Magic Times - November 2022

MAGIC TIMES The magazine of the Manchester Circle of Magicians Volume 21 No 6 Nov/Dec 2022 In this issue: Amazing Johnathan Reviews and Tricks Danny Goldsmith Nikola Arkane Daniel Chard Greg Wilson Steve Gore Paul Brook Fay Presto Paul Stone Tom Stone Ian Adair On the cover: Andrew Van Buren

Manchester Circle of Magicians Headquarters: The Micker Brook Councillor Ln, Cheadle Hulme, Cheadle SK8 5NU OFFICERS President: Stephen Ablett e: [email protected] President Elect: Bill Booth Secretary: Bill Booth 16 Oak Avenue, Abram, Wigan, Lancashire WN2 5XH t: 01942 366215 [email protected] Treasurer: David Hutchinson e: [email protected] Editor: Mitch Law 3 Waterside View, Northwich, Cheshire, CW9 7EG t: 07881 552200 e: [email protected] Entertainments Officer: Mitch Law e: [email protected] Auctions Organiser: Alex Fisher Librarian: Stephen Ablett e: [email protected] Website Organiser: Sam Fitton e: [email protected] Raffle Organiser: Charles Hankinson e: [email protected] Honorary Life President: Derek Lever Honorary Life Members: Anne Lever Phil Tilston Don George Mitch Law Judith Butterworth-Berry Geoffrey R Berry David Hutchinson Rodger Ball Martin Pearson Carole Roberts The Magic Times is published by the Manchester Circle of Magicians. Its contents must not be reproduced without the permission of the Editor or the Author. The Editor and Officers of the Society accept no responsibility for the accuracy or for author’s opinions which are expressed within.

CONTENTS 4 Presidential 218 ASol’sutBhoTxyinegsNidigehMt C Club President Stephen Ablett looks AStleevxeFJiosnhesr dreepsocritsbefsroamnotthhiesr of forward to 2023 gourerant evwalutyepceoonfvcelnutbioenvenings 6 More Club News 290 UOlntimThaeteCMoavrekred Deck News about the new club logo and DJoohens Gusiilnl greapomrtasrkoendadveecrkymspeoaonky an easy way to renew for 2023 ycoluubalreectcuhreeabtiyngM? atteo Borrini 7 Mental Awareness 3203 WyWAfProoneauomousnmtphlodoieSguterhratfrtomavnwsneaiclawneilnneitamnttioaVngegvigicisanivstseinduereuthpadtate Some sage words from professional 25 One Liners magician & treasurer Sam Fitton Phil Tilston continues his series 8 Andrew Van Buren on one-liners we all use John Gill reports on a very different club evening 26 Ian Adair Our regular columnist continues 10 Paul Brook his story about 75 years in magic Paul (pic right) gives us a great piece of mentalism; Clearly Psychic 28 Ian Keable Ian considers the label of 142 PChlBBilersuiseilrbslleslocgPAnioudrsenbleasttoibrinnduohutepeinetadlsttplaShtyetiesopushreermineasAgobicflesthtowrtith “Comedy Magician” 154 tAAhDfBrewoiNalnmlaneerBmwiwteohoeMlwAtCgheCdrlhrecMdeaoaptimWotrcidreaoterstlndofoawLnreiotshOrakefOeflrieaccketrluerye, 165 YJaPTvbooaoaruhnuivrpilense)Plhd,eLriodetAeonaogrewnBeioannrflohtroeheoaarivvdsnkiieemmwTwaaessgssttiJehcotraehclclnhaose(isprnoices 29 Michael Diamond 196 FGaTSaninbrsheawdoeauheoptnruare‘otmfdTafheaioorsJuywswriolooGetlenalrrnaetahlymheearnam’gtmeir(catpaagilicinqcreuiiargentshasttil)okns s John Gill reports on our second 1107 PITMTMPehartBieeuikrplegIJBlBaoeLrtnehoMAeeeosrkd‘iBrnPieisgnopcicouoahrsnniktssdsiercTosiet’nec’asestpnNhteteOelakencputniuscuernaedilcby spooky lecture in 2022 1118 BiFnSStihutltetaleeretvBelvyesoUotewoiunstiGhgtchartoyenarppageoedrreoatsapfttocstlneoulabfa-nneweyvowetrnhkaieninmngdgetrick 1220 SMSwSIeBeataiegatnMhvincaet”swCJTkdoosaoonhyvneyoislveoowawuernmsnhdaotaPvifnoheytihnil“enpM2syPa0ooamur2mtrer2eirednovgtuseetnointfe 30 Simon Jacobs 1232 oAAaTJbnnonjodehtdimycncytitGpfearMaliolltnsmleadduorhsntlNeiiaasncbitevkouxeurotreteylnaaensaiovgtehereclroymlleacgtiicon Simon treats us to another of his 1244 GmMPETOIhhaaeyidihugslntriertTMsceirtAinoveAmlesgridgeytmmeuowamlanSaoiasborrctorzaracoaauiodnrnbtbltotlu7gieelcnm5eudutJomnyeMoieshesahaihtnrmitcsgnsaoiriasnnycettmrhionifeaausagenoiscn amazing card tricks 1266 MtrCuMly mmeemmobrearbMleiecnhtaeerltaIilnicehr tells us 1277 MabRRyoooubMtbehreatisrgwtmiocIanlaigdcilechrCaslowjolhlueertncheetyirosnelf- 31 Phil Tilston Phil continues his excellent series AwlaonrkHinogrnme ateglilcs cuasnabeoubteattnerobject about one line sayings he bought for his collection 32 Ian Keable Ian notices an interesting object that came under the hammer 33 Ties v Loops We look at the differences between two similar products 343 GThregSoproyoWkiylsPoenndulem TBhrieancoJnoshunmstmonaetewleitchtuareror uwtinthe a byaogufmuliogfhtrsiacvkes ufoprhHisalslloeweveen 354 PMainutleSdtone MAnaottthLeartcfahsfcoirndaotin gthienspiedreirlsuopfdate ifmropmroomupr tmu apnurinchVaesegsas 36 Ben Richardson Ben ponders a question pertinent to the hobbyists in the club 37 LTihgehLteigr hTtoeurcShide Enjoy jokes, Marco’s latest escapade and our regular puzzle!

YOUR MAGIC CLUB IS CHANGING! On behalf of your committee, club President, Stephen Ablett explains what’s happening at the club This is my last Presidential and we’ve had a great year of lectures, auctions and club events. Last month was marred by two members of the Committee standing down and I’ve already explained my thoughts in a letter that posted on our Facebook page in which I thanked them on behalf of the club for the work they did. Let us look forward to Christmas and 2023 with an exciting program of events. CONSTITUTION We need a constitution to provide guidelines to run the club Your Committee needs guidelines adoption. If you have any suggestions to run the club so we have written about how it can be improved then a proposed Constitution that will please email your suggestions to our be emailed to all members prior to secretary, Bill Booth, by email at: [email protected] 2023 ITINERARY 2022 isn’t over, but we’ve already got an exciting programme of events lined up for 2023 including 10 big name lectures plus social evenings! For some more details, see the back page but look out for news via the usual channels. HAVE YOU GOT A CLUB DVD? All DVD’s borrowed from the club library Librarian, Stephen Ablett. Stephen must be returned by the lecture on the is stepping down as Librarian so if 14th November 2022. Non-returns you wish to take over the role, please will incur a fine unless you notify our contact him or our secretary, Bill Booth. 4

THE TOP FIVE REASONS TO REJOIN THE MCM IN 2023 CLUB MEETINGS aDuucritniogns,20P2L2USweevehnetsldsu1c3h lectures, three as Fuel-Us, Al’s Boxing Nights and social evenings MAGIC TIMES SPLixUSfulal-ncoolonu-lrinecl,ufblipm-baogoakzcinoepsy in pdf format with an option for a hard-copy delivered to your door ON-LINE RECORDINGS If more than 15 miles from our HQ, on-line access to video recordings of our club lectures (more than 40 videos available and growing!) GOOD FOOD The chance to meet fellow members for a pre-lecture meal at low prices (currently 2 for 1 pizzas and 25% discount with Meerkat card) PRIVATE FACEBOOK GROUP Access to our members-only Facebook group where members share the latest news, lecture notes, videos and other magical resources PLUS! • Half-price entry to lectures run by the Leeds Magic Circle • The right to use the MCM club logo and the name of MCM in your publicity material • A membership card which contains a “secret” magic trick • Club raffles with prizes • Social evenings and themed evenings It’s easy to renew on-line at www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk (Please note that subs are due before the end of December) 5

AGM ANNOUNCEMENT IMPORTANT: The date of the AGM has been changed The Micker Brook is being renovated in January, so the AGM is now on Wedneday 7th December 2022. All committee roles Pwreilsl idbeent Euplectf.or election, including the Anyone wishing Ptoresbiedecnot nEsildeecrtedmufosrt the position of have been a club member for at least 12 months, must be proposed and seconded and the proposal details sent to our secretary, Bill Booth, by email to contact@manchestercircleofmagicians. co.uk by Monday 21st November 2022. If you wish to stand for any other position please email Bill as soon as possible. OUR CLUB LOGO At the meeting in October we announced that we would like to introduce a new club logo. Things change and we now feel that we’ve got more important matters to attend to and will take a fresh look at club branding next year. YOUR 2023 MEMBERSHIP All you need to know about renewing your membership The membership fee for 2023 is £40. For an extra £15 you can get six issues of our full colour, hard copy of the club magazine delivered to your door. Subs are due before 31st December 2022. You will be able to renew your membership with a Debit or Credit Card on our website at www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk Ihfayrdoucohpayvoef an existing subscription for a the club magazine, please keep an eye out for an early bird offer to renew because copies are strictly limited to the first 50 subscribers who sign up. IMPORTANT! Please renew your membership on-line by 31st December at www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk 6

YOUR FAVOURITE TENYO Ghost Lamp dates back to about 2010 and although it has been long discontinued, you can still pick it up second hand for about £60. Effect:A spectator chooses a card and places it back in the deck. The deck is divided into four packets. A small light bulb is shown and placed inside a handkerchief. The handkerchief is lowered on each of the stacks of cards and the bulb lights to one of the stacks. The top card is turned over to reveal the chosen card. Claiming that the light bulb is connected with an invisible cord the magician takes out a pair of scissors and cuts the invisible cord, turning off the light. This is a great way to locate a spectator’s chosen card and can be adapted for a variety of scenarios including living and dead testing. MENTAL AWARENESS Some sage words from professional magician, Sam Fitton THheealt1h0AthwaOrecntoebsesrDwayasanWd ooruldr Mental Welfare Officer, Lisa Oakley is doing a great job contacting members who are sick and making them realise they are not alone. I was reminded that some jobs, such as entertainers, can be a lonely career, which is ironic, given that we magicians are often surrounded by people. In the early days of my career, I would escape to the bathroom, splash water on my face and utter softly to myself, “You can do this!” It wasn’t stage fright or nerves, just the sheer pressure to deliver my best on a day that means so much to so many people. As the years passed that anxiety faded A playlist that you can scream out will away but I still give myself a pep talk of get the adrenaline pumping and get you sorts but by a different method. “in the zone” and ready to perform. SWTthhtehoisepvnCeBniIet’uymlieeb,vayiIbnSogputlaabtryy1sJh0troiapmuc.rkinTnseuhyteseurasecnhaadwraWeasyeoDtfBhrooeunmril’stt So have fun, make your own playlist, but I’m sure you get the idea. even if it is cheesy 80’s tunes. 7

ON THE COVER ANDREW VAN BUREN John Gill reports on a very different club evening There were 36 mesmerised members who was anybody. Andrew’s dad, Fred of MCM who had turned out to see (still alive and in his 90’s) is a British something very different. This was not professional performer, magician, a lecture or a demonstration, but a illusionist, inventor and builder of magic full and fascinating evening listening & illusion effects. to Andrew Van Buren, a Gold Star Born in Sandbach, Cheshire the four- performing member of the Inner Magic year-old Fred saw a poster in the local Circle, talk about his life and his family. butcher’s shop advertising a circus, Andrew’s parents were major variety and returned home to tell his mum that stars of the 1950’s through to the 1990’s, the butcher was selling elephant meat! who appeared on bills with everybody After putting him right, he was taken to see Chapman’s Circus and was immediately captivated by the idea of working in this environment. Aged eight, Fred discovered that Gandey’s Circus had their winter quarters a few miles down the road and spent all his spare time with the artists, learning trapeze skills before eventually being enrolled as a clown. But Fred was fascinateded by large illusions, and wanted to pioneer effects which could be performed totally surrounded. Fred had started work as a cabinet maker so was able to design and build his own props. He met Greta, who became his glamorous assistant, and later his wife, and together they moved away from the circus and into cabaret. They were persuaded by atBhuberoieronknsia,nmg eassgueptnpototsoTehcdehlyaVngaena Dutch act, which meant they could perform silent, so as not to give away their Potteries heritage! Andrew showed us a series of adverts for their act, performing alongside the 8

likes of Arthur Askey, Bob Monkhouse, Asanol and trained seven hours a day Ray Allen Cannon & Ball… the list is in unicycling, juggling, and escapology. tRwfehaniermddolelolueraugsss(hsth.DtheAieFsssarstecpailsdpartesaasandcirtcetinsigFniilglluunMFsoeIoiSrdoetMnos.rc,theC1Aeny9tc7lpwT9eou)o,sabrtlnaededss-r By the age of 12, he had sorted out his depicting the Motor Cycle illusion can act and employed his first assistant, a be seen below. glamorous 19-year-old, who was able Rather than touring, The couple to chauffeur him between bookings. He migrated to doing seasons (18 to 20 thought he needed a new addition, so weeks) of variety performances in all decided to introduce plate-spinning into the big resorts and on cruise liners. his act, a turning point in his career. Andrew was born whilst they were touring, and made his stage debut aged just six weeks! He regularly appeared on stage with his parents, meeting all the big stars of the day, as well as wachceorme pthaenypinogputhlaermSatoppEhlsirtereaenSdtuSdteioesl was being filmed. He also met the Muppets who were filming in an adjacent studio, and showed us a photo of Animal (the drummer in the Muppets) with his arm round the eight-year-old Andrew. Everyone told Andrew that he had his future sewn up with such influential and well connected parents, but Andrew wanted to do his own thing, so at the age of 11 he met artists from Circus Andrew was booked to appear in venues such as working men’s clubs and smaller theatres and was soon to bTehceomGeenaerraetgiounlarGoanmes.ucIhn shows as 1992, he appeared at the World Expo in Seville, in a showcase for best of British entertainment, another turning point, as suddenly he was able to play the larger theatres, cruise liners and corporate events. David Berglas nominated Andrew as a master of the Magic Circle, and Alan Shaxton promoted him to the Inner Circle. Andrew tours the world, performing with his partner Allyson so it was great to see him at a relatively local booking and his very interesting talk made a nice change from the usual lecture format. 9

CLEARLY PSYCHIC A great effect from top mentalist Paul Brook Effect You hand a large transparent bag containing a block of sticky notes and a pen to a member of the audience. You ask him (or her) to write down a question they would like answered, peel off the sticky note, fold it up into quarters, drop it into the case then pass everything to another person to do the same. When you eventually get the bag back, you mix up the contents a little, remove a piece of folded paper, hold it to your head and provide an answer to the question posed on the paper. The paper is handed to a participant who confirms the question has been correctly divined. You then answer question after question until you notice the eyes of your audience are glazing over. 1 Preparation Write a question (that you know the answer to) on a sticky note then fold it into quarters. Peel back the rear cardboard back of the pad and the two last notes (carefully as not to remove them from the pad) and insert the folded Pre-Written question into the sticky binding. It is only inserted slightly into this glued area so that it cannot move but will be easy to remove while on stage (see photo 1 showing folded note marked ‘PW’). Once this is done, close the sheets and the back cover to conceal your question. Put the pad and the pen in the bag and you’re ready to go. 10

23 Performance You will probably be familiar with the One Ahead method. Hand the bag and its contents to a member of the audience and ask them to remove the pen and the pad, write a question on a note, fold it into quarters then put everything back into the bag and pass it to another person. When you get the process going you can leave them to it while you tell them what’s going to happen or perform another trick. When you’re ready, make sure the pad and the pen are put back into the bag and have it returned to yourself. Put your hand in the bag and apparently mix up the folded notes. In reality, you place your fingers between the cover of the pad, grab the Pre-Written note and get it into lower finger palm (photo 2 above). This is all done in one simple motion and any fumbling simply looks like you are mixing up the papers. With thumb and forefinger, grab any genuine folded note (photo 3 above) and remove your hand from the clear case. As you take the notes out, square them up loosely before placing them to your forehead. The two notes will appear to be one note, so don’t worry too much about alignment, as long as they closely match. Answer your own question, whatever it is. Bring your hand down and open up the genuine being the question you have just answered and tfrhoeeladdgeedthnqeuuingeeesntoioupnineennonqtoeut,eesm(tisiosencea. lpWl hithoaitleos you do this, the Pre-Written question sits behind 4 below). I’m sure you understand, hbauvt eit’sjusimt preoartdanotntothme egnetniounintehaqtuyeosutionneendoteto! remember the information that you Close up the note and in a simple 4 rgmeeomntiueoimnnebseenrpeoadter)aytienotutohhelaonvwoeeterjuss,fitnmgroeevaridnpg(aatlhnmed, and the Pre-Written question to your fingertips (see photo 5 over the page). After you have completed this switch, hand the Pre-Written note to an audience member for verification. With the question just memorised in your lower finger palm, reach ginetnoutinhee clear case and take another question, ready to repeat the process as many times as you see fit. Turn the page for photo 5 and some extra notes 11

CLEARLY PSYCHIC Notes Continued from previous page The pleasing aspect of this methodology 5 is the apparent fairness and openness of the items being used; the gimmicked We reviewed Paul’s great book, item is actually being handled by the It’s Your Choice, in the last issue of audience members, what more proof could they want? Magic Times (July 2022) Using a transparent bag, further adds to the fairness and allowing all the audience to see the situation regarding the items being used. As a precaution I would mark both sides of the pre-written note with an easy to read permanent marker dot. While participants shouldn’t notice the folded question, if they did they could be ‘helpful’ and throw it in with the rest and this will help you to find it in this worst case scenario. This method is great to fall back on if your preferred method has gone missing or you are asked to do something at short notice. PRO-TIPS Professional entertainer Bill Abbott continues his great series on short, sharp lessons to help you become a better magician As magical performers we are becoming elsewhere to find clients, audiences and more and more a global service ultimately pay checks. The potential to industry. When the local economy has market to locations and clients around been gutted by widespread recession, the world is forcing many to become we have the ability and means to look truly mobile. There is a group of savvy performers who have realised that it is more advantageous to fill a stage with personality and entertainment rather than large props and paraphernalia. Working towards strategies, insightful techniques and workable solutions to propel you to think smarter about your magic and deliver a show that is high on impact and low on luggage. Whether we are flying, driving, taking a cab, public transit or walking to the gig. The key is to focus on the size of the potential effect on an audience and not on the size of the props. 12

LETTER TO ED Steve Smith comments on an article in the last issue Ben Richardson made some interesting points about audiences Googling effects (MT Sept 2022) but failed to draw an admittedly generalised distinction between hobbyists and professionals. If you are a hobbyist, you will be almost certainly be performing lots of different tricks but probably only one or two at a time to your friends and family. Professionals perform relatively few tricks time and time again. And they will select and hone tricks that will probably be very difficult to Google. My advice for the many hobbyists out there is not to dash out and buy the latest trick - especially one you’ve seen on AGT - but to concentrate on the classics. MY COLLECTION Geoff Berry describes an item from his magic collection We asked what item have you bought and never used ... something you bought just because you loved it or wanted to add to your collection. Geoff Berry writes: SI vseanwsonMsaFrtliena DCuirfcfyusdaetmaocnosntrvaetinntgiona. It was such a wonderfully made piece of apparatus that I just had to have one even though I knew I probably wouldn’t use it in my magic act. Mine is from the “Mossman” range and comes in an atmospheric wooden case that looks good and makes it easy to carry around. Opened out, the colourful circus features 11 effects including a chariot, a rolling barrel, a high wire, a cannon and a seesaw. I have shown to the grandchildren, who were fascinated by it but as I suspected, I never did use it in my magic act! 13

DANIEL CHARD Our club secretary Bill Booth reports on a lecture by one of the UK’s finest card workers and has a surprising revelation Around 30 club members attended this isn’t very good but I still really enjoyed lecture, given by one of the top card this lecture as it was entertaining, skilful men in the UK. Daniel asked how many and everything was clearly explained. people performed card tricks as part Because Daniel’s routines were so of their act and was surprised to see skilful and involved a lot of audience that only half a dozen or so raised their participation it was inevitable there hand. It just goes to show that a good would be lots of questions. But he performer will attract an audience, no answered them all with very clear matter what the subject. demonstrations and explanations. Many of the card moves that Daniel Daniel started with a trick called Banter employed were far too complicated which involved silly jokes... a good way for my level (and I suspect quite a few to get the audience warmed up. Apart others) but it didn’t matter because I from raoumtinoeviecalplereddTichtieonQeufefeecnt’saNndosae found both Daniel’s manner and his coin presentation very entertaining. the rest of the evening was all cards. It was, in my opinion, one of those As Alex said in his introduction, he once nights that make magic one of saw Daniel entertain an audience the best ways to enjoy a night for an hour and kept them out. So thanks to Alex for spellbound and it was easy arranging and Daniel for to see why. I only do a giving those present a few card tricks as my night to enjoy. sleight of hand

OPTICAL Paul Preager reviews the download from Danny Goldsmith AVDavaanniinlsayhb’slpero5jfe6rocmt mcoihnviuestreinwgeRtbherteesenittevio,anntihsiChseosiins. Danny’s own Retention Vanish takes up the first 36 minutes in minute detail. It has some nice detail that adds to the basic move and greatly increases the illusion of the vanish but it’s excruciating detailed at times as you just want some more information to be able to perform the move. He covers the psychology of the Retention Vanish with the effect of light on the eyeball as well as all the minutiae of the vanish plus ways to practise to achieve the retention illusion. RTheetentFiolinp Flop Vanish Vanish but has is another a small fake toss of the coin into the other hand which is an illusion created by the movement of the coin on the hand. This is quite a difficult one to achieve to create the right timing of the toss and the closing of the catching hand. The Ember Vanish looks superb. It’s more of a secret steal vanish as the coin is placed in the other hand then covertly slid back out and stolen away. If you are obsessed with coin vanishes you will love this. Adapted from a review in Issue 19 of MagicSeen Lite AMBITIOUS CARD We asked for any tips that you think will make an Ambitious Card routine better: I mis-read the card the first time I put it in the middle. This sublety strengthens the illusion that the card really does go into the middle, in my opinion. Ainigtiraelatht ewacyarodf doing this is to let the spectator rather than signing it. Say his or her initials are T.S.B: you look at *the signed card* for a brief moment and say: “What does the S stand for?” I believe this is an original by Michael Close. 15

Sean Taylor The professional magician, mind reader, entertainer and author continues his series aiming to help you to become a better entertainer. In this edition, Sean talks about ‘fair weather’ magicians. There is a prevalence of “fair weather” you need to carry reserve material for magicians working today. When things emergencies. Routines which will work goes fine, they are fine, when things get for any audience size or demographic. difficult, they are literally terrible. Rope tricks, sponge balls, Torn and Hmoawgicdiaony?oBuesPtorpepbaereindg! a fair weather Restored anything can work anywhere. The best laid plans can go awry. Close If you do close up and only carry cards, up gigs may require a stand-up piece then a Card on Ceiling, Tossed Out and vice versa. I turned up at a strolling Deck, Cards Across or Card to Orange gig in a hailstorm and everyone was (or lemon) will work for a big group. jammed into the kitchen. There’s no way Better still, learn a handful of tricks you I could “stroll,” so I did a close-up show. can do with borrowed items such as At an adult corporate gig with 120 cans of soft drink, napkins, a champagne doctors, I discovered 10 mins out that bucket, fruit, straws, a newspaper and a they had brought 60 kids.I showed up an iPhone. These can all be borrowed. at a stand-up gig expecting 350 people And when I say learn, I mean get them and only 20 showed up. I’ve had gigs up to professional performance standard where literally nobody spoke English. with solid patter and rock-solid handling Such occasions are challenging and then substitute them on nights when you work to keep them sharp. THE ULTIMATE MAGICIAN Look out for Britain’s Got Talent - The Ultimate Magician, which will bring back magicians who have appeared on the show into one themed evening of entertainment. The unscheduled show will feature the likes of Marc Spelmann and Richard Jones so will be worth a look. The feeling is that if it proves popular, then it will continue with other themed evenings. Anyone fancy a show comprising of dog acts? 16

TRIPLE A BOOK TEST Mike Lee reviews a peek performed by Paul Brook in his lecture In the last issue of Magic Times, Sam of my mind that wonders why punters Lowe reported on Paul Brook’s lecture buy into it? After all, if you could really at the club. One of Paul’s best tricks read minds, why not give them a book was his impressive Three Phase Book and ask them to pick any word! Or why Test. The first phase of that effect used use a book at all? Just get them to think Marc Paul’s Triple A Book Test. Paul of a word! In my experience, you get couldn’t reveal the method but because two main reactions; either they think you he recommended it so highly, I thought really can read minds or they are left I’d review it. with “that was clever, but he must have Marc (pictured below) says he somehow read the word! developed this method as a result of I’m not suggesting you ditch your being challenged to read minds outside favourite book test, but yes, this totally the theatre environment. He needed an impromptu method to peek is definitely impromptu method that he could use worth having in your armoury. with any borrowed book. The trailer for the product takes place in a bookshop where he asks his volunteer to select any book. He riffles through the book, asks the volunteer to shout stop at any time before asking her to remember the first word on the selected page… I’m sure you’ve seen something similar! One thing to note is that the volunteer selects a paperback book. The book shop contained an awful lot of hardback books and while it would be possible to use Paul’s method, it is awkward. As ever, do not rely on glossy trailers. The download is about 40 minutes long and as well as the method, it contains contributions from Peter Turner and Paul Brook plus all kinds of tips, subtleties, get outs and most importantly, various ways to reveal the word. Difficulty level? Well, it does rely on a bold, fast peek on an off-beat moment that does need to be practised if you want to avoid tipping the method. I love book tests but there’s a logical bit 17

9 IS THE NUMBER Steve Gore with a self-working trick that you can adapt The tiles are laid out like this: Odd Even Odd Even Odd Even Odd Even Odd To explain the script, I’ll refer to them by using the following numbers: 123 456 789 Here’s the script I use for the Harry Potter version of this effect: “Well done, you’ve just graduated from Hogwarts School. First choose a character to help you on your quest for the philosopher’s stone. Please move one square for each letter of the name you are standing on. You can move fnoorwt adrdia,gboancakllwy.ar(dAlalonwd tshideemwtaordm, ovbeu)t Effect: You chose well as Ron has been given the dementors kiss and Neville has been You have nine “tiles” on the floor laid g(rievmenovdeettielensti1onanbdy9)Professor Snape. out in a 3 by 3 square. You ask two Make three moves. (Allow them to move) volunteers to each select any square to stand on. You ask them to move one square for each of the letters of the words they are standing on, after which two tiles are removed. After asking them to move a further three times, the two volunteers end up on the same square, just as the script foretold. Preparation: Prepare nine sheets of paper with the names on one side as per the photo right. I laminate the sheets together to make them sturdier. I prepare the “Harry” square differently (described below) to enable me to perform a magical ending. Notice that the tiles are arranged with alternating odd/even number of letters in the names (this is how you can tailor it to almost any theme). 18

Good choice as Dumbledore has been MEMORABLE lost in the efoartbeinddbeynFflourfefys.t,(raenmdoHveedtwileigs MAGIC 2haasndbe8e)n. Nthoewm ttoakmeovteh)ree more moves (Allow Phil Tilston in the last of his fantastic series recalling Hogwarts will be proud of you! Snape magic memorable to him has been given the Cruciatus Curse and Dwhraoc!o(rehmasovbeeetinlestr3apapnedd7b).y you know Daryl - The Magician’s Magician - sadly passed on in tragic circumstances. I saw (Nreomwovteaktielesy4ouarnd f6in).al three moves him lecture several times, and he was at the Blackpool convention only a couple Hagrid has been singed by a Hungarian of years before his untimely death. Horntail and Hermione has been sent to The most memorable thing that Azkaban! happened (to me) at that convention was watching my son Douglas showing Congratulations, both of you have Daryl the 3-fly routine that Daryl had suceeded in finding Harry and The lectured on earlier in the day, but with Philosopher’s Stone!” a different presentation that we had put together some years earlier explaining Notes: the economic crash in 2008. Daryl was delighted that a youngster had put in the Obviously this version of the script has time to learn the routine and genuinely been pared down... you can get a lot impressed that Douglas had added to it more business and fun from the antics with a unique presentation. your volunteers get up to, especially as You can see Daryl by searching Youtube they try to get onto the final tile. on “Daryl performs The Ambitious Card” That’s the last of my memorable magic. In my version, Harry’s tile has a picture If you’ve got any personal memorable of a red stone on it. As a closer, I magic, send a description and a link to produce a palmed red stone from the Mitch for the magazine. picture. Here’s how: [photo courtesy of Magii magazine] Print two sheets of paper with ‘Harry Potter’ written on one and ‘Philosphers Stone’ on the other. Draw an oval and cut it out leaving the marker pen oval still on the paper. Laminate both sheets individually. Between the two sheets place some card and a CD which you paint red. Put glue on both sides of the cardboard and glue the sheets on it so it makes an internal pocket where the CD can roll, so when you have the paper straight the stone shows red. But if you lower the sheet so that it points down, the CD rolls to the bottom and makes the stone appear white. Credits: I saw this on a Paul Daniels TV show, with an American state theme. It is also in ‘Magic Safari’ by Ken Brooke, ‘8 in 1’ by Martin Gardner & ‘Voice from another world’ on an LP record by Gene Gordon from 1962. 19

IBM CONVENTION 2022 Two MCM members report on the annual get together The first of these was the optional “Welcome Evening” on the Wednesday night. Whilst it was good to catch up with old faces, I didn’t enjoy the event. There’s an additional £15 fee to attend this event and while the food was good but sparse, the performer, Martyn James, embarrassed himself by exploiting a volunteer for his act who had autism. Many laughed but many others shared my discomfort. However, there were many things to enjoy. Tom Crosbie (pictured left) as the ‘Performing Nerd’, with mainly Rubik’s Cube effects on the Thursday night and his lecture on the Friday afternoon, was a delight. His work with a memorised deck was both astounding and inspiring. He’s a very personable man and should lecture more as he has a lot to offer. MY IBM VIEW Equally, Brazilian Bernardo Sedlacek, by Peter Jones having performed close-up, gave a lecture on the Saturday afternoon Having booked a £30 per night Airbnb which I was very much looking forward and arranged to travel down with to. His demeanour was friendly and fellow MCM member Philip Partridge, funny and despite being a card worker, this was a much improved experience which is not to everyone’s taste, compared to commuting to Northern he too was ‘at the top of his game’ venues each day or riding a motorcycle and his explanations were clear and down to Eastbourne and back. Many informative despite English not being thanks Philip! his first language. It was something of a surprise and a cap-doffing moment when Philip let it These were my favourite two lectures slip that he was in line to be the IBM but I must also mention a few more. President and will take over from The genius of Craig Petty, who whilst Oliver Tabor in 2023. Well done Philip. supporting his 9-year-old son Ryland Anyway, enough about him! (who starred on BGT and performed The convention, for me, is not to be at the convention) went on to lecture missed and I’ve been a regular for many early on othf ethSeatCuhrdeaeyk mtoorCnihnegewk itdhehckis, years now. Rather than itemise each version performance, lecture and competition, something I will look into further. I’ll stick to the highs and lows. Another great lecture was delivered by ventriloquist Steve Hewlett who talked about the greats of his art. His passion for both historical and current vents shone through and I look forward to the publication of his book which he has 20 20

been working on for the last few years. Wayne Dobson lectured again and continues to battle MS. His speech is increasingly laboured but understandable by most. Unfortunately, he chose a hard-of-hearing man from the audience and this meant the effect he did with him stuttered. I also enjoyed the Q&A session with film star, comedian and former magician Nick Mohammed and the Mark Shortland lecture which were both on the Sunday. Next year the convention is being held in Eastbourne again. If you’ve never attended then give it a go. You won’t be disappointed and you could always try and cadge a lift with Philip! CAMERON GIBSON by Philip Partridge I first encountered Cameron Gibson He gained an extra audience gasp (pictured right) at the Greenock IBM with a piece of business involving his four years ago. I was intrigued to watch. Our Gala Show performer (with discover how he had developed as beard!), Dion, assisted Cameron with a performer. Cameron presented his an intuition routine after which it was 2022 Edinburgh Fringe show at the time for all of us to be involved with Devonshire Park Theatre. some body magic. Dion’s father was invited on stage, where Cameron gifted Before the show started, Cameron him the ability to solve a Rubik Cube asked the audience for personality behind his back. This was my favourite traits. These were displayed to good effect of the show, enhanced by the effect on a large TV screen and exciting musical accompaniment. subsequently used in a trick. At the We now transitioned to the main event, end, the screen was used to display with Cameron mind-reading using his contact, and social media details. the personality trait questionnaires Cameron has a friendly personality previously mentioned. I found this and his show encompassed magic to be a bit too ‘wordy’. I am aware and mind-reading. that he had made a choice to use He opened with Invisible Deck and personality traits over random pieces of handled a young spectator’s naming information as a USP but I felt it lacked of a card with great professionalism. pace and that there was a bit too much Chop Cup followed referencing the ‘fishing’. He concluded his routine with recent Mark James lecture at this a philosophical reflection on the nature IBM, but as a result, I wondered why of colour choice in mentalism. Sharper he didn’t use a larger chop cup ball, minds than mine would have grasped in accordance with Mark’s advice. the meaning of this conclusion. 2211

TOM STONE & NICKOLA ARKANE John Gill reports on one of most eagerly awaited lectures for several years, but was it any good? 48 members and five guests visited demonstrated a different performance The Micker Brook in September to see style but I enjoyed each set equally. a double lecture by Nikola Arkane and I saw Nicola at Blackpool earlier this Tom Stone. This was about double the year performing under her alter ego as usual audience for the much anticipated Fizz Whizz Pop, a children’s entertainer. event that, for the first time in the history Tonight, she performed an act which of the club, was entrance by ticket only. would (and did) appeal to all ages. The organisers had clearly taken some FHfefarsascfat csofansdistfesdadoff saefvesraslfsinatefagsratdefda trouble to make it special because the fpaiescfeassdfoafsdfmaasgf iscis iwt!hich included action was shown on the TV screen disappearing and re-appearing a large for the first time since our move to The gem, turning the gem box into a pack Micker Brook and sound was projected of cards and then allowing a helper to by an effective PA system. freely choose a card from the deck. A Nicola took the first half and handed prediction envelope was shown to be over to Tom for the second half. Each empty, yet the chosen card mysteriously appeared inside the envelope. For her final trick, she performed a nice version of Cards Across, whereby 10 red-backed cards and 10 blue-backed cards were counted out. Appropriately, a red silk covered the red cards and a blue silk covered the blue cards. When the silks were removed. There were only seven red cards in the first pile, yet the 10 blue cards now included three red-backed cards. Nicola has a warm, easy and likeable personality. She explained how she had taken a drama degree, and used theatricals to enhance her magic, and it really paid off in her style of dressing and presentation. There were a couple of minor hiccups in her first trick, but these totally flew past me, and would have remained so, 22

but for her detailed explanation, But what real audiences won’t see is the including what had gone wrong and explanation which resulted in one of the how she got round the problems biggest laughs of the entire evening. without drawing attention to them during the performance. Tom then performed a couple of packet Nicola is an award-winning tricks he had designed. Then all too magician, and is worthy of the sPooosntalwMeyswteerrye. onto Tom’s final trick, accolade she has received. This was another light- After the interval, we had a treat in hearted trick where a postcard posted the form of Swedish magician, Tom into a post box eventually ended up in a Stone. I hadn’t seen Tom before, sealed envelope, with a lot of gags along and at first was not quite sure how to the way. Excellent, but way beyond my take him, but he soon won me over skill-set to make the props. with his warmth and use of humour and pure silliness! There was much anticipation preceding Tom explained that many magicians this lecture, particularly as we were one use wonderful sleight of hand to of the few magic clubs that managed achieve miracles, but he wanted to secure the services of these two to demonstrate that he would not accomplished performers. It turned be using any sly moves and would out to be another brilliant evening of even give himself a handicap. To entertainment at the MCM. illustrate this, he donned a pair of oven mittens to try and find two chosen cards. Of course, trying to shuffle cards wearing these mittens was a disaster, and caused great hilarity. The two helpers who had chosen cards had to shuffle the cards for Tom. Yet, despite all the hilarity, and to our amazement, Tom produced the two chosen cards from inside each glove! IAnsstarufcotliloonws-utpri,cTko. mHepegrfootrmaedhehlipsenr etwo sign a card in front of us, so we could all witness the signature being written on the card. This card was given to the helper to hold. Tom then opened a flip pad full of instructions which he asked a second helper to read out a page at a time, and the first helper had to follow the instructions to the letter – extremely funny! But the penultimate instruction was to show that the signed card had disappeared and would appear in an unexpected location – and it did! The signed card was clipped by the ring binder in the last page of the pad! It was an amazing trick, and a lot of thought had gone into designing the gimmicks. 23

magic press. Eventually, Alex wanted to pursue other interests so, sadly, the firm closed. We had built up a good customer base including magicians such as Billy McComb, Robert Harbin (pictured right) and Johnny Geddes. Alex survived his fire-eating exploits and is in his nineties. MMaygtihciardl PaunbdlicfiantaiolnlsauwnhcihchwaasdvAerdtaisier’ds mseyrieesarclyalbleodokMs aognicadlovMeemnua,giccovaenrdinag different branches of magic. At the 1971 Chattanooga convention I spent some time with U.S. magic dealer Louis Tcoanpnieesn.ofShDoorvtley MafategricI Fsiennatle,himone20o0f my books dealing woifthGednoivi e(pmictaugriecd. His name on the cover top right) is spelt incorrectly. I wonder how he felt when his copy dropped through his letterbox? Ian Adair Flashbacks Edwin Hooper had taken note of my enthusiasm for magic dealing and sent Ian Adair celebrates 75 years in magic me a letter asking if I would like to join him on his large dealer stand at the I was still a teenager when I decided that British Ring Convention, held in Buxton. I wanted to be a full-time omnaeg,ibcudtetharleere. I’d never been to England before so I To that end I launched not thought it would be a great opportunity, not only to gain experience but also to meet magicians I had only heard of. magic dealing businesses. Three of my magical pals from Paisley, The first was De Luxe Magic Co, and near Glasgow, were intending to travel some readers may remember my down to the convention in a hired mini maindaAvgebarrtzasi.nIeti,nwTahseOaMscmaagariicl aoOlrDdsewigraeblsdut’,ssainnedmstsahgesionc bus and were happy for me to join them and chip in for petrol. I worked from home which was handy When I arrived in Buxton, Edwin Hooper because I couldn’t afford any premises! and his wife Ray had already set up the Supreme Magic dealer stand. Joining TcahleledsecDoniadmbounsdineMssagIiclauCncoh, edagwaains them on the stand was American situated in my home town of Kilmarnock. magician and well-known dealer, I teamed up with a good friend, magician Percy Abbot who was also booked to and fire-eater Alex McIntosh, who also appear in the Gala show. Not knowing went under the name of Oyama. He was most of the very latest trick items on a brilliant performer and I could see he Edwin’s stand, I couldn’t demonstrate was very interested in magic dealing. a lot of the displayed items magicians We met up each day for two years, would sometimes ask to see, but I did preparing our range of marketed items work hard, even though I didn’t get on and again, these were advertised in the very well with Percy Abbott. I helped Edwin take all the props he intended demonstrating on stage at the dealer’s event, packed up parcels of props for 24

customers who purchased tricks, and I loved every moment of it. I had the opportunity to leave the stand from time to time, making a point of meeting up with other dealers, many of whom I was a customer of. I remember in particular meeting Jack Hughes on Ghneilsawssstda,ontvdhe.eHepeffeenhceat tdrcaajtulilosentdmoDafonavuefalivcTethurrodeuodgvhea through a piece of solid Perspex within a domed-styled frame. Working constantly from early morning until well into the evening every day was tiring but I loved it. We did manage to watch shows and competitions in the evenings. This was a great experience for me and I learnt a lot. And the result? Edwin was so impressed with my efforts he asked me if I would leave Scotland and join him at his premises in Bideford North Devon. I will explain what happened next in the penultimate article in this series. In every issue, Ian gives you a tip that you might find useful The late, great Ali Bongo (William Wallace) To perform this, use a Vanishing Cane, and originated some great effects, some of which load as many Smarties inside it, securing were marketed. One such item was called the end with the usual knob. Have a ‘Candy Cane’. I base my tip on this trick so double sheet of newspaper nearby. During thanks Ali. performance, display the cane and roll it The performer displays a solid evening cane into the newspaper. As you insert it, secretly which he wraps in a sheet of newspaper, palm away the knob. so the cane inside will rolling it up into a tube and twisting one end. collapse. Screw up the end of the paper. A wave over the rolled-up newspaper and Wave your hand over the rolled-up paper “Hey presto!” – an abundance of coloured and display it at all angles. Now open the Smarties pour out into a glass bowl. The end of the roll and allow the loose sweets to newspaper is then crumpled up and ditched pour out into an awaiting clear bowl. Crush - the cane has magically vanished, having up the paper with the folded cane being changed into those well-known sweets. inside and discard leaving you clean. 25

AMAZING JOHNATHAN THE DOUCUMENTARY I noticed this film in the schedules and stayed up into the wee hours to watch it, but it was far from what I expected. It started as a fly-on-the-wall documentary that followed Johnathan on a farewell tour after being diagnosed with a terminal heart condition. But after a series of bizarre revelations, it became a film that documented the director’s quest to make the film. Why? Well, Ben Berman thought he has been given exclusive access to the magician. But soon after Johnathan’s first gig, another film crew turns up. I say film crew, you should know that this type of film is rarely shot by a crew consisting of more than three people. And then, after the second gig, Johnathan - to the surprise of Berman - announces that a third film crew will be filming him... and then a fourth! Berman’s bemusement is apparent as Johnathan bats away his on-film questions, repeatedly taunting him with the fact that one of the other crews made Oscar winning documentaries. Given Johnathan’s quirkiness, perhaps (in hindsight) it shouldn’t have come as a surprise to Berman that Johnathan threw a proverbial spanner into the film making process! The movie picks up whenever Johnathan is around, but I grew increasingly bored as Berman gradually becomes the focus of the film, seeking to make sense of a situation he’s in too deep to call a halt to. It makes for frustrating viewing for people like me who expected a more traditional structure, one that would have included Johnathan’s wonderful performances – both past and present – and to my mind, one that would have made a more fitting legacy for a truly revolutionary performer who changed magic in the 1980’s. The film was released in November 2019 and Jonathan, real name John Szeles, died in February 2022.

REINVENTING THE WHEEL Brian Johnson discusses two items he saw on Kickstarter I always keep a look out for new products that are relevant to my area of interest. I noticed a couple of items on Kickstarter that looked promising but although I can see their appeal, they were not right for me. Here’s why? Tarot Coins A pack of Tarot cards has 78 different images which spectators often find fascinating and within which they can sometimes see their own answers. The Kickstarter idea is to replace these estoric cards with 78 pound size coins using very limited symbols. The coins lose the mystique that the cards bring and thus are less entertaining and dissolves the impact to the spectator. The Luminary Pendulum This would attract people who are interested in gadgets. The original pendulum used in the Mystery Arts goes way back into centuries of history and is linked with many different cultures. It’s simply a weight on the end of a cord. This product takes away its simplicity and produces light that impacts on specially treated plaques, which are only effective in dimmed lighting. Why? You can see more details on Kickstarter TWO TOP TIPS Chris Dugdale gives you two top tips to improve your magic Offer your audience a journey. Offer them an arc, providing different textures, light and shade, differences in pacing, progression, surprise, call backs and tension. Think about tension and drama. A magician successfully completing a magic trick rarely provides dramatic tension. A struggle, failure and resolution, strange happening, unanswered question, unfulfilled mission, appearance of danger, etc provides emotional tension, audience cohesion and sustained pleasure and enjoyment. 27

SOUTH TYNESIDE Steve Jones reports on a great value magic convention The South Tyneside International Magic There was something from 10am until Festival, held in October, is one of the 10pm (and beyond) every day, and best value for money events you can here’s my personal highlights: attend as it is subsidised by the local The Spanish magicians that had been council. If you then consider that you booked to perform were outstanding. can get an Airbnb (room only) in South The card magic of Danni DaOrtiz just Shields for about £40 a night and share looked like real magic to me and the travel costs with a fellow club member explanations in his lecture showed how the total outlay can be quite reasonable. clever and deceptive he is. I did not I drove up with Philip Partridge and attend his three-hour card workshop as we attended the additional family gala I found the £60 fee prohibitive. show on the Thursday night at around I don’t need to tell members how good £10 per ticket, which was worth it to see the ‘honest con man’ Gregory Wilson is, a very good quality magic show. as the following Monday he performed With all events plus a decent cafe, in for the club, but watching him pick the the Customs House, this convention pockets of Dan in the front row at the is self-contained which means that the Micker Brook brought back memories varied October weather is not really a of having the same done to me in front factor. There is free on-site parking and of a few hundred people during his gala it’s only a short walk into town if you show performance. Greg (pictured left) want to vary your diet or escape for an took my wallet, phone, car keys and hour or two. watch, but at least I got them all back. I made the mistake of seeking him out during the interval and IBM member Roger Woods told him I was a retired police officer so Greg secretly took my driving licence. The second half of the show started with Greg’s impromptu announcement that a driving licence had been found and “Is there a Peter Jones from Middleton in the auditorium?”. The audience got a bigger laugh when the compere, at Greg’s insistence, asked my occupation. I also enjoyed Romany’s 15 minutes in the gala show (a longer slot would have been better as she seemed rushed) and her lecture the following day. This outlined how her act had developed over the years, some interesting structural principles she uses and what she had Hinevresbtieodgrianprheiacachl binogotkhSepsutangIentsohGeoisldaits. definitely worth a read. Next year, I plan to attend what will be my fourth S.T.I.M.F. Let me know if you need a lift. 28

ULTIMATE MARKED DECK Some purists believe that using a marked deck is cheating. I don’t! Given we cheat (in the nicest possible way) all the time, I view a marked deck as no different than, say, an ID or a TT. What makes the UMD so good is that it looks like a standard Bicycle deck. Some might say it doesn’t matter which marked deck you use because the punters simply don’t know or care! But if you use a Bicycle Deck, you can switch it and carry on with different tricks using gaffed cards, a stacked deck or whatever, without raising suspicions. I won’t divulge the secret here but just to say there’s no code or counting, you simply read the value of the card straight off and it’s pretty much undetectable unless you raise suspicions by peering too closely. It’s worth noting that the marks are on the top left hand corners, just in case a particular spread you use doesn’t expose the marks. There are plenty of other options out there, mostly cheaper, but if you want a marked deck that’s relatively easy to read and matches your existing stock, then this is probably the one for you. LETTER TO ED I really enjoyed the Tom Stone/Nikola Arkane lecture but one thing struck me big time and that was how the “magical” elements of Nikola’s performance contrasted with Tom’s effects. I felt that Tom’s effects (those he perfomed on the night) were tricks, clever puzzles that he put across in an entertaining way. But several of Nikola’s effects looked magical, such as the “DO NOT OPEN” sign appearing and the box disappearing and changing to a pack of cards.I think this difference is massive. The two things that draw me into a performance is the personality of the performer and the magical effects. You got both of those with Nikola. At the other end of the scale, how many cardicians, performing essentially puzzles, have a complete lack of personality? Be assured that to be entertaining, you need at least one of the aforementioned elements in your act. 29

WONDERVILLE Kyle driver spots a revue of a new magic venue in the capital Tucked away in a corner of the Daily a splendid old broad called Fay Presto”. Mail was aEnredvcuaelloefdaWnoenwdtearbvliellev.eInt useayins I put this last bit in quotes to show that the West it’s the paper’s words, not mine. The you can see cabaret on its small stage wonderfiul Fay is pictured below. drawing on a roster of some 50 acts. The article finishes by saying “The Notables are levitationists Matricks, material is variable and there’s way too sword swallower Snookie, fabulous card much hanging about in two intervals magician Marc Oberon and “wandering and between acts, but the appeal of live between tables doing close-up magic is magic is there for those that love it”. [Ed: If anyone goes to one of these live magic venues (or any magical performance), how about doing a few words for Magic Times!] 30

WORKING SECRETS Phil Tilston continues his series exploring one-line sayings “There is no sweeter sound to a person than their own name.” Trust me on this one! Remembering and using spectator’s names helps build rapport and also makes people feel important. It also significantly helps the interaction when performing close up magic. Assuming that you trust me on this point then the issue becomes how to remember people’s names. I am quite poor at remembering people’s names, however, here are a couple of suggestions that have helped me: When you ask their name, really focus There are numerous aids, such as on what they say. Very often we ask books, videos, Youtube videos, that can people’s names as a pleasantry and not help. The card magician Harry Lorayne really because we want to know. (pictured above) is also a memory • Focus on their name and repeat it expert and has written many books on memory techniques. back to them in a sentence, such If you search on Youtube for “Harry as “Pleased to meet you Peter” Lorayne – Carson” you will hear Harry (unless their name is John, in explain his method then see him which case that wouldn’t work!). demonstrate his skills naming about 100 • Do not let your attention wander, people. If he can remember that many which is difficult for magicians, names, surely, with a bit of effort, you who are often thinking about the can remember one! trick they are about to perform, reducing their capability to focus on something different. • Repeat their name frequently, for instance, instead of saying “Please take a card” say “Peter, please take a card”. • Practice; you will find that you well get better with practice. ENTERTAINING CHILDREN Remember that children want to participate, and even more, they want to volunteer. Make sure you develop routines that maximise the opportunities for them to do that. And it goes without saying - but I will repeat it, because sometimes it’s forgotten - that the best part has to be given to the birthday boy or the birthday girl! 31

IAN KEABLE Ian notices an interesting object that came up for auction Excitement was generated among magic collectors when a charm came up for auction in August. The item was given away to spectators who witnessed PT Selbit Sawing Through A Woman in a show he dqiduicakt lythemForinpshbeudryinPtoarSkaEwminpgirea iWn 1o9m2a1n. TinhiHs awlfa.sTthhies trick which particular charm was given to a woman called Gladys, who had come up on stage to assist Selbit in his presentation. It was being sold by her granddaughter. The estimate was between £30 to £50 which looked a bargain price. Unfortunately, for once, the auctioneers were on the ball and distributed the information to interested parties. Final price was £1,885, a little outside my budget. The charm was appropriate as Selbit, real name Percy Tibbles, was appenticed to a silversmith as he developed an interest in magic. The main rival to Selbit, soon after he introduced the trick, was Horace Goldin; who did his own version of the trick. He also clearly nicked Selbit’s publicity ideas, as he also produced his own version of the charm. One of those sold back in 2019 for $1,560. BRAD LOMAX ASKS YOU THE QUESTIONS How often have you heard “The hand is quicker that the eye”? That phrase has been partly instrumental in making some magicians speed up in a futile attempt to deceive their audiences. The truth is that an increase in speed will almost always draw your audience’s attention that ‘something’ has just happened. They may not know what, and they may not mention it but be assured that they will probably be left with that thought. All you will achieve with a sudden burst of speed is to break the spell and take the audience out of their suspension of disbelief. I know very few amateur and semi-professional magicians whose act would be improved by them slowing down and in some instances, by a lot. When you next practise, concentrate on maintaining an even pace throughout your performance. Then ask yourself this. Are there any moments you actually pause during an effect, look up, smile and engage with your audience? 32

TIES v LOOPS Your editor spots an interesting article that might make buying easier V I saw an interesting article on-line that The Loops were thinner and therefore not compared T.I.E.S. (The Invisible Elastic as strong, but despite costing approximately System) by Penguin to the original version twice the cost of TIES, the Loops were of that product; Loops by Yigal Mesika. preferred because they were far less visible. Price, visibility, strength, stretch and price I can testify that if you use Loops a lot, both were all compared and given that I bought a to perform with and to practise, you will pack of Loops recently (to practise Link ‘em break them. So perhaps the best compromise by Joel Dickenson) I found the outcome of - as the article pointed out - would be to the test very interesting. practise with TIES and perform with Loops! INVISIBLE DECK Michael Lewis continues his series looking at the Invisible Deck Prepare an ordinary deck of cards in the how many cards he put on the pile. following way: Put the cards 1 through Fan the cards, looking at the backs, as 10 in order and place any three cards if trying to read them using your X-ray on top of them. This should make the vision. Meanwhile you are counting to 4th card down a ten and the 13th card yourself. When you fan to the 14th card, down, an Ace. remove it from the deck and ask the Start the performance by cutting the person how many cards he put on the deck in two. Using Magician’s Choice, top of your pile. When he tells you the give your volunteer the bottom half and number, show the card to everyone … it retain the top half yourself. will be the same number. Ask him (or her) to select up to ten cards You can now perform the kicker and from his pile and ask him to place them show that the number your volunteer on top of your pile. As you do this say there is no way chose matches the number you could possible know othfethInevoisniblylereDveecrks.ed card in

GREGORY WILSON Your editor reports on a last minute replacement lecturer This was, literally, the first indoor event of became a very funny running gag with any kind that I’d been to since lockdown the roulette chip appearing on MCM 2½ years ago. I made the effort in order member Dan’s shoulder 15 times ttroickthIanekveGr rbeogugphetrs–oEnxaallyct fCorhatnhgeeb. eSsot throughout the evening. what did Greg, on this, his return visit to Then Greg performed Exact Change, the club, bring to the party? inviting yours truly up front to demo the UK version. A spectator names any Well, first and foremost, his great number between 1 and 100 and that personality, keeping 50+ magicians in a matches the amount of change in my large room entertained with a variety of pocket. It should be noted that if you tricks, quips and humour. want to do more than 80p, you’re going to need to hold out a 50p so best to go In his introduction, Stephen Gmreengt;ioCnheidp to the USA where it’s easier to perform! oonneSohf ohuisldfearv.ouGrriteegtrkicickksebdy off with it, getting a good 20 minutes out of this I realised that there was some recycling simple but effective piece of close- of tricks going on, not that that was a up and getting more laughs than a lot problem, I was absolutely loving it! of magicians get in their entire act! It Other tricks fCogloloofflwfeeebdaSl…ltirtrreaicr.kbsAi.t nwBderoitrhkdeelynn, a& cRoeusptoleredof an interesting “Which hand is it in?” guessing game which led into a hilarious pick pocketing act which was the highlight of the evening, and all this before the break! Greg even made drawing the raffle funny. I wonder whether he’s developed suitable gags during his trips around the globe doing these lectures? The second half started with cards but we all know enough card tricks so moving on … with bare sleeves four coins appeared and then vanished. Then a Rubix Cube trick that culminated in the final chip being found on Dan’s shoulder, except it was a real potato chip which, of course, signalled the end of a great evening. Greg was a late stand in due to a cancellation but he turned out to be a supersub. Thanks to all concerned for organising the best evening I’ve had out for 2½ years! 34

LETTER FROM LAS VEGAS Paul Stone continues his column about magic Stateside A few weeks ago, I made a surprise awards presenters and acts, as well trip to Los Angeles. I’d been chatting to as presenting a cod mental telepathy my good friend Bill Smith over lunch, spot with Princess Brunhilda (Liberty and he mentioned that he was going Larsen), which although as old as the to attend the Academy of Magical Arts hills, was entertaining and fun, and Awards Show. To be honest, I didn’t performed in a way that only a top pro give it much thought because, after 40 can do. Michael is terrific. years as a show producer, I’ve been to, I’m not going to list all the performers and produced, enough awards events or awards winners here as they’re to last me for this and the next lifetime! documented elsewhere, but here’s a However, that evening I was talking couple of notable exceptions: on the phone with another close friend Charlie & Sherry Frye won a Performing Diana Zimmerman, (yes, I do have Fellowship which was presented by Milt more than one!) and she told me that Larsen, assisted by the new owner of she was presenting an award to Connie the Magic Castle, Randy Pitchford. Boyd for her research into the history of And even in his short cameo spot, ‘Women in Magic’. Lance Burton’s timing and superb stage presence shone through. The main Even though the show was sold out, reason that Lance was at the event, before I knew it - partly due to Diana and was to honour his long time friend, Max partly due to the kindness of Erika Larsen Maven, who was to receive the Masters (yet another friend!) who conjured up a Fellowship from the Academy. The ticket for me - I was off to L.A.! presentation of the award was made by Mac King in a heartfelt and at times The venue was the Avalon Theater, a emotional speech, which was followed lovely old theatre that was perfect for by a richly deserved standing ovation this event. The array of magical talent from the packed audience of Max’s present was incredible, and it was great peers, for this world class performer, to meet several people that I hadn’t seen author, mentor, and all round magical for quite a while. Jeff Hobson made the personality. trip from La Quinta, wafhteerreMrMEalervcytrnic’s, Congratulations to Chuck Martinez and Magic Theater (named Erika Larsen for producing a wonderful Marvyn Roy) is shortly to resume shows evening. As someone who has featuring the very best magic & variety specialised in producing one-off events from across the globe. with very limited rehearsal time, I know exactly how much of a challenge it is. The Awards Show itself was hosted They pulled it off brilliantly! by Michael Carbonara who was the perfect choice for the role. He seamlessly introduced the various 35

OOTW TWO Pete McCabe has some thoughts about our OOTW article wIkItnnaotushwseaennldaaassttrhtteihecdeleitRIioraeenbdlaoonufBdtMlasSaechgkttuiicnfSfglTehiu)mu.pfeIflOess,eOte(haTetlWosroeo. many magicians performing that shuffle badly; they casually shuffle about half the cards and then very slowly and deliberately, slide the single cards, drawing attention to something dodgy happening. The key, of course, is to practise until it is seamless, but here’s an alternative shuffle you could try: bWlaitchktshearpeascekpsaertautepds,oOthvearththaendreSdhsuafnflde about a third of the deck then drop everything left and pick up everything you’ve already shuffled. Finish by shuffling the rest toofptehreforcmarOdsOTfrWeeloyr. You’re now ready any of its variations. BEN RICHARDSON Our columnist talks about book tests I love a good booktest but there’s a problem with the way I see so many magicians do it. If you really could read their minds, why ask them to write their word down? Endowed with such magical powers you could simply ask them to think of any word and then reveal it. The way I overcome this obvious problem is to first do a false call then, when he (or she) says “No!” say “I think I was right! Did you change your mind? Tell you what, think of another word then write it down on this peek wallet!” … you get the idea… The point is that you need to somehow justify them writing their word down. Not only does it take the heat off your request but it also plays on the minds of your audience who now wonder whether your volunteer is messing you around!

The Lighter Side What does your father do? He’s a magician … he saws people on half! Do you have any brothers or sisters? Yes! Two half brothers and two half sisters! Loving a magician is ... … not minding being sawn in half... again! Magic Speak What a layman thinks when he hears two magicians talking: • Rough and Smooth – your marriage • 10 Exact Cuts - how an OCD wants his ham sliced A funny thing ... Some years ago I was hired to do some strolling at a company picnic. A small group of employees outside the planning committee belonged to a devout religious group that saw magic as “Satan’s work”. They threatened to boycott the event if I was there. The company called me and cancelled the booking, but paid my fee in full to make up for it. Oscar Reed [Ed: Let me know if anything funny has happened to you while performing magic?] 37

The Magic Triangle O Spell out a 15 letter magic related word or phrase UR by moving from chamber to chamber. Start anywhere, enter each chamber only once and only through the gaps in the walls. NG H MfoargicthTeimseoslu. tion the next Look out in E H T Redition of Last edition’s solution: C K E PO TWO HANDED SPREAD

WHAT’S ON! I axvzxc vzxcv 14th November ROD HOGG The pick-pocketing expert shares his secrets in this unique lecture at the MCM zxcvz xcvz xcvz 7th December AGM Join us for a meal before our annual AGM where you will help make the decisions that will affect the future of our club xcvill. 31st December DID YOU REJOIN? Enjoy Christmas and the New year but look what we’ve already got planned for 2033! Rejoin by 31st December to be part of it! 9th January Dr Matt Pritchard You’ll find Matt’s scientific based magic will amaze you and inspire you 2023 OUR ITINERARY A galaxy of stars including; Harry Robson, Matthew Wright, Ali Cardabra, Steve Hewlett, Careena Fenton, David Penn & Mark Bennet

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