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73rd British Ring IBM Convention
23rd - 27th September 2009, Southport
Update 18, September 2009
Bob Hayden, British Ring PRO
Writing in the last two issues of the Budget, Andy Stone listed 20
reasons (with apologies to The Linking Ring!) for you to register for Southport.
He has given his consent for them to be reproduced here. So, in no particular
order they are.
The International Magic Show: A top class convention gala show featuring
magical talent from around the world with the magical transformation act of
David & Dania and as an added bonus the Hula Hoop act of Dania. There is Ivan
Netchperenko’s original F.I.S.M grand prix winning act, the offbeat magic of
Hayashi, the high tech winning magic of Timo Marc, the mental magic of Sean
Taylor and the startling new illusion act of Martyn James. Hosting the show and
new to the British Ring is one of Ireland’s best known entertainers Aonhgus
McAnally.
The Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon: A real world close-up magic
competition and tremendous fun, when the performers stroll and the winner is
decided by the audience vote.
Balloon Modelling Workshop: Mike Stokes returns with his workshop on this
popular allied art.
Stage Competition: The British Ring Shield Competition with a chance to
see new and original acts with additional awards for comedy, originality and
manipulation. Steve Evans introduces the acts and tells a selection of jokes
sent in by the conventioneers, the best joke winning a prize.
Stagecraft Lectures: It’s not all about tricks! Brando & Silvana from Argentina
give a lecture on ‘Theatrical Magic’, Sean Taylor from Australia on ’Showmanship
and Mentalism’, both lectures designed to help you improve the presentation of
your magic.
The Venue: The Southport Convention and Theatre Centre having undergone a
considerable extension and renovation since our last visit means that all the
convention events, shows, dealers and lectures take place under one roof.
The Thursday night Show: A modern show with the emphasis on comedy. Tony
Stevens as compère introduces the ventriloquial skills of John Kimmons, the
manipulation skills of Tony Parx, the spectacular illusions of Guy Barrett &
Company and the comedy magic of John Lenahan.
Dealers Magical Trade Fair: Your chance to browse the latest in magic,
ask for advice and watch live demonstrations with many dealers offering special
deals for the Convention. No visit to a British Ring convention is complete
without a trip or two around the dealers!
Lectures for Children’s Entertainers: John Kimmons lecture ‘Talking to my
Hand’ focuses on using ventriloquism in your children’s presentations. Terry
Herbert presents a lecture on magic for children drawing on his many years of
experience as a top class children’s entertainer.
Stars of the Future: This is where some of the up and coming magical
talent show their skills. This year it is in the hands of Jack Clarke, Sanjivan
Parker, Henry Cooke and Mandy Fletcher. Jack, the son of member Allan J. Clarke
and Henry, who will compere the show, are both Northern magic Circle Juniors.
Sanjivan, a pupil at Reed’s School is a protégé of our Chaplain and Chief
Welfare Officer the Rev. Alan Clarke and Mandy is the third generation of the
Fletcher magical dynasty. It is a welcome back to Mandy, who since her last
appearance in the show has developed a new act. Great to see you are continuing
the family tradition Mandy!
International Close-up Gala: This show offers a strong line-up putting an
emphasis on entertainment as much as skill. Hayashi makes a return visit
combining skilful magic and situation comedy. Henry Mayol with his simple and
strong effective and very original magic is from France. Ed Ellis is a top card
magician from America. Tyler Wilson an innovative magician comes from Canada.
Thom Peterson, “The Amazing Guy” whose dry sense of humour combined with his
self-deluded belief that he is a magical super hero will leave you laughing.
Finally our own John van der Put who won the close-up competition last year is
back to show you why.
The Eddie Dawes Show: Once again Professor Dawes returns with his popular
show reliving magicians and magic of yesteryear performed by Alan Shaxon, Tim
Cockerill, Jonathon Shotton, Bertie Pearce and James Long & Louise.
Lectures and Workshops: In addition to those lectures already mentioned
for the close-up worker one comes from Tyler Wilson a close-up magician and
comedian known for his creative plot lines, methodology and presentations,
Hayashi an award winning creative and entertaining magician from Germany, Henry
Mayol with slick magic from France, Ed Ellis whose lecture at the IBM Convention
in America was described by one reviewer as ‘the most informative, practical
lecture of the convention’ and Thom Peterson will present a ‘close-up workshop’
showcasing some of his innovative ideas. For the parlour and stage magician
Pavel will present a lecture entitled ‘Best of’ in which he will be performing a
dozen of his proven and skilful effects. Our own John Styles MBE will give the
‘Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture’ talking about his varied experiences during
his long career as a professional magician providing an insight into the life of
this country’s most gifted entertainers and a consultant on a wide range of
film, TV, and theatrical productions. A lecture not to be missed!
More History of Mystery (The Collectors’ and Others’ Seminar): The
British Ring convention caters for a wide range of magical interests. Here Eddie
Dawes chairs a seminar of a series of short talks about various aspects of the
history and heritage of magic. This year the speakers are David Paton-Williams,
Trevor Dawson, David Budd and Marco Pusterla. It makes a nice change from
learning a new trick!
Close-up Competition: The close-up competition for the Zina Bennett
Trophy always attracts a high standard of competitors and for many is the
highlight of the convention. The last three winners of the Trophy were Marc
Oberon (2006) Steve Dela (2007) and John van der Put (2008).
The Banquet: A traditional black tie banquet with speakers and side
toasts. A chance to dress up and enjoy fine food and wine.
The Late Late Show: The after banquet show featuring some of the top acts
from around the world. Tony Rix will introduce F.I.S.M. Prix Winner Soma with
his award winning mobile phone act, Peki with his colourful flower act, Brando &
Silvana with their award winning act ‘The Gambler and Flower Seller’ and the
amazing inventions of Pavel.
The Opening Show: Getting the Convention off to a magical start Paul Ray
will compere combining impressions with magic. He will be introducing Jonathon
Shotton, holder of the British Ring shield, the award winning comedy of Mark
Shortland and fast moving modern magic from award winning magician and comedian
Sean Heydon.
The Fringe: The fringe is essentially a series of additional free shows
organised and financed by Fay Presto and is entirely independent of the British
Ring. It features a series of magicians performing real world magic. Fay goes to
a lot of trouble to create a good atmosphere with the audience sat around
cabaret style tables. She usually rounds up some ‘normal’ people (non magicians)
to give the performers a real audience. If the formal convention banquet isn’t
your thing, you might like the Fringe banquet. For this you order your choice of
takeaway food, have it delivered to the Southport Arts Centre, eat it and enjoy
the cabaret.
Children’s Showtime: A chance to see top children’s entertainers in
action. Your hosts Clivo and Jeani will introduce the legendary Sooty assisted
by Richard Cadell along with the magic of Doug Gregg, the ventriloquial skills
of John Kimmons and past holders of the British Ring Shield High Jinx.
Thank you Andy for giving and highlighting these 20 excellent reasons why all
magicians should attend the British Ring Convention in Southport September 23rd
to 27th. I would like to add an additional two. One is the conversation David &
Dania will be having with John Pye about their extraordinary career in show
business. The other is having the opportunity of meeting up with old friends, to
chat, to reminisce, swap ideas with your fellow magicians, in other words
socialise. That is the purpose of a Convention as well as watching and
listening.
News just received from Mandy Davis. This will be of interest to junior
magicians. For your Junior Workshop on Saturday afternoon the celebrity tutor
will be Hayashi. She is hoping that she will be able to secure another
personality to attend the session and if she is successful in doing so this will
be confirmed next week together with his identity. Remember that this session is
strictly for you magicians of 18 years of age and under.
The list of books and manuscripts belonging to the late Fred Hughes and to be
auctioned in aid of the Welfare Fund at Southport is now on the Announcements
page in the Members Area of this website. Any non member who would like the list
please email me with your request to
bobring25@aol.com
There is still time for you to register for this year’s Convention by doing it
here on line or making contact with the registration Officer Neville Johnson by
telephone on 01202 873234 or by e.mail : nevillejohnson25@aol.com If you have
any queries you can always contact me Bob Hayden at 02380 320277 or at
bobring25@aol.com
Bob Hayden, British Ring PRO, September 2009. www.britishring.org.uk