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Michael Warlock Lecture
Southend Sorcerers
October 2024
Reviewed by Adrian Fox
The
other night, our magic club, Southend Sorcerers, was treated to a fabulous
lecture by Michael Warlock from British Secret Service. Mike creates a whole
range of unique effects and props that are tried and tested in the real world
and have received plaudits galore.
But it was so refreshing to experience a lecture that wasn't just crammed full
of tricks. Instead, Mike spent the first half of the evening talking about
things such as how to achieve more impact with less in the way of props. By also
trying to use items for more than one purpose, he showed how you can extend your
repertoire really easily, and with a bit of thinking you can reduce pocket
loading and still achieve maximum impact.
Mike also talked about some of the important things that are so often forgotten
- how to approach groups and break the ice; different types of audience and how
to deal with their different energy levels; and how to increase the moments of
magic in your performance by adopting a modular style to effects. Creativity was
also a topic open for what turned out to be a stimulating discussion subject.
The second half was more about some of the items that Mike creates and sells -
and he’s had some brilliant ideas for a variety of gimmicks and routines, all
priced very reasonably.
Mike is a very personable, and obviously very experienced, speaker who delivers
his material with humour and peppers it with so many great performance tips and
ideas. Our members went home with lots to think about.
It’s a great lecture that comes highly recommended.
© Adrian Fox, October 2024