the magic

DUNCAN TRILLO
MAGIC ACT TO MAGICWEEK
 THE MAGAZINE OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE Issue 1135 Volume 105 FEBRUARY 2011

Features
38 The Hoffmann Memorial Lecture – by Will Houstoun
Circular reasoning
40 Old Fashioned Entertainment Lives in Stephenson On Reviews
Way: The Magic Circle Christmas Show – hy should

Page 41
44
by John Derris
Duncan Trillo: Magic Act to MagicWeek –
by Matthew Field W we include
reviews in
The Magic Circular?
Regulars That’s a valid subject
34 President’s View for debate, but I
34 News believe that many Members of The
36 Letters to the Editor Magic Circle want to know about new
37 Obituaries
products in the marketplace, as it is
37 The Magic Circle Cares – Rev. Peter Liddelow
Page 42 39 Cheeky Dog Chicanery – David Tomkins one indicator of our changing Art.
42 The Cecil Lyle Award – ‘The Best ‘till Last’ I also hope that reading the reviews
by Harry Reeve is a pleasurable pursuit.
42 Circular Journeys – by Matthew Field I’ve had a couple of enquiries about
48 A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities – this section and thought I might
by Prof. Edwin A. Dawes
52 Club Night Events – explain a few things. First, the
Mandy Davis Convenor of Reports products reviewed are for the most
Page 52 55 Adopt, Adapt and Improve – Walford Taylor part those submitted by Murphy’s
58 Magic in the Regions – by Elizabeth Warlock Magic Supplies, the largest magic
59 In Review wholesaler, while others are sent
62 Council Minutes directly by magic suppliers or
63 My Favourite Magic Books – by Michael Bailey
63 Notes from a Working Magician – publishers. Occasionally the reviews
by Stephen Ablett are of props purchased by myself or
64 Forthcoming Club Events – another reviewer.
Page 55 Brian Sibley and Mandy Davis The prices listed are those at which
EDITORIAL 07910 317 902 DESIGN 020 8521 2631 the product has actually been offered
EDITOR Matthew Field ART DIRECTOR for sale. That explains why, at times,
Editor@TheMagicCircle.co.uk John Hawkins for products produced in the US the
102 Priory Road john.hawkins.7@btinternet.com
Hastings 104d Grove Road price in pounds sterling is higher than
East Sussex TN34 3JE Walthamstow E17 9BY a simple currency conversion rate.
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tim Reed PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Ward
I try to have the reviews written by
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Anthony Brahams, Dr Edwin Dawes, ADVERTISING 07767 336882 people with experience in the subject
Scott Penrose, Ian Rowland, BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING MANAGER of the product (cards, coins, kids,
David Tomkins Scott Penrose
Cover CONVENOR OF REPORTS Advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
history) and the ability to write a brief
Duncan Trillo Mandy Davis 17 Berkeley Drive, review, because that’s our specialty.
Mandy@TheMagicCircle.co.uk Billericay The reviews are meant to be
OBITUARIES Alan Snowden, Essex CM12 0YP
5 Folkington Corner, Woodside Park, MISSING AND BACK ISSUES informative, entertaining and indicate
London N12 7BH 01923 267 057 value for money.
020 8445 7607 Michael Candy
PROOFREADERS Sound of Music, Harthall Lane,
Cheryl Bell, Hemel Hempstead, In case anyone notices, Ian Rowland’s
Paul Bromley, Julie Carpenter, Herts HP3 8SE ‘Circular Mentalism’ column is missing
Barry Cooper, Tim Reed, PRINTED BY
Published by The Magic Circle Lionel Russell, Mary Stupple Perfect Imaging Ltd 020 8806 6630 this month due to circumstances
12 Stephenson Way Copyright © 2011 by The Magic Circle. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, beyond our control, but will return in
London NW1 2HD stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
VAT Reg No 233 8369 51 photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the Editor of The Magic Circular.
Views expressed in The Magic Circular are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views
March.
All enquiries 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
T 020 7387 2222 responsibility for any errors or omissions.
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
whenever possible.
President’s view Circular news
The Magic Circle on QI
hen it comes to public relations, The cover our requirements to date but now we Scott Penrose was featured

W Magic Circle is in a dilemma. Should

we take the mystery route, “House
of Ten Thousand Secrets”, and trust that the
are suffering an economic downturn. As well
as the day to day running costs, we need to
have funds available for inevitable renovations
on a special Christmas edition
of the popular BBC quiz
programme QI which stars
public will be so intrigued by this arcane and repairs. Stephen Fry. The episode,
society that they will do all in their power to What do we do? We use our magical vision subtitled ‘Hocus Pocus’, had
uncover its fascinating secrets? Or should we and turn a problem into an opportunity. Harrry Potter star Daniel
grab every publicity opportunity with both While still being a society of secrets, we Radcliffe as a special guest
hands and head for the headlines? should stop being a secret society. While contestant alongside
We have been trying to benefit from the keeping the secrets of our craft, we should comedians Graham Norton,
best of both worlds: where the location of blossom out and become an exciting, universally Lee Mack and Alan Davies.
The Magic Circle is thought to be a secret acclaimed, dynamic force in showbiz! Scott performed the trick of
known only to a select few but is in fact the Current Council meetings bristle with new pulling the head off a live dove
worst kept secret of all. and exciting ideas. We expected change, now
Why does it matter? Gone are the days of we are getting it. How do we become more
Chenies Mews when everyone was a ‘show-busy’?
gentleman and The Magic Circle a We need stars. If we can’t find enough we
gentleman’s club. Since then things have will have to make them ourselves. They were
moved on and The Magic Circle has moved plentiful in the 50s; who are the stars now?
with the times. Now our membership is We need to put on more events for the
graced by some seventy women, and we public. Not just meet The Magic Circle, meet
actually have our very own headquarters. the public!
It matters because owning a building brings We need a regular “Stars of The Magic
with it responsibility; the responsibility of a Circle Show” featuring one big magical ‘star Scott Penrose and Stephen Fry
major financial commitment. The cost of the name’ supported by strong variety acts. Once and restoring it.
upkeep and administration of the Centre for the show is established, magicians at the top Nick Fitzherbert, The Magic
the Magic Arts is in the region of a quarter of of the bill will be accepted as stars by Circle’s PRO, reports that
a million pounds per year. Where does it association. All the top pros will want to be “two of the QI’s ‘Question
come from? considered worthy of that position. Wranglers’ toured The Magic
The most lucrative source is the hiring of the To make the shows a success it is essential Circle HQ, meeting key
venue to the corporate world. Another source that we build a database of supporters. You representatives including
is magical events aimed at the general public may by now have heard that Council has Museum Curator Lionel Russell,
and most successful of these are the very agreed unanimously to a project I have been Archivist David Hibberd and
popular “Meet the Magic Circle” evenings and banging-on about for years – Friends of The Librarian Peter Lane. They were
the annual “Magic Circle Christmas Show”. Magic Circle. This is the way forward. looking for history, characters
These projects together have proved There is always a stir in the Clubroom when and quirks for the show.
successful in producing sufficient funds to well-known personalities visit. I would like to Having worked out a format,
see more of this. The more celebrity names Vice President Scott Penrose
that get mentioned in connection with magic met the producers to re-create
the better. If you know a “name” who likes one of the tricks discussed by
magic, please let me know. I would be delighted the contestants and also to
to give them the VIP treatment at the club. provide special illusions for
A recent visit by former Formula 1 World the show’s climax”.
Champion, Nigel Mansell, was a huge success. The programme aired on
If the idea of The Magic Circle becoming a BBC1 on Christmas Eve, with
high profile organisation appeals to you, with an extended edition on BBC2
valuable publicity spin-offs to magic in on 29 December.
general, and our members in particular, please Our headquarters and
get behind this exciting scheme. We have the Theatre were featured on BBC
talent, let’s embrace the vision. 1’s New Tricks detective series
over the Christmas holiday.

Davenports Present
West End Magic
The Davenports Demon Magic
Club are presenting West End
Jack Delvin MIMC Magic on Sunday 26 February
President@TheMagicCircle.co.uk at London’s New Players Theatre.
The magic show features

34 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Romany to Compete at and was named the Academy access or wish a printed copy,
Blackpool’s Euro FISM of Magic Arts Magician of the contact our valiant Secretary,
After she competes at the Euro Year and Best Close-up Chris Wood, by leaving a
FISM event at the Blackpool Magician in 1972. He served message at our headquarters,
magic convention (which takes on the AMA board of directors 020 7387 2222
place 18, 19 and 20 February) and was a vice-president. A
Romany, the Diva of Magic and book of his magic, The Semi-Circles
winner of The Magic Circle’s Uncanny Scot by Richard Member Jeremy Le Poidevin’s
Stage Magician of the Year Kaufman was published in 1987 new book from Practical Magic
contest, has been invited to and his recent Tales of the is The World of Children’s
join the line-up of ten world- Uncanny Scot was reviewed in Magic in which 60 magicians
Members Lee class competitors at the World the October Circular. from around the world
Hathaway and Oliver Tabor with Magic Seminar in Las Vegas (27 contribute one trick or article
Paul Henri, Phil Blackmore, 2010 Magic Circular each. All profits will go to
Wayne Trice, James Pritchard, Index Now On Line global children’s charities. With
Steve Majes and vocalist Dr. C. Michael Colley has once a foreword by our President,
Georgia Lee. More info at again earned our collective, Jack Delvin, the 175 page book
www.NewPlayersTheatre.com. deep thanks for compiling an will premiere at the February
index of what appeared in The Blackpool Magic Convention.
Woodward on the Magic Circular during calendar More info at www.practical-
Radio year 2010. This is of inestimable magic.com ... Member
Photo ©BBC

Our own Chris Woodward use to researchers, historians Bruce Glen, ‘The Gentleman
appeared on BBC Radio 2 in a and your Editor as well. Magician’, is appearing at
two-part programme about the It’s in the Member’s section the Adelaide Fringe Festival,
centenary of the London of www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk. 16 February – 6 March with a
Palladium which aired on under Library/The Magic one-man show at the Ayers
Christmas Day and Boxing Day. Circular. House Museum. Info at
You can read a report of Chris’s If you do not have internet www.BespokeMagic.com.uk.
Club Night presentation about
Romany
magicians who have appeared

FLEXION
at the venerable landmark in February – 2 March). “I just
next month’s Circular. want to meet Siegfried & Roy’s
white tigers – anything else is a An incredible new key bending
Nigel Mansell Races In bonus!” she says. Details of routine with a presentation that
to The Magic Circle the conventions at separates it from the rest. Uses
an ingenious gimmick hidden in
www.BlackpoolMagic.com and
plain sight! Learn ideas from
www.TheWorldMagicSeminar Gregory Wilson and an amazing
.com. impromptu key bend that has to
be seen to be believed!
Ron Wilson Death
Very sad to report the death of
former MIMC Ron Wilson, who See these two new products from Jon Allen in action. Simply
passed away on 18 December scan each QR code with your phone and go online to watch
in Hollywood, California. Born the videos. Itʼs that easy! Donʼt have a phone scanner? No
problem. Download the ʻi-nigmaʼ app for free on the Internet.
in Dundee, Scotland on 1 Oct
1926, ‘The Uncanny Scot’ Flexion, Double Back and more available at:
Nigel Mansell and Jack Delvin moved to Windsor, Canada in www.onlinemagicshop.co.uk
Racing car driver Nigel Mansell 1952 and then to Los Angeles
OBE was a guest at The Magic in 1966 where he performed
Circle in December. Mansell on and booked cruise ships. He
won the 1992 Formula One was for many years the talent
D UBLE
BA K
World Championship and 1993 booker for The Magic Castle
CART Indy Car World Series.
His 31 victories make him the One of the most acclaimed
most successful Formula One packet tricks of all time is back!
driver of all time. He spent time Visually stunning transposition.
in the Club Room where, Comes with new, in-depth DVD
instructions containing handling
accompanied by our President,
tips and subtleties.
Jack Delvin, he was the centre
of attention.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 35

Letters to the Editor
Most Prestigious is on performing CMR not history, which seemingly off-the-cuff, historical talk by
I was interested (and disappointed) to read should make it of great interest to Chris Woodward on 13 December.
Paul Roffman’s letter in TMC (December) performers looking for something unique Members unable to attend missed a rare
in which he wrote, “As to the public – especially as it does not require any treat by a real professional.
perceiving The Magic Circle as meaning setup, moves or gimmicks. Chris, who has written the book The
excellence in the art, I think only people Some brief comments (not criticisms): London Palladium: The Story of the Theatre
over a certain age have any concept that the image of J. Randall Brown was done and Its Stars, obviously did endless
The Magic Circle exists, let alone what it by an artist for the New York Daily research to achieve such a masterpiece.
actually is or what it stands for.” I am not Graphic which Brown then incorporated It was a joy to listen to his account of
sure what “over a certain age” is, but if into his first poster. Irving Bishop never famous magicians and others of the past
his assessment is true then it is a sad and worked as an assistant for Brown, nor did who appeared at this world-renowned
shocking revelation and one which needs he trade his Anna Eva Fay exposure to venue.
to be analysed and addressed. Brown for instruction in thought reading. Thank you, Chris, for a most inspiring
When I was six or seven my father told He watched Brown perform at Chickering and nostalgic evening.
me about The Magic Circle in tones of awe, Hall in 1877 and, seeing the full house, Ian Fletcher AIMC
so that my respect for the Society was began to practise thought reading.
inculcated from an early age. We need Garner worked as a private secretary for Ali Bongo Saturday Shows
this pattern of early awareness to be Bishop for six weeks when Bishop simply I have often attended Ali Bongo’s
perpetuated in our youngsters. For a start, disappeared on a “journey to India”. Garner Saturday Shows with guests; we have
I have two suggestions to spread the gospel: also saw the money that Bishop was always enjoyed a great evening. These
(1) it might be possible to approach the making and spending at a rapid rate, shows are first class and at £8.00 per
manufacturers and publishers of present- structured a more upper middle-class head excellent value for money.
day Boxed Magic Sets and persuade them persona in Stuart Charles Francis There is close-up magic in the Devant
to mention The Magic Circle in their Cumberland and began with exposures of Room followed by a full stage show in
instruction booklets and (2) if a performer mediums as Bishop had done. Bishop the theatre. Most of my guests request a
knows that a local reporter is likely to be actually was in three of Cumberland’s second visit and more. The organisers of
reporting his performance, he could ask early audiences, but did not see any this event are to be commended for their
him if he wouldn’t mind specifically competition in Cumberland. hard work in securing top performers in
mentioning that he is a member of “the As an aside, Randall Brown’s signature our magical world.
world famous Magic Circle”. stunt is described in some detail in my If readers have friends or family who
However, I am not so pessimistic as to Gibeciere article. It was not CMR. The enjoy magical entertainment then I can
believe that his proposition is true. workings are described in detail and recommend these shows.
Otherwise why should magicians be so resembles something that Dunninger Michael Gurr MMC
ready to claim to be members when they would have done. It is the earliest explicit
are not? And as some reassurance I would description of the impression pad that I The Woodward Man Speaks
draw attention to an article in easyJet’s in- have yet come across. Nadine and I had been away and on our
flight magazine Traveller last March Like many people who enjoy magic doorstep waiting for our return the
entitled ‘Tricks of the Trade’ by Claire history, I had not paid a great deal of postman had left a large envelope
Martin in which, in writing about member attention to Cumberland before as he containing ‘Patrick Page – The Pageboy
Nick Fitzherbert, she writes, “Nick became seemed sort of the last in line. However, Speaks … Again.’ I wish the postman
a member of the illustrious Magic Circle after doing the historical digging, I now would leave a package of this quality
(themagiccircle.co.uk.), the world’s most find him the most interesting of the first every time. A great read! Having read it
prestigious magical society” [my three thought readers: a Fellow of the from cover to cover I want to read it all
emboldenment]. I am sure that the said Royal Geographical Society, a successful over again it is that good.
Claire Martin would not consider herself author and writer (Todd Karr Order your copy now from
as being “over a certain age”! [www.MiracleFactory.net] has most of www.patrickpagemagic.co.uk.
Walford Taylor AIMC Cumberland’s writings on one CD), a Chris Woodward MIMC
successful performer, and, unlike Brown [The book is reviewed in this issue. Ed.]
Adopt, Adapt, Addend and Bishop, someone who kept his
Enjoyed Walford Taylor’s article in the money, comfortably retiring far away from Christmas Cheer
December Circular on thought reading, or the butcher shop in East Oxford. In Many thanks to the ten magicians and the
as he calls it, CMR. Cumberland’s 1922 obituary in the efforts of thirty or so other members for
I wrote the first complete history of London Times, there was no mention of the superb Christmas Show. It was full of
thought reading, “The Thought Reader Charles Garner and the butcher shop. fun, laughter and amazing magic and
Craze”, with a sixteen-page bibliography Barry Wiley AIMC certainly for our family was one of the
that appeared in Gibeciere, Vol. 4, No. 1 highlights of the festive season. We could
(2009), and I am currently working on a Thank You, Chris Woodward endorse the comments of one visitor who
book of the same name to be published I am so glad the cold weather did not was overheard saying, “That was
by McFarland next Fall. Mr. Taylor’s focus deter me from listening to the wonderful, fantastic. It surely must be the best show

36 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Obituaries
in London!” The endeavours of all
concerned are much appreciated. friends and family with his tricks.
Peter Liddelow AIMC His magic came from within and he
had many other interests in his life as
‘Bah, Humbug’ – Ed. well. He was a telegrapher on landing
Can anyone tell the magic flock what craft in World War II and every once in
happened to Christmas in the pages of a while he would try and teach his
the Christmas issue of The Magic family the Morse Code. A keen
Circular? Not a mention of this magical detecterist – he would go out most
time – now there’s a vanishing trick! Sundays looking for treasure but,
Mark Raffles MIMC Ken Holyoake MMC mostly, enjoying the company of the
20 July 1928 – 2 September 2010 other detecterists.
I thought we were giving everyone a It is with deep regret that I have to He was a keen swimmer and, when
seasonal treat by putting Kerry Scorah on report the death of Ken Holyoake. Ken he had the time, he could be found in
the cover. Ed. loved magic and was involved in it for his allotment planting some more
nearly 70 years since a friend in the vegetables and maybe adding another
Errata Navy showed him a trick. Whether he first prize for his vegetables to his many
The address given in the review of Lewis was showing another one of his card winnings.
Jones’s Top Score book in the last issue tricks, producing a birthday cake for his To his son, David, and his family, we
changed after we went to press. The grand-daughter, or tying a knot in a tie send our sincere sympathy for their
book is £40 (about $60) post paid with one hand for the umpteenth time, great loss.
worldwide via PayPal to he loved his magic and delighting Alan Snowden MIMC
lewis@susheela.eclipse.co.uk.

by Peter Liddelow AIMC The Magic Circle Chaplain and Welfare Officer
It is with deep sadness that we must Christopher Trollope MMC who is Contact addresses:
report the death of Terry Seabrooke convalescing following a heart operation. Alan Snowden MIMC – 5 Folkington
MIMC. An obituary will appear in the Together with them, please continue to Corner, Woodside Park,
next issue. We said a sad farewell to remember other members of our Magic London N12 7BH.
Kath Snowden (Alan’s wife) aged 92 Circle family previously mentioned for Bernhard Schmitz MMC (close friend
just a few days before Alan celebrated their ongoing treatment and care, namely: of Stephan Stamm) – Bruderstr,
his 90th birthday. Kath has been a Bobby Bernard, Steve Dacri, David 17 Remscheid, 42853 Germany.
tremendous support to Alan over the Haggarty, John Southgate, John Styles, Peter D’Arcy MIMC – Beaumont Care
years in all that he has contributed to Nick Ward and Andrew Webb. Home, Rickmansworth Road,
The Magic Circle. Stephan Stamm Chorleywood, Herts. WD3 5BY.
AIMC aged 82 has also sadly passed The severe winter weather conditions Derek Hilton MMC – 23 Sunningdale,
away. His wife died last year. Stephan caused considerable difficulty to those Luton, Beds LU2 7TF.
was President of The Cologne Magic travelling to engagements and several Christopher Trollope MMC –
Circle. There were tears in our eyes but were grateful to friends who came to the 2 The Croft, Leybourne, West Malling,
joy in our hearts knowing that our rescue by offering hospitality. Some of our Kent, ME19 5QD.
friends are now at peace and that ‘In elderly and infirm members who were
God’s presence there is joy for snowbound very much appreciated the If you hear of members or their families
evermore’ (Psalm 16:11). watchful eye and practical help given by who are sick or facing hard
fellow members. times please contact:
Also keep in your thoughts and prayers Just a thought – Yesterday is history, –
Peter D’Arcy MIMC who is rather frail Tomorrow is a mystery, – Today is a gift – Peter Liddelow
and has had another spell in hospital. that’s why it’s called the present! – Let us (Chaplain and Welfare Officer)
He has now been moved to a Care make the most of it and take the time to 23 Kings Road, Barnet
Home in Chorleywood. Derek Hilton send a condolence message or get-well Herts. EN5 4EF
MMC is in hospital recovering from card which can be a source of great T. 020 8441 2968
bypass heart surgery and also comfort and encouragement. E. Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 37

 THE The Qualities of a Classical Feat of
Magic (1954).
delivery as a lecture.
Every member of The Magic Circle,

HOFFMANN
The Possibilities of Raising the General irrespective of degree, shall be eligible to
Standard of The Appreciation of Magic as compete.
an Art through the medium of Television, The lecture, which should be 4,000

MEMORIAL and by any other means (1955).

The lectures were popular, all being well
words in length, shall be delivered to the
organiser of the competition as a word

LECTURE
by Will Houstoun AIMC
reviewed in The Magic Circular and were
positively commented on in The Linking
Ring and Abracadabra. They have since
processed document either physically or
by e-mail.
No indication of the name of the author
had an impact on magic literature (for will be permitted in the manuscript
example, Peter Warlock’s lecture is submitted, whether directly or indirectly,
referenced by Stewart James in Volume and any infringement of this Rule will
One of The James File). disqualify. Each competitor should instead
Because The Hoffmann Memorial Lecture use a covering letter/e-mail to identify
will both lead to some interesting research themselves as the author to the competition
and some interesting lectures, fifty-six years organiser. Only the manuscript itself will
after it stopped it is going to be restarted. then be passed to the judges.
The topic for 2011 is: “What are the Effects The subject-matter for competition in
of Exposure on Magic” and here are just a any year shall be announced in The Magic
few possible ways to approach it: Circular not later than the February issue
● Historical exposure as a tool for larger of each year.
change. (e.g. The use of exposure of The closing date for receipt of entries by
magic as part of The Discoverie of the judge shall be 31 August of each year.
Witchcraft’s larger argument against The subject matter for the thesis for the
witchcraft in the 16th century or in 2011 Prize shall be decided upon by the
The Refutation of all Heresies as a tool eight leaders of the COGs groups, and in
he idea for The Hoffmann Memorial to discredit Gnostic and Pagan belief successive years the subject matter shall be

T lecture was first suggested by Dr. O.

H. Bowden and agreed by Council on
1 November 1949. It was first described in
systems in the third century).
● Exposure as a catalyst for magical
development. (e.g. Hoffmann’s books
decided upon by this group based on the
suggestions of the current prizewinner.
One leader from each of the COGs
the June issue of The Magic Circular, were widely viewed as damaging groups (Technique, History, Theory and
1950, where the following was printed to exposures at the time they were Performance) will be on the judging panel.
indicate the lecture’s aims: published but later became highly The Hoffmann Prize award shall be
The purpose of this competition will be regarded books in the development of one year’s dues for membership of The
to encourage research into subjects many significant magicians’ careers). Magic Circle.
related to the history, theory and practice ● Exposure on the Internet. (e.g. How has The prizewinner of any year shall be
of magic, and the dissemination of this the increasing ease with which people can ineligible to compete in the competition
information in the form of lectures. access exposed magic on the internet of the year following his successful entry.
The first topic was set by Dr. Bowden affected the magic world?) The copyright of lectures will remain
and the submissions judged by him, and with the author but if they are published
from then onwards the topic for the next THE HOFFMANN MEMORIAL it must be noted that they were originally
year’s lecture was set and judged by the LECTURE TOPIC FOR 2011 written for The Magic Circle’s Hoffmann
current winner. There was also a prize of “What Are the Effects of Exposure on Memorial Lecture.
£21 for the winning entrant. Magicians Magic?” The prizewinning lecture shall be
who won the award include Trevor Hall, delivered personally by the author,
Peter Warlock, Ernest Wethered and Hoffmann Memorial Prize whenever possible, in the month of
Charles Harrison and the titles for the A year’s dues for membership of The November or December at Magic Circle
lectures included: Magic Circle and a limited edition Headquarters and then published in The
Professor Hoffmann (1950). Hoffmann print. Magic Circular and made available on the
The Creation of A Magical Effect – website after the lecture has been given.
Methods of Evolution in the Past, and Rules of The Competition The Council of The Magic Circle shall be
the Application of these Principles to The objects of this competition are to able to make any variation considered to
Development in the Future (1951). stimulate research and experiment into be of advantage to The Magic Circle, and
Robert-Houdin defined a Conjurer as an subjects relating to the history, theory and in the interests of the Memorial.
actor playing the part of a Magician. practice of magic, and to publish the Any questions or submissions for the
Consider and discuss to what extent in results of these efforts by way of lecture Hoffmann Memorial Lecture should be
the past effect has been given to this on a Monday night meeting and a sent to hoffmann@themagiccircle.co.uk
conception of the Magic Art and whether, subsequent article in The Magic Circular or The Hoffmann Memorial Lecture,
and to what extent, effect can be given to and on The Magic Circle Website. The Magic Circle,
it under present day conditions (1952). The competition shall be in the form of 12 Stephenson Way,
Some Aspects of The Flying Cards (1953). a thesis on a given subject, suitable for London NW1 2HD.

38 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 David Tomkins MIMC

How much?
bout two months ago, the phone 5.00pm? I asked him if it was the party coffee and wait. 5.30pm the client and

A rang and a customer asked me if

I was free to do a children’s
birthday show on the coming Friday at
arranged at the Pizza Hut? It was! He
asked me if I was free, how much I
charged for just half an hour show? I
family members finally arrive! One of
them strolls over to us and asks us if we
can hang on another 15 minutes till all
5.00pm. Checking the diary, the date politely explained that I had already had the children get there? Eventually the
was free! (Makes a change; most the same conversation (in great length) show kicked off at 5.55pm!
people go for the weekends!) With a with another member of his family a few As it all turned out, the children were
smile, I said yes. She followed on by days earlier and for him to go and have a very well behaved. They all sat and
saying it was at the Hatters Way Pizza chat with her about it. He continued to enjoyed the show for a full hour. (Why
Hut in Luton! Not exactly the ideal ask all the same questions. I was getting does it always feel like you’re
entertainment venue! The next thing quite exasperated by now. Eventually he entertaining the entire restaurant when
she asked was how long was a show went off with exactly the same you work in that type of place?) The
for six-year-olds and how much? I information that I had given to his sister. lady and her brother didn’t seem to
replied an hour, then quoted my normal The night before the party, Jacquie and watch much of the show, though.
fee. Her response was to tell me that I had been out to visit friends, returning Maybe they were a bit embarrassed
earlier in the summer they’d had home about 10.30pm. On playing the over the telephone conversations. After
another entertainer who did a show for answerphone we listened to a rather the show, we packed down. We were
her three-year-old and his friends out in pleading message from the original lady, offered all the pizza we could eat. Even
the garden. The saying how much she still wanted us to Grandma came over, a lovely lady and
children had got bored attend the party at the Pizza Hut. If we offered for us to pop in for Sunday
after half an hour and wanted any or all of the payment up front lunch anytime!
run off to play before, then that was My advice is:
instead! (I was thinking, fine, she would ● Be aware of what the competition is
what has a past three- get it to us. In charging. Quote a realistic fee and stick
year-old’s party got to do with a view of the to it.
forthcoming six-year-old’s party?) history of ● With normal everyday
She continued by saying that, in her the enquiries, don’t drop your
opinion, a half an hour would prices. It could backfire on
be ample this time and how you. You could end up
much was I going to knock off being challenged by one
my fee? Reducing my fee definitely client, as to why they were
wasn’t the right thing to do on this quoted X amount whilst Mrs
occasion. And to agree to only doing situation I So-and-So down the road got a
a half hour show was to concede that sent a message discount for exactly the same show.
I “could only hold an audience of back saying that (I quote the same for a 45-minute under
six-year-olds for only half an hour,” providing full advance payment was five’s show as I do for an hour’s show
based on her experience with her received by lunchtime on the Friday for older children, as you are still involved
three-year-old. morning, then we would go and perform in the same travelling time and costs.
I explained that what I quoted was at the party. An envelope arrived through ● Strive to be the best entertainer in
my minimum professional fee and I was our letter box at 1.30pm Friday. your area. Build up a good strong
sorry that I couldn’t make a reduction. Having crawled along with all the late reputation so clients will want to
The conversation continued for about afternoon Friday work traffic, from one book you!
20 minutes with her giving me all sorts side of Luton to the other, we finally One line that the late Richard Stupple
of “reasons” why I should reduce my arrived at the Pizza Hut with half an hour used to say if a client told him that
fee and only do half an hour. In the end to spare. We go in and are shown to the they’d had a cheaper quote from
she decided to go off and have a chat “performing area”, a tight space between “Uncle ****”. He’d say, “Well book
with her husband. the wall and a non-movable table! him then!” Richard would sometimes
Three days passed, Friday was Anyway ... Fast forward to 5.00pm. The conclude by saying to the customer,
approaching and yes, you’ve guessed it. show is set. The restaurant has general “Well, Madam, it depends whether
The phone rang, but it wasn’t “her”. A diners but no client or guests! Good job you want good ... or cheap! You
man asked me if I was free on Friday at we didn’t have to rush off! We order a only get what you pay for!”

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 39

 OLD FASHIONED
ENTERTAINMENT
LIVES IN
STEPHENSON WAY
The Magic Circle Christmas Show
Written and photographed by John Derris MIMC

hilst I enjoy the innovative stage shows at magic

W conventions, being brought up on variety theatres

sixty years ago, I have a passion for – variety. Which is
why I was delightfully wafted back to my youth with the choice
of acts put together by director David Ball and producer Peter
Scarlett for the 2010 Magic Circle Christmas Show, again a
Buy books, DVD’s, sell-out by October. Yes, the acts were all themed on magic but
magazines, ephemera, the variety of the mix was worthy of a magical Gordon Ramsay.
In my opinion the Number One magic compere today is
cards, silks, magic sets, Noel Britten. Raised in a magic environment, he adds a brilliant
magicians for hire style of original humour that has no rivals and no expletives.
His visual and verbal comedy engages immediately with the
and more audience, fulfilling a guaranteed laugh every seven seconds
Tel: 01362 859491 (Jack Benny’s criteria for comedic success) which has brought
him success in magic as well as the comedy clubs (few
All available for sale online at
“comedy” magicians have done that). He was the perfect
www.magicianslibrary.com Master of Ceremonies for this show.
The youth section of the Circle has introduced some excellent
talent to the club, personified by 16-year-old Stephen Williams.
Slim, dressed formally in tails and presenting classic magic
including candles, doves, silks, he gave a very good presentation
of the floating table with a member of the audience, and
finished with a spectacular snowstorm effect. Don’t knock the
classics as old-fashioned; performed well, as we saw here, they
are as pleasing to the audience as they’ve always been.
A rush of pink coloured feathers and silk poured onto the
stage wrapped around Romany, a young woman who has
proved in the last few years that she is going places. A great
personality, she engages and flirts with the audience and has a
quality of magic that has won her many awards including the
Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year. Dressed like a
Marlene Dietrich saloon bar girl, her magic is excellent with
bird cage productions, Gypsy thread, a brief linking ring
routine with a silk (and a stunning vanish of the ring), a card
effect and a rope routine with a member of the audience,
during which she steals and dons his jacket under the tied
ropes. Romany is about to enter some international
competitions including FISM and I predict success.
An interval followed with under-your-nose magic from
Michael Carr, Dennis Patten, Alan Maskell and Chris Wood,
then it was back to the theatre with more variety –
ventriloquism. Gone are the days of a cheeky boy sitting on his
master’s knee with verbal conflict. Today’s vents includes a
parade of very mobile characters, ranging from a grumpy old
man to a baby, and a “thing” called Elmo, all presented by
Steve Hewlett. It’s not that his vent technique is not good, but
the characterisation of the figures and the scripts nowadays
are so good you never look at the vent’s lips. This was a very
modern, professional and entertaining act.
Next, smooth as a Californian seashore pebble, came the

40 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

legendary Dale Salwak from the USA, the man behind the cabinet, transpositions with his assistant tied to a brick wall, and
successful Chavez Studio of Magic, who has taught some of the the barrel illusion, whereby she escapes from a barrel enclosed
greats of the art including Channing Pollock, Norm Nielsen and with steel bars only to appear in an adjoining barrel (last time I
others. Immaculate in dress and style, he performed classics such saw that illusion it was performed by Jasper Maskylene sixty
as would have been tutored in the school – card fans, years ago, but is still a great effect), plus a multi penetration of a
productions, silk penetration through cane, production of a huge small cardboard box – with the assistant inside.
cluster of silks, the Miser’s Dream and Zombie (a routine with an Then came a final illusion that made the audience wince.
echo of the late Neil Foster), all performed in a way that we all A post, to which a number of deadly barbed wire hoops were
dreamed of in our first fumblings in magic. Again it proved that attached, was covered momentarily, only to then reveal his
good magic well-performed is not dated and has as much trembling assistant enclosed inside! You could feel the tension
appeal today as when T. Nelson Downs and others amazed their run through the 165 seats in this show, now in its thirteenth
audiences a hundred years ago. year. And then – the end. Brought to a close by Noel Britten,
Always close with a bang they say, and so Martyn James and it fittingly climaxed another Magic Circle production that
his company and a van-load of illusions took the stage and did proved once again that there are people who still prefer “
just that, sprinkled with comedy between himself and his very old-fashioned”, live entertainment, and not just kids
attractive assistant. He performed a production from a glass and pensioners!

Row 1: Steve Hewlett,

Martyn James and Co.
and Stephen Williams,
Row 2: Dale Salwak,
Noel Britten, Romany
and some kids!

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 41

Dennis Patten Michael Carr Alan Maskell Chris Wood
 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

The Best ‘till Last (The trick that works itself) by Harry Reeve MIMC
have searched for the origin of this trick without success. was worried – his cards ... destroyed!

I It was first shown to me by Johnny Thompson (The Great

Tomsoni) when he conducted a small workshop at The
Magic Circle Centenary Convention. Since then I’ve seen it
Problem: I have to give the two pocketed cards back. The get-
out: Ask lender to cut the pack into two piles side by side. Time
to retrieve and palm the coat-pocket cards. Rearrange the piles,
written up without authorship. The title is also mine which adding the palmed two on one pile. Stack both as one pile,
describes the routine perfectly in its original version. It is a card those two now sandwiched, and ask him to check that the other
trick which is not a card trick. two cards he first selected are in the pack. Whilst doing this, pick
Effect: Three cards are chosen. One is remembered by the up the torn pieces and pretend to drop them into empty card case
helper and they are all placed into the empty inside left breast – actually once again palm them. Drop them into pocket as you
pocket of the magician’s coat. By the hocus pocus of pretending bring out a lighter. Strike flame and warm bottom of card case
to read thoughts, the magician dips into the pocket, feels the to melt away the torn pieces. By this time the helper will have
cards, pulls out and eliminates two, one at a time. Nothing has happily discovered all his cards. Panic over and so is the trick.
been said. The helper names the thought card and it, the last, The same idea can be worked with plain pieces of white card.
is taken from the pocket and found to be – correct! I printed any names on the two cards in my shirt pocket. When
No sleights, no switches, no funny moves, no marked cards, produced, introducing a quick flash glimpse whilst tearing,
no readers – nothing! It’s all a big con. So simple a child can do signalled an assuring convincer. This, at the moment, is my final
it. You must wear a shirt with a patch breast pocket and a sports solution of Thompson’s original. I have dressed it up with a
jacket. Place any two cards from the working pack into it, backs special patter theme and named it ‘Bio-chem Reveal’.
face outwards. So, the first two cards revealed, but never
shown to the audience, come from the shirt pocket. As the Bio-chem Reveal
coat is almost closed, the takes are hidden, so the illusion is The theme is lightly based on DNA in forensic science, on an
perfect. Thus the three cards still remain in the coat pocket. apparent new (fictitious) discovery.
Ask the helper to name the thought card and dramatically pull
it from the coat pocket. By simple stacking with a descending Preparation: You need five pieces of white card about the size
value mnemonic this is the only difficult (?) or worrisome bit of of playing cards; a clear plastic wallet, for them, with a rib-
the trick. The best part is that it takes just two seconds to transfer groove (Zip-loc) type closer; also a felt tip pen. Print any first
the remaining two cards into the shirt pocket for a re-set. names on two of the cards and place these in your SHIRT left
My evolution: I discovered it had multiple variations. I patch pocket. Place the other cards in the wallet and seal. This
worked the trick, as above, for a long time. Then in a goes into the empty inside COAT left breast pocket with the pen.
magicians’ only situation another twist caused an amusing
shock. For the two cards in the shirt pocket I used blank faced Patter and Presentation: “Are you aware there has been a
cards. Having borrowed the pack and used the three cards as new breakthrough in forensic science with DNA? A person can
before, I produced the first two and tore them up. The lender leave traces of their DNA anywhere and it can be microscopically

Circular
well as the International Magic shop in performances of the Gala Magic Show
Clerkenwell, and there is an intimacy and which are open to the public as well as the
warmth about this convention which I magician-attendees. It was a great pleasure

Journeys dearly love.

The acts are booked by Member Noel
Britten, who also comperes the two
to see many Members of The Magic Circle
in attendance, and especially for me to
interview our own David Ben who
by Matthew Field MIMC demonstrated some extraordinary skill.
Others Members participating included
agicians from the world over James Freedman who compered the close-

M gathered at the Mermaid Theatre

complex, quite near St. Paul’s
cathedral and overlooking the Thames, to
up competition and contestants Will Gray
and the winner of the contest and the
Kevin Reay trophy, Matthew Wright. The
attend three days packed with great judging panel included Members Joan
magic – the 39th International Magic Caesar and Domenico Dante.
Convention, known to most as Ron’s Day Sunday brought lectures, a close-up
after its founder, the late Ron MacMillan. gala show and the much-
Ron’s children, Martin and Georgina, and anticipated David Berglas
his widow, Teresa, now run the event, as International Award. In past

42 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 Matthew Wright www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

discovered Scientists have found that DNA can talk! Well not Remove and display, print side inwards, and pretend to ponder
exactly, but it communicates by vibrations! The tests are in the on its choice. Then suddenly tear it up and table the pieces.
experimental stage –would you like me to demonstrate this The printed side of a torn piece can be flashed as a fooling
amazing discovery? “ convincer. Do this in complete silence as if you need all your
Choose a victim and ask him/her to think of three persons powers to concentrate.
who have influenced their lives. Produce wallet and pen, making Repeat by removing the other card from SHIRT pocket.
a conscious visual display of the pocket, and place both on table. Again study the card with care, fingering all over, then
“Think of their first names. Open the wallet and remove the SLOWLY tear it up and table. Open coat. Dip fingers into
cards. They have been hermetically sealed and are sterile ....., free COAT pocket, lift up any card without disturbing its position,
from DNA. When you print the names of your chosen persons to show just a little of it for a brief moment. Push it back and
on each card only your DNA will be present! Choose ONE name pause, fingers still inside pocket.
and without me seeing, rub that card with your fingers.” “I feel no clear vibrations so far! That leaves me with just
Turn your back and wait until done. Instruct that they all be this one name remaining which seems to give out very positive
placed on the table, face up, in any random order side by side. vibes. Name your NAME!”
“At this moment neither you nor I know which person’s name As the name is announced, feel for the correct card in the
... (helpers name) ... has been chosen, even though we can see stack and pull it out with a determined, but quiet, flourish.
all three names. It matters not because ... (helpers name)’s ... Turn it and display to show name corresponds.
DNA will tell me by its vibrations. “ “Thus the power of DNA. The newly discovered
Read each name out aloud clearly. phenomenon which when fully developed could revolutionise
“Please slide the cards together and place mankind. One problem though! Be careful
them in this pocket”. what you handle... others will know your
Open coat to show pocket. Reading out the inner secrets just by touch alone!”
names helps you remember. Now you need to Play the whole routine as a
watch closely and note the stacked order of the demonstration to show the possibilities of
names, for later, as cards are placed in pocket. the DNA discovery. Never imply it is a
“For the first time I will touch the cards and magic trick although we know we are
feel their vibrations “. employing magic principles. Invoke the
Open coat again and dip fingers into the atmosphere that you are excited to share
COAT pocket but do not remove any card. Fig.1 this new (fake) scientific moment.
This is just a movement to misdirect. For a final dressing you may like to use the logo in Fig. 1
“Best if this is done in the dark ... no distractions! “ on the backs of the cards – an interesting ‘give-away’, and
With fingers still in place, close coat to hide the steal as you a reminder of your experiment in selecting
secretly transfer fingers for any card from the SHIRT pocket. their chosen person.

years the award has gone to the inimitable style, to fool 500 magicians at
MacMillan family, Uri Geller and David one go.
Copperfield (via Skype from Las Vegas). Featured in the Gala Show was Romany
After a suitable build-up, David presented, who was a hit with her appearing
again via Skype and on the big screen, birdcage act.
Juan Tamariz, perhaps the most influential Next year will mark the 40th anniversary
magician in the world, and a favourite of of Ron’s Day, and Noel hinted at big
everyone in magic. But after a few things afoot. The convention will start a
minutes in to the question and answer week earlier than usual, Friday the 18th to
session with the theatre audience the Sunday the 20th November, and will be
picture on the screen faltered, the audio preceded by a week of special magic
became choppy, and finally the picture performances and events in London.
froze. Disaster! But the unflappable You can get information at
Mr Berglas carried on and with a magical www.InternationalMagic.com as it
gesture produced, from behind the becomes available.
curtain, Juan Tamariz in the flesh. The You can find a much more complete
audience was beside themselves and report by me in the 4 December edition of
David Ben and Matthew Field
David Berglas had managed, in his MagicWeek, www.MagicWeek.co.uk.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 43

DUNCAN TRILLO
MAGIC ACT TO MAGICWEEK
by Matthew Field MIMC than a memory test. They weren’t testing to carry on doing a summer season every
creativity. I sat at the back of the year, because I didn’t want to live out of a
uncan Trillo MIMC is known to most classroom and sort of became the class suitcase and be on the road.

D UK magicians as the force behind

the popular MagicWeek website
(www.magicweek.co.uk) for which he
joker. I stopped working and failed all my
O-Levels bar one, which was technical
drawing. My parents were very concerned
M What did you think? Show business is
typically being on the road and living out
won The Magic Circle’s J.N. Maskelyne at the time. My father was in the of a suitcase.
Prize for excellence in magic literature. But hovercraft industry – a business and D (Laughs) A very good question. I guess
Duncan’s skills as a performer have also career-minded man – and here was one when you’re young, life’s pretty fast and
won him prestigious awards. of his sons saying he wanted to do magic you’re constantly reinventing yourself and
tricks. I left school and attended college rethinking your ideas. After that season I
Matthew Field: You won The Magic for a year to retake, and pass, my exams went back to my parents’ home and
Circle Stage Magician of the Year and then got a couple of jobs just to within four weeks I was auditioning in
competition in 2004. I presume you did a bring in some money. But it was an London for an American cruise company. I
version of the act which you had been advertisement in Abra looking for magic got the job with the dove act; the rabbits
doing, the manipulation act to music. demonstrators for Hamleys toy shop in stayed at home! I auditioned with a ten
What got you into manipulation and what London that turned things around. This minute act. In reality I had twenty minutes
got you into magic? was before Marvin’s Magic. A of material, and they said they wanted
Duncan Trillo: What got me into magic businessman and magician called John
was, as a child, a fascination with tricks Henley who had jointly run the Inzani-
and how they worked. I’d seen some Henley magic company had the new
magic in the school playground when I Hamleys magic concession. He gave me a
was six or seven; the Chinese wallet real break by hiring me, pitching Svengali
which cleverly switched items, and the decks and a small range of tricks that Ali
luggage tags trick where you could tell Bongo had been brought in to do the
the colour, behind your back, by touch packaging for. This was 1977 and I was
alone. The family went to Harrods for a 18 years old. I’d left home and stayed
Christmas treat when I was about eight, working at Hamleys for one and a half
we lived in Hampshire at the time, and years. That was my apprenticeship. It
there were two magicians demonstrating broke down the whole
tricks with cards and I was instantly drawn audience/performer barrier for me. I then
in. Coming home in the car I remember went back to my parents’ home at
opening up the trick and being very nineteen and spent about six months
disappointed to see that every other card designing and building dove cages and all
in the Svengali deck was the same. sorts of stuff, putting together a proper
silent act.
M The universal reaction to opening up
the magic trick package. M A stage-type act with doves
D The method certainly wasn’t as performed to music. Was there other
magical as the effect. But I persevered and livestock?
read the instructions and started doing D Yes, two rabbits and three doves in
tricks at school. Years later when I was in the beginning! Then I started writing to
my teens I remember seeing magicians on agents from ads in the back of The Stage,
TV like Finn Jon, who was on the Royal I had photos taken, and one agent said
Variety Show doing his floating ball. they were interested. Following a try-out
Seeing that performance and later Johnny they offered me a 13-week summer
Hart made me think that perhaps this was season in North Wales to appear in the
something I could do. From the age of Ivor Emmanuel 1980 Show. I was
about 14 onwards I switched off from suddenly a professional magician.
school. I didn’t believe in the system. I
couldn’t believe they were going to judge M And you liked it.
my intelligence based on a two-hour D I loved it. But, at the end of that 13-
exam, which to me was nothing more week summer season I knew I didn’t want

44 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

two 20-minute acts, and I said I had two
20-minute acts.

M Of course I can ride a horse.

D Absolutely. I was running around to
dealers desperately trying to put material
together and also building my own props.
I’ve always built my own props, which, to
me, was part of being a magician.
Inventing something, making it and
performing it was what being a magician
was all about.

M What kind of plans were you using to

build these props and how did you learn
to produce doves and put them in a
Performing in Covent Garden, 1984
harness and all of that?
D Back when I was in London, Russ side, that’s something I always enjoyed, I time I got off that ship I had reached a
Stevens, who had just won The Magic could just do it. level where I could’ve carried on cruising
Circle’s Young Magician of the Year forever. But that wasn’t what I wanted to
competition, used to come into Hamleys M Did you have anyone critiquing your do. I didn’t want to live on a cruise ship.
magic department and we became best act?
friends, and still are to this day. I D No. There’s a certain stubbornness in M Don’t want to travel. Don’t want to
remember going over to his place and he me, I think. The act just went ahead, and live on a cruise ship. What did you want
showed me the workings of his dove act it did well. I was performing on a cruise to do?
– the harnesses, the bags – and so Russ ship on a six-month contract and they D (Laughs again) After a year of cruising

▲
really helped a lot. On the prop building extended it for another six months. By the I came back home, back to my parents’

Paul Daniels,
Keiko Trillo,
Debbie McGee and
Duncan at the 2005
Magic Circle Centenary
Celebration

First cruise to
Puerto Rico

Leo Ward, Duncan and

Russ Stevens at the
2000 Eastbourne
convention

Cruising for Royal

Caribbean Lines in 1994
with an original, self-
built illusion

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 45

house, and remembered a programme I’d Craft market stalls and street performers was a disco that had a stage and every
seen on television featuring street were welcomed. That ran for quite a hour on the hour, three times a night,
performers in London’s Covent Garden. I while and was a great life. It’s a very they put on a six-minute act and I was
had busked once in London during my honest thing, because you do your show, one of them. I wasn’t particularly well-
time at Hamleys, when I was very much and if they like you they pay you, and if paid, but I really enjoyed it. I also
into Star Wars. It was very funny. I got out they don’t like you they don’t. You’re kind appeared in a British Ring convention gala
my Dancing Cane and painted it of free of the system, which was the key show at that time with my Dancing Hanky
fluorescent yellow to turn it into a thing for me really all along. I did that routine and Wayne Dobson was in the
dancing lightsaber, and I made a Darth from 1982 to 1987 solidly. Then from audience and liked the act. I got a call
Vader mask out of cardboard and dressed 1987 to 1990 I did about four or five asking if I would like to appear in Wayne’s
in black. Russ and I set off for Leicester seasons in Japan as well. summer show. That was a real break and I
Square one evening and I got my first did a number of summers with Wayne in
taste for busking. Three or four years later M How did that come about? Margate, Paignton, Great Yarmouth and
I felt drawn to street performing, but this D That came about because of Covent later Jersey, and also appeared on his TV
time I had an act. I moved back to Garden. A Japanese gentleman called series A Kind of Magic three times. Very
London, got a flat with my girlfriend and Mochinaga-san came over to talent-spot happy memories working with Wayne.
started street performing properly for the street performers for Nagasaki Holland 24/7 magic and a lot of fun. Things were
first time. Village, a new historical theme park that going well. Leo Ward, a fantastic
had just opened in Japan which was a magician who had been working cruise
M Doing the Linking Rings? replica of a Dutch village. He hired just ships for years and knew me from Covent
D Yes. I took the polished cabaret act I two acts, me and an Australian mime. I Garden, called me to see if I could work a
had done on the ship for a year and love Japan, it’s so refreshing. The cruise where an act had cancelled or
simplified it for the street. I did card hospitality is amazing and the country is something at the last minute and they
productions, the Professor’s Nightmare, a free of the social divides we suffer from needed a replacement straight away. Four
Ring and Rope routine, the Zombie Ball which is very nice. I love it over there, and hours later I was on my way to Heathrow
and the Linking Rings. In the ‘80s in my wife is Japanese, and our children to pick up the ship in Barcelona. That last-
London, close-up magic had not really bilingual, but one thing I always missed minute job resulted in a string of long
taken off yet and it wasn’t my thing when working there was the English contracts for Royal Caribbean
anyway. Paul Daniels dominated and was sense of humour, the hard-core sarcasm International doing my silent act together
having great success, but I was nothing and taking the Mickey; we do it ruthlessly with illusions with Keiko a few years later.
like Paul Daniels. Cabaret was over, and we do it very well. We got married in 1993 and I invented,
summer shows were thinning out, and I designed and built three illusions
was a silent magician. So I put a modern, M So you are spending several months specifically for cruising. I wanted comedy,
contemporary, silent, visual magic act each year in Japan and returning to the puzzlement and pizzazz. Of the three one
onto the street, whereas before that, UK. Were you still working in Covent really stood out. I called it ‘Duncan’s
when you thought of a street performer, Garden? Cube’ (makes it harder to pirate if your
you thought of someone doing the Cups D Less and less as the ‘80s came to a name’s in the title) it has a real nice
and Balls. Covent Garden had just close, I’d had enough of street symmetry about it, and no dodgy base!
changed over from its fruit and vegetable performing. In 1990 I was appearing at a Years later we performed it at Ron’s Day
market days to being a tourist destination. nightclub in Piccadilly called Xenon which which resulted in my promotion by then

14 THE
Performing in Covent
MAGIC CIRCULAR Garden2011
FEBRUARY in 1982 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk
President David Berglas to MIMC, and UK, but that if I tried to cover world
John Fisher booked us to perform it as a magic news it simply wouldn’t be viable.
guest act on The Paul Daniels Show at MagicWeek is a niche within a niche. Its
The Magic Circle Centenary Celebration value, I hope, is in the up-to-date What’s
convention in London in 2005. On, TV and Convention listings, together
with that weekly magic news, and of
M Have you ever thought of doing more course the link sections and magic
with illusions and illusion design? dealers. It’s built up a loyal following
D I did briefly think about illusion design worldwide. There’s a lot of goodwill about
and building as a business in the mid the whole thing which I really enjoy.
nineties, but didn’t pursue it. This will
sound silly, but I’ve got notebooks at M What happens in a recession, like the
home with 30 different illusion ideas, but one we are in, where everyone is cutting
I’ve never persevered with it because back, and less money is being spent
that’s not what I want to do. I do have a presumably in magic dealers’ shops, and
talent for inventing stuff but it’s not they look to make savings. You seem to
where my heart is at the moment. Keiko still be very healthy.
and I worked cruise ships for nineteen D Yes. It seems to be really solid. Just as
months solid at one time and we saved a at a convention magicians enjoy visiting
lot of money. But we knew we didn’t the dealers, on MagicWeek they enjoy
want to do that forever and we started a March 1977, age 18 going through the dealers’ links, to see
family. A few years later The Magic Circle You’re never going to achieve perfection. what’s new. An ad on MagicWeek is not
Stage Magician of the Year competition So although my plans had been to make very expensive. I always made it a sensible
came up and I felt I had to enter. magic training videos, I jumped in and amount so that an individual marketing a
launched MagicWeek instead! few of their own tricks, or a major magic
M Did that have a material effect on dealer, can both afford to advertise.
either the act you were doing or what M How much of your time is spent on
kinds of jobs you were able to get? MagicWeek as opposed to you having M You won The Magic Circle’s J.N.
D When Michael Bailey introduced the time to stay with the family and work on Maskelyne Prize for excellence in magic
Stage Magician of the Year competition I other magic interests that you have? literature in 2006, so you have the
thought it was a great title to go for. D MagicWeek has really suited me recognition of the magic community and
That’s what I had spent my life doing, because I can be at home and just do the The Magic Circle, and you’re doing well.
performing magic on stage, so I felt I had shows that I really want to do. And MagicWeek is not the only thing you
to enter. I was doing it for me, rather than MagicWeek is put together every Friday. do.
for any commercial reason. When you’re a News comes in throughout the week and D I also run
self-employed magician, no one promotes it’s saved into a folder. I add the free www.CorporateMagicians.com, which is a
you, you have to make your own little classified ads throughout the week but directory of magicians who specialise in
jumps and changes. That was the main that doesn’t take much time. I then tradeshows, company functions and
reason for doing it, plus a little ‘profile’ I devote every Friday entirely to putting dinners, and
guess. A few years earlier we’d bought an MagicWeek together. www.ChildrensPartyShows.co.uk which is
old rundown town house and I thought I a directory of children’s entertainers, and I
would do it up and produce magic videos, M Doing MagicWeek means you have to also have a little web design business and
training videos for magicians, in the large keep your ear to the ground. Does that more recently, born out of a hobby of
basement. That had been a plan for years. mean you also feel you have to travel mine, an online science-fiction movie
So we had started a family, I was fixing up around to the conventions to see what is poster business www.Sci-
this old townhouse, I was doing the odd going on? FiMoviePosters.co.uk. I also may revive the
show, we had a little rental income from D Not so much. Since we have two MindMagic conventions that I staged
my old London flat, but we were just children, aged 9 and 12, I try and keep annually for four years at some time in
ticking along, things were actually pretty the weekends clear for the family. That’s the future.
tight. I didn’t want to travel because what I really enjoy. But I always make it to
when we started a family I didn’t want to Blackpool and Ron’s [the International M Where do you see yourself in the
be away from home; however I did do Magic convention]! years ahead? Do you see this thing rolling
three weeks in Japan in 2000 and took along when you’re in your dotage, with
out a book on web design. I had got my M What do you see as the value of white hair?
first PC in 1999 and realised there was MagicWeek to magicians in the UK and D Fingers crossed, yes, but I also want
virtually nothing for UK based magicians around the world? the next challenge, we will see. We
on the internet so I came home and D The UK is unique size-wise, so if moved house again three years ago and
registered the domain name there’s an event in Portsmouth you can building plans have just been passed for
magicweek.co.uk and put it all together. come down from Birmingham if you want an extension, so this year I hope I’ll be
MagicWeek launched on 1 July 2000. to. We also have a great history of magic working alongside the builders on a new
Inside I am a perfectionist, but being a and magic clubs here, so I knew MagicWeek office! Right now I’m really
perfectionist can really hold you back. MagicWeek’s format would work for the enjoying family life. I’m very happy.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 47

 Edwin A. Dawes

388. VICTOR MAXWELL AND ‘THE ASSOCIATED CONCERT MAGICIANS’

n my early days in magic when I was Vic liked to send a letter with purchases and thus established a

I seeking to build up a library of books

devoted to the art, advertisers who
offered lists of books for sale were
friendly relationship with his customers. He emphasised that
should anything not come up to expectation anytime not to
hesitate to let him know, as satisfaction mattered more to him
always an attractive proposition. At that than financial gain. Through his letters I learned a little more of
time George Jenness and James B. his background in magic. Quite early in our correspondence I
Findlay were the major players but came to respect his principles of dealing. For example, he
amongst the ‘second division’ traders advertised a desirable run of The Magic Wand for the 1920s
was Victor Maxwell, whose lists often covering the period of publication of Sidney Clarke’s ‘The Annals
contained keenly sought items at of Conjuring’, which I was anxious to obtain at that time, but
reasonable prices and who kept a sharp was cautious on account of his listing of ‘amateur binding’. So I
look-out for items on my ‘Wants List’. I Vic Maxwell wrote to him expressing my hesitancy, having seen many
knew nothing further about him when I first established examples of botched amateur binding of magic magazines.
contact in 1955 other than he was operating his business as a Without further ado he immediately sent me one of the volumes
Magical Bookseller from the seaside resort of Mablethorpe on so that I could judge whether I wished to proceed, which I duly
the Lincolnshire coast and his letterhead carried his natal name did and thanked him for his action. (Vic never divulged that he
(G.E. Thompson) in parenthesis beneath Vic. Maxwell as well had done the binding himself! However, I subsequently
as proclaiming his membership of The Magic Circle, IBM and discovered that to be the case.)
British Ring, and LMC (Lincoln Magic Circle). He explained, “I am no saint, just have my own standards and
Following my initial letter he explained that his health and treat others as I like to be treated myself. Have been in the
other business had made it impossible for him to resume the magic line since age of 14, am now 61 [this was written in
bookselling which he had carried on (with breaks) for many 1955], have friends and have done business in most parts of the
years and apologised that some of the pages of his duplicated world (although I have not travelled abroad) and treasure my
lists were not up to standard as the machine had been out of good name. A few years ago I lost a lot of money through
action for some time. Although he didn’t mention it at this ‘backing’ two friends with an effect which I just discovered in
time, some years later he did refer to the damage done to his time was not original and proper credit was not given. Had to
home and part of his personal collection by the terrible floods spend a lot of time putting things right here and in the U.S.A.”
that occurred on the East Coast of England in 1953 when a After living for many years in Mablethorpe and surviving the
tidal surge in the North Sea caused widespread devastation great East Coast floods of 1953, although suffering loss of part
and the deaths of some 300 people in Britain and many more of his collection through water damage, Vic told me he was
in the Netherlands. retiring from normal business and moving about eight miles
inland from the coast to Alford where he
was having a bungalow built and would
then be “taking up the books again to
maintain interest in life (and magic).” This
was scheduled for the summer of 1962 and,
because of down-sizing, he would eventually
be cutting down on books he reserved for
his personal use. His new abode,
‘Magicana’, in Park Lane, was without a
phone. By November he was settled in and
“almost fixed up to deal with magical
literature (more or less as a profitable
hobby)” and would be sending lists soon.
In June 1963 he wrote to say that
“unless I am more fortunate at ‘buying in’
the kind of items which are worthwhile
than of late, I shall probably drop out of
regular dealing but will always maintain
interest and continue to keep a sharp look-
Maxwell’s Christmas Card, 1946 (Courtesy of The Magic Circle Archive) out for collectors’ items.”

48 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

MIMC

In September 1963 he alerted me that he had undergone

some X-rays and further investigation was possible. The last
letter I received from Vic was written from his bed in December
1964 when he apologised for the resultant scrawl. He was sorry
to inform me that he would have to discontinue his service with
books and magic, which had “always been as much a hobby as
a business”. He went on to say, “Before being bombed in 1943 I
was an ardent collector and had 400/500 books apart from a
considerable number of bound and unbound volumes of mags.
Quite a lot ‘went west’ then [and] 1953 saw us caught with the
East Coast Floods – more losses. This put an end to my desire to
carry on collecting. Unfortunately, my present health trouble is
apparently permanent – diabetic for the past 12 years. Then last
year I had radiotherapy (chest) and now my breathing is erratic Hull Magicians’ Circle Dinner c.1940. Vic Maxwell seated on left
and can vary day to day.” hand side
He did retain some items, such as his set of Lucille catalogues, their monumental A Bibliography of Conjuring Periodicals in
which he greatly prized, observing, “I like to keep a few scarcer English 1791 -1983 classed this publication as ‘rare’ and
items to show to my visitors”. recorded a total of 14 issues running from December 1914
George Edward Thompson, the magician Vic Maxwell, died on until February 1916. They also cited a letter dated 2 June 1955
8 May 1965 at the age of 71. He was born in Lincoln in 1894. from Victor Maxwell to the noted American magazine collector
An obituary appeared in New Tops in July from which we learn Paul W. Koch confirming that 14 issues constitutes a complete
that he predeceased his wife and daughter. file and that only 23 to 30 copies of each issue were published,
It was subsequent to his death that I came across further thus accounting for its rarity.
information about Vic Maxwell that he had never disclosed in The Concert Magician was the
our correspondence, and intriguingly it was in an American official organ of a body known as The
publication. Charles Blythe Junior, writing in 1951 in the first Associated Concert Magicians, a
issue of his short-lived journal Conjuriana, noted that, “Round newly formed organisation about
about 1915 there was a gem of a magazine, The Concert which little seems to be known other
Magician, produced by Victor Maxwell. The cover was printed; than this publication. The only clue
the remainder in typescript. The conjuring was well up to the discovered to date lies in a Wilford
average, but the great fun was the manner in which Hutchinson Editorial in his Conjurers
correspondents criticised. I once wrote there was a libel in every Chronicle in September 1923 when
line. Dealing with a well-known writer, one correspondent he was listing magical society badges.
wrote, ‘What a big man he is; He wrote: “The British Society of
his name only appears 27 Associated Magicians, founded in
times’. To this another added, Sheffield in 1909 or 1910. From this
‘My boy, it ought to be 1,027, Society merged [sic] the Associated Concert Magicians. Mr
for he is the greatest great William Andrew of Sheffield, and Mr Vic. Maxwell of Lincoln,
that ever was’. Even The acting as Secretaries. Both these Societies issued Badges which
Magic Wand caught it. ‘The are now scarce as the membership was small.” (Hutchinson
worst number he ( [George] subsequently presented both these badges to The Magic Circle
Johnson) ever produced’ Museum, a donation noted by Council on 9 February 1951,
was one sally. Curious, but Executive Curator Lionel Russell informs me that they
though, that since the time cannot now be located.)
of this journal In issue No.5 (April 1915) of The Concert Magician
correspondence has been Hutchinson had submitted a labelled sketch of a design for a
so very meagre. Letters badge, but not yet having seen an example of the actual
are few and far between badge it remains uncertain whether it is identical or not. His
in magazines of today”. concept was “two triangles linked together forming a star [to]
Jim Alfredson and represent ‘BROTHERHOOD & UNITY” – The OWL – ‘WISDOM’
▲

George Daily (1986) in resting on the Wand ‘MAGIC’”. The sketch was 3.8 cm in

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk Alf Browne of Leeds FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 49

height surmounted by a ring for printed and issued to members as
attachment to a ribbon and Hutchinson complete sets of The Concert
noted that the badge would be one-third Magician exist.
of this size. Will Goldston’s Exclusive
On the same topic of badges, in April Magical Secrets (1912), the first
1926 The Magic Circular listed the locked book, was clearly a ‘hot’
badges in the collection of Oswald topic at that time with the
Williams and the entry for the Associated members, principally in a
Concert Magicians of Great Britain derogatory manner. “It is, of
revealed uncertainty as to its location course, a huge joke, rotten (like
with the suffix ‘(Leeds?). his books) or good (like his nerve)
Maxwell was aged twenty when he according to whether you bought
The ACM Badge design
commenced publication of The Concert the book or borrowed it.” “I
Magician from 31 Newton Street, Lincoln, in December 1914, won’t say much about poor Willie, he’s had quite enough.
just five months after the outbreak of World War I, and his first Judging from previous remarks his book ought to be called
Editorial recorded the enlisting of member Cunningham in the Exclusive Magical Sucks.” “In my opinion E.M.S. is a frost. I’ve
Royal Scots Regiment. As will be seen from the illustration, the seen a copy and would not give 2/6 for it. The best part of it is
blue covers carried a standard printed masthead on to which the lock.” And, in what turned out to be the last issue of The
details of each issue and its contents could be entered in Concert Magician in February 1916, in a favourable review of
typescript . The annual subscription was 2 shillings and sixpence, Will Goldston’s Annual of Magic, the reviewer (presumably
including postage. But by the second issue Maxwell’s location Maxwell) highlighted a page of cartoons titled ‘If there were no
had changed to 23a Monks Road, Lincoln, necessitating over- Magic!’, which depicted alternative vocations for some well-
typing of the printed address on all subsequent numbers. known magicians, and commented that “one of these takes our
From the Editorial in No.3 it appears that only a single copy of fancy… and we must admit that in the past we have misjudged
the first number was initially produced and it was circulated to the ‘Aladdin House man’, we never gave him credit for
all the members, not all of them being in favour of the venture, admitting the truth so much as this cartoon shows he does” –
believing that it was too early in the career of the Association to Goldston is shown as a pawnbroker!
start a journal of their own, and too much of a strain for their There were also some trenchant comments on acts seen by
Secretary-Editor. Not so, replied Maxwell, its purpose was to members at their local music halls. One act seen at Lincoln
permit an “inter-change of ideas” and the magazine continued Palace (probably by Maxwell), “The Cowboy Jupiters”, which
production. Obviously more copies of No.1 were subsequently from the description appeared to be a curious Wild West version

50 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

of the Spirit Hands, drew forth the observation, “I’m not short of meet an old associate in Chris Van Bern there as well, and it has
‘cheek’ but how these Cowboy Jupiters could look the all decided him to take an active interest in magic again and
management in the face when drawing their ‘screw’ I don’t recommence a collection of books and mags on the subject.
know. They were top of the bill at that”. Many of you will best know G.E. Thompson as trading as Victor
These, and many other forthright comments, were initially Maxwell at Monks Road, Lincoln, he being then a collector and
collected by means of a ‘Remarks’ sheet that was circulated dealer, editor and publisher of The Concert Magician, and
separately from the magazine until increased postage costs, Secretary of the Associated Concert Magicians. Welcome back to
combined with the majority of the members being against the the ranks, brother.”
practice, ended it. In 1940, from the same source, we learn that Maxwell had
In 1915 Maxwell sent copies of the journal to The Sphinx, the been commencing a history of Magical Societies when World
first being No.5 and Editor Dr A.M. Wilson complimented him War II broke out in September 1939, and as a consequence
with, “the editor may well feel proud of his work both of the much of the promised assistance
journal itself and of organising the society which now has 21 failed to mature and the plan
members all enthusiasts for the up building of magic. Mr had to be shelved. Brunel White
Maxwell has also favoured me with his photograph, also a group commented, “Friend Maxwell is
picture of 17 members of the Society.” Thus a photograph did always pleased to hear from
exist but to date I have been unable locate a copy. magicians in Lincolnshire and a
Later, in the November 1915 Sphinx, Wilson reported he had hearty welcome is assured any
now received from Maxwell the first ten issues of The Concert who call at his abode in Victoria
Magician, organ of the Associated Concert Magicians, and Road, Mablethorpe. As for
commented, “Every issue contains valuable hints, suggestions magicians in the [Armed] Forces
and tricks equal to any published in any of our magical journals”. who may be in the vicinity of
A complete membership list of the members of the Associated that town, he says they will be
Concert Magicians was never printed in their journal and only in doing a favour by calling. From
the last issue was any record of new members provided. which they may get some
However, it is clear from the contributors to the journal that indication of the warmth of the
membership was principally confined to the north of England welcome that awaits them.
and De Vega from Scotland. Victor finds that restricted
The Concert Magician ceased publication with the February travelling cuts him off from
1916 issue, the consequence of its editor and publisher being magic of any kind nowadays.
called to the colours. Although, in what proved to be his final Particularly does he miss ‘Nights
Editorial, Maxwell expected the next issue to be edited while he of Magic’ of various Societies Wilford Hutchinson
was “in training”, and stated “the A.C.M. and ‘C.M.’ will when they used to get home anytime between 4 and 5.30 a.m.
continue to exist”, it proved not to be the case. and anywhere up to 100 miles early morning drive”. As
Maxwell dropped out of sight of the magic fraternity after the Mablethorpe did not have a railway station, with petrol rationing
First World War and an explanation was not forthcoming until imposed and the East Coast of England becoming a restricted
1938 when Brunel White in his About Magicians page of The area on account of the threatened invasion, the sense of
World’s Fair on 12 March informed readers that he had received isolation was palpable.
a letter which took him back many years, from G.E. Thompson Walt Lees recalls being taken by his parents to Mablethorpe to
of Mablethorpe. “We met in 1919 when I was visiting Alf visit Vic Maxwell’s shop and finding it to be a tailor’s
Browne at Leeds and we went along to a competition at establishment with the magic books located at the back and, as
Bradford. Recently our friend from Mablethorpe happened to befits the owner’s calling, he was smartly dressed. Ted Dodds
purchase a copy of this paper and was surprised to note our remembers sitting by the fireside in Maxwell’s home at Alford,
magical feature for he had been out of touch with the art since with shelves of books in view, in 1963 to be interviewed for
after the War, but his interest was so aroused that noting in our membership of the British Ring, but he and Walt appear to be
pages that the Leicester lads were holding a whole week of the only two people still around who met him, albeit very briefly,
magic he and a young magician friend, after a hasty which consequently prevented them from making a positive
consultation, made a flying visit (some 80 miles each way) to see identification of Maxwell in the group photograph taken at the
the show, which they greatly enjoyed. Thompson was pleased to Annual Dinner of Hull Magicians’ Circle in 1940 when he,
together with Henri De’Seevah (Harry Hancock of Birmingham)
were judges for the Maskelyne Wand Competition for Originality.
The belief that Maxwell is the individual seated at the left hand
side of the accompanying photograph was confirmed when
David Hibberd supplied from The Magic Circle Archive a copy of
Maxwell’s 1946 Christmas Card (sent to Dick Ritson) depicting
him with his wife and young daughter.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to Walt Lees and Ted Dodds for their recollections
of Victor Maxwell, to David Hibberd, The Magic Circle Archivist,
and to Executive Curator Lionel Russell for his unavailing efforts
to locate the ACM badge in The Magic Circle Museum.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 51

 Mandy Davis MIMC Convenor of Reports. Photographed by John

Monday 15 November 2010 and seeing if they could outwit the

The Fleetwood Notes: performer.
A Mentalism Lecture Not once during the lecture did Marc
by Marc Paul leave the stage – a fact he was eager to
point out. This tactic, he explained,
Reported by Chris McGeever marked out the platform as very much
The theme of Marc’s lecture was ‘his’ territory; such that assisting
attempting to build as entertaining spectators who came up would know
and magical a routine as possible they were to follow his instructions
from a single piece of deception – Marc Paul carefully and help the magic happen.
and this was delivered in spades! Jack London method and adding a David In addition to the initial fun with
Marc began acknowledging the Berglas touch to the climax, he numbers, we were treated to a two-
current popularity of mentalism – demonstrated his premise that ‘human phase routine with spectators’
largely thanks to Derren Brown’s beings are predictable’ in a way which drawings, a game of spot-the-liars,
influence – but stressed that he was elicited audible gasps from the oft-jaded adaptable to close-up and stage, and
trying to forge his own path, with his Monday night audience. an open prediction-style trick Marc had
effects remaining more ‘classical’. From the outset it was obvious that just devised on his plane journey to
It is always a sheer delight to see a Marc had taken to heart the need for London!
contemporary performer draw on the mentalists to involve the entire audience Strong material with easy (even self-
rich output of previous luminaries and in what Bob Cassidy calls ‘macro’ effects. working) methods, plus copious advice
fuse ideas together into a stronger On more than one occasion throughout on real-world performing – one could
piece. Such was the case with Marc’s the evening, the whole theatre was on its not ask for more from a
opening gambit. Taking an excellent feet actively partaking in the experience trick/explanation-format lecture.

Monday 22 November 2010

Favourite Tricks –
Ian Keable MIMC
Reported by Tim Barnes
Ian Keable told us that his favourite
trick was not necessarily a best trick, or
a most commercial one; just one that
was, for whatever reason, a favourite.
He then introduced his first performer;
Mike O’Brien. Mike O'Brien Steve Price Dennis Patten
Mike performed a
two-rope routine
with invisible
scissors and glue.
The trick was not
new, and indeed
Mike has been
performing it for
over 50 years, but
his dry humour kept
it relevant and fun. Morgan and West Nicholas Einhorn Ali Cook
Next came Steve favourite for only the last eighteen cubes whilst he introduced the concept
Price, who months. Steve had us passing around of putting something into a bottle that in
entertained with genuinely bottled ships, golf balls, any normal sense would not fit. Finally the
Ian Keable Coin in Bottle, a pictures, decks of cards, and Rubik’s coin was put into a Coke bottle – simply

52 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Ward MMC

by dropping it slowly into a funnel placed We were then

in the neck. shown, through very
Dennis Patten showed a magic drawing proficient multiple
book with plain pages becoming black demonstrations,
and white chalk fish, and then fully how confusing the
coloured ones. He finished with a credit senses can make the
to Ali Bongo – this version’s creator. French Drop
Ian Keable now presented his own completely
favourite: a three-stick version of the undetectable. Next,
Chinese Sticks, plus the obligatory fourth we watched film of
tassel. He told us that he used to go to French magician
parties weighed down by card tricks in Raynaly performing
the hope that someone would ask him a sleight of hand
what he did and give him the chance to Richard Wiseman vanish. Richard had
perform. The Chinese Sticks were not the front cover. This was followed by several created this by joining together 24 stills
sort of thing he could carry around like other examples of visual illusions taken by the photographer Binet in
that, and hence they’re now a favourite. culminated with a picture that would 1894. It was the oldest piece of film of
Morgan and West presented a probably not even be describable in a top- anyone performing magic.
Victorian-style tableau –“Seeing with the shelf adult mag. It turned out, and rather Richard finished his presentation with
Hands”. Some clever work revealed the obviously once we knew, to be three two further film clips. First up, the
number on a bank card, and a thought-of piglets. A quick view of Richard’s Colour Changing Card Trick. Given that
name on a slate. fascinating web site this has now had over 4m views on
Nick Einhorn performed a Diary Trick (www.richardwiseman.com) will reveal all! YouTube, it should be familiar to many.
with the card at the birthday matching a From visual confusion, Richard took us Then we saw a beautiful and mystifying
jumbo prediction. This was ideally suited to auditory confusion. We were played levitation of a cork – needless to say, all
to the cruise shows for which he created it. part of Carmina Burana (or the theme was not as it appeared!
The final act of the night was Ali Cook, from the X Factor, for those less cultured), Ten minutes of Q&A followed and,
who presented two tricks. The first was whilst reading projected lyrics relating to with Richard offering a montage photo
based on Koran’s Medallion, and was a tuna, cheese and unpleasant ailments. We of the Raynaly performance to each
highly energetic prediction of a “favourite became convinced that these bizarre questioner, he was deluged! This
eleven digit number”. The other was a words were actually what the choir were inducement, however, was not fair
coin assembly, presented close-up with singing! reasoning for the volume of interest.
coins appearing under four credit cards Richard took us through a potted This lecture, one that contained very
followed by a series of ever-bigger coins biography from his studies at University little magic in terms of what we
as a finale. College London, to investigations into the magicians would normally expect, was
[The Hands-On Pre-Show in the Devant paranormal at Edinburgh, and then on to truly fascinating. And Richard’s deep
Room featured Austin Gannon.] become a lecturer (and a Professorship in knowledge, and compelling and
the Public Understanding of Psychology) irreverent presentational skills, earned
Monday 29 November 2010 at the University of Hertfordshire. him the biggest Monday Night ovation
Quirky Stuff What I Have Done He showed us many photographs of this reviewer remembers in many years.
– Richard Wiseman AIMC spooky apparitions (all with
straightforward explanations), and then [The lecture was
Reported by Tim Barnes film of a test he created for TV where followed by a
Richard Wiseman started his lecture with three highly experienced fire walkers were mini-lecture in
a smiling, but inverted, picture of former challenged to traverse a fifty foot bed of the Devant
Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher. Yet red hot coals. Two failed, one refused. Room with US
when the projected picture was Rather than the debunking of fire magician Derek
reoriented, she was shown to sport a walking, Richard showed greater pleasure Hughes, who
hideous photo-shopped scowl! Those that this experiment had achieved more performed and
familiar with Richard’s book, Quirkology, complaints to the BBC than any other demonstrated
will recognise a similar image from the science programme! two effects.]

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 53

 Walford Taylor AIMC

13 STEPS TO CONTACT MENTALISM

n the last Adopt, Adapt and Improve, a larger audience my advice would be to not be on the person of either you or

I (TMC December 2010) we took an

introductory look at Contact
Mindreading and how it works. What
try something simple but dramatic, and a
murder plot fits the bill nicely, finding
first the victim, then the means by which
your helper.) While you decide on this, I
shall go out of the room, accompanied
by one of you to ensure that I cannot
follows now are the requirements for a he or she was killed: (cards can be see or overhear anything and who will
successful performance in a nutshell. I displayed with illustrations of these – also blindfold me before we re-enter
have divided the essential elements to revolver/pistol/gun, knife/dagger, ligature, the room. A number of the books on
be considered into 13 Steps. Actually, machete, bomb, poison etc) and finally CMR which we shall look at another
the number of steps is entirely arbitrary, detecting and “arresting” the murderer. time contain various complete specimen
but I couldn’t resist an eye-catching introductory talks.
headline! STEP FOUR – The Psychological
Introductory Talk STEP FIVE – Choosing the
STEP ONE – Having the “bottle” to It is most important to set the scene and Transmitter
try it in the first place the atmosphere of the demonstration to On the basis of the biblical proverb, “A
Lao Tzu, the Chinese Taoist Philosopher excite the audience’s expectations. prophet is not without honour save in
in the sixth century BC said that “a Something like: Ladies and Gentlemen, it his own country and in his own house”,
journey of a thousand miles must begin is my very great pleasure to present to the Transmitter should preferably not be
with a single step”. Unfortunately, there you some experiments in Mindreading of a relative or close friend, who is likely to
is no way of practising CMR other than a kind which you almost certainly be sceptical of the Performer’s powers,
by doing it with someone! You must have never seen before. Indeed, the although it can be useful for practice
first believe that you can read minds, results are so extraordinary that you may purposes. Nor should the Transmitter be
before you can convince others that you find them difficult to believe, but to be affected by the intake of alcohol.
can, and you must convince yourself of successful I must ask for your kind co- Someone of the quiet, serious, type is
this, right from the start. If I can do it, operation, quiet and concentration, likely to be suitable. If the Transmitter is
so can you! throughout. It is a well-known fact that taking the whole episode with undue
the more intelligent my volunteer levity and laughing, or not really
STEP TWO – Considering the assistants, the better I shall be able to do concentrating, she or he should at once
Performing Conditions my experiments. (Although this may cause be exchanged for someone else. Ask if
Alcohol should never be consumed by some wry comment, it nevertheless has anyone believes in thought reading and
the Performer prior to a demonstration the effect of making the volunteer even choose one of them as a Transmitter as
because it deadens sensibility to the keener to co-operate. The intended Test is she will be more likely to give her co-
impulses. Neither is it sensible to perform then described and it is made clear that operation. An assurance should be
in a situation where the audience is the concealment of the object should be given that no-one will be embarrassed
affected by drink or where the audience within reasonable arm’s reach and should or asked to do anything which she
is not in a mood to take matters cannot do. For example, if intending to
seriously. When first experimenting, the perform a book test it can avoid
room should be a large one embarrassment and slowing up the
comparatively free of obstacles. Some action if a request is made for a lady
practitioners advocate not performing who either does not need reading
in a theatre because it can become glasses or has them with her.
undignified to be trawling through rows I have always used a woman as my
of seats in pursuit of the goal. Transmitter. I do this not just because
I would not feel comfortable leading
STEP THREE – Deciding on the Test another man round the room by his
Most people start by finding a small hand, but because I also think it is a
object, such as a pin hidden in a room, more dignified and elegant spectacle.
as this seems impossible, but is really The most important reason, however,
quite easy, and it is good for practising is that I have found that women are
because it can be tried out with the more responsive transmitters, possibly
help of just one person: the Transmitter. because they are more likely to be
▲

However, when first performing before sympathetic to the whole idea of

▲

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 55

 thought-transference. I must admit, that point, must then concentrate on the
however, that on just one occasion in the next direction and so on, step by step.
late 1950s I deviated from this strict rule
in Tony Corinda’s Studio when he asked STEP NINE – The Start of the Test
me to give a demonstration of CMR by My preference is to start the test from the
finding a line in a book using the late entrance door of the room. After being
lamented Eric (“Boon”) Mason as a blindfolded and taking up the appropriate
Transmitter, who subsequently went on to grip with the Transmitter, some
be a very successful exponent of the practitioners (Satori, for one – Making
technique in his own right! If you are a Contact – The Real Secrets of Contact
female performer you may well prefer to Mindreading, H&R Magic Books, Humble,
choose a male as your Transmitter. Texas, 1998) advocate starting off
tentatively by trying to pick up muscular
STEP SIX – To Blindfold or Not to Fig. 1 signals straight away, but I prefer, without
Blindfold? any hesitation, to proceed steadily
My preference is to be blindfolded (with a towards the centre of the room, gently
pristine white handkerchief and not a pulling the Transmitter so that she gets
proprietary mask) because it makes the the impression right from the start that
experiment look more difficult, although she is being led, and so that any thought
in reality it increases the Performer’s that it might be the other way round is
concentration and helps him to act dispelled. This was the technique of John
passively in the leading of his subject, as it Fig. 2 Randall Brown, the “father” of CMR.
shuts out from the mind all exterior There is thus first a tension, but I
distractions. I also always keep my eyes intermittently relax the strain to feel if
closed even under the blindfold, except there is any resistance, or pushing, from
when getting near the chosen article her wrist in a particular direction. At the
when it can be helpful to look down the centre of the room, I sway slightly, moving
side of the nose to see the range of my hand a little from one side to another,
options available. almost imperceptibly, when I can then
pick up an impulse, or slight muscular
STEP SEVEN – The Contact Fig. 3 movement of the Transmitter’s wrist
The most common methods, and those deal in greater detail with Grips in a toward the direction in which she is
which are really the most suitable for subsequent article. thinking. My body is always ahead of that
newcomers, are the Wrist Grip and the of the Transmitter (Fig. 1, again). With a
Double Control Wrist Grip. In the Wrist STEP EIGHT – Instructions to the good subject, the wrist is literally being
Grip, the Transmitter, who stands to the Transmitter pushed in the right direction by the
side of the Performer and slightly to the It is important to instil a belief in the mind Transmitter and it seems unbelievable that
rear (Fig. 1) holds the right wrist of the of the Transmitter that you can and will she is not aware of this – but she isn’t! If I
Performer from above with her left four read her mind if she is willing to co- start to move in the wrong direction there
fingers on the inner side of the operate and that you will find the chosen will be a slight resistance from the
Performer’s wrist and her thumb on the or hidden object. You must exude Transmitter’s wrist. I can only repeat that
outer side (Fig. 2), or the roles can be confidence and assume success as a on reading this for the first time, you may
reversed, with the Performer grasping the matter of fact. You ask her first to think be sceptical, but try it and you will quickly
Transmitter’s wrist. If necessary any wrist of the general direction in which you are learn to pick up the tell-tale signals.
watch can be slid slightly further up the to proceed, and say “I am going to find
wrist. In the Double Control Wrist Grip the hidden article. Please FOLLOW me STEP TEN – The Dénouement
(Fig. 3 shows the view from above) the and as we move together through the It will be relatively easy, having arrived at
Performer holds the Transmitter’s left- room, think to yourself ‘Go to the left’ or the guided location, to find the object
hand wrist with his right hand thumb and ‘Go to the right’, depending on the with or without a peek and a little
fingers and, with the fingers of the direction of the chosen object. Do you get common sense, but even though the
Performer’s left hand, gently supports the the idea? In no circumstances are you Performer is led by positive signals to a
fingers of the Transmitter’s left hand. The to lead me. I will lead you.” This makes particular place or object it is always wise
latter grip allows a check on both wrist no difference whatever to your picking up to double check before making the
and finger movements of the Transmitter her involuntary minute muscular signals, revelation. By starting to move the hand
and I use it more often than not, mainly but dismisses a solution which may have gently to the side, first one way and then
because it was the first one I learned from crossed her mind and the minds of the the other, and, if necessary, after a peek,
Entertaining with Contact Mindreading (S. spectators. It must be explained that you upwards and downwards, away from the
Edward Dexter, George Armstrong, can only do one thing at a time, so that indicated location, a restraining
London, 1952) although it is a little more for example, when replicating actions, if movement will be felt from the
awkward when needing a spare hand to she wants you to move ahead she must Transmitter which will confirm the original
locate the object on dénouement. I shall will it intensely, then, having arrived at location if it is correct. From time to time

56 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

a reminder can be given to the (Mickey Hades, Calgary, 1974) at p.29, sensible and worthy of a politician: “In
Transmitter to think to herself “Left, left, Celestial Agent by Charles J Maly (L.L. making contact with the volunteer I
left” or “right, right, right” as the case Ireland, Chicago, Illinois, 1944) at p.28, receive a peculiar instinct which tells me
may be. It sometimes heightens the effect and Satori, (ante) at p.56. In Banacheck’s what I am to do. To suggest that I know
to prolong the suspense by deliberately Psychophysiological Thought Reading exactly what is in the mind would be
going off course for a moment or so. If (Magic Inspirations, Houston, Texas, 2002) untrue. I suggest we leave it at that”.
you are quite certain you know what has there is one small paragraph on p.32, but
been chosen you can even disengage your the overall best guidance is to be found, I STEP THIRTEEN – The Unresponsive
grip from the Transmitter entirely and, think, in Mind Reading and Telepathy, an or “Negative” Transmitter
after further deep concentration, English translation by Bill Palmer in 2008 This step should, in fact, be taken at any
approach and reveal the target by (ISBN 978-3-9500190-9-4) of the 1920 time it becomes necessary during the
yourself. If there are a number of objects German publication, Das routine. There is no doubt that some
close together they can be spaced further Gedankenlesen/Telepathie, by Erik Jan people are better as Transmitters than
apart to make it easier for final Hanussen (Hitler’s personal clairvoyant and others and once you have got the hang
verification. In the case of a hidden object astrologer), and in Contact Mind Reading of it you will be able to recognise the
test, where, for example, a coin is – Expanded, by Dariel Fitzkee (Magic weaker signals received from some of
concealed and you arrive at a book on the Limited, Oakland California, 1970, them, but in the event of a Transmitter
table, you would first pick up the book. If 1st Edition 1935) at pages 33-34. I tend being completely unresponsive then the
the coin is not underneath, it must have to agree with Fitzkee, however, that as sooner she is dismissed and replaced
been located between the pages of the part of an ordinary entertainment there with another, the better. It can be done
book, and a smart riffle will reveal it. In really is no need to undertake a difficult, quite diplomatically by saying that you
the case of a book test, some Performers slow or uncertain demonstration of don’t appear to be getting any strong
use a number board to point out the complex re-enactments. impression from her which is no reflection
chosen page number, which is Satori’s on her concentration but simply that
method. I prefer, however, to open the STEP ELEVEN – The Convincer you are probably not on quite the
book in the middle, asking the Transmitter At the conclusion of the demonstration, same wavelength. When you have the
to think to herself “Turn back” or “Turn ask the Transmitter: “Would you please confidence acquired by success, you will
forward” as appropriate, gently moving tell everyone – you may be completely not be concerned by this, but at the early
the hand to the left or to the right, as honest – did I, or did I not, lead you at stage of your experiments you may prefer
though about to turn over the page, until any time”. The answer will always be to make sure you have a good Transmitter
the correct page is reached. The “No!” to the complete confoundment of in the first place by cheating on the initial
forefinger of the hand being held is then all, including you! test. By undertaking to find a “thought-
extended and run down the side of the of” (forced or glimpsed) card amongst a
page until the chosen line is signalled by STEP TWELVE – Questions number spread face-up on the table, you
the Transmitter’s muscular reaction, and If you allow questions afterwards you are can check whether your Transmitter is a
then read out. likely to be asked whether you do actually good subject or not. Of course, you keep
The replication of actions carried out in read minds. In my opinion, it goes your eyes closed throughout the test until
the performer’s absence is not within the without saying that you should never give you are about to reveal the card to which
scope of these notes as it is more a clue as to the secret involved. As her impulses have led you, opening them
advanced and should only be attempted Edward Dexter says, “the more they only at the last minute to check whether
when the performer is proficient in the guess, the greater your fame!” Whilst I you are going to be right or not. If not
basics of divination and discovery. The enjoy Bob Cassidy’s work, I certainly do correct, then your hand comes down on
same principles are involved as previously not endorse his approach of telling the the correct card instead and you then
explained and it is all the more important audience something about muscle reading change your Transmitter for the next test
to take matters step-by-step. For example, and leading them to believe that the without having to lose face.
if the Performer arrives at a brief case, he Performer has taken it virtually into the I hope that the above summary will
asks the Transmitter to concentrate on realms of real mind reading (The Artful encourage anyone interested to try
whether he should pick it up (in which Mentalism of Bob Cassidy, H&R Magic out the fascinating art of Contact
case his hand will be guided to the Books, 2004, p.82) nor that of Derren Mindreading. If at first you are not
handle), or whether he should open it, (in Brown who recently explained to his successful, do not give up. In future
which case his hand will be guided to the interviewer in the Sunday Times (9 May contributions we will review some of the
catch on the lock). However, if you wish 2010) that it was just “simple muscle- many instructional publications on CMR
to find out more, a list of 13 suggested sensing. An old skill. You can tell from the which you may find helpful in explaining
“action” tests appears on p.10 of touch where the pencil should go, and the technique more fully than space
S.W.Reilly’s Hellstromism (2nd Ed., Magic most people actually want to tell you allows here, and we will analyse the
Inc. Chicago, c.1959). There is surprisingly where to go”. The alleged justification is various different holds used to make
little published material on how to carry that the public know about muscle contact with the Transmitter.
out this type of test. Some guidance on reading anyway, but even if this is correct
the technique can be found in “A for a proportion of the audience, I see no [The illustration is from Getting to Grips
Problem in Tobacco” in Practical Contact reason to disillusion the remainder. I think with Contact Mind Reading,
Mind Reading by Dr. Edward R. Schatz Dexter’s reply to such a question is Chicago, 1900.]

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 57

 Elizabeth Warlock MIMC

hen Ron MacMillan instigated becoming a regular attendee at British his name to the attention of the

W a day of magic in London in

1972 in the unlikely month of
December, little did he think it would
conventions. She was only the second
woman to become International President
of the International Brotherhood of
magical world in the 1990s.
For 47 years now the Portsmouth and
District Magic Circle have been
become the famous international event Magicians, and was one of the judges for presenting a Jumbo Day, usually the
it is today with top performers coming the close-up competition. first Sunday in November, where
from around the world. It has changed Then there was Matthew Wright, the members can sell and exchange tricks.
much over the years from a one-day 2008 Magic Circle Close-up Magician of In recent years the move has been to
Sunday event to the whole weekend, the Year, who took the first prize of enlarge the day with professional
moved from the first weekend in £1,000 in the close-up competition dealers, lectures, an auction,
December to the last one in November, against some stiff opposition. This former workshops, and close-up and evening
and locations like the underground street entertainer is now one of the most Gala shows. Mike Gancia and I went
room in Tottenham Court Road to, highly skilled sleight of hand performers along to see some of the action.
currently The Mermaid Conference and in the country with his Coins Across In an interactive workshop Wayne Fox
Events Centre in Blackfriars. Even the where one of the coins visibly floats from
name has changed. After the death of one hand to the other, the Ambitious
Ron, this changed to International Card to Wallet and finally Poker Face
Magic Convention, but despite this it performed silently and beautifully acted to
is still run by the MacMillan family of a number sung by Lady GaGa.
Teresa, Martin and Georgina, and it was During the tourist season from April to
great to see them all again at this October he appears at the House of
eagerly awaited event last November. Illusion in Salou, Spain, the very popular
It is always good to see so many of bar/restaurant owned by Rodney James
our members attending and even taking Piper. Now Rodney has opened another
part like Noel Britten the man famous such venue in Andorra taking in the skiing
for the long-running Bizarre Walk in season during the winter months for
Bath who has been newly elected to which Matthew will be part of the Wayne Fox
Council. For the past couple of years or magical entertainment. We wish him
so Noel has been responsible for continued success. showed why he is fast making a name
booking the talent for the convention It was interesting seeing fellow for himself in the close-up field. There
as well as emceeing the Gala shows columnist and former Magic Circle Close- were such effects as the Instant Backing
and introducing other events. Then up Magician of the Year, Harold Cataquet, Box inspired by Michael Ammar, the
there was our editor Matthew Field when he came to lecture to the British chosen card rubbed from the deck and
who interviewed the wonderful Magical Society in November. An the flicking of the chosen card from the
Canadian magician David Ben, a American by birth he came to this country deck and trapping it under his other
protégé of the legendary Ross Bertram some 26 years ago settling in Stockport hand. John Archer combined his great
and is carrying on the tradition of that near to Manchester, where he runs a talent for comedy and magical skills,
superb card and coin magic. His second highly successful business training particularly in the mental field, including
and third deals have to be seen to be financial advisers and traders. his version of Bank Night, Sneak Thief
believed, or should I say not seen for his It is not just with finances he weaves and book test in his lecture and show.
technical skills are just incredible. his magic, but also of the kind we are Bob Hamilton was there showing
David Berglas presented his award more familiar with. He is a man of many excerpts from his vast collection of
from the Foundation for Promoting the magical ideas as his Magic Circular video footage, Terry Herbert with wife
Art of Magic to Juan Tamariz who column proves, and that evening in Averil, had a stand selling tricks he no
travelled especially from Madrid to Birmingham we were able to see his very longer needed, Walt Lees was busy
receive it, and took part in a 45 minute novel ‘A’ Team, a card effect with the taking photographs for Mystery
question and answer session as well as storyline based on the television series magazine, and ex -Midlander Marc
performing some of his incredible of that name. But perhaps the pièce de Dominic teamed up with Romany to sell
magic. résistance was his showing, but not props. It was an enjoyable day.
It was good to meet up again with explaining, his famous Linking Rings using I’ll be with you again soon with more
Joan Caesar from Canada who is circles of cord, which did much to bring News from the Regions.

58 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 The Pageboy Speaks ... Again René Lavand in London two parts. Firstly in the over-
by Patrick Page by René Lavand long questions that were so
250 pages, 6 x 9 ins., softcover, 5 pgs. (with Matthew Field, detailed they left René little
of photos. £20 (about $30) plus p&p Tina Lenert and Davide Costi) room to expand upon them,
from Patrick Page Magic, Two DVD set, 3 hrs. total. £35 ($52) sometimes only registering
www.PatrickPageMagic.com. plus p&p from International Magic, the briefest response of
89 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5BX, “yes” or “no” as they
Reviewed by Matthew Field UK. T: 020 7405 7324. Or via PayPal effectively answered
From 1974 until the mid ‘80s Patrick from www.InternationalMagic.com. themselves, and secondly in
Page wrote a column in the now defunct, the interpreter (Tina Lenert)
but much admired, magic magazine Reviewed by Chris Wood not reading the complicated questions
Pabular. The column was Pat at his best It’s always rewarding to watch a master at in advance which slowed the whole
– honest, often acerbic, full of work and watching René Lavand work is thing down.
reminiscences and tales of the people unquestionably a priceless experience, What is without question is that if
he met on his travels. there is so much to learn from. His private you haven’t seen René perform, you
Now Pat’s family (son Jeremy, performance on the second DVD on its really must and this DVD is a gift to us
daughter Janette, and her husband own is invaluable. all, committing to posterity one of the
Philip) have started the website For me what stood out here is how great magical performers of this
www.PatrickPageMagic.com to market René is larger than any of his effects. This century.
the effects Pat used to sell and to bring is an all too rare achievement in magic [The DVD set contains Sr. Lavand’s
out some new items as well. The first is and his dignified charisma and poetic style lectures from the 1992 and 2009
the book at hand, the collected Pabular blend with his gifted storytelling and wise International conventions, his 2009
columns with some additional, sayings to provide a truly rich experience one-man show, and the interview. Ed.]
previously unpublished, family photos. of entertainment where the magic
Reading this book is like spending (exquisite as it is) is truly just an excuse for Flexion
time in Pat’s company, something I very him to be there. The other point I noted is by Jon Allen
much enjoyed over the past five years. how often he compliments his audience, Gimmick, blank practice keys and 50
Pat absolutely loved magic in all its making them feel in turn wise, discerning, min. DVD in a sturdy case. £35 (about
forms, except when it was bad. He was kind, supportive and appreciative. It was $52) plus p&p via PayPal from
an author, an inventor, a performer, a an uplifting and emotional experience for www.OnlineMagicShop.co.uk or your
mentor and a fan of magic. He writes them – quite magnificent. favourite dealer. Dealers contact
about the magicians he saw and The lecture is also of worth but it Murphy’s Magic Supplies,
befriended, men like Albert Goshman, touched me how reluctant he was to www.Murphy’sMagic.com.
Dai Vernon, Terri Rogers, Val Andrews, share his secrets. A life devoted to
Channing Pollock, John Ramsay, Ricky unbelievable discipline leaves him closed Reviewed by Matthew Field
Jay and tons more. He and guarded. Who cares how he does his So the magician bends a key. Question:
writes about getting false one handed riffle shuffle? You could Why?
thrown out of the British see René didn’t really consider the Jon Allen has come up with an
Ring for exposure (for a technical side as anything to share of extremely clever reason why, and an
newspaper serialisation of interest. “Ahhh, you want to see the equally clever method. The spectator is
material from his Big Book strings of the marionette …” (shrug). His shown two keys and asked to write
of Magic) and for being interest only perked up when explaining (with a Sharpie) the initials of someone
invited back in. He writes about presentation. Then he began to she hates on one and
about his trips to the US open up with truly the most insightful someone she adores on the
and other countries and parts of performing magic and I wish other. They are placed in her
who he met and what he saw. there had been more such questions. In cupped hands and, under
He was a one-off, a brilliant man the end René knew what the audience the magician’s directions,
whom I wish I could sit and chat with really wanted – more performance, and she sends evil thoughts to
again. This book is the next best thing. this he duly provides. the hated one and loving
Buy it and read it – you won’t regret Unfortunately the subsequent interview thoughts to the adored one.
the purchase. by Matthew Field with René suffered on When she opens her hands,
▲

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 59

the key with the adored one’s initials is pedantic style, and each chapter is the visuals, reproductions of dozens of
fine, but the other key is now bent. followed by workbook-like “practice paintings and drawings by contemporary
As clever as that is, it is actually beaten homework” to help you along the path to artists, photos of Houdini and Bess as well
in the cleverness contest by the gimmick self-improvement. John is a professional as some of the apparatus used, and pages
which accomplishes this. Like the best who has the experience to write from his diaries, all reproduced in colour.
gimmicks, it is hidden in plain sight, authoritatively about these topics, and his There are also interviews with E.L.
masquerading (perfectly) as something own goal is to help you improve your act Doctorow, Teller, Matthew Barney and a
else which is naturally seen in many and thus make magic itself better. dozen other fine artists, as well as a
effects and is never noticed. Reading a book like this is enlightening chronology of Houdini’s life.
This is brilliant. The effect seems to and inspirational, but like all things in There is no magic taught (or exposed).
happen in the spectator’s hands, which magic, effort must be expended if you What there is, for the discerning magician
always makes for powerful magic. The want to see results. The book is not (as well as the collector) is a stark picture
DVD makes everything clear, including all expensive and, if you are really serious of a self-made man who transcended his
the finesses Jon has developed, and there about becoming a better performer and tricks and a possible pathway to today’s
are effects using a single key and even a are willing to do some work, is probably performer making magic really matter to
variation which is impromptu (except for the best investment you can make in the public and, just perhaps, inspiring
the key which you’ll bend). Four practice yourself. other artists. It is an excellent volume on
keys are supplied, but ‘rubbish’ keys or every level.
uncut blanks may be obtained easily and Houdini – Art and Magic
cheaply from most locksmith/key cutting by Brooke Kamin Rapaport Infinity Wallet
services. 280 pages, 7 x 10.25 ins., die-cut cover, by Peter Nardi
This entire package is first rate and I’ll colour illustrated throughout, index. £25 Gaffed, leather hip pocket-style wallet
sum it all up in one word: Brilliant. ($40) plus p&p. Published by Yale plus two DVDs, 106 min. total. £89.99
University Press, available from most ($134.99) plus p&p from your favourite
Magic by Design booksellers, and discounted at dealer or Alakazam Magic,
by John Carney www.Amazon.co.uk and www.alakazam.co.uk or www.alakazam-
93 pgs., softcover, illustrated with Harlan www.Amazon.com. usa.com.
Tarbell sketches, designed by Michael
Albright. $25 ($28 abroad, about £19) Reviewed by Matthew Field Reviewed by Matthew Field
postage paid. Via PayPal from An exhibit at the Jewish Museum in New Peter Nardi has made a name for himself
www.CarneyMagic.com. York City, which will with some very clever peek wallets,
tour to three other notably his Mind Spy and Stealth Assassin
Reviewed by Matthew Field U.S. museums, is varieties. These provide a natural peek
What are your goals in magic? What devoted to the great action with an innocent looking wallet.
(if anything) do you want to achieve and Houdini and his There is a preference for some (me, for
how can you go about reaching those influence on the instance) for a hip pocket-style wallet
goals? graphic arts. This is a which can be carried and used in everyday
John Carney is one of our most talented fascinating subject, conditions, when a jacket is not being
sleight-of-hand magicians, and one of the not least because of worn, and rather than simply adapt his
most personable. A student of Faucett Houdini’s impact on prior creations Peter has created a wallet
Ross and Dai Vernon, John has always American and British culture. A Jewish (actually made by Tony Curtis) which
been a tough critic of his own immigrant, although he claimed he was allows for a peek, card to wallet, switch,
performances and an astute observer of born in the US, Ehrich Weiss transformed multiple out and index system. To do this,
the magic scene. He states in this book his name and showed he could escape he has applied principles of some
that he’s not a big fan of magic theory, so from anything – handcuffs, packing excellent wallets created by others,
why a book with no tricks? Because, as crates, steel milk cans, even a background including Elbert Gardner’s ShoGun Wallet
John writes, “It is the duty of each which was subject to prejudice in the (originally marketed by Al Cohen, the
performer to take responsibility for his or early twentieth century culture in which rights now owned by Jerry O’Connell and
her own progress”. And making progress he lived. Craig Dickson), the Real Man’s Card to
is what this book is As Teller says, in an interview in the wallet (invented by Steve Draun and
about. book, “Houdini seems to have been, as marketed by Tony Miller), and Peter
John deals with far as the public is concerned, the only Nardi’s own Stealth Assassin peek wallet,
subjects like how to magician who ever mattered”. This about plus a couple of other bells and whistles.
study, setting goals, someone who died in 1926! These are all great concepts. The
problem solving, This beautifully produced book contains ShoGun is a
critiquing your work, essays on the impact of Houdini on visual sort of
video vs, books. culture, the immigrant world in which he horizontal
getting the most grew up, on his wife Bess, and about Himber Wallet
from your practice, Houdini’s life as the son of a less-than- idea which
creating a character, writing scripts, successful rabbi, this last by the author of allows access
routining and lots more. These subjects the definitive biography of the man, to two
are addressed in a serious but non- Houdini!!! The real beauty of the book is separate

60 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

compartments, each of which has a production and it’s either double-facers or cards with large
divider in it. The Real Man’s Wallet allows clear from the outset holes in them There’s a variant of
a playing card (or anything similar) to be that Roy and Roy McDonald’s Aces, a ‘Twisting’ effect
loaded into the picture-compartment of think about their involving a selection, a transposition of a
the wallet, behind plastic and a snap- presentations in a selection and the cards which were to
fastened flap. And the Stealth Assassin way that is designed sandwich it, several effects using cards
allows for a very natural peek during an for tremendous with holes (a la ’Holy P.O.D.’) and some
innocent-looking procedure. impact. For instance, double-sided sticky tape, plus a Force,
The first DVD covers the working and a the first piece – a Colour Change from the centre of the
couple of effects, and the ‘bonus’ DVD squeaky-clean card- deck, and a variant of Raise Rise in which
covers a bunch more, including a drawing at-a-number type effect, entitled 2 Secrets an outjogged card
duplication, card prediction, driving – is a brilliantly orchestrated two-deck seems to rise through
licence transposition (very strong), B’Wave sequence with a ‘kicker ending’ that really the deck.
type effects, and lots more. Deck switches will kick your audience in the teeth! This If you’re a card nut (I
and vanishes are taught as part of the is quite special, and something you’ll confess to being one)
explanations. want to use as soon as you see it! the material in the book
When I asked about the originators of What I found to be of particular interest is refreshingly creative
the other wallets, the concepts of which was a physical demonstration, reminiscent and there are some
are incorporated in the Infinity, Peter Nardi of some of the work made popular by the moves described which
responded that he was “given permission Georgia Magnet, in which a spectator’s are good and too often
to use the ShoGun principle a few years strength is apparently psychically neglected (like the Bilis Switch).
ago when we originally produced the removed, rendering him incapable of For the rest of you, this is another book
Heirloom wallet. Tony Curtis magic has bending the performer’s arm at the of variations, and using special cards at
the permission to use the Shogun elbow, which he was able to do just that. To help you decide if it’s for you,
principle in the wallets he manufactures. I moments before. Learn this and you’ll there are demonstrations on the website
believe he gained the permission many have an impromptu and highly visual www.VanishingIncMagic.com, run by our
years ago from Al [Cohen]. To my demonstration of an oracular nature own Andi Gladwin and his buddy Joshua
knowledge the rights to the Real Man’s (requiring absolutely no props) that you Jay.
wallet is now owned by Murphy’s Magic can lead into at any moment. The method
(who are the exclusive distributor of the will surprise you! Double Back
Infinity wallet). I did try to contact Steve Other items on this DVD include some by Jon Allen
[Draun] (the original inventor) on interesting billet work, a routine called Gaffed cards and 19 min. DVD. £12
numerous occasions (as we always do Feminine Intuition which includes a (about $18) plus p&p via PayPal from
whenever we plan incorporating an idea sensational method of ostensibly selecting www.OnlineMagicShop.co.uk or your
in one of our products). Unfortunately a spectator at random from the group in favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s
I never had a response from Steve”. the most illusive manner, a strong Magic Supplies,
Knowing Peter as I do, I believe he has headline prediction and a chair routine www.Murphy’sMagic.com.
done ‘due diligence’ on clearing the rights called Places. There’s also much more,
to produce the Infinity. besides! Reviewed by Matthew Field
This is a beautiful, multi-purpose wallet For seasoned mentalists, or even those This is a transposition effect similar to Dr.
which can be used for a multitude of who wish to further explore this arena, Daley’s Last Trick. You show two Fives and
effects and carried effortlessly in one’s The Roy DVD is value for money indeed! I two Kings, place the Fives on the spec’s
rear trouser pocket, then used for recommend this unreservedly. hand, showing you hold the Kings.
seemingly impromptu miracles. It’s a Suddenly you are holding the Fives and
beauty. A Clockwork Apple the spec now has the Kings.
by Chris Mayhew The trick looks great and Jon did this
The Roy DVD 63 pgs., 5.5 x 8.5 ins., soft bound, photo for me recently and fooled me badly.
by Roy Zaltsman illustrated. £20 (£12.53) plus p&p from There are gaffs
& Roy Yozevitch www.VanishingIncMagic.com or your involved (check out
87 min. DVD. $35 (£24) plus p&p from favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s the title of the trick
www.telepathy.co.il or your favourite Magic Supplies, for a clue) but they
dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic www.Murphy’sMagic.com. can be very cleanly
Supplies, www.Murphy’sMagic.com. handled and the one
Reviewed by Matthew Field sleight, an Elmsley
Reviewed by Julian James This small book contains nine effects from Count, is taught.
If you’re searching for some strong mental Chris Mayhew, a chap whose work I This is a re-release
pieces to add to your performance know from the card fanatic’s website, The of the trick, now with
repertoire, the effects featured on The Roy Second Deal. These are clever tricks and an excellent video by Bob Hamilton. It’s
DVD, by Roy Zaltsman & Roy Yozevitch, moves for the intermediate-level easy to do, easy to carry and appropriate
are certainly worthy of your consideration. performer, mostly variations of existing for beginner-level card handlers. It’s a real
There is a refreshing and definite effects. fooler. .
practicality to all of the effects on this Quite a few require ‘special’ cards,

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 61

 6. FRIENDS OF person. (e.g. The PRO) The

Council minutes THE MAGIC CIRCLE

Council considered the President’s
Secretary confirmed that very
few job enquires came via the
proposal for establishing a Secretary or the general
“Friends of The Magic Circle” enquiries email and the policy
group. This would consist of is always to refer the enquirer
celebrities and enthusiasts who to the “Find a Magician”
enjoyed watching magic and section of the website.
would support the organisation
for minor benefits. Council Finance Committee:
unanimously endorsed the Alexander Crawford reported
proposal. on the small honoraria for the
MINUTES OF THE MAGIC for online voting is not used. President (£50pm) and the
CIRCLE COUNCIL MEETING The IT committee is to 7. CLOAKROOM ATTENDANT Secretary and Treasurer (£25pm
HELD AT THE HEADQUARTERS investigate a professional As raised by Fay Presto at the each) that currently exist.
ON 2 DECEMBER 2010 6.30 pm external solution for online AGM, the need for a These will be reviewed at the
voting. As usual only the cloakroom attendant on club beginning of each Council year
PRESENT returning officer would know nights was discussed. The and noted that neither the
Noel BRITTEN the results. conclusion was that it was Treasurer nor Secretary will be
Rob COX Stage Management: James indeed required on busy taking these up.
Mandy DAVIS Freedman will circulate figures evenings and these could not It was further agreed that
James FREEDMAN for technicians’ rates to council be predicted with certainty. It the President’s honorarium is
Will HOUSTOUN and John van der Put’s paper was a matter for CMA. intended to cover his out-of-
Alan MASKELL on pyrotechnic use will be pocket expenses and that
Richard PINNER added to the next agenda. 8. CMA UPDATE Council would investigate costs
Fay PRESTO Examinations: It was agreed The termination of the involved in ensuring that the
John VAN DER PUT that failed examinees could not management lease with CMA President can attend various
Brian SIBLEY (Chairman) appeal to council and then the is underway and will be replaced important events and functions
Chris WOOD President. by a similar arrangement with on the Society’s behalf.
Alexander CRAWFORD Live Video Broadcasts: clearer accountability to council. Currently the Secretary and
(Acting Treasurer) Further to the trial event Council consented to the Treasurer are absented from
David WEEKS proposed last meeting it was appointment of Ian Hendry to paying subscriptions. Neither
(Minuting Secretary) agreed that the initial the board noting that he should of the current holders of those
broadcast should be to have been approved by council jobs has taken up this option
1. APOLOGIES members only. Andrew Eborn first. Council also approved the and it is intended to propose
Michael VINCENT, Jack DELVIN, envisaged this as potentially proposed appointment to the the removal of this rule at the
Martyn ROWLAND, Scott the beginning of a worldwide board of Di Hendry. next AGM.
PENROSE, Katherine RHODES TMC TV channel in partnership Both appointments Proposed: With regards to expenses for
with his company which could Andrew Eborn, Seconded: Council, after discussion the
2. DEATHS provide an extra revenue Chris Wood following proposal was agreed.
Stephan Stamm AIMC (83) stream. A proposal fully Both passed unanimously with No travel expenses are to be
from Leverkusen, Germany. detailing the needs for live James Freedman abstaining, paid except for exceptional
Members of Council stood in streaming, the process having previously declared his circumstances. Proposed by
silence as a mark of respect. involved, costings and the interest as a supplier. James Freedman, seconded by
terms and conditions was Noel Britten. (For: JF, WH, FP,
3. MINUTES requested by council. 9. COMMITTEE REPORTS RP, NB, CW. Against: MD, AE.
On a proposal by Alan Maskell, YMOTY : Noel Britten agreed Young Magicians Club: Abstain: RC)
seconded by Richard Pinner the to join this group. Mandy Davis reported on the
minutes of the meeting held success of J-Day with Francis Business Committee:
on 5 October 2010 were 5. SECRETARY’S REPORT Menotti and Derren Brown and Discussions have been ongoing
approved. It was agreed that the new outlined plans for a 10 Day trip with branding a magical
member/s on the attached to the USA in 2012 with a product with TMC logo.
4. MATTERS ARISING schedule be accepted. special visit to the Magic Castle. Negotiations are to continue in
The Secretary Chris Wood took There were two reinstatements: order to reach agreement.
Council through previous Peter PENWARDEN Publicity Committee:
ACTION points. Darren TOSSELL Guidance is now in place for Heritage:
Deputy Returning Officer: There were no resignations. dealing with press visitors to Will Houstoun updated on the
Gordon Drayson has been Promotions as on attached the headquarters. reinstatement of the Hoffman
asked to be the deputy schedule. It was proposed that any jobs Memorial Lecture. Copyright of
returning officer by Clive Correspondence: John or opportunities that come to submissions remain with author
Hyams. Council agreed so long Greenwood thanked Council light via media enquiries should but further publication has to
as a home grown IT solution for his Silver Wand. be a wider decision than one acknowledge TMC.

62 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 IT Committee:
A full report was submitted but
deferred to next meeting.

Social Committee:
To be circulated online and
request council members limit
themselves to one response
before the committee moves Teaching Magic in America by Stephen Ablett MMC
ahead.
take the place of coins, and teachers simply wore the
10. ANY OTHER BUSINESS some plastic cups for a cups and standard camp shirt.
A schedule of dates for future balls routine. I also located boxes My first class was a little
council meetings were agreed. of brown paper bags that were nerve racking with 23
Next Meeting Thursday used to make production bags, students enrolled. I knew
6 January 2011 to produce a teddy bear. I was that Ring Tricks was the most
able to teach ring tricks using a popular magic I performed,
New members elected on Over the course of Summer collection of novelty rings I with it being very visual and
2 December 2010 2007 I taught 24 classes in purchased from a local Wal- so I decided to start off with
Gary BRYSON magic at a summer camp in Mart and elastic bands for that. Even though it was very
Grimsby America. I was hired as a those children whose fingers sleight-of-hand based, the
Peter DARLEY film-maker, but upon the were too small for the rings. children were thrilled and
Hinkley, Leicestershire staff learning of my other I had several days to plan out excited to learn it and spent
David SINCLAIR profession, they decided to my lessons, photocopying a great amount of effort
West Bridgport, have me teach magic classes instructions for the students practising the moves after
Nottinghamshire as well. I had to quickly and structuring the classes so the class. None of them got
Simon TUNSTILL prepare a series of eight, 60- that they all had a theme. I it perfect, but they all
Great Milton, Oxfordshire minute different classes that started with an easy effect, made great
Carlos VINUESA could be repeated three building in difficulty towards strides that
Spain (Currently in times for students aged the end. As the camp film- first day. They
Cambridgeshire) between 11 and 16. maker, I could also record all showed all the
I had left all my playing the classes which was a great councillors the
Members Promoted to cards and thumb tips at resource for reflection and tricks
AIMC with Silver Star home and so had to quickly developing my workshops. and
on 2 December 2010 access what I had available I also decided early on that I they
Oliver TABOR to work with and what did not want to wear my kept on nodding
Tai-Hsiang CHOU impromptu effects did I know standard camp outfit for my their heads saying how great
that I could teach? A visit to magic classes. This was special it was. Learning a skill such
Member promoted to MIMC the art supply shop closest and so I wore my magic shirt, as this helped them get over
Richard WISEMAN got me several scissors and a tie and hat. This lifted the their home-sickness and
ball of wool, for the cut and entire image of the workshop livened up their adventure
restored rope. I collected a to a heightened level, especially holiday immediately.
number of stones that would since all the other subject At the end of the week,
the children had learnt many

MY FAVOURITE MAGIC BOOKS 3 100 Years of

Magic Posters
effects and each had
mastered a particular routine.
by Michael Bailey MIMC
by Charles and I never asked them to choose
Corporate performer, author and Regina Reynolds their favourite they just
the past President of The Magic 4 The Great Raymond gravitated towards an effect
Circle, Michael Bailey spoke to by Rev. William Rauscher that appealed to them the
a packed Library audience on 5 Mr. Electric Unplugged most. They were asked to
Monday, 13 December about by Marvyn Roy perform in a camp talent
the magic books that mean the 6 John Calvert show and we got to show
most to him. by Rev. William Rauscher a wide variety of effects.
7 Magician’s Magic This was my first experience
1 The Tarbell Course by Paul Curry of actually teaching a proper
in Magic, Vol. 1 8 Practical Sorcery class, with a proper structure
Photo: Matthew Field

by Harlan Tarbell by Alan Shaxon and helping others develop

2 The Illustrated 9 Jarrett by Jim Steinmeyer the skills in this type of
History of Magic 10 Magic of Robert Harbin environment. All those
by Milbourne Christopher by Robert Harbin children did me proud.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk FEBRUARY 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 63

Forthcoming club events
Club Night Committee: may only be admitted on two evenings in any year by prior
Brian Sibley, Chair, chairman@themagiccircle.co.uk; arrangement with the staff. Members wishing to bring guests
Mandy Davis, Secretary, mandy@themagiccircle.co.uk. (limited to ten on any one night) must contact the office on +44
(0) 20 7387 2222 or by email at cma@themagiccircle.co.uk. The
The Headquarters are open on Club Nights from 3:00 pm until Magic Circle reserve the right to refuse entry and members are
10:30 pm. Unless otherwise stated, events start promptly at asked to ensure that guests respect our conventions.
7:30 pm and are scheduled to finish around 9:00 pm. Club Night Login to our website for all the latest event details, a
events are principally for members and entry requires a valid downloadable programme card and the opportunity to
membership card. With the exception of meetings marked subscribe to a weekly email reminder of upcoming events.
‘Members Only’, bona fide magician guests may be admitted
providing they can show membership of another magical society. FEBRUARY 2011
Non-magician guests may only be admitted to those evenings
where magical secrets are not discussed and which are marked Monday 7
‘Open’. All guests must pay a £10 entrance fee at the door and PAT PAGE – A TRIBUTE – Hosted by Mandy Muden, MIMC (Open)
A celebration of the magic and personality of Patrick Page
presented by his friends.

Saturday 12
ALI BONGO’S SATURDAY SHOW
Great close-up and stage magic. Doors open: 5:15. Show
finishes 8:30. All invited. £8 from TMC Box Office in advance.

Monday 14
MAGIC FOR LOVERS – Hosted by Steve Dela, AIMC
St Valentine’s Day provides the opportunity for an evening of
making magic romantic and romance magical.

Monday 21
CHRISTIAN SCHENK – CARDSHARK
The man behind the Phoenix Deck reveals the inside secrets of
making playing cards magical.

Monday 28
STRATEGIC MARKETING FOR MAGICIANS – Bob Yelland
Do you pro-actively shape the type of engagements you receive
or do you let fate decide? Are you dependent upon repeat
bookings and the limited success of haphazard prospecting
activity? Are you tired of enquiries seeking the lowest-priced
performers? If so, this thought-provoking lecture – with no
tricks – will challenge you to think seriously about your business
aspirations and potential.

Looking ahead to… MARCH 2011

Monday 7
ALI BONGO MEMORIAL LECTURE – Rafael

Monday 14
MAGIC OLYMPICS

Monday 21
KURT FLEMMING

Monday 28
ANNUAL: THE MAGIC CIRCLE CLOSE-UP COMPETITION

Change of address? Contact Secretary Chris Wood,

Secretary@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
Member in need? Contact Chaplain and Welfare Officer,
Peter Liddelow, Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk

64 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR FEBRUARY 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk