74th British Ring IBM Convention
22nd - 26th September 2010, Eastbourne
Update 20, September 2010
Bob Hayden, British Ring PRO

Because there are now so many magical Conventions in this country each year that you can go to, you are spoilt for choice as to which ones to attend. Many are local one day events organised by local magical societies to serve the needs of their members although some, where their standing has grown, now attract others from a much wider area. Then there are the National Conventions to which magicians from all parts of the United Kingdom descend upon together with many from overseas. Each of these National Conventions has its own individual identity, style and content but each has a common purpose, to give magicians the opportunity of socialising with each other over the three of four days.

So what has the 74th British Ring Convention starting on Wednesday 22nd September to offer in content and why are the reasons you should attend? Andy Stone writing in the Ring’s monthly magazine The Budget has identified a large number of reasons reproduced below why you should be in Eastbourne.

1. The International Magic Show. This headline show has Rich Bloch making a welcome return as Master of Ceremonies to introduce a strong line up of magic and variety acts. Julius Frack from Germany, winner of the illusion Category from last years F.I.S.M. presents his award winning illusions. From the U.S.A. Charlie Frye and Company return with their incredible juggling and comedy magic and from neighbouring Canada comes Richard Forget with his award winning magic and Matt Johnson a funny comedy magician.. Cyril Harvey from France is another award winning magician with an original and intriguing act with spinning tops. Manual Muerte is a German with a great sense of humour which he uses to impersonate an aging magician. Flip from Holland, the inventor of the flip stick and many other magical originalities returns after many years. The country’s best loved puppet Sooty will be bringing along Richard Cadell and Les Black Fingers return with their incredible and entertaining hand shadows.

2. The International Close-up Show. This year’s strong line up puts the emphasis on entertainment as much as skill. It takes place on the stage of the Floral Hall and if you are unable to get a seat in the front row do not worry. Bob Hamilton will be there to provide full video coverage on the large screen. Your host is Steve Evans and will be introducing Charlie Frye, Rich Bloch, Martin Eisle, Matt Johnson, Manuel Muerte and Sean Carpenter.

3. The arvey from france is anotherHHAli Bongo Micro Magic Marathon. A real world close-up competition and tremendous fun, where the performers stroll and the winner is decided by the audience vote.

4. The Stage Competition. The British Ring Shield competition offers a chance to see new and original acts with additional awards for comedy, originality and manipulation. The winner of the competition will be sponsored by the British Ring to enter the F.I.S.M. Europe Competition in Blackpool next February. Michael Jordan hosts

5. The Close-up Competition. The competition this year has attracted 12 acts of the highest standard. Again the winner will go forward to the close-up competition at the F.I.S.M. Europe Convention in Blackpool next February. For many this event is the highlight of the Convention.

6. The Wednesday Night Cabaret. Here is an opportunity to drink and watch some good magic. Viv Davies (Mysteeny) will introduce the amazing Charlie Frye and Company, the acerbic wit and strong mental magic of Graham P Jolley and the comedy musical skills of Pluck.

7. The Late Show. The after Gala Dinner or Convention Film event which is preceded by the announcement of the winners of the competitions. This quality magic show will be compered and you will kept awake by Danny Buckler so you can watch the feminine magic of Yogane, the comedy ventriloquism of Steve Hewlett the sophisticated humour of Ian Keable and the comedic incompetence of The Great Nardini.

8. The Opening Show. To get the convention off to a magical start, Peter Scarlett will introduce Paul Dabek making a career for himself in theatre and the cruise market after being The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year and winner of the British Shield, plus Stephen Williams, World Junior General Magic Champion at the Blackpool Showzam Festival in 2009 and the illusions of Andrew Green.

9. 11 Lectures and 3 Workshops. Whatever your magical interest there is sure to be a lecture that will be of special interest to you. Jimmy Carlo is now established as a leading Children’s Entertainer in the Midlands. He will be performing and explaining items from his award winning show together routines from his Kid-Ability, Games Ability and Balloon Ability D.V.D’s. Charlie Frye presents some more of his ‘eccentricks’. Rich Bloch has more of his practical and workable magic. Martin Eisele specialises in close-up and stand-up magic. Manipulator Cyril Harvey presents original visual effects for stage and parlour performance. Ian Keable will be showing how to put together a stand-up act. Matt Johnson entitles his lecture ‘Monkey Business’ an eclectic mix of close-up, stand-up and comedy magic anyone can do. Manuel Muerte part of the German ‘flicking finger group’ has a lecture for all close-up devotees. Flip, the creator of the flip stick presents the best of his creations. Wayne Dobson will be screening a video presentation of his magical life. Derek Lever in his Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture presents a look at some of the ingenious creations of Jack Hughes. Bob Yelland gives a marketing workshop. It’s not about tricks as Bob looks at how magicians might benefit from some of the marketing techniques used by big business. Mike Stokes returns with another Balloon Modelling workshop on this popular allied art. Danny Hunt presents a workshop on escapology. In addition there is a Junior Magicians workshop restricted to those aged 18 or under.

10. More History of Mystery (The Collectors and Others Seminar). You can sit and listen to a selection of short talks from four speakers, Peter Lane, Christopher Brinson, Paul Freeman and Will Houstoun who Eddie Dawes has invited to talk about the history and heritage of magic.

11. Dealer’s Magical Trade Fair. This is your chance to browse the latest in magic, ask for advice and watch live demonstrations. Many dealers offer special deals for the Convention. This year sees the return of the Dealers Showcase, a chance for you to see the latest and compile your shopping list without having to walk round the Dealer’s Hall. Bob Hamilton will provide video coverage, so you can watch the latest in close-up as well.

12. Stars of the Future Show. A chance to see some up and coming magical talent.

13. Gala Dinner and Films of Past Conventions. If you prefer not to take the optional extra of attending the Gala Dinner, Bob Hamilton will be showing a selection of videos of past Conventions in the Floral Hall.

14. Welfare Auction. Pick up a bargain and help the welfare fund at the same time. Once again Derek Lever and Mike Sheppard will be your auctioneers at what is becoming a popular Convention event.

15. Children’s Show. Although not included in the registration fee, many like to purchase a ticket and attend this show and catch the chance to see top children’s entertainers in action. Once again Clivo and Jeani (Clive Moore and Jean Ellison) will be your hosts and will introduce Richard Cadell and Sooty, Jimbo (Jimmy Carlo), Philip Partridge, manipulation from Stuart Brown and illusions from Amethyst (Danny Hunt and Annette Claire).

The only way to make it a perfect Convention is if you are there. So why not join the hundreds who have already registered and make your application today to Neville Johnson. It is easy to do. Go on line to the British Ring website www.britishring.org.uk and press the register button. Alternatively you might like to contact Neville direct by telephone on 01202 873234 or e.mail: nevillejohnson25@aol.com Remember if you cannot attend the whole Convention day tickets are available. If you require any further information contact Bob Hayden on 023 8032 0277 or e.mail: bobring25@aol.com.