|
|
Michael Vincent Lecture
ACES, East Sussex
Reported by Nicky Lewis,
Secretary
With
other south east clubs reaching out and finding performers to give lectures,
it’s sometimes difficult to find a new face but with Michael Vincent it wasn’t
so much a new face, rather an established well regarded, highly experienced and
much admired performer who hadn’t visited us before.
Michael took centre stage and gave the gathering a little background about
himself and explained that he is now a Council Member at the Magic Circle. He
has performed magic all over the world including America’s famous Magic Castle a
few times. In fact shortly after the lecture he would be travelling across the
pond again for a short lecture tour of the States again.
The lecture was to be more about the performance, inspiration and philosophy of
magic rather than a constant flow of tricks and explanations. He started by
showing everyone his version of the Misers Dream using a glass and ½ dollars.
There was also a short explanation of the friction palm.
Michael reiterated throughout the lecture his thoughts about using borrowed
items when working close-up. This makes the effects more magical as in no way
can things have been gimmicked beforehand. To this end, the entire evening was
performed using a borrowed deck.
Using new members to help, an unseen, untouched card was discovered from within
an unseen, untouched deck spelling out the chosen card. He went on to perform a
very good four ace matrix effect. Michael’s main recommendation for the night
was that those interested in good workable card magic should read “Stars of
Magic” plus obviously “The Royal Road to Card Magic”. Many of the routines
shared tonight would come from those volumes. To highlight this, Michael then
went on to share Dai Vernon’s “Triumph” effect.
There was our lecturer’s own interpretation of the story of Pandora’s box by
appearing a chosen card inside a ring box. Michael suggested everyone check out
the new routine of “Any card, any number” which is downloadable routine from
Vanishing inc.com for £6. Michael also performs this on YouTube so check out
Michael Vincent at the Magic Castle to see more.
The finale to this really smashing evening was a coins across effect which
no-one expected called “Menage a trios” which was beautifully performed and
excellent to see.
Everyone agreed tonight had been a highlight in ACES history and were all
thrilled to have shared experience with Michael.
It is always a delight when we have lecturers come from away to stay with Martin
and I and it is also always smashing that they always prove to be such nice
people away from the bright lights and cabaret tables. Smashing chap Michael and
we (and the members of ACES) all hope to stay in touch in the future.
© Nicky Lewis - Secretary ACES, November 2010
www.acesmagic.co.uk