Tri-Wizard Tournament

14 December 2006

There was a palpable buzz in the air before the inaugural Tri-Wizard Tournament. Members of the Sussex arrived in their usual ways; some came on the Knight Bus, others by Floo Powder. The younger members flew energetically in on their Firebolts and Nimbus's, while some of the older members chose to apparate in.

It was however, our guests who caused the biggest stir; the ACES arrived on a ship arising out of a nearby mirage and the Southdown members arrived in a horse-drawn carriage pulled through the air by a dozen palominos.

When the wand waving and spell casting began there were three categories: Dark Arts, Spells and Wands.

Mike Elvin kicked off the evening by shouting - a lot! He had an interestingly scripted introduction about witch hunting which led to a cleverly presented sword through neck illusion. He finished with a witch escaping from a hangman's noose.

Alan Hatcher, with his usual style and clever presentational hook performed the Seven Keys to Baldpate.

Ross and Guy performed the squeamishly realistic needle through arm illusion.

Martin Lewis performed a routine with three coloured ribbons which was accompanied by a story and plenty of acting. The image of Paul Leacy with big ears, wizard's hat and cape will live long in the memory.

Professor Paul Bromley had a very inventive routine especially created for this one-off performance. He remained silent throughout and performed a simple Cards Across routine. He interpreted the theme in a clever and unique fashion, and had an amusing and well routined act.

Philip Sweeting successfully predicted a freely chosen spell and had a clever and apt presentation based around preparing for quidditch for Newton's Nightmare. He finished with a beautifully performed book test which even fooled some knowledgeable magicians in the audience.

Peter Bennett presented a nice set with polished patter and gags. He performed a wand routine, a No Tear Newspaper Restoration, the Unequal Ropes and a Cut & Restored Ropes routine.

Wearing tights and a fake bottom, amidst farcical comedy and tremendous applause; Len Angel performed his Zig Zag Tortoise Nuff said!!!

Stuart Harley used three different spells to create three different effects. Alohomora caused a lock to open, Ferveo caused some water to evaporate and the Unforgivable Curse Avada Kedavra caused a glass to shatter.

The competition was conceived with the spirit of fun and integration in mind, and, it was surely a resounding success. Each act contributed towards a very memorable evening which ended with all the performers on stage receiving certificates and the Presidents from each club accepting awards.

Much praise and thanks must be heaped upon Stuart Harley. It was he who originally had the vision for this innovative event and it was he who largely implemented it. (He also hosted the evening AND performed a well-constructed routine on the night.)

Well done Stuart. Due to the evening's huge success, the Tri-Wizard Tournament will surely become a regular fixture for years to come.

Giles

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