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Neil Haywood - Comedy in Magic - Lecture
The Nottingham Guild of Magicians
January 2006
Reviewed by Freddie Wilkinson
Now I’m not one for writing reviews on lectures, I think in the past I
have only mustered up a handful.
So this is a rare event! But here goes.....
Neil Haywood (Professional magician and agent) is a long-standing member of the
Nottingham Guild, and over the past few years had mentioned that he was working
on a lecture.
Now as with all magic clubs the reply was “That’s Nice” and the subject dropped.
Eventually a date came available at the last minute and with baited breath we
decided to book him. We need not have worried as he surprised everyone attending
with the quality of material and hard work that had gone into this 90minute
lecture.
The night promised exactly what it said in the title – Comedy In Magic or more
to the point how to add a touch of comedy to any branch of magic. After all we
are booked to entertain people first and then hopefully amaze them along the
way.
I can only think of two other people that lecture on comedy magic, and they all
tackle it in completely different ways. The main difference between Neil and the
others is that Neil shows you how to take an existing trick and make it funny
rather than starting from scratch and trying (Normally in vain) to come up with
a funny routine. Hope that makes sense?
Anyway on to the lecture -
The first half covered the importance of comedy, and how it is easier to win
over an audience with a little laughter than just tricks alone. Think of any act
and at some point there will be a touch of humour, even ultra cool, ultra
serious Derren Brown adds a little light relief just to lift his live show in
places.
Next came half a dozen or so tried and tested cabaret items from Neil’s
repertoire including – openers and hand flashers, cigarette vanish & smoking
jacket, a very clean newspaper tear plus numerous throw away items such as fire
eating and canes.
To close the first half we were treated to an updated and very funny version of
the Toast trick, old I know but with Neil’s new twist it has finally made this a
workable, logical piece of magic.
The second half was aimed mainly at close-up and walk around with items
including –
Ring on chain, money from jokers, key card effects and two very simple
self-working card routines from a shuffled deck.
Neil explained all effects used and why they worked for him in the real world
environment, he also touched on how important it was to find a style that suited
you.
As with all lecturers he did have a few items for sale including lecture notes,
with everything costing around £5. But the item everyone wanted was a remote
control toaster with pyros! But that was a little more than a fiver.
If you are looking for an interesting, informative and above all entertaining
evening Neil is well worth a try. Plus he won’t blow the clubs lecture budget
for the year.
To contact Neil Haywood – 01636 680361
© Freddie Wilkinson, President – Nottingham Guild of Magicians, February 2006