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE Issue 1134 Volume 105 JANUARY 2011

Features
12 Martin S Taylor: Hypnotist Without Hypnosis –
Circular reasoning
by Matthew Field Happy New Year!

I’m not much for New

Regulars Year’s resolutions, but I
Page 3
2 President’s View – Jack Delvin do like to take the
2 News time every once in a
4 Letters to the Editor while to reflect on my
5 The Magic Circle Cares – Rev. Peter Liddelow life and what I think needs
6 Obituaries improvement.
7 Clever Devil Corner – Harold Cataquet I’ll skip down the long list until we
Page 17 8 The Cecil Lyle Award – get to the Magic category. Magic is a
Again Card at Any Number by John Fells performing art, and it can be easy to
10 Circular Mentalism – Ian Rowland lose oneself in ‘armchair magic’,
16 A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities – sitting back and watching DVDs,
Dr. Edwin A. Dawes reading magic books, surfing the
20 Club Night Events – magic websites on the internet and
Mandy Davis, Convenor of Reports avoiding the thought and practice
Page 20 23 Conjurors Collect – Tim Reed necessary to keep one’s (my!) skills up
24 Graham Reed Presents ‘My Dream Magic Show’ to snuff, and then to actually perform
– by Barry Murray the magic for real, live people.
25 In Review I’ve got lots of excuses – editing this
30 Council Minutes magazine, working on various book
32 Forthcoming Club Events – assignments, preparing material for
Brian Sibley and Mandy Davis review, playing with my iPod, diddling
Page 21 around with computer programmes
EDITORIAL 07910 317 902 DESIGN 020 8521 2631
that are fun, reading magic magazines
EDITOR Matthew Field ART DIRECTOR and a lot more. But these are, indeed,
Editor@TheMagicCircle.co.uk John Hawkins excuses. As with anything worthwhile
102 Priory Road john.hawkins.7@btinternet.com
Hastings 104d Grove Road in life, progress is made by making a
East Sussex TN34 3JE Walthamstow E17 9BY commitment and this often entails
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tim Reed PHOTOGRAPHERS some sacrifice.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS John Ward
Anthony Brahams, Dr Edwin Dawes, ADVERTISING 07767 336882 So, instead of just reading the
Scott Penrose, Ian Rowland, BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING MANAGER method for another card trick and
David Tomkins Scott Penrose turning the page, I hope I can actually
Cover CONVENOR OF REPORTS Advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
Martin S Taylor Mandy Davis 17 Berkeley Drive, work on an effect I like, improve my
Mandy@TheMagicCircle.co.uk Billericay technique and thus increase my
OBITUARIES Alan Snowden, Essex CM12 0YP
5 Folkington Corner, Woodside Park, MISSING AND BACK ISSUES
repertoire.
London N12 7BH 01923 267 057 Your goals and, dare I say it,
020 8445 7607 Michael Candy resolutions are likely different.
PROOFREADERS Sound of Music, Harthall Lane,
Cheryl Bell, Hemel Hempstead, Whatever they may be, with sufficient
Paul Bromley, Julie Carpenter, Herts HP3 8SE focus, perhaps 2011 will be a year in
Barry Cooper, Tim Reed, PRINTED BY
Lionel Russell, Mary Stupple Perfect Imaging Ltd 020 8806 6630 which we all progress in our quest to
Copyright © 2011 by The Magic Circle. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, become better magicians.
Published by The Magic Circle stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the Editor of The Magic Circular.
12 Stephenson Way Views expressed in The Magic Circular are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views
London NW1 2HD of The Magic Circle unless specifically stated. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all
information published in The Magic Circular, the Editor, Art Director, Staff and The Magic Circle cannot accept
VAT Reg No 233 8369 51 responsibility for any errors or omissions.
All enquiries Contributions must reach the Editor six weeks in advance of publication if it is essential that they should
appear in the second month following’s issue and should be sent via email, on computer disk or on CD
T 020 7387 2222 whenever possible.
President’s view Circular news
Live Streaming Video
AMATEUR OR PROFESSIONAL to fill their time at a profit. from The Magic Circle
In days of old, drinking houses tried to on 31 January!
ne eminent magician often mentions attract customers by offering musical In an exciting development,

O that The Magic Circle does little to help entertainment in their bars. This became so
magic as a profession. Traditionally we
have resisted being a trade union. Why?
popular that the more successful of them
added ‘music halls’ to their premises. These
Council Member Andrew
Eborn, head of Octopus Media
Technology, has announced
Because we are a society for all who love developed into the fantastically successful that Council has agreed to
magic – amateur and professional. Even so variety theatres at the turn of the last century. allow live streaming of “The
there is no doubt that commerce plays an To cash in on the popularity of seaside Council Entertains” show on
important role in the art of magic. holidays, special camps of chalets were Monday 31 January. Andrew is
One aim of magic could be to impress an erected to offer cheap accommodation by the donating the services of
audience so much that they want to see it sea. What could all these people do when the Octopus to “get this initiative
again, and are willing to pay money for the time of day, or the poor weather conditions, started”. Check our website
privilege. Also they are eager to tell their drove them indoors? (www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk)
friends to do the same. Drink and watch some entertainment. for more information.
The obvious difference between an amateur With cheaper world travel, this market has
and a professional is that one is paid to moved into cruising and, of course, magic has 30 October Dealers’
perform and the other is not. This does not followed it. Day a Success
mean, however, that the amateur is in any The advent of television completely
way inferior to the professional. Many changed the face of entertainment. Millions
amateurs reach a standard that is acceptable could now see magic on the box in the
as professional. comfort of their own homes. But, although

Photo: Matthew Field

It is said the main difference between the this kept them away from the theatres, there
two is that amateurs perform many different sprang up a demand for seeing real, live
tricks for the same audience, while magic in their own homes, especially for the
professionals perform the same tricks to many children, especially in restaurants, especially
different audiences. right under their noses.
What can, or should, The Magic Circle do There was also a whole new corporate Dealers’ Day
to make magic more popular and put it into a market to plunder. Making cars appear by The Dealers’ Day on Saturday
higher price bracket? It certainly isn’t by magic was my own speciality. 30 October saw the meeting
having a price war. Now we have been hit by a recession. room at London’s Royal
What creates a demand? Sometimes it is a Work is down by approximately a third National Hotel packed with
sensational new act looking for an audience. right across the board. What can we do? eager visitors and about 30
More often it’s the reverse – an audience The number of folk interested in magic magic dealers with the latest
looking for some entertainment. Whenever seems to be holding up. Judging by the miracles on display. Peter
people gather together they create an internet activity, there are more at it than Altman, who has organised the
opportunity for someone, or something, ever. There are over 100 dealers and likewise event for the past thirteen
as many magic clubs. There are more years, is stepping down after
conventions than ever before. this one. Among those
Is magic becoming too insular? Magicians assisting on the door were
fooling magicians? A multitude of good Henry Lewis and Denis Clark.
amateurs but fewer top pros? More learners
than earners? Houdini Exhibit in
I would be thrilled to know what ideas you New York
have for improving the situation and any On October 26, 2010, Ken
projects you have on the go that need the Trombly and Bruce Averbook,
support of the rest of us. both AIMC, were among those
We need to get out and do some magic.
We need to get our families and friends out
to see some magic.

Jack Delvin MIMC

(L-R) Bruce Averbook, Ken
President@TheMagicCircle.co.uk Trombley, Arthur Moses,
Stanley Palm

2 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

invited to attend the grand of the Circle attending were
opening of a new exhibit Past President David Berglas
devoted to the life and cultural and his wife Ruth, and Lady
impact of Harry Houdini at The Ratling Debbie McGee.
Jewish Museum in New York
City. “Houdini: Art and Magic” Semi-Circles

Photo: John Ward

includes displays of items on On 30 December Russell
loan from a number of major Levinson’s Conjuring at the
museums as well as pieces Court returns to its normal
from five private collections, venue, London’s Drayton
including Bruce’s and Ken’s. Court, with an afternoon show
The exhibit will continue in for children with David John Greenwood and Jack Delvin
New York into next March, Tomkins and Scott Penrose, Silver Wand to November. John was Returning
before it travels to the Skirball and an evening show for adults John Greenwood Officer for our annual elections
Centre in Los Angeles, the with Martin Cox, two original A second Silver Wand was for 18 years. He stepped
Contemporary Jewish Museum short performance pieces by awarded this year for service down this year and the post
in San Francisco, and the Richard McDougall, hypnotist to The Magic Circle. The is now held by Clive Hyams.
Madison, Wisconsin Museum Anthony Jacquin and Scott presentation was made to The other Silver Wand,
of Contemporary Art. Penrose. Info at John Greenwood by President presented at the Gala Dinner,
www.catc.moonfruit.com ... Jack Delvin on The Magic Circle was awarded to Richard
Queen Ratling at the Congratulations to Ed Hilsum stage on Monday, 1 Sanders.
Charity Ball who took on Roberto Forzoni
The Grand Order of Water in the Bexley Magic Society’s leading entertainers helped and moved, when he was
Rats, the show business charity, Challenge Medal Competition Alan Watson celebrate his presented with a Presidential
has a distaff side called, in October and won ... 60th birthday. He was surprised, Citation from The SAM by their
appropriately enough, the Andi Gladwin and Rob James President (and TMC Member),
Grand Order of Lady Ratlings. have started a new web-based Mark Weidhaas ... Birthday
For the second time, the service called PostGigs.com, wishes as well to the great
Queen Ratling this year is our a work referral website for Paul Potassy, who turned 87
professional entertainers. After on 23 October and celebrated
a year of running the site with with his wife Lita at the Club
close-up magicians, they have Mwah in Manila, where he
opened membership to lives. He posed with the cross-
children’s entertainers across dressing chorus line.
the UK. More info at
www.postgigs.com/about ... The Invisible Man
Congratulations to Member Returns to
Steve the Magician London Stage
Photo: Barry Marsden
(Steve Dimmer) who won the After seventeen years, The
Northants Magicians Club’s Invisible Man with special
Michael J. Fitch bends a spoon
Children’s Entertainer of The effects by Member Paul
own, effervescent Babs Bruce. Year award for the eighth time Kieve, is coming back to the
She reports that on Sunday 24 in a decade ... On 1 November Menier Chocolate Factory in
October, they hosted a Masked more than 100 of New Zealand’s London. The show, adapted Paul Kieve and the
Ball at the Royal Lancaster by the late Ken Hill from the Invisible Man
Hotel Hyde Park. Members of H.G. Wells novel, features then went on a national tour.
the Magic Circle who donated many illusions and live A US production was
their time to perform included effects and Paul says that, mounted in 1998/99 at the
Katherine Rhodes, Megumi “even in over 100 shows I’ve Cleveland Playhouse starring
Biddle, Darryl Rose, Bharat worked on it is still one of Jim Dale and Jim Steinmeyer
Patel, Richard Pinner, Paul the best frameworks of oversaw the effects. George
Brown, and Steve Biddle. Babs magic within a story. The Kovari worked on another
reports that, “Our top table invisibility theme ideally lends version a few years ago”.
consisted of fellow member itself to magic in so many The show runs now until
Steve Allen along with ways. It was done originally 13 February and information
president of the Cup of in 1991 at Stratford East, can be found at
Kindness Barbara Windsor, then returned to that theatre www.MenierChocolateFactory
Anita Dobson and Brian May, in 1992, and transferred to .com or by calling
Wayne Sleep and King Rat the West End in 1993. It 020 7907 7060.
Derek Martin. Other members Alan Watson

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 3

Letters to the Editor
Thanks from the New Secretary every contract came a form to fill out, 48
I just wanted to thank all those who have questions long. Apart from my Name,
helped me take up the role and duties as DOB, place of Birth, Address and how
the new secretary of the society. I can long had I lived there, similarly for my
honestly say that even serving on council, wife. Then, my Parents names, DOB, etc.
you do not realise just how much as above. Had I a Criminal Record?
voluntary work goes on behind the scenes Reason for visit?
to ensure the smooth running of our The last three questions, said it all:
organisation. In particular I want to thank 46. Was I a Terrorist, Y/N?
the past secretary David Ball for his 47. Did I intend to overthrow
kindness and support during the HM Govt. Y/N?
handover. He has been invaluable in so 48. Did I associate with Terrorists, Y/N?
many ways and continues to be so. Also Having done all this, one never heard
Peter Scarlett, who deals with a flow of any more, and on arrival at the Palace,
routine enquiries on a daily basis, passing just parked, did the gig, went home. That
them on to the right people. I would also was it.
like to thank Steve Price who has agreed So, after several of these I wrote to my
to act as deputy secretary and help out MP, questioning the logic of the last three
with some of the more pragmatic postal questions. In due course, she passed it on
issues involved with membership. Finally, I and I finally received an answer from The
have to mention the kindest person of all, Secretary of State, saying this was really
Barbara Astra, whose care and support in meant for full time employees. Therefore
the early weeks was quite touching and been offered two Chung Ling Soo fishing my name would be placed ‘on ze list’,
who has impressed me enormously with rods and several Chung Ling Soo excusing me from further form filling in
her sincere dedication to this society that costumes, but did not purchase them as the future.
we all love. there was no way of knowing whether But, only for a year!
Chris Wood AIMC they were genuine or not. Robert Freeman AIMC The Jolly Jester
As Tim says in his article, the
Whose? Soo’s? importance of provenance and A Quick Idea
I read with interest Tim Reed’s article about authenticity can not be overestimated. A quick idea for The Circular. How about
Chung Ling Soo’s Linking Rings in the Peter Lane MIMC, Executive Librarian a readers’ poll for their favourite monthly
September issue of The Magic Circular. He column?
mentions that Harry Baron had 29 of Houstoun and Hoffmann I’ll cast my vote for Ian Rowland’s
Soo’s rings and split them up into three As some members may already know I am excellent Circular Mentalism column.
sets. He sold two of the sets and kept one currently studying for a PhD based on Every month it is the first thing I turn to,
set of eight rings for himself. Some years Professor Hoffmann (Angelo Lewis) at The with his mixture of off the wall anecdotes
ago I managed to purchase these. They University of Essex. As well as a focus on and practical advice and even a quick
are of the same size and description as his magic writing, I am also looking into trick. It never fails to entertain and inform
those owned by Tim. There is a luggage other aspects of Hoffmann’s life such as (and no Ian hasn’t offered me a bribe to
label tied around them on which is his non-magic writing, his performances say this!).
written ‘These rings were the property of and his other careers. At the moment I Steve McShane MMC
the late Chung Ling Soo’ and is signed am trying to collect as much information
‘Hector Robinson, Son of Chung Ling Soo’. on all aspects of Hoffmann as possible so [Your thoughts? Does anyone want to
In Ellis Stanyon’s catalogue he if any members have any Hoffmann- volunteer to handle this? Ed.]
advertised Linking Rings for sale and a set related information that they would be
of eight, 9-inch diameter, heavy, nickel happy to share with me I would love to Hosting at The Magic Circle
plated rings sold for 21/6d (just over £1 in hear about it. My e-mail is Recently, due to family commitments, two
today’s money). The advertisement then williamhoustoun@gmail.com and my long-standing members of the hosting
states that, ‘The brass nickel plated rings address 40 Derby Road, team have stood down. Alan and Barbara
at 21/6d are as made and supplied by us London, SW14 7DP. Astra have done a remarkable job hosting
to Chung Ling Soo, Owen Clark and all Will Houstoun AIMC on Monday evenings and having recently
the best of them’. received a Silver Wand for their
From this it would appear that Chung Terrorist? Answer Y/N contributions; as Deputy Host I also wish
Ling Soo used a standard set of Linking I can understand Ian Rowland’s frustration to pay tribute to them. They have always
Rings which were on sale to the public at duplicate form filling, The Magic helped new members feel at ease on their
and consequently there will be many rings Circular November 2010, page 252. first visit to the clubroom along with
of the same type and size still in ‘Twas ever thus. others who would have been taking their
existence, but they did not all belong to In the last Century, I regularly Jolly examination or visiting from overseas.
Chung Ling Soo. Over the years I have Jested at Hampton Court Palace. With Alan and Barbara also help in other areas

4 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

of our headquarters at Stephenson Way for them while at the headquarters but I Carlos Vaquera (Fig. 3). The trouble is
such as the technical crew and also want to thank all the members on Figure 3 shows a Guana sheet (not
refreshments. Both are always busy at Monday nights who make other guests Guinea) and, apart from Copperfield
Christmas time with the decorations and feel so welcome by ensuring they do not himself, does not have the named
the building looks wonderful during the feel awkward but part of the club assistant/magician on it. Out of interest
festive season. They work a lot behind the atmosphere. the article mentions “there are nearly
scenes, in many ways that are often I am currently looking for one or two twenty different covers to collect of our
unnoticed. Alan and Barbara, thank you members who could help with hosting on Magic Circle centenary celebrations.” I
so much for all you do and have done for a Monday evening along with a fire marshal. have twenty-nine different covers if
our society. If you are interested, please speak to me anyone is interested.
I seem to have inherited the hosting in the clubroom for more information. Finally, Tim does not mention the
duties on Monday evenings; it’s a most Mick Gurr MMC Copperfield “Guinea Equatorial” sheet
rewarding and interesting pastime. I try to featuring Copperfield. I have not see this
greet all new members and those I have Conjurors Correct on eBay or seen it in the stamp
not previously spoken to with a Glad to see Magic Philately treated by Tim catalogues. It is possibly a forgery. Even
handshake and a smile. If they are new to Reed. There is an error, possibly editorial. so, I think it should be listed.
the building, I arrange a short tour of the The text says, “in Les Mandrakes D’or Brian McCullagh AIMC
area and introduce them to other series ... The other sheet, in the same
members of the club. Obviously members series (Guinea), has Copperfield, again, Tim Reed replies: I would like to thank

▲
who invite specific guests are responsible with his ex-partner, Claudia Schiffer and Brian McCullagh for his feedback and his

by Peter Liddelow AIMC The Magic Circle Chaplain and Welfare Officer
The month of January is named after the hospital following a stroke. Regina Reynolds (widow of Charles)
Roman god Janus who had two heads – Andrew Webb is still undergoing 3 Grove Court, New York, NY 10014 USA.
one looking backward and the other treatment but rejoices in the birth of a Alan and Barbara Astra
forward. The New Year gives us the son, Matthew, on Halloween night. 25 Hydean Way, Stevenage,
opportunity, like Janus, to look backward Herts, SG2 9XJ
with gratitude for the eighteen Alan and Barbara Astra – in addition to Peter D’Arcy
members of The Magic Circle who have caring for Barbara’s brother who is paralysed, c/o 39 Hampton Lodge,
sadly died in the past twelve months. Alan has fractured two bones in his ankle. 15 Cavendish Road,
Sutton, Surrey SM2 5EY.
We have recently said farewell to: Let us not forget our friends previously Alan and Kathy Snowden
Ralph Marcom MIMC (Texas), mentioned for their ongoing treatment 5 Folkington Corner, Woodside Park,
Bill Nichols MMC (Pembrokeshire), and care namely : Bobby Bernard, London N12 7BH.
Charles Reynolds MIMC (New York), Steve Dacri, David Haggarty, Andrew Webb
and John Stevens MMC (Margate). Terry Seabrooke, John Southgate, 249 Whitley Road, Reading,
They have made a tremendous Stephan Stamm, John Styles, and Berkshire RG2 8LE.
contribution to the world of magic and Nicky Ward.
have given enjoyment to many through If you hear of members or their families
their magical skills. We give thanks for As we look forward to 2011 may good who are sick or facing hard
their lives and remember their loved health and happiness be yours for a times please contact:
ones in their bereavement. magical New Year and, who knows,
perhaps an invitation to entertain at the Peter Liddelow
Let us also have in our thoughts and forthcoming Royal Wedding reception! (Chaplain and Welfare Officer)
prayers a number of our Magic Circle 23 Kings Road
family who are ill, or suffering from the Contact addresses: Barnet
effects of old age and infirmity, in Ralph Marcom and Bill Nichols – Herts. EN5 4EF
particular: Peter D’Arcy who is far no family contact available. T 020 8441 2968
from well and has recently been moved Sheila Stevens (widow of John) E Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
to a Nursing Home in Hertfordshire. Luxmore, 42 Warwick Road,
Alan Snowden’s wife, Kathy, is in Cliftonville, Margate, Kent CT9 2JU.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 5

specialist knowledge of magical philately. collection, a stamp celebrating the Austrian feature on the Stage Magician of the Year
With this article, like others in the series, magician, J N Hofzinser. I must dash now competition and whose name somehow
it is never the intention to name every to find that elusive stamp on Ebay! got left off the credits. Sorry, John. Ed.
known example of a subject but rather to
whet the appetite of the reader. I am always Errata
grateful to those who inform me of other Apologies to our photographer John Ward
rarities. Just the other day I saw, in another who took the photos for our December

magic to national and international Circle on 2 February

Obituaries publications as well as numerous
newspapers and Abra, Magick, Magic
1943.
Ken was a man of
Manuscript, and Vibrations, and marketed many talents and
Charles Reynolds MIMC several effects including ‘Force of Thought’. interests, a railway
9 Sep 1932 – 4 November 2010 A guest lecturer at the Smithsonian enthusiast, member of
Charles Reynolds worked for a magic Institution, he taught a class on ‘Magic as the local organ club
shop and on a touring illusion and spook Theatre’ and was a creative consultant for and a Freemason. He
show in his youth. He credited the usual the Off-Broadway show Mind Games, could also tell the
magic set and seeing Blackstone, Sr. as starring mentalist Mark Salem. difference between
influencing him. He was always actively engaged in certain malt whiskies –
Majoring in theatre he received creating the magic for Broadway shows. not bad for an English
Bachelor and Masters degrees at the This quiet but extremely forceful, gentleman!
University of Michigan. During his first knowledgeable man has made his mark in I will miss his hilarious stories about the
twenty years in New York he was a the field of magic, almost every aspect of magicians he met when he attended Ken
freelance it. He received awards from the Magic Brooke and Frank Farrow’s Magic Place.
photographer Castle, and was nominated for a New Ken ... thanks for the memories.
for Time, York Drama Desk Award for his magic Bill Seagraves MIMC
Playboy, etc. creations in Merlin.
Then he In 2000 he was magic consultant to the To his son, Alan, daughter-in-law, Dee and
became picture Broadway production of The Green Bird, grandchildren, we send our sincere
editor for many and the Paper Mill Playhouse production sympathy for their great loss.
publications. of Pippin. He was involved as consultant Alan Snowden MIMC
Charles met to Radio City Music Hall and the
Regina, his wife, upcoming Broadway show The Magician. Frank Furkey MIMC
while editing aa He was the first recipient of the 20 October 1929 – 30 August 2010
magazine, for Milbourne Christopher foundation US magician Frank Furkey was inspired at
which she was the executive director. Masters Award for Significant and the age of fourteen by seeing Joe Karson
They collaborated on many projects, Outstanding Contributions to Magic, was perform the Zombie. He subsequently
including 100 Years of Magic Posters and the 2004 Society of American Magicians learned magic at Karson’s Magic Shop. A
The Blackstone Book of Magic and “Magician of the Year” in NYC, and long time factory representative for
Illusion. They have done books on their appeared on the ‘Behind the Scenes’ Pittsburgh Corning, maker of glass blocks,
own and Regina edits a monthly panel at The Magic Circle 2005 Centenary Frank
newsletter for a professional photography Celebrations. performed as
organization. Charles Reynolds was an icon in the an amateur
His magic creations have been seen in world of magic and will be missed. magician until
Broadway and Off-Broadway shows, films, George Schindler MIMC turning pro
operas, TV commercials and rock concerts. after his
He was magic consultant for Doug KEN PUMFREY AIMC retirement,
Henning on all eight TV shows, a feature 16 March 1919 – 8 October 2010 performing for
film, and a Broadway musical, Merlin. It is with much sadness that I report the corporations as
In 1980 he was magic director for death of Ken Pumfrey on 8 October 2010 Frank Roland.
Blackstone! On Broadway and with at the age of 92. Ken never got over the He served on
Regina, producer of a PBS TV special. death of his beloved wife Vera last year. the IBM
Too numerous to mention are the After 50 years with British Rail he and Executive Committee and was a member
other Broadway shows, industrial and Vera decided to leave the South of of the SAM as well as The Magic Circle.
TV shows such as Hart to Hart, Saturday England and settle in picturesque His pet effects were the Rising Cards and
Night Live and The Smothers Brothers Banchory near Aberdeen to be near his Chop Cup. He was very interested in
Comedy Hour. Much of Charles Reynolds’s family. He joined the Aberdeen Magical magic history and collecting. A Broken
work has been seen in England where Society and before long took on the job Wand Ceremony was performed by Phil
he was employed by Thames Television of Secretary and was responsible for the Willmarth with many magic friends in
and others. Society’s magazine Pisces. He was attendance.
He investigated Psychic and Paranormal Secretary and Editor for many years. He Phil Willmarth MIMC
phenomena and contributed articles on was elected a member of The Magic

6 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Harold Cataquet AIMC

Are you a professional?

hen someone asks me if I am a Am I being overly sensitive? For have often used as a hook for a trick.

W magician, I say yes. When

someone asks me if I am a
professional magician, I say no.
example, in the UK, you are often asked if
you are a member of The Magic Circle. If
you say “No” the audience’s opinion of
That is, describe a situation that you
frequently find yourself in, and then
offer a magical solution. Done badly
Recently, this distinction has come back your performance is somehow lessened. (when the audience doesn’t associate
to leave a bad taste in my mouth. Let The kudos of membership indicates to the with the situation), the context seems
me describe two recent incidents that audience that the magic they have seen is contrived. Done well and the audience
typify the situation. “good”. Similarly, when an amateur readily suspends disbelief, and the
I was at a full time magician’s house. I performs a trick (no matter how magic is made more memorable. But
have done a few jobs for him (when he professional and entertaining), the impact how can you determine the universality
needed extra magicians for a gig), and I of that effect is subconsciously lessened of the situation? I used to think that
assume that his continued use of my when the performer is classified as “only popularity was a good indicator. For
services means that he views me as a an amateur”. In the lay audience’s mind, a example, when Dr Who was THE BIG
competent performer. Then again, I “professional” is a significant step above thing, I developed several tricks based
often hire him for functions, so maybe the “amateur”. The image of an around Dr Who. However, when I road
he is just returning the favour. In any “amateur” is one who just buys the toys; tested these, I was shocked to find that
case, his wife and I were discussing the the image of a “professional” is someone hardly anyone in my audiences had ever
social inadequacies of many who has mastered the skills and performs watched Dr Who! The problem is that
(professional) magicians. Specifically, we more impressive magic. So how does one there are now so many TV channels to
observed that many magicians find it deal with this stigma when membership choose from (and so many additional
hard to talk to other people. This means of the Circle isn’t enough? online resources) that it is very difficult
that when you get a dozen magicians I guess the obvious solution is to to find something everyone has seen.
sitting around the table at a dinner, develop a thicker skin. Maybe you read Even popular movies aren’t reliable.
about ten of them sit there hardly the two descriptions above and thought, Thankfully, you can usually rely on the
saying anything. We started naming “What’s the problem?” I sometimes wish I big stress generators – starting a new
magicians we knew and classified them could let these things go. Maybe my job (or quitting an old one), getting a
as either socially inept or adept. When problem is that I think too much. In a mortgage, buying a new car (or
my name came up, she classified me as recent conversation with our Editor, he something very expensive), going
“adept”, but then quickly added, “But, said that if someone laughed at a random somewhere on vacation, getting
of course, you’re not a professional”. point in the middle of my act, I would go divorced/married, having a new
Although she meant “not a full timer” home and try to figure out why (while baby/pet, or having problems sleeping
(magic as the primary source of others would just ignore the outlier). (or getting to sleep). In fact, if you
income), the comment hit me like a slap That’s very true, so it could be that I am watch virtually any comedic
in the face. I laughed it off at the time the only one that considers this an issue! monologue, the performer relies on
(hiding the sting), but it bothered me Rather than seeking psychological those triggers to set up the punch line.
for days afterwards. I should point out treatment, my solution was to try and It also helps if these situations have a
that she would be horrified if she were develop a trick that somehow ring of truth. For example, I have a little
to ever read this column, as she didn’t incorporates the distinction. An opening routine where I talk about being a picky
mean to offend. patter line like, “l am an eater (which I am). The
The second incident occurred 1700 amateur magician. Now storyline goes that on a trip
miles away. I was on vacation and a that doesn’t mean …” to France, I was given a
friend asked me to show his friend a would do the job. Or a small plate of escargot.
trick. After the performance, his friend closing line like, “And Now I say I don’t like
was raving about my magic. My friend that’s what separates the escargot, but I do love
interrupted his exclamations with, amateur from the chocolate (in fact, the
. As professional”, would also work. opposite is true!) so I changed the
you may have guessed, this translates But then I would be calling attention to snail to a ball of chocolate. The effect
as, “He’s not a professional!” I didn’t the distinction, and the importance of goes on, but you can see how changing
participate in the subsequent discussion that distinction is probably important only the snail to a chocolate is the preferred
(as my Greek isn’t good enough), but it to me. transformation, even though my taste
was another slap in the face. Nonetheless, this is a technique that I buds would prefer the opposite.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 7

 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

ACAAN (Again Card at Any Number) by John Fells OBE AIMC

here are a myriad of these types of that he doesn’t choose one of the Spades. and perform a move I used to do to deal

T effects so I will describe what the

spectators see when I perform this
version. We will assume there is a table
Not difficult. You can simply not spread
the ten Spade cards.
He looks at the card and remembers
a chosen hand of cards from a shuffled
deck of cards. Immediately the left hand
returns to join the right as you motion
available. it. He then gathers the cards in a face- towards the imaginary house on the right.
A pack of cards is shuffled by the down pile, places his card on top and The spectators are asked to name the
performer and spread on the table face gives the deck a couple of complete cuts. number of a house on that road.
down from left to right. The spectator is He turns the pack face up. If the face As soon as the deck drops out of sight
invited to choose a card from the card is one of the Spade cards in the pull back about fifteen cards from the top
spread and to remember it. stack, you may stop right there, without of the pack with your thumb (Fig. 2).
The pack is gathered face down by pointing this out of course. If it isn’t ask Immediately transfer the break to the
the spectator who replaces the card on him to cut the cards again and keep left first finger, which is over the top short
top of the deck. At the performer’s cutting, as if you didn’t care how many end of the pack (Fig. 3). While this finger
request the spectator cuts the cards and times he cuts the deck. You may also holds the break, the thumb pushes the
completes the cut. He does this again, ask other persons present to cut the pack. cards in front of the break forward,
then turns the pack of cards face up, When one of the Spade cards in your towards the fingers. The cards being
cuts the pack again and completes the stack appears on the face of the deck, pushed forward will pivot on the tips of
cut. He cuts the cards a couple of times direct your patter so they stop cutting. the other three fingers of your left hand
more, agreeing with the performer that At this point they should be convinced (Fig. 4).
they have lost track of where the that the location of the card is unknown. This larger packet will be held
chosen card could be. The pack is Turn the pack face down. momentarily face down between the
turned face down on the table. The chosen card will in fact be at the three fingers underneath and the thumb
Up to this point the performer has location determined by the value of the on top. Allow these cards to continue to
not handled the cards. He now takes Spade card at the face of the deck. If the pivot until they land face down on the
the cards and while holding them in his face card is the Eight of Spades, the smaller packet below, still being held in
left hand asks the spectator to name a chosen card will be at the eighth position Mechanic’s Grip (Fig. 5).
number between one and 52. Let us from the top of the face down pack. Basically, this is a One Hand Half Pass. It
say that the spectator says 25. You will now place the card at their should all take but a few seconds and the
The performer counts down 25 cards chosen position. hand returned to view. You will notice
face down on to the table. The 25th Hold the pack in your left hand in when you have learnt and then practised
card is the spectator’s chosen card. Mechanics Grip with the face of the pack the Half Pass that you will eventually,
The control of the card is based on towards the right. Ask them to imagine through practice, be able to spin the top
the very first trick I ever learnt, when I that stretching before you is a road, and block over the bottom block in a single
was ten years old. The location of the that at the beginning of that road there is action. The arm goes down, the move is
card at the chosen position is based on a house, that at the end of the road there performed, and the arm comes back up.
a very simple card deal I learned when I is another house, and that in fact there The deck is hardly out of sight.
wasn’t much older. It will all become are houses all along the road, each card You are now holding the deck in
clear as I go through the explanation. being a house on the road. Your left arm, Mechanic’s Grip in your left hand. The
elbow bent, holds the cards in front and bigger top block of face down cards is
Preparation: to the left as you simulate with your made up of indifferent cards. The small
Arrange a suit of cards on the face of hands the length of the road stretching face-up block underneath contains the
the face-down pack, let’s say Spades, before you from left to right. When you stack and the chosen card.
with the Ace at the face of the cards mention the house at the beginning, the Let us imagine the spectator’s chosen
and the Ten of Spades ten cards up right hand comes to join the left and, card is the Seven of Hearts and the card
from the bottom of the pack (Fig. 1). palm down, traces the length of the road on the face of the pack after the various
Place the pack face down on the table. while moving towards the right. They will cuts is the Eight of Spades; your pack of
follow the movement of your right hand. cards at this point after the Half Pass will
Performance: You should also be looking at your right be constituted as follows:
The cards are spread face down and the hand. This is your misdirection for your Bottom block with face-up Seven to
spectator is given a choice of a card. All left hand, which is no longer needed to Ace of Spades, Seven of Hearts,
you need worry about at this stage is illustrate the road, to drop to your side indifferent cards. Then top face-down

8 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Fig.1 Fig.2

Photos: Cheryl Bell

Fig.3 Fig.4 Fig.5

block with remainder of the pack and the of the pack. They confirm that their card reason for turning the deck face up,
remainder of the Spades. is not among the tabled cards, so you and there is no need for face-up cuts if
During your Half Pass the spectator will continue dealing face down until the you don’t wish to do so. You can then
have given you a number, which you twentieth position. This will be their proceed to the reveal.
should guide so it is not too high. Let’s chosen card, the Seven of Spades. Sometimes, if left simply to chance, it
imagine they choose 20. Mentally subtract You can now emphasise their free can take many cuts before a Spade card
the value of the face card, Eight in our choice of a card that they “freely” appears on the face of the deck, so I
example, from the given number, 20 in returned to the deck; the extensive have shortened the odds by preparing
our example. You do this secret “mixing” of the cards, all without you the Six of Spades with a breather crimp.
calculation in your head of course. The touching the cards, and their free choice
result is 12. You begin to deal the cards of a number. [The idea of using a stack of one suit of
face down from the top of the pack in a You now reveal that their chosen card is ordered cards as a location is most
line on the table and stop when you get at their chosen position. often associated with ‘The Lazy Man’s
to 12. Ask them to look through the dealt Here are a few tips. When you turn the Card Trick’ in Harry Lorayne’s classic
tabled cards to check that their card is not deck face up, after the card is returned Close-Up Card Magic (1962). The idea
among them. To help the process you and after the deck has been cut, if the of reversing a portion of the deck, then
lower your hands to the table and use face card is the Ace of Spades, spread the counting from this reversed portion to
them to gather and turn over the tabled deck face up on the table without reach a target number is Barrie
cards. While doing so, your left hand exposing the Ace to Ten set-up or the Richardson’s and can be found in his
turns over and re-grips the cards. This chosen card, which will be the top card. trick ‘Any Card at Any Number’ in
action has brought the small block of Ask them if they can see their card. This Theater of the Mind (1999). Ed.]
Seven to Ace of Spades stack to the top emphasises that it is lost. It also gives a

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 9

 Ian Rowland MIMC
MIMC

The Magic of Skill

o watch great skill almost always feels like watching Instant Hulk

T magic. Is the reverse true, and should it be? I was moved

to ponder these questions during a recent visit to Toronto,
where I met several people with truly outstanding skills
One entire wall of the convention centre was designated ‘Artists
Alley’. It consisted of a line of comic book artists (and if that’s
not the correct collective noun, it ought to be) selling various
bordering on real magic. prints and compilations of their work. Many of them were also
Just before we get to them, a free plug. I planned my visit selling ‘instant’ sketches in return for a few dollars. These are the
to ‘Tranna’ (I spell it that way because that’s what everyone people to whom I was referring in my opening para. The speed
says) the same way I plan my visit to anywhere – by with which these brilliant artists could sketch just about anything
worshipping at the shrine of the Travel Goddess known as from the comic book/super-hero genre was simply unbelievable. I
‘Expedia’. This worship involves ceremonial ingestion of a asked one of these artists, Eric Kim, which characters he could
specially prepared substance (a cup of white tea), the rhythmical draw, and he simply shrugged and said, ‘Any of them’. I
chanting of ancient texts (‘Come Fly With Me’, Cahn/van watched as a steady procession of fans came up asking for
Heusen, 1957) and the infliction of pain (trying to remember ‘Superman’, ‘Green Lantern’, ‘The Hulk’ or whatever, and every
the mnemonic I made up to remember the second password time he created a perfect drawing in about eight minutes,
for my Expedia account that I changed to because I could never without reference material of any kind. It was as near to real
remember the first one). On this occasion the Goddess very magic as I have ever seen.
kindly sent me to the Hilton Garden Inn on Peter Street, one of The brilliance of all these artists, happily churning out fantastic
the finest hotels I’ve ever stayed in. My room was so sumptuous sketches for a few dollars, was a delight to all who saw them at
I felt they had given me some sort of Presidential Suite by work. It also gave me pause for thought. In conventional magic,
mistake. I actually enquired about this. No mistake, they assured the prevailing view is that we should try to mask any
me, all the rooms are the same but just really, really nice. So demonstration of ‘skill’, because we want to imply it’s all
while I hate to violate this column’s long-established policy of happening by magic. But this reasoning is open to question. One
‘no useful information ever knowingly imparted’, if ever you’re could adopt the premise that exercising genuine magical powers
visiting Tranna, you might want to give the HGI a try. involves skill – in the sense of supra-normal performance borne
Having arrived in Tranna, I met up with magician and of talent, practice and experience – just like playing Chopin or
pickpocket James Harrison, and we trotted along to an event drawing Superman.
called ‘Fan Expo’. This is a truly massive annual convention Chuck Hickock, in his wonderful ‘Mentalism Incorporated’
devoted to sci-fi, cult TV, comic books and horror. I should books, suggests that when you create your mentalism show, you
explain that while I have little interest in these genres as such, I should start with routines that are highly credible and involve
am interested in the people who go to these kinds of genuine skill (e.g. memory stunts) before going into the stuff
conventions, and the psychology of their devotion. that is pure fakery. The earlier effects lend credibility to the later
A notable part of Fan Expo or any similar convention is what ones. I have followed this excellent advice for years, and I often
is known as ‘Cosplay’, i.e. people turning up in the costume of invoke the notion of ‘skill’ in my shows. For example, when I
some fictional character and (sometimes) taking part in present my book test I am
dramatised playlets. Some of these home-made costumes are certainly aiming to convey
extremely impressive, perfectly replicating the costumes seen the idea that telepathic
on TV or in movies. In other cases, you just get a fat bloke in empathy and imagination
tights giving a strong impression that on his family tree, he’ll is a skill that anyone can
be where a branch ends. develop. When I finally
Let me stress that my interest in these costumed attendees identify the words the
was purely intellectual. I was fascinated by the psychology of spec is thinking of, it is
subsuming one’s identity beneath that of an entirely imaginary seen as corroboration of
character. The fact that many of them happened to be this claim, and as a
remarkably photogenic young women clad in what seemed to demonstration of what
be about four square inches of lycra stretched to atomic level, can be achieved with skill
is entirely irrelevant. I did submit some photos of these women and practice. Of course, it
Photos: Ian Rowland

for inclusion here, purely so you could share my fascination helps that my book test is
with this psychological phenomenon, but Matt decided that highly deceptive and
they would be inappropriate for the magazine. Nonetheless, if cogent, but that’s beside
you have a day to waste, just tap ‘Cosplay’ into Google the point.
Images and prepare to be amazed. Eric Kim displays eight minutes of work

10 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Splitting Image books actually interest you, they contain a lot of themes you
Another of the Fan Expo exhibitors was can use to dress up a mentalism routine and thereby turn
an artist and sculptor called Janus yesterday’s mutton into some apparently very fresh lamb. One
(pronounced ‘Janice’) whose creations are of the very finest books on the subject is Changing Minds,
sometimes rather macabre and written by David Straker. This is, to the best of my knowledge,
disturbing. Among other creations, she the most comprehensive book ever written on the different
has a range of what she calls ‘splicers’. models and theories of persuasion. The amount of research
Janus and her macabre She first of all creates a series of rather poured into the book is quite staggering, and although the
creations grotesque facial sculptures, like book is densely packed with information, it assumes no special
ceremonial masks or prototype gargoyles. She cuts each finished knowledge and is eminently readable. David published the
piece vertically into thirds and then re- book himself, as smart writers tend to do, and you can get it
assembles them incorrectly, so that each from his equally impressive website www.changingminds.org .
central section is combined with left and
right segments it doesn’t belong to. The QUICK TRICK
result is genuinely disturbing. If you are After some chat about developing super-normal mental skills,
into ‘bizarre’ or ‘macabre’ mentalism, you the mentalist invites any two people in the audience to call
may well like to acquire such a piece. I out three-digit numbers at random, such as ‘647’ and ‘843’.
bought one for about $60, which I The mentalist scribbles the selected numbers down on his
thought was a reasonable price. Janus’s notepad, pauses for a few moments of intense concentration,
website is www.janusnomad.com . and then announces the correct result: 554,421. Someone
with a calculator can verify that this is the correct total. The
Cards That Aren’t mentalist can repeat this demonstration, and for a finale
Many mentalists say they don’t like to use playing cards. In some instantly multiply together any three two digit numbers such
cases, this is a genuine expression of a legitimate personal as 41 x 97 x 38 (151,126).
preference. In other cases, it’s a euphemism for ‘I can’t use Method: To do this trick you will need to commit to memory
playing cards, because I can’t be bothered to learn any actual 11 different tables of natural logarithms, and remember a
card-handling skills’. special 20 digit sequence that serves as a mnemonic for all
Be this as it may, many mentalists opt for the compromise of square roots from 1 – 99. It will also be necessary to learn a
performing standard card effects using anything card-like that special system of calculation that uses your fingertips as an
isn’t a regular deck of cards. Simon Shaw’s ‘Director’s Cut’ is one abacus, which was first developed in the 1940s.
very good example that I have raved about once or twice. It Good. Now that we’ve lost the ‘I never want to do any hard
enables you to disguise pretty much any card trick you like as a work’ brigade, I can tell you the real secret. You don’t need to
routine about popular movies. Another very good substitute is a learn anything at all. The pad you write on is a special pad
set of cards produced by Nick Kemp, a leading UK practitioner of that uses the Livescribe system, and the pen you are using is
‘Provocative Therapy’. The 36 cards bear bright colourful icons, called an ‘Echo’ pen. Basically, if you write out a calculation
each one representing a different kind of therapeutic approach. such as ‘647 x 843’, the pen will visually recognise what you
You can see a small selection of the designs on his website are writing and display the correct solution in a small screen
(http://tiny.cc/amgo9 ). Nick doesn’t sell these packs of cards along its own barrel! Go to the www.livescribe.com website
separately, and he doesn’t want Circular readers asking him to and see the details of the ‘Echo pen’. The website doesn’t
sell them separately so please don’t. He only supplies the cards actually make it clear that the pen can do this little ‘secret
to people who attend at least two days of his Provocative Change calculator’ trick, but it can and I’ve seen it demonstrated.
Works and Provocative Therapy trainings. So, if the idea of using
these cards interests you, there are two options. One is to attend
Nick’s training sessions. They are very good and you might learn
some useful additional skills. The other is to borrow the general Invitation
concept behind the cards and make your own set without infringing If you have items, stories, jokes or vicious rumours of
in any way on Nick’s intellectual property or copyright designs. interest to mentalists, please drop me a line
(ian@ianrowland.com). If you can’t afford Derren and
Buy This Book want to hire a fairly good also-ran mentalist, or you just
If you’re into mentalism you may have read a few books on have time to kill, please visit www.ianrowland.com.
persuasion and motivational psychology. Whether or not such

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 11

 MARTIN S TAYLOR
HYPNOTIST WITHOUT HYPNOSIS
by Matthew Field MIMC

Hypnotist and magician

Martin S Taylor MMC says it all
up front: he presents a
hypnosis act which does not
use hypnosis. How he
presents and markets an act
such as this, and flourishes
even in these economically
difficult times, you will
discover in the pages ahead.

Matthew Field: Did you approach what

you do through magic, or were you
interested in hypnotism from the
beginning?
Martin S Taylor: I still perform magic,
but the hypnotism came because I had a
liking for close-up magic. When I was
doing my postgraduate degree, my
Masters, I used to go around the halls
entertaining people and there was
another guy who was a hypnotist. He got
invited along too. I watched him and got
fascinated by it and that’s what fired it all.

F Where did you grow up and where did

you go to university?
T I was born in Birmingham and moved
to Bristol when I was a small child. I did
my first degree in maths in Cambridge
where I got into magic. When you’re
cramming for maths, you can’t do maths
solidly, so I would study maths for one

12 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

hour, then practise sleight-of-hand for half believe that you would be able to make a
an hour, then go back to maths. I was living as a hypnotist?
working on cards and coins mostly. I got T Nothing! The big break, the big thing
my postgraduate degree at Imperial in my life, occurred in the summer of
College in London in computing. I spent a 1981. I was chatting up a girl in her room
dreadful year working as an accountant and I had done some card tricks and some
but we don’t talk about that. mentalism and mentioned that I knew
about hypnotism. She got very excited
F With two degrees, were you just and said she had always wanted to be
floating around looking for what to do? hypnotised and almost demanded that I
T I was working on a PhD and got a life hypnotise her. At that stage you can’t
which I should have had when I was an back out and admit that you’ve never
undergraduate. I was too young then. I actually done it before, so I gave it a go. I
didn’t know how to socialise or be with got my friend Charles in from next door
people. and we sat there and I did what I had
seen this guy Colin do and she was a
F So you are going to school, doing great subject, taking off her shoe,
magic, and you see this hypnotist and believing it was a telephone, hearing
become taken with the idea. imaginary phone calls, the works. So I
T I was fascinated. It felt dangerous and spent the rest of the summer researching
I didn’t know quite what he was doing. I As The Sorcerer (Gilbert & Sullivan) it and trying it out on anyone I could
was a bit scared by it. exhibit outlandish behaviour now dancing persuade to sit still. When college
a hula. People seem to think that no one resumed, some friends of mine had
F Was that fear based on apprehension would ever be able to do that to them. organised a lecture society where they
that you would put someone into a trance But they wonder whether someone might would invite important lecturers along
and they would not wake up? be able to do that to them. What do you every week, and for the first one they
T I was 22 and at that age you don’t see as the appeal of a hypnotism act? hired a big name, a large crowd turned
know what you are doing. You snap your T It’s as you say, the mystery of it. out, but the lecturer got sick and
fingers and people fall asleep. You might People don’t really understand what’s cancelled. Panic. They knew I had been
be scared that they won’t wake up, or going on. They are amazed that it can be doing hypnotism and begged me to do a
that they might wake up with a different done at all and could be done so quickly, lecture on that subject. With no great
personality. A lot of people warned me done on their friends – particularly when hope of success, I went out and did a
not to get into it, including David Berglas. it’s done on their friends. This is why I lecture-demonstration, which was the
The psychologists of the day would say think it scores much better when done format they wanted, making it up as I
you were “tinkering with people’s minds”. live rather than on television. On went along and it was a huge hit. The
television people just think “stooges”. But college newspaper reported it with the
F That’s one thing they would say. The when it’s done in a theatre or, better still, headline, “Lecture success! Audience falls
second thing they would say was that in a small group, on people you actually asleep!”. They asked me come back and
there is no such thing as hypnotism. know, it’s much more effective. do it again, which I did. Word had spread
T They didn’t say that so much then. in advance and it was packed.
They do now. And I say that in my act all F On your website
the time. www.hypnotism.co.uk, a great name by F Is that the sort of thing where Derren
the way, there is a specific mention that Brown saw you, which led him to pursue
▲

F That’s almost your billing. you don’t use stooges. What made you hypnotism?
T Yes indeed.

F I grew up in the States and there

were stage hypnotists who were
popular and appeared on the TV
variety shows, like the Ed
Sullivan show. I remember a
woman named Pat Collins who
used to make people bark like a
dog and freeze their hands to
something – the things one often
sees in stage hypnotism. This always
got a very big reaction. It’s something
that seems to have several facets. One of
them is a curiosity factor. They see a On stage participants
distinguished person who would never

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 13

 T Yes, though it was a little later on, stop smoking and if so how do you
around 1991. handle it?
T Not as much as I used to. I used to
F Other than this chap Colin whom you take people aside and give them a little
had seen, who was not very good, had session to help with the weight loss or
you been exposed to other hypnotists? stopping smoking. But I didn’t enjoy it
T No, and this was to some extent very much. Hypnotism is a very weird
deliberate. I wanted to make my own thing. It has two sides to it. There’s this
show and I didn’t want it to be like big, glitzy, flashy stage thing where you’re
anyone else’s. And I didn’t really want to a showman, using people as props for
get people up on stage just to have the entertainment. And then there’s the other
audience laugh at them, so I used the side where you’re like a counsellor, into
format of the lecture-demonstration. For therapy. Nothing else has these two
ten years or more I refused to do it as a extremes. There’s nothing in the middle.
show – it was always a lecture-dem. I You’re either making people part of a
started out by explaining the psychology stage spectacle or you’re helping them
of it, the history, how it worked. It was with their problems. I’m the showman. I
definitely in two parts, the lecture, then like being on stage. I like people laughing
the demonstration, and for schools I still and clapping and I like being under the
perform it that way. lights. Because I didn’t enjoy doing
personal therapy I made self-hypnosis
Rich the Gorilla
F What kinds of things do you talk about CDs. Now, if people say, “I want to give
in the lectures? say it is perfectly possible. The problem is up smoking,” I say fine, here’s this CD.
T The history – Mesmer, Braid, Esdaile, that it’s very hard to design an ethical
Charcot, Freud – what little we know experiment to see whether you can F Has Derren Brown’s popularity
about how it works and what it’s used for, actually get people to break their moral stimulated interest in this area?
plus some of the funny things that have code. My answer to the question is you T Yes. His last TV special and stage
happened in my experience. Then I can’t make people do things they don’t show both featured suggestion, sticking
answer the questions that everybody want to do, but you can get people to do people to chairs and things, but he steers
wants to know about hypnosis – is it things they don’t want to admit that they away from the hypnosis word. He has this
dangerous, and, of course, “Can you use want to do. wonderful take on mentalism in which he
hypnosis to make someone do something says he is able to influence people’s
she doesn’t want to?” F This gets very deeply into the decisions. I’m often asked what I think
psychology of the thing. about Derren Brown. What he does is so
F What is your answer to those? T Absolutely! I would say there’s far above the cheesy end of the pier
T When I am asked if it is dangerous, nothing there except psychology. You get entertainer. I like to think I’m also a bit
the answer is no, because I don’t put someone who, say for religious reasons, above that, but he’s on another plane
people into a trance. If suggestion is doesn’t drink alcohol. Could you get them altogether.
dangerous, if I tell someone “Your hand is to drink alcohol? Well, maybe they’ve got
getting very heavy”, is that dangerous? Of this big curiosity and want to know what F Simultaneously with your lecture-
course not. The Home Office did an it’s like. They’d love to take a drink. demonstrations of hypnosis without
investigation into the safety of stage Suppose you say to them, “You’re under hypnotism, you do magic, strolling and
hypnotism in 1995 and after six months hypnosis, please drink a glass of whisky.” close-up, and you market yourself in both
of study they concluded that “There is no Afterwards, they’ve got the excuse that of those areas on the same website. Is
significant danger in stage hypnosis”. they didn’t know what they were doing. there a relationship between hypnosis and
“I wasn’t breaking my vows – I did it magic? Is it an allied art?
F And the second question – everyone because the hypnotist made me do it. I T Yes, it’s an allied art in that you’re
uses the cliché that nobody can make had no control.” In a very real sense I am doing things that the audience don’t quite
anyone do anything they don’t want to taking moral responsibility for the people
do. Then there are the people who say on stage.
that you can set this in a way so that you
can overcome that. F Had you learned the technique from
T Yes, this is the idea that if you tell someone else, from books or videos?
people “Take your clothes off” they T I read books but there were no videos
won’t, but if you tell them to hallucinate then. But mostly it was just trying it and
that they are about to take a shower, trying it and it evolved very, very slowly.
then they will. There are hypnotists who This is why my act is so different from any
say you can’t make people do things that other hypnotists out there.
they don’t want to do, but I think they
say that just to reassure their audience F Do you get approached after a
and get them up on stage. After all, how lecture show by people who say
do they know? Have they tried it? Others they really want to lose weight or

14 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

understand and it seems to fit in quite F What do you like to do for
well. It’s hard to get hypnotism to fill a enjoyment?
whole evening. My show is half lecture, T I tinker about with the computer a
half demonstration; others do a huge amount, I play bridge, I play the
combination of hypnotism and mind piano and sing. When I was a student I
reading. was involved in light opera, Gilbert and
Sullivan and the like. I still enjoy that kind
F I ask you this because there are magic of thing. Because of the job, I can’t
tricks that have an aura of hypnotism. I’m commit to a particular choir, but choirs
thinking specifically of the Electric Chair sometimes recruit extras, and I’m often
routine, as performed by Paul Daniels and asked to help boost the tenor section.
others. What is your take on that
relationship, if any? F In the world of magic and hypnotism,
T In the Electric Chair routine, as you who is the person you most look up to?
know, you’re basically cueing people off T Derren Brown. No question.
mike. “When I tap you on the shoulder
we’ll have a laugh with the audience and F How do you identify the people
you leap out of your chair”. There is an whom you will invite up on stage?
element of that in stage hypnosis. I’ve T That’s easy. Anyone who wants to
moved away from the idea of a trance. come. I tell people who want to come on
On stage I don’t think there is any trance stage to come up, and those that don’t to
I spy with my little eye
– there certainly isn’t in my show. There is stay in their seats. Because it is preceded
the element of suggestion. You can say to Derren, and neither of us understands by a lecture and they know they won’t be
someone you’re feeling very heavy and exactly what’s going on, but in the early hypnotised and won’t lose control I get
they will start to feel heavy. You can say stages I’m saying, “Play the piano”, so 70 to 80, sometimes up to 300 people on
you are so heavy you can’t get out of they go, “Okay, I’ll play the piano”. Then I stage.
your chair, and they’ll think, “Gosh, I can’t say, “Rub your face”. Then I say, “You
get out of my chair”. There is the element can’t not rub your face. Try resisting”. F Have you ever been hypnotised?
of peer pressure: “Nobody else is getting Now it’s getting a little bit more T No. Is there such a thing as hypnosis?
out of their chair”. And there’s also the mysterious. Then I say, “I’ll read this out I started out by believing there was. I
element of, “I’ll wreck this guy’s show if I and it’s very funny and you’ll laugh”. It’s would go through the procedure and
get out of my chair. So, all right, I’ll stay very hard to fake a laugh. You can’t laugh spend 20 minutes telling people they
here”. When I say, “When I snap my genuinely and not mean it. When I start were getting very relaxed and going into
fingers I want you to play an imaginary to read a story from the newspaper they deeper relaxation. I found that I could
violin”, he can sit there and say, “I’m not will laugh. You can take this on to really give people suggestions even if they
going to. Hmph! See if you can make quite startling levels. For medical students weren’t in a trance. But ultimately it
me”. And if he says that, I say, “Thank I will block pain. (I must stress that all the becomes a verbal thing. What is this thing
you very much. Go back to your seat.” I kit I use is sterile: there’s no possibility of we call hypnosis? I can get people on
haven’t said you will feel compelled to infection.) There’s a medical spike about 2 stage and influence them using
play an imaginary violin. I made a request. mm long, and the subject sticks it into psychology to get them to behave in
To the audience it looks magical when he their flesh and can’t feel the pain. There’s surprising, unusual and amazing ways and
plays the imaginary violin and the blood coming out, and they sometimes if this is what you want to call hypnosis,
audience will laugh and clap. He’ll start freak out over the fact that they can’t feel then yes, there is such a thing as hypnosis
enjoying himself but he knows he’s doing it. There is no hypnosis and it’s all done by and I do it. Is there such a thing as
it. I make this explicit point to the suggestion, and you can even tell people putting people into a trance, which is an
audience with him hearing it. I tell the that, and yet it still works. altered state of mind in which you are
audience he knows what he’s doing. disturbing their brainwaves? Probably not.
F We live in an age which is sometimes Until two or three years ago I would have
F This is the crux of your billing, which called the litigious society. How does that said definitely not, but there have been
is hypnotism without hypnosis. You are in affect what you do? experiments done where they look at
effect explaining beforehand how it’s T Actually, I took a couple of years out people’s brain scans to see what part of
done. Does the audience pick up on of performing and considered another the mind is doing the thinking. Possibly,
that? Are they oblivious to it? Do they career altogether when I became a we are doing something deeper than we
understand? What do you think? barrister. I had always wanted to be a thought with hypnosis. It’s so hard to pin
T I hope the audience pick up on it. barrister and in 2001 I studied and this down. But as far as my show is
Shows where I have heavy emphasis on qualified but, I think because of my age, concerned, I use techniques of
the lecture, my school shows, I certainly no one would take me on. So I feel quite psychology, peer pressure, and obedience,
hope they do. To say that the guy on prepared to consider the legal and that’s it. That’s all you need to use to
stage is playing along is not quite right. consequences of my performances. get people to do weird things on stage.
I’ve had this discussion with Because I don’t hypnotise people, I can The hard bit is making it entertaining.
Early publicity shot and when always come back and say, “But you
he was a Barrister weren’t hypnotised”.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 15

 Edwin A. Dawes

387. FREDERICK CHARCOT A MAN OF MANY GUISES Part 3. MORE ON CHARCOT’S AUTOMATIC MEN
t seems that Frederick Abbott (Charcot) dropped out of then pulls off, while in active action, the other arm, then off the

I magic for a while and we next hear of him in the pages of

The World’s Fair in March 1937 when Brunel White told his
readers that Charcot had phoned him the previous week.
head and after that the top part of the body, this being placed
on the stage. Charcot then picks up with one hand all that
remains, the two bottom half of the empty legs and brings them
“Older readers will remember him presenting many magic acts forward to earn the applause due to him and what is a very
including ‘The Invisible Singer’, ‘Adam’, second sight acts etc. different kind of act that will cause much talk and controversy.”
Charcot is an inventor as well as a magician and although he Although White makes no mention the fact, the ‘Dr Dummy’
has been out of active magic for many years he retains as act he has just described is clearly an updated version of ‘Adam,’
keen an interest as ever, and I often encounter him at the which Charcot first produced in 1914. There seem to be no
various halls, particularly when there is a magician on the bill”. photographs of either of these figures extant or any details as to
Whether this mention served as a stimulus for Charcot to the method for working these figures. ‘The Invisible Singer’
return to the stage, or whether it was merely coincidence, mentioned by White he explained as a form of voice
some three months later Brunel White was reporting that amplification and “kind of loud-speaking telephone through
“Charcot Presents Dr Dummy”. He continued enthusiastically: magnifiers and which in those days, when wireless sets and loud
“Charcot is a veteran in magic but I doubt if he ever produced speakers were unknown, was a great mystery.”
anything more original or that had a more baffling finish than Towards the end of 1938 Frederick Charcot authored a series
‘Dr Dummy’, his latest mystery. Charcot prefaces the act of articles in the Sunday Empire News in which he exposed a
(which I witnessed at the Granville (Walham Green) with a blindfold that he had used for publicity stunts and a buried alive
brief reference to modern day marvels such as wireless, feat, and thought transference was dealt with also.
television, speed etc., but that probably none are more There had been discussion in the pages of The World’s Fair in
amazing than the invention on which he has spent many years 1938 on the subject of the Sawing Through illusion, which
and money. ‘And now’ adds Charcot, ‘let me introduce you to brought forth a letter from Charcot to Brunel White agreeing
Dr Dummy’. with his remarks about Horace
“From the wings Goldin’s act but telling him he was
mechanically walks Dr Dummy, ‘wide of the mark’ in relation to
rather short, a bit big in the the late Percy Selbit, pointing out
upper half, and in his frock that his version was not a
coat and property head proprietary illusion. “Sawing
looking pleasantly human. The Through a Woman was done
figure does not get to the before either you or I was born.
centre of the stage, so Charcot Selbit tried his bluff on me when
has to somewhat assist it to presenting the act at Norwich
that position and, when there, where Selbit was appearing with
it answers questions by slowly Princess Sunita in a mind-reading
nodding or shaking its head, act, but Selbit never proceeded
also rings a handbell placed in with his action for any injunction
its hand and thus denotes for the simple reason he knew I
numbers etc, then playing a was aware he was not the inventor
tattoo with two drumsticks on of Sawing Through a Woman.
a kettle drum fastened to Anybody who cares can look up
straps on its chest, and even De Vere’s catalogue of illusions will
does a slow mechanical dance, find this act was offered for sale as
all efforts gaining applause. far back as 1865 when neither
“Finally, Dr Dummy, having Selbit nor I had seen the light of
been moved upstage a little, is day. It is easy to prove that many
given a baton to correctly of the best illusions shown today
conduct the orchestra and it is even by the best magicians are as
here the high spot occurs. As old as the hills, but served up with
the dummy is conducting, a multiplicity of others appear new
Charcot removes its idle arm, to the uninitiated. I might just as
placing it on a stand nearby, Frederick Charcot well say I invented the mind

16 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

MIMC

Selbit’s Sawing Through a Woman illusion

reading act because my presentation topped the bills at the the working of some illusions and a mentalist device were
London Palladium at £120 a week, or that an illusion I presented exposed. Cudgels were also being taken up in Britain prior to
was my invention with what I starred for Moss Empires at £100 the film’s release in the UK, fuelled further by an exposure in
a week. Everything was in the presentation. Had Selbit confined Illustrated magazine, and in the pages of The World’s Fair by
himself to presentation no-one could have disputed his claim. details in a letter sent by Caryl S. Fleming to Brunel White.
Showmanship and presentation are the two greatest assets in Charcot quickly leapt into the controversy, writing to White
Mystery – the first cannot be acquired as it is a gift of the gods; as follows: “I have fought five King’s Bench actions in the High
the second can only be gained after great experience. Courts of Justice (London) in which I briefed several of the
“It is a strange but an outstanding fact that there is not one leading barristers of the day, including the one-time leader of
performer in the country featuring magic who is topping the bills the Bar, the famous and brilliant advocate the late Sir Edward
of the leading tours – alone. Like revues, he has to carry tons of Marshall Hall, K.C. Having undergone this unique experience I
stuff and about a dozen or more assistants with him. In my may venture a few remarks on the legal aspect of the
opinion he or she were the real artistes who stood alone and by information sent you in Caryl S. Fleming’s letter re important
sheer ability amazed thousands. It is because times have illusions being exposed on the screen. Most of us know this
changed. I frequently when I can get a copy peruse your writings has already been done but no attempt has been made to stop
with very great interest, and I think my version of Sawing it. I refer to the exposure of Sawing Through a Woman and a
Through a Woman may cause you a little surprise.” second-sight act, each of which was shown up in every detail.
In 1939 American magicians were deeply concerned and I know hundreds of pounds were got by the film people by
running a campaign against Walter Wanger’s film Eternally these ‘picture’ exposures. It has now become a serious
▲

Yours, in which David Niven played the part of a magician and menace, being specialised by a film of the standard of Walter

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 17

 Weekly Record Sawing Report (Glasgow Evening News, 25 Oct.1926)

Wanger issuing a film called ‘The Illusionist’ or ‘Eternally Yours’ is meant to exploit the secrets of Magic for the gain of
disclosing some of the most valuable secrets of the day. producers and without any thought of the harm it will do
“In any action taken to restrain them from exploiting the magicians the world over.”
picture, the Counsel for the defence would only have to call the White went on to suggest that as the Substitution Trunk is
attention of the Judge to the many exposures being published exposed in the film, Levante (who was currently featuring the
by many magicians to win hands down. Personally I cannot see illusion in Britain) might put up the £5-£10 to start the ball
that a written disclosure of any illusion or trick can be compared rolling, but if not he would make an appeal to readers.
to that given on the film. I have myself disclosed several things in (Obviously Levante had not been approached before White
the Press, but I have always done so in such a manner that I dashed into print!)
challenge anybody in the world to ever become a professional Charcot’s name then disappeared from view again in magic
from such disclosures. Without any desire to boast I claim to be periodicals until 1968 when his death some twenty-one years
the highest paid writer for such work in this country. I have previously, on 6 April 1947 at the age of 77, was recorded in a
always refused Press interviews and declined giving or writing list of magicians’ anniversaries assembled by Bayard Grimshaw
anything relative to magic for nothing. The Associated Press paid in The World’s Fair. His death under the name of Frederick F.M.
me 50 guineas for one article I wrote, while this year I received Abbott was registered in the Paddington District of London. To
30 guineas for another. Both articles were on Magic. date, no contemporary notice of his death in 1947 or an
“Before launching on any legal action to try and stop Wanger obituary has been discovered in the magical press.
one must be absolutely sure he can do so. Going to law is not
only a very expensive but an elusive proposition and can be ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
fought only by somebody who knows the ‘moves of the game’. I I am greatly indebted to my friend Peter Lane for copies of Can
have spent many hundreds of pounds in my legal fights. My You Zancig?, advertisements from The Era and The Performer
action against the London Daily Mail cost me over £1,000 but I and reports relating to Charcot from the Daily Record and Mail,
beat them and they had to pay it all back and a lot over as Empire News, Glasgow Evening News, Tit-Bits and Weekly
damages. I simply mention this case because I fought and beat Record, and also to the Conjuring Arts Research Center for its
not only the most powerful newspaper in the world, but a Ask Alexander resources.
company with untold wealth behind it. I also won three other
actions. I have an idea I can stop Wanger. Counsel don’t know REFERENCES
everything, I have had to advise them. In any event Solicitor and Charcot, F. [1906]. Can You Zancig?
Counsel would have to be employed, but the latter need not be The Magician Monthly 8, 69 (February,1909).
till it reaches Court. If the initial costs are paid and my advice is The World’s Fair 29 July 1938; 30 September 1939
of any use, I shall be pleased to give it. I think £5 to £10 would Collins, S. (1922). The Sphinx 21, 335 (November).
be sufficient for the ‘first move’ to checkmate Wanger’s Empire News (1938) 25 December; (1939) 1 January.
disclosures this side of the herring pond.” The Times (1926). October: 26, 27, 28, 29.
Brunel White responded: “This is a most important letter and Tit-Bits (1907) 10 January.
Charcot’s experience would be of utmost value. In fact, knowing White, B. The World’s Fair 20 March 1937;
Charcot, I would say he is the only man I know who has what is 7 January 1939; 29 July 1939.
probably an effective plan to stop Walter Wanger’s film which

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 19

 Mandy Davis MIMC Convenor of Reports. Photographed by John

Monday 18 October 2010 that fifty-pound note later on. The routine this as an example of
A Lecture by Michael Ammar featured some lovely productions and the importance of
vanishes using a Topit, the utility device giving your audience
Reported by Tim Sutton with which Ammar is synonymous. He a story to tell.
Michael Ammar, one of magic’s modern broke down Topiting technique into ‘The Lightning
masters, presented a powerhouse (muscle) memorisation and choreography, Round’ was a brisk
lecture and whipped up storms of and demonstrated how each ditch or canter through fifteen
applause from a packed theatre. steal should be imbedded into its effects. Illustrated with
Mike Gancia
There were novelties and curios, surrounding actions. Expertly handled, projected video
including an iPhone trick, and a cute it enables miracles. demonstrations from Michael’s lecture
coin “vanish” using a spooky doll’s In the card section, Ammar DVD (see before you buy!) this was a bit
hand, but for the most part it was demonstrated a highly commercial two- of a grab bag, including some distinctly
Ammar’s ingenious way with classic phase torn and restored routine, the first “meh” business card pieces. However,
effects that captivated the audience. of which took inspiration from the old this part of the lecture also contained the
As one member put it afterwards, it torn wallpaper gag. The second was a evening’s stand-out effect, the silk
was proper “magic magic”. sweet effect named the Albo Card, in through mike-stand/chair/wine glass,
Ammar began with a coin, bottle and which a signed card and its torn corner which comes as close to real (reel)
silk routine that showcased his skill at were reunited, the corner being restored magic as you could hope for, and
technical and psychological backwards. The handling for this trick is elicited genuine gasps from the dazzled
construction. He reminded us that by within the reach of most card workers, Monday-nighters.
allowing liberal initial inspection of and the resultant hybrid can be given We were also treated to a surprise
props, the performer buys valuable away as an “impossible object”, as bonus, in the form of a mini-lecture by
goodwill when it comes to borrowing Darwin Ortiz would have it. Ammar used rising American talent Jeff Kaylor. He

Monday 1 November 2010

Remembering the Magic –
John Fisher MIMC in
conversation with
Brian Sibley AIMC

Reported by David Weeks

If you’ve heard of the entertainer, film
star, or magician then the chances are
that John Fisher has met, interviewed or
worked with that person. No stranger
to The Magic Circle stage, having
previously presented talks on the
heritage of magic, John was
interviewed by Brian Sibley and the
evening was illustrated with a selection
of film clips.
John’s childhood inspiration was
Professor Harry Woodley and such was
the esteem in which he was held that,
years later, John dedicated the TV show,
Heroes of Magic, to this formative
influence.
Radio, the medium of the
imagination, was very important to
John as he grew up and the show,
Michael Ammar Educating Archie made a particular

20 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Ward MMC

demonstrated his TKO (The Kaylor

Option), which might as well be called
Son of Topit. This cunning jacketless
device requires a deal less sartorial
butchery than Ammar’s original design,
and was an instant Monday-night hit.
A strong lecture from one of
magic’s best.
[The Hands-On Pre-Show in the Devant
Room featured Mike Gancia, who taught
an amazing trick in which a set of linked
loops was cut from a single sheet of
paper, and the J.C. Wagner Torn and
Restored Card effect.]

Monday 25 October 2010

The Creativity Show –
Francis Menotti

Reported by Chris McGeever

Hailing from the USA, Francis’s philosophy
was that everyone who performs magic is Francis Menotti
▲

creative, or at least has the potential to

impression upon him. emotional responses to card tricks; a researcher and then the producer of
John observed that the character driven personal heroes such as Fred Kaps, who the Parkinson show, he recalled
repartee of Peter Brough and his dummy blurred technical perfection with his own memorable meetings with such
Archie Andrews enabled the vent act to grace and humanity; and the legendary entertainers as Bing Crosby,
work on radio and after ten years, the incomparable clowning of Tommy Cooper Fred Astaire, Jack Benny, Charlie
usual time before fashions change, the whose life and laughs he has chronicled in Chaplin and Marlene Dietrich.
replacement was, interestingly, another a stage play, John’s philosophy of magic
‘child’ character, Jimmy Clitheroe. John’s biography and a is not limited to the
love of Variety was fired by seeing Archie series of books. conjuror’s box of tricks but
Andrews at the theatre on a bill with a Talking about what is to be found in art,
young Julie Andrews and Tony Hancock his work first as literature, music and indeed
together with Edward Victor’s everywhere within the
shadowgraphy. natural world.
John performed magic in his younger The evening demonstrated
days which gave him an understanding of that an autobiography by
the problems and requirements of John would find an
Dr. David Hatch
performers. And, whilst he didn’t enjoy enthusiastic audience as
performing, finding it hard to arrive at there were sufficient engaging
a suitable persona, those insights recollections and revealing
proved invaluable to his later career anecdotes to fill a good sized
as a light entertainment producer volume.
and executive for the BBC and [The Hands-On Pre-Show
Thames TV. event in the Devant Room was an
The conversation ranged across illustrated talk by Dr. David Hatch
his work with Paul Daniels, with on the magic of Charles
memories of the irrepressible Hans Brian Sibley and Dickens, which featured
Moretti; René Levand, extracting John Fisher several tricks as well.]

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 21

be; he was keen to stress how important co-operative and a tad whimsical, rather for a clean and hands-off card
it is for the performer to really enjoy their than confrontational. translocation. Francis described how
material, in order for the audience to A pair of mental tricks followed, the biographical particulars (his parents are
share in this enthusiasm. To this end, he first of which involved a game of both physicists) can be fertile ground for
suggested adopting a constructive and imagination to arrive at a previously- new plots or presentations. In a similar
quizzical angle on routines which we predicted value of coin, complete with the vein, wishing to give a proper ending to a
individually hold reservations about. Why correct date. This segued into an offbeat centuries-old trick, he demonstrated his
not ask why we happen to dislike certain word prediction, with a very fair-looking logical and satisfying resolution to a
tricks? Is there a way to rework the effect selection procedure. Throughout the maths-based routine with buttons.
to make it more suitable or appealing to explanation of these, Francis was eager to Finally, Francis demonstrated a
us as performers? If so, this can then have encourage a degree of risk-taking within commercial item, ‘Smack’, an
the knock-on outcome of pleasure for our our performances. Depending on the instantaneous torn card restoration, as
audiences. performer’s wording and attitude, the opposed to a piece-by-piece approach.
Opening with a terrific, original and audience need not even be aware that Employing some good thinking and a
funny presentation, Francis began with they might be about to see a trick; this utility card-switching move, he showed
cards in new deck order. As they were makes the impact of a hit or successful how the snappy climax can frame the
shuffled, his words became increasingly psychological force all the more performer’s face as well. This was a
mixed and out-of-order. With some impressive. decent lecture which offered plenty of
intense concentration, Francis was able to Francis’s boldness as a performer was food for thought. Sadly due to it being a
‘get his words and thoughts back in brought out again in his anecdote of how shorter format from what he is used to,
order’, which magically returned the cards he had dropped a thumb tip midway Francis was unable to go into much depth
back to their original, un-shuffled state. through a street show. His solution was to with his thoughts on creativity itself, but
This one piece was a perfect example of explain it away as a method some ‘lesser’ left it up to his audience to read between
how a creative presentation can drive magicians would use, ostensibly ditch it, the lines of the tricks he performed, and
even a relatively simple trick to a whole and then proceed to make a silk to use them as inspirational springboards
different level. Francis explained how this handkerchief vanish in time-honoured for their own presentations.
was his pet opener, since it sets even a fashion!
challenging audience at ease, by letting ‘Schrödinger’s Card’ used the Austrian
them know that his approach to magic is physicist’s pioneering work as a premise

Find books, DVD’s,

magazines, ephemera,
cards, silks, magic sets,
magicians for hire
and more
05601 259596
All available for sale online at
www.magicianslibrary.com

22 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Tim Reed AIMC

THE WORLD’S OLDEST SLIDING DIE BOX

y interest in collecting Sliding Die on those long carriage rides. Covered in Days later and we were both at The

M Boxes has been documented in

previous issues of The Magic
Circular. However there is one, just
green leather, the box is lined with black
crushed velvet on which the Die Box sits
comfortably within its surroundings. The
Magic Circle headquarters and Scott
said, “I have a gift for you”. I knew
Scott, as a perfectionist with a great
recently acquired, which is the oldest in box is adorned with four brass corners knowledge of magic history, would
existence. It has been expertly assessed and a sturdy lock ensures no undesirables produce a star piece but what I received
at being over two hundred years old. access the masterpiece. The box also far exceeded my expectations. You have
Remarkably it is in excellent condition. bears the initials, in cast brass, of its just read the description, but the real
The prop is made of polished teak owner. overwhelming ‘cherry on the cake’ was
and is the traditional British style, with Here is the kicker … I can hear the the wood used by Scott. It was teak (I
two sets of doors front and back. Made antique prop collectors crying at the can’t believe I am typing this) from the
in the standard Die Box size, this thought of a hitherto unknown Regency battleship, HMS Victory, captained so
stunning prop utilises the three inch die, Die Box … so let me clarify. The above expertly by Lord Horatio Nelson in the
which is made in wood and painted piece is in my collection and is as Battle of Trafalgar in 1805. Yes: actual
black. The spots on the die are inlaid described. The wood is guaranteed two timber from that legendary ship.
polished brass, which catches the light hundred year old teak and has expert Apparently the ship, which is docked
when it is shown to the audience. The authenticity. The brass initials on the in Portsmouth, on the south coast of
cabinet work is exquisite and the carrying case are ‘TR’. England, is being restored and to pay
interior is painted black in the classic Let me tell you a story. A while back I for the massive restoration costs they
fashion. The inside of the cabinet is mentioned to my friend, Scott Penrose, sell the fragile timbers off to pay for
lined in felt to facilitate the smooth who like myself is on The Magic Circle replacement new ones. You buy the
placement and removal of the die Museum team, how I would like him to timber by the kilo and it is accompanied
during performance. The wood itself make me a Die Box. Having seen his by a Certificate of Authenticity signed
has a wonderful tactile quality which craftsmanship up close, on other props, I by the current Commanding Officer of
means working the prop is a joy. was very keen to have a Penrose Die Box HMS Victory. The rough timber has to
The brass fittings, of the period, have on my shelves. I mentioned this in be planed down significantly to get a
been handcrafted to suit a typical passing, thought no more of it, and we smooth, usable piece. I was excited to
Regency piece of small furniture, not talked about other things magical. receive, also, a rough unfinished off-cut
unlike a Tea Caddy. There is a touch of A few months passed, and Scott said he of the timber to show its original
glamour and ostentation but without might have a few days spare to start condition.
losing the functional purpose of the making the Die Box. As I wanted the prop I would like to thank Scott for his
piece. The handle is cast in one piece; based on the vintage examples in my breath-taking gift, and Lord Nelson,
the hinges are solid and have been collection, he asked if I had an old wooden too, for enabling such an incredible,
screwed to the box by a craftsman. The die, the kind with the recessed spots. I unique piece to come to fruition. Happy
ball feet, about half an inch in diameter, found such a die and gave it to Scott. Collecting.
help to show the prop in all its splendour.
The four brass screws on top of the
box have been secured with care and
one is at ninety degrees to the others
enabling the performer to easily detect,
in a darkened drawing room, which
door to open to put the die in with a
flamboyant flourish. Such style and
quality have been in the forefront of
whoever made this. Obviously intended
for a wealthy client, the Die Box has
been used on a handful of occasions,
perhaps to entertain guests after a
hearty Georgian banquet.
The piece has its own custom
wooden carrying case, to keep it safe

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 23

 WOW 2 (Face-up and the card is seen to visibly rise to the top. five and want to home in on
Face-down versions) It is very good. A few drawbacks: you the target; a card selected face
by Katsuya Masuda are adding a gimmicky prop to your card up is shown to have a sticker on
Gimmick plus 40 min. DVD. $39.95 effect; the gimmick is dark, and the card the back reading “It’s me!” and
(£29) each plus p&p from your favourite which appears is dark (the back in the it’s the only card with a sticker;
dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic gimmick is red, which shows up better); a way to ensure that the semi-
Supplies, www.Murphy’sMagic.com. the DVD is the same for face-up and face- reliable “37 Force” works for
down versions – both are explained on sure (this is especially brilliant);
Reviewed by Matthew Field the DVD; the crediting is ludicrous: one of and a trick wherein a deck of
Ali Bongo hated card magic. But he my favourite on-screen credits of all time cards represents a computer, a
knew I loved it and was his usual is, “Variation on a Darren Brown switch – spectator inputs a password and security
ebullient self whenever there was other contributors include Juan Tameriz question (!), and another spectator
something related to cards he could and Bob Cassidy”. Not only is it not a hacks the information to find his card.
show me. Several years ago he returned “Darren Brown” switch, but his name is The book test uses an ungaffed book
from FISM not Darren, and Tamariz doesn’t spell his (one available on Amazon for 1 p.!)
almost unable name with an ‘e’. That’s three errors in that is very good, and ...
to remain fourteen words, perhaps a world record. Well, you get the idea. There is
seated in his Read the first four words of the material to add to your repertoire and
chair as he paragraph above again. It is very good. things to get your mind working. The
showed me the The appearance, or, more frequently, skill level is dead easy to intermediate.
first version of disappearance of the card in the plastic, Top marks to Lewis Jones
this trick. revealing the card beneath, is startling. and Top Score.
It was the Other tricks on the DVD (hosted by Chris
face-up version of WOW, which is a Ballinger) include a colour-changing deck. The Mysterious Puzzle of the
sort of poker playing card-sized frame Do a Google or YouTube search and you’ll Missing Dollar Bill
made of plastic covered in dots, so it find dozens of movies to help you decide by Nicholas Einhorn
appears almost grey. A card is selected, if this is for you. 21 pgs., 8.25 x 5.75 ins., board covers,
signed and lost in the deck, a card is colour photos throughout. £12.99
placed face up in the frame, but it’s the Top Score including UK postage direct from
wrong card. Suddenly, and visibly, the by Lewis Jones www.Einhorn.co.uk (email Nick at
card transforms into the selection and is 85 pgs, 8.75 x 6.75 ins., soft cover, photo info@einhorn.co.uk for more info). £16
removed from the frame. The card may illustrated. Limited to 300 copies. £25 ($20) plus p&p from your favourite
be examined. Not so the frame. (about $40) postpaid worldwide via PayPal dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic
Damned clever. It was instantly ripped from lewis.jones@ukonline.co.uk. Supplies, www.Murphy’sMagic.com.
off in inferior (and less expensive)
pirated versions. Now the gimmick has Reviewed by Matthew Field Reviewed by Matthew Field
been improved and is available in either One of the cleverest thinkers in magic is So three guys walk into a hotel ...
face-up or face-down versions. The a gent from Sydenham named Lewis Thus begins an old brainteaser in
benefit of the new face-down version is Jones. His creativity has been compared to which they share a room for $10 each,
that it allows for a spectacular finish for Stewart James (by Michael Close) and it turns out to only cost $25 if
an Ambitious Card sequence. After the Larry Jennings (by the late J.C. Wagner), they’re sharing, the bellhop
signed selection has risen to the top and if you don’t have Seventh Heaven in can’t divide the $5 he’s
several times, “protective plastic your library, well, the loss is yours. supposed to return by three
shields” (the WOW gimmick and an Lewis’s latest volume is delightful, a so he gives them each back a
ungimmicked matching sheet, which collection of twenty tricks (Top Score – get dollar and keeps $2 himself.
must be purchased separately) are it?) mostly card-related, but with a book The men started with $30,
rubber-banded around the deck. The test, something with coins and a variation paid $27, the bellhop has $2 –
face-up selection is inserted in the of the Koran ‘Headline Countdown’. where’s the missing dollar?
centre of the deck (actually Tilted below Many of the card items are ground- The very creative Nicholas Einhorn
the WOW gimmick, which shows a breaking, such as a method of outs when took that puzzle and made it into a very
back), and as the gimmick is activated you know the spectator’s card is one of nice trick, in which the scene has been
▲

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 25

shifted to a restaurant ($25 for meals Historians will enjoy the detailed look at of a selection. The arrow eventually
makes more sense than for a hotel room) repertoire choices, while performers will transfers to the back of the card.
and, after explaining the head-scratcher, use this information to learn from Wayne The thinking throughout is excellent.
illustrates with real money. Sure enough, Dobson’s routining, or Derren Brown’s The font used is very small, which made
as he runs through the scenario, a dollar choice of material, for example. reading a bit difficult for my eyes, but I’m
disappears. The effect is repeated. Magic Shows: 30 Years of Programmes ancient. There are several tricks I’ll be
Another dollar gone. from Daniels to Derren is an inexpensive spending some time with and I very much
You will have to make up a very simple book with high production values. The want to play with the Ballerina Change.
gimmick and learn one very easy move for design is simple but elegant and the All in all, a fine job by all.
this one, based on a trick by Daryl. Nick choice of a full-colour print makes the
realises that some might like a bigger photographs of the performers and their Ring in Walnut
ending, and has some suggestions. But he advertising posters pop off the page. At by John Shryock
performed this on stage at the Circle and just £20 I can’t recommend this enough DVD, 26 mins. $29.95 (£24.99) plus p&p
it looks great as is. Nick suggests using US without resorting to sycophantic whoops from your favourite dealer. Dealers
dollars, but it will work with most any and cheers. contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies
currency (except in the UK we no longer www.MurphysMagic.com.
have £1 notes) and even play money Above the Fold
might work. by Rich Aviles Reviewed by Matthew Field
The book, spiral bound, is very nicely 76 pgs., 6 x 9 ins, photo illustrated, soft Ring in Walnut is a classic of stage (or
produced and the effect can play large, cover. $25 (£19) plus p&p from parlour) magic. A ring is borrowed and
packs tiny, and is both puzzling and www.VanishingIncMagic.com, or from vanished, then a lemon, which has been
magical. your favourite dealer. Dealers contact on view throughout, is cut open. An egg
Murphy’s Magic Supplies, is inside. The egg is cracked open and
Magic Shows: 30 Years of www.MurphysMagic.com. there is a walnut. When the walnut is
Programmes from Daniels to opened, voilá, there is the ring.
Derren Reviewed by Matthew Field The multiple revelations are
by Ian Keable Rich Aviles is a clever young card magician surprising and magical,
£20 from from the US whose work I know from our and the appearance of the
www.IanKeable.co.uk/magic_shows mutual membership in The Second Deal, a borrowed ring makes for a
card magic website. His book, self- dramatic climax. Naturally,
Reviewed by Andi Gladwin designed because design is what Rich a good deal of preparation
Were you one of the lucky few to attend does as his day job, is filled with some goes into getting all the
Ricky Jay and his 52 Assistants show? Or clever concepts and sleight of hand for pieces assembled in the
did you see Simon Drake’s Secret the intermediate-level card enthusiast. correct order for each
Cabaret? Have you seen Guy Things begin with his Fax Machine performance, but there is
Hollingworth’s act that Neil move, a Colour Change in which a card no question that this trick can be a
Patrick Harris directed? Ian passes through the deck seemingly of its highlight in one’s act.
Keable saw all these shows and own accord and transforms along the John Shryock has learned from
his new book, Magic Shows, way. Riffle Revolve is a card reversal experience the best way to prepare and
details well over fifty shows and accomplished while performing an in-the- perform this trick, and he is a good
the magic that was performed hands Riffle Shuffle. Replica Control sees teacher. The DVD is well shot and John
in them. a card replaced in the deck, it mysteriously provides the history (it used to be
This isn’t a book of reviews or pops out and is replaced, whereupon it performed as Orange, Lemon, Egg,
opinions, but instead a detailed look at has secretly travelled to the top of the Canary).
the tricks that the performers opted to deck. There’s a card-to-box move, a There are recommendations on the
include in their programmes. As far as Sandwich card switch, and the Ballerina back of the DVD box from Steve Cohen
other reference books of this nature go, Change, a pretty if somewhat flourishy and Jeff McBride, two gents who should
Ian’s book stands alone as a modern, twirling of a card off the deck which know, and I’ll add my recommendation.
entertaining look at routines performed visually changes to another card.
by many performers, well known and These moves and several others, by Rich Slim
otherwise. Think of it as a contemporary and his friends, are used in a dozen tricks, by Craig Petty
British version of Max Holden’s including three of the Sandwich variety. DVD, 2 hrs. £20 ($36) plus p&p from
Programmes of Famous Magicians from These are quite nice, and if you’re looking www.WorldMagicStore.co.uk or your
1937. to expand your repertoire this is a fine favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s
There’s always a danger that people place to discover Magic Supplies www.MurphysMagic.com.
overlook books like this with the something. Many of
assumption that there isn’t much to be the concepts are new, Reviewed by Matthew Field
gained from reading about the routines including one trick in Member Craig Petty of World Magic Shop
performed in other magicians’ acts. After which an animated has lost a lot of weight, but he says his
reading the book, however, it becomes iPhone movie displays a new DVD is titled Slim because the eight
quickly apparent that it’s the kind of book moving arrow which effects use only small packets, even
that you can take on multiple levels. points to the location though the entire deck is in play,

26 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 sometimes in the The photo on the book’s cover is not The selection may be handed out at the
background. The fact what anyone will see. The illusion itself is end of the trick and the deck may be
that it’s shot mostly in clever, although there are some weak used in other effects. Resetting is not
a gym is, presumably, points. There is no sound of the mirror instant, but also not difficult. It is probably
entirely coincidental. shattering when it is hit by the hammer. best done as an opener because of a set-
There’s a Triumph That sound must be provided along with up required.
variant with a four-of- recorded music accompaniment, and the The accompanying DVD is silent, with
a-kind kicker, an All Backs routine, a hammer bash must be well synchronised subtitles in your choice of French or
Sandwich trick, a combined Twisting the for the illusion of breaking glass to be English. Be aware that it is in PAL format,
Aces with the Hofzinser Aces effect, an persuasive. The ‘shards’ which fall are not which is no problem for most computers
impromptu Wild Card, including a glass, but Richardson says his choice of or UK viewers, but might not play on US
handling for the Mike Powers trick in what to use will stand-alone DVD players.
which holes are punched in the four look realistic. You can find a performance video on
corners of a card and they assemble at I tried to Google YouTube. It’s quick, easy to perform and
one corner. information on very effective.
Craig knows what he’s doing, and the Lance Richardson,
material is good. As regular readers know, but could find little Twisted Blizzard
I’m less than enthusiastic about DVDs except a couple of by Aaron Delong
which contain only variations of existing other illusions he Gaffed deck and 33 min. DVD. £17.50
effects, and that’s what we’ve got here. has designed. He ($25) plus p&p from JB Magic,
Many of these are “handly” – there’s a lot seems to have worked things out, www.jbtv.com or your favourite dealer.
of going back to the top of the deck to although the vanish of the mirror needs Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies
‘rest’ the packet, lots of use of the Twirl some good blocking on the part of the www.MurphysMagic.com.
Change. performer (and I do mean ‘blocking’!).
Intermediate card handling skills are The illusion packs small and plays big. It Reviewed by Matthew Field
required. Craig is a good teacher, even if is, as noted, a stage illusion and requires The effect here is that a spectator names
he sometimes forgets something and then lots of building skills and music (with the value of any card and the magician
goes back and corrects himself (rather sound effects). There are too few books removes the four of a kind, tabling them
than re-shooting). He teaches the Bluff available with illusion plans, notably those face down. A suit is named and the face-
Shift, Braue Reversal, the Cull, Twirl and of Paul Osborne in the US and David down cards are turned over. The named
Shapeshifter Changes, Elmsley Count and Hemingway on these shores. The price card is the only one showing – the other
ATFUS, but there’s a trick which uses the asked is a bit much for a 24-page book, three are blank. The rest of the deck is
Faro Shuffle and it’s assumed you know but for plans for an illusion to add to now spread face up and all of the cards
how to do that. one’s show, it is inexpensive. are blank.
What you are getting is a deck which is,
Shattered Reality – The Lane as they say, ‘gaffed to the hilt’. Aaron calls
Mockup Vol 1 by Mickael Chatelain it a Hummer Deck
by Lance Richardson Material to construct gimmick and 14 because the magic
24 pgs., 8.5 x 11 ins., soft cover, photo min. DVD (PAL format). $40 (£26.50) plus genius Bob Hummer
illustrated. $35 (£22) plus p&p from your p&p from your favourite dealer. Dealers invented it. I am not
favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies going to reveal the
Magic Supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com. workings, but I will say
www.Murphy’sMagic.com. that the deck may be
Reviewed by Matthew Field spread to show either
Reviewed by Matthew Field In this very visual trick a card is freely printed or blank faces.
This book, the first in the projected selected and signed, then cut back into Obviously, spectators may not examine
Mockup series by Lance Richardson, the deck. While the deck is resting on the any of the cards.
contains plans and staging suggestions for table (or in the spectator’s hand), a sticker A second included effect, White Trash,
an illusion in which a mirror, examined by is removed from a sheet and stuck on the is an Out of this World variant using the
audience members, is placed on an easel, back of the card box. The magician rubs same deck. The magus deals and two
covered with a cloth, and smashed with a the sticker and it disappears. The deck is spectators guess whether each card goes
hammer. Pieces are seen to fall on a cloth spread and one card is seen to have a in the red, black or ‘trash’ piles,
which covers the area under it. The cloth sticker affixed to its back – the signed depending on what they think is the
over the mirror is removed and the frame selection. colour of the suit. The ‘trash’ pile is for
is seen unmistakably empty, except for This is very clever. when they’re not sure. The red and black
one shard which is caught in the frame. It There is a bit of piles are turned over, and the specs
is shaken loose and falls with the others. assembly required, guessed correctly. The ‘trash’ pile is turned
The frame is once again covered. The but not much and over and all the cards are blank.
broken pieces are picked up in the cloth it’s very easy. There The tricks are easy to do, the deck is
which is folded into a bag and vanished. is virtually no sleight Bicycle-backed, the production is by Mark
The covering cloth is removed and the of hand required in Mason’s JBTV Magic and, for what you
▲

mirror is seen restored. the performance. get, is a bargain.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 27

X-Ray the early twentieth from Latin America and his DVD includes
by Steve Shufton century. It’s a deck ten effects for the intermediate-level
27 pgs., 8.5 x 11 in. book. $20 (£15) plus made up of 26 paired magician. The presentations are in
p&p from your favourite dealer. Dealers duplicates. Sometimes excellent English, the explanations in
contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies, they’re just two voice-over translation.
www.Murphy’sMagic.com. regular cards, There are some nice variants of
sometimes they’re standard effects like Oil and Water, card
Reviewed by Matthew Field roughed pairs, sometimes each card of transpositions, spelling tricks and the like,
This effect, posed by Ben Harris to Steve the pair is a different colour, sometimes but also some original ideas. In That’s
Shufton, is as follows: The performer they’re cut Svengali fashion (long and How They Are a selection is found at a
removes a deck from its case and shuffles short). position in the deck
it. The cards are shown to be all different. US card enthusiast and performer determined by the number
With the deck on the table, the performer Nathan Kranzo, whose work I’ve long of cards in a packet
leaves the room. The spec cuts the deck admired, decided that the Mene Tekel another spectator has cut
and reverses the card cut-to, then replaces deck had faded from popularity and he’s off. A card is selected and
the cut-off portion and replaces the deck provided the props and a DVD to remedy lost in the deck, the
in the box. The box (ungimmicked) can be the situation. You get two Mene Tekel magician holds up the
placed anywhere. The wonder worker decks (I’ll explain why in a moment) and a deck like a camera and the
returns to the room, stares at the air, and DVD with about 20 effects. The decks selection emerges,
names the card. He then tells how many consist of roughed odd-backed pairs (no lengthwise, from the turned deck. There is
cards down in the deck the reversed Svengali). Depending on the effect, you a nice Card at Any Number as well.
selection lies. might need two decks because, with only Some card expertise is required to deal
In truth, the magician does a tiny bit of 26 values, if a card is named you’ve got with the Faro Shuffles, Culls, Marlo’s Snap
fishing, but gets at most one ‘no’ answer to remove the deck containing that value. Change, even a Bottom Deal, and there
about the card’s identity. The deck is The effects include card to pocket (and are times a small set-up is required for a
prepared, but Shufton has suggestions for fly!), card through table, matching the trick. Otero’s card skills are excellent and
using a borrowed deck (although I don’t spectator’s selection, signed card to their his personality is warm. I really enjoyed
think this is entirely pocket, Billy McComb’s Healing Deck, the this.
practicable in the idea of using the deck so an ‘instant
real world, unless stooge’ can name another spectator’s Toosh
you spend five selection (by you cueing him with the by Steve Haynes
minutes with it in duplicate), a nice card stab and effects Material to construct gimmicks, plastic
the loo). using the concept with a regular deck, card wallet, 80 min DVD. $29.95 (£24.99)
The method is pairing mates instead of duplicates. plus p&p from your favourite dealer.
based on existing The production is amateur-city, with the Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies
principles and seems Apple logo from the editing software on www.MurphysMagic.com.
practical to me. There is a bit of display, oddball cuts, text on screen to fill
memorisation involved but not much. As in gaps in the narrative, mixed video Reviewed by Matthew Field
you might have surmised since this is quality and sound levels, and framing This is a signed business card to
basically a hands-off trick, no sleight of problems galore. impossible location, such as under
hand is required, and no gimmicks are It doesn’t matter. Even with some someone’s seated ‘toosh’ (US slang for
involved. shorthand in the explanations, once you ‘bum’). The method has been used many
I continue to bemoan the release of know the basic method (all using the times in other effects,
single tricks for $20, whether in printed or same gimmicked deck) a bare-bones although it is uncredited
DVD form. This book, from the publishing effect suffices. Nate’s on-screen persona is here, and, frankly, is so old
arm of Ben Harris, is another in his inviting and enthusiastic. There’s minimal I wouldn’t know whom to
growing range of such products. card-handling skills required and some of credit either.
So to sum up, I think this is a pretty the effects are truly mind-blowing. You take a business card
good trick, but overpriced. So, in spite of the shortcomings, with and draw a small smiley-
the necessary props included at a face on it, then get the
Mene Tekel Miracles reasonable price, this is recommended. spectator to sign it. You
by Nathan Kranzo take another card and draw a small heart
54 min. DVD plus two gaffed Bicycle Cartificios on it. The cards are turned over and you
decks. $34.95 (£28) plus p&p from your by Luis Otero hand the reversed smiley-face one to the
favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s DVD, 2 hrs. $34.95 (£24) plus p&p from spectator, while you retain the heart. Bingo,
Magic Supplies, your favourite dealer. Dealers contact she’s now got the heart on her signed
www.Murphy’sMagic.com. Murphy’s Magic Supplies card and you’ve got the smiley face.
www.MurphysMagic.com. The gimmick is easy to construct using
Reviewed by Matthew Field your own business cards, but it’s not really
The Mene Tekel deck is a clever idea Reviewed by Matthew Field appropriate to use playing cards.
which goes back to 1896 and Conradi I am always pleased to see a DVD from a The effect is good, easy to do and
which was popularised by Burling Hull in card expert I don’t know. Luis Otero is reasonably priced.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 29

 Delvin the minutes of the this event. Council undertook

Council minutes meeting held on 5 October

2010 were approved.
to address this issue in future
years.
This was Peter Altman’s last
4. MATTERS ARISING year organising Dealers’ Day
Andrew Eborn’s company, and was to be congratulated
Octopus Media, is happy to live for many years of service in this
stream any event that Council respect aided by Henry Lewis.
decides, on a trial basis and at Jack Delvin volunteered to take
no cost to TMC. Richard Pinner on the organisation of this
suggested ‘The Council event together with Katherine
Entertains’ evening (31 January Rhodes.
2010). His proposal was met A letter had been received
with general acceptance. from a non-member complaining
that a member of TMC had
5. SECRETARY’S REPORT taken his domain name when
i) It was agreed that the new it had come up for renewal.
member/s on the attached The Secretary had advised they
MINUTES OF THE MAGIC schedule be accepted. should more correctly go
CIRCLE COUNCIL MEETING ii) There were no through Nominet to address
HELD AT THE reinstatements. this issue but would also follow
HEADQUARTERS ON iii) There were no resignations. up discretely with the member
4 NOVEMBER 2010 6.30 pm iv) Promotions as on attached concerned. Jack Delvin noted
schedule. that as a social organisation we
PRESENT v) Correspondence: could not afford to become
Jack DELVIN Letters of thanks were received involved in actions that could
Will HOUSTOUN from Richard Saunders and lead to litigation. Andrew Eborn
Richard PINNER Terry Herbert for the awards of supported this saying that TMC
Scott PENROSE a Silver Wand and The should not become involved
Brian SIBLEY (Chairman) Maskelyne respectively and with members and 3rd parties.
Andrew EBORN from David Berglas for his Nick Mohammed had written
Alan MASKELL Honorary Membership to ask if he could do some
Fay PRESTO (Professional). research with members of TMC
Katherine RHODES Graham Reed raised concern as he is writing a one-off
John VAN DER PUT about the potential number of comedy-drama for C4. The
Chris WOOD non-renewals in membership as publicity committee were asked
Alexander CRAWFORD reported in previous minutes. to deal with this.
(Acting Treasurer) Jack Delvin pointed out that Member David Smedley has
David WEEKS once renewals were all in the discovered the site of ‘Pinoli’s
(Minuting Secretary) overall membership had not Restaurant’, where TMC was
Stephen KENNARD and gone down as significantly as founded and had written to
Terry WRIGHT (CMA) predicted. Chris Wood ask if Council could investigate
provided the latest figures and the installation of a Blue Plaque
1. APOLOGIES Alexander Crawford referred to to celebrate this. The Secretary
Noel BRITTEN, Rob COX, the half year financial report to will consult with Chris
Mandy DAVIS, James the October Council meeting Woodward who had arranged
FREEDMAN, Scott PENROSE, which showed that for a plaque to be displayed on
Martyn ROWLAND, and subscriptions were broadly in the home of Robert Harbin.
Michael VINCENT line with previous years at this Regional Representative,
period. Last year there were 60 Myles Pollock, had written to
2. DEATHS losses. This year there were 80. Council complaining that a
Bill Nicholas (86) from New members throughout the candidate that he had
Pembrokeshire, Ralph Marcom year typically replace this and sponsored had failed their
(76) from Texas, John Stevens membership remains a entrance exam via DVD
(86) from Margate and Charles fluctuating constant of around unfairly. After discussion,
Reynolds (78) from New York. 1,400 members. Council unanimously upheld
Members of Council stood in A second letter from Graham the decisions of the examiners
silence as a mark of respect. Reed observed that whilst and the Examinations Officer.
Dealers’ Day had again been a
3. MINUTES success there was an 6. COMMITTEE BUDGETS
On a proposal by Katherine opportunity to encourage non- In accordance with the finance
Rhodes, seconded by Jack member visitors to join TMC at committee report submitted to

30 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

the October council meeting, own expertise. Proposed by 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS New members elected on
Alexander Crawford presented Andrew Eborn, seconded by Publicity Committee: 4 November 2010
a paper setting out the process Katherine Rhodes. Passed In the light of some recent Sam H BOYCE Snr.
for devolving the preparation Unanimously questionable publicity given to 12 Dogwood Drive,
of and responsibility for their TMC, AE reported that the Newport,
budgets of income and costs. 8. Deputy Chair of Council: Publicity Committee had drawn Arkansas 72112, USA
Proposed budgets will need to There were two candidates for up recommendations that Joe HARPER
be submitted by January to election to this post; Richard would be placed before 142 The Mount, Driffield,
enable a full budget to Council Pinner and Alan Maskell. Fay Councill at the next meeting East Yorks, YO25 5JL
in March. Presto proposed that we vote John HAYNS
on these two candidates and Museum Committee: 11 Gidley Way, Horspath,
7. ORGANISATION CHART this was seconded by Chris Scott Penrose proposed that a Oxford, Oxfordshire OX33 1RQ
1. Licensing: Whoever is Wood. Alan Maskell was duly Heritage Auction be held on David WILSON
involved in the CMA should be elected. the day prior to the September K3 Westgate Caravan Park,
on the licensing committee. 2011 Heritage Day. It was the Westgate, Morecombe,
8. CMA MANAGEMENT wish of the Museum Committee Lancs, LA3 3DE
2. TMC Trustee Officers: SYNOPSIS that their funds be ring-fenced.
Liability is to be examined Terry Wright, Chairman of Contrary views were expressed Members Promoted to
before updating the names to CMA and Steven Kennard and Council would discuss the MIMC with Gold Star on
the current officers. Treasurer of CMA joined the issue at a later date. In order 4 November 2010
meeting. Alexander Crawford for plans to be taken forward, Babs BRUCE
3. Senior Stage Manager: presented a review of the the resolution that the auction Maximilian SOMERSET II
Theatre Manager Roy Marsh is medium term issues currently takes place was proposed by
currently carrying out this role facing the CMA, including the RP, seconded by WH and
on a provisional basis. fact that under the exclusive passed unanimously.
agency structure used to date,
4. Endowment Fund: this is the CMA was not building up 10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
currently Michael Bailey, Alan sufficient funds to meet the Joint Acting Treasurer: The
Shaxon and Keith Cooper with future maintenance Acting Treasurer Alexander
admin by Alan Maskell. It was requirements of the building, Crawford informed the
suggested that for notwithstanding that the meeting that Carl Pettman was
sustainability new members be current agency had performed standing down as joint Acting
added to this group. Katherine better than any of its Treasurer but had agreed to
Rhodes proposed Richard predecessors. He took deal with the remaining
Pinner; Scott Penrose and Fay questions as he went along; 2010/11 membership renewals.
Presto for membership of the some of which were answered He was thanked for his work
Endowment Fund Committee. by the two CMA members. and Council was asked to think
Seconded by Andrew Eborn. Following careful about recommendations for his
For: (JD, AE, WH, RP, FP, KR, consideration and detailed replacement.
JVP. AM.) Against: (CW) questioning, the following Storage: Jack Delvin reported
resolution was proposed and on storage costs for the archive
5. Benevolent Fund Trustees: approved unanimously: of TMC financial accounts and
The remit of this fund is to help “To hereby approve papers.
members in financial straits. alternative arrangements with Meeting Dates: There are
Regional Reps and any member the CMA which would have members of Council who
can recommend recipients. the effect of replacing the cannot, because of work
Fay Presto proposed Brian current management contract commitments, attend any
Sibley, Scott Penrose, Peter with CMA with an alternative council meeting on a Thursday
Liddlelow and Chris Wood. operating agreement that gives and have requested that
Seconded by Richard Pinner. The Magic Circle clear approval meeting dates be varied.
Passed Unanimously. rights over CMA’s marketing After discussion a resolution
arrangements going forward was passed that where possible
6. Welfare & Benevolent and, in the first instance, require meetings be split equally
Fund Committee: Chris Wood that CMA takes day to day between Wednesdays and
is to join this committee. control of the marketing strategy, Thursdays.
7. SMOTY: Council including appointing agents on For CW, AE, SP, JD, WH.
congratulated the committee a non exclusive basis.” Against RP, KR, FP.
on the last competition and Proposed: Fay Presto Abstention JDP
suggested Scott Penrose be Seconded: Chris Wood
added to the existing All in favour (Scott Penrose Date of Next Meeting:
committee to provide Council abstained due to his Thursday 2 December 2010
representation as well as his membership of CMA.) at 6.30pm

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk JANUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 31

Forthcoming club events THE MAGIC CIRCLE
Club Night Committee: Brian Sibley, Chair; Mandy Davis, Secretary SHOWCASE SALES
The Headquarters are open on Club Nights from 3:00pm until
10:30pm. Unless otherwise stated, events start promptly at
7:30pm and are scheduled to finish between 8:45pm and 9pm.
Club Nights are principally for Members, so entry is by
● Magic Circle
Membership Card. A bona fide magician guest may attend any Umbrella. Navy
evening that is not marked ‘Members Only’ on condition that blue with silver
he or she is able to show membership of a magical society. A coloured handle
non-magician guest may only attend evenings that are marked and printed silver
logo. Automatic
as ‘Show’. Guests may only attend two evenings a year. No
opening. £14.95
guest may attend unless the CMA is told in advance, so if you
wish to bring a guest please do not contact me but phone ● Magic Circle Playing Cards. Poker Size
with black backs and gold coloured
(020) 7387 2222. There is a limit of ten guests per night. All
logo. £3.95 each or £6.95 for two
guests must pay an entry fee of £10 at the door and respect
our Conventions. Indeed, it is your duty as their sponsor to ● Magic Circle Key Ring. £1.95
ensure that they do. The Magic Circle reserve the right to refuse ● Souvenir Pocket Mirror. £2.95
entry. See our website or subscribe to Big Reminder (free ● Postcards. Four styles depicting posters from The Circle
weekly emails) for any last minute changes to the schedule. Collection, namely Soo, Devant, Le Roy and Hertz. £0.50 each
● The Magic Circle: Performing Magic Through the Ages.
JANUARY 2011 Book by Michael Bailey. Hardback. 288 pages. £18.95
● Bob Read's Magical London Map. £2.95
Monday 3 / Tuesday 4
CLUB ROOM CLOSED ● Inside The Magic Circle. Souvenir booklet. £1.95
● Fridge Magnets. Four styles depicting posters from The Circle
Monday 10 Collection, namely Soo, Devant, Le Roy and Carter.
KEITH COOPER – A MAGICAL LIFE £2.95 each or £9.95 for four
Keith Cooper MIMC, in conversation with Graham Reed MIMC, MEMBERS ONLY *please state your Degree when ordering
will be looking back over his many years in magic from the age ● Button Badge* £3.95 ● Jewel with or without Star* £13.50
of eight at The Magic Circle’s Golden Jubilee to the present day
● Cufflinks* £11.95 ● Tie £14.95
as president of the IBM British Ring.
● Membership Certificate frames £26.95
Monday 17 These items can be purchased from the Showcase at The Magic
Plotting Away – Oliver Meech MMC Circle Headquarters on a Club Night or can be sent by post to your
Described as “wildly creative”, Oliver loves developing tricks address (P&P extra). Credit cards (Visa and Mastercard) and cheques
with new plots. His first book, The Plot Thickens, was a critical drawn on a UK bank accepted (cheques payable to “CMA Ltd”).
and commercial success, and his work has been compared to
Paul Harris and Jay Sankey. In this fun and informative lecture
you’ll learn a range of tricks, designed to be original yet
practical. For more information Email
ShowcaseSales@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
or telephone 0207 387 2222
Monday 24
TMC AUCTION – Auctioneer, Rob Cox MIMC

Monday 31
THE COUNCIL ENTERTAINS – Hosted by Richard Pinner MIMC
(Show)

Looking ahead to February…

Monday 7
PATRICK PAGE – A TRIBUTE – Hosted by Mandy Muden MIMC
(Show)

Monday 14
MAGIC FOR LOVERS – Valentine’s Day magic hosted by Steve
Change of address? Contact Secretary Chris Wood,
Dela AIMC
Secretary@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
Member in need? Contact Chaplain and Welfare Officer,
Peter Liddelow, Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk

32 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR JANUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk