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74th British Ring IBM Convention
22nd - 26th September 2010, Eastbourne
Update 20, September 2010
Bob Hayden, British Ring PRO
Because there are now so many magical Conventions in this country each
year that you can go to, you are spoilt for choice as to which ones to attend.
Many are local one day events organised by local magical societies to serve the
needs of their members although some, where their standing has grown, now
attract others from a much wider area. Then there are the National Conventions
to which magicians from all parts of the United Kingdom descend upon together
with many from overseas. Each of these National Conventions has its own
individual identity, style and content but each has a common purpose, to give
magicians the opportunity of socialising with each other over the three of four
days.
So what has the 74th British Ring Convention starting on Wednesday 22nd
September to offer in content and why are the reasons you should attend? Andy
Stone writing in the Ring’s monthly magazine The Budget has identified a large
number of reasons reproduced below why you should be in Eastbourne.
1. The International Magic Show. This headline show has Rich Bloch making a
welcome return as Master of Ceremonies to introduce a strong line up of magic
and variety acts. Julius Frack from Germany, winner of the illusion Category
from last years F.I.S.M. presents his award winning illusions. From the U.S.A.
Charlie Frye and Company return with their incredible juggling and comedy magic
and from neighbouring Canada comes Richard Forget with his award winning magic
and Matt Johnson a funny comedy magician.. Cyril Harvey from France is another
award winning magician with an original and intriguing act with spinning tops.
Manual Muerte is a German with a great sense of humour which he uses to
impersonate an aging magician. Flip from Holland, the inventor of the flip stick
and many other magical originalities returns after many years. The country’s
best loved puppet Sooty will be bringing along Richard Cadell and Les Black
Fingers return with their incredible and entertaining hand shadows.
2. The International Close-up Show. This year’s strong line up puts the emphasis
on entertainment as much as skill. It takes place on the stage of the Floral
Hall and if you are unable to get a seat in the front row do not worry. Bob
Hamilton will be there to provide full video coverage on the large screen. Your
host is Steve Evans and will be introducing Charlie Frye, Rich Bloch, Martin
Eisle, Matt Johnson, Manuel Muerte and Sean Carpenter.
3. The arvey from france is anotherHHAli Bongo Micro Magic Marathon. A real
world close-up competition and tremendous fun, where the performers stroll and
the winner is decided by the audience vote.
4. The Stage Competition. The British Ring Shield competition offers a chance to
see new and original acts with additional awards for comedy, originality and
manipulation. The winner of the competition will be sponsored by the British
Ring to enter the F.I.S.M. Europe Competition in Blackpool next February.
Michael Jordan hosts
5. The Close-up Competition. The competition this year has attracted 12 acts of
the highest standard. Again the winner will go forward to the close-up
competition at the F.I.S.M. Europe Convention in Blackpool next February. For
many this event is the highlight of the Convention.
6. The Wednesday Night Cabaret. Here is an opportunity to drink and watch some
good magic. Viv Davies (Mysteeny) will introduce the amazing Charlie Frye and
Company, the acerbic wit and strong mental magic of Graham P Jolley and the
comedy musical skills of Pluck.
7. The Late Show. The after Gala Dinner or Convention Film event which is
preceded by the announcement of the winners of the competitions. This quality
magic show will be compered and you will kept awake by Danny Buckler so you can
watch the feminine magic of Yogane, the comedy ventriloquism of Steve Hewlett
the sophisticated humour of Ian Keable and the comedic incompetence of The Great
Nardini.
8. The Opening Show. To get the convention off to a magical start, Peter
Scarlett will introduce Paul Dabek making a career for himself in theatre and
the cruise market after being The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year and
winner of the British Shield, plus Stephen Williams, World Junior General Magic
Champion at the Blackpool Showzam Festival in 2009 and the illusions of Andrew
Green.
9. 11 Lectures and 3 Workshops. Whatever your magical interest there is sure to
be a lecture that will be of special interest to you. Jimmy Carlo is now
established as a leading Children’s Entertainer in the Midlands. He will be
performing and explaining items from his award winning show together routines
from his Kid-Ability, Games Ability and Balloon Ability D.V.D’s. Charlie Frye
presents some more of his ‘eccentricks’. Rich Bloch has more of his practical
and workable magic. Martin Eisele specialises in close-up and stand-up magic.
Manipulator Cyril Harvey presents original visual effects for stage and parlour
performance. Ian Keable will be showing how to put together a stand-up act. Matt
Johnson entitles his lecture ‘Monkey Business’ an eclectic mix of close-up,
stand-up and comedy magic anyone can do. Manuel Muerte part of the German
‘flicking finger group’ has a lecture for all close-up devotees. Flip, the
creator of the flip stick presents the best of his creations. Wayne Dobson will
be screening a video presentation of his magical life. Derek Lever in his
Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture presents a look at some of the ingenious
creations of Jack Hughes. Bob Yelland gives a marketing workshop. It’s not about
tricks as Bob looks at how magicians might benefit from some of the marketing
techniques used by big business. Mike Stokes returns with another Balloon
Modelling workshop on this popular allied art. Danny Hunt presents a workshop on
escapology. In addition there is a Junior Magicians workshop restricted to those
aged 18 or under.
10. More History of Mystery (The Collectors and Others Seminar). You can sit and
listen to a selection of short talks from four speakers, Peter Lane, Christopher
Brinson, Paul Freeman and Will Houstoun who Eddie Dawes has invited to talk
about the history and heritage of magic.
11. Dealer’s Magical Trade Fair. This is your chance to browse the latest in
magic, ask for advice and watch live demonstrations. Many dealers offer special
deals for the Convention. This year sees the return of the Dealers Showcase, a
chance for you to see the latest and compile your shopping list without having
to walk round the Dealer’s Hall. Bob Hamilton will provide video coverage, so
you can watch the latest in close-up as well.
12. Stars of the Future Show. A chance to see some up and coming magical talent.
13. Gala Dinner and Films of Past Conventions. If you prefer not to take the
optional extra of attending the Gala Dinner, Bob Hamilton will be showing a
selection of videos of past Conventions in the Floral Hall.
14. Welfare Auction. Pick up a bargain and help the welfare fund at the same
time. Once again Derek Lever and Mike Sheppard will be your auctioneers at what
is becoming a popular Convention event.
15. Children’s Show. Although not included in the registration fee, many like to
purchase a ticket and attend this show and catch the chance to see top
children’s entertainers in action. Once again Clivo and Jeani (Clive Moore and
Jean Ellison) will be your hosts and will introduce Richard Cadell and Sooty,
Jimbo (Jimmy Carlo), Philip Partridge, manipulation from Stuart Brown and
illusions from Amethyst (Danny Hunt and Annette Claire).
The only way to make it a perfect Convention is if you are there. So why not
join the hundreds who have already registered and make your application today to
Neville Johnson. It is easy to do. Go on line to the British Ring website
www.britishring.org.uk
and press the register button. Alternatively you might like to contact Neville
direct by telephone on 01202 873234 or e.mail:
nevillejohnson25@aol.com Remember
if you cannot attend the whole Convention day tickets are available. If you
require any further information contact Bob Hayden on 023 8032 0277 or e.mail:
bobring25@aol.com.
Bob Hayden, British Ring PRO, September 2010. www.britishring.org.uk