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Keith Bennett Lecture at the Riviera Circle of Magicians
Torquay
May 2008
Reported by Trev Stone
Keith opened the lecture holding a small wooden box, then told an interesting
story about its history, how it was made from an old piece of furniture and more
importantly, who owned that piece of furniture. The box was eventually opened by
a spectator…..
If you want to know what happens next, you’ll have to catch his lecture, but it
is something that will be used by many. Then, to set the tone for the evening to
come, he gave a lovely performance of the “Hanging Coins.” (A flawless routine
that Keith must have spent a long time perfecting.) Then after a brief, but
interesting discussion on the choice of coins to use and Keith’s own personal
preferences, we were treated to a very deceptive “Coins Through Table”. Keith
offered to repeat the effect (Slydini would have been proud!) and caught us all
a second time.
After teaching the sleight required “Han Ping Chien” and discussing the
misdirection and timing of the routine he moved on to the next section of the
lecture, which was devoted to the “Coin Vanish”. After some perfectly executed
sleights, including Keith's handling and thoughts on the retention vanish, he
then explained his method of using the sleeves to obtain or dispose of any
unwanted items. Keith closed the first half with a performance of “A Dream of
Alchemy”, a very strong and virtually self working transposition / spellbound
effect. As the coins supplied with this set lend themselves to many other
possibilities, they are an asset to any coin workers arsenal.
As Keith had agreed to bring a good selection of coins, gaffs, books, DVDs and
related items, his break was nonexistent as he was duly mobbed before he could
sit down. I eventually persuaded everybody to return to their seats, and the
lecture continued. Keith opened the second half, with a performance of “Jack
Chanin's TV Surprise” for those not familiar, a repeat production of coins from
silk with a fitting climax. Following this, he discussed how the effect can be
adapted to suit any audience or performance style.
I have never seen “The Glass through Table” performed whilst standing, so
Keith's explanation of this one had me furiously taking notes whilst trying to
watch the next effect. The timing and misdirection of the steal are two things
that many people could benefit from. “Lethal Tender” and “Hopping Halfs” (both
in my working repertoire) were performed next and were both received well, I
particularly liked Keith's routine for the “H H”, so did everybody else, so I
knew that he was going to be mobbed again when he reached the end of the
lecture!
Two more coin classics followed “Coin in Bottle” and “Matrix” with Keith's own
handling and insights explained. The Matrix was performed as Al Schnider
originally performed it and was most magical to watch. To close the lecture,
Keith performed his “Fingertip Coins Across” this was a no gimmick 3 fly using
silver dollars and was a fantastic effect to close a most entertaining and
informative lecture.
Keith genuinely is a nice guy, and quite witty too, and for those who have had
the pleasure to talk magic with him, a very knowledgeable magician. I was
looking forward to Keith's lecture as I have always had a passion for coin
magic, and given the feedback I have had from our members and guests who
attended the lecture that passion seems to be spreading.
If you’re reading this Keith, thank you!
© Trev Stone, June 2008