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63rd Blackpool Bonanza
February 20th, 21st, 22nd 2015
Reviewed by Walt Lees
Photos by Daniel Eden/Eden Photography
Photos © www.eden-photography.co.uk used with permission.
To view or purchase official Blackpool Convention photos visit www.eden-photography.co.uk 'Proofing' and enter BMCDAY1 or BMCDAY2 or BMCDAY3
In its 63rd year, Blackpool it is still drawing
vast crowds. There is nothing else like it, for sheer size, quantity and
excellence. On an event of such a
scale, with regular attendances exceeding 3,500, it would be impossible to get
it all spot on, but there is more than enough to satisfy everyone, no matter
what their particular taste or speciality.
Unofficially, events kicked off on the Thursday afternoon with a mammoth auction
conducted mainly by Mike Shepherd. Derek Lever, who should have been joint
auctioneer, had to retire early with a viral infection, against which he
struggled throughout the entire convention, while still managing to fulfil his
role as principal organiser. The auction went on for some eight hours, before
everything was sold and bidding stopped.
Apart from the evening gala shows, held in the vast Blackpool Opera House,
events run concurrently, making it impossible for any one person to attend
everything. This is deliberate, as none of the rooms in the Winter Gardens
complex, despite their size, would be capable of holding all the delegates. So
it is necessary to entice different groups to different locations. Plus, there
are the two dealers’ halls (where some 120 exhibitors from all over the world
display their wares) which are open all the time, bars, restaurants and the main
concourse itself to serve as places to meet, chat or just sit and watch the
world go by.
Friday 20th
From 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. belonged to the dealers, with demonstrations being
given in the Pavilion Theatre and the trading halls open for business. Then from
1:00 – 4:00 p.m. there were star lectures by Mike Chao, Vittorio Belloni, Charlie Frye and Mel Mellers
and at
4.30 pm a Star Lecture in the Spanish Hall by Mario Morris.
The first International Close-up Magic show, followed. It could either be
watched live in the Pavilion Theatre, with overhead screen projection for those
unable to see, or you could sit outside and view it on one of the half dozen
giant monitors dotted around, although, you had to be prepared for people
walking in front of the picture, if you chose this option. It is surprising how
many seem oblivious to either the screen or those trying to watch it.
Performers, introduced by President David Plant, included: Christian Schenk,
Mike Chao, Vittorio Belloni, Diamond Jim Tyler, Matthew McGurk, Andi Gladwin,
Joseph Barry and Chris Hannibal.
8:00 p.m. brought the first of three International Gala Shows. With Dave Windle
at the organ (as he was for all the events requiring live music), this one was
emceed by well-known ventriloquist Jimmy Tamley, who without a puppet, is rather
low-key, but once he has a character on his hand, ups the octane level.
The opening act was Alpha, with a pirate theme and the production of exotic
birds from budgerigars to huge parrots. Following, came 2 Minds Combined, which
sounds as if it should be a telepathy act, but is, in fact, a couple making hand
shadows. Apart from all the usual rabbits, birds and elephants, which are the
standard fare of this sort of act, they also formed bare-hand silhouettes of
well-known magicians, several of whom were in the audience. For the benefit of
anyone unfamiliar with those being portrayed, photos were projected onto the
screen alongside the shadows.
Bertox, with his Optical Circles, who followed, is one of those novelty acts
that are difficult to describe. Using large rings, he combines mime with contact
juggling and precision of movement, to produce an effect that was the subject of
much favourable comment in the bars afterwards. To close the first half, Kenris
Murat and partner, combined skilled card manipulation with Latin-American
ballroom dance – a sort of Strictly Come Fanning.
Amethyst (Danny Hunt and new partner Steff) concentrated on escapology,
performing some of the items Danny has worked up over the years and finishing
with his well-known lock-picking to free his head from a tank of water in which
it is submerged.
Charlie Frye and Sherry stole the show with an act that seems to improve at
every viewing. Charlie’s knockabout comedy, juggling and magical skills are
awe-inspiring, while Sherry’s bored indifference to all it all as she files her
nails and refreshes her make-up, enhances the fun.
The bubble-blowing act of Marco Zoppi began with all the usual stunts (blowing
smoke into bubbles etc.) but then took a novel turn when he introduced a device
which enabled a flat sheet/film of bubble mix to be formed, through which he
could push his hand, pass bubbles and, incredibly, insert a plastic bangle to
create a movable hole. Jimmy Tamley then did his own hilarious spot, the
highlight of which was the antics of his hopeless boxer puppet.
To close the show, came Matthew McGurk and his company of five girls, who made
an unusual start when two of them descended from the top of the stage, in
acrobatic style on lengths of white cloth. Then followed a fast-moving series of
illusions, many involving fire. Matthew is not a man to push a sword through a
woman, when a flaming spear will do.
After the show, for the diehards, Andi Gladwin’s lecture took place in the
Pavilion Theatre.
Saturday 21st
Events kicked off early, with a 9:00 a.m. lecture by quick-change performers
Natalie & Ellie in the Pavilion Theatre. Diamond Jim Tyler started an hour later
in the Spanish Hall. However, for many, the two main events were the British
Children’s Entertainers National Championship in the Opera House, which ran
alongside the British Magic Close-up Championships in the Pavilion.
The children’s competition was compered by Terry Herbert, who, having expertly
performed the warm-up introduced the five competitors. Many agreed that the
overall standard was higher than usual, perhaps because there was a greater
variety of approaches, getting away from the standard formula of: do a warm-up;
get a kid up for a feature effect; make kid a balloon model; finish with a
puppet.
Colin Dymond, whose speciality is vent, used mainly puppets; Gemma Raymond (2nd
prize) was outstanding at handling children and finished with a dress change;
Frank Kearns mostly juggled and unicycled; Hannah (3rd prize) came from Japan
and did a slick silent act with cards and floating canes, which appeared to be
primarily designed for adult shows and competitions; Simon Sparkles got a father
and son to participate, suggesting an act designed for family audiences rather
than one specifically aimed at children. The winner, billed as Mr Styx, was
outstanding. Actually, it was a double act assisted by his father in clown
attire. Mr Styx, himself, is a young man with mobility issues, which necessitate
walking with a long stick, so only ever having one free hand, hence the need for
a partner to handle some of the props. But what he lacks in mobility, he more
than makes up for in personality, charisma, energy and the ability to punch home
a funny line. The winners were decided by audience vote.
While all this was going in the Opera House, the British Magic Close-up
Championships were taking place in the Pavilion Theatre. Somewhat unusually for
a major national competition, two of the contestants were a father and son: Phil
and Douglas Tilston. Douglas (the junior Tilston) took the 3rd prize. Wayne
Goodman came 2nd, whilst the winner (by a long way, if my informants are to be
believed) was Matthew Wright. Other competitors included: Carlos Vinuesa and
Chris Stickland. The judges, who were able to reach a decision which allowed the
results to be announced immediately after the competition, were: Obie O’Brien,
Joan Caesar, Gerritt Brengman, Peter Din and Andrea Baioni.
Concurrent with both competitions was Kenris Murat’s lecture in the Spanish
Hall.
Wayne Dobson & Friends is always a popular fun-filled event, with Michael J
Fitch fronting and Wayne interjecting throughout. This year’s crop of friends
included: Mel Mellers, Amethyst and Jon Allen, but the highlight was a spot by
comedian/impressionist Hilary O’Neil.
Immediately afterwards, Luke Jermay’s lecture began in the Spanish Hall, while
Martin Braessas fired up (quite literally) in the Pavilion Theatre,
demonstrating the truth of Eugene Burger’s famous dictum that there are few
close-up effects that cannot be enhanced by the judicious use of flash paper.
At 4:00 p.m. in the Spanish Hall came the Magical Speed Dating, under the
auspices of Quentin Reynolds. For 90 minutes, a number of performers circulated
around the tables, spending about 10 minutes at each,
demonstrating/talking/explaining their own specialities. Taking part were:
Christian Schenk, Joseph Barry, Mario Morris, Chris Hannibal, Alex Pandrea, Vittorio Belloni,
Diamond Jim Tyler and Peter Roberts. Meanwhile Alpha was lecturing in the
Pavilion Theatre.
Mel Mellers emceed that evening’s Gala Show, as only he can, taking complete
command of the audience from the word go. Opening were Natalie & Ellie who
combine an extraordinary number of high-speed dress changes with stage-filling
productions of flowers. Kenris Murat (unusual to see the same performer on two
separate Galas) followed with a completely different act to the previous night.
Here the theme was slightly voodooesque, where changes he made to a cut-out
paper figure replicated on his female partner.
This was a show where the women produced all the most popular acts. Katrin
Weissensee’s rapid-art sand pictures were a novelty that had everyone talking.
She pours coloured sand onto a table and using only her fingers, forms pictures,
which continue to change and evolve. These are projected onto screen, so that
the audience can watch the process and results.
Then “Mr Weird” himself, Rob Zabrecky, sidled up from the auditorium to deliver
his own unique brand of edgy comedy. To close the first half, was the act which
got everyone talking, Lara Jacobs Rigolo with her feather balancing spectacular.
We all wondered what the finish would be, and when it came, it was an
applause-pulling, roof-raising surprise.
French illusion team Cubic, who emerged from the last FISM, opened the second
half with their “act as known”: mysterious floating box, costume changes etc.
Mike Chao manipulated balls and cards with a green theme; Mel Mellers, in his
own spot had some fun with a couple of audience members, while Sean Alexander’s
Illusion Spectacular closed the bill, repeating many of the same effects that
Matthew McGurk’s company had presented the previous night, but working even
faster. There were some spectacular additions, too, including the production of
two girls in a small boat and a heart-stopping levitation, where he rises to the
flies along with the assistant who is being floated.
Afterwards, for those still hungry for yet more magic, Andrew James and Magic
Sam’s anarchic Beat the Wand competition took place in the main bar. This is a
gong show, where the acts which fail to please are ruthlessly removed and the
winners chosen by popular acclaim from those that remain – usually the craziest
ones. Tom Crosbie won with his Upside-down Underwater, Rubik’s Cube Death Tank
Escape. In 2nd place was Aaron Cummings and his invisible assistant Wez Evans
(dressed in black in the hope that the audience would not see him being the
force which caused things to levitate). 3rd prize went to Luke Oseland producing
sponge bananas while wearing a horse’s head.
Sunday 22nd
The first programmed event was the 10:00 a.m. Master Class of close-up magic in
the Pavilion Theatre, where: Vittorio Belloni, Christian Schenk, Mario Morris,
Diamond Jim Tyler, Joseph Barry, Chris Hannibal and Alex Pandrea were each
allotted about 15 minutes to demonstrate, teach and/or talk about their various
specialities. Card magic tended to predominate, but coin work and street theatre
were also given more than a passing glance.
Meanwhile, for children’s entertainers, Terry Herbert and Shane West delivered
talks and demonstrations in the Ice Room, while Michael Webber lectured in the
Spanish Hall.
At 1:00 p.m. Christian Schenk delivered his talk on the Phoenix Deck in the
Pavilion Theatre, also distributing complimentary decks to the 300 or so people
assembled there. While this was happening, Joseph Barry was also lecturing on
card magic in the Spanish Hall.
The International Stars of Close-up show was introduced by Quentin Reynolds in
the Pavilion Theatre. Those appearing were Martin Braessas, Charlie Frye, Alex
Pandrea, Luke Jermay, Michael Webber, Viktor Renner and Mario Morris. Meanwhile
Chris Hannibal was lecturing in the Spanish Hall.
The two final lectures of the day (and the convention) were by Alex Pandrea in
the Spanish Hall and Rob Zabrecky in the Pavilion Theatre.
The evening’s International Gala Show was a mostly South Korean affair, hosted
by Mick Miller, whose comedy and use of written boards to cope with his alleged
inability to pronounce the performers’ names, added considerably to the success
of the evening. First he introduced Do Ki Moon, an energetic young comedy
performer, whose antics as a hapless orchestra conductor plagued by the vagaries
of a wilful magical baton were both skilful and amusing.
It quickly became apparent that most of the acts had been designed primarily
with competitions in mind. All were silent, ran for around 8 minutes, and opened
on a darkened stage. The second performer was billed and announced as E.K.
Diamonds. It turned out to be a young woman, whom I recall seeing previously as
Park Eun-Kyoung. Dressed in a Spanish style, she performs much of her
manipulative magic while seated. Zhao Jun featured mainly silks, fans and
flowers in a act with an artist/painting theme, while Hyun Cheal Yong brought
some highly original touches to dove productions which took the audience by a
storm, and despite a mishap at the end, drew tremendous applause. To close the
first half, 13 year-old Red Star Sun did a fast-paced act featuring the
manipulation of eggs and cards.
President David Plant appeared immediately after the interval to present the
Murray Award, for distinguished dedication to the art of magic, to Michael
Weber, before bringing on octogenarian superstar and national treasure Ken Dodd
to present his own Comedy Award to Charlie Frye & Sherry, and the Neville King
Trophy to Mick Miller. Doddy then did a short spot, with many gags about getting
old.
Snooker was the theme of Nicky Yang, who manipulated balls and cues with equal
dexterity. While Liao Xiao Run, the second female performer, appeared in
traditional dress and featured costume changes, masks and card spinning.
Hyung Joon Kim drew considerable applause for his slow, elegant manipulation of
balls and cards. While Duo Magic, both of whom had been seen previously in the
show with their own acts, shot through some of the fastest costume changes
imaginable.
To close the show, and as a complete contrast, came illusionist Marcel
Kalisvaart billed in the programme as Prince of Illusions. This was the act that
won the illusion category at FISM 2012, but with additions and improvements.
Unlike most such acts, it was not just a succession of tricks, but rather a
themed scenario of a nerdy young man’s nightmare as his sleep is disrupted by
cavorting demons and hellish creatures, who subject him to numerous torments.
Many people, afterwards, said that it was the best presentation of big-stage
magic they had ever seen, and got a well-earned standing ovation.
Finally, for those still not satiated, there was the After Gala Show in the
Spanish Hall, where Karl K introduced Alpha, Chris North and Matthew Wright to
perform, while close-up magic was presented in the Theatre Bar.
It should also be mentioned that, throughout the entire convention, Robert
Ormesher was on hand to sketch caricatures on demand, and Ken Bowe’s copious
exhibition of theatre posters was open daily in the Link Room.
So Blackpool chalked up another success, of which the club can be proud. It has
its detractors, but the 3,600+ people who voted with their wallets, know better.
The next one will be 19th – 21st February 2016 and it has already been announced
that Jeff McBride will be bringing his complete Mystery School.
The principal people who did all the hard work were: Derek Lever (Executive
Event Chairman), Ann Lever (Executive Event Chairman’s PA), Arthur Casson
(Executive Registration Officer), June Casson (Assistant Registration Officer),
Les Pybus (Chief Security Officer), Karl K (Assistant Security Officer), Russell
Brown (Stage Director for Blackpool Magicians’ Club), Duncan Jump (Stage
Manager), David Plant (President and Chief Steward), Mike Shepherd (Executive
Treasurer), Christine Shepherd (Executive Treasurer’s PA), Harry Robson
(Executive Dealers Officer), Russ Lowe (Lecture Note Sales), Dave Wilson
(Website and Programme) and Diane Halliwell (Assistant).
But there must have been numerous others too: stage crew, registration desk,
stewards, fetchers & carriers, casual volunteers etc. all helping in their
various ways to oil the wheels.
© Walt Lees, March 2105