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Murray! Houdini! Escapology & More - Michael Diamond Zoom Lecture
Anglian Magic Society
August 2020
Reviewed by Steve Majes
Members of the Anglian Magic Society had a fantastic evening, via Zoom on 19th
August, in the company of Michael Diamond. Michael presented revealing facts and
fascinating stories about escapology and its legendary performers as well as
techniques, the equipment they used, and its relevance to escape artists today.
I’ve been a practising escapology hobbyist since my teens and was totally
captured, no pun intended, well maybe a little. I know Michael as a skilled and
very knowledgeable performer having seen him perform and chatted with him at
conventions over the years, but having this quality time online, to see that
fire of passion behind his eyes and the joy at regaling these well researched
stories and events was totally engaging. Like a detective building up to a
reveal, Michael painted a picture you couldn’t take your eyes off.
Michael displayed various handcuffs and restraints from his collection along
with the evolution and techniques of escaping from them, he also revealed the
misleading information laid down by many books of incorrect methods and told the
story of the famous "Mirror Cuffs". After a short break, we got down to the
nitty gritty "The life of an escapologist", what they go through, the rivalry,
how to deal with the unexpected and their fight against fraudulent mediums (as
opposed to the real ones). Many more subjects were covered and before we knew it
over two hours passed by in a flash.
I really can't compliment Michael enough, this was one of our standout lectures
of the year and I would highly recommend Michael’s lecture to every magic
society. I know there was so much more Michael wanted to talk about and inspire
us with, and that will be a much welcomed sequel.
© Steve Majes MMC, Secretary of The Anglian Magic Society, August 2020