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Tony Griffith's Creative Magic Teach-In Day
Sunday 6th July, Bristol
Reviewed by Grant Willcox
A
Polished Professional
In my opinion, Tony Griffith is one of the top close-up magicians in the UK
today, and certainly one of the most likeable magicians you will ever meet.
When I saw that Tony was doing a teach-in day, I jumped at the chance to spend
an intensive day of learning with a gentleman of much experience. Although I
have watched Tony work on a few occasions, this was a chance to get to the
detail on the real secrets of close-up and corporate performance.
After a warm greeting into Tony's home by his wife Judith, the select group
settled with Tony into a day of much interest and inspiration, and got to learn
some of the history behind where he finds himself today, as one of the best
close-up workers in the field. In a well organised but relaxed day, Tony taught
the group about 'Corporate Entertainment', which he describes as magic performed
to any organisation where a degree of management is involved. We found out that
this included after-dinner speaking and trade shows, as well as close-up magic,
and Tony gave practical performances of the type of material that he has used
successfully throughout these arenas, all of which were based on subtlety, fine
routining and entertainment value. What strikes you about all of Tony's magic is
that it is all highly "do-able", and very commercial, as well as being well
thought out. It would have been very hard for anyone in attendance not to come
away with at least 3 items or ideas that could be put into practical use.
After a fine buffet lunch in the afternoon, Tony continued with the day
discussing trade shows and after dinner speaking, giving many valuable insights
into both fields of work. He also displayed some of the technical equipment that
he uses on a regular basis, including microphones, PA equipment, and portable
graphic backdrops. I found this area useful, as I certainly wouldn't know where
to start looking for such equipment. He concluded this section by detailing some
of the administrative/organisational systems that he uses on a day to day basis,
which covered the essential business side of things. Again, Tony's professional
attitude to all things shone through here, where his methodical approach has
been used to obtain a really slick operation.
The proceedings for the day were closed by an informal Q & A session, which I
must say was a little quiet - mainly because Tony had explained everything so
well throughout the day. After this, we had a superb afternoon tea, before
departing for the journey home. I left Tony's house with a great deal of insight
and some wonderful ideas that I could apply to my magic. Later I found that the
info pack that we were all presented with also contained some great summary
notes, as well as a free trick, promotional items, and other useful material.
This was a day full of enrichment for all who attended, and at the reasonable
ticket price of £25, represented brilliant value for money, considering the fine
level of tuition we had received throughout the day. A Real 'Masterclass'.
© Grant Wilcox July 2003