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The 11th Top Secret Magic Day
3rd June 2007
Reported by Alan Maskell
Photo by
Alan Jones
This
year's ‘Top Secret Day’, the eleventh, saw a return to Bedford and the Corn
Exchange complex, a venue providing a theatre for the lectures and gala show,
and a large function room, with adjacent bar, where the dealers displayed their
wares. Dealers present included Practical Magic, Stephen Tucker, Albion Magic,
Zane, Merlin’s, Hocus Pocus, Cliff Lount, Paul Gordon and Made to Measure Magic.
Gary Young of The Magic Zone has a reputation for putting on a great day with
plenty of variety and this year was no exception. The day started with Terry
Seabrooke, who has been part of these days since the beginning, introducing Paul
Stone who officially opened the day and then it was into the lectures. First on
was Nick Einhorn with a mix of commercial effects and a great ‘oil & water’
production! Next came Aldo and Rachel Colombini with some very straightforward
and effective ideas. Mandy Muden presented a mix of comedy and advice gained
from experience. Paul Daniels apologised for ‘not firing on all cylinders’ due
to his recent illness but his Q&A session proved to be a wealth of stories,
experience and tips on ‘keeping it simple’.
These days are nicely paced with plenty of time to eat, chat and view the
dealers as well as the lectures and, if you wanted more, Paul Gordon gave a card
workshop and Aldo one on ring & rope.
The evening show was compered by Terry Seabrooke and opened with Zane who gave
us what seemed like his full repertoire and some rather heavy handling of his
doves. Aldo and Rachel lightened the mood with a comedy mind reading act, while
Mandy Muden’s personality overcame the difficulties of putting an act together
after her props had been stolen from her car during the afternoon. The first
half finished on the up beat with the illusions and comedic style of Martyn
James & Company. The second half was given over to a laid-back Paul Daniels, who
managed to find a few non-magicians to assist with the chop cup, cards across
and electric chairs and to borrow a tenner from Mark Shortland for the note in
walnut/egg/lemon, while giving a master class in entertainment.
Next year’s Top Secret Day? “Watch this space” says Gary.
Photo: Gary Young and Terry Seabrooke
www.topsecretmagicday.co.uk
© Alan Maskell, June 2007