Magic of the Mind Competition (10th March 2004)

20 June 2005

Felix opened the evening with an original and interesting act. After a slow and measured beginning while he left the room - a couple of spectators noting their thoughts and sealing them in separate envelopes - the performance gently built to a clever and dramatic conclusion. He demonstrated his ability to control the speed of his pulse, slowing it down until it stopped for a few seconds. This 'flatline' experience increased his telepathic powers and he was able to interpret the spectators' thoughts, and reveal the previously noted word and picture.

Andrew Jeffrey seems to have a natural flair for classic mentalism. He began by having three postcard pictures chosen from a selection of cards. He correctly divined two of the pictures before determining the ISBN number of the third. He then had two thoughts written down, the name of a celebrity and the name of a place. Very fairly and deliberately, he read these thoughts. This routine had purity and directness, and was flavoured with Andrew's genuinely dynamic presence.

Fairground 'Ronnie' Barker took to the stage and introduced - all the way from Bratislava - Psychic Sue! They offered a change of pace and style. Some quick juggling and music before Psychic Sue intuited the date of a coin and gave a comedy palm reading. Then there was a routine revolving around 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. A volunteer thought of a film and she tried to read his mind. It seemed her psychic powers improved when she put on her glasses, and she pointed out "12 Angry Men" in the audience. She successfully divined a horoscope, and then she had Stuart gaze into her crystal ball, and he made out the image of a previously selected card.

I believe it was Steve Mayhew's first performance at the club, which is always worthy of sincere congratulations, and he opened with a version of 'Kurotsuke' with two carrier bags and five pieces of Lego (four white and one black). He suffered a little setback but bravely ploughed on, correctly locating the black piece. He then went on to successfully predict a freely chosen E.S.P card, and concluded with a letter by letter divination of a freely thought of country.

Mike Pettitt talked about the transmogrification of thoughts between people, and proceeded with a coincidence routine. Mike and Stuart selected the same card from two separate decks. Stuart then chose one envelope from four, and it too contained the same card - the other three containing £5, £10 and £20 notes. Secondly, a three-way prediction with coloured pieces of paper, which came good in the end. And finally, a book test with a twist. A book and a page were chosen, and some words were looked at. A card was selected and placed in an envelope and Mike showed that he had correctly predicted these events. Then, a magical 'flash of light'! And now, the page from the book was sealed in the envelope and the selected card had morphed into the page of the book. Wonderfully visual magic.

In his politely engaging manner, Matthew Parr continued through his seemingly inexhaustible supply of new material. Tonight, he was mindfully performing 'effects' as opposed to 'tricks'. He began by divining five cards in a fair and open manner. Following this was a very direct prediction of a thought of card. Finally, a card was selected, the cards were shuffled and cut, and dealt down, and Matthew dramatically stopped at the selected card. Another entertaining and fooling routine.

Andrew won the competition for a fourth successive year.
Michael, our Portuguese friend has sadly moved to France, but his '52 card repeat' gag will surely live long in the memory.

Thanks to Dave and Della for providing the refreshments.

Giles

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