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Magic Circle Hosts Britain's Magic Societies
John Derris
Since
The Magic Circle opened the blue doors of their magnificent 7,000 plus square
feet headquarters eight years ago, they have staged "Meet the Magic Circle"
evenings for the public twice every month. These have been a runaway success
with over 17,000 visitors since their opening, with a waiting list for the many
clubs and associations who seek to spend an evening in "The House of 10,000
Secrets."
Many British magic societies have expressed a wish to view The Centre for the
Magic Arts with its close-up show, The Devant Room packed with magic
memorabilia, the Clubroom and Bar, the Museum housing the artefacts of the last
100 years, the extensive magic library, (the biggest in Europe) and the
beautifully installed theatre where professional members present a 90 minutes
stage performance.
And so on 6th June magicians from eight magic societies visited The Magic Circle
and enjoyed an evening in this famed magic venue. Nearly 100 magicians from all
parts of Britain including The Bristol Society of Magic, The Leicester Magic
Circle, The Southend Sorcerers, The Zodiac Magical Society, The Ilford Magical
Society, The Bexleyheath Society of Magicians, The Mid-Essex Magical Society and
The Northamptonshire Magicians' Club , travelled from all parts of Britain for
the evening. They enjoyed a tour of the building, a presentation by President
Alan Shaxon on The History of Mystery, a close-up show organized by Peter
Scarlett with magicians Mike O'Brien, Terry Guyatt, Clive Hyams, Hugh
Nightingale, and Richard Pinner and a conducted tour of the museum with Michael
Symes.
After refreshments they assembled in the theatre for a magic show with Britain's
favourite compere Terry Seabrooke who introduced John Derris with standards of
magic, resplendent in his gold jacket, the mime and magic artistry of FISM
prizewinner Richard McDougall and the fast, action-packed act of Keith Cooper
and Carol presented at high speed against a background of big band music.
LouisTaylor, President of The Bristol Society of Magic said afterwards "We've
heard so much about the facilities of The Magic Circle which really are
outstanding and the hospitality and the close-up and stage magic we witnessed
was first class. We had a wonderful and memorable evening. Our congratulations
to The Magic Circle."
© John Derris, June 2006