the magic

PETER WARDELL
THE MAGIC CIRCLE
STAGE MAGICIAN
OF THE YEAR
 THE MAGAZINE OF THE MAGIC CIRCLE Issue 1136 Volume 105 APRIL 2011

Features
106 Remembering Charles Reynolds – by John Fisher
Circular reasoning
here is sometimes

Page 99
108

Regulars
Peter Wardell: The Magic Circle Stage Magician
of the Year 2011 – by Matthew Field
T seen to be two
distinct and non-
overlapping pursuits in
98 President’s View magic, that of the close
98 News -up magicians and that
99 Memorials News of the stage magicians.
100 Letters to the Editor My recent conversation with Peter
100 The Magic Circle Cares – Rev. Peter Liddelow Wardell (in this issue), who has achieved
101 Obituaries the singular distinction of winning
Page 104 102 Adopt, Adapt and Improve – Walford Taylor both The Magic Circle Stage Magician
104 The Cecil Lyle Award – of the Year and Close-up Magician of
‘Centre Tear, Easy Opening’ by Mike O’Brien the Year competitions brought the
110 Circular Mentalism – by Ian Rowland subject to mind once again.
112 A Rich Cabinet of Magical Curiosities – I was taught an important lesson by
by Prof. Edwin A. Dawes
my friend, the late Patrick Page, who
116 Club Night Events – excelled in both of these areas. He
Mandy Davis Convenor of Reports
Page 107 said that any close-up magician will
119 Cheeky Dog Chicanery – David Tomkins
benefit by learning how to perform on
121 Magic in the Regions – by Elizabeth Warlock
a platform and stage. He explained
122 In Review
that stage work demands the ability to
126 Council Minutes
move gracefully and purposefully so
127 Circular Journeys – by Matthew Field
that one becomes the focus of the
128 Forthcoming Club Events –
Brian Sibley and Mandy Davis audience’s attention. It demands
Page 116 clarity of movement, clarity of voice
EDITORIAL 07910 317 902 DESIGN 020 8521 2631 and clarity of character. It demands
EDITOR Matthew Field ART DIRECTOR mastery of audience management and
[email protected] John Hawkins assisting-spectator management.
102 Priory Road [email protected]
Hastings 104d Grove Road I’m paraphrasing Pat, but I hope
East Sussex TN34 3JE Walthamstow E17 9BY I’ve made the point.
ASSISTANT EDITOR Tim Reed PHOTOGRAPHERS
John Ward
There are opportunities for magicians
ASSOCIATE EDITORS
Anthony Brahams, Dr Edwin Dawes, ADVERTISING 07767 336882 to perform in stage and platform
Scott Penrose, Ian Rowland, BUSINESS AND ADVERTISING MANAGER environments at our own Monday
David Tomkins Scott Penrose
Cover CONVENOR OF REPORTS [email protected]
night theatre shows, in local community
Peter Wardell Mandy Davis 17 Berkeley Drive, situations such as hospitals, homes
[email protected] Billericay for the aged and other events. These
OBITUARIES Alan Snowden, Essex CM12 0YP
5 Folkington Corner, Woodside Park, MISSING AND BACK ISSUES might not bring monetary remuneration,
London N12 7BH 01923 267 057 but the rewards will be of tremendous
020 8445 7607 Michael Candy
PROOFREADERS Sound of Music, Harthall Lane,
value to you.
Cheryl Bell, Hemel Hempstead, Conversely, stage performers can
Paul Bromley, Julie Carpenter, Herts HP3 8SE do close-up work for family and
Barry Cooper, Tim Reed, PRINTED BY
Lionel Russell, Mary Stupple Perfect Imaging Ltd 020 8806 6630 friends without the excuse that they
Copyright © 2011 by The Magic Circle. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, didn’t bring their Zig-zag Girl with
Published by The Magic Circle stored in any retrieval system or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical,
12 Stephenson Way photocopying, recording, or otherwise without the prior permission of the Editor of The Magic Circular.
Views expressed in The Magic Circular are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the views
them. That’s something I learned
London NW1 2HD of The Magic Circle unless specifically stated. Whilst every effort is made to ensure the accuracy of all
from observing Blackstone Sr.
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VAT Reg No 233 8369 51 responsibility for any errors or omissions.
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T 020 7387 2222 whenever possible.
President’s view Circular news
2011 Close-up
There’s Always a Magic Angle refrigerator actually worked! Magician of the Year
The promotion was to take place following Contestants Announced
few years ago, magic in the corporate breakfast in the lounge of the Savoy Hotel, Katherine Rhodes has

A market was all the rage. To take the

best advantage of this opportunity, I
joined forces in a business partnership called
London. We only had from midnight till 8 am
to build it all up and fit in one run-through.
By the time it was ready to go, our nerves
announced the competitors in
the 2011 Magic Circle Close-up
Magician of the Year Contest.
Magic Works with John Gordon, a very were in threads. They are: Jon Allen, James
successful close-up magician. We rented a John Lenahan was the presenter. In front of Freedman, Andrew Murray,
spacious workshop with offices above at a very tatty background which gave the John van der Put, Tim
Herne Hill, Southeast London. I coined the appearance of where a kitchen had once Shoesmith, Joe Stone, Tim
phrase ‘There’s always a magic angle’, and the been, John apologised for the terrible Sutton and Chris Wood.
fun began. Over a most enjoyable five-year conditions of the place but explained that the The competition takes
period we enthused sales forces, introduced Neff Kitchen which was to have been there place in our Theatre on
new products from washing machines to had not arrived in time, so he entertained Monday, 28 March.
beer, zip fasteners and swimwear to a new them with some great magic instead.
pub chain, from a complete kitchen to motor Suddenly two showgirls rushed on, wrapped YMOTY Revisited
cars – especially motor cars. We worked for John in a large banner which, when This year sees the 50th
BMW, Peugeot, VW, Ford and Jaguar. unwound, revealed the other John, John anniversary of The Magic
Our marketing ploy was to invite magicians Gordon, dressed as a chef holding a flaming Circle’s Young Magician of the
to claim to be able to create an original way frying pan. At the same time John Lenahan Year Competition. On Sunday,
to promote any product, no matter how entered the lounge from the back pushing a 18 September, a very special
difficult. Magic Works guaranteed to produce trolley carrying a huge candlelit cake. A day-long event will be held to
the answers. The magicians fronted the second later the banner was removed commemorate this fact at our
performance with us supplying the knowhow, altogether revealing the complete Neff HQ in London. Open to
the props, the patter and the presentation. Kitchen in its pristine glory. everyone, this full day of
Several top-named magicians took advantage Over the 3,000 or so years of the existence lectures, presentations, close-
of our offer. of our sort of magic, it has adapted to all up and stage shows will be
After a few goes, we mastered the sorts of conditions and audiences. It has unique in that all artists
production of motor cars under the most played its part in wars – the Light and Heavy appearing will be past entrants
trying of conditions; in car parks, in fields, in Box, the fireproof creams used by field of this celebrated Competition.
dealerships and in marquees. gunners and the camouflage used in the Noel Britten, who is organising
Probably the most difficult project we desert. It has adapted to performance in the YMOTY Revisited, says, “The
pulled off was the production of a brand new streets, markets, fairs, drawing rooms, pubs, incredibly wide range of magic-
kitchen, complete with working surfaces, a clubs, theatres and television. related activities that some of
cooker, a refrigerator and several shelves of Magic has even adapted itself to the the entrants have gone into,
pots and pans. Not only that, the cooker and current craze for celebrity entertainment and the levels that they have
with the very successful television show, reached, shows the great range
The Magicians. of talent that this Competition
If you want to amuse, amaze, terrify, puzzle, has fostered over the years.
perplex, promote, market, or downright cheat And I’m not just talking about
... There’s always a magic angle! the winners, many of the
finalists are now at the top of
their particular field, and I am
very happy to say that a great
number of them have agreed
to come along and support what
looks to be a very special day”.
Jack Delvin MIMC Tickets are very limited in
[email protected] number and priced at £27
(for young magicians under 18
and their guardians), £35 (for
Magic Circle Members) and
£45 (for non-members).
Please email
[email protected].
uk to register or for more
details.
We also note that Dr C.
Michael Colley is writing a

98 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

book about the history of
YMOTY and we’ll bring you
more details about that as they
become available.

Semi-Circles
Silvan is appearing in his
magic review, Sim Sala Bim, in
Rome, Italy at the Teatro
Vittoria from 20-30 April ...
Norm Nielsen has announced
a new magic poster devoted to
the late Patrick Page. More
info at www.nnmagic.com ...
Prof. Eddie Dawes was on
the cover of Genii magazine in Andrew Eborn being streamed live from the Theatre, and the website graphic preceding the show
March and was featured in an Olivier Awards including Best to the 100th birthday of the first in both the close-up and
article by Clay Shevlin ... Entertainment. The show legendary John Calvert and stage categories and hopes to
Ghost Stories, the West End opens in an international his wife and assistant Tammy. compete at the World Magic
show co-written and directed production in Toronto on 1 The New York event takes Festival in Melbourne later
by Member Andy Nyman, has April at the Panasonic Theatre. place on 24 and 25 June at this year.
just been nominated for two More info at New York City’s Hotel
www.ghoststoriestheshow.co. Pennsylvania. More info at
uk ... Russell Levinson and www.FantasmaMagic.com ...
Stephen Barry’s Conjuring at Safire Illusionists (Stuart and
the Court on 28 April features Jayne Loughland) are touring
Chris Lynam, a comedian with widely once again with the
magic themes, and Dafedas B Chuckle Brothers, this time
with an unusual, visual French in a show titled Barry Potty
manipulation act. Shows take and his Full Blood Brother Paul
place at the Drayton Court in – The Ghostly Shadows ...
West Ealing. More info at Member Chris Latham wanted
www.ConjuringAtTheCourt.com us to know that his grandson,
... Roger Dreyer’s Fantasma Dominic Chambers, who is a
Magic and Steve Rodman are YMC member, was named
presenting another edition of Australian Junior Champion in
Silvan Magic on Manhattan devoted July. The 17-year-old placed Magic on Manhattan

MEMORIALS NEWS
sheltering from an air raid
in Portsmouth during the
by Geoffrey Newton MIMC Registrar of Memorials Second World War. He is
and Heritage buried in a mass grave and
it is unmarked. The duty is
I have been furnished with their duties of performing the carried out yearly. On this
information from three of our Red Rose Ceremony. occasion it marked the 60th
‘adopters’ who have reported anniversary of Captain Kettle’s
Harry Reeve attended the death on 4 February 1951.
Reginald Scot Memorial in
Branbourne (Kent) in October Please keep sending your
2010. Scot died on 9 October details in and do remember
1599. His book The Discoverie the ashes of David Nixon were Memorial Cards are always
of Witchcraft was published in scattered on a small plot on available from me. All I need
1584 to demonstrate that the Luff Garden. David died on is an e-mail or phone call
witches did not exist by 1 December 1978 and I with your postal address and
exposing how feats of magic understand there is no actual they will be on their way.
were performed. marker on the place.
E GeoffreyNewton@TheMagic
Roy Marsh attended Brian Wright advises that Circle.co.uk
Streatham Crematorium where Captain Kettle was killed whilst T 0161 969 8222.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 99

Letters to the Editor
Bowen, Not Bowden streaming. I have made various Benidorm Success
Whilst reading the February issue of The suggestions as to how to build on this for Derren Litten
Magic Circular I saw mention of Dr O H success, open new revenue streams and At the recent, prestigious National Television
Bowden who was the inspiration for the improve Members’ experience including Awards, the top prize for ‘Comedy
Hoffman Memorial Lectures. upgrading the broadband connection at Programme’ was won by Benidorm, which
His name was Bowen not Bowden and TMC. Initial research suggests that was created and is written by Magic Circle
he was an Hon. Vice-President of TMC the cost of such an upgrade would be Member Derren Litten. This is another
during the 1940s and ‘50s. I knew him as minimal. Based on the tremendous triumph for Derren who, incidentally, is a
a colleague and he was usually referred to feedback my recommendation is that first-class close-up performer.
as ‘Dr O. Henry Bowen’. these minimal costs are clearly justified Circular readers are advised not to miss
Ian Fletcher AIMC by the significant benefits to members. the new series. Congratulations Derren –
The event provided a fantastic catalyst continued success.
Streaming Ahead to drive traffic to the website as well as Graham Reed MIMC
I was delighted that over 130 Members to unite the Membership. We should
from 10 countries around the world tuned now put in place the necessary Image of Magic Still Fading?
in to the very first live stream of a TMC improvements and ensure that the I was most interested to read the letter
event. It is clear from the tremendous momentum is maintained. Council has from Walford Taylor in the February
feedback that in spite of the limitations set up a committee to explore how this Circular.
caused by TMC’s poor broadband initiative could be developed. His points about the reputation of
connection there is a real appetite for live Andrew Eborn MIMC The Magic Circle and the fact that any

by Peter Liddelow AIMC The Magic Circle Chaplain and Welfare Officer
It is with regret that I have to report Alan Snowden MIMC (Woodside Park, Contact addresses:
two ‘Broken Wands’ with the recent London), whose wife, Kathy, sadly died
passing on of long-standing members recently, has sustained two fractures in his Jan Dacri (Steve’s wife) –
of The Magic Circle. shoulder following a fall. 5755 Las Vista Street, Las Vegas,
Alan Tall MMC (Stepney, London) is far NV 89113 USA.
Steve Dacri MIMC (Las Vegas, USA) was from well. He is frail and housebound and Tric Holmes (Nicky Ward’s partner) –
a widely known and greatly respected misses his Magic Circle friends. Flat 30, Falkner Court, South Street,
comedy close-up magician, inventor and Farnham, Surrey GU9 7RF.
author. He died peacefully following Together with these please continue to Bernard Juby and Pamela –
surgery and treatment for a tumour. remember other friends mentioned La Sincellerie, Armaille 49420 France.
Nicky Ward AIMC (Farnham, Surrey) previously for their ongoing treatment Barry Murray – Vine Cottage,
was a much-loved children’s magician in and care, namely: Bobby Bernard, 255 Lower Road, Gt. Bookham,
North London and Surrey and a regular Peter D’Arcy, David Haggarty, Leatherhead, Surrey KT23 4DX.
entertainer on cruise ships. A year ago Derek Hilton and Christopher Trollope. Alan Tall – Flat A, Sims House,
he was diagnosed with leukaemia from 420a Commercial Road, Stepney,
which he sadly passed away. Just a thought – This is a special year London E1 OLQ.
when we will experience four unusual Alan Snowden – 5 Folkington Corner,
Their loved ones can be assured of our dates: 1/1/11; 11/1/11; 1/11/11; 11/11/11. Woodside Park, London N12 7BH.
thoughts and prayers at this sad time. Added to this it is a special year for you!
Take the last two digits of the year you If you hear of a member or their
Bernard Juby MIMC (Armaille, France) were born plus the age you will be this families who are sick or facing hard
and his wife Pamela Yvonne have both year and it will equal 111. times please contact:
suffered from pneumonia. For some
time Pamela was in a critical condition Let us also make it special for the Peter Liddelow
but is now recuperating. members of our Magic Circle family who (Chaplain and Welfare Officer)
Barry Murray MIMC (Leatherhead, are bereaved, sick, or facing difficult times 23 Kings Road, Barnet, Herts., EN5 4EF
Surrey) continues to receive treatment by saying a prayer, sending a card or T 020 8441 2968
following hospitalisation for an giving a call. This can be a special way of E [email protected]
exploratory operation. showing that we care.

100 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Obituaries
performance of magic MUST be
entertaining are points that I find I have Steve Dacri MIMC Oriental Magic of the Bambergs, The
to agree with. Magicians, like singers, 22 March 1956 – 12 February 2011 Magic of Germany, Magic of America,
dancers, comedians and the rest, are Performer, Magic of Holland and the most recent
entertainers. That is their main role. author, Laboratories of Legerdemain, were
Audiences go to be ENTERTAINED. screen writer based on his own collection of more
As for the reputation of The Magic and director than 4,000 antique magic props and
Circle, I have found that if I tell people Steve Dacri posters, which he sold to David
that I am a Member of The Magic Circle passed away Copperfield for inclusion in his museum
most of them say, “What’s that?” at his home with the proviso that Dr Albo could
There was a time when The Magic in Las Vegas retain possession of his most favourite
Circle could fill a West End theatre for a after battling pieces during his lifetime. He had been
whole week, now they brag about getting cancer. He a partner in the Palace of Magic shop in
an audience of 150 in the Circle theatre. had San Francisco and Magic Island in
The show they did in the West End was performed for eight months headlining Newport Beach, California, and was the
recorded and shown on BBC television, his own show, Steve Dacri – In Your recipient of many awards, including The
nationwide, each year. That’s a lot Face at the Las Vegas Hilton. Magic Circle J.N. Maskelyne Prize for
different to 150 watching the Christmas Known as an expert with sponge balls Literature in Magic, and a Special
Show at the Club. (he often called them ‘Martians’ when Fellowship and Literary Fellowship from
Some time ago, with a couple of friends, he worked), the magician was born in the Academy of Magic Arts at the
I did a little test. We stood in the centre Worcester, Massachusetts and learned Magic Castle.
of town and asked passers by, “What is magic from a Mandrake magic set. He Matthew Field MIMC
The Magic Circle?” and most of them said was a comedy magician who invented
they had never heard of it. We then asked more than 60 effects and was a Magic Nicholas (Nicky) Ward AIMC
what is a Magician and we were told it was Castle regular. His books included Penny 4 September 1934 – 5 February 2011
a person who went to children’s parties and Fantasy, Commercial Close-up and It is with deep regret that I report the
made animals out of balloons. Only about Fooling People and he was a passing of Nicholas Ward who had been
one-quarter of them mentioned magic. contributor to M-U-M and Genii diagnosed
Oh dear!!! magazines. His videos include Magic with
This is the second time I have sent a Secrets and the 2008 Spongeball leukaemia a
letter to the Circular, the first was printed Toolbox. year ago.
in July 1989. In the September/October Our condolences to his wife, Jan. Nicholas,
edition of the same year a letter from Paul Matthew Field MIMC known always
Daniels said, “I do hope that all members, as Nicky, was
Council included, take to heart all the Dr Robert Albo MIMC one of the
points raised in his timely letter. He was so 8 May 1932 – 21 February 2011 finest
right about the fading image ...” Author of the famous and highly-valued children’s
But enough of this, the question is: series of eleven books about magic entertainers during the seventies and
what can we do about it? collectables, Dr Robert Albo was an eighties, when he performed under the
Derek W. Hilton MMC amateur magician who achieved great name of Naughty Nicky. Based in
success in the field of sport medicine, Highgate, North London, before moving
A Review of the Reviews acting as physician for professional to Farnham in Surrey, he worked
Following on from Matt Field’s ‘Circular basketball, baseball and American primarily for London’s leading children’s
Reasoning’ in the February Circular, a plea football teams. He made his home in agent, Geoff Donald. He also
for you to long continue to include the Pasadena, performed close up magic and had a
reviews!! I’ve bought many an item on California superb cabaret show.
the strength of the printed reviews and and Nicky started his working life as a dog
I do like the fact that the reviewers don’t specialised handler in the RAF Police division and
have any qualms about giving truthful in general, then attended drama school. He spent
reports and if anything doesn’t come up vascular and several years performing his cabaret
to scratch – will say so! Long may the oncological show for Warners and was a regular
reviews continue!! surgery. P&O children’s entertainer.
Howard Hughes MMC Dr Albo’s To his long-term partner Trish we
books, send our deepest condolences.
Errata including Jack Stephens MMC
This is, I think, a first for me. An error in
an erratum. In February, on pg. 37, I whose new book Top score was highly price for the book. It’s really £25 ($40)
noted a new e-mail address for Lewis recommended by me and also by Ian postpaid worldwide via PayPal.
Jones ([email protected]), Rowland. The erratum gave an erroneous

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 101

 Walford Taylor AIMC

GETTING TO GRIPS WITH CMR

e looked last time (TMC Entertaining with Contact Mind Reading on the Transmitter’s forehead (or the

W February 2011) at the basics

of Contact Mind Reading and
saw that the two most popular ways
(George Armstrong, London, 1952).

Grip 1.3 is achieved by the Transmitter

contacts can be reversed) and again picks
up signals through the pressure, or easing
of pressure, of contact of the forehead on
of establishing contact to pick up placing her arm between the Performer’s the hand. Dr George M Beard in
the minute muscular signals given by body and his elbow and they hold hands Physiology of Mind-Reading (see above)
the Transmitter were wrist grips. To with fingers entwined. It is not a very claimed that John Randall Brown,
complete the picture, here is my elegant or satisfactory method of contact, acknowledged to be the first widely
analysis of the categories into which the I think. publicised exponent of CMR, held the
various contacts fall, which I believe has back of the Transmitter’s hand on his
not been attempted before: In 1.4, one finger of the Performer is (Brown’s) forehead and with his other
1. Direct Physical Contact applied to one finger of the Transmitter. hand, lightly touched the fingers of the
1.1 The Wrist Grip Dr. George M. Beard in Physiology of Transmitter’s hand. I am not aware of
1.2 The Double Control Wrist Grip Mind-Reading (Popular Science Monthly, this method of contact being widely
1.3 The Hand Clasp Vol 10, February 1877) refers to “papilla used these days and it does not seem
1.4 The Finger Contact touching papilla”, but according to the to have much to commend itself
1.5 The Shoulder Contact Medical Dictionary, “papilla” relates to a over the other grips.
1.6 The Forehead Contact “nipple-like structure” on various parts of
the body, but not a finger, so I imagine 2. Indirect Contact (where an inanimate
Grip 1.1 is the standard hold, adopted that the contact he meant was either by link or a third person is interposed
by the Transmitter gripping the placing the pads of the two finger between Transmitter and Performer):
Performer’s right wrist from above together or by holding the two fingers so 2.1 A walking, or other, stick, cane or rod
between the thumb and fingers of the that they touch side-by-side. Another 2.2 A length of wire
Transmitter’s left hand (or vice versa), form of finger contact is given by H.J. 2.3 A chain (in earlier days it would have
the thumb being on the outer side of Burlingame in How to Read People’s been natural to use a watch chain)
the wrist and the fingers on the inner Minds (1905) at p.5: “the mind-reader 2.4 A rope or string
side. U.F. Grant came up with a places the finger tips of the left hand of 2.5 A handkerchief
variation in which the Performer wears the subject on the finger tips of his right 2.6 A third person whose arm becomes
a pair of headphones from which leads hand and moves them thus connected to a common connection between
are soldered to a small brass plate held and fro over the articles …When the hand Transmitter and performer.
against the Transmitter’s wrist as the is over the article thought of, the mind-
test proceeds. Stanton Carlisle in Master reader feels a strong pulsation in the finger In the 2.1 method there is a rigid link
Mentality (The Supreme Magic tips of the subject, and this is always proof between the performer and the Transmitter,
Company, c.1976) writes that when he that the article is the one thought of”. and the positive or negative involuntary
tried this, the sight caused laughter, muscular signals are felt through a
destroying any serious presentation of With Grip 1.5 the Transmitter stands at pushing or slackening of the stick (see
“Master Mentality”! her own arm’s length behind the illustration from A Complete Course in the
Performer so that the palm of her left Art of Mind-Reading (The Psychic
Grip 1.2 is taken up by holding the hand is on the performer’s right shoulder, Research Company, Chicago, 1900)).
Transmitter’s left wrist with the and the Performer senses the signals
Performer’s right thumb and fingers, through a slight relaxation of pressure of The wire method in 2.2 can cut into the
supporting its weight but holding it the hand when proceeding in the right fingers, depending on the rigidity or
quite loosely, at the same time direction and a downward increase of otherwise of the wire and is of no real
supporting the Transmitter’s left finger pressure when the direction has to be advantage.
tips on the upturned palm of the changed. It has been used mainly for
Performer’s left hand, the hands being large-scale demonstrations such as finding In methods 2.3, 2.4 and 2.5, the
held more or less at waist level. This locations in cities or “hidden treasure” in performer notices a slack on the
allows the Performer to check on both the countryside. communicating link when the direction is
finger and wrist movements of the correct and a pull or restraint when
Transmitter. It is the grip made popular In the case of the last grip, 1.6, the incorrect (because the Transmitter is
by S. Edward Dexter in his excellent Performer lays the back of his flat hand reluctant to follow in a wrong direction).

102 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Transmitter is a good subject, but it can Larsen, Sr. (The Genii Publishing
be done by acute observation. Company, Los Angeles, California,
1977). The Transmitter does not
3. Non-Contact (The receipt of auditory hold the Performer’s hand, but
and visual signals without tactile instead stands immediately
contact) behind him as the test begins.
3.1 In the first category are variations of Larsen states that he was able to
the direct physical contacts perform tests in this way almost
described in 1 above: as fast as by using the direct
3.1.1 The Transmitter places her hand contact method, but instead of
equidistant between the Performer’s making use of affirmative and
hands which he holds about fifteen negative wrist pressures, there are
inches apart, extended one above certain other indications which
the other. He moves his hands can be observed in performing
hesitantly one way, then the other the test. In this case, a blindfold is
and if the direction is wrong the dispensed with and he instructs:
lady’s hand is reticent in following 3.2.1 Watch the feet of the person
his, but if he is right then her hand behind you. Does she:
readily keeps up with his. (a) Point in a certain direction?
3.1.2 This is a slight variation of the (This applies only “when on the
above. The Transmitter holds her move”)
hand about six inches above one of (b) Follow you swiftly as you start
From Corinda’s 13 Steps to Mentalism the performer’s hands. out?
3.1.3 She holds her hand about six inches (c) Seem to lag behind?
Using a handkerchief, both Performer and in front of his forehead. Similar (d) Step close to you, crowding you?
Transmitter wrap the corner they hold signals are picked up as in 3.1.1. (A description of a Publicity Test
round their index fingers and hold it in above. locating a hidden object in a city
place with their thumb. Dr Edward R 3.2 The second category of non-contact by watching the boots of one of
Schatz, in Practical Contact Mind Reading methods relies on more general the spectators is given in
(Mickey Hades, Calgary, Alberta, 1974) overall observation. As early as July Vaudeville Mind Reading by David
considers the chain to be the best of the 1877 in a letter to the American J. Lustig (La Velma) (Robert W.
flexible contacts because you can tell your Popular Science Monthly Doidge, 1920, at p.30)).
audience that “brain waves” are (subsequently reproduced in the 3.2.2 Clear your own mind of all
conducted better through metal! Journal of Society for Psychical impedimenta save the thought of
Personally I do not think the use of an Research in May 1884), A.E. “what shall I do, where shall I
inanimate link adds much, if anything, to Outerbridge, of Philadelphia USA go?”
the demonstration, although it is wrote, “the involuntary guidance 3.2.3 Try to observe the breathing of
fascinating to experiment with the limits by the eyes of the rest of the party, the Transmitter:
of what is achievable. or other indications of an almost (a) Is she breathing regularly?
imperceptible character, are swiftly (b) Does she breathe as though
Contact 2.6 is known as the “Double and probably unconsciously excited?
Test” and was described by Dr George M. interpreted by the guesser and lead 3.2.4 Watch the eyes of the spectators:
Beard as early as 1877 in Physiology of him hesitatingly to do what is being (a) Is anyone trying, silently, to tell
Mind-Reading (ante). It consists of taking willed …” and he described his you something?
the hand of a third party who knows experiments to that end. (b) Usually one or more are doing this
nothing of the hidden object, and who in William W Larsen Sr. explained and this is one of your best
turn holds the wrist of someone who the process in more detail in his chances for success.
does know and who concentrates on it. 1945 manuscript, Contact and Non- 3.2.5 Listen for hints given by the
The sensation of muscular reaction Contact Mindreading, later audience’s and the Transmitter’s
communicated to the Performer is very reproduced in The Mental Mysteries reactions to your movements
▲

slight indeed in this case, even when the and Other Writings of William W. (such as a tense silence when you

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 103

 are nearing the object and an anticipatory gasp when
about to touch it, if correct) and observe the expression
on the faces of the Transmitter and audience. If the
excitement is great, the audience may even begin to
applaud just before the right spot is found and,
contrariwise, when far away from the object the
audience will inform him by a stony silence!
A report of a highly successful performance by George Jason
in Chicago in April 1959 of this non-contact kind is CENTRE TEAR, EASY OPENING by Mike O’Brien MIMC
reproduced in the revised edition of Hellstromism (S. W. Reilly,
Magic Inc. Chicago, undated) and a useful chapter on non- Introduction: Since first coming
contact work entitled “The Inner Secrets of the Art” appears across the centre tear in Corinda’s
in Stanton Carlisle’s Master Mentality. My own view is that, 13 Steps to Mentalism I have been
interesting as these experiments may be for the performer, fascinated by the various methods
they are not 100% reliable and there is little point in using that have been put forward over the
them when the direct contact system is more certain and the years. The early methods required the
results are just as astonishing to the public. performer to steal the centre and to
3.3 Direct mind-to-mind communication. then read it whereas most of the
By this is meant that the Transmitter is merely required to modern methods enable the
concentrate on the location without any contact, direct or performer to read the secret
indirect with the Performer. With practice, say its proponents, information in the process of tearing
the Performer will be able to know what is required of him. the paper up. However nearly all the
Send in the men with white coats. This non-contact technique present methods require the performer to either moisten his
was propagated in the late 19th and early 20th Century when fingers or to use card/paper that is slightly springy to assist in
expectations were high at a time when new discoveries on the the opening of the paper. The method that I’m putting
scientific front were constantly being made, e.g. X-Rays and forward avoids both of these and can be performed with any
radio communication (1895), and a classic example of such piece of paper.
optimism is expressed in Part II of A Course in the Art of Mind-
Reading (The Psychic Research Company, Chicago, 1901) Effect: The performer invites a spectator to think of someone
which confidently states that “Telepathy is a fact” and that close to him and to write the thought-of name down on a
“the Twentieth Century will be without doubt the Mental Age, piece of paper whilst the performer looks away. The piece of
the triumph of Thought”! I’m afraid they were in the realms paper used is then folded up by the spectator and handed to
of fantasy, but this is not to say that many practitioners have the performer. Whilst pattering but not looking at the paper
not, at some time or another, had a gut feeling or “third the performer tears the paper up and hands the pieces to the
sense” of what or where the chosen article is, without physical spectator to hold. The performer then reveals the hidden
guidance, but that is simply chance or co-incidence and can in name.
no way be relied upon for any controlled test. If any reader
disagrees, please do not write to me, but instead read the Method: [Note: For clarity, the piece of paper in the photos is
terms and conditions of the One Million Dollar Paranormal grey on one side, white on the other. In performance, a one-
Challenge and submit your claim and supporting evidence to colour sheet of paper is used.] Take a piece of paper roughly
the James Randi Education Foundation, P.O.Box 2152, Fort 3-inches square and fold it over just off centre, from left to
Lauderdale FL 33335-1652 USA. No-one has yet been right, so that the original left hand side of the folded piece is
successful in establishing a claim! roughly 1/4-inch short of the original right hand side (Fig. 1).
Print the spectator’s initials on the top part of the upper side
The Winning Grip? of the paper so that he can be sure that there is no way that
Grip 1.1 has the advantage that objects can be more the paper can be switched for another piece (Fig. 2). The real
accurately located by extension of the forefinger either of the reason is so that I have an excuse to put my glasses on! Open
Performer or the Transmitter which is useful when the piece of paper and about two-thirds down from the top
approaching the final location where there is a cluster of small draw a small horizontal line (Fig. 3). Ask the spectator to think
objects, or where it is necessary to divine a line of text in a of the first name of a person emotionally close to him. Hand
book, or numbers or letters from a display chart. That said, I the piece of paper to the spectator so that the line is on the
have regularly used the Double Control Wrist Grip (1.2) half of the paper nearest him. Invite him to print the first
because it was the one I first learned and I found it more name of that person on the line and then to fold the paper
sensitive. In that case it is still possible to extend the index over along the crease so that what he has written is hidden
finger of the Performer’s left hand, leaving the remaining three from view. Turn away as he does this so there is no chance
fingers supporting the Transmitter’s hand although I grant that that you can see what he has written.
it is a little more awkward. Each practitioner will experiment When he tells you that he has finished, turn around and
and decide on what suits him or her best, and for which take the piece of paper from him with your left hand so that
particular test. his initials are at the top of the paper facing you (Fig. 4).
Next time we will look at some of the reports and Immediately look away and, still holding the paper in your left
instructional publications on CMR and their merits, or hand, use your right hand to fold the paper away from you
otherwise.

104 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 Tricks submitted to the Editor for consideration for
The Cecil Lyle Award, a trophy given at The Magic Circle
Awards Banquet, are presented here for your enjoyment

until the top of the paper lines up with the bottom but do
not crease the paper at the top edge (Fig. 5). Still holding
the paper with your left hand, give the paper a quarter turn
clockwise with your right hand and then, with the right hand,
crease the new top of the paper (Fig. 6). Simulate creasing the
1 9 right edge of the paper, but do not actually crease it. Holding
the top left corner of the paper bring the right hand across to
grip the right top of the paper and then in one motion tear
the paper from top to bottom (Fig. 7). Now place the right
hand piece behind the left hand piece, i.e. nearest to you
(Fig. 8). Holding the pieces at the top by the right hand, with
2 10 the left hand give the pieces a quarter clockwise turn and
continue to hold them in your right hand (Fig. 9). If you look
at the left hand side of the pieces you will see that there is a
wide gap on the left hand side of the pieces that you tore off
with your right hand (Fig. 10). Insert your left thumb into the
gap and grip the pieces with your left thumb and fingers
(Fig. 11). Now give the pieces an anti-clockwise turn with
3 11 both hands (Fig. 12), and as you do so use your right thumb
and fingers to open up the back piece of paper (Fig. 13).
As soon as you open up the paper, holding all the pieces with
your left hand, tear the half-opened piece straight down with
your right hand (Fig. 14). The paper in your right hand
contains the name the person is thinking of.
4 12 Bring the piece in the right hand and place it behind the
pieces in the left hand (closer to you), but down jogged by
about 1/2 inch (Fig. 15). Gripping all the pieces in the right
hand, use your left hand to give the packet a quarter turn
clockwise. The piece of paper closest to you protrudes on the
left hand side and has the name written on it. Holding the
5 13 pieces with the right hand, bring the left thumb towards the
extreme left hand side of the pieces so it connects with the
back sheet of paper and pushes the back piece of paper half
open (Fig 16). The original fold makes this easy to do.
Gripping all the pieces with the left hand, use your right
thumb to open the back piece completely. Still holding the
pieces with your left hand, position your right index finger and
6 14
thumb so they are holding the top and bottom edges of the
pieces (Fig. 17). You will see that the name is now exposed to
your gaze. Ask the spectator to hold out his hand. As he does
so turn your head so that you can see where his hand is and
at the same time read the name. Immediately look away again
and then tear all the pieces up into smaller ones and hand
7 15 them to the spectator to hold tightly. Going into your best
trance state, you may then
reveal his thought-of name.
Photos: Matthew Field

Acknowledgements: This
method was inspired by the
centre tears of Lee Earl and
8 16 17 Richard Osterlind.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 105

REMEMBERING
in a limousine kept idling a few paces
from the stage door. Doug apparently did
not relish being confined to the theatre

CHARLES REYNOLDS
By John Fisher MIMC. Photos by Levent Cimkentli
after the curtain had fallen and rather
than face the challenge of the autograph
hounds that persisted at the stage door
until late in the evening, would walk
straight off stage into the waiting vehicle.
On this occasion we sat and chatted in
harles Reynolds MIMC was for others to judge, but, if so, The Best of the back of the car for half an hour or so,

C unquestionably the most cultured

man I have met in the world of
magic. He could switch conversation
Magic lived up to its title quite as much
through Charles’ input as in the stellar
quality of its on-screen contributors. His
the crowd milling around on the sidewalk
oblivious of the whereabouts of the star.
Alas, I never got to work with Doug
effortlessly between talk of philosophy, rapport and diplomacy with the world’s Henning – his life was about to change
literature and aesthetics on the one hand greatest magicians proved of inestimable direction in unpredictable ways. I take
and the advantages of the Black Art value as I juggled the roles of hands-on consolation from knowing that Charles
principle and the ramifications of the producer and behind-the-cameras thought we would have made an effective
Zarrow Shuffle on the other. More executive. It also helped that he was such threesome.
importantly he regarded quality magic and a good teacher. In the words of Geoffrey It is conceivable that without Charles’s
the intellectual process behind its creation Durham, the magical host of the show, influence neither Doug’s stellar career nor
and technique worthy of the word whose talent and demand for perfection my own involvement in television magic
‘culture’ itself. Although not a performer, were stretched with the relentless demand would have got off the ground. Before he
he made it a discipline to practise the for new material each week: ‘He was an became professionally involved in the
cups and balls every day – he saw the astute and understanding confidant who magic business, his standing in the
trick as the Holy Grail of understanding really grasped what it means to be a professional world of photo-journalism –
almost all you needed to know about performer. There was never a more for a long period he was Picture Editor of
the practice and psychology of magic in knowledgeable or thoughtful adviser to Popular Photography magazine – enabled
performance. With his intelligent eyes magicians.’ him in 1974 to persuade Time of the idea
and aura of savoir-faire he looked more His most notable association was with of a major colour spread spotlighting the
like a true wizard than anyone else I Doug Henning, for whom he directed the magic revival that appeared to be gaining
knew. At times you half expected an owl magic in all eight of his annual World of momentum through Henning’s impending
to be perched on his shoulder. He Magic specials for NBC Television and arrival on Broadway, the buzz about the
widened my magical horizons and also much else besides. I shall never forget the Magic Castle in LA and the first stirrings
introduced me to martinis. meeting he arranged between us during of Siegfried and Roy in Las Vegas. It led to
I was honoured when he first accepted the run of Merlin in 1983. This was held a cover story and ran for several pages.
the invitation to take part as consultant not in Doug’s dressing The piece was headlined ‘The Magic
on my magic shows. In the world of room at the Mark Boom’ and the phrase accelerated the
television, the role of ‘magical consultant’ Hellinger Theatre, but first heady rush of success for Doug’s first
can cover an assortment of skills from Broadway outing in The Magic Show. At
kitchen table mechanic and paper last magic had a credible seal of approval
engineer (skills not to be disparaged as far as the world’s media were
when a new trick is needed in a hurry) concerned.
to technical adviser to the director and More than adequate personal
camera crew, from specialist in a specific compensation for not working with the
genre (illusions, mentalism, or escapes) performer who redefined the image of
to basic ideas man. Charles fitted into the magician in the seventies was
no such category or categories, provided by the opportunity of
overriding them all as a voice of working on many occasions with the
editorial reason and production man who was unquestionably the
common sense, although interestingly greatest classical American magician of
for a short while as a young man he had his generation. Harry Blackstone Junior,
worked at a university level as a television whose father had first inspired the
director and in 1955 served as a younger Charles, was the other pivotal
cameraman on the programme where performer in his professional life and in
Jonas Salk introduced the polio vaccine. many ways a younger brother substitute
It saddens me that I did not make that for the slightly older man. The Blackstones
mental transatlantic leap to engage his (Harry and Gay and daughter Bellamie)
services sooner. Many people have evolved into extended family to Charles
complimented me on how the benchmark and Regina and the maestro’s untimely
was raised with regard to the presentation death in 1997 affected them painfully.
of magic on British television when I Both Charles and I took special pride
moved from the BBC to Thames. That is when on our Disney special Blackstone,

106 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 Regina and Charles Reynolds www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk
 surpass them all and find the magical
equivalent of the cancer cure. None of
this halted his admiration for the intricate
subtleties of the likes of Stewart James,
Jerry Andrus and Martin Gardner. No one
was more fascinated by the philosophical
applications of ‘The Professor’, Dai
Vernon, or the psychological genius of
Slydini. He accepted that their
achievements were to a certain extent
separate from the commercial arena and
was astute enough not to get the two
cultures (there goes that word again)
mixed. And inevitably he had his pet
peeves, not least four Ace tricks lasting
forty-five minutes that tested the stamina
of audiences beyond endurance and,
away from the Selbit/Harbin oeuvre,
puzzles with boxes and what he
laughingly called the ‘refrigerator
showroom’ approach of
performing them.
I have said before that if some
enlightened seat of learning
were to have instituted a bona
fide chair of magical studies, they
need have looked no further than
with a majesty that no other magician contribution to magical invention. That Charles Reynolds. But the academic
could command, rode into view on a was never part of the job description. We approach he was capable of bringing to
magnificent Arab steed and – courtesy of tended to agree that in the world of the art he loved must not downplay his
Jim Steinmeyer – made the mount commercial conjuring there had been no impish sense of humour, his pervasive
dissolve into the balmy scented air. truly groundbreaking change in magical sense of fun. Charles and Regina’s
At heart, of course, Charles was never a creativity since Robert Harbin. The engaging home at Grove Court within
mere trickster, rather a man of the constant maw of television had for more Greenwich Village was an oasis of calm
theatre, who had Bachelor’s and Master’s than a quarter of a century been satisfied where my family and I were made
degrees in that discipline from the by an ingenious parade of magical welcome on innumerable occasions and
University of Michigan. He was always the adaptation. ‘But where is the new effect?’ some of my happiest moments were
first oracle to be consulted by Broadway he would ask, ‘More importantly, where is spent there as we shared our love of
producers anxious to create the impossible the new principle?’ That is why his variety, vaudeville and the circus,
or facilitate a special effect in one of their admiration for Uri Geller was so strong. swapping detail on acts we knew the
shows. Amongst the countless antiquarian ‘Forget what the books and the other couldn’t have seen. There was no
magic posters that lined the walls of his magazines tell you,’ he would say, ‘Geller one in the world of magic whose
home, nothing was more impressive than was the first person to stamp indelibly on company I enjoyed more, both for the
the vast wall that displayed a seeming the minds of the audience the idea of intellectual stimulus he provided and the
patchwork quilt of their modern seemingly impossible metal bending … it benevolence that underpinned his total
equivalents showcasing some of the many is the only original effect in ages.’ aura. He provided great joy, true wisdom
productions enhanced by his talents. No one was more alert to the fact that and the sanest point of view.
Amongst the shows represented were there were very few original concepts in It has taken me more than three
Pielmeier’s Sleight of Hand, Sondheim’s magic. He accepted that most big ideas months since he passed away to sit down
Into the Woods, Julie Taymor’s The Green were created between 1850 and 1920 to write these words. In truth, I still
Bird, Chess, Young Frankenstein, and when vaudeville enabled magic to take cannot accept he has gone. Can it really
important revivals of Pippin and Cole centre stage in large theatres on a regular be ten years since I interviewed him
Porter’s Jubilee in addition to the Henning basis for the first time. ‘We are all of us during The Magic Circle’s 2001 Heritage
musical, Merlin and Blackstone’s standing on the shoulders of giants,’ he Weekend? All performing magicians
triumphant Broadway season, Blackstone! would sigh with a resigned tone that would do well to heed his final thoughts
He was honoured in later years by an intimated ‘woe betide’ to anyone who on that occasion: ‘At one end magic is a
invitation to participate as a guest lecturer disregarded the fact. He would count the fairy tale, at the other it is a detective
© John Fisher 2011

at the Smithsonian Institution, where he true geniuses on his two hands – story! Almost all magic is about things
taught a class on ‘Magic as Theatre’. Maskelyne, Devant, De Kolta, Le Roy, that are puzzling and the good magician
An unfair criticism levelled at Charles by Selbit, Jarrett, Annemann and not too will always be able to transcend the
some with a narrower vision than his own many more – while always hoping that puzzle.’ He will remain part of my life
was that he never made a major one day Gaughan or Steinmeyer might for ever.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 107

PETER WARDELL: THE MAGIC CIRCLE
By Matthew Field MIMC

In the September 2009 Circular Peter P I don’t perform on the streets at all thought made it different. The mechanics
Wardell MIMC was featured on the cover as anymore, unless it’s out in Portugal or of the trick itself are not hard, but I
The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Spain, where I work a lot with Luis de always find tricks and look at them and
Year. Now here it is 2011 and Peter is on Matos. So I do sometimes work festivals think that there is not enough depth in
the cover again, for winning The Magic over there, but I don’t do any street there for me and I always like to work
Circle Stage Magician of the Year performing at all in the UK. more into it.
competition. We’ll skip the biographical
information this time around and get M Who are your clients? What types of M You also gave a talk at The Session.
down to how this busy professional clients do you work for? P I did my “Magic State of Mind” talk
became the first magician ever to win P Lots of private parties and, with which is something I’m working on now.
both awards, and what it means to him. corporate stuff, doing quite a lot of trade One of the points I make is that at some
We spoke via Skype. shows and some speaking work. I’m no point you’ve got to stop learning new
different, really, than any other jobbing stuff and focus on what you’ve already
close-upper or magician. The times when I got and learn how to make that better.
Matthew Field: The first word I would come into my own, I think, is when you At some point you’ve got to have
say to you is WOW! Close-up magician of have twelve people and you’ve got to do confidence in what you know.
the year and stage magician as well, the two hours. Even though I did the same
first magician to achieve this honour. How trick in the Stage Magician and Close-up M The tricks you perform – Cylinder and
does it feel? Magician competitions, I have quite a Coins, the Ramsay classic; the Salt Pour, a
Peter Wardell: It’s good. Actually, it was large repertoire which allows me to work Kaps classic; and the Cups and Balls –
my intention to be the first, so there was in any kind of environment. The kind of these are all classic tricks which you have
a carefully planned approach to it all. The jobs I’m trying to move away from now very much made your own. You say that
nice thing is that I will always be the first are the 500 people in a banqueting room, what you do with the Cups and Balls is
person to ever have done it. where I, or any magician, would make no basically the Vernon routine, but although
more impact on the event than anybody the moves may look like the Vernon
M You should be very proud of it. You else. I like to be booked for me, which is routine, it’s 100% Peter Wardell when
did two pieces in the Stage Magician of a tough one really, because people don’t you’re presenting it. Why are you
the Year competition. The first was really know who I am. (Laughs.) attracted to the classics and are there
basically your Cups and Balls routine, the other classics that you have looked at
one which won the Close-up Magician of M You surprised a lot of people at the performing?
the Year competition. Stage Magician of the Year competition P The reason I like the classics is that I
P Yes, that’s the Dai Vernon classic Cups when you performed an excellent version think that they are for the
and Balls routine. of the Salt Pour, an effect probably most most part overlooked. There
famously performed by Fred Kaps. What are some great tricks, some
M I know that is something that you’ve was your inspiration? brilliant tricks, and I look at
performed for a long time on the streets P In terms of performance, Fred Kaps is them and think I’d love to
and in many other locations, although the all-time great. He was an actor, which do them but they mean
you don’t perform much in the streets is one of the things that magic misses a absolutely nothing to me,
anymore. great deal. It was quite strategically so how am I going to
chosen because I relate that to people and
knew in the make it interesting to
competition there them? I think when
would be patter magic becomes just
acts but I also a demonstration of
knew there would skill you might as well
be silent be a juggler. You must
manipulation acts engage with people when
as well. What I you’re performing. It has to have
wanted to do was meaning for me or I can’t really
to compete with do it.
both of them on an
equal playing field. M I see that on your website you
I think it’s a great strongly promote the fact that you’re the
trick. It added only magician to have won The Magic
contrast to my act. Circle’s Close-up and Stage Magician of
I have a few little the Year awards. Does winning awards
Jack Delvin with Peter Wardell touches on it that I like this make a difference?

108 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

STAGE MAGICIAN OF THE YEAR 2011
P I think what it does is to increase your P I want to be a speaker; I want to help
credibility. In terms of actual monetary people. I genuinely want to be seen as
returns, I have had a couple of enquiries someone who is improving performance
from people searching for The Magic and improving magic. I don’t want to be
Circle Close-up Magician of the Year seen as someone who is simply milking it
winner. It has stood me in good stead to get out of it whatever I can. I enjoy
in that the clients I have now can sell me doing trade shows, but I want to be seen
as the close-up or stage more as a speaker who does magic and
magician of the year. I has great credibility within the magic
think it’s worthwhile. world rather than being a magician who
It’s part of an overall can do speeches and talks every now and
marketing plan. again. I think I’m moving away from
being a magician as such, because I think
M What is it that magic has far more to offer than just
you want to entertainment, although I love the
achieve? entertainment side of it. I want to find a
bit more depth in it all. I’ve set up a
website called The Magic State of Mind
(www.MagicStateOfMind.com) which
contains interviews with well-known,
successful magicians talking about their
success and not necessarily about their
magic. What I think magicians need is an
understanding of what it is as a career
and what it is really to be a magician. The
website is designed to help magicians be
more successful in whatever it is they
decide to do. There’s a link to my 52 Ideas
site as well. I think a lot of people believe
that to be a magician you do tricks. I
think that’s really wrong and that’s not
what it takes to be magician. Every week I
put up a new idea. That
forces me to write a 500 to
600 word piece every week.
I’ve got 52 titles and I will
write all of them up this
year. It’s all about being
better. I’ve got this thing
that if you want to be a
better magician you’ve got
to be a better person. The
website is free, I do it off
my own back and I make
no money from it. Money
is not always a great
indicator of success. It’s
the old expression that
you judge a person by
who they are, not what
they have.

M You sound like you’re in a

very good state of mind.
P I’m a bit too fussy, but as long as it
keeps the kids fed and the mortgage
paid, I am content.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 109

 Ian Rowland MIMC
MIMC

Massive and Beautiful

y career as a medium-quality mindreader has taken going to be many people at the event who hadn’t met before.

M me to many locations. Vegas, Sydney, Tokyo, Skegness,

Jerusalem – these are just a few of the places where I
have told massive, beautiful lies about spoons, books and
Could I could dream up some sort of ‘ice-breaker’ routine that
would give everyone a chance to get know one another a bit
better? Upon hearing this request, I did what any professional
cards. To this glorious list I can now add Little Wymondley. would do. I immediately replied, ‘No problem – as it happens I
If you don’t know where Little Wymondley is, that makes have the perfect routine that fits those requirements exactly!’
two of us. I honestly haven’t the faintest idea. These days Then, having said goodbye and hung up, I sat down to try and
when I drive to a gig I just get in the car, tap the Sat Nav and dream up a suitable routine.
follow orders. This is For once, the creative muse was kind. I came up with rather a
the curious joy of Sat tasty idea that, on the day, got lots of laughs and was very well-
Nav technology: for received. I won’t go into details because it would take up too
the first time in much space and, in any case, it has commercial value. However,
history, you can go to it’s called ‘Getting To Know You’ and I will publish it very soon
a place, do a gig and I’m sure. (My friends will understand this means ‘there’s next to
come home again no chance I’ll ever get around to publishing it, and if I do it will
A view of the Las Vegas strip, just without having a clue be at some point between now and the heat death of the
because I mention Vegas in the where it is. Old timers universe.’)
opening paragraph
used to say, ‘I never Offering a combined lecture / show to the corporate market is
knew where my career would take me…’. These days we can a great idea, and one that more mentalists should try. It’s well-
add, ‘I never know where my career has taken me, even after paid work and fun to do. All you do is find a subject of interest
it has taken me there’. to the corporate world, decorate it with a little research and
I went to Little Wymondley, wherever it is, to do a gig for a dress up some mentalism routines to fit the theme. The term
Leading Pharmaceutical Company. As is usually the case, the ‘lecture show’ simply gives more people the chance to hire you.
event was essentially a gratuitous company booze-up. To some, it’s a valid lecture with some added entertainment
However, it had to be ‘justified’ by including a few tedious value. To others, it’s a fun bit of ‘something different’
PowerPoint presentations during the day. Personally, I think entertainment with a worthwhile message added to the mix.
this dreadful software should be called Powerpointless, given Either way, it’s a great addition to the average corporate get-
that these presentations are always boring, ignored and together.
identical. There’s always a slide entitled ‘Our Roadmap Ahead’, If you think that coming up with a suitable theme and talk
and another called ‘Regional Strategy’ featuring lots of bendy would be particularly challenging, then I suggest you read
arrows pointing away from London. Oh, and let’s not forget Matthew Stewart’s superb book, ‘The Management Myth’. It will
the one where a Star Wars photo is stuffed into some give you lots of good ideas and help you realise that, to put it
laboured pun about ‘may the Sales Force be with you’. kindly, you don’t exactly have to shoot for the moon.
My role at this particular shindig was to host the
proceedings, introduce the speakers and fill the gaps with Reading Matters
short miracles. Finally, when everything else was over, I I recently met German mentalist and consultant Mathias
presented my solo lecture show entitled ‘Anything Is Fischedick. A very smart, likeable and experienced fellow.
Possible… almost’. The nice thing about this, as far as Mathias has written a rather excellent book called Du Bist Magie
corporate clients are concerned, is that it can be said to offer (You are Magic). It’s essentially an in-depth look at ‘body magic’,
some genuine corporate benefit. After all, workers with an or the many ways your mind, body and senses can play tricks on
‘Anything is possible’ attitude will probably perform better
than ones with a ‘No way, can’t be done’ negative mindset.
Flimsy as it may sound, this provides at least partial justification
for my embarrassingly large fee. The show is also great fun (in
my clients’ opinion), and the perfect bridge between the day’s
dreary presentations and the evening’s determination to defeat
the bar’s alcohol reserves.

Special Request
For the particular gig, the client had phoned up about a week
beforehand with a special request. She told me there were

110 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

you. If you remember John Fisher’s classic Body Magic, this Sharpie and put a small x next to each of the four words
covers similar ground and expands on the general theme. It’s an involved. Tell your friend that in a minute you will ask him to
excellent book, available from the German version of Amazon. choose one of these four words. Explain that his choice might
It’s in German, so you will either have to know enough German be governed by lots of different factors, such as the position of
to get by, or get busy with a language dictionary. Then again, a word, or the colour, or the background colour and so on.
Derren Brown speaks fluent German. Why not pop round to his Make up whatever psycho-babble seems appropriate at the
flat and ask him to read the book to you, translating as he goes? time, carefully gauged to match your friend’s gullibility level.
I’m sure he won’t mind in the slightest. When you’re done with the pseudo-nonsense, gesture for
For those of you interested in the therapeutic side of hypnosis, your friend to pick up the Sharpie and say, “Touch the pen to
and in particular what is known as ‘change’ work, I must one of those four words, making sure you choose the one I
mention ‘Provocative Hypnosis’ by Jorgen Rasmussen from could never guess you would choose, unless you want to
Norway. This book is already well-known and widely praised, so double bluff me. 30 seconds is all I can give you”. Here,
I’m just adding my two cents. It’s a wonderful book from a very instead of ‘30’ you mention whatever the page number is that
smart guy who specialises in treating so-called ‘untreatable’ features the circled word ‘family’.
cases. A fascinating book written in a very direct ‘no nonsense’ If he touches ‘Test’, get him to circle it. Remind him that you
style. It’s in English all the way through, including some of those could not possibly have anticipated that he would choose ‘Test’.
words they don’t put in children’s dictionaries. Then mention that you performed the exact same procedure
at home before you came out, and you have the result with
QUICK TRICK you. Take out the folded copy of the duplicate magazine copy,
Here’s an almost impromptu little trick you can create in under and give it to him to unfold. Amazement ensues. Then spend
five minutes using almost any magazine. Let’s suppose you’re on a happy ten minutes ‘explaining’ all the reasons why this
your way to meet someone for coffee and you pass a news- works, and why he selected ‘Test’. He will be very impressed
stand full of magazines. by your profound understanding of human motivation.
Choose a magazine on any subject related to your work, such If he touches ‘Family’, get him to circle it. Remind him that
as science, psychology, therapy, mysticism or whatever. Choose you mentioned the number ‘30’, and this was the only
one with at least four big, bold words on the front in different number you mentioned at any point. Ask him if he knows why
places, colours and styles. For example, I’m looking at the latest you mentioned it. Then get him to turn to page 30 to see your
edition of Psychologies magazine. ‘Test’ appears in the upper prediction. He can check if he wants – you have circled one
right-hand area, all capitals, white text on red. ‘Family’ appears and only one word in the entire magazine.
middle left, all capitals, red text on blue. ‘Dossier’ appears in a If he touches ‘Dossier’, get him to circle it and ask him if he
different font, all capitals, lower left corner, white on red. ‘Piper’ thinks you could have influenced his choice in any way.
(the name of a celebrity) appears in yet another font, middle right Whatever he says, talk about ‘subliminal influence’. Then get
position, upper and lower case, white text over a photograph. him to check the pen he is holding.
Buy two copies of the magazine. Rip off the cover of the If he touches ‘Piper’, get him to cross it out to eliminate it,
second copy (you don’t need the rest). Circle the word ‘Test’. and then do the same with two more of the four possible
Fold this in half three times and stash it in your pocket choices. Whichever word is left, he circles it as his final
somewhere. Open the magazine itself, and find any mention of ‘selection’. Then you use one of the procedures as above. This
the word ‘Family’ somewhere near the middle of the magazine, is the weakest of the four possibilities, so before you perform
within the ‘body text’ of an article rather than a heading. It helps invoke my name and offer a small prayer that it won’t happen.
if the page number is a multiple of ten. Circle this. Remember You can invent other endings and extend this trick to involve
the relevant page number, e.g. page 30. On your Sharpie, write five or more words, but I think four is sufficient for a casual
‘Choose Dossier’ in small but legible text. If you try to do this miracle over coffee.
with the Sharpie itself, you will find it very difficult. Best to use
another fine tip marker pen, of the kind you always carry with
you for emergency mentalism. You’re all set. Invitation
You meet your friend, and at some point in the conversation If you have items, stories, jokes or vicious rumours of
you mention the magazine and say how you are always reading interest to mentalists, please drop me a line
things to do with science / the mind / psychology (or whatever ([email protected]). If you can’t afford Derren and
fits the theme). Offer to try a little demonstration. want to hire a fairly good also-ran mentalist, or you just
Show the cover of the magazine and mention the four words have time to kill, please visit www.ianrowland.com.
that will form the basis of the demonstration. Take out your

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 Edwin A. Dawes

390: THE LIFE AND CREATIONS OF JAMES HENRY STEELE, ‘THE MAGICAL NOVELTICIAN’ Part Two
n 1944, while the Second World War

I was still raging in Europe, Jim Steele

had a very patriotic effect, ‘Never Has
So Much,’ published in Eric Lewis’s
Further Studies in Mystery (this was the
title on the cover, the title page bearing
Further Magical Studies). It was, in fact,
elaborated from Charles Medrington’s
‘Celebrity Trick’ and featured Winston
Churchill and his famous Battle of Britain
speech delivered on 20 August 1940,
which included “Never in the field of
human conflict was so much owed by so
many to so few.” A frame containing a
plain black board is seen on a stand with
a large sheet of white paper partially
draped over it. A statesman’s name is
chosen (forced) but not revealed and the
performer takes the paper, bundles it up
and with a pair of scissors cuts away at it
until a only a folded, jagged portion is
left. The statesman is now named as
Winston Churchill, the paper is unfolded
and pinned to the board to disclose a
silhouette of the great man himself.
Affecting to notice that the picture is
incomplete, the performer picks up a
piece of paper, unfolds it and then pins it
in the correct position. It is Churchill’s
trademark, a large cigar.
At this stage the magician repeats Rabbit from Hat
Winston’s immortal tribute and immediately RAF ‘Wings’ 1947. He attended a number of British Ring conventions
appear at the top of the frame, two flags, a Union Jack and a (although he never joined the Ring), often with Arthur
RAF Ensign, unfurl on either side of the frame, and a banner Setterington and they were staying at the same Brighton hotel in
bearing the famous words drops at the foot, effecting a showy 1962 as Bob and Valerie Swadling, the year that very talented
climax. Perhaps to emphasise the point, Lewis included it as young couple won the British Ring Shield and Bob received the
the final mystery in this book, also published by Davenport’s Dittia Shield for his manipulations.
and, as with Modus Operandi, greatly enhanced by Laurie I first met Jim Steele in 1963 soon after I had arrived in Hull,
Watkinson’s splendid illustrations, signed simply as ‘Laurie.’ introduced by Arthur Setterington, with whom he was good
Shortly after the death of his wife Gladys in 1952 Jim Steele friends. His home was in a row of terraced houses which
suffered a serious injury when he fell off a ladder and broke reminded me of the home in which I spent the first seven years
his back, but the durability he had previously displayed after of my life. An upstairs bedroom was devoted to his magic
his injuries in the First World War was again in evidence and equipment, books and magazines, of which he had sizeable
he eventually made a remarkable recovery. He was helped in collections, He held very forthright views on magic, life and
this respect by a friend, Doris Foster, who became the politics and was never slow to express them. He could be very
widower’s companion. Likewise, his immediate neighbours, straitlaced too. I remember that when a translation of Le
the Griffins, were good friends and looked after him when he Petomane, the story of Joseph Pujol’s unusual musical act, first
fell ill. appeared in 1967, someone had given him a copy and on my
In the post-war years Jim started to attend conventions, one next visit I was subjected to a tirade that such a disgusting
of the first being the Abracadabra Magical Jamboree spectacle could have been presented on any stage.
organised by Goodliffe and held in Birmingham in October Jim was always a regular participant at the meetings of Hull

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MIMC

Magicians’ Circle, enthusiastically entering the heats of the Wraysbury, and they
Simpson Shield contest with their varied topics which gave him regularly traded ideas
ample scope for devising and developing novel ideas. Originality and tricks in the course
in magic was always his greatest hobby horse and one which led of their lengthy
to frequent arguments with fellow members of the club, correspondence. Jim
resulting in his resignation as a matter of principle on at least a was also a member of a
couple of occasions when he challenged the originality of effects small group organised
presented by some of his colleagues (though he subsequently by Freddie Firth called
returned to the fold each time). The principal focus for criticism the Union of Magicians,
inevitably was the annual contest for the Jasper Maskelyne a society that had no
Wand, which had been presented to the club by Jasper in 1938 headquarters, no
to encourage originality. The contest was in abeyance from 1940 subscriptions and no
until 1944 during the Second World War, resuming in 1945, and meetings, and also
Jim Steele was the winner in 1946 with ‘Doodles’, the included Jimmy Flowers
production of a clockwork animated greyhound to the and Henri DeSeevah Ventriloquism at a party
accompaniment of an amusing story. (Harry Hancock). It did, however, have a paper printed badge
He was runner-up in the following year’s Maskelyne Wand consisting of an annulus bearing the title of the club within
contest. Eric C. Lewis recalled this occasion in The Crowning which was a four-pointed star carrying points of the compass,
Miracles (1980) as he was one of the judges, together with N.E.S.W. Collecting printed images of magical society badges
Goodliffe Neale, in whose car he travelled from Birmingham to was another of Jim’s interests. And at one of the meetings of
Hull. He indicated he thought but wasn’t sure, the winner was the Zodiac Society Freddie Firth presented Jim’s ‘Doodles’
Steele, noted for his creations, and wrote “[I]t was indeed very effect.
original and the modus operandi completely fooled both Jim lectured on ‘Originality’ to the Gloucester Magical
Goodliffe and myself. He took a pint can of white paint which Society in July 1961, emphasising that personal specialities are
looked completely normal, opened it and showed by stirring it always better than stock items, exclusiveness being always a
with a spatula that it just contained white paint. He closed the great asset. He then showed several items entirely new to
lid, set it aside, obviously with no switch. A colour was chosen, everyone present. On another occasion, when he lectured for
and when the can was opened again, the white paint had the South Lincs Magical Society at Skegness, his pal Joe Jones
changed to the chosen colour – and it was genuine paint. I’m bicycled all the way from Watford to be there to see him.
still not sure how he did it, so there’s a nice little problem for In the post-war years, endeavouring to spread the gospel to
problem-solving readers to work out.” While this was a very neighbouring clubs, Jim presented a ‘Steele Trophy’ for
good description of the winning trick, and it seemed an Originality to the Leeds Magic Circle in 1962 and subsequently
appropriate theme for a painter to have originated, it was in fact to the York Society of Magicians, serving as a judge for their
the creation of President 1966 contest and presenting the trophy to winner Maurice
Ernest Connolly and not Deighton. And it was in October 1966 that he was delighted
Steele, the runner-up, to meet John Mulholland when the noted American magician
who, on this occasion had was visiting us and graciously agreed to present a lecture for
presented “an unusual Hull M.C. members at our home.
card effect” of which, For his 1967 entry to the Maskleyne Wand contest Jim
unfortunately, there seems transformed a block of wood into chopped sticks, but it was
to be no extant record. another of Jim’s later originalities titled ‘Twins’ that became
Good friends and one of his favourites. In this effect he exhibited a small cabinet
correspondents of Jim possessing two front doors. These doors were opened to
Steele included Jimmy display within two identical twin dolls, which were removed
Flowers, the well-known and passed for examination. After demonstrating the dolls’
children’s entertainer and arms and legs could be moved into different positions, Jim
prolific contributor to then returned the appendages into their normal positions and
Goodliffe’s Abracadabra in invited a lady to choose one of the dolls, the other being
its early years, C.H. ‘Joe’ returned to the cabinet and the doors closed. He explained
Jones of Watford and that, being twins, the dolls had a close rapport with each
Travis B. Wills of other and whatever happened to one invariably happened to
▲

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 113

Doodles Twins Santa’s Cottage mammoth production
the other. To illustrate the phenomenon, he invited his helper to rhyming patter for some of his effects, which were centred on
move either or both arms and/or legs of her chosen doll into the exploits of a character called Joe Smith. This dialect rhyming
whatever position(s) she wished. When the task was completed presentation unfortunately became a source of controversy with
the doors of the cabinet were opened to disclose that the twin his long-standing friend Arthur Setterington. Arthur, who also
doll’s appendages had now adopted the same positions as those had adopted this style for certain presentations, in 1968 had a
chosen by the lady. To prove that this was not purely book titled The Joe Smith Mysteries published by the Supreme
coincidental, the routine was repeated but with the roles of the Magic Company, and it was this publication that upset Jim
dolls reversed and the positions of the appendages altered; the Steele, who believed that Joe Smith was his creation. While we
outcome was precisely the same. It was an ingenious trick. can never be sure, it is of course quite possible that the germ of
As a Yorkshireman Jim made use of his native dialect to create the idea had evolved during one of their meetings together,
although it seemed to this neutral observer that Jim was always
accusatory with Arthur playing a somewhat defensive role.
To convey the flavour of this style of presentation we
reproduce from The Joe Smith Mysteries the first three and the
last stanzas of “Joe i’ London,” for a Rope and Ring trick:

’Ave you ’eard ’ow Joe Smith, the Magician

Down in London, created a stir
With ’is wonderful tricks and illusions?
They’d seen nothing like ’im down there.

’E appeared at the Great Exhibition,

Crystal Palace was where it took place.
The Queen and ’er ’usband, Prince Albert
Saw Joe, Yorkshire’s magical ace.

’Is magical pièce de résistance

(That’s French, and means best in ’is show),
Was a wonderful rope and ring myst’ry
Devised and invented by Joe.
o
They still talk of Joe down in London.
’Of ’is myst’ries, and legerdemain,
And ’tis said there’s some substantial offers,
If he’ll go back and do ’em again.

After the then Sheriff of Kingston-upon-Hull, Leslie Spooner, in

1969 presented a trophy for annual competition to find the best

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 Young Magician of Humberside,
Jim Steele evinced a general
interest in the proceedings.
Subsequently this became more
specific when he found that his
neighbour’s daughter, Diane
Griffin, displayed some
enthusiasm for magic and he
took her under his tutorial
wing. Jim was a hard
taskmaster and although Diane
did not win the trophy she did
continue to perform magic in
the Beverley area for a time.
In 1978 the Cleveland Magic
Circle recognised Jim Steele’s
services to magic, and his
former association with
Cleveland, by bestowing
Honorary Life Membership, only
the second occasion the award
had been made.
Understandably, he was very
proud of this honour.
In his mid-eighties Jim’s health began to falter and in 1982 he
spent some time in hospital where I visited him and discovered
he was a great hit with the nurses with his magic tricks and
witticisms. He recovered and returned home again, being well
cared for by his neighbours. He greatly appreciated visits by his
friends and was delighted when I was able to take along visiting
magicians to meet him. His membership of Hull Magicians’ Circle
lapsed but his enthusiasm for magic never faltered and he
concentrated now on smaller close-up items including a
miniature cups and balls routine with Joe Smith dialect patter.
It was a severe blow for Jim when his friend and companion
Doris Foster died at the age of 83 in 1987 and afterwards his
condition deteriorated significantly. He was admitted to Castle
Hill Hospital again in the summer of 1988 but instructed his
neighbours not to alert any of his magic friends as he did not
want any of them to see him in his present condition, and so,
very sadly, the first I knew of it was the news that he had died
on 30 July at the age of 93. He is remembered fondly by those
who knew him as one of the real ‘characters’ of magic.

REFERENCES
Bellman, D. & Lewis, E.C. 1937). Magic of 1937. Authors’
publication.
Lewis, E.C. (1944). Modus Operandi Part 1. London: Davenport.
(1944). Further Magical Studies. Davenport. (1980). The
Crowning Miracles. Sierra Madre, CA: Magical Publications.
Setterington, A. (1968). The Joe Smith Mysteries. Bideford:
Supreme Magic.
Nohain, J. & Caradec, F. (1967). Le Petomane. London:
Souvenir Press.
Steele, J.H. (1935). The Magic Wand 24, 119-120 (Oct-Nov);
(1936); 25, 33-34, 34-35 (Mar– May); 67-69 (June-Sept); (1938)
27, 23-24 (Mar-May).

ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
I am grateful to Messrs Davenport for kind permission to
reproduce Laurie’s illustrations of Steele’s tricks from the
Eric C. Lewis books they published.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 115

 Mandy Davis MIMC Convenor of Reports. Photographed by John

Monday 31 January 2011 Will Houstoun showed us the silent Rhodes performed a fun Just Chance
The Council Entertains appearance and disappearance of three piece under a theme of items she was
coins from a lit candle. Will’s performance getting rid of from home. Randomly
Reported by Tim Barnes was, as ever, perfectly executed. Andrew chosen numbers revealed packets of
Tonight was a double first – the Eborn followed with a routine using an sweets under the first four covers before
first show by the recently odd-backed single card that ultimately finally leaving her with £500.
elected Council – and the first proved to match two different selections. Rob Cox entertained with a hilarious
Monday Night Event live A reasonably well known trick, but in and manic ESP routine where a sat-upon
streamed via the Internet. Andrew’s hands, great to watch! symbol was ‘read’ by peering down the
First on stage, and Mandy Davis took us through some throat of a volunteer with a torch. Martyn
introduced by Chairman of the random dealing of cards into piles that Rowland followed with two items – an
Council Brian Sibley, was our mysteriously led to her divining three entertaining prediction of an animal and a
Brian Sibley President Jack Delvin. With two previous and unseen selections. Chris drawing pad card rise.
helpers from the audience he took us Wood then performed Pat Page’s version Fay Presto was the penultimate act,
through a Linking Rings routine and a of Find the Lady with the Queen with the vanish of a finger ring, streamer
Six Card Repeat using a jumbo card repeatedly moving before revealing just and money, all reappearing inside a pack
torn into six pieces and then restored. three Fours. of savoury snacks. The final act of the
Next up was James Freedman who Michael Vincent performed using both night was Richard Pinner who had an
performed a Confabulation-style routine a borrowed assistant and a borrowed and audience member nominate his favourite
predicting a sum of money, numbers on shuffled deck! With ‘intuitive insight’ he film star – in this instance Christopher
a credit card and a favourite film used spelt the name of a card to show it was at Reeve of Superman fame. After some
as an on-line password. a pre-determined position. Katherine byplay, Richard revealed a Superman tee
shirt under his top.
And with that, he and your Council
were gone!
Around 100 Circle Members, from ten
countries, also watched via the Internet.
This will hopefully be the prelude to much
greater access to proceedings for our global
membership, and thanks are offered to
those who enabled this to
Jack Delvin James Freedman Will Houstoun Andrew Eborn
happen, in particular, Bob
Hamilton leading the
theatre technical support
and Andrew Eborn for the
services of Octopus Media
Technology.
[The Pre-Show Hands-On
in the Devant Room
featured Alan Maskell.] Alan Maskell

Mandy Davis Chris Wood Michael Vincent Katherine Rhodes

Monday 7 February 2011
Pat Page – A Tribute, hosted
by Mandy Muden MIMC

Reported by Geoffrey Shisler

The book of Ecclesiastes tells us ‘A good
name is worth more than wealth.’ If that
is true, then Patrick Page must have been
one of the richest men ever. A packed
Rob Cox Martyn Rowland Fay Presto Richard Pinner theatre heard fulsome tributes paid to

116 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Ward MMC

star of the show was Pat Page himself.

We saw some wonderful clips of Pat
performing and lecturing, and we also
saw the superb Clown Act that he’d
perfected over the years.
This was a very fitting tribute to a
genuinely loved and
deeply missed friend and
mentor, one of the most
Mandy Muden Max Blake Colin Rose Matthew Field
knowledgeable and finest
magical performers of
modern times – a great
evening.
[The Pre-Show Hands-
On in the Devant Room
featured Terry Knight.] Terry Knight

Monday 14 February 2011

Pete Firman Dennis Patten Tim Vine Scott Penrose Magic for Lovers –
mishap provided material for at least two hosted by Steve Dela AIMC
of the following acts!
Pete Firman showed his version of the Reported by Chris McGeever
Miser’s Dream routine that he’d learned Steve Dela was the compere for this
from Pat and Dennis Patten, a friend for short show based on romantically-
more than sixty years, told some great flavoured routines, plots suitable for
stories before demonstrating his acrobatic couples or simply tricks with inherent
seaweed. He was followed by comedian Tim beauty – he opened by demonstrating
Vine, BBC TV comedy actor and stand-up his rendition of ‘Invisible Deck’ as
Michael Vine John Archer whose one-liners are always fast and funny. performed for a bride and groom. Josh
him, of his kindness, his generosity and The suave Scott Penrose did his Miller was the first featured act and he
his professionalism – all interspersed with beautiful Linking Rings in which a dove conjured silently with a Vanishing and
some fine magic and an enormous perches on a ring throughout; and Appearing Candle, Ali Bongo’s Silk to
amount of humour. Michael Vine reminisced about his long Rose and a snowstorm, set to a
The effervescent Mandy Muden association with Pat, then read out a soundtrack of love songs.
introduced a galaxy of performers, some tribute from Derren Brown. Steve retook the stage to perform a
of whom performed a trick or two and The show was brought to an end by the Valentine’s Day-themed ‘Confabulation’
others who spoke about Pat. Max Blake, hilarious John Archer with his Padlocked routine, calling upon Mandy Davis (the
one of his oldest friends, started off the Box routine. only female present in the theatre) to
show followed by Colin Rose, Young As good as this all was, the undoubted make choices about a dream date with
Magician of the Year 1967. Colin told us a celebrity.
how Pat changed his life and how, Paul Brown was next up and he spun
together, they nearly set Davenports on a pleasant yarn, based upon the
fire when Pat devised a wonderful effect Chinese fable, ‘The Butterfly Lovers’. To
for him in which flames appeared around Chinese folk music, he then caused a
the edge of a fan – but he had not yet pair of paper butterflies to flutter in
worked out how to extinguish them! tandem on the air currents from his fan,
I doubt if any of us has ever seen a before transitioning into the second
magician carry off a disaster with the snowstorm of the evening – this time
aplomb that Matthew Field demonstrated! Son Jeremy and wife Eileen, grandson with paper butterflies instead of
It was a lesson in itself of how to (not) Robert, Philip and partner Janette confetti.
(Pat’s daughter)
▲

react, when it all goes wrong, and Matt’s Steve provided an interlude with a

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 117

correctly-predicted Valentine’s present in a manufacture. As he We were also introduced
gift bag before introducing the final act, said in his introduction, to the Phoenix Parlour
Dave ‘n’ Joe. The duo presented a his aim is to bring Deck which is 35%
simultaneous cut-and-restored rope trick respect and bigger.
and a card routine involving a drawing understanding to the Christian then
duplication with the kicker ending of the subject of playing proceeded to present a
card teleporting to a picture frame. cards. series of effects, primarily
To round off the evening’s proceedings, We were told of the using another innovation
Steve returned once more to deliver one various motivations in his Phoenix Cards, the
of his personal favourites, and the most that gained Christian’s Double Deckers. These
romantic trick in his repertoire, the interest in playing packs contain a full
Christian Schenk
‘Gypsy Thread’. This was accompanied by cards, but none more double pack in high
a voiceover reciting a poem, ‘The Canvas so than his realisation that Bicycles, the quality, ultra thin card. Many magicians
of Love’, over gentle piano music to set card of choice for the vast majority of will be familiar with similar cards from
the mood. magicians, had remained largely Protea but Christian has produced a range
unchanged over nearly one hundred of packs, and associated fekes, which
[Your Editor must humbly apologise for years. Moreover, in his contact with match his standard (and Parlour) cards.
the lack of photographs for this evening’s USPCC (United States Playing Card Following the lecture the dealer stand
events. Ed.] Company which makes Bicycle cards), was swamped by an enthusiastic crowd.
he was made aware that magicians On offer were also his fantastic Sherpa
Monday 21 February constitute only 0.4% of USPCC’s sales. (Sharpie covers) pens, and a range of
Christian Schenk – Cardshark Or, as Christian vociferously stated, USPCC great tricks not even mentioned in the
had no interest whatsoever in what lecture. All these
Reported by Tim Barnes magicians might want! As a result he products are available
Card Shark, it transpired, was both concluded that there must be improvements on his website,
Christian Schenk’s Company and his that could be made – and which had www.card-shark.de.
adopted performing name. His lecture been simply ignored over the years. [The Pre-Show
was, in part, about him and his journey It was from this premise that Christian Hands-On in the
from graphic designer to creator of magic, invested a staggering amount of time and Devant Room featured
and about the history of playing card effort into designing his Phoenix Deck. Henning Koehlert.] Henning Koehlert

118 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 David Tomkins MIMC

The Customer is Always Right?

wonder how often we really feel “I guess so. We didn’t see much of it. not get bored. At the show, having first

I appreciated as children’s
entertainers? Are we just seen as
glorified babysitters? I often wonder if a
We were busy in the kitchen! (Mmmm!)
Or, “I THINK the children enjoyed it.”
(After all that hard work and effort
entertained them and getting them on
my side, I would invite the children to
all stand up and come forward in a
client realises the amount of work and keeping them entertained, would the group. Next, I’d play some suitable
preparation that goes into presenting client really have to think about it?) music and begin the dancing. A good
an entertainment show. Our profession Or, “Weren’t the children well- idea would be to bring in “Statues” or
is not always seen as a “serious” job behaved!” (Was that just coincidence or “Bumps.” Whilst they may be a bit
and I believe some people in the public could it have been the entertainer did a young to play it properly, it would help
domain, from time to time, do not view darn good job!!) to keep them occupied. Incorporate the
the job quite so sincerely. As examples, I recall sometimes in the past, before popular well known game of “Simon
how often has a client asked you, websites took over, I would get clients Says!” Maybe afterwards include a
“What do you do for a proper job?” who called me as a result of my Yellow short simplified dancing competition,
Or jokingly at the end of the show, “Do Pages ad. (The ad, because of its size, with you as the judge. If there weren’t
we have to pay you as well?” Or, “Oh! would only give very brief descriptions of too many children there, they could
I thought this was your charity bit!” the various show options I offered, i.e. all be “winners”, giving everyone a
Recently I was booked to do a two- puppets, magic, mini disco etc., but not suitable little prize (allowed for within
hour magic and disco party package age specific.) Odd times a client would your fee.)
(two 45-minute sessions plus half an hour ring and say they were having a party for It’s really a matter of feeling the way
interval in the middle). First part was the their three-year-old and they wanted the and being aware. If the disco part only
magic and puppets. The children had disco package. (They may have recently runs for about ten minutes or so, Mum
been great throughout the show and come back from a holiday centre which and Dad will see that you’ve made the
thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Tea time had run family discos, where their “little effort to include what they’ve requested
arrived so off they went to eat. About one” had had a great time “running” and will be happy for you to revert back
fifteen minutes later, Mum strolled over around most of the time.) I would then try to an age-appropriate entertainment.
and “reminded” me that the children and convince the client that there was a I am not saying that under-5s don’t
hadn’t done any dancing yet and could big difference between a holiday family enjoy dancing to music. Sometimes they
I make sure they have plenty of music disco environment and attempting the do! What I’m trying to say is, if I have
after they’ve eaten. (I did assure her that same format for a group of, say, just option “A” in my list of packages, which
the disco part was coming up later.) twenty three-year-olds at a birthday party. is ideal for under-5s, but the client is
Obviously being the client, no problem It wouldn’t work. pushing for option “B”, which is
in her asking. However, on this occasion It’s amazing how occasionally some clients specifically designed for older children,
I seemed to get the impression that had call up an entertainer, claiming they know you have to be careful how you handle
the children been just “dancing around better than you what their child will enjoy the situation. If other parents see you
to music” most of the time, with the the most, over and above the professional struggling with a group of children,
odd bit of magic thrown in here and advice given by you, the performer! with age-unsuited material, it certainly
there, that she would have been equally The dilemma can be if a booking is won’t do your reputation any good.
as happy. The fact that the children had bordering on being lost, based on your As far as websites are concerned, of
just had a great time being thoroughly apparent unwillingness to provide what course there is ample scope to lay out
entertained watching a professional they are asking for. (Strictly speaking, I your various show packages, along with
puppet and magic show seemed wouldn’t offer or suggest mini disco for the recommended age groups that they
irrelevant to her. Of course we have to under-5s.) Obviously I wouldn’t want to are suitable for, so hopefully this would
give the customers what they want. lose the booking, so firstly I would go a long way to eliminating the above
Fortunately when most clients hire an suggest a suitable 45-minute situation arising.
entertainer they leave the party content entertainment geared for that age group With enquires relating to older
to you and rely on you to make sure (puppets and magic), but including a children, the message I try and get
the children have a great time! disco/dance session for the little ones across to a client is first and foremost,
At the end of a birthday party show, somewhere within the show. I wouldn’t “I am an entertainer who is happy to
I’m sure we ask a client if everything specify how long the disco part would be, include disco/dancing within that
was okay from their point of view? but would say it would last as long as the entertainment. I’m not a DJ who just
Popular replies can be: children were happy to dance around and performs a few tricks”.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 119

120 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk
 Elizabeth Warlock MIMC

ne of the most exciting Monday clients with his very clever card and coin Magic Circle Supper in 2002. He

O evenings at TMC was the Tribute

to Pat Page on 7 February. While
it will be reported elsewhere in this
work which he combines with comedy, he
has been little seen among magicians.
This is a pity, for he is one of the most
became a great favourite with Magic
Castle audiences but for the past
number of years has been a popular
magazine, I feel I must make a brief entertaining close-up workers around. performer in the top spots in Las Vegas.
mention of it. Hosted so well by Mandy That evening we were able to see such He will be sadly missed by all who knew
Muden, it was a mixture of tricks and items as the Instant Backing box inspired him and had the privilege of seeing him
spoken tributes from many famous by Michael Ammar, Flash Finish of four of work, and to his wife Jan we offer our
names whose magic had been influenced a kind, his Sharpie thru Coin, the condolences in her great loss. Rest in
by Pat, plus video clips of him actually production of a black 8-ball from a deck peace Steve.
performing. It was certainly an evening of cards, and a prediction effect with It was in 1965 that Keith Cooper
not to be missed. The many fans of Pat cards using a toy soldier. It was first came to prominence when, at the
will be pleased to know that a big book educational, entertaining and the items age of 16, he won The Young Magician
of his works written by our esteemed explicitly explained. Do not miss an of the Year competition with a
editor Matthew Field and published by opportunity of seeing Wayne perform. manipulation act. Three years later
the Page family is due out this month. You will not be disappointed. after completing his education and
One of the most popular events in I was saddened to learn of the death of working in an advertising agency for a
the Midlands is the biannual Car Boot Steve Dacri on 11 February from cancer at year, he turned professional, working
Sale in the Masonic Hall in West the age of 54. His interest in magic summer seasons at resorts around the
Bromwich organised by Alec Powell, started at the age of six and by the time country and at other times of the year
famed for his prize-winning comedy entertaining cabaret audiences and
magic act under the name of Amensia, cruise passengers. Magic had come
but now well known for his dealership, naturally to him, for his father Norman
Albion Magic. The latest sale was on was a very active member of TMC and
Sunday 6 February with some thirty his mother Gwen was involved socially.
tables being taken, many by those Of course his magic changed over the
individuals wishing to unload unwanted years with the inclusion of illusions. But
props, books and DVDs, but with a in 1975 he met a very attractive dancer
spattering of professional dealers like by the name of Pam, and henceforth a
Stephen Tucker, Merlins of Wakefield whole new dimension was added
and, from Manchester, Andrew including a change of name, and so as
Normansell and Adrian Sullivan. Keith Cooper and Carol they delighted
I was able to chat with such folks as audiences around the world with their
our premier bizarre magic performer magic for some thirty years.
Frank Allen, Mel Harvey and Marcus Now retired from performing, they
Taylor. Many of you will remember have had time to pursue other avenues,
Marcus when he entered the Young including being involved in many
Magician of the Year competition in activities in their home city of Liverpool.
Steve Dacri with Elizabeth Warlock
2007. A pupil of Geoff Ray, he Keith became treasurer of TMC for a
presented a fine manipulative act with he was 13 he was a professional in close- number of years before resigning last
cards and glitter balls. While currently in up magic and comedy. I well remember September to take up his duties as
his third year of medical studies with an when he came to lecture at the British president of the British Ring for
ambition to become a heart surgeon, Magical Society in 2002 where he fooled 2010/2011, including attending many
he still retains his interest in magic and everyone with his very clever close-up Society events around the country in
plans to continue with it. magic that included a miniature version of addition to hosting his own presidential
When Wayne Fox came to Blendo, the double card stab with the dinner in Stafford on 9 April, attending
Birmingham in January to lecture to the fountain of cards and, of course, the the IBM convention in Dallas in June,
British Magical Society it made for a sponge balls. Steve was a master of the and presiding over the British Ring
special evening. Although Wayne has Sponge Balls in which he actually used convention at Southport in September.
been a busy professional for over fifteen rabbits instead of the usual round balls, I’ll be with you again soon with more
years, delighting high-ranking corporate and he wowed everyone with these at the News from the Regions.

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 121

 Del Ray – America’s Foremost in close-up at Fechter’s and in private face instead of his crotch). Included in this
by John Moehring videos from David Baldwin and Bob volume are the wonderful “Charmng
448 pages, hard backed with dust Escher. If you’ve never seen the great Chinese Challenge”, a Coins and Ribbon
jacket and index, photo illustrated, plus magician in action, this will be an eye- effect that Josh Jay has made a specialty
94 min. DVD. $68 (£56) plus p&p from opener. If you have, it will be a treasured of his own, and a master’s thesis on Bob
your favourite dealer. Dealers contact reminder of just how good he was. Swadling’s Flipper Coin. In addition to
Murphy’s Magic Supplies, Members David Baldwin and William coin material, there are fifteen card effects
www.MurphysMagic.com. Spooner, along with Bob Escher are the and moves, all of interest, and some
publishers, and this is clearly a labour of “curiosities” including a trick with a
Reviewed by Matthew Field love. For those of us who revere Del Ray, miniature mask, a handling of Bob Read’s
The fabulous American magician Del it is truly a gift. bottle production, a linking rubber bands
Ray was one of my absolute favourites idea, some sponge ball moves, and Troy’s
but, like Slydini, the Destroyers and ditching procedure for cards and coins.
absence of videos Moments The magic is excellent throughout.
has made his name by Joshua Jay The second volume, Moments, is
and magic less Destroyers: 190 pages, hard backed, named for Troy’s thesis that when
familiar than it illustrated, with index. Moments: 135 entertaining spectators there should be as
ought to be. Del Ray pages, hard backed, illustrated, with many moments of magic as possible. I
was known for some index. $50 (£31.31) each plus p&p from generally agree with this, although there
unbelievable Vanishing Inc is a danger that too many such moments
electronic tricks in (www.VanishingIncMagic.com) or your can cause confusion and dilute the main
which a tweeting toy bird located cards, favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s effect. We’ll discuss this another time. The
a tippling teddy bear matched the Magic Supplies, new book is thinner than Destroyers and
magician shot for shot, the outcomes www.MurphysMagic.com. includes tricks with some items you may
were predicted for three dice rolled by not own, such as the Triple Threat coin
spectators, and lots more. If you want Reviewed by Matthew Field gimmick. There are five ‘acts’ included,
to build these tricks for yourself, you Joshua Jay originally introduced me to routines Troy uses himself including The
won’t find the secrets in this book, American magician Troy Hooser a dozen Bottomless Box, a leather parallelogram
although why would you want to? years ago with his book DesTROYers, and that can represent a box, ala Slydini’s
Hints are there. the present volume expands that work. It Paper Balls in Box, which Troy uses for
The workings of eight of Del Ray’s has been re-designed to match a volume some startling productions. The card work
excellent close-up effects are explained of new material from Hooser, Moments. includes work on the Reverse Cull and
by Gary Plants, and these are just great. What is unusual and valuable about various ‘dodges’.
Of course, you will be hard-pressed to both volumes is The excellent illustrations are by Tony
get the same reaction Del Ray achieved that they describe Dunn and the books are first rate. Check
with his riverboat gambler persona and excellent magic out www.VanishingIncMagic.com for
hilarious patter. As always, the magician from a ‘worker’, a more details about the contents.
is what is memorable. practising magician
John Moehring describes in great who has honed his The Yankee Magic Collector #14
detail the life of a man who was craft down in Edited by Andrew J. Pinard
consigned to an orphanage, discovered the trenches. In 210 pgs., colour illustrated. $50 (about
magic, and became the most successful Destroyers, Troy was £32) plus p&p, available from the New
performer in his chosen fields, including very concerned about England Magic Collectors
night clubs and corporate functions. In lifting close-up magic Association,www.nemca.com/ymc14.htm
a somewhat dry tone, John sometimes off the table, so
loses the character of Del Ray in the that spectators could Reviewed by William Houstoun
extraordinary detail, but one must be easily see what was Every two years the New England Magic
grateful that at last the written record going on (as well Collectors Association hosts a convention
of the man finally exists. as the benefit of called the Yankee Gathering at which
The accompanying DVD includes Del allowing them to magic historians and collectors gather to
Ray on stage at the Tannen Jubilee and look at the magician’s hear talks from experts on every aspect of

122 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

 magic’s history. To from www.DanAndDave.com or your useful advice to the performer seeking
coincide with the favourite dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s to improve his magic and the impact his
convention they also Magic Supplies, magic has, including how to rehearse,
publish a limited edition www.MurphysMagic.com. how to structure an act, the importance
book called the Yankee of theatre skills, why the classic plots
Magic Collector that Reviewed by Matthew Field are classics, and lots more. There is a
features a range of Helder Guimarães is a FISM champion in section of credits, mostly very good.
original articles and card magic, and deservedly so. His card- Of special interest are the careful
research. handling skills are prodigious and his explanations Helder gives of sleights
The Fourteenth volume has now been variations of the classics are thoughtful including the Ascanio Spread, Spread
published in a limited edition of 175 and entertaining. This is a double length Pass, Stuart Gordon Double Turnover,
copies and contains a wide selection of (or greater) DVD, more than three hours Elmsley Count and Diagonal Palm Shift.
interesting articles on a range of subjects. long, with nine effects performed and Many of these have subtleties and
The book is supplemented by a mixture of explained, and one more in performance improved handlings well worth study.
colour and black and white illustrations only. The tricks are performed for an If you are seeking to improve your
and features ten articles from a variety of audience in the Magic Castle, then card skills and want more than just the
contributors on a variety of subjects repeated and explained in a studio latest flash in the pan, this video is very
including Houdini, Alexander Herrmann, setting. There is also a section in which highly recommended. You can see more
Keller, ventriloquism, stamps and Helder responds to questions by an at the Buck twins’ website,
bibliographic information. unseen interviewer, and an excerpt from a www.DanAndDave.com.
Some of the articles I found most lecture.
interesting are: ‘Box 12: Houdini’s Love Helder, who is Portuguese, speaks SuperSlim Hip Pocket
Letters’ by Ron Cartlidge – an perfect English. He has a warm Mullica Wallet
examination of 13 letters from Houdini personality, as I know from spending by Tim Trono
to his wife Bess that shows a different some time with him in the Club Room Card in wallet, leather, plus 90 min.
side of the world’s most famous of The Magic Circle, and it comes DVD. $70 (£55) plus p&p from your
magician, ‘Jay Marshall’s “One-Day” across on the DVD. I must mention the favourite dealer. Dealers contact
and “Someday” Book Projects’ by David outstanding production by Dan and Murphy’s Magic Supplies,
Meyer – a look at the two extremes of Dave Buck, which is superior in every www.MurphysMagic.com.
Jay Marshall’s publishing projects, those way. That makes learning the material
he completed in a day and those that easier, although this DVD is for Reviewed by
never quite happened (such as Revelation, intermediate-level card magicians. Matthew Field
which finally saw the light of day, in its Helder performs variants of effects The wallet
full form, in 2008) and ‘Much More than including the Progressive Sandwich, invented by the
Cakes and Ale!’ co-authored by Edwin Invisible Palm Aces, the Searchers, wonderful Tom
A. Dawes and Clay H. Shevlin – a 96-page Triumph , Re-set, Twisting the Aces, and Mullica, of which
in-depth look at the book Merrie England Card to Wallet. In every instance, the this is a hip-
in the Olden Time, 1842, its author explanation is followed by Helder pocket version, is
George Daniel and the many magic explaining his thoughts behind why he a folder within a wallet. You open the
references that are to found within it. made changes in the routines, and this is wallet after the vanish of a card or
If you have an interest in the history of invaluable in teaching the student how to other flat object and find inside
magic then, amongst the range of analyse his own magic. The effects something which says, “Look in the
subjects discussed, The Yankee Magic themselves, some of other wallet” (or similar). You open the
Collector #14 is bound to feature which use gaffed leather folder and inside is the missing,
something you will find of interest and as cards and, in one signed card. The fact that no palming is
a whole will broaden your knowledge in a instance, a device required is the big advantage. Eugene
variety of areas. installed in the jacket Burger has a wonderful handling.
and gaffed wallet, are Tim Trono, one of the big honchos at
Red Mirror powerful. Murphy’s Magic Supplies, found a way
by Helder Guimarães In the interview to reduce the size of the wallet so it fits
3.5 hour DVD. $39.95 (£33) plus p&p section Helder gives in the back pocket of your trousers. The

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 123

wallet is made by Alan Wong in good But if you’ve thought about Mental Epic something else and, if it’s a banknote
leather, and Joe Russell is the host of the or using one-ahead in your performances, trick, you’ve got to put this away and
DVD (with his overuse of ‘What I’m going this is a big book of ideas well worth bring out new notes.
to do is ...” and “Okay”), which has a wading through. Having said all that, this is fun,
load of tricks including Card to Wallet, ingenious, and extremely magical looking.
but going beyond this to a wonderful Kartis Visible Bill Change
driving licence transposition in which your by Kartis Illusionarium
licence winds up in the spectator’s hands 15 min. DVD plus gaffed US dollar bill. by Adrian Plate
and his licence winds up in your wallet. $30 (£22) plus p&p from your favourite CD-ROM containing 404 pages of
This is a well made wallet. Justifying the dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic handwritten text and images. $30
wallet-within-a-wallet might or might not Supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com. (about $19) via PayPal from
seem like a real factor. There are other www.MiracleFactory.net.
wallets that have no-Palm features, but Reviewed by Matthew Field
not any that come to mind in a true hip- There’s no doubt that magicians love the Reviewed by Matthew Field
pocket size, although this is a bit larger idea of the bill change. Among other If the name Adrian Plate
than a typical hip-pocket wallet. Also, as things, it uses a familiar object, one that holds any meaning for you,
in any no-Palm wallet, the deck must represents something of unmistakable it is probably because he
come into contact with the wallet more value, and in most cases involves was the co-author (with
than I love. transforming something less valuable Henry Hatton) of the classic
You can search YouTube for “SuperSlim (blank paper or a $1 banknote) into Magicians Tricks: How They
Hip Pocket” to see a demo. It’s very something more so (a banknote or $100 Are Done. Plate was a
reasonably priced. bill). The more visible that transformation, performing magician who
the more we love it. One of the compiled a set of notes
Mental Epic Compendium benchmarks for this is Patrick Page’s Easy based on Harry Houdini’s massive
by Paul Romhany Money routine; another is, of course, the collection of magic. These handwritten
362 pages, soft cover, photo illustrated. $100 Bill Switch in its various guises. notes were never published, but
$50 (£35) plus p&p from your favourite Versions by Juan Pablo, Richard Sanders languished in the Library of Congress of
dealer. Dealers contact Murphy’s Magic and others have tried to improve the the US.
Supplies, www.MurphysMagic.com. switch, but the Kartis version is a corker. Now Todd Karr’s Miracle Factory has
The magician shows a piece of paper published this material, as pdf files on a
Reviewed by Matthew Field on front and back, gives it a slight shake, CD-ROM, and they are most interesting.
Hen Fetsch invented Mental Epic in 1954 and he is now holding a $1 bill which is Here you’ll find tricks, sleights and more
and unleashed a storm. Utilising the ‘one shown on both sides. Do a YouTube by magicians such as Harry Kellar, Buatier
ahead’ principle in a search for ‘Kartis’ and watch it yourself. de Kolta, Chung Ling Soo, Servais Le Roy,
clever way, the trick has A gimmick is involved, invented by Charles Morritt, Charles Bertram, and
been used by Argentinian magician Kartis, and Houdini himself. Also included are 25
professionals, has been produced by Tango Magic, known for pages of memorabilia – letters and photos
included in kiddie magic their gaffed coins. The thing comes with a – from and about Plate.
sets, and has been varied real $1 bill, already gaffed and ‘ready to The text is readable, but handwritten
in numerous ways. Paul go’, although practice is highly (neatly) and unpaginated, thus making it
Romhany, a cruise-ship recommended. a bit difficult for the reader. Fortunately,
magician, has gathered a I’ve got a few concerns, which in no Todd has included a 21-page index which
ton of effects from contributors including way detract from this clever trick. There is is arranged by magician’s name, name of
Banachek, Whit Haydn, Bev Bergeron, Bill a quick reset necessary before the thing effect and category of prop. It’s easy to
Abbott, David Regal, Tony Binarelli, can be repeated. The banknote can not find something in the index, then click on
Kenton Knepper, Dan Garrett and our be examined. The piece of paper which it and you are taken immediately to the
own Alan Shaxon, plus many more. These transforms and the gimmick’s modus appropriate page in the main collection,
range from the good (Alan Shaxon’s operandi will wear out, and the which you can print out or read on
routine) to the mundane, as one would construction is not explained on the DVD, screen.
expect from a compendium. which is either in Spanish or with English Illusionarium is a valuable tool for the
There are non-Mental Epic board voice-over. That also prevents one making researcher and the student of magic. It is
routines included as well. There are many up the thing in, say, a pound sterling or a rich and varied look at magic at the turn
clever applications of the one-ahead euro version, which would otherwise be of the twentieth century and it is a
principle, and the challenge is to read eminently possible. pleasure to browse the pages which once
through this large book, which has The other factor is that the reposed in the collection of Houdini
minimal illustrations, whilst keeping one’s transformation is himself.
mind clear so the good notions can be instantaneous and so
discerned from the chaff. Mr. Romhany’s you’ve got to be sure Card Magic USA
proofreading team (?) could use a everyone has their Compiled by Peter Duffie
thrashing, and his choice of typeface for eyes on you when you 286 page e-book (pdf), photo illustrated.
the headings makes Tony Binarelli’s name do your thing. You’ve $29.95 (about £19) from
illegible. then got to segue into www.PeterDuffie.co.uk.

124 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

Reviewed by Matthew Field variations, Bill Malone’s Six Card Trick, the cards return to the card box.
80 routines! 49 contributors! A section Max Maven’s ‘Cycle’ series of effects, Jim This ‘Paul Harris Presents’ production is
devoted to past masters like Michael Patton’s Clip Force and applications, a good climax to a series of card tricks
Skinner, Frank Thompson and Roger ‘Switch on Dingle’ by Mike Powers, Steve because it provides a definite ending
Klaus! Twenty quid! Yikes!! Reynolds’s Easy Coin Cut, and the late moment. You can put the deck away (and
It’s Peter Duffie on the march once Mike Skinner’s Four Ace Cutting. you sort of have to, because the cased
again. The Scottish card magician (and I’m not going to bang on yet again deck can not be
MAGIC magazine reviewer) achieved about the fact that this is an e-book and examined) and do a coin
success with his hard bound compendium you can either read the pdf on your trick or the Balducci
5 Times 5 Scotland as well as several computer, iPad or you can print the Levitation or something.
books of his own material, and has since damn thing out and read it when and The gaffing of the card
moved into the world of downloadable e- where you like. If you love card magic, box is pretty minimal and
books, many of which have received this is a bargain. when the one supplied
positive reviews in these pages. wears out there are full
A glance through the names of Freedom Pack instructions about how to
contributing magicians is impressive, by Justin Miller make another. The DVD has many, many
including the likes of J.K. Hartman, 71 min. DVD plus deck of cards and repetitions of performances on the street
Stephen Minch, Max Maven, Bill Malone, gaffed card box. $29.95 (£24) plus p&p – after all this is a very short trick: riffle
John Bannon, Harvey Rosenthal, Jon from your favourite dealer. Dealers (not even necessary), flip, cards are cased.
Racherbaumer, and Michael Weber contact Murphy’s Magic Supplies, A simple Riffle Force is taught.
(along with 41 others, plus those five www.MurphysMagic.com. The menus on the DVD are frustrating –
‘past masters’). Much of the material there’s no ‘Play All’ option. And Justin
is new, although some has seen print Reviewed by Matthew Field Miller is one of the most annoying people
before, either in various magazines The effect is that you’re doing card I’ve ever seen, with mad facial hair and
or lecture notes. tricks with your regular deck, then have repetitive, unscripted rambling. The DVD
I can’t give you a complete list of what’s a card signed and turn your back. is shamelessly padded. There’s a ‘bonus
included, but you’ll find it on (Ahem.) When you turn back you take effect’, a Brainwave variant, included.
www.PeterDuffie.co.uk. As with any large the deck, perhaps do a few Ambitious The effect itself is not bad, but at
collection there are highs and lows, but I Card sequences, riffle the cards and, the UK price of £24, it’s too much
particularly enjoyed Wesley James’s Visitor bingo!, you sort of flip them over and for too little.

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APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 125

 Proposed, Scott Penrose. Graham Reed had a revenue

Council minutes Seconded, Fay Presto. Passed

unanimously with one
raising idea that was discussed
by Council.
abstention: Andrew Eborn,
who, under rule 5.11, declared 6. CMA
his interest as the owner of In accordance with the
Octopus TV. agreement between CMA and
A committee comprising TMC, Council approved the
Andrew Webb, James Freedman, appointment of Jack Delvin and
Will Houstoun and Fay Presto Chris Wood as directors and
was proposed by the Chair, trustees proposed by Andrew
seconded by Chris Wood and Eborn, seconded by Rob Cox.
passed unanimously with The CMA Board had also co-
Andrew Eborn abstaining. opted Brian Sibley as a non-
A second trial for live streaming voting board member.
MINUTES OF THE MAGIC 4. MATTERS ARISING during the Close-Up Competition Catherine Ortmayer joined
CIRCLE COUNCIL MEETING 4i ADMINISTRATION OF MEMBERSHIP: is to be investigated. The CMA staff on 10 January 2011
HELD AT THE HEADQUARTERS Arrangements for renewals to committee is also to report if as General Manager.
ON 2 FEBRUARY 2011 6.30 pm be reviewed at next meeting the broadband for the building Zakary Belamy had offered
from a paper that Chris Wood needs to be upgraded. the CMA the loan of eighty
PRESENT has circulated. Proposed, Scott Penrose. framed photographs taken for
Rob COX Seconded, Fay Presto. Passed his book Double Faces. After
Mandy DAVIS 4II.RESIGNATIONS: unanimously with one abstention: discussion it was decided, with
Jack Delvin (President) To avoid Council members Andrew Eborn, who, under regret, that this offer would
Andrew EBORN being confronted with surprise rule 5.11, declared his interest have to be declined as TMC
Will HOUSTOUN announcements at Council as the owner of Octopus TV. does not have sufficient space
Alan MASKELL meetings it was agreed they A committee comprising for their display or storage.
Scott PENROSE should be kept fully informed Andrew Webb, James
Fay PRESTO of important matters and, in Freedman, Will Houstoun and 7. EXTENDED VISITOR’S PASS
Brian SIBLEY (Chairman) the case of sensitive issues, the Fay Presto was proposed by the On a suggestion from Fay
Michael VINCENT officers, at the very least, must Chair, seconded by Chris Wood Presto it was agreed to create
Chris WOOD be kept up to date. and passed unanimously with an extended visitor’s pass of six
Alexander CRAWFORD Council reiterated the policy Andrew Eborn abstaining. months duration for those who
(Acting Treasurer) that any officer stepping down 4iv. MARVIN’S MAGIC: visit from overseas or come to
David WEEKS from a post must give (if Alexander Crawford reported study. The pass could only be
(Minuting Secretary) possible) at least three months that terms had been verbally taken once by an individual, at
notice of the intention to do so. agreed for a TMC approved a cost of £100, and would be
1. APOLOGIES Marvin’s Magic Set subject to granted (or rescinded) with the
Noel BRITTEN, James 4III. LIVE STREAMING: finalisation of documentation. approval of four Council
FREEDMAN, Richard PINNER, The recent trial of live streaming members.
Katherine RHODES, of a Club Night Event was 5. SECRETARY’S REPORT Proposed, Andrew Eborn.
Martyn ROWLAND reviewed favourably with It was agreed that the new Seconded, Will Houstoun.
and John VAN DER PUT. over 130 members across member/s on the attached Carried unanimously.
Kevin DOIG 10 countries taking part. schedule be accepted.
(Assistant Treasurer) Congratulations were expressed There were three COMMITTEE REPORTS
to all parties involved – Andrew reinstatements. Heritage:
2. DEATHS Eborn and Octopus TV, IT William RUGH MMC The Museum of Childhood, a
Don Milburn, Nick Cohen and Team, Bob Hamilton, Martyn Bryan CHRISTOPHER MMC division of the Victoria and
Terry Seabrooke. Rowland, Stage and Technical John KENTON AIMC Albert Museum, have
After some fond reminiscences, crews and the performers. with Silver Star requested a six month loan of
Members of Council stood in Andrew Eborn submitted a There were no resignations. some magic props and a four
silence as a mark of respect. report on the event, outlining Promotions as on attached year loan of some books. None
possible advantages and schedule. of the books are antiquarian
3. MINUTES recommending further live editions nor the sole copies
On a proposal by Alan Maskell, streaming and an upgrade of Correspondence: held by the Library; accordingly
seconded by Will Houstoun, TMC broadband connection Thanks had been received from the Library staff is in agreement
the minutes of the meeting which in his opinion would Mick Gurr for his President’s to lend the six books
held on 6 January 2011 were, improve Members’ experience. Certificate of Merit. requested. It was confirmed
after amendment, approved This resulted in the proposal to He also informed Council that the curators and librarians
with those who were absent at set up a committee to explore that Sarah Campbell and David would be consulted about how
the previous meeting how this initiative might be Hatch are to assist him in his items were to be displayed to
abstaining. developed and moved forward. duties as Monday Night Host. avoid exposure. It was agreed

126 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk

that participation in this event fund, will step down from the followed with many points, concluded by asking all Council
would generate good publicity committee. about features and benefits, members to forward further
and fulfils, as well as being in being raised. Brian Sibley points direct to Noel Britten
line with, CMA’s remit regarding Ali Bongo Saturday Shows:
‘Education, and Public Access’ Following Richard Pinner’s
and Council approved the
loans on a proposal by Andrew
decision to stand down from
co-producing the monthly Ali
CIRCULAR JOURNEYS
Eborn, seconded by Mandy Bongo Saturday Shows, Mandy by Matthew Field MIMC
Davis and carried unanimously. Davis reported that she has
Thanks were also expressed planned February and April The 2011 Blackpool
to Nicky Ward, who is sadly in shows and is prepared to convention, organised by
poor health, for his generous organise those for May, June, Member Derek Lever, was a
bequest of props and books to September and November tremendous success. This
the Society. 2011 but that the Club Night year the European FISM
Committee is looking for championships were held as
8. ANY OTHER BUSINESS someone to produce the shows part of the 59th convention,
With John Bannon
Press releases for website: on alternate months. adding nearly a day to the
Chris Wood requested press events held 19-21 February and occupying the Friday and
releases for the public area of Meeting ended: 9.40pm Saturday daytime events and the Saturday evening show.
the website concerning Date of Next Meeting: The highlights for me were French magician Yann Frisch who
significant media events and Tuesday 1 March 2011 won in the micro magic category and the illusion winners
prominent members who have at 6.30pm Cubic (Maxine Delforges), also from France, and I very much
died. The Publicity Committee enjoyed seeing the great French cardman Bernard Bilis
will liaise with the Editor of The New members elected on lecture. Members competing included Member Matthew
Circular and the Public 4 November 2010 Wright, who was excellent in both the close-up and stage
Relations Officer. Alexander JOSEPH MMC competitions, and Oliver Tabor.
Radlett, Hertfordshire Our own ‘Cheeky Dog’, David
Examiner: Jordan O’GRADY MMC Tomkins, lectured on children’s
On a proposal by Michael Doncaster, South Yorkshire magic. The extraordinary Mark
Vincent, seconded by Jack James PRITCHARD MMC Raffles was honoured with the
Delvin, Mandy Davis was London first ever Neville King award for
appointed to the board of specialty-act performers. The
With Jay Sankey
Examiners. Member Promoted to AIMC gala show on Sunday 20
on 2 February 2011 February featured Member Scott Penrose. Another very
Blackpool: Terry WRIGHT enjoyable act was Xavier Tapias from Spain who assembled
The President requested help The promotion of Terry Wright random pieces of litter into a walking robot and dog. The
with transporting items to the to AIMC was proposed by Jack Winter Garden has been magnificently modernised and it
Blackpool convention for TMC Delvin, seconded by Brian Sibley seemed like new construction and refurbishment was
stand and volunteers to help and endorsed by Council. everywhere in Blackpool.
man it. I got to spend a lot of time with my old friend, Genii
Member Promoted to MIMC magazine editor Richard Kaufman, who came to our HQ on
YMOTY: on 2 February 2011 the Monday following the convention to do some filming of
Eleven entries have been Stephen KENNARD our magic collections and the great facilities. I also got to see
received to date. friends Paul Wilson, Jay Sankey, Craig Dickson (who was a
Reinstatements lecturer and close-up performer), Jerry O’Connell and John
Budget: William RUGH MMC Bannon. There was a
The Acting Treasurer is still Waterville, Ohio, USA Patrick Page Magic booth
waiting for budget requests, Bryan CHRISTOPHER AMIC with Pat’s children, Janette
which were due in advance of Hartfield, East Sussex and Jeremy, behind the
the January Council meeting John KENTON AIMC table.
from various people responsible with Silver Star – Also in Blackpool,
for areas of TMC activity. The Tadworth, Surrey Member Andrew Van
Chairman reminded Council of Buren’s ‘Temple of Illusion’
the importance of this initiative. Addendum to Minutes 6 Jan was playing as part of R. Paul Wilson, Matthew Field,
and Richard Kaufman
2011 Showzam, our own Jon
Benevolent Fund Marshall’s Sideshow Illusions were once again on display, and
Committee: IV. FOTMC: Romany, the Diva of Magic, appeared at the famed
As the Benevolent Fund A paper was presented Blackpool Tower.
Committee may only consist of outlining how Friends of The
five members and currently has Magic Circle might be set up Next year, the convention will run from 17-19 February, and
seven, Chris Wood and David with suggestions as to how to FISM 2012 will take place in Blackpool 9-14 July.
Ball, who are Trustees of the move forward. A discussion

www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk APRIL 2011 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR 127

Forthcoming club events
Club Night Committee: Brian Sibley, Chair; Mandy Davis, Secretary Tuesday 3
KOZMO
The Headquarters are open on Club Nights from 3:00pm until
10:30pm. Unless otherwise stated, events start promptly at 7:30pm Monday 9
and are scheduled to finish between 8:45pm and 9pm. Club ANNUAL FORUM – Chaired by Brian Sibley, AIMC
Nights are principally for Members, so entry is by Membership (TMC Members Only)
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 16
to show membership of a magical society. A non-magician guest BISH, BASH, BOSH! – Dave Allen, AIMC
may only attend evenings that are marked as ‘Show’. Guests may
only attend two evenings a year. No guest may attend unless the Change of address? Contact Secretary Chris Wood,
CMA is told in advance, so if you wish to bring a guest please do [email protected]
not contact me but phone (020) 7387 2222. There is a limit of ten Member in need? Contact Chaplain and Welfare Officer,
guests per night. All guests must pay an entry fee of £10 at the Peter Liddelow, [email protected]
door and respect our Conventions. Indeed, it is your duty as their
sponsor to ensure that they do. The Magic Circle reserve the right
to refuse entry. See our website or subscribe to Big Reminder
(free weekly emails) for any last minute changes to the schedule.

APRIL 2011

Monday 4
BILL ABBOTT
One of Canada’s foremost magicians – as a creator, performer
and lecturer – Bill Abbott will be sharing some of his best known
and widely used effects including his ‘Five Card Opener’; ‘The
Thing’, his anywhere, anytime levitation; ‘Smart Ass’ and a guest
appearance from Chico the mind-reading puppet.

Monday 11
YMC ENTERTAINS – Hosted by Mandy Davis, MIMC
Members of Young Magicians’ Club bring their magical skills to Wednesday, 31 August 2011
the stage of The Magic Circle. (The day before the EUROCOL Convention starts!)

Saturday 16
A large assortment of rare posters, books, props
ALI BONGO SATURDAY SHOW
and ephemera from The Magic Circle Collection
Great close-up and stage magic. Doors open: 5:15. Show finishes
will be offered for sale; as well as choice lots
8:30. All invited. £8 from TMC Box office in advance.
from other vendors.
Monday 18 An illustrated catalogue will be available soon.
MAGIC’S ROOM 101 – Roy Marsh, MIMC WATCH THIS SPACE!
Find out what magical people, props, patter and paraphernalia Roy
Marsh’s guests would consign to the darkest recess of Room 101!
Auction Manager: Tim Reed AIMC
Tuesday 26
MAKING MAGIC MEANINGFUL – Todd Landman, MMC
Founder of Psycrets: The British Society of Mystery Entertainers
presents a lecture combining performance, music and images, as
well as insights into the development of personae, scripting and
using multimedia to create a kind of ‘theatrical mentalism’ that
addresses life’s deeper questions.

Looking forward…

MAY 2011

Monday 2
CLUB ROOM CLOSED

128 THE MAGIC CIRCULAR APRIL 2011 www.TheMagicCircle.co.uk