Card Competition

11 October 2005

This must be one of the most nerve-racking and daunting evenings on which to perform. Presenting card magic in front of an audience who know about forces and controls, about double lifts and Elmsley counts. So, many thanks to each of the competitors for their efforts and contribution to the evening.

The world of card magic opens up a seemingly endless stream of possible effects. From vanishes and productions, to transpositions and transformations, through to coincidence effects and feats of mind reading. George Blake once said of card tricks:
'There are a million out there, which gives us the opportunity to pick a few good ones.'
And naturally, there were many timeless classics of card magic presented throughout the evening.

David bravely opened the proceedings, sharing his three favourite card tricks, and performed a couple of 'Coincidence' effects.

Paul Leacy told some gags and performed some professional comedy card magic, and offered a 'Cards Across' routine and a 'Signed Card to Wallet'.

Matt Parr presented a very direct display of mind reading, and a 'One Card' manipulation routine to music

Ross showed us a couple of the very best packet tricks; 'Rainbow Cascade' and 'Twisted Sisters'. And memorably, with a coin wrapped in flash paper, he burnt a hole through a pack of cards, finding a previously selected card.

Mike Pettit offered a variety of material with increasingly large cards. Amongst others, he performed the '3 Card Monte' and 'Twisting the Aces'.

Finally, Felix displayed his 'Svengali like' wares, and performed Vernon's 'The Trick That Can't Be Explained'.

And so, Matthew Parr found himself winning his first competition. A moment of which to be proud. It is very well deserved - for his continued commitment to our craft, his relentless pursuit of direct and baffling material, his wanton experimentation with new presentations, and his willingness to contribute to the club. And, of course, for a great act on the night - Many congratulations!

Giles

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