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Paul Gordon lecture
2nd February 2006
Reviewed by Giles Cartwright
Paul is a highly successful professional magician who performs ‘Strolling
and Close-Up Table Magic’. He lectures all over the world, is the author of many
best-selling books, and creator of many tricks and DVDs. He is also a long
standing member of our club.
His pre-lecture marketing seemed to encourage many people to come along, there
was an extremely impressive turnout. In his e-mails and fliers prior to the
lecture he recommended watching an online demo of him performing in a ‘real
world’ situation (at his website). Seeing him performing like this, one can see
just how effective his magic is with a lay audience. He interacts with his
audience with a kindness and charm, with enthusiasm and a gentle humour, and
performs some jaw-dropping magic. There is a sense of fun, and something special
and unique about the magic he creates.
He performed and explained many of his routines on the night, including; ‘Fry
Them With Oil & Water’ and the ‘Laymen Assembly’ with jacks. A clever and direct
‘one ahead’ routine called the ‘Muldoon Match’. A self working trick (‘Fone
Finnell’), which could be performed over the telephone. A couple of tricks which
produced the four queens. He talked about some routines which use only the aces,
and performed ‘Diminishing Not Likely’- an offbeat trick which ends with a
surprise production of the four aces. He also performed ‘Twin Peeks’ and his
‘Easy Ace Estimation’ - without explanation.
The effects ranged from the completely self working through to those requiring
intermediate skill. He succinctly explained the various methods and techniques
required to achieve these effects, and additionally taught methods for forcing a
card, false shuffles and a sleight-free culling technique. Of course, detailed
descriptions of all these techniques and tricks can be found in his books and
DVDs. Throughout the evening he also dealt with some of the finer details of
performing card magic...
It is perhaps here, that he revealed some of the more illusive and more
important secrets of our art. An in-depth awareness of the seemingly small
details. The nuances and the intricacies. Subtle psychological ploys and
‘convincers’. How to plant ideas in the minds’ of your audience. The motivation
for certain moves and gestures. Thoughts about timing, and the structuring of
routines so that effects run together and build to a climax. The significance of
when the moment of ‘magic’ occurs. The sum of all these parts contributing to
the single most important factor … that of creating a truly ‘magical experience’
for your audience.
Over the years Paul has cultivated his talent for presentation. It has been
honed through extensive experience in the ‘real world’. He mentioned that he
acts sometimes as if he is surprised at what is going on, as if it is a miracle
to even him. He also mentioned that, even if you are performing something which
you know is simple, to make it appear difficult or skilful to your audience. He
is very mindful of his audience, wants to create something magical, and is
careful not to detract from this by humiliating, embarrassing, or creating any
awkwardness amongst them.
As an observer, I think one of Paul’s greatest attributes is his ‘naturalness’.
There is a naturalness of technique, and a balance between the clarity of
effect, directness of method and his presentation. He seems as comfortable with
a deck of cards in his hands as he is with himself and his audience. There seems
an utter congruence between who he is, and the magic he creates.
Paul has absorbed a wealth of knowledge concerning all aspects of card magic,
and is deeply respectful both for his fellow magicians and for the history of
his craft. He took great care to credit the appropriate people when explaining
his routines, mentioning the origins for many of the tricks, moves and sleights
he taught us.
He reminisced intermittently, about some of his thirty years at the club. From
his nerve-wracking audition in front of Jack Avis, Peter Warlock and Francis
Haxton. An experience with Hugh Goater (Hugo), where Paul forgot the name of his
selected card. And, a note of thanks to Mike Petitt for first introducing him to
card magic.
And many of us have Paul to thank for introducing us to the wonderful world of
card magic. At very least for guiding us more deeply through the intricacies of
this beautiful aspect of our art...
For your generosity of spirit, for sharing your passion and enthusiasm so
willingly and openly. Thank you! … Your love of magic is truly infectious...
© Giles Cartwright, February 2006