THE MAGIC

Magazine of The Magic Circle August 2013

TIM SHOESMITH
THE MAGIC CIRCLE CLOSE-UP MAGICIAN OF
THE YEAR 2013
 THE MAGAZINE OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE
Issue 1165 Volume 107 August 2013
EDITORIAL 07507 275 285
EDITOR Will Houstoun
[email protected]
40 Derby Road, London, SW14 7DP
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tim Reed
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Anthony Brahams, Dr Edwin Dawes,
Scott Penrose, Ian Rowland, David Tomkins
CONVENOR OF REPORTS
Mandy Davis
[email protected]
PAGE 233 PAGE 245 PAGE 248 PAGE 253 DESIGN 020 8521 2631
ART DIRECTOR
John Hawkins
FEATURES [email protected]
232 The Magic History Gathering at The Magic Circle – 104d Grove Road
Will Houstoun Walthamstow E17 9BY
PROOFREADERS
236 Tim Shoesmith – Will Houstoun Paul Bromley, Julie Carpenter,
244 The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year – Barry Cooper, Tim Reed, Lionel Russell,
Hugh Nightingale Mary Stupple, Rob James, Darren Tossell
PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Ward, Mark Hesketh-Jennings,
REGULARS ADVERTISING 07767 336882
226 President’s View BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING MANAGER
226 Circular News Scott Penrose
227 Letters to The Editor [email protected]
17 Berkeley Drive, Billericay Essex CM12 0YP
228 In This Month – Will Houstoun MISSING AND BACK ISSUES
229 The Cecil Lyle Award – Dennis Patten 01923 267 057
230 Cheeky Dog Chicanery – David Tomkins Michael Candy
Sound of Music, Harthall Lane,
234 Crafty Conjuring – Chris Wardle Hemel Hempstead,
240 A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities – Edwin A Dawes Herts HP3 8SE
246 Circular Mentalism – Ian Rowland PRINTED BY
248 Club Night Events – Mandy Davis Perfect Imaging Ltd 020 8806 6630
250 Magic in the Regions – Elizabeth Warlock Copyright © 2013 by The Magic Circle. All rights reserved. No part
of this publication may be reproduced, stored in any retrieval
251 Reviews system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic,
mechanical, photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the
252 My Favourite Books prior permission of the Editor of The Magic Circular.
Views expressed in The Magic Circular are those of the
contributors and do not necessarily represent the views of
252 Obituaries The Magic Circle unless specifically stated. Whilst every effort is
made to ensure the accuracy of all information published in
253 The Magic Circle Cares – David Hatch The Magic Circular, the Editor, Art Director, Staff and The Magic
Circle cannot accept responsibility for any errors or omissions.
254 Council Minutes Contributions must reach the Editor six weeks in advance of
publication if it is essential that they should appear in the
256 Forthcoming Club Events – Ian Vallance second month following’s issue and should be sent via email,
on computer disk or on CD whenever possible.

Cover
TIM SHOESMITH
Photo: Mark
Hesketh-Jennings THERE IS A WAY
Will Houstoun MIMC
Published by
The Magic Circle
12 Stephenson Way
London NW1 2HD

A
VAT Reg No 233 8369 51
All enquiries
long with this issue of The Magic Circular you will Year, Tim Shoesmith. The winner of The Stage Magician of
T 020 7387 2222 have received your voting slips for the next Council the Year was John van der Put, himself a past Magic
election along with any additional proposals that require Circle Close-up Magician of the Year, and I think it is
a vote from the Membership. The return rate on the ballot particularly interesting to see that the winners of both of
papers is not always as high as it might be so I would our major competitions this year have been involved in
encourage you to think about any votes that are required theatre in a broader sense than most magicians. You will
and then to fill in and return your ballot paper – after all, be able to read more about what John has been up to
it is your main opportunity to influence the way in which since his close-up win in a future issue but, for now, I
your Society develops. hope you will enjoy the Tim Shoesmith interview, along
This month The Magic Circular has turned into a sort of with the rest of the magazine.
competition special, featuring both a report of The Magic
Circle Stage Magician of the Year as well as an interview
with the current Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the
 CIRCULAR NE
PRESIDENT’S VIEW
MISLEADING PUBLICITY
Council has been made aware that
some non-members have been
Jack Delvin MIMC falsely claiming Membership of the
Society. All Members share a duty
of care to bring such cases to the
attention of the claimant and if
necessary, the Secretary. Council
will continue to assist Trading
Standards and other competent
authorities to correct such
The Magic Circle can’t do a lot about it misleading claims.
Your Council has also recently
The Magic Circle is a club for lovers of magic. It is In the 1950s the cinema and television considered the wide variation of
a big club, an international club, it has huge managed to close most of the variety theatres. I wording used by some members
prestige. It is, however, just a club. A coming- had a small illusion show which I performed in of the Society in connection with
together of many lovers of magic that reflects municipal theatres and in cabaret, ladies’ nights their Membership. To protect the
what is happening in the world of magic today. It and the like. There was also work for illusionists in value of Membership, it would
does not control what is actually happening; it has the bigger working men’s clubs and in holiday be appreciated if the following
to go along with it. camps. All of these markets hardly exist today. guidelines be adopted by
The world is always changing due to nature, What few illusionists there are, work on cruises. all Members:
science and politics. Magic has managed to Even the very valuable corporate work has all but l “Member of The Magic Circle”
survive from the very beginning of time to the dried up. Hans Klok’s recent visit to London’s West may be used by all Members in
present day due its wonderful ability to change End was the first for many, many, years. He was good standing.
with whatever the world throws at it. absolutely brilliant so I made him a Member of l “Associate of the Inner Magic
In my lifetime magic has undergone many, The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. Circle” may only be used by
many, changes. As an individual totally wrapped The biggest market currently available to Members of that degree who
up in magic, I have been forced to change with it. magicians is table hopping at banquets and are also entitled to use the
When I was born, in 1931, magic was thriving restaurants. All this has had a huge effect on my initials AIMC after their name.
in the UK in the music halls. In the USA it was magic career and forced me to give up my touring l “Member of the Inner Magic
vaudeville. Europe and Scandinavia had thriving illusion show and concentrate on residences in Circle” may only be used by
magical entertainment industries in theatres and restaurants. Members of that degree who
clubs. In Asia it also flourished, but in the These changes are duly reflected in the are also entitled to use the
marketplace and palaces. activities of The Magic Circle. It is no wonder that initials MIMC after their name.
I was lucky enough to see a great many of the our clubroom is alive with Members showing each Council considers that phrases such
top magicians and illusionists of the day. I have other the latest close-up moves and tricks. It is no as “Award winning Member of The
even had the great pleasure and honour of wonder that the lecturers the Members wish most Magic Circle” should only be used
meeting such names as Jasper Maskelyne, Dante, to see are experts in the close-up game. by previous recipients of an award
Sorcar, Robert Harbin, Murray, Claude Chandler, Much to the regret of some of the older from The Magic Circle.
Masoni, John Calvert, Reg Salmon and later David Members who lived during, and enjoyed, the
Nixon, Paul Daniels and David Copperfield. golden years of the great illusionists, those days MAGICAL THESES
When I first joined The Magic Circle we were at are over and the younger Members of our The majority of Magic Circle
the Hearts of Oak building; followed by Chenies fraternity are now enjoying performing magic Members join The Society through
Mews. Then we bounced around a bit from the ‘right under their noses’. performance examination but not
Victory Services Club to the Players Theatre and The Magic Circle can’t do a lot about it, but all Members are aware that a
back again. None of them had an adequate don’t miss next month’s review, when I explore number of magicians also join by
theatre for the performance of a real, proper, what we are able to do about it. submitting a thesis, on a magical
illusion show.
Throughout all that time the only stage illusions
performed on behalf of The Magic Circle were at
the Annual Christmas Show, mostly at the Scala
Theatre, and in the Fiftieth Anniversary Show at
St Pancras Town Hall, when I performed a couple
of illusions with Francis White’s daughter as my
assistant. [email protected]

226 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

WS

MAGIC IN ROMANIA
Magic Circle Member
Lorenzo Cristian has recently
performed the largest scale
magic show performed by a
Romanian in Timisoara. The
show, titled My Dream,
included illusions, a dove act,
levitation and even the
production of a motorcycle.
Lorenzo credits Magic Circle
Vice President Scott Penrose
with giving him some great
advice on what looks to have
been a fantastic premiere
and it will be interesting to
see the Romanian public’s
response to the show when
it goes on tour.

topic. This body of work covers a MAGIC: 1400S – 1950S

wide range of subjects and the Members who missed out on
theses are available to read in The purchasing a copy of the now out
Magic Circle Library, well worth a of print Magic: 1400s-1950s
look if you attend our Headquarters authored by Members Mike
on a Monday night. To give some Caveney and Jim Steinmeyer, along
idea of the quality of the work that with Ricky Jay and Noel Daniel,
is available, Chris Goto-Jones’s might be interested to know that a
Thesis, that gained him new edition is now available. It is a
Membership in November 2012, little smaller than the original but is
has just been accepted for still a huge book at 10” x 15” and
publication in a scholarly journal is packed full of interesting
and Cambridge University Press information on the history of magic
have commissioned a book length as well as beautiful illustrations.
version for publication in 2014 The book is currently in stock at
or 2015. www.taschen.com

MAGIC AT THE
UNIVERSITY OF THE
ARTS MA DEGREE SHOW
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Two artists, Steffen and Mahra, THE ALLIED ART OF imprisonment. According to the been responsible for countless
have recently exhibited a piece at DOWSING? report in The Times the devices deaths in Iraq and Afghanistan
the MA Degree Show for the In my article about dowsing in The were based on a novelty golf ball because explosive devices were
University of the Arts that features Magic Circular (April) I mentioned finder costing £13 and were sold not detected.
a model version of Pepper’s Ghost. the ongoing trial of the managing for £27,000 each. McCormick Walford Taylor AIMC
The Magic Circle Librarians knew director of a firm selling hand-held amassed a property portfolio which
that this was coming as Mahra dowsing-type devices which he included a £3.5 million Georgian [The publication schedule of The
visited The Library on a number of claimed would detect explosives townhouse in Bath, a £200,000 Magic Circular means that this
occasions. The library is made and bombs but which he knew did holiday home in Florida, a news is not up to date however, as
available to academics as part of not work. In case anyone missed £320,000 villa in Cyprus along the information will be of interest
the Centre for the Magic Arts Ltd the result, James McCormick was with a £630,000 Sunseeker to those who enjoyed Walford’s
charitable activities. Mahra came convicted of fraud at the Old Bailey Cruiser boat. original article, I decided to publish
with an idea, looking for a magical after a six week trial, and The saddest part of this it anyway. Ed.]
solution, and she found one. sentenced on 2 May to ten years mega-swindle is the fact that it has

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 227

 IN THIS particularly intrepid group of magicians decided to fly from England to
America to attend the IBM convention in Chicago and named
themselves The Flying Sorcerers.
MONTH They were the first group of magicians to fly across the atlantic to
attend a convention and their party included Goodliffe, John Ramsay,
Francis White, Geoffrey Buckingham, Max Andrews and Tom Harris.
Will Houstoun MIMC Apparently Ramsay’s presence was specifically requested by the
organising committee of the conference as the Americans wanted
to watch and learn from a master. It would seem that all went well,

L arge numbers of magicians enjoy attending magic conventions and,

for some British Conjurers there is a tradition of attending high
quality conventions in the United States like FFFF or The Los Angeles
both for the Americans and for Ramsay, as, after the trip, Ramsay
told a reporter that his happiest memory of the trip was conjuring
several hundred dollars out of the Americans for teaching them
Conference on Magic History. In August of 1950, however, a how to conjure! l
1950 Flying Sorcerers
with American hosts.
L to R: Cardini,
Harry Blackstone Sr,
Paula Baird,
Sabena hostess,
Goodliffe wielding
the Leg Chopper
with Max Andrews
in front and
John Ramsay
kneeling;
Geoffrey
Photos: TMC Archive

Buckingham
and Tom Harris
behind

John Ramsay

228 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 THE CECIL LYLE
AWARD
Dennis Patten MIMC

A s a children’s performer I had four

changes of programme which I rotated
in five year cycles. However, there are two
a running gag with the other props used in the
routine, i.e. the cloak, the wand and the fez.)
Look at the birthday girl saying “Alison, has
not not an angel.” (Another laugh.) Pick the
rings up from her head and say “Never mind,
if you can’t be an angel then do as my mum
items which were so strong I used them every your mummy ever said to you, Alison you are a says, be a magician...” (Turn round to your
other year – one is Ron Bishop’s ‘The Wish’, little angel?” (This will get a laugh from the table, pick up the fez and, at the same time
from his book Laughter All The Way, and the adults, especially if the child involved is a little switch the three rings, for the coiled-up large
other is the routine described here. terror.) Whatever the reply you say that you will ring) “...and wear a magician’s hat.” Put the
test to see. hat on the child’s head and say “I’ll put the
Requirements Pick up one of halos around the hat and I’ll give you a
The basic props consisted of one large and Pick up one of the small rings magic wand.”
three small “floppy” rings. I made my first the small rings from the table Pick up the wand saying “I’m going to
set from plastic covered expanding curtain
wire and they served me very well until I
from the table and tell everyone
that it is a halo,
touch you on the nose with the wand to
make you magic.” Cause the end of the
discovered the golden plastic material which and tell and if it floats wand to tipple and say “Alison, you’re nose
I then used. The curtain wire will get you everyone that over Alison’s is tough, have you been eating hard boiled
started. head then she eggs?” (Another laugh.) Work your usual
You need three lengths of 22 inches and
it is a halo must be an Tipple Wand routine and get everyone to
one of 66 inches. Join the lengths into rings angel. Hold it over the girl’s head in the halo “blow a magic blow” which restores the
with clear Sellotape. You also need a soft fez position and let it go. Of course it will either wand. “Wow,” you say, “You are magic!”
like the Egg Bag (International Magic sell one) end up on the child’s head or around her neck, Turn to Alison and say “Let’s see if you can
and a “Tipple Topple Wand.” I also used a depending on Alison’s size. Express give a magic blow on these halos.” Take the
small sample square of carpet with a fringe disappointment and try with the halo(s) off the fez and hold it (them) up so
sewn onto it, which I called a magic carpet other two halos. that Alison can blow, and when she
and my young helper stood on (it also kept “Ah Alison, I’m does so allow the halo to uncoil
them in place), and a cloak for them to wear. sorry but and appear as one large halo.
you’re Instant applause. l
Set-up
The large ring is coiled into three loops and
partially inserted into the flattened fez, then
placed with the other three small rings and
the magic wand in or on your table at the
rear. I used a trolley table which was open at
the top and I placed the whole set-up on a
shelf near the top.

Performance
Call up and stand the birthday girl (or boy) on
your right. Ask them if they have brought a
magic carpet with them. When they reply
“No” look at the audience and say “Guess
who’s brought a magic carpet” whilst
pointing frantically to yourself. They will
answer “You” so you then bring forth the
fringed square and ask the party girl to stand
on it. (This “Guess Who” intro can be used as

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 229

 Splat Rabbit

B efore we get into one of my favourite routines, may I once again

ask any Members who have any suggestions for subject topics
or suggestions for inclusion in Cheeky Dog Chicanery, please email
me at [email protected]. I look forward to
hearing from you!

Routine
Poor Splat is a black and white rabbit who sits in his black and white
hat in his black and white house. He really needs some colour in his
life, especially his “Magic Stars!” A child is invited to assist, given a
magic paintbrush, and asked to go around the audience collecting
(invisible) different colours from their clothes. The paint is flicked
“invisibly” through the air towards the house. Each time the door is
opened Splat is seen to be moving around, ducking and dodging the
paint splashes, as it seems your helper is more intent on soaking him
than colouring in the stars. On the fourth attempt your helper actually
succeeds in hitting poor Splat with a big splosh of magic paint much to
everyone’s amusement. After this, the door is closed one final time and
the helper is asked to use a magic wand instead to try and put things
right. After various magic words, the door is opened again and much to
the delight of the children, not only are all the stars correctly coloured,
but Splat is wearing a lovely multicoloured bow tie as well! Your helper
is rewarded with a prize, returns to the audience, whilst receiving a big
round of applause.

Props
Look at Fig.1 and you will see the six Splat pictures required.
(They are all A4 size.)
Pic.1 Black and white picture of Splat in his hat. Four unpainted stars
above him.
Pic.2 Splat leaning to his right, green splodge on his left.
Pic.3 Splat peeping over his hat, plus blue splodge on his right.
Pic.4 Splat covering his mouth giggling, plus yellow splodge
on his hat.
Pic.5 Splat hit in the face with, plus a red splodge.
Pic.6 Finished picture of Splat, correctly coloured stars with bow tie.
The backs of all the pictures should be left plain white as the
contrast helps to show the colours as they appear during the
routine. I recommend that you laminate these cards.

You will also need a house “envelope” section shown in Fig.2. If your
Splat pictures are laminated A4 size, then the envelope/holder should
be 24cm across and 32cm high. The front part has a cut-out window
with a 3cm border all round (Fig.3). Silver edging is optional as
shown. This envelope is made out of good quality black card obtainable
from craft shops. Don’t use thick card stock for this, the envelope needs
to be flexible.
Please note that this envelope has a false back. This is shown in
Figure 4 by the rabbit card half sticking out of the top of the envelope!
The door front is on strong black card stock. The door is 24cm across
and 33cm high. Hinge the door to the envelope and then add velcro on
the top at both sides to hold it in place when required.
Please don’t be tempted to add any coloured trims or decorations to

230 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 CHEEKY DOG CHICANERY

David Tomkins MIMC

the finished prop, especially the envelope. The prop is meant to look face picture up and outwards smoothly, as the left hand closes the door
rather bland at the beginning, which in turn emphasises the sudden attaching the velcro. By now the top edge of the picture will be in the
appearance of the various colours during the routine. crotch of the right thumb. Continue to grip the picture firmly as the
hand removes the picture completely.
Set-Up After the picture has been removed and displayed, and whilst Splat’s
Take the six pictures and place them in a pile starting with Picture 6 at House remains held closed by the velcro, the left hand fingers enter the
the bottom and moving up to Picture 1 at the top. Place the stack of top of the envelope and create a gap between the actual rear of the
pictures inside the envelope so that the face picture (ordinary black and envelope and the false back. The displayed picture is returned to the
white Splat Rabbit) is looking out through the envelope window. envelope but this time goes in behind the false back. Of course when
the house door is opened again, the next picture comes into view.
The Basic Move I am sure by now, the working of the routine will be obvious! Each
Stand Splat’s House on your table, positioning yourself directly behind. time the front picture is displayed through the cut out, it is removed as
Rest the right hand fingers on the top to steady the house as the left described above. Each time a picture is reinserted in the envelope, it
hand swings the door down. As the front picture is seen through the cut goes down behind the false back.
out, keeping the fingers on the outside of the envelope, the right hand When you come to the climax, the final picture of Splat with his
fingers move downwards contacting the picture whilst the right thumb coloured bow tie and stars, that is only that picture remaining so as
remains at the rear. The left hand begins to close the door and, as soon as this last card is removed, leave the house door down to reveal the
the rear of the door contacts the right hand fingers, the fingers slide the envelope completely empty! Very cheeky! l

Pic.1 Pic.2

Pic.3 Pic.4
Manufacturing Rights Reserved

Pic.5 Pic.6

Fig.1 Fig.2 Fig.3 Fig.4

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 231

 THE MAGIC CIRCLE The Magic History
SHOWCASE Gathering at

sales The Magic Circle

Reported by Will Houstoun MIMC

O n the first of June an international crowd of magic collectors and

historians gathered at The Magic Circle for the first Magic History
Gathering and immediately stumbled upon a serious problem, pointed
out by Matthew Field – should the collectors who have a complete set
of all the Magic Circle Collectors’ Day programmes consider that a
l Magic Circle Umbrella. Navy blue with silver coloured complete file, and start a new collection for The Magic History Gathering
handle and printed silver logo. Automatic opening. £14.95 at The Magic Circle programmes, or should they consider The Magic
History Gathering as an extension of The Collectors’ Day rather than
l Magic Circle Playing Cards. Poker size with black backs
a new event? Fortunately attendees were content to consider this
and gold coloured logo. £3.95 each or £6.95 for two. conundrum in their own time and the
l Magic Circle Key Ring. £1.95 This was an day was able to progress.
l Postcards. Four styles depicting posters from The Circle intriguing and After The Magic Circle Vice President,
Scott Penrose, officially opened the day
Collection, namely Soo, Devant, Le Roy and Hertz. insightful talk Eddie Dawes introduced the first speaker,
£2.00 for a set.
with which to Ian Keable. Ian presented his detailed
l Bob Read’s Magical London Map. £2.95
start the day research into a print titled ‘The Three
l Inside The Magic Circle. Souvenir booklet. £1.95 Conjurers’ that he purchased from the
l Tie £10.00
auction of the late Bob Read’s collection. It transpired that the print tied
into an eighteenth century event, in the same vein as the famous bottle
l Moleskine pocket ruled notebook with de-bossed conjurer or Mary Tofts and her rabbits, that is much less well known
Magic Circle logo, 192 pages £13.50 today, the controversial story of the abduction of Elizabeth Canning. To
l Moleskine large plain notebook with de-bossed explain this story Ian examined every detail of the print and also ably put
Magic Circle logo, 240 pages £17.50
them into context to explain the inferences that an eighteenth century
viewer might have made but which are not apparent to a modern viewer.
This was an intriguing and insightful talk with which to start the day.
MEMBERS ONLY Following Ian, James Smith presented a detailed bibliographic
*please state your Degree when ordering investigation into his first edition copy of Breslaw’s Last Legacy, one of
l Button Badge* £3.95 only four copies known to exist and the only copy that is not in an
l Deluxe Gilt Button Badge* £5.95
institutional collection. Aside from the bibliographic information that
James provided, he also gave insights into Breslaw’s life as well as
l Jewel with or without Star* £13.50 the source material that influenced the contents of the book and the
l Cufflinks* £13.95 events that influenced the book’s
publications. The information from In many talks
James’s talk, and more, is available in
his book Breslaw’s Last Legacy: Thomas
you feel like
Moore Editions a review of which you learn about
These items can be purchased from the Showcase at
The Magic Circle Headquarters on a Club Night or can be
appears later in this issue. a magician in
After each talk Eddie opened the
sent by post to your address (P&P extra). Credit cards
speakers to questions from the floor
the same way
(Visa and Mastercard) and cheques drawn on a UK bank
and, after James’s talk, he also invited you might learn
accepted (cheques payable to “CMA Ltd”).
people to move to The Devant Room for about an object
lunch. This provided a wonderful
opportunity to chat to both new and old friends, browse the exhibitions,
put together by James Smith and your Editor on Breslaw and Professor
For more information Email Hoffmann respectively, and also to view the Museum and Library.
[email protected] James Hagy opened the afternoon’s programme with an unusual talk
or telephone 0207 387 2222
on Paul Flemming, of magic book publishing fame, and his
correspondence with British magicians Robertson Keene, Bert Pratt,
Wilfrid Johnson and George Jenness during and immediately after the

232 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Second World War. Rather than simply talk on his subject, James had really understand what goes into getting issue after issue, month after
edited a file of correspondence between the previously named magicians month, out on time but, after hearing Richard explain a little I am sure
into a sort of theatrical script and each of the parts were read by James, that those who attended his talk left with a whole new appreciation!
Eddie Dawes, Peter Lane, Jon Marshall, David Hibberd and Bob Loomis. After a break for afternoon tea, and a last chance to look around The
This unusual presentational device was hugely effective in revealing the Magic Circle and the special exhibits, the day was closed when your
people behind the letters. In many talks you feel like you learn about a Editor (and author of this report) presented a selection of infrequently
magician in the same way you might learn about an object, in this one seen tricks from Professor Hoffmann’s works. It hardly seems reasonable
you really related to the magicians as people. for me to judge the success of my own talk (it was amazing), but guest
The final talk of the day was given by Richard Kaufman, the editor and performances from Ian Keable and Peter Lane made sure that the full
owner of Genii magazine. Having started to plan a talk about the entire breadth of Hoffmann’s work was represented.
history of Genii Richard realised that the years in which William Larsen Sr, The Magic History Gathering at The Magic Circle was a fantastic day
the founder of the magazine, held the editorial chair, provided more than and the organisers Eddie Dawes and Peter Lane, along with their team of
enough material for a talk, and a fascinating talk it turned out to be. supporters, are to be congratulated on putting together another high
After Richard finished his prepared talk Eddie prompted him to say a quality programme. It was particularly pleasing to see a number of new
little about his own experiences running Genii in what turned into an faces adding to the number of those who attended and I hope that next
impromptu twenty minute mini-lecture! It is almost certainly true that year they will be back, along with many more who will decide to attend
somebody who has not tried to produce a monthly magazine can not for the first time. l

James Hagy Ian Keable Richard Kaufman Will Houstoun

Photos: Matt Field

Prof. Eddie Dawes Peter Lane James Smith

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 233

 Cut and Tied

A few months ago, I read a wonderful trick

whilst browsing The London Society of
Magician’s Yearbook 1990, published in
1989. The effect was written by former Magic
Circle Secretary and Vice President,
Christopher Pratt, and entitled ‘Cut and
Restored Ribbon’. It concerns threading a
thin silk ribbon through a small tube of
cardboard, cigarette sleeve or empty
matchbook cover. You then cut through the
cover, but the ribbon remains intact. I
thought that this was a wonderful idea and
it set my mind racing as to how it could be
brought up to date, elaborated upon and
made to seem more impossible as an effect.
I cannot quite believe that someone else
hasn’t done the same previously, but I have
not been able to find it in print. I hope you
enjoy what I have come up with and if you
do, remember to raise a glass to the late
Christopher Pratt, who came up with this
fantastic idea in the first place, which I have
simply enlarged and embellished. As always,
we just stand on the shoulders of giants.
The performer, after displaying a card Cutting the card box and tie

effect or two, takes the empty card case and too blunt to cut a thin, silky material which just
cuts off the closed end of it and/or the flaps moves between the blades. (It is important that
with a pair of scissors. He then threads his the spectator does not hold the end of the tie
necktie through the tube thus created and taut, but keeps it loose – remind them that your
hands the end of the tie to a spectator to hold. neck is on the other end of it!) It is an easy
He displays the arrangement fairly to show that matter to blunt the scissors, but for a
the tie really is through the card case and there professional job, I had my pair made by Circle
are no slits or anything suspicious. The Member and skilled craftsman David Baxter,
performer now takes the scissors and cuts right who runs Made to Measure Magic and
across the card case, horizontally through the produces one-off props as well as a range
centre, so that it and the tie must be in two of his own effects for magicians.
pieces! However, he then slides the two (www.madetomeasuremagic.co.uk) I am not on
cardboard card case halves off the end of the any commission but thought I would mention
tie, handing them to the helping spectator, who this, as you may like to do the same if you are
can see that although the box is cleanly cut not into metal filing!
straight through, the tie is totally undamaged! My idea was to enlarge the props used to
The trick works because the scissors have make it seem more impossible, by using kitchen
been blunted, filed along the edges, and or office sized scissors, a playing card case and
The section of lining that should
be removed operate rather like children’s safety scissors a tie, as I realised that a tie, once the felt-like
which are strong enough to cut thin card but material is removed from the centre which gives

234 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 CRAFTY CONJURING

Chris Wardle AIMC

it its ‘body’, is just a tube of thin, silky material, routines over the years, but these all involve finished rose, pretending to smell it, as the
which would act like a ribbon in the original actually cutting material and some sort of extra applause cue, then I go to offer it to a
trick. Also, skinny ties are currently very trendy gimmick or switch for a second tie. This is clean spectator, naturally I offer them the stem, so I
and readily available and it is even easier to and happens right before their eyes. Thank you hold the rose by the head, by placing my
make this work with a narrow tie. You can also to the late Christopher Pratt for the inspiration thumb into the head as I transfer it from one
do it with a tie of average width, if you don’t and a wonderful idea. I hope he would have hand to the other – here you are ahead of
think a skinny tie would suit your style. Open up liked what I’ve done with it. me. In the offbeat of smelling it, I have
the back of the tie, cut out a portion of the secured the thumb tip, then placed it inside
‘filling’ at mid-chest height and then sew it Just a Thought... the head of the flower as I hold it. Before
back up again. Here using a cheaper, polyester- If you perform napkin or tissue to flower/rose, they take it, you offer to make their rose even
type tie works to your advantage as it will slide where a table napkin or sheet of tissue paper is more magical, before giving it to them, by
between the blades easily, and it is also twisted into the shape of a rose with a leaf, either reaching in and pulling out the petals,
economical to produce as an effect! When I then you may like this little addition. The effect or turning the flower upside down to cascade
wear my tie to perform the effect, I tuck the itself is very old and appears in numerous them, whilst squeezing the flower head to
narrow end into my shirt, between the top two origami, paper craft and table napkin art books. retain the thumb tip, or even simply blowing
buttons, rather than through the loop at the I believe that magician Michael Mode has even inside the flower head, you can make petals
back of the tie, so that there is only one produced some specially printed paper shower out magically. (Be aware of where
thickness of tie to cut through and the other serviettes which are two coloured to produce a you are scattering petals so that they don’t
end is out of the way. colourful rose with a green stem using just one go into drinks and that your venue won’t
I purchased a multipack of cheap playing napkin. I perform this, for Valentine’s Day, mind, depending on where you are working.)
cards from a discount stationery store, removed anniversaries, weddings, etc, using red and You then hold the flower by the head again,
the cards but kept the cases, as these are made green tissue pushing your thumb inside to retrieve the
from very thin card, yet look quite substantial, I perform paper. thumb tip, so that the stem is exposed to
so the scissors will cut through them easily. this, for Beforehand, I offer this to the spectator to take. This natural
Cutting the card case open (if you use a box have cut a action of passing it from one hand to the
with a sealed end) or removing the flaps at the
Valentine’s Day, supply of petal other, to be able to apparently offer the stem
start tells the audience that these are real, anniversaries, shapes from of the rose for someone to take is very casual
sharp scissors without you having to say so! weddings, etc, more red tissue and logical. You would not offer someone a
Don’t be tempted to use a paper tube or cover; and placed this flower ‘head first’. I hope you like this little
this will pull between the scissor blades,
using red and inside a thumb addition to turn a piece of simple paper art
whereas card will still cut convincingly. As the green tissue tip, which is then into an actual effect. l
spectator is holding an un-gimmicked end of paper. tucked into my
the tie, it feels substantial and innocent. The waistband or in www.chriswardle.co.uk
fact that you have removed a section from only a waistcoat pocket. You make the rose, for
part of the tie also means that it hangs example, by overlapping the red and green [I should have pointed out in the June
naturally and can be worn normally. tissue, forming a thumb width tube, twisting at Circular that Chris’s column in The Magic
Obviously you use metal files and kitchen the base of the red tissue to begin forming the Circular actually is divided into two separate
scissors at your own risk, but this is fairly simple stem, pulling up one corner of the green tissue parts. Each issue he will offer you a full
to make up and is a very visual trick for to be trapped as a leaf half way up the stem as routine as the main body of the article and
table-hopping, where all you need is a supply of you twist, etc. (There are several examples of then a separate tip or piece of advice in “Just
card cases, which you could have folded flat in this in magic literature and also in children’s a Thought”. If anyone was confused by this in
your pocket. As the effect happens on your tie, paper craft books and those mentioned above, the first column then hopefully now it will all
which you are wearing, then you are the centre not to mention ‘how to’ videos on YouTube for be clear! Ed.]
of attention and, after all, it is you that you are paper craft. A quick search will find you a
selling when you perform. version which will suit your requirements and
There have been several cut and restored tie style if you do not know this.) I then look at the

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 235

 Tim ShoesmithTHE MAGIC CIRCLE CLOSE-UP MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR 2013
Interview by Will Houstoun MIMC

Tim Shoesmith MIMC was the deserving winner of pack of cards and take the top prize anytime he wants. I’m
The Magic Circle’s Close-up competition earlier this not saying that everything Guy does is better than me, but
year. He is also a rare type of magician in that he I think that he’s better equipped for that particular
earns his living performing commercial magic but environment.
has also created one of the most compelling, I think those magicians who get terribly arrogant about
uncomfortable and emotionally affecting, pieces winning competitions haven’t really got it in perspective.
that I have ever come across. Tim and I spent an
hour in The Devant Room talking about Will: So what do you think the real value of competitions is?
competitions, magic and performance. Tim: The first thing is that you and I know that not
everybody entered The Magic Circle Close-up Competition
Will Houstoun: Congratulations on winning but the public don’t know that. If I say “I’m The Magic
The Close-up Magician of the Year. Circle Close-up Magician of the Year” people will make
Tim Shoesmith: Thank you. their own assumptions!
I think the stage time is another good reason to enter. It
Will: How did you feel when you won? focuses your mind and it’s a good place to try something
Tim: I was very surprised, which was why I’d taken my new. I can’t take some stuff I want to do to a wedding
suit off before the presentations! That was partly down to table, so let’s unleash it on the IBM instead!
Noel Qualter. He was my emotional back-up for the day It is also a great opportunity to get exposure. I entered
and, when I went down to The Club Room he said: “You the IBM one year just so that I would get onto people’s
weren’t shining today, mate, there was no gold dust.” I radars. I wanted to lecture at the time and I knew lots of
genuinely thought I hadn’t been placed. I have since people would see me if I did a competition.
watched the tape back, and I think I look as strong as
anybody else. Will: You have entered The Magic Circle competition
I was actually overcome by the reception I got when before, what do you think made it work this time?
I won it. Because of the birth of my twins I had kind of Tim: Having watched it back I think I kept it all together
distanced myself from magic organisations and I had in what was a difficult environment, which competitions
thought everyone had forgotten who I was. The warmth tend to be.
people directed towards me was quite incredible so, for
that, I’m very grateful. Will: What makes them hard?
Tim: It can be quite sterile, in a way. If you’re used to
Will: It sounds like you were a little taken aback? playing in an environment where there’s a lot of
Tim: It’s a funny thing winning a competition. You’ve got interaction then suddenly being put in a room that’s quite
Guy Hollingworth judging you who could walk up with a judgmental, is hard. It is hard for every act...
There was a Magic Circle Competition, in 2003, where I
came second to Michael Vincent, and the room was just
popping. I’ve been entering the Magic Circle Close up
Competition each year looking for that room ever since,
because I feed off a room like that. That is why comedy
clubs are my favourite environment now. You know they’re
dangerous but at least something’s going on and you have
something to play with.
Photo: Darren Tossell

Will: How did you develop the material you’re doing in

competitions? Did you start with one act, in one
competition and then change it based on what went well?
Or did you just use it to try out whatever you felt was most
Billy Reid, Tim Shoesmith and Will Gray interesting?
s

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 Photo: Mark Hesketh-Jennings

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 237

Tim: I think the first thing to say is that I than a superficial magic trick. The piece finishes at the end. But in the context of commercial
never entered competitions to win them, with the opening line, “That’s what I do, that’s work, my job is about being liked. That’s it. If I
although I was grateful when I did. I entered my job. My father’s very proud.” However the could go from table to table without doing a
because I would rather be up there, doing meaning has now completely changed. single trick, and at the end of it everybody liked
something, than watching other people doing I thought it was a very strong piece that had me, was glad I was there and wanted me back,
it on a screen. If I’m at a convention and I’m huge merit, and it completely divided the room. it’s irrelevant whether I do magic or not. So as
not involved in it I feel left out. I want to be The piece would finish with dead silence and a commercial route, we all need to be likeable.
involved so I entered the competitions to I would just leave. If you’re going to laugh at A lot of magicians could do with listening to
be a part of the drama, as opposed to being the irony of badly burnt children looking at fire that, maybe even myself. However I do believe
a passive observer. engines then you’re going to feel terribly guilty that when I’m working, people are drawn to me
Back to your question, when I won the IBM when it switches at the end. It may be and like what I do, as a person.
in 2005, I did a piece that was really about my considered unfair but like I said I was frustrated. That’s really important commercially but less
frustrations with magic. There was a definite I had more response, positive and negative, important elsewhere. I think magic needs to
feeling of frustration and anger in that piece, it from that piece than any other. move on. To do that it needs to follow other art
was venomous in a way but it said something forms that are progressing. I think a lot more
I wanted to say. Will: Perhaps one of the reasons is that has happened to music, television and drama
magicians seem to feel that doing their job than has happened to magic. We should be
Will: For people who weren’t there to see it means entertaining people by being likeable, honest with ourselves.
could you explain the idea? being a bit funny, doing a few little tricks, and
Tim: I was very proud of it. It starts off with being the life and soul of the party. Do you Will: Do you think anyone in magic is looking
what was my opening line on tables until I got have any opinion on why magicians go for elsewhere?
too old for it: “I’m Tim Shoesmith, Magician, that response, and what other angles might Tim: Penn & Teller have done it on occasions.
here to entertain you. That’s what I do, that’s be interesting or useful? Politics is definitely there. They’re not shying
my job. My father is very proud.” Tim: First of all, I have children to support away from religious issues. There is social
I started with that remark and then told a and so I can’t go following my artistic instincts comment going on. That happens in every
true story about a job I did at Stansted Airport all the time... other art form but rarely in magic.
Fire Station, where they’d invited children from
the local burns units to come and look at fire Will: You can’t make people feel terrible at the Will: So should magic be used to make some
engines! end of every show! further point, or tell some people something
I then performed a torn and restored card Tim: That’s right! I think it depends on the beyond the trick itself?
while talking about a young girl I met who was context of the show. If it is a theatre piece, I Tim: Yes, we need to move more into
incredibly badly burnt. I was a paramedic for think you have more freedom. You’ve just got to narration, getting ideas and interesting
seven years and I never saw a case that acute. I go through Shakespeare’s plays to see that concepts across. In music that has always
talked about how the girl needed so much more there are plenty that leave you pretty miserable been there, in theatre that has always been
there, but we get left behind.
I think magic is probably one of those art
forms that could do with putting a bit more
thought into these issues but I want to make it
really clear: I’m not suggesting that this should
happen all the time!

Will: Give me an example.

Tim: Comedians. A comedian’s job is to make
people laugh. A magician’s job is to amaze
people. A lot of comedy is simply about making
people laugh, and a lot of magic is simply about
amazing people. But within comedy there are
also people who make great social comment. I
think there’s room for that in magic as well.

Will: Why is this approach important to you?

Tim: It’s important to me because my
background is that of an actor. I think that what
little success I’ve had is because magic wasn’t
the most important thing to me. I think the
most difficult thing for magicians is their love of
magic. It can get in the way of working out how
they’re going to make the best presentation to
an audience.
If you go to a convention, people are much
more interested in the next double-lift than they
Performing in the 'real' world are in performance. A lot of magicians are stuck

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 Will: Now you are a full-time magician, what working on now. I’m enjoying that never-ending
kind of work do you focus on? journey of trying to match my personality with
Tim: I do corporate close-up magic and something that’s accessible and interesting.
comedy clubs mainly. The problem is that
comedy clubs don’t pay anything like as well as Will: Who are your influences?
corporate gigs. If you’ve got 60 or 70 people in Tim: A huge number of people have helped
a room paying £7 a ticket there just isn’t much me over the years but a few of the really
money to share around. With corporate work significant ones are very close to home. Terry
there’s as much money as they’re willing to pay Seabrooke is the person who got me into The
you. I would say at the moment it’s probably Magic Castle, and was so encouraging.
half-and-half between the comedy clubs and Because of the trips to LA I met my wife and all
corporate gigs. sorts of things happened. Had my head been
more together after the Close-up Competition,
Will: One of the things I find interesting about I would have mentioned him on stage.
Tim as 'mole' at Manchester Library Theatre the way you’re talking about the breakdown of John Gordon, who’s kind of disappeared
your work is that it sounds very much like lately, spent hours with me when I was first
in the method phase of it all but making people you’ve got the corporate close-up magic which starting, for very little renumeration. Steve
feel something is important. is your job, like working in the office 9-to-5... Evans is someone I met more recently, in 2005,
Tim: Yes. who has been a big influence. When I was really
Will: So why do people stop long before they struggling with that on-stage persona, he was
get to that point? Will: ...and then you’ve got the comedy clubs very helpful.
Tim: I think people stop because an audience which is your hobby. People like Jeff Hobson, Graham P Jolley and,
is amazed and entertained by what they do. Tim: The comedy is not a hobby no. It provides (he’d kill me if I didn’t mention him), John
That’s the Achilles’ heel for magicians. If you a proportion of my income. The way I see it is Archer are also influences. They are all
can just do a trick people will be amazed by it this: The close-up set has been developed over performers who can constantly make an
and you can hide behind that trick. 10 years and it is what it is. That’s what I do audience laugh, which is what I strive to do.
and I very rarely change it because when I do
Will: It’s too easy for people to think you’re I’m always a bit disappointed. So I have a set Will: So we are back to the people who can do
good? that I think works, which sits on the shelf ready something more than just a trick?
Tim: They will be entertained by the simple for me to take down and use when I get a job. Tim: Yes! I am a real fan of Penn and Teller’s
fact that the card they asked for is reversed in work! I think there are moments of brilliance. I
the deck. And that can then make you think, Will: Do you still get a buzz out of it in the think they are great at using magic to say
this is as far as it needs to go. same way you do out of comedy stuff? something and even when they ‘expose’ a trick
Tim: Yes, I do. It’s like taking a vintage car that like their clear cups and balls they do it in a way
Will: I know you have a background as an you’ve worked really hard to restore out of the that is interesting and respectful. I personally
actor, amongst other things, could you tell me a garage and showing it to people. The set is so don’t think that it’s exposure that kills magic.
little about that? solid, I’m not even thinking about it when I’m What kills magic is un-entertaining exposure.
Tim: I came into acting because somebody, working. The creative side is in trying to react to I think you can tell why they’re millionaires
rightly or wrongly, told me I was good at it. I did anything they say or they do because the set is in Las Vegas!
a few things at school and then, after getting a incidental. I’m perfectly happy to do it but Bob Read was also very interesting. If you
degree in psychology, I did a post-grad in would I rather be on stage? Yes, I would rather watch the early tapes he looks like a decent
drama. I was a reasonably successful theatre be on stage. club magician who managed to get a television
actor for a few years and then it dried up. I spot. His character really developed in the 80s
wanted to get a mortgage and I just couldn’t Will: What is it about stage stuff that you and early 90s. I saw him at Opus when I first
get one as an actor. That’s when a job in the prefer? started and it was so dynamic and incredibly
ambulance service cropped up, I answered the Tim: Part of it is ego. I think also it’s harder. funny. I wish I had come back into magic earlier
right questions in the right way and suddenly I know that ten years ago I couldn’t do it and so I could have watched his journey. I would
there I was training as a paramedic for the now I can. I like to try to interact with people have loved to have seen the act grow. He was
London Ambulance Service! from the stage and to fit what I do to the a wonderful man, with real originality, which
I have to say that work has been a really audience, as opposed to just performing a I love.
useful thing because I did ten thousand jobs for tightly scripted piece. It’s slightly dangerous and If I was pushed I would say David Williamson
the London Ambulance Service. Ten thousand sometimes it goes wrong. I lost an audience is the Holy Grail of Comedy Magic. With
times, I went into a small group of people, hopelessly on Friday for about two minutes, Williamson you feel that the show is being
gained their trust and got them to do what I because I set up the wrong bit of material. created especially for you. You don’t even smell
needed them to do... They’d got a particular idea of who I was by a script and that’s because he’s willing to let the
then, so a piece of material that would work people on stage with him become part of the
Will: ...and with much higher stakes than fine somewhere else was not going to work show and then react to it. Something in his
finding a chosen card! there. For two lines I lost them completely and head just seems to make him do the right thing
Tim: Yes. I think that was actually very good I was very proud of the fact that I got them whatever they throw at him. It works every
background work for close-up magic in back on board and everything was fine. time. We can all do it just not as well as he can.
particular because that’s exactly what you do as If the close-up set is the vintage car that is I can’t explain it but I think it is pure genius and
a close-up magician. finished, then the stage show is the car that I’m so beautiful to watch. l

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 417. MAGICIANS IN HULL IN THE 18TH AND 19TH CENTURIES
Part 7. MADAME DE LONNO, AND LEOTARD BOSCO RE-VISITED

meet with the same success.”

The Leotard Bosco referred to
by Stuart and Park was, of course,
the former Signor Leotard Bosco,
“the Great and Famous Conjuror
in his beautiful Enchanted Palace
of Illusions,” the subject of a
previous article (Dawes, 1982).
His career seems to have
commenced in 1872, with
engagements traced in Derby and
Scotland. He placed a card in The
Era on 3 November 1872:

Great Success in Scotland of

MONS. LEOTARD BOSCO, the
Great and Famous Conjuror, in
his Enchanted Palace of Illusions.
Route
Next week – TILLOCOUTRY [sic],
Monday; Stirling, Tuesday;
Falkirk,
Wednesday; Thursday and Friday,
Linlithgow; Saturday, Bathgate.
Great Success everywhere.
Address en route. Wanted to
Join a Party for a Christmas
Speculation.

S tuart and Park (1895), in the chapter on ‘The Provincial Variety

Stage’ in their monumental work The Variety Stage, chose Hull,
“the fourth city in the kingdom,” as an example of the gradual rise
The adoption of the name of Bosco by yet another conjurer elicited
an immediate riposte in the same issue of The Era from one of the
earlier culprits:
which, at the same period, was taking place all over the country.
“Early in the [eighteen]sixties the Mechanics’ Hall in Grimston Street Notice
was occupied by Springethorpe’s Waxworks [note that Springthorpe is SIGNOR BOSCO, The Famous Illusionist, will
consistently mis-spelt], at which, as an additional attraction, a few shortly visit Scotland, and begs to state that he is in no way
performers were engaged to sing a song or two, or dance a step or so. connected with a Gentleman now travelling about Scotland
A number of proprietors took possession of this hall, among others under the same Name.
Burton, Wood etc, but with varying success. In connection with the
Mechanics’ – or as it became to be called, Springethorpe’s – it is This Bosco was probably Saul Warschawski [see Dawes (2001)].
interesting to note that for the brief period of one week Miss Jenny Hill
was the proprietress, but even her vitality could not put a spark of life In the following year (1873) Leotard was in the north-east of England
into the business. It was not until Mr Leotard Bosco took possession at Redcar and Stockton. At Christmas, in Birmingham, we find the first
that the hall began to show anything in the way of tangible receipts. billing of a Madame Bosco with Mons. Bosco, although Leotard is solo
But, being brim-full of business tact, this gentleman raised the hall high again in January 1874 through till April, at Bath, Swansea and
in the estimation of the townsfolk, and it speedily became a success. Middlesbrough. Then, at the Royal York Music Hall in Southampton
Mr Bosco took into partnership after a while Mr H T Downs, who, since in April, Mons. Leotard Bosco is teamed with a Madame De Lunno
the former quitted the ancient port, has continued to rule over its [a misprint for Lonno] with their Magical Wonders.
destinies. The hall is at present known as the Empire, but at one period The first notice of Madame De Lonno had appeared in The Era on
of its chequered existence was called the Star ... As in Hull, so in other 23 November 1873 with the following announcement:
towns, music halls increased very rapidly in number, but all did not
Novelty, Grace and Elegance Combined in

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 A RICH CABINET OF
MAGICAL CURIOSITIES
Edwin A Dawes MIMC

MADAME DE LONNO, The Queen of Wizards. information was of little help.

in her Enchanted Palace of Illusions, Grandest Stage Fittings ever At the end of July 1875, the pair returned to the Alhambra, heralded
in the Concert Halls Opens at the ALHAMBRA PALACE, HULL, by this advertisement on 30 July:
January 5th 1874. Proprietors and Managers wanting a genuine
novelty should write at once. First appearance this season of
Address, J. ELLIS, Princess’s Leeds. MDLLE DE LONNO
The now celebrated “Wizard Queen” and “Illusionist”
Madame De Lonno made her debut in a general variety bill at the Hull in conjunction with
Alhambra from 5 – 17 January 1874, at a time when Professor Anderson, MONS, LEOTARD BOSCO,
Great Wizard of the North, now in seriously failing health, was also The Original Royal Magician, in their Beautiful
appearing in the town at the Public Rooms. On 4 January another notice Enchanted Palace of Illusion, introducing all the
was placed in The Era: Novelties in the Art of Magic.
NOTICE.- The stage for this Entertainment will be
Notice. – Proprietors and Managers in want of a great Novelty should transformed into a Temple of Splendour, fitted with a
at once secure the services of costly set of Green Silk Repp Hangings, mounted with
MADAME DE LONNO, the greatest Female Gold Cornice, illuminated with China Globes, Gold
Wizard of the day. Splendid Wardrobe and the most gorgeous Mounted Tables, and apparatus all Silver Plate.
Stage set out in the Profession. All the Novelties in the art of Magic,
Design of Stage, Fit-up &c., registered. Pirates beware. For terms The details regarding their stage
Address ALHAMBRA PALACE, HULL. Leeds, Barrow, Sunderland, fittings were presumably intended
and Birmingham to follow. to ensure they were not outshone
by the re-decoration of the theatre
After fulfilling these engagements she linked up with Bosco at itself in a Moorish style of
Southampton in April. In The Era on 17 May she then placed the architecture, ‘radiant in Gold and
following advertisement: Variegated colours,’ according to
the 14-line description of ‘The
Thunders of Applause Nightly greet Superb Decorations’ in the Hull
MADAME DE LONNO, the now Celebrated Wizard Packet advertisement.
Queen and Humorist, in her Beautiful Enchanted Palace of In March 1878 De Lonno and
Illusion. Note.-The Stage is fitted up with Crimson Drapery and Bosco were once again at the Hull
Illuminated with Magnificent Glass Chandeliers. The Greatest Novelty Alhambra and then in 1879 Bosco
out. Design Registered. turned impresario and launched
For terms address, PEOPLE’S NEW MUSIC HALL, HANLEY. his Grand Combination Company
of Star Variety Artistes, including
Thus the circumstantial evidence was pointing to Madame Bosco having the Magnificent Fairy Fountains;
re-invented herself as Madame De Lonno. At this stage of the research we Fred Neiman, Ventriloquist; Marie
had no clue to the natal names of Leotard Bosco and his wife, and the Briton, Serio-Comic; Mr and Mrs
census of 1881 was the first in which the Boscos could be found. At that Joe Mortimer, Comic Duettists;
time they were in a theatrical lodging house run by a confectioner, Fiske and Bishop, Negro
Edward Packard, at 15 Arundel Street, Sheffield. Leotard Bosco, age 31, Comedians; Mdlle Rubini’s
born in Bristol, was stated to be ‘Magician (Performer)’ and his wife Mary Troupe of White Stauary;
Bosco, age 29, born in York [sic], was similarly designated. Banyard’s Diorama; Barney
A decade later at the 1891 census, Leotard and Mary Bosco were living Ryan, Irish Comedian; Bosco
at Hull Road in Cottingham, East Yorkshire, and he is now listed as ‘Music and Madame De Lonno’s
Hall Proprietor,’ in keeping with the information imparted by Stuart & Park Magic. A long, displayed
(1895). The census returns provided the years of birth of Leotard advertisement in The Era on
(1850/51) and Mary (1852) but in the absence of natal names this 27 April announced their
s

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Eleventh Week on Tour, Magnificent Printing and Pictorials, with Terms: Greathead (in case of census mis-transcriptions). It appears he was born
Share or Certainty, to First-class Places of Amusement only. Each of the in disadvantaged circumstances in the St James’s district of Bristol, some
acts enumerated above were accorded a card in the Bosco’s Great time between April 1850 and April 1851.
Combination Company advertisement, Bosco’s own reading: The first documented reference is at the 1861 census. James is then
aged 10, a pauper in the Bristol workhouse, at Stapleton, with his mother
Madame DE LONNO, the Celebrated Wizard Queen and Humorist, in Mary Greathead [this is the recorded spelling in the census transcript;
conjunction with LEOTARD BOSCO, the great and Famous Conjurer. James is recorded as Jas.] She is
Eleventh Week on Tour with above. Brilliant successes everywhere.
How Mary came stated to be aged 29, a tailoress by
trade, and is unmarried. She also has
The notice ended with the statement: to end up in with them a second child, Louisa,
Bristol with aged 6, who is noted on the census
The Proprietor is open to Share or Pay a Rental for any First-class form as ‘deaf & dumb since birth.’
Place of Amusement. Address, next week, Theatre Royal, Blackburn.
James Greethead
Open from Whitsuntide. is not clear, but In May 1862, according to a report in
most likely it was the Bristol Mercury, Mary Greethead
Presumably on account of Bosco then entering theatre management, the was committed for fourteen days hard
last sighting of Madame De Lonno found was in an advertisement in The
the stage that labour for abandoning her two
Era on 12 May 1883: brought them illegitimate children, who had thereby
together become charges on St Peter’s
MADAME DE LONNO Hospital. Thus it is clear that Bosco
the celebrated Wizard Queen and Humourist, in conjunction with overcame much early adversity to achieve his later success in life.
Signor LEOTARD BOSCO, The next sighting is his marriage in 1869 at Bristol register office under
the great and Famous Conjuror, the name of James Frederick Greethead, and we are indebted to Jan
in their unique Entertainment, The World of Magic, Cooper’s website for the precise date of 26 June. His bride was Mary
having performed in all the principal Cirques, Halls, Gardens, Relph [the marriage GRO transcript actually records her surname as
Aquariums, Theatres, Fêtes, &c., in the whole world, with great and Ralph, but her birth record and family censuses are under the name
Gigantic success. These Artistes stand A1 in their respective line of Relph], whose birth was registered in the Stockton registration district in
business. Q4 of 1851. She was baptised at St Mary Magdelene’s church, Yarm, on
There are many imitators, but only one De Lonno. 14 Dec 1851, the daughter of Edward and Margaret Relph. Of Yorkshire
Elegant Stage Fittings, stock, at the time of the 1861 census the family were living at 9 Mill Street,
Magnificent Apparatus, Middlesbrough, the father working as a sawyer, the mother as a dressmaker,
New and Elaborate Tricks gracefully and beautifully performed in a and their were three other siblings of Mary’s also then at home.
Way that enchants an audience. Everything refined; nothing vulgar. How Mary came to end up in Bristol with James Greethead is not clear,
Special.- The finest and largest Pictorial Display travelling. Open to but most likely it was the stage that brought them together, to judge by
accept Engagements during the months of June, July, and August, at their 1871 census entry.
moderate salary; or will share with responsible Managers. For terms, In 1871 they were living at 65 Bath Row, in the St Thomas’s ward of
address LEOTARD BOSCO, Tayleure’s Circus, Cardiff. Birmingham, where they are recorded on the transcript as James and
Mary Greathead [a not e], ages 21 and
Bosco arrived at the Empire at Hull 20 respectively, he born in Bristol, she in
as lessee in December 1888 and he Middlesbrough. He is described as a
opened for the season on 24 Ventriloquist by occupation, and she a
December, Christmas Eve (Dawes Singer. There are no children.
(1982). Soon afterwards the theatre As previously noted, they subsequently
became known as Bosco’s Empire appeared in the 1881 and 1891 censuses
Theatre of Varieties, a name that under the Bosco name with Mary in 1881
endured after Bosco had left Hull, now a ‘Magician (Performer).’ However,
and indeed after his death in 1895, their deaths were recorded (as James F
becoming the City Empire in 1898. Greethead and Mary Greethead) in the
He quickly became a popular figure West Bromwich registration district, James
at the theatre entrance dressed in on 24 July 1895 and Mary on 29
immaculate evening dress and December 1897, both at Lavenham
top hat. House, Birchfield Road, Perry Bar,
A breakthrough occurred when we Staffordshire. Jan Cooper provides the
found a 2005 internet posting by Jan information that in his will James is
Cooper on genealogy of the family described as a ‘Theatrical proprietor of
name of Greathead (superseded by a Legerdemain,’ and his effects, willed to his
current website) and seeking wife, were valued at £1566. Mary’s effects
information about Leotard Bosco, were valued at £2072 9s 0d and re-sworn
whose natal name was James in December 1898 as £2149 19s 0d. Her
Frederick Greatheed. This enabled nephew, Edward Hewitson (her sister
Bosco’s origins to be researched Emma’s son), a Theatrical Manager, was
under the names of Greethead and the beneficiary.

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 To date, nothing has been found that absolutely confirms De Lonno
and Mary Bosco were one and the same, but the facts that she changed
from being a singer to a ‘Magician (Performer)’ and not an Assistant, and
appeared only once as Madame Bosco, strongly indicate that such is the
case. It is unfortunate that none of the notices for her gives any indication
of the content of her act.
An obituary notice which appeared in The Era on 27 July 1895,
provides much additional information about Bosco’s career, although not
all the theatres he was involved with and at least one error:
“After an illness lasting only a week, Mr Leotard Bosco, manager of the
New Theatre Royal, Aston, died on Wednesday [i.e. 24 July] at his
residence, Trinity-road, Birchfields, Birmingham, in his forty-sixth year, of
diabetes. When sixteen years of age, he joined the staff of Cook’s Circus.
Four years later he became associated with Rubini, the wizard. In 1869 he
accepted an engagement under Mark Wheeler. His next step was in the
direction of business in his own account. Taking his famous fairy fountains
on tour, he cleared a substantial sum, but lost it all by the Amphitheatre
fire in 1876. A combination proving successful, he started a circus in
Newcastle, and then took the St James’s Hall, Birmingham, changing its
name to Egyptian Hall, a title which it still retains.”
“Both these ventures put a good deal of money into his pocket, as also
did a season at the Pier Pavilion and Winter Gardens, Rhyl. Investing his
savings in a hotel at Rhyl he once more tasted adversity. Happily a
Birmingham friend came to the rescue, and Bosco started on tour, with
Coming soon.
the result that the end of the season
found him in possession of a profit of
in a hotel at Rhyl £2,000. With that amount he opened Really,
Reallyy, really
re soon.
he once more at the Gaiety Theatre, Hanley, the
tasted adversity. freehold of which he was able to
purchase after having been in the
Happily a town only a year. Selling out, he took
Birmingham in succession the Gaiety, Warrington,
the Star Hotel and Theatre, Stockton;
friend came to the Mechanics’ Hall (which he
the rescue. renamed Bosco’s Empire), Hull; and
the Jollity Theatre, Bradford, with
varying fortune. It was in April 1894, that he returned to Birmingham, in
the capacity of manager of the Aston Theatre, after it had been acquired
by Mr Chas. Barnard, proprietor of the Gaiety Palace, Birmingham. In
Birmingham Mr Bosco made many warm friends, and acquired a large
measure of popularity by his business-like, no less than his urbane and
genial, qualities. During the distress in
Aston last winter he materially aided Mr Barnard in augmenting the
local relief fund.” l

[The ‘Amphitheatre fire’ actually occurred in 1878 at the South of

England Music Hall, Portsmouth, in the early hours of 13 September, as
reported in the Portsmouth Evening News later that day.]

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am greatly indebted to Michael Dawes for his assistance and to Jan
Cooper for mutual exchange of information on her forebear.

REFERENCES
Cooper, Jan (2005). [email protected];
(2013) http://www.greathead.org/greathead2-o/LeotardBosco.htm
Dawes, E.A. (1982). Magic Circular 76, 58-60.; (2001) Magic Circular August 11–14, 2013
2013
The Orleans Hotel, Las Vegas
Vegas
95,152-155.
The Era (1850-1900) and Hull Packet (1850-1886)
Stuart, C.D. & Park, A.J. (1895). The Variety Stage. London: Fisher Unwin.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 243

The Magic Circle Stage M
Reported by Hugh Nightingale MIMC

I t was a full house for the evening’s

competition and visitors were warmed up
in the bar with some close-up magic from
the bar for eggstreme danger (sorry!) with his
omelette roulette. All interspersed with good
one-liners.
Wayne Fox and Chris Wood. Alan Maskell Richard Griffin opened his act with a
introduced the acts in a low-key manner so as bizarre sequence in a sort of humpty-dumpty
not to favour any particular competitor. costume and mask, which eventually
Piff the Magic Dragon (John van der Put) transformed into the Richard we know. Drink
essentially found a chosen card, but with so productions, cards vanishing as well as
so much more. Add into the equation Mr appearing and an unusual routine with
Piffles the Chihuahua, his assistant Miss Amy sweets and candy-floss, reminiscent of
Sunshine, a spectator, a can of dog food and swallowing razor blades. He finished with a
dragon-size portion of excellent dead-pan red, white and blue snowstorm and a great
humour and you start to get close. John also audience reaction.
did an original thimble routine with finger Tim Shoesmith opened with some mind
puppet monsters as he sat in a close reading and got the help of a little boy from
spotlight. A well–deserved winner as it turned the audience. A sweet kid but Tim struggled
out. to get much reaction from him whilst he
Steve Price followed with a slick magic performed a rope routine where he lets the
square routine using numbered cards and set Competition Winner John Van Der Put rest of the audience in on the secret moves
and an ambitious card routine similar to one
from his close-up act for which he deservedly
won this year’s close-up competition.
James More worked at an amazing pace
producing and manipulating candles,
aerosols, snooker balls and cards including
some very clever moves with jumbo cards – a
good act in the making. He finished with a
change of pace with an Impaled illusion and
was awarded second place.
Mark Shortland followed with a very funny
card prediction, gambled on the destruction
of his helper’s spectacles and correctly

Oliver Tabor

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agician of the Year 2013
predicted the colours that said helper was Richard Pinner performed an excellent set
going to choose for some comic colouring-in. from his repertoire – splash bottle production,
A very funny act that finally transformed equal unequal ropes, the torn and restored
Mark into superhero ‘Magic Boy’. drink trick, finishing with a superhero
Oliver Tabor was the best that I have seen prediction that he just had time to get right
him. As with Piff, his is an act that I have seen before he had to fly off to save the world.
develop over the years and both have made The judges, Don Greenberg, Christopher
great leaps and deserved to be placed. Oliver Priest (the author of the novel The Prestige)
enters as a musician, transforms into a and David Wood OBE, deliberated during a
magician before returning to a musician at second interval after which current President
the end. In between, he performs lots of good Jack Delvin started off the presentations
magic with violins, bows, musical notes, before Past President Michael Bailey took
doves, ropes and many other music-related over to close the evening. The organisers were
effects. Nice touches like producing musical Keith Cooper, Michael Carr, Barry Nowland
notes on cards at different heights to give and Scott Penrose aided by a stalwart band of
different pitches and even chords appeared crew and stewards. My wife, Chloe, who has
throughout. Finally he produced a full-sized had to endure far too many magic shows for
cello from a vanishing cage of doves to secure a muggle gave the whole evening her definite
third place. approval, which is praise indeed. l
Steve Price

Richard Griffin Tim Shoesmith James More

Mark Shortland Richard Pinner

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 SELF-RIGHTEOUS FROTHS

N ot so long ago in these hallowed pages I mentioned Richard

Webster’s astonishing body of work. It’s difficult to count how
many books he’s published because in the time it takes to type, “It’s
the kittens they slaughter every year, preaching to the converted while the
rest of the world surprisingly fails to revolve around you. No matter: you’ll
still find plenty to enjoy in this comprehensive tome. (I have actually been
difficult to count how many books he’s published...” he’s probably to sceptics’ conferences and they are just as much fun as you would
knocked out two or three more. Suffice it to say that Richard has imagine. Can’t wait for the next one.)
written or edited a vast number of titles about various aspects of Given the high number of contributors, Band Of Readers will almost
mentalism, psychic divination, cold reading and related subjects. You certainly introduce you to some new names. For example, I had not
can see the list here: www.deceptionary.com/webster.html previously come across the work of Juan David Arbeláez (no disrespect to
Richard’s latest publication is a collaboration with Neal Scryer him – I don’t know everyone, and some
entitled Scryer’s Band Of Readers. Scryer asked over forty of the world’s The book is would argue that not being known by me
best psychic readers to contribute ideas, effects, routines, is probably a good thing). He has
presentational angles and advice regarding how to give psychic agnostic: you contributed an item called ‘Sticks’ that I
readings. The result is 470 glorious pages of expert professional can derive think every reader, counsellor, therapist,
material covering readings from every possible angle. I rarely recycle value from it healer and teacher in the world would
promotional quotes, but on the Deceptionary site someone said this enjoy knowing about. Another of Juan’s
book is, “Annemann and Corinda put together for readers”, which I regardless of contributions, a short essay entitled ‘Give’,
think is fair praise. It’s a pleasure to browse the pages and savour your personal pertains to the ‘freemium’ business model
whichever sections are most relevant to your own interests. beliefs which will be of interest to anyone
Like all of Webster’s output, the book is agnostic: you can derive running their own business.
value from it regardless of your personal beliefs. You may believe you Some of the contributions are quite brief while others could have been
have a genuine psychic gift that is a boon to humanity in general and sold as books in their own right. Les Cross offers an excellent explanation
especially to stressed and credulous women at psychic fayres who of his geomancy system, which I wrote about just a month or two ago.
skipped science class and have fussy hairstyles. You may airily dismiss S E Rivkin has contributed several chapters on how to give different kinds
cold reading as, at best, a questionable psychological scam no matter of readings that are extensive, detailed and inspirational.
what mask it wears. You may even go to sceptics’ conferences and This is not a cheap book. However, I think the price is fair given that
work yourself into an angry, self-righteous froth about psychics and all you’d have to buy thirty or forty other book to obtain the same range of
ideas, excellence and value that you’ll here find neatly assembled
between two covers.

Fun For Free

Having mentioned the ‘freemium’ business model, let me mention a very
good example that will be of interest to many of you. Igor Ledochowski is
well known in the hypnosis community for his excellent courses such as
‘Conversational hypnosis’ and ‘Street hypnosis’. Anyone with any interest
in hypnosis would do well to visit his site and see what he has to offer:
www.streethypnosis.com
Here’s the interesting thing. If you sign up to the mailing list, it’s true
that from time to time you’ll receive emails about items you can buy.
There’s no obligation and you can, if you wish, simply ignore these.
However, you will also receive a huge amount of material absolutely free
of charge, including all of the Street Hypnosis course (three hours of
audio files and a transcript).
I’m not saying this to help Igor sell anything. I’m mentioning it because
many of you might like a completely free hypnosis course, while others
may like to learn from this particular business model. It’s based on a
simple enough idea: give first, then you’ll receive. The more you give (as in
‘give away free’) the more you will receive. It sounds counter-intuitive, but
tap ‘freemium business model’ into Google and you’ll find lots to read.

Hitches Brew
One of the best performances at last year’s Edinburgh Fringe was Peter
Antoniou’s afternoon mentalism show. Peter will be back at Edinburgh
this year with a brand new show and I caught one of his

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 CIRCULAR MENTALISM

Ian Rowland MIMC

preview/warm-up shows in London recently. I want to mention it because exactly what John does (and, by extension, what he doesn’t do). It
it illustrated an important point that can never be emphasised too much. establishes his credentials at a glance, and gives you plenty of reasons
In fairness to Peter, who is a darned good performer, let me first of all to hire him. It provides several ways for you to contact John easily,
stress that the show I saw was only a warm-up, a ‘try out’. Peter was using whichever option you prefer. It doesn’t try to blind you with
performing most of the material for the first time and the show was fairly technical tricks or faux snazzy presentational detritus that only creates
and honestly promoted as ‘work in progress’. All things considered, the what marketing people call ‘a barrier to engagement’.
show actually ran rather well. Nonetheless – and I say this with no Well done to John for entrusting the job to someone who actually
disrespect to Peter at all – there were imperfections along the way. There knows what he’s doing, and to Phill Smith for getting it so brilliantly
were some technical hitches at the start, some of the props weren’t right.
where they were meant to be, and although Peter brought all of the
routines to a successful conclusion it was clear one or two of them QUICK TRICK
needed a bit more work. One of my favourite ruses is the MOI principle, which stands for
Here’s the point: the audience absolutely loved the show. Everyone left ‘Miracle Or Invisible’. In other words, you prepare something that on
feeling thoroughly entertained, baffled and satisfied. They had some good some occasions will provide an inexplicable miracle, and on other
laughs, saw some satisfying mysteries, and walked out into the London occasions will remain invisible so it doesn’t matter anyway. Heads you
evening air having thoroughly enjoyed the show. win, tails you don’t lose.
The various glitches and slightly less-than-perfect presentation didn’t Here’s a very simple example. Get yourself a small, interesting curio
matter for one very good reason: the audience liked the performer. This is or souvenir from any culture in the world where you can claim that
a point that has been made many times but it can’t be made too often. If psychic character readings are popular and deemed to be important. It
the audience like you they will like your show (even if it’s not exactly the needs to be something small enough to carry around with you. Have
greatest show in the world); if the audience do not like you they won’t the number 37 engraved on it somewhere unobtrusive, so that if you
like your show (even if it’s wonderful in all other respects). hold the item between finger and thumb, your thumb can conceal the
The hard-working souls who book lectures for clubs and conventions number. I use a souvenir keychain from Kinkaku-ji, the Temple of the
often wonder what sort of lectures to put on. ‘Effect/method’ is still a Golden Pavilion in Kyoto. The chain is attached a small, flat enamelled
popular formula, although in truth we’ve all got more tricks than we’ll panel bearing a picture of the Temple. The reverse is plain black, with
ever need. ‘Theory’ lectures are welcomed by some but never please the 37 engraved in one corner where it can be covered by my thumb.
masses quite as much. I’d like to suggest offering a lecture on ‘How to be Show the item, tell a little story about it and why it means a lot to
likeable’. It’s an important subject and no one in the magic world can you (this can either be factual or just a made up story) and mention
doubt that many performers need help in this area. Peter Antoniou would that it comes from a culture where psychic character readings are quite
be a good person to lecture on this, and he could also explain his important. Do the ‘37’ psychological force. If she doesn’t say 37, it’s
‘anti-showbiz’ approach to performance. Another excellent lecturer on the okay. Just give your spectator a little character reading based on her
subject would be Amanda Farrell, who has social and ‘likeability’ skills chosen number. You can quietly put the souvenir away and no harm
that most of us can only dream of. Noel Britten would be another good done. You never said you were going to do a trick, so nothing has gone
choice, ditto Pat Fallon or top close-up stars like Paul Martin and Gary wrong. (Even if someone notices the engraved number, pass it off as
Jones who literally can’t earn a living unless people like them within five the factory production number or something equally unimportant).
seconds. Most of us really don’t need more lessons on double lifts. All of If she does say 37, give her a short reading anyway but skew it
us could do with a lot more good advice on how to be likeable. towards the theme of destiny and one’s ability to impose one’s own
presence on the universe. You can now show that the number she just
A Site For Sorcerors thought of happens to be engraved on the souvenir you displayed at
Most professional magicians have a website but not all magicians’ the start. Imagine this inexplicable miracle from her point of view. There
websites are very magical. Some of them come from the ‘Let’s go on an is nothing more powerful in mentalism than this. l
ego trip’ school of web design, while others adhere to the philosophy that
it would be a shame not to use all the bells, whistles and flashy effects
web technology can deliver. Invitation
If you have items, stories, jokes or vicious rumours of interest to
For anyone with an interest in such things, I highly recommend visiting
mentalists, please drop me a line ([email protected]). If you can’t
John Holt’s website, which was designed by the multi-talented Phill Smith. afford Derren and want to hire a fairly good also-ran mentalist, or you
It’s a site that in my opinion gets just about everything right. It tells you just have time to kill, please visit www.ianrowland.com.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 247

 20 May – 28 May

MONDAY 20 MAY 2013 anatomical replica could be deleted and thus it was consigned, by the pull
MAGIC’S ROOM 101 BY ROY MARSH of a lever, to Roy’s Room 101 machine.
Reported by Mandy Davis The Omni Deck was hated by Laura but this seemed mostly to stem
from so many now performing it – and from dealers going ‘omni’ with
This is an evening led by Roy Marsh, based on a TV programme of the too many other props. However it was a step too far and the Omni Deck
same name. Three people chose three pet hates, each to be either was saved from consignment into ‘oblivion’.
reprieved or dropped into the ingenious gadget that represented Room Laura had a final item – Getting Paid by Agents or rather not getting
101 – the place George Orwell’s 1984 consigned all bad things. paid by them immediately or in a reasonable length of time. It was agreed
Roy had decided on an all female session which started with the that thirty or sixty days terms were not acceptable at all but that we do
enthusiastic Laura London. Her first topic was sponge balls, or more still need agents sometimes!
precisely the sponge ‘ding-dong’. Most were not in agreement with Fay Presto was not happy about artistes’ facilities and the fact that it
abandoning all sponges, though it was felt that the offending can often be only the nearby, or not so nearby, washrooms that are

Debbie McGee Roy marsh

Laura London Fay Presto

248 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 CLUB NIGHT
EVENTS
Mandy Davis MIMC CONVENOR OF REPORTS
Mark Hesketh-Jennings PHOTOGRAPHER

offered as dressing rooms. This was heartfelt by many and consigned to

Room 101. Buggin’s Turn was another of her grievances, that people
have the limelight, or may perform a certain trick, because of seniority
rather than the fact they are the best for the show. Once again the
audience agreed and this went into Room 101. Finally Fay had an
extreme dislike for magicians who are forever asking for applause
within their patter. Strangely this survived annihilation.
The final person was welcomed royally by the audience. Debbie
McGee started with magicians who steal acts and there was no
argument as they were swiftly sent down to Room 101. Next were
magazine heroes, people given amazing write-ups for their
performances at conventions but who aren’t that good when working

Photo: Darren Tossell

for non-magicians. This also included people who write about acts but
have no working knowledge of magic. The latter was hotly contested
by some but the topic was eventually sent to Room 101. Debbie’s last
choice was another that was quickly consigned to the depths of David Fung
oblivion, Exposure by Incompetence,
under-rehearsed magic, a firm favourite which and then we do; unlike, perhaps, the Sally Morgans of this world or,
had the audience in complete agreement. perhaps, the Uri Gellers who deceive but claim some kind of truth or
The whole evening was once again a success, reality. David suggested that some tricks could justifiably be described
both informative in its insights and also very as reality, with the examples of Jasper Maskelyne and his war illusions
entertaining. Roy Marsh can be commended for or Robert-Houdin and the magic used to quell the Marabouts uprising.
a great event and we all look forward to next “So how important is the actual secret?” he asked. “Devant himself
year and three new faces with their horrors for was twice expelled from The Magic Circle and what about Penn & Teller
Room 101. and the clear cups and balls?” David interspersed his talk with stills
[The Hands on Pre-Show in The Devant Room and videos on the screen, including the Penn & Teller clip previously
featured Harry Reeve.] Harry Reeve mentioned. What I had particularly noticed, by now, was that David
was talking without notes which was very impressive considering the
TUESDAY 28 MAY 2013 enormity of the subject.
THE HOFFMANN MEMORIAL LECTURE David divided presentation into the artistic and the practical and
BY DAVID FUNG suggested we should encourage people to approach life in a state of
Reported by Hugh Nightingale wonder. Styles of magic were then subdivided into the ritualistic, or
ceremonial, such as Jeff McBride’s mask act; the dramatic such as Tina
The Hoffmann Memorial Lecture is a competition set up to encourage Linert’s janitor; the fantastic such as some of the Korean manipulators;
research in the art of magic and David’s talk was about his studies and the naturalistic encompassing most of modern day close-up magicians
thoughts on the relationship between the trick, or perhaps the secret, and the likes of Tommy Wonder and his ‘ring, watch and wallet’; and
and the presentation or performance. the comedic using the surrealism of the magical situation rather than
Considering it was a Tuesday evening there was a good turn-out and jokes e.g. Cardini. Again, video clips of these acts were shown.
the interest in David’s talk was apparent. It was a hard one to write up, David postulated on how to transport your audience to a magical
particularly when it has had full coverage in the June Circular, but I will world. The audience in the theatre joined in to discuss differing types of
aim to give just a flavour of the talk and the points of discussion; then audience reaction to differing acts such as David Blaine, Tamariz and
please feel free to book David to come and give his talk to a club near Whit Haydn. Without the right presentation then a trick becomes
you, you will not be disappointed. merely a demonstration.
David compared magic, as we know it, or juggling – as it was known David is clearly a very knowledgeable young man who has put a lot
in times gone by – to magick and the occult. He discussed how we, as of thought into his art and provided us with plenty of food for
magicians, are liars in the greater sense of the word in as much as we contemplation – which is just what a good lecturer should lay on the
leave the audience in no doubt that we are going to deceive them … table. l

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 MAGIC IN THE
REGIONS presented Derek with the Presidential
Citation in recognition of his enormous
contribution to magic.
Two people we missed at the dinner were
Elizabeth Warlock MIMC Danny Hunt and Annette Claire, perhaps
better known as Amethyst, who were busy
performing their wonderful illusion act with
Ken Dodd in his Happiness show which is
presently touring the country. One thing for
sure, they will be playing to packed houses

I t is holiday time and, while we take a

break from the usual club meetings, it is
perhaps time to reflect on happenings in the
up to the standard of previous years. However,
there was some memorable magic from the
likes of Scottish mentalist Colin McLeod who
due to the great popularity of Ken Dodd who
by the way is Honorary Life President of the
Blackpool Magicians Club and a great
past three months. performed some clever mind reading and name champion of magic, nearly always including a
When the Bristol Society of Magic took games with members of the audience; Soma magician in his show.
tentative steps into the convention field back who did two acts, a rope routine and his prize- One of the most interesting lectures to
in 1961 little did they think it would grow to winning phone act involving his interaction with come to the British Magical Society in
become the most popular one-day a box telephone and the production of mobile Birmingham recently was Paul Draper, a
convention in the country, these days phones. Then there was the brilliant mentalist and anthropologist who travels the
attracting international magicians, and the mathematician Arthur Benjamin, whose rapid world for material for his Mysteries of the
fifty-third gathering, held on Sunday May 12, calculations of the square of three, four and five Mind show. Born in Utah, he is particularly in
was no exception. During the day one could digit numbers given at random by members of great demand from corporations and
see such close-up experts as Joshua Jay, who, the audience and then finally taking the birth universities from all over the States to assist
although residing in New York is business date of a lady and creating a perfect magic them in ways to build stronger teams. While
partner in Magic Inc with our own Andi square, left everyone breathless. I never realised his lecture to magicians leans strongly
Gladwin, included the visible release of three that mathematics could be so entertaining. towards presentation, he nevertheless
Chinese coins tied to a ribbon, Any Card at Despite it being a packed day of various showed many interesting items including a
Any Number, and Hitchcock, a brilliant torn events it was possible to find time to chat with psychometry test, a centre tear using a
corner card effect using four assistants from many of our members who were present number which evolved into a magic square, a
the audience. Parisian street performer Eric including Barry Savage, Paul Praeger, Mel Harvey, dice divination inside a plastic box, and one
Roumestan had eyes popping as he produced Kerry Scorah, and of course Mandy Farrell who of the best character cold readings I have seen.
coins of every size, including having them along with Simon Lane, Tim Tracey and He received sustained applause at the end.
appear one at a time in a glass and then president Dave Alexander organised the day. Our congratulations go to June Horowitz
doing it in reverse, and Just a few days later, at the who will celebrate her one-hundredth
Vittorio Bellini captivated other end of the country, there birthday on September 13. This lovely and
everyone with his charming was the Blackpool Magicians wonderful lady was born into magic being
personality and brilliant Club Celebration Dinner at the daughter of Abe Warsaw an amateur
magic with cards and coins, Tolley’s Restaurant in magician who introduced her to magic when
which appeared, vanished Hambleton, which was she was just six years old. She was an apt
and changed appearance at organised so well by Derek and pupil becoming an expert close-up worker.
the flick of his fingers. No Anne Lever. It was an immensely Although always remaining a semi-pro,
wonder he took third prize enjoyable event with great food, despite international acclaim, she became a
for close-up at the 2012 great company and great college maths teacher then later an insurance
FISM. Although he started cabaret although not a deck of underwriter in Grand Rapids, Michigan where
doing magic while in his cards in sight as it consisted of her husband Sam owned an insurance
teens, it was not until he Mike Kelly, a very funny agency. She was the first woman to become
was twenty-five that he Derek Lever Yorkshire comedian, and three International President of the International
took to it seriously specialising in tenors, so popular with cruise audiences, who Brotherhood of Magicians. In 1986 she
close-up and parlour. When not doing magic gave us operatic arias as well as some lighter visited this country where she appeared in
he teaches history and philosophy to fourteen music. Mingling among the guests were a the close-up show at the British Ring
to nineteen year olds. number of well-known faces including the convention at Eastbourne in which she
In addition there were masterclasses, remarkable Mark Raffles who at ninety-two is included a coin assembly and Torn and
numerous lectures, a workshop for young still doing the odd show, Arthur Casson, Brian Restored Card. We join magicians around the
magicians hosted by Mandy Davis and a Sefton, and Russ Stevens. During the evening, world in wishing June a Very Happy Birthday.
dealers’ fair. The evening saw the Gala show John Pye as International President of the I’ll be with you again soon with more
which sadly did not, for the most part, come International Brotherhood of Magicians News from the Regions. l

250 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 REVIEWS
Though the instructions seem to be
Laurent Van Trigt MMC addressed to people with some prior
Brian Sibley MIMC knowledge of linking ring methodologies,
Will Houstoun MIMC they feature various camera angles and
should therefore be clear enough even for
beginners. If you seek to improve your own
routine or are looking for a new deceptive
piece, you may well find it on this DVD.

MAGICAL TALES: MYTH,

LEGEND & ENCHANTMENT IN
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
AL SCHNEIDER presence of the key ring. Levent insists that if Edited by Carolyn Larrington
LINKING RINGS the rings are not all passed out for examination, and Diane Purkiss
by Al Schneider the routine is not perceived as something 188 pages softbound book,
47 Min. DVD. $34.95 (£23) from your seemingly impossible. Arguably, some 190mm x 175mm. £25,
favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s performers have come up with some clever www.bodleianbookshop.co.uk
Magic supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com. ways around it. For instance, Vernon’s
“Symphony of Rings” uses only six rings and Reviewed by Brian Sibley
Reviewed by Laurent Van Trigt gives the impression all rings have been “Magic gives us what we cannot get (endless
This DVD features two excellent linking ring examined. gold, endless food, endless beauty, endless
routines by one of the fine With this in mind, when watching Al life) and it does what we cannot even
thinkers of magic, Schneider’s DVD I was keen imagine.” That is one of the views expressed
Al Schneider. One on seeing if he had in a collection of essays published to
routine is suitable considered the accompany ‘Magical Books – From the
for parlour, while problem. The first Middle Ages to Middle-earth’, a major
the second one is routine happens exhibition at the Bodleian Library, Oxford (on
meant for a stage with no spectator display until 27 October, 2013). The essays
show. Both require interaction and are chiefly concerned with the portrayal of
sets of large rings from involves some magic in fiction from the Norse myths and
a dealer. standard phases such as Arthurian legends via E Nesbit, C S Lewis and
Personally, I do not the tumbling rings illusion. J R R Tolkien, to Alan Garner, Philip Pullman
perform the linking rings. This routine was previously and J K Rowling.
As opposed to other published in his book, Al However, the book also touches on the
classics like the cups and Schneider Magic, but here, he origin of magical words, includes references
balls, they seem less provides his false count of the rings as well as to a handful of proto-magicians from various
customisable in presentation, touches on standard methods which can easily eras such as Hermes Trismegistus and Dr John
and I have not found a way to bring my own be incorporated into other linking ring routines. Dee, and reproduces spell books from the
character to the trick. That aside, one of the However in the second routine, he links a chain fifteenth and sixteenth centuries; but the
problems in performing the linking rings is of two and three rings which are held by one or chief interest (and perhaps, only for a select
s

that as far as the audience is concerned, the more spectators, and then hands out the final
idea of a gap in a ring is a natural intuitive sixth ring, leaving him empty-handed. At this
solution. In his book, Roy Benson by Starlight, point all rings can be examined (there really is
Levent explains that historically it was critical nothing to be found). With one spectator
(and perhaps one of the reasons the trick holding onto one ring, Schneider proceeds with
became an enduring classic) to have all of a silk through ring effect, before he takes back
the rings examined at one point in the the rings and unlinks them one at a time. I find
performance. Typically, more than ten rings the addition of the silk through ring effect an
were used, and this helped conceal switches interesting one as it introduces a different
and the addition of the key ring. Only since method for a similar effect, stepping further
Professor Hoffmann’s Modern Magic in which away from the key-ring method. The handing
an eight-ring routine is taught, the number of out of all rings was definitely a highlight on this
rings has gradually been reduced, and the DVD, and although the routine requires a box
focus has shifted to the visual effects and you will have to construct yourself, his solution
choreography, rather than disproving the is relatively practical for a stage piece.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 251

number of today’s magicians), is the way in “doesn’t fill a hole is us; it makes us new.” discussing the editions of the book published by
which the contributors trace our cultural And maybe it does something similar when Thomas Moore is probably even smaller. Despite
perceptions of magic back, across several we see it performed. the niche interest, however, James Smith’s new
centuries of fantastical literature, to its roots in book on the Thomas Moore editions of
a profound belief in sorcery. BRESLAW’S LAST LEGACY: Breslaw’s Last Legacy features some very
The power that ‘magick’ has exerted over the THOMAS MOORE EDITIONS interesting information.
human intellect is a reminder that every time By James A Smith The first four editions of the book were
you perform a miracle of deception, you do so 192 pages, 6” x 8.5”, hardbound book with printed by Thomas Moore in 1783 and 1784,
for an audience conditioned by childhood colour illustrations. £30.00 (+P&P) available although Smith argues that there may never
reading about characters whose deepest desires from www.jamessmithmagic.co.uk have actually been a third edition, but the main
have been fulfilled through magic. Although, focus of this book is on the first edition. Smith
with the wisdom and experience of adulthood, Reviewed by Will Houstoun has undertaken fascinating and detailed
we give up such fantasies, a residue of If the number of people who would be research into many aspects of the book
fascination remains in our collective interested in Breslaw’s Last Legacy – the late including whether Philip Breslaw was involved
consciousness, just waiting, I would suggest, eighteenth century book on conjuring and other in its publication (a
to be reawakened. As one of the essayists recreational pursuits – is limited, then the section which
observes, magic when read of in books number of people interested in a book includes interesting
information on
Breslaw’s
MY FAVOURITE mis-reported death),
the reasons for the
BOOKS publication of the
book, the sources
David Hibberd AIMC for the material
Reported by Terry Wright AIMC explained, and why
the fourth edition
was the last
published by Moore.
For the more
David chose books lessons from Ken Brooke, clearly a great bibliographically minded reader, information is
which had interested experience and influence. So his next book also provided on the collation of the first edition
him as his life was Legend – An Anecdotal Tribute as well as variations and the locations of
progressed in magic, or to Ken Brooke by Steve Cook which various editions.
which reminded him of brought back happy (and painful!) memories Breslaw’s Last Legacy: Thomas Moore
particular times. His of those tutorials which led to many Editions has been produced to a high standard
early guidance was successful sessions on the lecture circuit. as a limited edition of 150 copies of which only
from Willane’s Always on the look-out for entertaining and 130 are for sale. It is certainly not a book that
Wizardry by David Hibberd instructive books for improving performance, has been written to appeal to the masses but, if
Willane and Harry Stanley’s magazine David mentioned three that could have you have an interest in Breslaw or eighteenth
The Gen, sources of great and practical helped him on the way, had they been century magic, it is a book that you will want to
effects. He gained access to the truly available then: Beating a Dead Horse read – a fine example of how a seemingly
educational Dai Vernon’s Book of by Sandy Marshall; Professional Secrets simple piece of research can grow into a
Magic by Lewis Ganson early on in his by Geoffrey Durham; and Stand-Up – fascinating and insightful project. l
magical career (quite an expensive book at A Professional Guide to Comedy
the time at 45 shillings!) and considered Billy Magic by Ian Keable.
McComb as a high-class example of stand-up David reminded us that as well as working
magic, David’s preferred style, remembered
by The Professional Touch by Billy
with Peter Lane to re-shape The Magic Circle
Library when it was moved into the current
OBITUARIES
McComb. As his interest in magic progressed, building fifteen years ago, he had also spent
he started to read books on the history of eight years gathering his Chronicle of
magic and he now lists amongst his Magic 1900 – 1999, which he hoped
favourites: Paul Daniels and the Story would be used by many historians in the Melvin Beddow MMC
of Magic by John Fisher; Blackstone’s future. David closed his review with three 1922 – 2013
Book of Magic and Illusion by Harry books: Frankly Disillusioned by Dean Rememberd By David Beddow
Blackstone Jr; Magic by David Price; and Metcalfe; Funny Way to be a Hero by Died on May 24 2013 after a long illness
St Georges Hall by Anne Davenport and John Fisher (David’s only non-magic book but characteristically borne with extreme
John Salisse. still of course magical about performance fortitude. My father was 91 years old and had
After much amateur conjuring alongside and entertainment) and finally a book which led a full and rich life. A most loving husband
his daily job, David was asked to create a he has read many time and will continue to to Rene, devoted father to me and my twin
show for his colleagues. He thought he read, advising everyone else to do brother John, grandfather and latterly
should do this properly and so started taking so, Illusion Show by David Bamberg. great-grandfather, Melvin had been born in

252 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 A fter seventeen years as Chaplain to The Magic
Circle, Peter Liddelow feels the time has come THE MAGIC
to stand down. I should like to take this opportunity
to thank him for all he has done for Members in CIRCLE CARES
need and for the support he has given me in my
role as Welfare Officer. I am delighted to report that
Council has approved the appointment of Revd Tim
David Hatch MMC
Saiet AIMC to succeed Peter as Chaplain. “Who is
Tim Saiet?” I hear you ask. Here is the answer... Francesco de Cristofaro MMC (Franco) continues to suffer from
Peter Liddelow Tim Saiet has been a professional magician for health problems, and I am grateful to those Members who are offering
over twenty years. He has performed on television, in theatre and him support at this time.
worked mostly in corporate events within the UK. Five years ago Tim
was ordained in the Church of England and is now a full time priest Just a thought: “Yesterday’s the past, tomorrow’s the future, but today
serving the Church. He spends much of his time now communicating is a gift. That’s why it’s called the present.” Bill Keane
faith to connect the powerful messages of Jesus through illustrative
illusions and exciting visual effects. He is married to Charlotte and lives Contact Addresses:
in Harrow. (see website for Members’ details)
Tim is a former Royal Marine Commando and has spent time David Beddow (Melvin’s son) 18 Beech Close, Kilburn Belper,
coaching all types of skiing and outdoor winter pursuits. He has worked Derbyshire DE56 0PH
in the Arctic Circle and has taught in many ski schools around the Jonathan Roth (Roy’s son) Merrivale, Tyr Heol, Llwydcoed, Aberdare,
world. He has also worked as a life coach and Glamorgan, CF44 0TW
has in his recent job equipped and trained many
different people in the Church, and in the If you hear of Members or their families who are sick or facing hard
corporate market, in how to apply the truths and times please contact:
message of the Christian faith into their lives. David Hatch MMC (Welfare Officer)
Tim has spent a long time developing and 6 Darnley Road, Woodford Green,
utilising illusions and magical effects to illustrate Essex IG8 9HU
the message of the gospel in a powerful and T 020 8504 4134
memorable way. He has previously spent three E [email protected]
years as a Church leader in London and has
spoken throughout the UK and abroad. Tim Saiet Chaplaincy:
Revd Peter Liddelow AIMC
I am sorry to have to report the deaths of two more Members: 23 Kings Road, Barnet, Herts, EN5 4EF
Melvin Beddow MMC from Benfleet in Essex and Roy Roth MIMC T 020 8441 2968
from Swansea. Melvin’s interest developed upon his retirement from E: [email protected]
music teaching. One of his other real passions was Big Band music and Rabbi Geoffrey Shisler MMC
he led a number of bands which toured. The Melvin Big Band was 10 St Petersburgh Place, Bayswater, London W2 4LB
named after him and was started when he taught at the South East T 020 7229 6215
Essex Sixth Form College. The family have generously donated Melvin’s E [email protected]
collection of magical items to The Circle. Roy was well known to Revd Tim Saiet AIMC
magicians worldwide both as Leeroy the Magician, as an author Philo Trust, 16 Butler Avenue, Harrow, Middlesex HA1
of several books and as R.A.R. Magic dealer. T 07973 136 968 E: [email protected]

East Ham in 1922 and educated at Christ’s later years at South East Essex Sixth Form and other family events. Melvin was well
Hospital School, Horsham. After his time in the College where he led another successful band; known in the area for his gently humorous
Royal Navy during the Second World War, the Melvin Beddow Big Band still performs to magical performances and to the end would
Melvin trained as a music teacher at the Royal this day. He was a church organist and choir never reveal the secrets of his tricks.
Academy and then master for many years at St James-the-Less My father loved talking about magic with
taught at The King Church, Hadleigh and his wide range of other enthusiasts and his friends within the
John School in interests included philately and of course, Magic Circle. As his illness became more
Benfleet, Essex, magic. serious he was unable to leave his home but
where amongst My father knew that as a family we were very his interest in magic never waned and he was
other things he led proud when he became a member of The Magic a voracious reader of magic tricks, illusions
a highly successful Circle and we were well aware of the great and of course The Magic Circular.
Big Band which pleasure that he gained from his membership. Being a member of The Magic Circle
toured widely All of his grandchildren were hugely enriched my father’s life – as his life enriched
including Germany enthusiastic participants in his magic so many who knew him. As a family we are
and France. presentations and of course they were delighted glad his long illness is finally at an end, but
Melvin taught in when he performed tirelessly at their parties we will miss him beyond words. l

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 253

 MINUTES

Tuesday 4 June 2013

MINUTES OF THE MAGIC Alan MASKELL StP had visited Pinoli’s restaurant AC will liaise with MG over the
CIRCLE COUNCIL MEETING Stephen KENNARD, regarding having a memorial exact wording.
HELD AT THE Kevin DOIG plaque on their wall. Unfortunately
HEADQUARTERS 6.36pm they did not wish to be involved. 7. HS2 MEETING
2. DEATHS A drop-in meeting regarding the
PRESENT Vinicio Raimondi AIMC, Melvin 5. SECRETARY’S REPORT development of Euston train station
Jack DELVIN (arr 6.47pm) Baddow MMC and former member i New Members – had been held. The details are still
Brian SIBLEY (Chair) Roy Roth. Members of Council (See attached schedule) not clear, although we are now
Keith PAIN stood in silence as a mark of ii Reinstatements. Kenny being kept informed of all
Andrew EBORN respect. Campbell MMC developments.
Matthew GARRETT iii Resignations. Michel Fontaine,
Will HOUSTOUN 3. MINUTES Bob Wooding, Jim Zachary, 8. Policy regarding
Mandy DAVIS (arr 6.37pm) On a proposal by AC, seconded by Derek Hilton consultancy work
Alexander CRAWFORD KP, the minutes of the meeting held iv Promotions – David Fung A discussion was held regarding
Fay PRESTO (arr 6.43pm) on 1st May were approved. Those AIMC, Dal Sanders AIMC, Kevin the websites “Find a magician”
Will HOUSTOUN who did not attend the last McMahon AIMC, Walford Taylor page. Some members of Council
Steve PRICE meeting abstained. MIMC, James More AIMC* felt it provided a service to the
Richard PINNER v Correspondence: public, whereas others felt that
James FREEDMAN 4. MATTERS ARISING Peter Duchemin sent a letter of TMC were endorsing the skills of
JF had prepared a statement thanks for the time he was a the performers listed. An online
David WEEKS (minutes Secretary) regarding misleading publicity. StP guest at TMC. Rev Peter searchable database of members
will get this published in The Liddelow had written to say was suggested. JF to talk to SH
1. Apologies Circular and online. that after 17 years as Chaplain about the idea and bring a
Sebastian HUNT JF reported that a Club night he felt it was right to step proposal to the next meeting.
Scott PENROSE show would be produced on down at September’s AGM. Regarding consultancy work, we
Katherine RHODES Dealers Day, produced by FP. He recommended Rev don’t give recommendations as we
Tim Saiet AIMC to take over, are a society and not a trade body.
which Council were happy
to endorse. Council proposed 9. IT report
a vote of thanks to Peter for An IT report had been circulated by
his long and dedicated work SH. He felt that TMC has
and indicated this with a overstretched itself with its IT
round of applause. commitments. It either needs to be
scaled back significantly or we need
6. ASSOCIATES/ to invest financially. With SH
APPRENTICES absent, Council felt they needed an
A proposal to re-introduce a limited estimate of cost in order to
form of Apprentice membership will progress the discussion. It would
be brought to the AGM on the also require a TMC member to
basis discussed at the last meeting. project manage. It was agreed to

254 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 It pays to
ADVERTISE in

To reach 1500 magicians around the world

costs less then you think

Full page from £100.00

Half Page £55.00
Quarter page £30.00
all prices subject to VAT

For full details contact the Business and

discuss this further at the next TMC in the future. The discussion
Advertising Manager Scott Penrose
meeting. included the Headquarters,
Membership and Public Profile. No on 07767 336882
10. COUNCIL 2013/2014 decisions were made (this was not or email [email protected]
4-5 current Council members have the purpose) but rather avenues
indicated that they will not stand in explored. The strategy discussion
this year’s election. Unless we have would continue at the next Council
candidates there will be no election meeting, covering further topics.
and Council will need to co-opt
members as per the rules. The Chair 13. ANY OTHER BUSINESS
asked Council members to In order to make Council more
encourage suitable candidates efficient, JF proposed to put to
to stand. members at the AGM to reduce the
number of Council members from
11. Reports 14 to 10, and the quorum required
MD reported that the Club Night for a meeting from 9 to 7 (i.e.
Committee has three new remaining at 50% of the Council
members, KP, Darryl Rose and including Officers). This would not
Amanda Farrell. Council all in affect this year’s election. Seconded
favour (KP abstained). AE. For MG, AE, KP, RP, JF, WH, FP,
MD also reported that the role of AC. Against StP, JD, MD.
Monday Night Host (meeting and AC will work out a wording to be
greeting members and guests) given to the membership, including Our Headquarters Conventions
would be filled by Tony Hanscombe, the rationale.
David Hatch and Roger DRESS CODE
Witherington. Smart attire is required at all events in the Headquarters.
MOBILE PHONES
AE stated that member Jeff Meeting ended 10.06pm
Please ensure that you switch off your mobile phone before
McBride might assist us with an Date and time of next entering the Headquarters. If you must make a phone call, please
online Magic School. AE and JD will meeting: do so outside the building.
liaise to progress this. Tuesday 2 July 2013 PHOTOGRAPHY AND SOUND RECORDING
WH spoke about The Magic at 6.30pm TMC HQ The use of any form of recording equipment, audio or visual,
History Gathering @ The Magic including cameras and mobile phones, is not permitted in any part
Circle (the new name for Collector’s NEW MEMBERS of the Headquarters except by special arrangement.
Day). Council expressed their ON 4 JUNE 2013 GUM
thanks to Edwin A Dawes and Peter Please refrain from chewing gum of any sort in the Headquarters.
Lane. SMOKING
Smoking is not allowed anywhere in the Headquarters.
We all benefit from these conventions, so please respect and
12. TMC LONG TERM
abide by them to avoid being turned away. Thank you for your
Under BS guidance, Council spent understanding.
time discussing possible visions of

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk AUGUST 2013 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 255

 act to complete our evening. Dominick spent his gap year working at

FORTHCOMING Covent Garden before moving onto the more conventional magic
scene. We can look forward to enjoying the same skills enjoyed by Jim

CLUB EVENTS Carrey, Bremner, Bird and Fortune, Reece Shearsmith, Simon Callow,
the cast of Hollyoaks, politicians John Major, Boris Johnson, and Ken
Livingstone; Car Manufacturers Aston Martin, Jaguar and BMW; as well
as The Armed Forces and Fulham Football Club.

August 2013 August Monday 19

David Holmes and Matt Stirling
This will be the event most special to me. David Holmes was stunt
double to Daniel Radcliffe in all of the Harry Potter films until a horrific
accident on set left him paralysed and in a wheelchair. I’ve known

T he Headquarters is open on Club Nights from 3:00pm until

10:30pm. Unless otherwise stated, events start promptly at 7:30pm
and are scheduled to finish between 8:45pm and 9pm.
David since before he was born as his parents were (and are) great
friends of mine. I’d taught David as he was a pupil at my school and
watched his progress with great interest. This evening David will be
Club Nights are principally for Members, so entry is by Membership letting us into some of the secrets of the Potter films and will be
Card. A bona fide magician guest may attend any evening that is not inspiring us with his tales of ‘What Happened Next’. David will be
marked ‘Members Only’ on condition that he or she is able to show joined by his friend Matt Stirling. Matt is an outstanding magician in
membership of a magical society. A non-magician guest may only his own right but was also on hand to perform a charity event as David
attend evenings that are marked as ‘Show’. Guests may only attend began his recovery. We’ll get a chance to see what you perform when
two evenings a year. No guest may attend unless the CMA is told you’re faced with the most famous wizard on the planet!
in advance, so if you wish to bring a guest please phone
(020) 7387 2222. All guests must pay a £15 entry fee at the door and August Tuesday 27
respect our Conventions. Indeed, it is your duty as their sponsor to Nick Spellman and Michael Vincent
ensure that they do. The Magic Circle reserves the right to refuse entry. The final evening in ‘It’s not Magic But...’ will be spent with Nick
See our website for all the latest event details and to subscribe to a Spellman – also known as the ‘Animal Man.’ If you thought you were
weekly email reminder of upcoming events. brave including a rabbit or a goldfish in your act then prepare to be
blown away as we see how Nick incorporates snakes, spiders, meerkats
August and numerous other animals into an act that still has plenty of magic.
Co-ordinator of the ‘It’s not Quite Magic But…’ programme, Definitely aimed towards the kids end of the market but still plenty to
Ian Vallance, writes… learn for all of us from this consummate professional.
In my original notes as I sat down to plan this series of events I
August Monday 5 wrote in the final box ‘I need a big finish’ ... Michael Vincent is the man
Johnny Ball and Mike Austin we persuaded to fill this role and I’m sure you’ll agree that he fits the
Johnny Ball is best remembered for Think of a Number and as host of bill perfectly. Michael is without doubt my favourite close-up magician
other programmes which he wrote and presented on BBC TV some and I have long passed the stage when I try to learn from him – now I
thirty years ago. Each programme ended with a Magic Trick and the just sit and allow myself to be entertained – the fact that I sometimes
audience would write in by their thousands for the secret. But the tricks have a vague idea of how he does something makes the event even
were Mathematical, so Johnny did not and never would reveal the more astounding.
actual secrets of magic.
Before his TV days, as a stand up comedian, Johnny discovered the
fascinating links between magic and comedy and his lifelong love of Looking Ahead to September
Maths and Puzzles. For The Magic Circle he will be honoured to revisit
some of his favourite memories in this hour of enthusiastic, if September Monday 2
unpolished, Mathemagic. Out of Towners Present – Show
...and if that wasn’t enough for one evening Mike Austin will lead us
through his thoughts on the second deal. In his talk ‘Second Dealing September Monday 9
for Magicians’ Mike will share the work he has been doing on a unified Diamond Jim Tyler Lecture
method of false dealing and double lifts using one grip.

August Monday 12 Change of address? Please login to your account at

Roger Dawes, Danny Schlesinger and Dominick Zwolinski www.themagiccircle.co.uk. Under “Quick links”,
Roger Dawes and Danny Schlesinger team up as our balloon modellers. click on “Profile”.
As well as being extremely successful as solo performers Roger and At the top, under “Edit” you should be able to select
Danny also work together as a duo. You’re bound to pick up the “update your profile”. You can contact
pattern for a new model but equally as important watching two guys [email protected] if you encounter any
turning an art form into a performance piece will enable you to add problems.
that extra something to your magic performance. Member in need? Contact Welfare Officer David Hatch,
Talking about magic performances Dominick Zwolinski will add his [email protected]

256 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR AUGUST 2013 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk