the magic

PAUL STONE
USING MAGIC TO
CREATE MAGIC
 THE MAGAZINE OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE Issue 1142 Volume 105 SEPTEMBER 2011

Features
262 Secretary’s Annual Report – by Chris Wood
Circular reasoning
266 Reginald Scot – The Portrait A Decade On – ajor credit for

Page 258
268
by Harry Reeve
Paul Stone – Using Magic to Create Magic –
by Diana S. Zimmerman
M this magazine
must go to
the contributors. These
include columnists Ian
Regulars Rowland, David
Tomkins, Prof. Eddie Dawes, Elizabeth
258 President’s View – Jack Delvin
Warlock, Walford Taylor, Harold
258 News
Cataquet and Tim Reed. Peter
260 Letters to the Editor Liddelow, Mandy Davis, Brian Sibley
Page 260 260 Obituaries and John Ward have lent invaluable
264 Conjurors Collect – Tim Reed service. Many have contributed, and
267 Clever Devil Corner – Harold Cataquet dozens have contributed tricks to the
272 A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities – Cecil Lyle Award column.
Dr. Edwin A. Dawes I must thank the people who
276 Club Night Events – monthly give up their time to
Mandy Davis, Convenor of Reports proofread the magazine: my lovely
Page 265
280 Circular Mentalism – Ian Rowland and talented wife Cheryl Bell, Julie
283 In Review Carpenter, Paul Bromley, Barry Cooper,
Tim Reed, Lionel Russell and Mary
285 The Magic Circle Cares – Rev. Peter Liddelow
Stupple. They make me look good.
286 Council Minutes
Invaluable assistance is provided by
288 Forthcoming Club Events – Scott Penrose, Peter Scarlett, Michael
Brian Sibley and Mandy Davis
Page 276
Candy, Alan Snowden, as well as Peter
Lane, Katherine Rhodes, Alan Shaxon
EDITORIAL 07910 317 902 DESIGN 020 8521 2631 and Darren Tossell.
EDITOR Matthew Field ART DIRECTOR
Editor@TheMagicCircle.co.uk John Hawkins I rely heavily on an amazing research
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Hastings 104d Grove Road
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Alexander’, part of his Conjuring Arts
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tim Reed PHOTOGRAPHERS Research Center.
ASSOCIATE EDITORS John Ward The best part of the job has been
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Scott Penrose, Ian Rowland,
working with an incredibly talented
BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING MANAGER
David Tomkins Scott Penrose Art Director, John Hawkins. He
Cover CONVENOR OF REPORTS Advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk changed the look of The Magic
Paul Stone Mandy Davis 17 Berkeley Drive,
Mandy@TheMagicCircle.co.uk Billericay Circular and he delivers on time, every
OBITUARIES Alan Snowden, Essex CM12 0YP month. He is truly my right hand man.
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Thanks to them all.
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President’s view Circular news
Vanni Pulé New IBM
June and July saw the advent of the Season Last of the series is due shortly, starring International President
of Summer Sorcery. Was this a success? I am Max Somerset in his Signature Magic offering.
writing this in mid-July with one more show It is already sold out and, judging by the

© International Brotherhood of Magicians

to go, but that is alright as it is sold out already. amount of effort Max is putting into it,
SSS, as it has become known, was created certain to be another huge success.
with two main objectives in mind: firstly, to Other welcome spin-offs from SSS have
bring in much needed funds to augment our been the attraction of hundreds of first-time
income from hiring the building to the visitors to our headquarters and the
corporate market during the current recession; opportunity to bring to their attention Friends
secondly, to change the profile of The Magic of The Magic Circle. It was of course essential
Circle from a secretive club of magic lovers to to have a number of events so that we could
a lively, exciting organisation playing a leading offer them to the Friends at special discount
role in the world of showbiz. prices. This was achieved and, when we have
The Graham Jolley show was excellent and had the opportunity to thoroughly evaluate Hearty congratulations to
very well sold, especially bearing in mind it SSS and hopefully agree it was worth all the Member Vanni Pulé who was
was the first in the series. Next came the effort, we can set to and produce another inducted as the new
Steve Allen Mysteries of The Magic Circle which attractive programme of events. International President of the
was a sell-out success; so much so that we Friends of The Magic Circle has some 12 IBM at their recent convention.
had to put on a matinee performance as well! special VIP members including the likes of
Our member Steve Allen is an extraordinarily Nigel Mansell and Johnny Ball. Most of them, Vinny Grosso New SAM
successful presenter on the London Broadcasting however, are in the media covering national President, Mandy Davis
Radio Station and his participation guarantees radio stations, like Paul Phear of Magic Radio. New SAM Ambassador
full houses wherever he goes. SSS got exceptional media coverage from
Then we had the superb Giants of Close-up these Friends.
Magic. We limited the audience to 100 to The concept brought 20 of our magical
ensure good viewing and, as you can personalities before the public and several
imagine, we had no difficulty at all in selling thousands of pounds to the funds. Of course
every seat. SSS would not have had anywhere near its
The combination of two of our more quirky success without the input of Steve Allen and
performers was a bit of an experiment which Darren Tossell, our PRO, who both work for
proved to be eminently successful. Combining LBC. The Steve Allen Show alone attracted
the antics of Piff the Magic Dragon with the around 300 spectators, many of whom
irrepressible Fay Presto was a masterstroke. bought tickets for the shows that followed. Mandy Davis and Vinny Grosso
Again, we had a full house. It looks as though SSS was a great success And congratulations to Vinny
Stars of The Magic Circle was another sell- but will it supply the magic formula I wrote Grosso who was inducted as
out success featuring five of our top about in an earlier President’s View? Our National President of the SAM,
performers in a superb magical variety show. grateful thanks go to all those who took part, and Mandy Davis who was
many of whom have already been in touch appointed British Ambassador
saying how much they enjoyed the experience to the organisation.
and offering their services if it were to be
repeated. Jigazo
In June, Member Mark
Setteducati was profiled in
The Wall St. Journal, which
detailed the new project of the
magician, game designer and
co-author of The Magic Show,
Jack Delvin MIMC the interactive book which
President@TheMagicCircle.co.uk actually fools you. The new
project is, according to the
Journal, “Jigazo, a 300-piece
two-dimensional
puzzle that could
be assembled to
look like any
face, animal or
human. Users
upload a
photo of the

258 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

face onto a computer, and the items of magic ephemera, some
software creates a template of tricks and apparatus including
how to arrange the pieces of the lovely Rings ‘N Things
various shades to look like the ‘Mandarin Transformation’,
photo. The puzzle won the together with a quantity of

© ITV, September Films

Most Innovative Toy of 2010 books and posters. Catalogues
award in Japan, where it will be available from
debuted; Hasbro has begun Bloomsbury Auctions,
distributing it in the US.” Mark, www.BloomsburyAuctions.com
who developed it with Ken
Knowlton, showed it to your Magic Circle Members
Editor when he last visited the on ITV’s Penn & Teller: Teller, Nick Einhorn, Penn and Graham Jolley
Circle and it is quite amazing. Fool Us the P&T stage in Las Vegas, as Jinx (Michael Jordan), Etienne
Quite a few Members of The has John Archer, who made the Pradier, and Michael Vincent
Magic Circle Members Magic Circle have made grade in the one-off special (making a second appearance).
at the Edinburgh Fringe appearances on the ITV Saturday (pilot) which aired on 7 January. Those who also fooled Penn &
Among Members of The Magic night magic series Penn & In the current series we’ve Teller and will appear in Las
Circle who appeared at the Teller: Fool Us with Jonathan seen John van der Put (as Piff Vegas were Graham Jolley,
2011 Edinburgh Fringe are Paul Ross as host. Winners, those the Magic Dragon), Jon Allen, Etienne Pradier, Chris Dugdale
Daniels, John van der Put (as who fool P&T, get to appear on Alan Hudson, Romany, High and Nicholas Einhorn.
Piff the Magic Dragon),
Romany, Bruce Glen, Oliver Semi-Circles own”, said the magician, “but stage shows ... Upcoming at
Meech, Richard Young and Member Richard Griffin is he wouldn’t listen” ... Member Conjuring at the Court at
Sam Strange, Ben Hart (with putting on Sensation, one of Paul Brown along with Drayton Court, 2 The
Neil Kelso), Alistair Cook, Dean the largest variety shows in Richard Leigh are presenting Avenue, West Ealing W13
Maudsley and Tim Shoesmith, the UK on 22 October at the The Magic Symphony, a family 8PH, under the direction of
Harlow Playhouse in Essex. magic show held in the Members Russell Levinson
Including magic, Davenports Magic Theatre in and Stephen Barry, are: on
ventriloquism, juggling, Charing Cross Underground in Thursday 29 Sept.:
singing, dancing, comedy, London starting Saturday 24 Ian Rowland,Tim
acrobatics, music and the September and every Saturday Shoesmith, Gazzo,
unusual and bizarre, book in October and November at 3 Michael Vadini,
online at pm. More info at compere Russell
www.playhouseharlow.com www.falseimpressions.co.uk ... Levinson; Thursday
or ring 01279 431945 ... Member Andrew Van Buren 27 Oct.: Alan
Member Jonathan Allen & Allyson recently appeared in Shaxon, Martin
Penn Jillette gave a lecture at the another of the TV soap Taylor (hypnotist),
and Romany
Architectural Association in Coronation Street’s celebrity Stephen Hewlett
as well as Jus’ June during which he was (ventriloquist), Darryl Rose,
Like That with levitated by our Vice compere Russell Levinson;
Clive Mantle President, Scott Penrose ... Thursday 24 Nov.: John
as Tommy Ghost, the Musical with Archer, Richard Pinner,
Cooper in the play Member Paul Kieve credited Katherine Rhodes, Jon
written by John Fisher. as ‘Illusionist’, has opened in Allen, compere Noel
London at the Piccadilly Britten. Tickets are £10 from
Auction of Chris Pratt Theatre. More info at Andrew Van Buren, Tim Healy, www.ConjuringAtTheCourt.
Collection www.GhostTheMusical.com Allyson, Denise Welch com ... Member Elizabeth
The Cigarette and Trade Card ... Member Arthur Jones Warlock has decided to give
© Valerie Bennett, Architectural Association

collection of the late Chris sent us a clipping from the up her column, “Our Side of
Pratt, our long-time Secretary, Wolverhampton Express and the Pond”, which has
will form part of a magic Star which reports that appeared monthly in the IBM
auction in London at magician Paul Fisher magazine The Linking Ring.
Bloomsbury on Thursday 8 (professional name Paul The column was started by
September. The cards, collected Saint) who claims to be a her father, Peter Warlock in
by Chris over many years, Member but is not, March 1967 and Elizabeth
relate to magic, puzzles, hand according to my records, was took it over in January 1985,
shadows, optical illusions etc. “thrown out of a bar after a run of over 44 years.
and featured in his lectures bending a fork”. “I told the Editorial differences was
both here and in America. Also doorman the forks were my Scott Penrose and Jonathan Allen given as the reason.
included in the sale will be

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 259

Letters to the Editor
The Magic Circle Headquarters personal contacts and urging members to thousands were donated by those who
It is probable that I am one of the few donate in a variety of ways, the money sponsored showcases, framed posters,
members who joined in the year 1946 came in over a period of nine years. seats in the theatre and chairs in the
and are still active in our Society. I took A lucky break came when the National Clubroom. Rupert Connell, then Deputy
over running the museum from the late Lottery was initiated by the then Prime Chairman of Council, brought in
Eric Franklin, became Executive Curator Minister, John Major. A small team led by substantial grants from charitable
and joined the Council for a considerable Rupert Connell worked feverishly to organisations, and profits from public
period. I now enjoy helping to make compile the complex 150-page events added to the Fund. Individual
useful profits for the CMA at Meet The application that finally succeeded in members made contributions by
Magic Circle and The Magic Circle bringing a grant of £475,000 from the organising shows and other fund-raising
Experience public events. Arts Council of England. An additional events or bought Life Membership.
During these events, visitors often ask £300,000 from the Foundation for Sports Bequests and royalties from merchandise
me how the Society was able to afford and Arts came largely through the efforts endorsements added to the funding.
such a fine headquarters, and it occurred of the then president David Berglas. I must mention a few individual members
to me that many of our younger members Like most building projects, the bills who were particularly generous. Alan Alan
might have the same question in mind as escalated and much more money was was one, and the late Jack Young from
they look around 12 Stephenson Way. required to complete the construction and Florida was another. Jack also actively
Others may well have forgotten just how refurbishment of the building, and to pay fund-raised in the USA. David Baldwin, a
much effort it took to raise the massive for the substantial professional fees. new member from New Jersey, was the
£2.1 million finally required. Michael Bailey worked hard to find 27 largest single donor, and by persuading
The Magic Circle Appeal was launched very generous major donors, and over some of his non-magician business
in 1989 and headed by Michael Bailey, 1,000 other donors came forward to colleagues in the States to help, his overall
then Vice-President. By building up answer his plea for help. Many more contribution exceeded £200,000.

hall tradition, reviving song successes like a brusque bully boy of a comic who

Obituaries Charles Coborn’s “The Man Who Broke

the Bank at Monte Carlo” while plucking
rattled his numbers like “Any Old Iron”
across the footlights as he attempted to
coins magically out of the air. live up to his billing “The Express Train
“LONDON PRIDE” He was eight or nine when his father, Comic”. In Larry’s words, “He didn’t sing
Larry Barnes MIMC (1926 – 2011) who barely tolerated the cinema, made a song … he attacked it, he danced with
Remembered by John Fisher MIMC the surprise announcement that he was it, wrestled it, bounced up and down with
In a recent book of music hall lore Larry going to take his son to the pictures – the it and carried you along with a wave of
Barnes was dubbed “The Viceroy of Carlton Cinema in Essex Road, Islington – sheer exuberance.” It’s that exuberance
Versatility”. He was a walking definition adding “I want you to see someone I that Larry Barnes managed to convey to
of theatrical multitasking and could don’t want you to forget”. This was the audiences, a gusto that enabled the most
with authority have planted his viceroy’s age of cine-variety when some of the resistant modernist to appreciate what
ensign on many a terrain. Out of a biggest picture palaces included “turns” made the old-time talent so distinctive.
familiar blend of fun and economic between the movies. The performance by His love of heritage informed the pride
expediency, he Gus Elen that night remained etched on with which he was installed as the Pearly
ran the gamut his memory for ever: “The sheer magic of King of Thornton Heath: only this year he
as a magician this wizened old man with the face of an was featured resplendent in all his regalia
and irascible walnut got through to me in a on live television to Australia promoting
escapologist, a way I had never experienced … I wriggled the cockney cause. His charitable
paper tearer in my seat, my toes curling inside my endeavours, whenever his talents could
(sans pareil), a boots for sheer excitement, barely able to be so diverted, were legendary. It is
lightning contain myself until the house thundered appropriate, albeit sad, that he ended
cartoonist, a into the chorus.” his days at the St Joseph’s Hospice in
balloon sculptor, Wiv a ladder and some glasses Hackney, literally within applauding
a guitarist, as You could see to ’Ackney marshes distance of the Hackney Empire, arguably
well as If it wasn’t for the ’ouses in between. the last authentic music hall in his beloved
stuntman and London. Larry was born out of his time,
actor whose Larry would sing it many times in later but succeeded through talent, energy and
credits ranged years, embellishing the number with his nostalgia in conveying what all the fuss
from King Lear paper tearing as he shredded the had been about. Like few others, he
on stage to Minder on screen. However, newsprint to reveal a row of houses and epitomised the capital and its popular
he always seemed happiest strutting his the ladder itself. entertainment legacy.
stuff as a troubadour in the best music Another favourite was Harry Champion, © John Fisher 2011

260 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 These facts give the true picture of how of occasions doing music hall the latest headlines.
funds for the purchase and refurbishment shows and company dinners Larry was meticulous in his
of 12 Stephenson Way were raised, and – before they were attention to detail, making
are a reminder to members, both old and ‘corporate’! Most performers all his costumes. He even
new, of the enormous effort that went turn up with a suitcase full had his music personalised –
into producing the colossal cash mountain of costumes, make-up and his face on the cover with
required to create the finest headquarters props ... Not Larry! He would ‘as sung by Larry Barnes’!
for members to enjoy in perpetuity. stroll in with an old khaki kit When George Hitchin, the
Henry Lewis MIMC bag over his shoulder! Pearly King of the City of
Honorary Vice-President During his time in the army, entertaining London, made Larry Pearly King of
the troops he had learned the old army Thornton Heath he was very proud and
[It should not be forgotten that, when trick of folding ones uniform and rolling it often came to help raise money for
there was a shortfall of £100,000 needed in such a way that it would hardly take up charity with me and my mother Marie
to complete the building, Henry Lewis any room and unfold perfectly pressed! Rose in our capacity as Pearly Prides of
himself stepped forward to provide the I first saw Larry when he was working the City of London.
loan which allowed us to have what is, with Professor Alexander’s Music Hall at When The Merlin Magical Society held
without question, the finest magic society Finsbury Town Hall, he did the ‘Charc’ act its 75th dinner in 2005 I asked Larry to
headquarters building in the world. Ed.] – lightning cartoons that he had toured recreate the charc act for us. As always,
during the war and his paper tearing he was brilliant!
My Mate Larry Barnes routine with the old Gus Elen song Larry Barnes was one of the few
I was shocked and saddened to hear that ‘If it wasn’t for the ‘ouses in between’ magicians who could ‘act the part’. His
my good mate Larry Barnes had left us. as a newspaper seller – the kind we like will never be seen again!
I worked with him on a great number used to see on street corners shouting Ali Cardabra AIMC (Paul Buonocore)

Sidney Radner MIMC Hardeen’s death in 1945. That collection John Hart MIMC
8 December was eventually leased out to a number of 20 August 1925 – 15 July 2011
1919 – 19 June 2011 museums, including the Houdini Historical John saw his first magician, Harry Davis
Sidney Radner, who Centre at the Outagamie Museum in in Broadstairs, at only four years of age
built one of the Appleton, Wisconsin, the city where and later Noel Maskelyne when taken
world’s largest Houdini spent his early years, and the to St George’s Hall. Despite this, it
collections of Magical Hall of Fame in Niagara Falls, wasn’t until 1945 that he officially
Houdiniana, died of Canada. When the Outagamie Museum became insane; certainly that’s how his
cancer in Holyoke, refused to renew the lease on the father saw it! Whilst waiting for demob
Massachusetts at collection, Mr. Radner sold it in 2004 for he saw The Great Lyle in Manchester
age 91. His nearly $1million. David Copperfield and left knowing that one day he
collection included bought the Water Torture Cell. would become a professional magician.
the Houdini Water Mr. Radner performed for a time At his first
Torture Cell, Milk professionally under the name Rendar the children’s show in
Can Escape, a large Magician, and was an expert in crooked 1950 he was
variety of handcuffs and lock picks, and gambling. He served in the US Army in “absolutely
other memorabilia. Member David Ben is WWII and helped investigate card cheats slaughtered” by an
quoted as saying, “If not for Sid, all that on troop ships, eventually writing several audience of nine-year-
stuff would be gone. He made it possible books about card games, including several old boys, but never
for a generation of magicians and on how to spot cheaters. looked back. And so
scholars to see the actual mechanical Mr. Radner’s son, William, said his began a 42-year
thinking that sprung from the mind of father had been drawn to the Houdini career performing all
this American icon, who is still the all-time legend because both men had grown up over the country. John
megastar of magic”. Jewish in communities with few Jews. Mr. believed in performing
Sid Radner became interested in magic Radner’s wife of 64 years, Helen Cohen the best and biggest
and card tricks as a child and in 1935 met Radner, died in March. show he could and
Houdini’s younger brother, Theodore Mr. Radner was well-known as the charging as high a fee
(Hardeen), who befriended him. When organiser of the annual Houdini Séances, as possible! This led him to perform for
Mr. Radner graduated from Yale six years continuing the tradition started in 1927 titled families, sports personalities,
later, and was poised to enter his family’s by Houdini’s widow, Bess. celebrities and even the royal family on
rug business, Hardeen offered to sell him Survivors include sons William and many occasions.
a large share of his brother’s tools and Richard. His passion for the theatre and acting
▲

props, with many more inherited after Matthew Field MIMC led him to meet Mary and they married

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 261

in 1952. Mary learnt to juggle and,
in latter years, organised the party SECRETARY’S and Mandy Davis has sustained the work

ANNUAL
admirably. More recently Peter Liddelow is
games while John performed the stepping down from the role of welfare
magic. John had been very frail in officer that he has been so wonderful in due

REPORT
recent years, but remained active due to his own personal circumstances. A huge
to the constant support and care vote of thanks goes to Peter for the many
from Mary. members that have benefitted from his care
John was a modest, self-
deprecating gentleman. He would
2010/2011 and thoughtfulness and to David Hatch who
is set to replace him.
delight in telling stories of his
by Chris Wood AIMC Summer Season of Sorcery
mishaps and always played down
This summer saw a first as a whole season
his achievements. His autobiography,
This year has been a challenging and yet of public shows were held at the
And For My Last Trick, is typical of headquarters to raise the profile of The
rewarding one for the Society. There was
his style and sense of fun. It seems a marked change in the make-up of Magic Circle. Following the huge public
fitting to end this with his own council as some of the more experienced interest and instant sell-out of the Steve
words: “I could have done something members and officers felt it was time to Allen Magic Circle Mysteries event
else with my life, but I doubt if I stand down after many years of dedicated announced early in 2011, the SSS initiative
could have done anything more service and achievements. David Ball as was led and driven forward by the President
interesting or fulfilling”. the previous Secretary, Keith Cooper as with a range of volunteers donating their
Bob Yelland MMC Membership Secretary and Treasurer, time. Different models were in place for the
Carol Cooper and past presidents Alan shows, some of which were purely
Shaxon and Michael Bailey were absent fundraisers for the CMA (Magic Circle
Bill Andrews MIMC
from council for the first time in many Mysteries, Giants of Close-up) and others
18 September 1919 – July 2011
years. Instead there were new faces who included a mix of the performers and the
William Andrews of Stamford, CMA sharing the income to explore the
had volunteered to take up the challenge
Connecticut, known to all his friends of serving the society with the additions possibilities of using the headquarters as a
and associates as Bill, has passed of Michael Vincent, John van der Put, viable venue for a wider and varied
away. Former National President of Noel Britten, James Freedman, Katherine programme of public events. (Evenings with
the Society of American Magicians Rhodes, Richard Pinner and Martyn Max Somerset, Graham Jolley, Fay Presto &
(1987-88), in 2002 he was named Rowland. Sadly Rupert Connell also stood John Van der Put and Stars of the Magic
Magician of the Year by the New down as chair and member of Council Circle). Much of the success of the shows in
York City chapter of the society. early in the year. I would like to thank terms of sales is owed to the tireless PRO
Bill developed Rupert for his previous chairmanship and media activities initiated by Darren Tossell.
acknowledge his contribution for many Overall the season raised around £10,000,
cabaret shows
years as our legal advisor, including the lion’s share provided by the Steve Allen
and stage illusions
obtaining the lottery funding which played event. It certainly proved that although the
before WWII market may be difficult, there is still an
a major part in securing our headquarters,
broke out, during as well as for all the personal support he audience for magic out there and moreover
which he worked offered me early on. that we unquestionably have a good
USO and camp Following Rupert Connell’s resignation, product to offer. The feedback from our
shows. He enlisted Brian Sibley was elected to the chair with visitors to all the shows was comprehensively
in the US Navy Alan Maskell becoming deputy. Alexander positive, and once a complete analysis of the
and continued to Crawford was persuaded to join as acting various business models is examined it could
perform for the Treasurer bringing his professional rigour be feasible to create a workable programme
troops. While to the role. of events that can be put in place to
complement our existing public events
stationed in
All Change calendar.
Honolulu he
As the year progressed many roles have
met and was Friends of The Magic Circle
changed hands. Peter Altman has stepped
taught some down from organising the dealers’ day The President also initiated a long held
tricks by Tenkai. When the war after many years, quietly helped by the desire to establish a club that members of
ended, he resumed his magic career remarkable Henry Lewis (who at 92 is the public could join to gain benefits for
with his stage show, “An Evening more sharp and able than many) and a those who wish to support our aims.
of Magic” which ran for four years. vote of thanks goes to both for their Although membership of the society is still
He then resumed performing at exemplary contributions. Jack Delvin and only through rigorous examination, “Friends
private parties. Katherine Rhodes have taken this on. Rob of the Magic Circle” will be able to access
Bill was an executive with the Cox after many years’ service is taking a special events and behind the scenes news
break from the role of examinations and enjoy discounts on our popular
Revlon cosmetics company in New
secretary that he has performed so well performances inside The Magic Circle
York City and remained active in the
along with managing the regional Headquarters. Thanks go to Aidan Heritage
SAM, with a special emphasis on for volunteering to take on producing the
representatives. David Weeks and Alan
introducing children to magic. Maskell have stepped up from their newsletter and memberships.
He is survived by his wife, Helen, to deputy positions to help out respectively.
whom we extend our condolences. Richard Pinner stepped down from his The Magic Circular
Matthew Field MIMC share of the Saturday Ali Bongo shows Without doubt The Magic Circular is a

262 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

magazine the society can be proud of and Together with the rest of the Finance Young Magician of The Year
Matthew Field, who has been Editor now for Committee, Scott Penrose and Chris Weller Competition
the past six years, has announced he will be (until his appointment as Treasurer of CMA By now the results of the latest
retiring from this role in January. Whilst this Limited), they are continuing to build on the competition will be known as to who has
is very sad he insists that a regular change of work of previous Treasurers, and their agenda inherited the title from last year’s winner
editor is essential to maintain a publication’s includes the introduction and documentation Michael Jordon. Thanks go to all involved
integrity and I’m sure members will agree his of updated financial controls, the transfer of for another successful event. A unique
work is to be applauded and that he will be the manual cashbook to a secure online event on 18 September has been
a hard act to follow. accounting package, the strengthening of arranged by Noel Britten to celebrate 50
the budgeting procedure, a review of the years of this competition which is looking
Publicity Committee Society’s investment policies and a review of very special indeed.
It’s been a busy year under the the Council’s expenses policy.
Chairmanship of Andrew Eborn. Former PRO Club Nights
Nick Fitzherbert worked with QI, the FT and Business Management Brian Sibley as Chairman and Mandy Davis
Metro. The PRO post was passed to Darren The Business Management Committee as Secretary have continued the good
Tossell who oversaw April Fools’ Story and comprises Jack Delvin (Chair), Alexander work of the club night committee. The
visits from LBC’s Steve Allen, BBC Radio 2, Crawford and Brian Sibley. They have Committee has maintained a full
Smooth FM and BBC Wiltshire. The Summer overseen a number of initiatives including programme of Club Night events featuring
Season of Sorcery was featured in various finalisation of an agreement with Marvin’s shows and lectures by members and
listings magazines and The Camden Journal, Magic to provide The Magic Circle branded visiting magicians, across a range of
BBC Radio London, Magic FM, TalkSport and tricks and a magic set, which are to be subjects, theoretical, practical and
LBC. The Sunday Telegraph featured a major available in time for the Christmas show. historical. Among highlights were the
article on The Young Magician of the Year’s inaugural Ali Bongo Memorial Lecture by
50th Anniversary. Martyn Rowland has CMA Liaison Rafael and evenings with David Berglas,
worked on a new Style Guide and produced The CMA committee is a group from John Fisher, George Kovari, Andy Nyman
some excellent marketing materials. Bob Council undertaking the on-going and Shoot Ogawa. Regular Hands-on
Yelland has been promoting SSS shows to restructuring of the legal relationship sessions were held in the Devant Room
employee benefit companies. between The Magic Circle and CMA Limited. organised by Tony Hanscombe, taking
The committee benefits from an excellent over from Harry Reeve after many years of
Internet/Technology working relationship with the CMA team, service. Innovations include a members’
The IT Committee have again worked hard including in particular Terry Wright, Chris ‘Scratch Night’, two late-night FATL (Food
supporting and developing the use of Weller and Ian Hendry. The committee after the Lecture) events and the
technology throughout the Society but none comprised Alexander Crawford, Jack Delvin availability of an on-line, downloadable
more so than Andrew Webb, who even with and Chris Wood until the appointment of Club Night Events card.
a long term illness continues to make such a the latter two as directors of CMA Limited,
significant contribution. Along with building who were replaced in July 2011 by Brian The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of
a new website for the YMC, the team built Sibley and Noel Britten. the Year Competition
a new venue marketing site for CMA, live John Van Der Put emerged as the worthy
streaming was trialled and costs and options CMA winner in an exceptionally high quality
are being explored for future events by an Our sister organisation is Centre for the competition. Thanks go to Katherine
independent committee. Magic Arts Ltd, a registered Charity, and the Rhodes and Richard Pinner for their time,
Company has the responsibility for the day effort and organisation.
Development Committee to day operation of our Headquarters. Terry
The principle role of the Development Wright took over the role of Acting Awards Banquet and Annual Supper
Committee this year has been the Chairman and a new board of directors These events were held in November and
organisation of the Magician’s Choice grew throughout the year. They are very March last year and were fully reported in
programme over the summer months and lucky to have a new chairman in Peter Kyle The Magic Circular. Rather than hold two
the introduction of the Scratch Night O.B.E. who previously was the Chief functions in 2010, a new combined event
initiative. The underlying thread of both of Executive of the Shakespeare Globe Trust. is being arranged this year at the Imperial
these programmes has been to get members The contract with Magic Management was Hotel on Thursday 13 October. It will take
to be guided outside of their comfort zones brought to an end in April and a new the form of a gala dinner with cabaret
and usual areas of interest in a supportive strategy for marketing the building as a and the presentation of awards.
environment. With the majority of the venue was put in place with a permanent
Committee now also sitting on Council, General Manager in post, overseeing our Meet The Magic Circle
there has been a more direct path of operational staff, Catherine Ortmayer. I would like to thank everyone who
communication of thoughts and ideas from contributes to the success of these
one to the other, whilst still harnessing the Young Magicians’ Club evenings which remain the main feature
substantial input of the non-Council A strong membership exists and the Club in our public events programme. Diane
Committee members. continues to flourish under the leadership of O’Brien, together with her husband Mike,
Kevin Doig. Chairperson Mandy Davis stood continues to handle all the enquiries and
Finance down during the year handing on the legacy bookings. Peter Scarlett organises the
Alexander Crawford was co-opted to of her success. Mandy remains as Editor of close-up performances and David Ball is
Council as acting Treasurer, together with the magazine Secrets. Katherine Rhodes also responsible for the stage show. Many
Carl Pettman (who resigned in November continues to work selflessly with the children members and their spouses regularly
2010). He has been assisted by Kevin Doig in the workshops much to their appreciation help out in numerous ways and it is
as Assistant Treasurer (since January 2011). and ours. greatly appreciated. The recent exploration
▲

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 263

of potentially supplemental events owes a
great debt to them for all the wisdom
shared from their experience.

The Magic Circle Christmas Show

Tim Reed AIMC
After many years of outstanding shows,
Peter Scarlett and David Ball have also
stepped down from the Christmas show
and our gratitude goes to them and all
their team for all they have achieved over
the years. This year’s Christmas Show is JOHN CALVERT: Actor, Pilot, Yachtsman, Adventurer & Magician
being organised by Richard Pinner and ohn Calvert has always been, for me, Gable (for whom John would provide the
James Freedman and details should be
available shortly.

The Magic Circle Experience

J an icon. As long as I have been
interested in magic my father has
often mentioned seeing Calvert in 1952
hands in the card-sharping scenes in
Honky Tonk in 1941). Other films for
which I have promotional material include
On certain Monday lunchtimes Henry at The Middlesbrough Empire, a large Bombardier (1943), The Mark of The
Lewis and Michael Alderman successfully theatre and part of the prestigious Moss Whistler (1944), Return of The
organise a modest event which appeals to Empire circuit. Most illusionists of the Durango Kid (1945), Ten Cents A
retirement groups and gives us the time had a leisurely, unhurried, Dance (1945), Gold Fever (1952) and
opportunity to offer to the public a day performance style and then this tanned, Dark Venture (1956).
time alternative to ‘Meet The Magic handsome film star, in his white suit, For me, the close relationship with the
Circle’. The event includes a tour of the brought with him to an industrial north- Golden Age of Hollywood makes
building and museum, close up magic and east town a fast-paced show and a collecting John Calvert memorabilia
concludes with a short stage show. touch of Hollywood glamour. Nearly six particularly exciting. Well documented are
decades later my Dad can still remember stories of him entertaining at the
Membership
John Calvert. That is star quality. legendary Hollywood Canteen; meeting
During the course of the year the over
all membership statistics have remained John Calvert is someone I have Jayne Mansfield when she was a young
about the same as previous years. actively collected but was disheartened starlet; encounters with Howard Hughes,
Although some renewals are still due the at the lack of available material, Frank Sinatra and Orson Welles, to name
current breakdown of the figures is as particularly in Britain. All that changed a few, and parties arranged by the
follows and represents members from 39 in 2004 when an opportunity arose to legendary hostess, Elsa Maxwell. All these
different countries around the world. It is meet him when a scheduled tour of anecdotes add to the showbiz ‘glitz &
of interest of improved communications Britain would include a visit to The glamour’ which is often lacking in the
that 75% of the membership now has an Magic Circle. I was one of the first to livfe of the touring illusionist.
email address. get a ticket and had a front row seat. I Early in his magic career, copies of
was delighted as I would get to meet publicity tabloids, Hollywood Stage &
MMC AIMC MIMC TOTAL
him and see him perform … and there Screen News, would be left in the lobby
TOWN 284 92 99 475
COUNTRY 375 143 77 595 was a stall with photos, posters, books, for potential customers: the entire
OVERSEAS 147 99 114 360 and DVDs for sale. contents would all feature stories about
TOTAL 806 334 290 The show and lecture exceeded my John. A typical headline would be “Man
expectations on so many levels. Not Gets Head Cut Off – Many Die Laughing!”
OVERALL 1430 only did I see great magic, but I was on A rare brochure I was pleased to obtain
stage during the lecture as an assistant. shows Calvert in his pilot’s uniform,
Finally I could not believe my luck. That night I standing near his ‘Mystic Lady’ plane,
I want to thank my deputy Steve Price for remember walking out of our proudly boasting it is the only touring
his contributions and help during the year headquarters on a high. Not only did I company with its own aeroplane
and I must also thank Peter Scarlett who
get several autographed photos, but I converted to carry a full evening of magic
maintained his behind the scene work on
met the man who was, until then, as well as the staff and assistants: ’The
general enquiries and the membership
database. I want to thank David Ball for merely a legend. At this time, too, my Merry Maids of Magic’.
his help in handing over and Scott Penrose life was being affected by a marvellous In later years the John Calvert show
for his personal encouragement. tool of the modern age: eBay!! would be transported in a yacht called
Regretfully, this will be my only year as My John Calvert collection started ‘The Magic Castle’ which, as a letterhead
Secretary as I have decided not to seek re- increasing at an impressive rate. Calvert of the time states: “First and Only
election. I have endeavored to carry out was a film star, most famously in The Theatrical Company Circling The Globe in
the role with integrity and commitment Falcon series in the classics Devil’s Their Own Ship”.
but events have convinced me I wish to Cargo (1948), Appointment With Many of John’s souvenir programmes
step aside and let another try in my place. Murder (1948) and Search For are mammoth, lavish productions and
As a society The Magic Circle will
Danger (1949). There is an abundance more than just a collection of action
always have my support and I wish to
of lobby photos, press photos and shots. They enlighten the reader to his
thank my fellow officers, the general
membership and the volunteers in posters for these films which have a globe-trotting lifestyle, and are copiously
particular for their many kindnesses vintage charm showing the dapper illustrated with photos of him undertaking
during my time in office. actor looking remarkably like Clark an array of dare-devil feats, such as flying

264 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

blindfolded and wrestling with a crocodile. gracefully over the course of several
With space forever the enemy for any decades.
collector, I have decided not to collect For anyone wanting to know more
vintage magic sets. However one I have about this remarkable man, the essential
given house room to is the John Calvert reading is his biography Magic and
Magic Set issued by the Magic City Toy Adventures Around The World (1987)
Co over fifty years ago. The photo on the by William Rauscher. Also released
box lid shows him as every bit the recently is a DVD available on www.
debonair film star. johncalvertmagic.com. If you only buy
While post-war material, as outlined one DVD this year then it should be this
above, can be obtained with some effort, one. I recommend it without hesitation.
I was particularly keen to obtain The celebrations for John Calvert’s
collectables which had John’s real name centenary are well under way. The
on them. John Calvert was actually born probably have their first memories of his Fantasma Magic Company, run by
Elbern Madren performance style in the Magicarama Magic Circle member, Roger Dreyer, has
Calvert, in New show, staged at the Collegiate Theatre, commissioned limited edition
Trenton, Indiana, London, in January 1975. A full two-and- commemorative coins in bronze, silver
on 5 August a-half hour evening show, the audience and gold, as well as a glossy souvenir
1911. His name was treated to all the classics: The Lazy book and fan club badge. They are
was changed Magician, Cigarette great items and I look
legally to ‘John Manipulations, forward to adding the set to
Calvert’ in 1940 Casper The Dancing my collection. No doubt the
(ref: Who’s Who Hank and The Abbott Get-Together, in early
In Magic by Bart Floating Organ to August in Colon, Michigan
Whaley). I was name a few. I have a will generate more souvenirs
pleased to programme, lobby as John and Tammy are star
obtain a press card and ticket, all guests. Over here in Britain,
book for the signed, for this show the London Palladium show,
1940 Egyptian Follies – “A Thrill but recently I added a in September, produced by Paul Stone,
Combination of Pretty Girls & Sensational press photo, from will, it is hoped, give John the
Stagecraft”. The production was overseen around that time, opportunity to live the dream and tread
by Elbern Calvert – “The World’s Fastest taken backstage, on those legendary boards
Ten Fingers”. Also featuring in that showing John with aged 100!
spectacular was fellow New Trenton Robert Harbin, Patrick I have booked my
magician friend, Lester Lake, famous for Page, Terry ticket.
his guillotine. One political story, in this Seabrooke, Francis It may sound clichéd
book, among the array of publicity White and others but it is not the physical
artwork, shows John beheading Hitler! which was signed by them all. artifacts in my John
Another gem is a window card for Elbern I was thrilled to get another batch of Calvert collection that
Calvert and his orchestra, The Rhythm signed souvenirs during The Magic Circle have a special place in
Pilots. A prized piece in my John Calvert Centenary in 2005, when John was one my life, but the
collection is a publicity photo, signed of the star guests. Again, it was one of memories they evoke:
Elbern Calvert, dated 1940. The winning those rare moments that will stay with me of meeting and
smile and trademark forever. assisting a man who
moustache very much Magic magazines, not surprisingly, have has done it all in ten very
evident as far back featured John Calvert on the cover. active decades. Whether as an actor,
then. Examples include Genii, The Magic pilot, yachtsman, adventurer or
Those who did not Circular, MUM, Magische Welt and The magician, John Calvert has been and
see the John Calvert Linking Ring, and these are all interesting will always be a star; the like of which
show in the 1952 records of magic in that era. Collectively we will never see again. Happy
British tour they show the magician aging very Collecting.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 265

 REGINALD SCOT
formula for Scot, the subject slightly turned to the side.
Reproduced as the cover of that April 2003 TMC it was no
mean scoop, as it had been previously hidden from the world. I

THE PORTRAIT studied it more closely, wishing again to observe the original. The
brushwork is of poorer quality than on the Elizabeth I portraits.
The face shows where Gower is best. The subject, looking at the

A DECADE ON
by Harry Reeve MIMC
viewer as if seeking communication with an intensity befitting a
man of knowledge and purpose, his eye reflection shows the
main light direction, from behind the painter. 16th century light
was natural or from oil lamp or candle, soft and diffused.
Of the rest? Gower is less efficient in proportion and
perspective. The neck ruff appears over-lit. The right thumb,
n my research paper, A Journey in Discovering Reginald Scot, holding the hat brim, is primitive in execution. Highlights appear

I published in 1999, I posed three unknowns: the lost Scot

Jewel and Chest and to view his oils portrait.
The jewel suffered the demise of family fortunes, likely sold,
from other directions leading to visual irritation. Light on the
poorly-painted left hand is correct but is opposite on the
cutaways of the gloves. The sword hand-guard, handle and
broken up. The chest, probably destroyed through ‘ignorant’ blade are all out of alignment perspective. This could be the
custodians. The portrait I traced, via serendipity, as reported in result of sketches that painters used to ease the tedium of the
Reginald Scot, the Journey Continues in the April 2003 issue posing subjects. The head is painted in situ whilst the remainder
The Magic Circular. of the canvas is finished in the subject’s absence. Was it a rush
Invited by job for Gower, commissioned by Reginald’s cousin, Sir Thomas,
villager John for a lesser fee than that of the royal purse? Did Gower have the
Talbot to his portrait finished by his studio students? This sort of thing was
home the night not uncommon. The composition’s symmetry disturbs me. The
TMC magicians head is close to top of the panel, the arms and right hand are
presented a show cropped – leading to the opinion that it’s been cut down from a
raising funds for larger picture. The other paintings are all full length.
the Brabourne Be a detective! Note the sword handle. I examined it closely.
church which Light on the ball head was well balanced but not on the handle
houses Scot’s itself. The light does not correspond – it is off centre. I came to
tomb, I first saw the conclusion that the handle was bound with wire or chased-
evidence of its engraved for grip. The light here is different; there are no parallel
existence. I stood brush strokes. Examining the handle with a magnifying glass, the
in the lodge lights morphed into a different form. I was bewildered.
house, the very Did I detect an outline of lettering – a word not complete?
place where Scot R.e.g.i.n.a.?? Was this possible? (See Fig. 1.)
lived and wrote Was the sword marked as proof of ownership? Has Gower
Photo: John Ward

The Discoverie reproduced this? Did Gower subtlty paint in the sitter’s name?
of Witchcraft. Doubts niggle. Conjecture is not proof. Definitive study of the
Before me was museum
a monochrome portrait will
FIG.1
photo Talbot solve. My
obtained from the National Portrait Gallery, leading to the studies were all
Museum of Art in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA. too brief.
Why America? It was traced to Mrs Fairfax Best of Millgate Another
Park House, Kent, in the 1800s. I called there for morning mystery:
milk, while camping as a Scout in 1945 – if I had only Member
known about the portrait then! Col. Douglas Scot of Dorking, Robert Freeman
Surrey sold it in the 1950s with other family portraits to made a
Col. J. MacLamroc of Greensboro, North Carolina in 1964 for discovery.
$5,592. MacLamroc was a half first cousin, eleven times Gazing at the picture, below the ruff, he detected a ‘ghost’. A
removed from Sir John Scot, 1564-1616. The portrait was faint shadow of a head, in left profile, with moustache and
presented on permanent loan to the Raleigh Museum. beard? A trick of light by the lay of the paint brush? By
This collection was valued in 1969 at $250,000. Reginald’s generations of photographic reproductions? Or caused by an
portrait is attributed to George Gower, from family legend and older painting ‘leeching’ from beneath? Or ... ??? Let’s settle
from Gloriana – the Portraits of Queen Elizabeth I by Sir Roy with the painting as the portrait of the man who first described
Strong. It was erroneously listed in The Memorials of the Family our tricks, to the world, in the English language in the Discoverie
of Scot of Scot’s Hall to Zaccaro. Zaccaro was in England in 1575 and take heart for his literal association with our art.
and stayed just three to six months. Gower’s London studio,
established in 1570, is attributed to two portraits of Elizabeth I, For a longer version of this article, send a stamped, self-
painted 1579/80 just prior to Scot’s. These show an intense addressed envelope to Harry Reeve, Timbers, 2 East Moor Farm
detailed brushwork in dress and jewellery. Gower used Titian’s Cottages, Moor Street, Rainham, Kent ME8 8QE.

266 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Harold Cataquet AIMC

Sparking Creativity
hen trying to develop a new award ceremony takes place (scarecrow set up the routine, which takes time

W routine, the result can come

about from inspiration,
perspiration, or prior experience. This
gets brain, tin man gets heart, and lion
gets courage); and Dorothy finds her way
back home. Not surprisingly, the routine
and careful scripting. With these two
tricks, the mere mention of the subjects
immediately triggers either a memory or
last one is the easiest to explain, so I’ll went over very well on the night. a curiosity. That is, you either fondly
deal with it first. When I am booked for However, after about 100 performances, I remember The Wizard of Oz or the
an event, I like to perform something realised that the routine was missing the Gruffalo, or you have heard of them,
that gives the audience a feeling that I Wicked Witch of the West. She was such and are naturally curious about them.
put the routine together especially for a major character that the audience kept That moment nicely creates an
them. If it’s a common celebratory expecting to see her. So, I tweaked the opportunity and justification for
occasion (birthday, anniversary, etc), I’ve routine and showed it to a few more (re)telling the story. The Gruffalo was a
done enough of these that I can just people, and they really liked it! In fact dream because the book (and the 2009
refer to a set of routines that I have and what started off as something that I animation!) provided all (but one) of the
quickly tweak them to create the effect. intended as a one-off is now part of my images, and the script IS the book. As a
For example, I have a little packet trick working repertoire. Whenever that result, there was hardly anything to do
that I use for weddings. You show four happens, it’s a great feeling! other than manufacture the cards.
blank cards. Two of the cards become Recently, I had another one of these Conversely, The Wizard of Oz required a
pictures of the bride’s parents, and then happy endings. I was hired to perform at lot more scripting work. For example, I
two cards become pictures of the a Gruffalo party. I sat down trying to tell wanted to avoid big pauses in the
groom’s parents. Holding a pair in each the story of the Gruffalo, and it worked counting while I explained the story.
hand, a blank card appears between fantastically. For the party, I showed four Being a big fan of both the book and
each of the two cards. When these are cards (really six) with pictures of the the movie, I wanted to say so much in
turned over, it’s a picture of the bride forest, and the animals (fox, owl and this routine, but I really had to rein it all
and groom. It’s quick and easy, resets snake) appeared one by one. As each card in and reduce my patter to syllabically
and it’s completely examinable at the appeared, it was turned over to show the constrained prose (i.e., at several points
end. The only downside is that you animal’s edible state (roasted fox, owl ice in the routine, my statements were
have to make up your own cards (not cream and scrambled snake). The cards constrained to a certain number of
to mention that you have to try and get were then tabled, and in the end these syllables). The result is a routine that
those pictures!). I don’t mean to blow tabled cards were turned over to show flows nicely because the audio and
my own horn here, but I think it’s a the Gruffalo. The story goes on from visual feeds are self-reinforcing.
great little trick and well worth the there, but given the amount of time I had, What about perspiration? Well that is
costs and effort involved. this was as much as I could expect to really just trial and error. Many of you
The real challenge comes when the show (it’s a long story!). It was very well will be familiar with Kaps’s Currency.
event isn’t a common one. For example, received, but when the show was over, I Did you know that this trick is based on
almost a decade ago, I was hired to again felt there was something missing. In Edward Victor’s 11 Card Trick? Kaps
perform at a centenary party for The this case, the hero of the story is the realised that the cards were just place
Wizard of Oz (the book not the mouse and he is never seen. So, I toyed holders so he could do the effect with
movie!). Although people think of the with the routine and changed it so that money rather than cards. In making this
TWoO as a great movie, it actually now I can do the whole story and finish switch of prop, Kaps turned the effect
flopped at the box office. True it had six by turning over the final four cards which into a classic. What surprises me is that
Academy Award nominations (winning combine to show a big picture of the given the explosion in packet tricks,
best score and best song, and losing mouse with a nut. Although it’s a long banknote tricks didn’t similarly explode
best picture to “Gone With the Wind”), trick, it is a very good story and there is in number. Next time, I’ll write about
but it wasn’t until TWoO hit the TV something satisfying about the routine. the card tricks that I have transformed
screens that it really took off. Anyway, Now don’t get me wrong; there is very into banknote tricks.
in preparation for this event, I decided little story telling in my act. In fact, you’re
to try and tell the story in cards. This probably looking at the only two story
was incredibly easy to do – six blank tricks in my repertoire. But these tricks
cards and Dorothy are shown; then the work with audiences because they
scarecrow, tin man and lion appear one “resonate”. If you bring out a magic
by one; then the wizard appears; the prop, you have to explain what it is and

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 267

 By Diana S. Zimmerman MIMC

Paul and his wife Lin with Siegfried & Roy in Las Vegas

or many school children, a visiting Palladium Theatre. It boasted a cast of House Hotel in London. Over four

F magician is a welcome relief from

maths and science classes. But for a
young boy growing up in Liverpool in the
over 150 performers with several well-
known show business names, most
notably Ron Moody who, with 80 children
hundred guests donated upwards of
£50,000. For the next ten years, Paul
continued to produce the event. It quickly
1960s, it was destiny reaching out. on stage, reprised his role of Fagin from grew to one thousand guests, and
Entertainer, entrepreneur, and producer, the hit movie Oliver. The proceeds were became one of the most successful charity
Paul Stone has spent his life in magic. It is, shared between several charities including events in London, realising profits nearing
however, the philanthropic opportunities the Anthony Nolan Bone Marrow Trust, £400,000 each year.
that this art form affords that now give known today as the Anthony Nolan Trust. Since his first Palladium show, Paul has
him the most pleasure. After hearing the story of Anthony Nolan, produced several more in that legendary
“I’ve always thought that we are very who died as a young child because, at theatre including Live from the Palladium,
fortunate to be involved in the world of that time, there was no official bone Rhythm of Life, Variety Live at the
magic,” says Paul as he sips a cup of tea marrow donor Palladium and, in 2008, the very
in his Las Vegas home. “Unlike most other registry, Paul special Tribute to Siegfried & Roy
professions, we can use our skills as decided he had to at the London Palladium, which
performers to not just provide do something to was not only an extraordinary
entertainment, but to help others.” And help. event, but launched MagiCares™,
help others he does, both as a producer He created a Gala the global magic charity.
and as a performer. Paul has helped raise Fundraising Dinner (www.magicares.com)
millions of pounds and dollars for charities called The Daisy “It’s always exciting to produce
in the UK and the USA. Ball, named after a show in a theatre as magnificent
In 1990, Paul realised a lifelong dream Anthony’s favourite as the Palladium”, Paul says, “but
when he produced his first Charity Variety flower, and staged it’s a huge amount of work, and
Show at the world famous London it at the Grosvenor because they were always one-off
Paul with Dai Vernon and
Slydini at the Frontier Hotel
268 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 & Casino in Las Vegas www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk
productions, there was no continuity. Even
though we raised impressive funds and
were able to donate hundreds of show
tickets to deserving charities, I was never
entirely satisfied. Something was missing.
That’s when I had the idea for starting
MagiCares™ The Magic Charity where
magicians around the world could use
their talents to improve the lives of people
and animals suffering hardship and ill
health. Siegfried & Roy are Honorary
Trustees, and Lord MacGregor of Pulham
Market is our Patron”.
On 19 September, Paul will be
presenting his latest Palladium production,
‘PALLADIUM MAGIC’, celebrating 100
years of magic at this majestic theatre.
The show will pay tribute to many of the
great magicians who have graced the
Palladium stage during the past 100
years, including Houdini, Chung Ling Soo,
Channing Pollock, Robert Harbin, Jay
Marshall, Paul Daniels, and, of course,
Tommy Cooper.
There are also plans to introduce a few Top clockwise: Paul hosting a
'Millionaires’ Club' event

Paul with legendary comedian

Bob Monkhouse

Paul with Hans & Helga Moretti

Paul with Siegfried & Roy and Dame

Shirley Bassey at the London Palladium

Far left: Paul with Lance Burton & Peter

Reveen on the opening night of his
show at the Monte Carlo Hotel

Left: Paul with HRH Princess Michael of

Kent and Lynette Chappell at the
Landmark Hotel in London

living magic legends during the show, Paul with Ron Moody producer of stunning charity shows,
such as Jack Kodell and his wife Mary backstage at the London invited me to be the Guest of Honour at
Naylor, who was herself a former music Palladium the PALLADIUM MAGIC Charity Show
hall star in the 1940s and 50s. Paul is also celebrating 100 years of magic. It is a
hoping master magician, John Calvert, privilege to accept, and I have cancelled
can make his Palladium debut at 100 other commitments to be there. To work
years of age. at the Palladium has been, for me, the
Prior to the show, fifty close-up most extraordinary experience of my
magicians will entertain the audience at life. I love British people, and I
their seats. The spectacular line-up of on- applaud the philanthropic
stage talent features Mac King, Hans side of this MagiCares™
Klok, The Great Tomsoni & Co, Jeff event”.
Hobson, Michael Finney, Mikael “MagiCares™ will donate
Szanyiel, Erix Logan, Paul Zenon, 1,000 tickets to local
Marko Karvo, Kris Kremo, and London cancer-related
Nathalie Enterline. The Guest of charities, children’s
Honour is none other than the hospices, and other
international star, Silvan, who hails deserving organisations for
from Rome and last played the their patients, families,
Palladium in 1975 in the Ken Dodd caregivers, and nurses”, Paul
Show. explains. “Our goal is to give
“I felt very honoured”, Silvan each of them an incredible
▲

states, “when Paul Stone, the evening of laughter and fun

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 269

 Burger, and Rocco Silano.
As Paul’s love of magic grew, he
became a frequent visitor to a well-known
Liverpool landmark called the Wizard’s
Den. One afternoon, while searching for
something new to perform, he came
across a copy of Goodliffe’s Abracadabra
magazine. An ad caught his eye for Ken
Brooke’s Magic Place in London. It was an
ad that would change his life.
Paul became a student of the late,
great, Ken Brooke, arguably one of the
finest teachers of magic to have ever
lived, as well as a wonderful performer.
Paul explains, “Ken was one of the very
few magic dealers at that time who
understood the difference between magic
Paul with David Copperfield and Gaëtan Bloom in New Orleans for magicians and performing it in the real
where they can escape to a magical Christmas day to do a few tricks for the world. He instinctively knew what was
world, even if it’s just for a few hours”. children who weren’t well enough to go commercial and guided me in that
Paul goes on to say: “You simply can’t home. I’ll never forget the smiles on their direction. He became my mentor, and, I’m
put a value on the positive effect that faces and how excited and happy they proud to say, my good friend”. Paul
being invited to a special show like were to see the magic. It was as though I subsequently bought the worldwide
‘PALLADIUM MAGIC’ has on patients and had somehow made all of their problems manufacturing and marketing rights to
their families. The anticipation of visiting vanish. I simply went there to share my the Ken Brooke Range of Magic, which he
the London Palladium followed by the magic with other children less fortunate, still owns.
excitement of actually being at the show but left with more joy than I could have Paul’s performing career began to take
has lasting benefits for weeks afterwards. ever imagined, and it only took a couple off in the 1970s when he started working
And they are a wonderful audience!” of hours out of my day”. It was a feeling the northern clubs, which he says, “were
Producing a show on this scale is costly Paul would never forget. not the easiest venues to work. The
and getting donations is crucial to its His knowledge of magic escalated when audiences were tough, particularly in the
success. The best way to help is by he was able to join the Liverpool Northeast, but you learned fast or you
sponsoring a few tickets for the Mahatma Magic Circle, one of the oldest didn’t survive! It was a hard, but valuable
PALLADIUM MAGIC Charity Show. You and most respected magic societies in UK. training ground,” Paul insists, “and one
can do so by going to: “During the 43 years that I have been a that is sorely missed today. There is
www.palladiummagic.com/charitytickets. member of this excellent club”, Paul says, nowhere for aspiring young performers to
html . “which is due to celebrate its Centenary work, to be bad, and to learn their trade,
“It’s great to have the ability to give in 2015, I have been privileged to serve as which is why there are so few top quality
something back”, Paul insists. “The its president on four separate occasions”. stage magicians, and why, today, close-up
beneficial effect that a magical night at Paul also produced the club’s 75th and performers are so much more prevalent”.
the London Palladium has on so many 90th Anniversary events in Liverpool which Paul worked the Clubs for four years,
people suffering hardship and ill health is featured magic stars such as the one and and then discovered the world of
quite amazing, and truly heart-warming, only ‘amusing & confusing’ Johnny Paul, tradeshows. “I was extremely fortunate to
proving beyond doubt that When Magic Juan Tamariz, Harry Lorayne, The Morettis, meet, and later become close friends
Cares, Miracles Happen” . Jeff Hobson, Gaëtan Bloom, Eugene with, Bud Dietrich from St Louis,” he says.
Certainly, because Paul Stone cares so
much, miracles are happening for so
many deserving individuals. His goal for
MagiCares™ is to make it a truly global
charity where magicians, across the globe,
can use their unique talents to reach out
to people. He personally donates every one
of the hundreds of hours that it takes to
produce a show of this magnitude, and
does not accept a fee for any of his efforts.
Giving back has always been part of
Paul’s life, even as a child. It was in his
home town of Liverpool that he first
experienced what he calls “an even
greater kind of magic”. Paul explains:
“When I was young, just starting to
perform, I visited a local hospital on Paul, centre, with his arms around Johnny Paul and Johnny’s wife, Winnie

270 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

“Bud was widely acknowledged to him. James is now the official
as one of the top tradeshow MagiCares™ Ambassador, and
performers in the world. He took has also been made an honorary
me under his wing and mentored member of the Liverpool
me, unselfishly teaching me Mahatma Magic Circle.
everything about the lucrative “When I think of how lucky I
tradeshow business. I used to am to have such a great family”,
watch Bud performing for hours,” Paul says, “it makes me even
he continues, “and never missed more determined to help those in
his annual appearances at the need. I have been married to my
World Travel Market at Olympia amazingly patient and lovely wife,
where he fronted the St Louis Lin, for thirty-two years, and we
Convention & Visitors Bureau have raised two wonderful sons,
booth. Bud was a master at Danny and Ben, both of whom
attracting, and holding huge live in Las Vegas”. Danny was a
crowds. I learned a great deal professional footballer in England,
from him”. playing for Blackburn Rovers and
So much so that Paul quickly Paul with Mohammad Ali in Las Vegas Notts County before moving to
became a successful tradeshow performer, presentations, which were held there Las Vegas five years ago. He is now the
in his own right. He toured the world for every month, for two years. It was a Technical Director of the largest youth
major corporations including Mitsubishi, tremendous opportunity, and I met a soccer club in Las Vegas, and oversees the
Braun, Kenwood, Polaroid, Royal Bank of number of very influential people”. development of a thousand young soccer
Scotland, Mars, and SmithKline Beecham Paul has also instigated charity players, as well as forty coaches.
in cities such as Chicago, Las Vegas, initiatives for the Liverpool Mahatma Ben is a highly sought after hospitality
Rome, Paris, London, and Jerusalem. Magic Circle to raise funds for several magician, and has built up his reputation
Due to his regular trips to the U.S, and different causes, from sponsoring the performing privately for A-List stars and
in particular Las Vegas, as well as his training of guide dogs for the blind, to celebrities. Paul adds with a father’s pride,
knowledge of international acts, Paul paying for a youngster named James “He is also a terrific singer / songwriter
became the European adviser to the Dunn, who has a life-threatening disease, and is now carving out a successful career
Desert Magic Seminar. His experience and to fly, with his parents, to Las Vegas for a for himself in the world of music too. In
contacts proved invaluable in securing and trip of a lifetime. fact, Ben wrote the ‘MagiCares Anthem’,
bringing over top European talent such as “I first met James,” Paul explains, “who which he sang at the Siegfried & Roy
Fred Kaps, Juan Tamariz, The Morettis, was 13 years old at the time, along with Tribute at the London Palladium”.
Paul Daniels, Richard Ross, Salvano, his mum and dad, Lesley and Kenny, as Next to his family, and then, of course,
Gaëtan Bloom, and Wayne Dobson. well as his sister, Gemma, about five years his charity work, magic has always been a
In the mid 1980s, fate would play its ago when they were at a small passion in Paul’s life. He credits it for
hand again when one of Paul’s corporate Fundraising Dinner that I had organised much of his success today. But Variety is
clients was let down at the last minute by for a friend, who was involved in a project also close to his heart, having produced
the show’s producer. With the pending to build an orphanage in Uganda. James dozens of Variety Shows in the UK and
event in shambles, Paul jumped in, feet suffers from the severest form of the life USA over the past 30 years. Since moving
first, to co-ordinate and produce the threatening skin disease, recessive to Las Vegas where he now resides, Paul
company’s all-important new product dystrophic epidermolysis bullosa, or EB as has produced Variety Live, World Stars of
launch. The presentation was an it is more commonly known. He has been Magic, Britain’s Top Talent, The Bootleg
outstanding success, and Paul discovered in a wheelchair all his life, has no fingers 60’s Show and the Society of Seven at the
that producing suited his creative and or toes, and has to have his whole body Suncoast Hotel & Casino and the Orleans
organisational skills perfectly. A new bandaged every day, which takes up to Hotel & Casino. He was also a consultant
chapter in Paul’s life was about to begin. four hours. James is fed through a tube in on ITV’s recent Penn & Teller television
A flurry of corporate shows, awards his stomach, and needs regular morphine series, Fool Us, hosted by Jonathan Ross.
banquets, product launches, and charity injections to relieve the intense pain”. And with a major new Las Vegas show in
fundraising events followed. In the “In spite of all this”, Paul continues, the works that will showcase fresh new
process, he discovered he had another “he has a wonderful attitude to life and talent, Paul Stone is living proof that using
talent, that of a charity auctioneer. rarely complains. He is a truly inspirational magic to create magic is not just a
Paul used his newly found skills to help young man, and I wanted to do anything worthwhile goal, for this remarkable
to raise substantial sums of money for I could to help him and his incredible performer, producer, and philanthropist –
numerous charity functions at the top family. James loves magic, and he was so it is a way of life.
hotels in London including the Grosvenor excited when we were able to arrange for
House Hotel, as well as the Dorchester, him and his family to come to London in For more about the MagiCares™ charity
the London Hilton, and the Savoy. “The 2008 as our special guests for the Tribute go to www.magicares.com,
Savoy became my second home,” Paul to Siegfried & Roy at the London and for more about the Palladium Magic
says. “I was lucky enough to be selected Palladium. He was thrilled at meeting event, www.palladiummagic.com/
to host and emcee the Express Newspaper these two Las Vegas legends, and both charitytickets.html .
Group’s National ‘Millionaires Club’ Siegfried and Roy were exceptionally kind

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 Edwin A. Dawes

394. MR AND MRS VICTOR ANDRÉ, THE ENGLISH MAHATMAS, AND THEIR ENTRY TO EARLY CINEMA
fter the Andrés’ Blackpool season ended in professional life [my italics],

A September 1895, they began touring again

in the North of England and the Midlands
visiting the Manchester Palace, Macclesfield Town
Andrews was selected
(from over a hundred
applicants) by Mr Fred W.
Hall, Oswestry Victoria Rooms, Shrewsbury Music Warden, managing director
Hall and Stafford Oddfellows’ Hall, which carried of the Belfast theatres
them to the end of the year. [Theatre Royal and Grand
The new year of 1896 commenced with their Opera House] to act as his
first tour in South Wales, starting at the Gwyn Hall lieutenant in their
in Neath, followed by a couple of weeks at the management”. As this
Royalty Theatre in Llanelly and then to Porth, article appeared in
where a vacancy arose in the company, highlighted November 1900, the
by an advert in The Era: implication of the italicized
Wanted Immediately. Good Trance Subject. statement is that André
Gentlemanly, used to Daily Trance. had, by that time, decided
Wire Victor André, Theatre, Porth, South Wales. to retire from performing.
It may be noted that Dr Walford Bodie also was As we shall see, if that
presenting The Man in a Trance at this time. statement was correct at
On his return to Llanelly Royalty Theatre at the the time of writing, then,
end of February, we find that for the first time in for whatever reason(s), he
his advertisements Mr Victor André had acquired a certainly changed his mind
doctorate, perhaps the influence of his brush with and continued to appear
‘Dr’ Walford Bodie? The Era reported, “Dr and Mrs for many years, albeit with
André, the Modern Mahatmas and wonder increased emphasis on his
workers, are here again after a short absence. The Loie Fuller, creator of the Serpentine Dance wife’s performances. It
man in a trance is also introduced for the first time here this seems more likely, therefore, to have referred to his retirement
week”. from touring with a variety company.
The Andrés were the Easter attraction at Morecambe The year 1896 continued to be a hectic one for the Andrés
Assembly Rooms, followed by the Palatine Hall in nearby and from May onwards, starting at Burslem Town Hall in
Lancaster, and shortly after, in May, André’s agent Staffordshire, they progressed to Tamworth Assembly Rooms,
advertised for ‘Advance or Acting Weston-Super-Mare Royal Assembly Rooms, and thence to
Management. Resident or Tour. Experienced. Devonshire for a summer season that extended from June to the
Concluding Tour with Victor André. T.H. end of August embracing Teignmouth, Paignton, Dartmouth and
HARDING, 1 Chatham Place E, Liverpool.’ Plymouth. Then, at the beginning of September, they sailed to
It seems likely that this vacancy arose the Channel Islands, opening at the Oddfellows’ Hall in Jersey,
when W.J. Andrews, an amateur where they drew crowded audiences, prior to continuing to the
magician who deserted marble island of Guernsey.
sculpture to work as an assistant with The Star on 19 September carried an article headed ‘Society’s
André in the early music hall period Latest and Greatest Sensation’ for the benefit of their readers in
and who, when André took out his Guernsey, where the Andrés were due to open on 21 September
own touring company, became his and a licence had been granted for hypnotic séances to be held
secretary and business manager, left to in the Lyric Hall from that date until 9 October inclusive. This
accept a similar position with Samri S. same report claimed the Andrés had appeared before royalty on
Baldwin in America. After that ended he 47 occasions and noted that in the past three weeks they had
served as assistant manager at the Grand caused quite a sensation, which caused them to extend by one
Opera House at Nashville and later as manager week, hence delaying by seven days their two-weeks’
W.J.
Andrews,
of variety entertainments at the Eden Musée in New appearance in Guernsey. Here again they attracted large
André’s York before returning to Britain. Following other management audiences and on one evening H.E. the Lieutenant Governor
manager in positions, he rejoined Victor André and, according to an article attended along with “a large number of the elite”.
mid-1890s
about his career in The Era in 1900, he was with him for a They returned to the mainland in October to appear at
provincial run and “upon that gentleman’s retirement from Salisbury Assembly Rooms and Basingstoke Corn Exchange from

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MIMC

where an advert was placed in The Era, which disclosed the obeys, to make haste and
requirement of a speciality act for the company: she rattles on at a furious
Wanted – Serpentine and Skirt Dancer. Must be refined. pace. Anyone present may
No high kicking. ask questions, slips of
Send photo, lowest terms, experience and age. Permanency paper and pads being
if suitable. freely distributed in the
Victor André, Feather Hotel, Basingstoke. hall for the purpose
The Serpentine Dance and skirt dancing had been pioneered [N.B. This is the first of
by the American dancer Loie Fuller in 1891, and the stricture the many reports of
on high kicking undoubtedly stemmed from the music hall the act to mention the
artiste Lottie Collins. In the early 1890s, Collins caused a use of pads]. On
sensation with the apache can-can dance, which accompanied Monday night there
her rendering of the song Ta-ra-ra-boom-de-ay and brought were a large number
accusations of vulgarity from the League of Purity. André was of an enquiring turn South
taking no chances! of mind, and it is Shore,
Blackpool,
From Basingstoke the tour continued to the Foresters’ Hall in safe to say that half 1896
Reading which carried them to the end of their busy year. a hundred questions were (Peter Lane
The new entertainment sensation of 1896 in London was the asked and answered. To judge by the nature of Collection)
Lumière Brothers’ cinématographe, launched by Félicien Trewey the enquiries, the subjects which at the present moment
at the Marlborough Hall in Regent Street and, in response to occupy the minds of the people of Torquay, are money and
popular demand, transferred to the Empire Theatre in Leicester matrimony. With the forthcoming increase of the rates it is
Square on 9 March. David Devant quickly perceived the potential reassuring to know on Mrs André’s authority that quite a
of the invention and being unable to convince the Maskelynes number of residents are to be the happy recipients of
that they should purchase one for the Egyptian Hall, set up his substantial legacies.”
own travelling cinema shows. Victor André also saw it as a There is much more in similar vein and we shall focus only
money spinner and entered the field by purchasing a Paul on some items of particular interest, thus: “Perhaps the most
Theatrograph projector from Devant, who was acting as an astonishing reply vouchsafed was that given to a gentleman
agent for Robert W. Paul (Devant, 1931). By September 1896 who had lost a five pound note. Mrs André actually
‘The Cinematographe’ had become a standard component of announced the number of the missing note – 92764 – and
André’s shows “with all the latest subjects, including the JUBILEE informed the questioner that he would never see his fiver
PROCESSION”, the latter referring to Queen Victoria’s Diamond more. The gentleman in question publicly stated that between
Jubilee celebration. himself and the Mahatma there had been not the slightest
During the summer season of 1896 the Andrés, billed as the collusion of any kind. Another lady, who had not even written
‘European Mahatmas’, visited Torquay and, according to the her question, was told that she was thinking of the loss of
Torquay and South Devon Journal, created “a remarkable and a sum of money – amount stated – and wondering whether
wide-spread sensation in the town” with their silent thought or not her servant had stolen it. She
Programme
transmission act. Consequently their return visit to the Torquay for Animated might rest satisfied that her domestic
Bath Saloons in September was a popular one, which garnered Pictures was honest. The lady, who
▲

many column inches in the same paper, and from this was seated
source (12 September) we can gain a good
impression of their work.
“Attired in a handsome
and costly evening dress,
Mrs André appears upon
the stage and is sent to
sleep by means of an
anaesthetic. Once in the land
of dreams, she is obedient to
the will of her husband. He
commands her to speak and
she speaks, to stop and she

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 immediately behind our representative, appeared greatly the local paper, The Star,
confused that her thoughts had been divined, and welcomed them effusively.
acknowledged that every detail was accurate. It should “After several weeks of
be stated that the questions, if written, remain in the unprecedented success at
possession of the writer.” Oddfellows’ Hall in Jersey, the
Of the remainder of the Andrés’ performance, the reporter Andrés will return to Guernsey
wrote: “Apart from the séance, the variety entertainment is of bringing cinematographe, fine
a high-class and satisfactory character. Mr André is a most art views, skirt dancing, La
accomplished magician and ventriloquist. He can do any kind Dance Lumineuse, the famous
of sleight-of-hand tricks, he can play the sailor’s hornpipe and Boy Violinist &c.”
other airs by tapping his finger nails upon his teeth, he can “Last evening the Andrés
do wonders with his singularly flexible voice.” The dental received a splendid welcome
performance is, to say the least, unusual! back to Guernsey at St Julian’s
From the Torquay Times we learn a little more of the details Hall.” The report specifically
of the show and notably that Mrs André’s opening item was to mentioned the inclusion of
divine cards selected behind her back and held faces to the André’s Hat and Monkey Trick
audience for verification and totally out of her sight, with the and Handkerchiefs from Candle,
comment, ‘This, too, with no uttered words for the working of a the cinematographe with
code!’ Slips of paper and ‘stumpy pencils’ were then distributed ‘Bathing’, Loie Fuller’s Skirt
by assistants to the audience, who were invited Dance and Scenes from Queen Torquay & South Devon
to write down their questions, during which Victoria’s Jubilee. And on Journal, 15 September 1897
time Mrs André stood on the platform ‘getting 2 September it was necessary to apply for an extension of
in sympathy with her audience’. She then left licence to transfer his entertainment from St Julian’s Hall to the
the platform when musical, dancing and Victor Market Hall from 6 to 20 September. “Nothing succeeds like
André’s ventriloquial acts, dioramic views and success” chirped The Star as the extension of engagement
the cinematographe intervened, giving her continued. From Guernsey the show returned to Devon, opening
ample time before she returned for the great at Exeter at the Victoria Hall, and thence in December to
climax of the Séance. Cornwall at St John’s Hall in Penzance.
Of Victor André’s performance, this particular In 1898 the Andrés’ travels took them to the Corn Exchange
scribe classed him as ‘one of the cleverest of at Cheltenham and thence during April and May to the Free
deceivers’ and added that his glibness of Trade Hall in Manchester where they were extremely popular. Yet
tongue, easy babbling of airy humour and facile again they visited Jersey at the end of July and from there came
flow of his patter were even fully as worthy of another return to the Victoria Pier in Blackpool for the month of
admiration. September, when W.B. Moseley, a protean artiste, mimic and
In January 1897 the Andrés returned to the vocalist joined the company. At the beginning of October André
R.W. Paul’s Mechanics Institute in Plymouth and the start advertised that a Serpentine Dancer was required immediately
Theatrograph, 1896
of another year with a full date book, which for the Blackpool season.
next took them to Gloucester Royal Albert Hall and Stafford Subsequent engagements, which carried them to the end of
Lyceum Theatre from where another member of the company the year, included the Cambridge Hall in Southport, the Palace
was required: of Varieties in Macclesfield, the Public Hall in Runcorn and the
WANTED for Cinematographe, Good Operator and Lanternist. Colston (Lesser) Hall in Bristol. They played at this last venue for
Gentlemanly address. State lowest terms and
experience.
Whether because this post remained unfilled or for
other reasons, another notice appeared in The Era some
two months later:
WANTED to sell. Cinematographe, one of the best.
In Perfect Working Order.
Fifteen well selected Films. May be seen at Albert
Hall, Morecambe. Apply Mr Victor André.
Notwithstanding this advertisement, André continued
to present films for several years.
Another tour of Lancashire and the North ensued.
Starting with a season at the Free Trade Hall in
Manchester and continuing to Morecambe, an
extended visit to Preston, the Town Hall at Buxton,
St George’s Hall at Kendal, and then, at the end of
July, a return visit to the Channel Islands, where the
cinematographe was still being featured in the show.
After appearing in Jersey, they proceeded to Guernsey
where again they had to apply to the Court for a
licence to stage a hypnotic demonstration. Once more Programme with W.B. Moseley, 1898 (Peter Lane Collection)

274 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

the month of December and were billed as presenting The Dark
Continent of Science and the Light Side of Nature, and The
Tenth Wonder of the World.
The printed programmes for the Victor André Variety Show
listed the complete repertoire for the week, from which selections
were made each evening, thus ensuring that there would be, as
advertised, “Great Changes of Programme Each Evening”, a
feature that was sometimes mentioned in newspaper reports. As
an example, we may take an 1898 programme, which, although
undated, can be placed because Mr W.B. Moseley, the protean
artiste, toured with the André company from the beginning of
September until 3 December of that year.
A pianoforte solo by Mr J. Somerville Ellis opened the
proceedings and then Victor André appeared with his Séance
Magique. This comprised sleight of hand with coins,
handkerchiefs and the like, as a prelude to Silent Thought
Transmission demonstrated between himself and his wife before
a committee selected by the audience to watch that no signs
were given or a word spoken.
A Skirt Dance by Miss May Murray provided the first of the
supporting acts, succeeded by the versatile Mr W.B. Moseley,
comedian, actor impersonator, lyric vocalist and premier facial
artiste. He presented Twenty Minutes at Madame Tussaud’s,
Faces under One Hat (chapeaugraphy), and the following Vocal
Descriptive Scena: Napoleon Exiled, Imitations Farcical and
Dramatic of Mr Henry Irving, Mr Wilson Barrett, Mr Barry Sullivan
and Mr J.L. Toole.
Victor André then returned with a Ventriloquial Sketch, to be
followed by Dioramic Views of All the World, specially painted
by André’s own Artist, which led to the New ‘Bioscope’,
described as “A Machine for projecting Animated Pictures of the
latest and best invention, with all latest improvements”.
Miss May Murray’s second spot on the programme was a
Danse Lumineuse and a Kaleidoscope Dance, and Mr Moseley’s
second appearance was in a Character Sketch. The show ended
with Mrs André’s Dream Visions.
So that there might be no misunderstanding, the programme
stated, “due to its length, not all the items would be presented
each night but all would be seen during the week”. A second
note claimed, “the various Feats, Tricks and Illusions performed
by Mr Victor André were of his own invention and
construction”.
The following year of 1899 embraced a long season at the
Free Trade Hall in Manchester, from March into May, but other
venues have not been found, which may well tie in with the
statement referred to previously regarding André’s retirement
from touring with a variety company. And in 1900 the only
reference to the Andrés located is aquatic and recreational,
relating to the Swimming Events at Paignton Regatta. The Exeter
Flying Post recorded that Victor André came third, as did Victor
Junior in the Boys’ contest.
The family’s fondness for South Devon is reflected by a note
in the February 1902 issue of Stanyon’s Magic, that Mr Victor
André had settled down in Torquay.

(To be continued)

REFERENCES
Devant, D. (1931). My Magic Life. London: Hutchinson.
Magic (1902). 2(5), 38 (February).
Provincial Business Managers: Mr W.J. Andrews.
The Era, 6 October 1900.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 275

 Mandy Davis MIMC Convenor of Reports. Photographed by John

Monday 13 June 2011 pushed themselves to tackle a type of an established effect. Mark covered a
Scratch Night – John van der magic, or a style of presentation, that was borrowed ring with a hanky and gave it to
Put AIMC contrary to their norm. the owner to hold. Mark then took his
So, did the new acts work? Well, in your watch off, waved the watch over the
Reported by Tim Barnes reviewer’s opinion, some aspects did and hanky and, as the hanky dropped, the
John van der Put was the lead architect some did not. But that didn’t really matter. ring vanished and magically appearing on
of a programme of theatrical tuition What we saw was a process of evolution the closed watch strap.
and coaching that had led to this as material was juggled, culled, selected A large sales booth set up in the
evening’s event. and then refined – all overlaid by performers Devant Room enabled those interested
Scratch Night was the culmination of visibly growing in both confidence to to discuss and buy magic
a week of intensive development for experiment and ability to present. after the show.
three members, selected from an initial And to finish the evening John showed [The Pre-Show
list of fifteen applicants. Each benefited us a piece of his own work-in-progress – a Hands-On session in
from the assistance of a movement story of loneliness as told through music the Devant Room
director (Lucy Cullingford), a performance and a couple of finger puppet mice – Graham Reed featured Graham Reed.]
wonderful!
Saturday 25 June 2011
Monday 20 June 2011 Season of Summer Sorcery:
Going Walkabout – Steve Allen’s Magic Circle
Mark Leveridge MIMC Mysteries
Reported by Mandy Davis Reported by Jack Delvin
John van der Put Jake Banfield The evening’s lecture was on the subject To his myriad of listeners on LBC 97.3FM,
of Walkaround Magic. Mark Leveridge is Steve Allen is a legend. Such a legend
well known for his work with children and that when he offered listeners the
for his inventive mind, a dealer who sells chance to peek behind the doors of our
only his own creations. Club, the event sold out within a day of
Mark dealt with everything that anyone the show going on sale and he had to
would need to know about this branch of put on a matinee performance to cope
entertainment. In simplistic terms he with demand! A key part of the Circle’s
talked of clothing, pocket management, Season of Summer Sorcery, its dazzling
Steve Steel Tim Shoesmith
approaching a group standing at a bill was sure to be a big hit.
psychologist (Roberto Forzoni), two reception style event, the length of Almost all of the audience were
theatre directors (Ben de Wynter and performance and type of material to use. newcomers to the Circle and therefore
Michael van der Put) and, of course, one He touched on managing a growing seeing our amazing headquarters and
another – all supported by John himself. audience and how to protect awkward some of our top performers for the very
Each performer introduced angles from prying eyes. first time.
themselves, through a video diary, Mark interspersed his information with Steve hosted the event in his
charting their journey over the week. a few, very few, tricks including Colour inimitable style which guaranteed the
First up was Jake Banfield – billing Confusion (a deck changed colour so that perfect atmosphere for a packed day of
himself as The Mayfair Magician, a suave the chosen card was easily located as the superb close-up and stage magic.
performer with money, cards and drinks. only odd one), The Coin Collector’s Purse With deafening applause and
Next was Steve Steele performing (a marked coin vanished and reappeared laughter pouring out of the Devant and
Craig Petty’s ‘Chop’ with frenetic, but in a purse), and a clever business card Club Rooms, you will not be surprised
well-timed, choreography against an transposition to hear that the close-up proved to be a
electro-dance backing track. which used huge success when I tell you that we
Finally we watched Tim Shoesmith envelopes. were royally entertained by no less than
performing the Eleven Dollar Bill trick, His final trick Robert Pound, Chris Wood, Nick
jumping from one Government-owned was very useful Einhorn, Michael Valdini, Paul Brown
bank (audience assistant) to another. too – a very and Will Houstoun.
In each case our performers had different ending to

276 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Mark Leveridge
Ward MMC

Monday 27 June 2011 be one of the greatest performers he managed to

An Audience with of modern times. A packed theatre ‘smoke a cigarette’
David Berglas MIMC was treated to an evening of underwater!
reminiscences about his long, highly David Berglas was
Reported by Geoffrey Schisler successful career and enjoyed some the first performer to
How do you become the ‘International of his superlative magic. receive a proper fee
Man of Mystery’ and a magical legend in David’s first television appearance David Berglas for performing on a
your own lifetime? One way is to start by was in 1954 and the first clip we saw was cruise: before then the management
going to a different magic club each night of his famous cigarette manipulations considered it sufficient to provide food
of the week and absorbing as much from 1960 – and to show that he has not and board. He has run Personal
magic as you can. Well, that’s how David lost his touch, he produced a few Motivation courses and advised on
Berglas did it and that, combined with cigarettes for us. Never turning down the many films, notably some of the James
much hard work, an abundance of offer of a show, he was the first, and Bond movies. He is known for his mind-
ingenious ideas, a good bit of audacity possibly last, magician ever to perform boggling feats of mental magic and his

▲
and a smidgen of luck is how he came to magic underwater. He even revealed how astonishing skill with a pack of cards.

The stage show kicked off with Duncan Steve kicked off the second act by behind the counter at Davenports
Trillo performing silk effects, card introducing the first man to fool Penn and during his school holidays when he
manipulations and fans, followed by his Teller, fresh from Las Vegas, the first met him. It turned out to be one
signature Dancing Handkerchief, superb as incomparable John Archer. One of our of the world’s finest ventriloquists,
always. Steve then warned us that the next funniest magicians, John was an instant Paul Zerdin. With the help of his cheeky
act was an endangered species and success, swallowing a metre long balloon character Sam, he demonstrated his
introduced Piff the Magic Dragon, who with and finishing with his Seven Keys to outstanding prowess and comedic
the power of his fiery breath, performed Baldpate. Talking about the future of talents. Paul is a star.
several very clever effects concluding with magic, Steve presented Former Young Congratulations go to Darren Tossell
an exceptionally hot version of the Card Magician of the Year Ben Hart, who gave who conceived and produced the
Stab. For me the hit of the whole evening us a slick performance of three classic project, assisted by Angelo Carbone
was the magical transformation of his pet effects: a fine Billiards Ball Manipulation, and thanks go to all the artistes, tech
chihuahua, Mr Piffles. the Knotted and Unknotted Pocket crew and the army of volunteers who
The first act concluded with Penn and Handkerchiefs and, a two ring Linking gave their time. All their hard work
Teller fooler, the ever-amazing and Rings effect. resulted in a considerable donation
amusing Graham Jolley performing mind Steve then took us back to the 1980s towards the work of Centre for the
magic at its very best. and told us about a lad who worked Magic Arts.

Steve Allen Duncan Trillo Piff the Magic Dragon Graham Jolley John Archer Ben Hart

Paul Zerdin Robert Pound Nicholas Einhorn Michael Valdini Will Houston

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 277

 Outside of performing, one of his greatest achievements was
to preside over the raising of funds for the construction of the
building which now houses our Society, and we saw a clip from
the opening night when the ribbon was cut by Richard Branson
(and restored by David Berglas to be used again for the
following four evenings!).
David then performed a trick with numbers that revealed the
day’s date – which also happened to be the birthday of the
Editor of the Magic Circular, Matt Field. Matt was duly presented Fay Presto Chris Wood Julian James
with a birthday cake! with a perfectly performed three coin
The evening ended with David performing some of his truly transpo and followed with an expert
remarkable magic with borrowed decks of cards, and a very demonstration of gambling skills. Julian
warm standing ovation, proving that ‘The Master’ has lost none James is something else. His looks, his
of his magic. poses and his tingling pauses, would
undoubtedly send shivers up and down
Saturday 2 July 2011 the spines of anyone so disposed. Julian
Season of Summer Sorcery: Giants of Close-up has charisma that makes his mental magic
Michael Vincent all the more remarkable.
Reported by Jack Delvin Final Giant of Close-up was the man who is probably the most
The audience was restricted to 100 for the close-up offering in accomplished card technician in the UK, possibly the world:
the Season of Summer Sorcery and the tickets were sold in Michael Vincent. We were enchanted with a whole gamut of
double quick time. super card effects from the Vincent repertoire.
First up at my table was the one and only Fay Presto. Fay is Giants of Close-up was produced by Chris Wood and, like all
always on form, and she was especially so on this occasion. She the other shows in the Season of Summer Sorcery, was well
introduced her own dining table and audience members joined attended, hugely enjoyable, and financially successful.
her for an opening glass of champagne from a bottle that appeared
by magic before being entertained with the burnt and restored Saturday 9 July 2011
napkin, floating treasury note, her special rope routine and the Season of Summer Sorcery: Magic off the Wall
brilliant bottle through table as well as signed card in bottle. with Fay Presto and John van der Put
Next on was Mr Charm himself, Chris Wood. Chris started
Reported by Jack Delvin
It was a stroke of genius to put Fay Presto
together with Piff the Magic Dragon. Both
are very strong personalities with totally
different, original styles and repertoires.
Each with their own enthusiastic
following, it’s no wonder they drew such
a big crowd to The Magic Circle’s theatre
as part of the Season of Summer Sorcery.
Piff hit the stage first with a potpourri John van der Put
of magical effects, interspersed with
what appeared to be completely ad lib,
hilarious comments.
Piff left the stage, the building and
even the neighbourhood to find a freely
chosen signed card. He also performed
the sensational transformation of his pet
chihuahua, Mr Piffles, into a musical
instrument, and concluded his delightfully
original act by levitating this amazing
Buy books, DVD’s, animal in mid-air!
Fay Presto

magazines, ephemera, Second half was graced by the presence of the glamorous Fay
cards, silks, magic sets, Presto. Fay was in tremendous form with the act as known that
has taken her all over the world to perform before the rich and
magicians for hire famous. In this full stage show I was particularly pleased to see
and more the lovable Harvey, with his pink coat and escape ladder. He had
a bit of a struggle, but eventually managed to find the chosen
Tel: 01362 859491 card as usual to the delight of the audience.
All available for sale online at Also notable was the Drink in News at the beginning and the
reprise when the newspaper is torn into pieces and restored yet,
www.magicianslibrary.com
wonder of wonders, still the liquid is poured from the newly
restored paper.

278 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 The Magic Circle Maskelyne Endowment Fund

CAN YOU WIN IN BLACKPOOL?

Next year is the year of the If you believe you have an outstanding The closing date for
London Olympics with act and intend entering the FISM 2012 contest, applications is
Blackpool playing host to FISM The Magic Circle will consider sponsoring you 30 November 2011,
‘Olympics of with a monetary grant from The Maskelyne and any successful candidate(s)
Endowment Fund. Members who would like to will be informed not later than
Magic’ from
be considered should write detailing magic 1 February 2012.
9 – 14 July 2012, competitions won and any other relevant facts,
when the best together with the category* they would like to *The categories for stage
magicians in the enter. Applications, preferably with a magic are Manipulation,
world will supporting DVD, should be sent to: General Magic, Illusion,
compete for Comedy, and Mental Magic;
prestigious awards. Alan Maskell MIMC, Administrator for close-quarter magic the
At FISM in Den The Magic Circle Maskelyne categories are Card Magic,
Endowment Fund Micro Magic, and Parlour
Haag, The Magic Circle
12 Stephenson Way, Magic.
excelled, with members London NW1 2HD, UK
taking the Grand Prix for The Trustees of The Magic
Stage Magic and Circle Maskelyne Endowment
1st prize for Manipulation, as Fund wish to thank all
well as the Comedy Prize, members who added donations
2 place in Micro Magic, and
nd to the Fund when paying their
3rd place in the Card Magic annual subscription. Your
generosity is much
category.
appreciated.

GALA AWARDS DINNER

Thursday 13 October 2011

at The Royal National Hotel

Bedford Way, Russell Square, WC1

DINNER, ANNUAL AWARDS, SPECIAL GUESTS

& CABARET Bring your guests for a
glittering night of Magic

7:00PM – 11:30pm
Doors open at 6:30pm

Tickets £45
£40 for Members and Friends of The Magic Circle

Please make cheques payable to The Magic Circle

and send with a list of guests to:
The Magic Circle Awards Dinner,
12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 279

 Ian Rowland MIMC
MIMC

Turkish Delight
prop, read the instructions, do the trick’. As a result, there’s very
little public appreciation for magic. The guys in the Fraternity
want to change all that. They want the Turkish magic scene to
flourish and grow, and they want to show people that there’s so
much more to the art of magic than a comedian getting a few
laughs with a Dippy Duck prop.

Royal Visit
As part of this commendable effort, Berk has organised (and
personally funded) a monthly series of lectures by magicians
from around the world, including a few from these shores.
They’ve had lectures from the brilliant and effervescently funny
Jasper Blakeley and close-up genius Ben Earl. Tough acts to
follow, to say the least.
The remarkable Berk Eratay
So it was that I ended up in Istanbul, hanging out with Berk
n a world that may seem full of injustice, corruption, venality, and other members of the Fraternity. I can’t give them all a

I incompetence, conflict, misery and strife – the seven dwarves

of the apocalypse – it’s good to know that sometimes, just
sometimes, everything works out perfectly. As a balm to
name check, but I’d like to mention Kivanç Özkönü, a talented
manips guy who loved the notion of wholly improvised card
magic, which I demonstrated a few times over coffee, and Emir
troubled souls everywhere, may I present just one example. Saraçoglu, a strong mentalist with the kind of subtle, plausible
Fans and regular readers, of which I have none, will be aware charm that suggests he couldn’t possibly be doing anything
that my life is driven by two passions. The first is the career of sneaky. The youngest member of the Fraternity, Can Konuk, is a
Ms. Jacqueline Bisset, and imagery associated therewith. The very talented card worker who won second prize at the Balkan
second is travelling to visually interesting places with my trusty magic convention in Thessaloniki. He can master new moves and
camera and taking enough photographs to fill the internet. routines more quickly than anyone else I know.
With regard to the second of these interests, I have wanted The plan all worked out perfectly. Having stashed me in a nice
to visit Istanbul for years. In cultural and historical terms it has hotel with a view looking out across the Marmara Sea, Berk and
to be one of the most intriguing places on the planet, not to his team took me everywhere, showed me everything and treated
mention one of the very few cities that span two continents. me like some sort of royalty. Naturally I visited all the well-known
Hence my delight when Berk Eratay (of whom more later) tourist spots including the Hagia Sophia, quite possibly the most
came up to me at the Blackpool Convention and said, ‘Hey amazing single structure I will ever stand in. They also took me to
Ian, please come to Istanbul and give my club a lecture. In some less well-known places, including the enchanting open-air
return we’ll show you around, take you everywhere you want restaurant at the top of Buyukada island. They also made sure I
to go and wait patiently while you indulge your regrettably sampled plenty of authentic Turkish cuisine, which I happen to love.
time-consuming photographic appetites.’ This is the perfect The icing on the cake was a two-day trip to Cappadocia, in
way to persuade me to give a lecture, or participate in a
convention, anywhere in the world. We shook hands and the
deal was done.
Let me tell you a little more about the notable Mr. Eratay. He
is a young entrepreneur and businessman who created a very
successful online business pertaining to video games. He won
the Turkish edition of the Uri Geller ‘Phenomenon’ TV show,
and is also the creator of ‘Biokinesis’ – the effect in which the
performer’s eyes visibly transform as if by demonic possession.
Berk is also the founder of the Istanbul Magic Fraternity, a
small and selective group of enthusiasts who are trying to
bring about something of a cultural transformation in the way
magic is presented and perceived in their country. It’s not that
there’s a shortage of magic in Turkey. There’s plenty of magic
around, but the Fraternity feel that much of it is stuck in the
past and falls into the rather pedestrian category of ‘buy the Hot air balloons over the mountains of Cappadocia

280 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

the centre of the country, to see some of the most amazing Take any 20 playing cards. Give them a good face down
scenery in the world. This visit included a hot air balloon ride at shuffle, and secretly note the bottom card. This is your
dawn (there are photos on my Facebook page if you’re interested.) prediction card. You have two spectators. Invite both to think
What did the Fraternity get from me in return? A four-hour of any number between 10 and 20 (in other words, more than
lecture on cards and mentalism, spanning both close-up and half the total number of cards involved). Let’s say spec A
stage material. Four hours may sound like a lot, but in a nice air- chooses 14. Deal 14 cards one at a time on to the table, face
conditioned conference room, with a couple of breaks and down, and dump the rest of the packet on top. Let’s say Spec
plenty of refreshments on hand, it made for a very pleasant B thinks of 17. Pick up the entire packet, deal 17 cards singly
afternoon indeed. I had prepared some lecture notes that I sent on to the table, and dump the rest on top. Now repeat the
over in advance, and that Emir translated into Turkish so they deal one more time with A’s number (14). The prediction card
could be given out (free of charge) at the lecture itself. will now be on top.
It remains to be seen how successful the Fraternity will be in Here are some amazing facts about this process. It doesn’t
their aims to ‘enhance’ the magic scene in Turkey. What I will say matter which numbers A and B choose, so long as both
is that one couldn’t wish to meet a nicer, more likeable group, numbers are greater than half the number of cards in play. It
and I wish them every success in the future. doesn’t matter whether you go A-B-A or B-A-B, it still works.
I may as well tail this piece with a brief plug. I love lecturing or And you don’t even have to know the numbers – if the specs
contributing to conventions in parts of the world I haven’t can be trusted to do the dealing accurately and honestly, then
already seen. Terms and conditions negotiable, interesting they can do all the dealing themselves. You can use any
experiences matter more to me than number of cards, so long as the numbers chosen by the
money. Any offers? spectators are greater than half the total.
What I discovered is that at the end of the process all the
Fun Cards cards that were originally the second half of the stack (e.g.
Alan and Barbara Astra do a lot of cards 11-20 in this example) will be on top of the packet,
good work for The Circle, often perfectly preserved in reverse order. The 20th card will be 1st,
unthanked, and also run a very the 19th card will be 2nd, and so on. This means you have even
successful printing company. Among other more prediction possibilities. For example, you can secretly
things, they print our lovely Circle membership cards. Alan note the third card from the bottom, and write a prediction
recently showed me a fantastic little fun item, as illustrated here. that says, ‘The card in position THIRD from the top will be…’.
It’s a card similar to the membership cards but with an attractive Some might regard this as more impressive.
shimmering gold background. Emblazoned with ‘Important How do you present this so it doesn’t look like a contrived
Phone Numbers of the World’, it provides the names and mathematical principle? How do you justify all the dealing and
numbers of four world leaders with your own name and number avoid it getting tedious? How do you get people to choose
included at the end of the list. numbers from 10-20 without explaining why they have to do
It’s a perfect little giveaway item – witty, original and so? These are presentational matters, and I leave you to come
distinctive. As soon as Alan showed me the idea I ordered a up with your own solutions.
whole bunch of them (which, by the way, Alan printed and Finally, if you want to see a truly brilliant trick based on a
delivered within one working day… how’s that for service?). similar (but not quite identical) principle, I refer you to
Every layman I’ve shown one of these cards to has loved it and ‘Stranger’, which you’ll find on page 114 of ‘Seventh Heaven’
wanted to keep it to show to friends. Prices vary according to by Lewis Jones. It’s just about the greatest, most baffling force
quantity, but I think they’re very inexpensive for the fun and you’ll ever read. The spectator deals through a packet of cards
promotional value you’ll get from them. Contact Alan for details. several times, each deal based on spelling personal information
that you genuinely don’t know. Yet the third and final deal will
QUICK TRICK always lead the spectator to your force card.
Back in the July 2005 edition I described an amazing mathematical
force invented by American mathe-magician Colm Mulcahy. Tomas Invitation
Blomberg has published an effect called ‘Time After Time’ that If you have items, stories, jokes or vicious rumours of
takes the same principle to a new level, and in playing with it I’ve interest to mentalists, please drop me a line
discovered yet another amazing twist. So, here’s an update for you. (ian@ianrowland.com). If you can’t afford Derren and
I’ll start by explaining the bare bones. I’ll describe the trick as if want to hire a fairly good also-ran mentalist, or you just
performed with playing cards but you can adapt it to any other have time to kill, please visit www.ianrowland.com.
props you want.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 281

 The Magic Circle Amethyst 18 SEPT 2011
Noel Britten
Young Magician Angelo Carbone
Doors Open: 10:00am
Planned Finish: 10:30pm
of the Year Keith Cooper

REVISITED Paul Dabek

Steve Dela
at The Magic Circle Headquarters
12 Stephenson way,
To celebrate the 50th anniversary Nicholas Einhorn London NW1 2HD
of The Magic Circle’s Young Richard Griffin
Magician of the Year Competition Ben Hart Registration for this fabulous event
you are invited to join past is:
Philip Hitchcock
participants of this prestigious £27 for young magicians under 18
Michael Jordan
event in a full day of & their guardians
Matt McGurk £35 for members of
presentations, lectures, close-up David Owen
performances and an evening The Magic Circle
Bertie Pearce £45 for non-members
stage show featuring*
Scott Penrose Contact:
Colin Rose noelbritten@themagiccircle.co.uk
Richard Wiseman,
Martyn Rowland
Marc Oberon,
Russ Stevens, Richard Cadell, Martin Scott Price
Graham Jolley, *commitments
Paul Kieve, Andrew O’Connor permitting

282 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Curtain Call memory routine in which four spectators Bullet Party
by Barrie Richardson shuffle a deck of cards that is then split by John Bannon
263 pgs., 10.5 x 7.5 ins., illustrated, four ways. The performer is seemingly 126 pgs., 9 x 6 ins., soft cover,
hard cover with dust jacket. $50 (£35) able to memorise the location of every photo illustrated. $20 (£17) plus p&p
plus p&p from www.HermeticPress.com card in the deck after just a few seconds from your favourite dealer or
or your favourite dealer. Dealers contact of intense memorisation. (In reality, this www.JohnBannonMagic.com. Dealers
Murphy’s Magic Supplies, ingenious routine requires next to no contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies,
www.MurphysMagic.com. mental effort.) www.MurphysMagic.com.
The second chapter, ‘Mind to Mind’, is
Reviewed by Ian Rowland devoted to mind-control routines for Reviewed by Matthew Field
Barrie Richardson’s two Theatre of the smaller groups. The strongest item in this John Bannon recently put out a DVD set
Mind volumes are greatly admired section is ‘Zebra’, a clever and fascinating with the same name, and this book of
within the mentalism community for all presentational format for the magic about a dozen effects and sleights puts
the right reasons. They are filled with square, regardless of which method you into print form much that is on those
strong, practical, use. Close-up mentalism is the theme for discs. That’s just fine with me.
creative mentalism chapter three. It includes an updated The tricks include three Ace
that can entertain version of Milton’s ‘Sleight of Foot’, one assemblies, one traditional in form, the
and mystify any of the most baffling ‘test conditions’ card other two decidedly mutant. There’s a
audience. This third locations ever devised, and full working sandwich effect with a mutant variant,
volume, which details of Richardson’s advanced haunted a “thought card” revelation with a
Richardson suggests key effect ‘Spoo-Key’. devious and bold method, a couple of
will be his Chapter four revisits a favourite false cuts, a lovely substitute for the
swansong, is well up Richardson theme, namely ‘Any Card At Benzais Spin Out move, and more. As
to the standard of his earlier Any Number’. Having already published with virtually everything John does, the
publications. significant work on this effect, Richardson material is well-thought out and the
There are two distinctive themes here offers a very practical and easy to sleight of hand fairly
running through all of Richardson’s perform method that provides a welcome minimal. That means
work. The first is that magic is great, addition to the mentalism library. The fifth it’s appropriate
but magic-as-metaphor is even greater. chapter is devoted to billet work, focusing material for the
In other words, he wants mentalism to chiefly on notions from Allen Zingg (duly intermediate-level
be about something, and to embody credited) and an original Peek move that card lover, and John
ideas and insights that the audience can is similar to Alain Bellon’s ‘Obsidian teaches things like his
relate to and take away from the show. Oblique’ technique (also credited). The excellent handling of
The second is that mentalism, though it final two chapters are devoted to the the Neil Elias Multiple
should be entertaining and baffling, Osmosis Envelope, a versatile prop that is Shift which is well worth learning.
should also be charming. Anyone who easy to make, and a variety of utility Production of the book is fairly
has seen Richardson perform will readily devices such as a clever deck switch minimalistic, but there are lots of
confirm that he could charm any (evolved from the Koran switch in photos and the price is very low for
audience, anywhere. Professional Presentations) and a simple material this good. That thought card
Chapter one offers five wonderful yet effective forcing pad. effect I mentioned will be something
routines best-suited to cabaret This is a highly impressive volume of I add to my repertoire. There’s lots
performance, all of which are gold to inspired contemporary mentalism, and a more in the way of treasure to be
the working mentalist. I shall just fitting record of Richardson’s extraordinary found here as well. If you’ve got the
highlight two routines in particular. career and achievements. It is hard to Bullet Party DVD set, this book is a
‘Choices Have Consequences’ is imagine how greater quality, variety or welcome companion. If you get the
Richardson’s slyly deceptive approach to richness could be contained between two book, I think the DVD set will soon
the ‘Just Chance’ plot. Although there covers. If you are a mentalist, you should be on your wish-list.
are countless variations already in print, get this book. If you are not a mentalist,
this is well worth a look and would be this book will make you want to be one Presentation Magic
highly baffling when presented and provide you with more great material by Nick Fitzherbert
▲

correctly. ‘Quartet’ is a brilliant card than you will ever need. 224 pages, 8.5 x 5.5 ins., soft cover.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 283

£12.99 from most booksellers (£11.69 at finding digs, of loading in and out and and teaches the trick, which is part of his
www.amazon.co.uk, $18.50 from cutting traps in stages. JB Magic range. It is dead easy to do. A
www.amazon.com) plus p&p. Along with these tales are sidebars on table is needed (to do the card spreads),
people like Maskar, who did “Menta but the reset is easy. The leather Z-fold
Reviewed by Matthew Field Resista”, the Georgia Magnet trick of wallet is good quality. Mark shows his
Nick Fitzherbert was the PRO for The apparently increasing one’s weight so that turnover move for the wallet, which is
Magic Circle, but his ‘real’ career is in a strong man can’t lift up the performer. very effective.
public relations and business This is explained, along with illusions like High marks all around for another
communication. Nick Amac’s “Elusive Lady” as performed by Wayne Dobson winner!
often works with the Great Lyle, Maskelyne’s “Vanishing
industry leaders to help Motorcycle and Rider” (“Biff”) also Minimax Detector
them make their performed by Lyle, and Murray’s “Frozen by Edo
presentations more Alive”. The book is lavishly illustrated with Small magnetic detector, leather case,
effective, and he has posters, programmes and other items extra battery, 1 pg. instructions, plus 20
found that applying from the collection of our Executive min. DVD. $99 (£80) plus p&p from your
some techniques from Librarian, Peter Lane, as well as with favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s
the world of magic can snapshots from Tug Wilson. Magic Supplies,
be very helpful. The time period begins in 1953, and www.MurphysMagic.com.
So this is not a book of magic tricks. It Wilson worked in the period in which the
is, instead, an insightful guide to making big stage show went into decline. Former Reviewed by Matthew Field
presentations more effective. There are big stars were reduced to playing three There are many tricks which depend upon
ten ‘rules’ adapted from magic including shows a day in between showings of the magician being able to detect the
how to prepare, command attention, motion pictures. In 1985 Tug Wilson was location of a (usually hidden) magnet.
maximise impact and use tools like posted to Germany as a station engineer, Versions of this principle demonstrated on
PowerPoint to full potential. although his interest in magic continues the DVD which accompanies the dingus
For anyone who ever has to make a and he can often here include finding which hand a coin is
presentation or ‘pitch’, this book is solid be found attending concealed in, which of five playing cards
gold. Nick is an experienced and the British Ring has a coin hidden under it, etc. Another,
successful professional, an amateur Convention and is not demonstrated, is a version of
magician who has used what he has a member of the discovering which inverted plastic cup has
learned to create some real magic for Frinton Magic a massive spike under it.
anyone reading this book. Triangle. So there are two things at work here.
This is an Do you have an effect which needs a
Tug’s Tales absolutely really small, vibrating detector of
by Tug Wilson as told to delightful book, filled with great stories magnetic fields? Do you have a way of
Christopher Brinson and recollections of someone who actively taking heat off the
98 pages, 8.25 x 6.75 ins., soft cover, worked on big, touring magic shows. fact that something
colour illustrated with index. £15 There’s some good magic in there as well. magnetic is in play?
including UK postage from Arcady Press, If your answer is yes,
53 Surbiton Road, Southchurch SS2 4NR. Devastation this is really neat. The
www.ArcadyPress.co.uk. by Wayne Dobson detector is very small,
Leather ‘Z’-fold wallet, 2 (common) about the size of an
Reviewed by Matthew Field gaffed cards, and 21 min. Instructional ITR Boss reel, 1.5
This book is the latest from Member John DVD. £25 ($40) plus p&p from inches long and 1/8 in.
Alexander’s Arcady Press, which www.WayneDobson.com or your in diameter. You can conceal it in a finger
consistently puts out quirky small books favourite dealer. palm, under a watch band, even in your
with great stories about magic’s Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies, mouth. Lots of other places are suggested
characters. In this case, the character is www.MurphysMagic.com. on the accompanying DVD, which has
Tug Wilson, actually Atholl Wilson, who no speaking but uses on-screen text in
gained his nickname by working on, what Reviewed by Matthew Field English and German. (Magician Edo,
else?, tugboats. Born in 1930, Wilson This is a very impressive trick from the who does the performing and teaching,
worked on several big magic shows, very impressive Wayne Dobson. A deck is is Swiss.)
including those of Cecil Lyle, Murray shown to have ‘all backs’ via a brief All It does what it’s supposed to do, and
(Norman Murray Corrington-Walters), and Backs sequence. A the vibration is quiet. You’ll feel it, but the
Les Levante. He worked backstage, wallet is shown. A spectator won’t hear it. You’ll need to
actually driving the motorcycle for the Spectator names purchase something magnetic – a gaffed
“Biff” envanishment, and travelled around any card. That card coin, shimmed card, poker chip, or
the world. is shown to be in perhaps conceal a magnet in a banknote
This is the story of magic in a bygone the wallet. as you roll it into a ball.
era, full of adventures in India, China, Mark Mason The item is excellent and, while not
Singapore, and Japan along with tales of does the cheap, seems to be worth the price if
the journeys by shop, train and coach, of demonstrations you’ve got a routine to go with it.

284 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Rameses – The Forgotten Star between, The Great There is precious little in print.
by Chris Woodward Rameses reached The story is well told by Chris, and I
136 pages, 8.25 x 5.75 ins., hard back, great heights, found it riveting. There is an article and
clothbound with colour image on cover, earning some of the two card tricks written by Rameses
illustrated with 8 pgs. of colour, satin biggest fees ever reprinted in the book. Reproduced
bookmark. Includes chronology and notes. paid, and eventually throughout are photos, posters and other
$45 (about £30) from going bust as an ephemera, although these are often tiny,
www.SquashPublishing.com or your impresario and given the overall small size of the book.
favourite UK or US dealer. Autographed theatre owner. Eight pages of colour reproductions are
copies from the author at £30.00 Chris Woodward, who is The Great very well done. The book has more than
postpaid UK and £33.00 pp Europe, e- Fogel’s son-in-law, was shown a picture the expected number of typos, but these
mail c.woodward@tesco.net. of Rameses the Royal Illusionist in Charles do not overly intrude.
and Regina Reynolds’ 100 Years of Magic With a foreword by Eddie Dawes, this
Reviewed by Matthew Field Posters, and Fogel recounted the story of book is a welcome addition to the story
When Maurice Fogel was still pretty much this magician from his youth. This led of magic’s colourful history. Were it not
a kid, he worked for (and often filled in Chris on a long quest; I would venture for the efforts of Chris Woodward, the
for) a magician called Albert Marchinski, to say that anyone who knows him has amazing and sometimes tragic story of
better known by his stage name, been asked, often more than once, The Great Rameses might have been lost.
Rameses. Marchinski was born in Poland whether they had any information to Reading it is entertaining and
in 1876 and died in 1930 in Southend. In offer about Rameses or Marchinski. enlightening.

Liddelow AIMC
Peter Liddelowt

I am sorry to have to report the deaths Gwen Cooper, Alan Tall AIMC, and Contact addresses:
of four distinguished members: John Wood AIMC. Mrs Helen Andrews (Bill’s wife) –
William (Bill) Andrews MIMC, a past 298 West Lane, Stamford,
President of The Society of American It is with regret that, due to the pressure CT 06905 USA
Magicians who has made a tremendous of other commitments, I am having to Mrs Irene Barnes (Larry’s wife) –
contribution to the world of magic. stand down as Welfare Officer as from 51 Highbury Quadrant, Islington,
October, though I will continue my role as London N5 2TH
Larry Barnes MIMC the popular and Chaplain. I am delighted that the Council Mrs Mary Hart (John’s wife) –
multi-talented Pearly King of Thornton has appointed David Hatch The Spinney, Shaldon Green Road,
Heath. Thirty Pearly Kings and Queens MMC, a retired Consultant Alton, Hants., GU34 4DT.
formed a guard of honour at his Professor at Great Ormond Mrs Jackie Moorehouse (Hank’s wife)
Funeral. Street Hospital, to this – PO Box 352, White Pigeon,
position. We will share in MI 49099 USA.
John Hart MIMC a much respected compiling this column in Bill Jenner MMC – 8 Ruxley Close,
member who sadly died of pneumonia. future issues. Sidcup, Kent DA14 5LS.
John Styles MIMC – 42 Christchurch
Hank Moorehouse (former MIMC), a Just a thought – with some further Road, Sidcup, Kent DA15 7HQ
great character who passed away whilst reflections from George Carlin, an Andrew Webb MMC – 249 Whitley
touring in China. entertainer of the ‘70s which, perhaps, Wood Road, Reading, Berkshire RG2 8LE.
are pertinent as we seek to care for
We cherish their memories and send members of our Magic Circle family. If you hear of members or their families
our heartfelt condolences to their loved “The paradox of our time is that we who are sick or facing hard times please
ones. have conquered the atom, but not our contact:
prejudice. We’ve learned to rush, but not David Hatch MMC WELFARE OFFICER
We also send our good wishes to Bill to wait. We build more computers but we 6 Darnley Road, Woodford Green
Jenner MMC who is recovering from a communicate less. We should remember Essex 1G8 9HU
heart by-pass operation, John Styles to say ‘I love you’ to our loved ones, but T 0208 504 4134
MIMC who has been somewhat unwell, most of all to mean it. Remember to E WelfareOfficer@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
and Andrew Webb MMC (our spend more time with our friends because
webmaster) who is undergoing medical they won’t be around forever. Remember Peter Liddelow CHAPLAIN
tests. Together with them we do not to say a kind word and give a helping 23 Kings Road, Barnet, Herts., EN5 4EF.
forget other members and their families hand to those in need. Give time today to T 020 8441 2968
previously mentioned for their ongoing love, to speak and to share. – Tomorrow E Chaplain@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
treatment and care: Steve Biddle AIMC, may be too late!”

SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 285

 published in the Sunday Times The report also noted that

Council minutes Magazine. Council accepted

their explanation that they had
the General Manager will
begin maternity leave in three
not been involved in the months time. CMA are
publication in the Sunday investigating possibilities for
Times, but noted that their the provision of maternity
intended strategy of providing cover. The acting Treasurer
“spoiler alerts”, as exemplified referred to the draft CMA
by a supplied copy of an article accounts that had been
in “Scientific American Mind” previously circulated. CMA
did not prevent the wilful expects a very significant loss
disclosure of magical secrets to for 2011. This includes some
MINUTES OF THE MAGIC with rule 5.9.2 by Alexander the public. Council determined material one-off costs and prior
CIRCLE COUNCIL MEETING Crawford (in a full voting under Rule 3.9.2.4 to send a year adjustments but still shows
HELD AT capacity). Proposed by Brian letter to them informing them a concerning operating loss for
THE HEADQUARTERS ON Sibley and Seconded by James that the article published in the business after these.
7 JULY 2011 6.30 pm Freedman. Passed unanimously. Scientific American: Mind
The Chair asked members of represented a breach the JF departs – 8.34pm
PRESENT council if they would indicate Society’s Code of Ethics and
Noel BRITTEN their willingness to stand for requiring them to prevent any Chris Wood raised a concern
Mandy DAVIS election by 15 July. Chris Wood such disclosure in the future. on behalf of CMA that Magic
Jack DELVIN stated he would not be Council thanked Alan Astra Management are still using an
James FREEDMAN standing as Secretary or for for his recent suggestions in unofficial livery, similar to that
Will HOUSTOUN Council. Scott Penrose improving the language in the of The Magic Circle, on their
Alan MASKELL proposed a vote of thanks to rules. These will be kept for own marketing website which
Scott PENROSE the outgoing Secretary. future reference when they are could conflict with the CMA’s
Brian SIBLEY (Chairman) next reviewed. own marketing. It was noted
Michael VINCENT 5. SECRETARY’S REPORT Professor David Hatch is by Council that the website
Chris WOOD There were eight new willing to take on the Welfare does not use the TMC logo,
Alexander CRAWFORD members. Officer role from Peter Liddelowbut an agreed variant of it and
(Acting Treasurer) (See attached schedule) who will continue as Chaplain. so CMA should deal with MM
Kevin DOIG There were three Jack Delvin endorsed the directly if they feel that MM is
(Assistant Treasurer) reinstatements. proposal pending the suggestion passing itself off as
David WEEKS There were two resignations. of reviewing the structure by representing the venue. In
(Minute Secretary) There were two promotions. James Freedman. addition, the Council felt that
more exposure should bring
1. APOLOGIES Correspondence: 7. COMMITTEE REPORTS: increased bookings. It was
Andrew EBORN, Richard Russell Levinson queried the Stage Magician of the Year: proposed by Noel Britten and
PINNER, Fay PRESTO, Katherine need for contestants to pay to Council is awaiting proposals seconded by Mandy Davis that
RHODES, Martyn ROWLAND, enter the close-up competition on dates. TMC had no problem with the
John VAN DER PUT or receive a monetary prize. It branding as used by Magic
was pointed out that the prize Young Magician of the Year Management continuing. For:
2. DEATHS money helped the winner 70-80 tickets have been sold so AC, NB, MD, WH, AM, MV;
Monday night regular and travel to the 4F’s invitation far. Numbers are down on Abstentions: JD, SP and CW.
Pearly King, Larry Barnes (85), that comes with the title. previous years for the matinee (being CMA board members).
and former member Hank Scott Penrose proposed performance.
Moorehouse (71) were arrangements should stay as CMA Committee
remembered. Members of they are subject to any strong CMA Following the appointment of
Council stood in silence as a views from the Close-up A report, prepared by the CMA Jack Delvin and Chris Wood to
mark of respect. Committee. Seconded by General Manager, was the CMA board of Directors,
Mandy Davis presented by Scott Penrose. they are conflicted and the
3. MINUTES For: CW, JD, AC, MD, SP, MV, James Freedman informed committee, tasked with
The minutes of the meeting WH, AM Council that, according to his finalising the new
held on 1 June 2011 were Against: JF, NB information, certain of the arrangements with CMA, is to
agreed to be approved online A reply has been received from figures presented in the report have new members. JD and
after the meeting due to late Professor Steven Macknik were incorrect and, amongst CW are to be replaced with
amendments. MMC and Professor Susana others, mis-stated reported Brian Sibley and Noel Britten.
Martinez-Conde MMC income. Scott Penrose agreed Proposed by Alexander
4. MATTERS ARISING following Council’s request to revert to the CMA Board to Crawford, seconded by Will
Following the resignation of under Rule 3.9.1 for them to investigate the apparent Houstoun. Agreed by Council
Rob Cox from Council, his explain the apparent disclosure discrepancies and report back with SP, JD and CW (CMA
place was filled in accordance in excerpts from their book to Council with the findings. board members) abstaining.

286 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Museum Report Michael Vincent that Will Luke Loft-Griffiths (Lofty) MMC: Reinstatements on
The extension of the loan of Houstoun is accepted as an By examination – Bullingham, 7 July 2011
items to the V&A Museum of examiner. Brian Sibley Hereford. Carlo Vagliasindi MMC
Childhood for the Magic seconded and it was agreed. It Jeffrey Eline MMC: Darius Ziatabari MMC
World’s exhibition and tour was was also agreed that policy is By examination – Maryland, USA.
presented by Scott Penrose. now that Examiners can be Billy Reid MMC: Promoted to AIMC on
Proposed by Alan Maskell and AIMCs with the approval of the By examination – Glasgow, 7 July 2011
Seconded by Noel Britten. Examinations Secretary and Scotland. Robert Pound AIMC:
Passed unanimously. Council. Peter Kinney MMC: by examination
The exhibition were also Mandy Davis has been given By examination – Falkirk, Ben Hart AIMC:
seeking to feature TMC’s logo the appointment as the British Scotland. by examination
in the tour brochure. This Ambassador to the Society of Colin Mackenzie MMC:
offers beneficial advertising for American Magicians. The By examination – Perthshire,
the Society. Meanwhile, closer Council asked her to convey Scotland.
links with the V&A could prove their greetings to the new Terry Wenham MMC:
useful to the museum team, President. By call of Council & Submission
with potential help from V&A The Committee to review of relevant materials –
staff on displaying and products for the new Marvin’s Georgia, USA.
preserving our own collection. Magic Range are to be:
The Archivist indicated that AC, MV, JD, SP. Proposed by

IT PAYS TO
the request to house c. 20 Brian Sibley, seconded by Noel
boxes of documents and Britten. Passed unanimously.
artwork from the Ali Bongo John Van der Put’s letter
Estate could not be suggesting seeking funding
accommodated because of lack
of space.
from the Arts Councils will be
forwarded to CMA.
The Acting Treasurer noted ADVERTISE
IN
Events that the revised budget for the
In the absence of a report from Clubnight Committee had
the Events Committee Jack been received. Following a
Delvin reported that The robust discussion on a number
Summer Season of Sorcery has of matters, including regarding
been a great success. Chris the provision of security on
To reach 1500 magicians
Wood confirmed that the Monday nights, it was agreed
Giants of Close-Up show made that the responsibility for
around the world costs
a profit of over £800 and the Monday night security and for less then you think
higher-priced Steve Allen volunteers’ drinks be removed
shows together made over from the Clubnight
£6,000. The council again Committee’s remit and revert Quarter page £30.00
expressed thanks to Steve Allen to the Officers (who will look Half Page £55.00
and to Darren Tossell. at managing these costs) and Full page from £100.00
all prices subject to VAT
that the club night and
Membership development committees be
For full details contact
Chris Wood reported that asked to justify the significant the Business and Advertising Manager
currently 81% of members had increase in proposed lecturers’ Scott Penrose
renewed and only 3 fees over the previous year. on 07767 336882
resignations have been Proposed by Alexander or email advertising@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
received. Electronic payments Crawford, seconded by Scott
now are at the same level as Penrose. Passed unanimously.
cheques at 40%. It was also
noted that 75% of the Date of Next Meeting:
membership now have emails. Tuesday 2 Aug 2011 at
The Council thanked the 6.30pm
Secretary, his deputy Steve
Price, the Treasurer and his New members elected on
deputy Kevin Doig for all their 7July 2011
hard work to date. Dean Bodenham MMC:

By examination – Queensway,
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS London.
Following a recommendation Cyrus Larizadeh MMC:
by the Acting Examinations By examination – Balham,
Officer, it was proposed by London.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk SEPTEMBER 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 287

Forthcoming club events achieve a “controlled sustained, powered flight in Australia,”
When, one hundred years later, the inhabitants of Diggers Rest
gathered to celebrate the occasion, Paul Zenon was there, mainly
The Headquarters are open on Club Nights from 3:00pm until out of curiosity, but also to see if he could find an answer to
10:30pm. Unless otherwise stated, events start promptly at something he had often wondered about: what became of
7:30pm and are scheduled to finish between 8:45pm and 9pm. Houdini’s historic aircraft? Tonight you’ll hear the story of his
Club Nights are principally for Members, so entry is by Membership search to solve a century-old mystery.
Card. A bona fide magician guest may attend any evening that is
not marked ‘Members Only’ on condition that he or she is able Monday 19
to show membership of a magical society. A non-magician guest Meet Joker Magic – Gyula Czili, MIMC
may only attend evenings that are marked as ‘Show’. Guests may Hungarian member and maker of magic tricks brings some of his
only attend two evenings a year. No guest may attend unless the popular creations to The Magic Circle.
CMA is told in advance, so if you wish to bring a guest please do
not contact me but phone (020) 7387 2222. There is a limit of Monday 26
ten guests per night. All guests must pay an entry fee at the The Modus OperANDI Lecture – Andi Gladwin, MMC
door (the cost will be advised when an enquiry is made) and A new lecture from a professional close-up magician who has
respect our Conventions. Indeed, it is your duty as their sponsor performed and has lectured all over the UK and North America
to ensure that they do. The Magic Circle reserve the right to and has been featured in almost every English-language magic
refuse entry. See our website for all the latest event details and to magazine (including a cover feature in The Magic Circular); his
subscribe to a weekly email reminder of upcoming events. DVD The Master Pushoff is a modern best-seller that received
rave reviews in the magic press.
Forthcoming Club Events
September 2011 Looking ahead…

Monday 5 October 3
WHO’S FOOLING WHO?– Chaired by Noel Britten, MIMC ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING – Chaired by Brian Sibley, AIMC

Join a panel of some of the TMC members who recently Commences 7:30 pm; STRICTLY MEMBERS ONLY.
appeared on Penn and Teller: Fool Us as they discuss whether
fooling them was their primary objective, a side issue, or not Monday 10
even relevant! Find out how nerve-wracking the whole process Four Seasons of Magic – Martin Cox, MIMC

was from those brave enough to step up to the challenge.

Change of address? Contact Secretary Chris Wood,
Monday 12 Secretary@TheMagicCircle.co.uk
Harry and the Mystery of the Disappearing Aeroplane – Member in need? Contact Welfare Officer
Paul Zenon MIMC David Hatch, d.hatch@ich.ucl.ac.uk
On18 March 1910 Houdini officially became the first man to

EDITOR – The Magic Circular

The Society is seeking a Member to fill the post of Editor of The Magic Circular, now that
Matthew Field has decided to retire from the post after six years.

The applicant should have writing and editorial experience, a solid general knowledge of
magic and its history and theory, and the ability to work to tight deadlines. In addition the
applicant will require good PC skills (such as email, Word, Adobe Acrobat, etc.) and ownership
of the appropriate equipment and software is desirable.

The post entails:

Obtaining, selecting and editing copy, photographs and illustrative material. Overseeing and
co-ordinating design, printing and distribution of the magazine with the Art Director and
working within the budgets set by the Magic Circular Management, as well as maintaining
the high standards already set and a regular monthly production schedule.

C Y
AN
Applications from candidates (who must be Members of The Magic Circle) detailing their
C
VA
suitability for the position should be sent to The Secretary, The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson
Way, London, NW1 2HD to reach him no later than 1 October 2011.

288 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR SEPTEMBER 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk