SMC Club Night - 28th July 2005

11 October 2005

The evening began with the chairman giving out parish notices, including awarding full membership to David Taylor and Philip Sweeting. Congratulations to you both, and we wish you well. Let's hope that your association with the SMC is a long and happy one.

There followed an audition from Mark Fenton. His natural enthusiasm ensured that it was successful. He started with a card-to-pocket routine (which I missed, having arrived fashionably late, though I did catch up with Mark at the tea break where he chatted about it with characteristic enthusiasm). Mark followed this with a standard presentation of the die box; this was a special moment for me as it is the first trick I can remember seeing as a small child at a Christmas party and it was the only trick I can remember from the show all those years ago. Mark then invited the chairman to choose a card and think of it. He even managed to hypnotise Stu into thinking that he had chosen a different card; thank goodness Ali was there to put him right, but I was impressed by the way in which Mark soldiered on anyway. Mark finished his audition with a version of the golden key, a prop which I particularly like but which is crying out for an interesting story to go with it. Any bizarrists out there fancy writing a story to accompany what is potentially a spooky piece of magical theatre?

Next followed a fascinating account of the Magic Circle Centenary celebrations from four of our members who were fortunate enough to have attended: Geoff Hunt, John and Sylvia Southgate, and John Schofield. They gave a fascinating account of the five days of celebration, and each had their own favourite memories. Five years in the planning, this event was deemed to be a huge success, and even included a talk by one of our own members, Michael Symes, who has written a book entitled 'Magic and Illusion'.

It was generally agreed that Paul Daniels stole the show in which he appeared, and that Billy McComb was also very strong. Both men are far from young, and it just goes to show that there's no substitute for experience. We were also told stories of how Prince Charles filmed a brief segment of magic for the club; he is a keen amateur magician himself. Various other items were mentioned, including a reception for the S.A.M., of which John Schofield is a member (ask him!), a show of chamber magic, popular in the early twentieth century, and highly regarded by those who watched. We even got to see the 'goody bag', containing, amongst other things, the obligatory name badge, an engraved crystal glass and a coin inscribed with the image of David Devant, who was of course the first president of the Magic Circle. The last word must go to Geoff, who advised all present 'Not to miss the next centenary!'

Next, Paul performed his new linking rings routine. This was a brave gesture, as he freely admitted that this was still very new and he had not yet perfected the moves (though he still performed the routine far better than I could have done!) Nevertheless, he had clearly put in several hours of work already and doubtless with the right presentation this will be a strong item for Paul.

After the tea break the president asked for help with a 'work in progress' (thanks to Giles for 'les mots justes'). Essentially a dealer item called 'Three Cards in Mind', this, he explained, was a routine which he had performed on a visit to the Portsmouth Magical Society, and although it had played well, he felt it was too long and somewhat anti-climactically predictable. The effect involved three spectators and a jumbo pack of cards from which spectators freely select cards and place them into envelopes, the performer having previously written the name of the cards he thinks will be chosen. He then asked if anyone had any helpful suggestions as to how the routine could be streamlined. Someone (was it John?) suggested that this should be done publicly rather than privately so that all might benefit from the discussion. A very interesting discussion ensued, in exactly the right spirit, with many different people coming up with suggestions. I found this to be a hugely positive moment for the club, with such a variety of people feeling sufficiently confident to volunteer suggestions, knowing that if they were not incorporated, they were nevertheless gratefully received. I personally derived much from this on a selfish level (i.e. a better constructed routine!), but I believe as a club we also grow from discussions of this kind. Perhaps we should consider a 'Work in Progress' slot on some of our other evenings; I encourage folk to take the plunge. Those of us who would dare to offer criticism of each other's work will also learn how to do so in a constructive and encouraging manner; this way, everyone wins.

Finally Barry performed the well-known rope and silks, (a.k.a. the Lazy Magician), in which silks fall from two knotted ropes. He also explained the method to those who did not know, and an interesting discussion about the various things which could also be tied on ensued. (Those who have seen Bertie Pearce in cabaret will be smiling now). Thanks to Barry for sharing.

AJ

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