The Pentacle Club’s 95th Year Annual Dinner

Saturday 17th May 2014

Reviewed by Chris Wardle, A.I.M.C.

Members and guests were welcomed in the beautiful surroundings of Girton College, Cambridge for The Pentacle Club’s evening of fine food and entertaining magic. Each guest discovered a playing card-covered envelope at their place setting which ‘performed’ a trick for them, devised by Chris Wardle. The magic of the evening had begun!

 

After a delicious 3 course meal, President Chris Kostecki welcomed everyone and entertained with jokes on the theme of magic and magicians. He also presented Club Secretary Alan Maskell with the ‘John Whitmore Award’ as the Member of the Year, for giving such dedicated service to the club, as voted for by the members.

 

After coffee and mints in the drawing room, we were all entertained by a fine cabaret. Alan Maskell compered, in his usual relaxed and engaging style, performing a comedy dotty silks and bag routine, a baffling book test and even having a member of the audience predict the second act for the night from a list of performers, during his ‘spots’. Philip Bond as ‘Dr Bondini’ gave us a wonderful silent act of colourful magic, producing silks, flowers and doves, in the style of an old-time wandering gypsy performer. He is a true ‘gentleman’ of magic. JezO (Jeremy Bond, Philip’s son) closed the show in true JezO style which couldn’t have been more different – manic, comedy magic with lots of surprises! JezO knows just how to get the most out of every situation and keep the laughs and magical moments flowing.

 

Anyone looking for two great and contrasting acts for their Club Dinners would do very well booking this talented dynasty. This was a great evening of good food, wonderful entertainment and a clear sign that, despite being 95 years old, there is still plenty of life in The Pentacle Club!

 

© Chris Wardle, AIMC, May 2014

 

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