Annual Close-up Competition

26 May 2005

Many members enjoy the art of close-up, especially using playing cards, in preference to other fields of magic and this was evident by the fact that six members competed in the 2005 close-up competition hosted by Andy Hart with timekeeping by George.
With six competitors and three groups of spectators seated apart around tables, each act performed their routines three times to a different audience. This is very much like the table-hopping set-up in the real world.

In marking the competition we were asked to award points for Presentation, Magical Content and Entertainment value but within these headings, there is so much to consider: the approach to the table, the choice of effects, the handling of assistants and also ensuring that everyone at the table is kept entertained for the duration of the act.
The competitors had to show their skills using different props and were only allowed, within the rules, to perform one card effect.
There was a wide range of skill and experience among the six competitors but well done to each of them for providing us with an entertaining evening.
First at our table was Ross who got off to a shaky start, perhaps it was nerves. He continued his act in his usual polite manner. Compared to the other acts, this first one was quite short as was the next competitor Guy who performed two quick effects.
Next at our table was Felix who performed a variety of effects with cards, coins and paper weaving a particularly mystic storyline into his presentation.

After our customary break for refreshments, not forgetting a good old gossip, we were entertained with a themed act performed by Mike Pettitt. Mike had obviously put a lot of thought into this act which consisted of a variety of effects with ropes and rings each one building on the previous one.
To follow this we had the magic of Matthew Parr. Matthew always tries to come up with something different and this time one of the features of his act was a mobile telephonic video link to reveal a chosen card.
Finally our table was visited by one of our newer members, Matthew Wainwright. It is very refreshing to see a new member entering competitions. It is one of the best ways for someone like Matthew to meet everyone in the club, and for all the members to get to know him. With his calm personality he performed his effects with a good variety of props and also achieved some truly magical miracles.
After a short break whilst the votes were counted, the winner was announced as Matthew Wainwright who is to be congratulated on winning the first competition he had ever entered at the SMC.
Thank you guys for an entertaining evening, I hope we were an appreciative audience.
JC

• << NEXT
• ALL ARTICLES...
• PREVIOUS >>