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The Modern Mystic League Magical
Variety Show
21st March 2009
Reviewed by
Allan Clarke
Perhaps
displaying more bravado than common sense, the Modern Mystic League threw
caution to the wind and staged a Magical Variety Show at the
Blackburn Thwaites Empire Theatre. The show, produced and co-ordinated by
Trevor Dawson, began to form in 2008 and burst onto stage on Saturday
evening to an eager audience. The show was a joint venture with the Empire
Theatre, a small but well appointed community venue run by an army of
volunteers, supported by donations and sponsorship.
The original idea was to showcase the talent of the League and to bring funds
into the Society. The League has a dedicated bunch of close-up performers who
regularly entertain at charity and private events on a 50:50 basis, but this was
the first time for a number of years that the League had ventured onto the
stage. Seven artists and two compére’s provided a full evenings entertainment
ranging from kids spots through magic, comedy and illusion.
Opening the show were local dance troupe the Zoe Taylor Dancers, who with
their colourful costumes and vibrant music, set the scene for the evening.
Brian Lead, our first half compére, gently warmed the audience with a few
gags as he introduced Ron Baron and ‘Willie the Wellington’. Ron,
a well respected children’s entertainer, engaged the young and young at heart
with some delightful effects, closing with his talking wellington boot, Willie.
Next on stage with ‘Cocktails Silks & Rock and Roll’ was David Snell
who dazzled with a wonderful silent set of silks, parasols and productions. This
gave way to Trevor Dawson, resplendent in tails, who gently took the rapt
audience through some ‘Delightful Deceptions’ with silks, rope and even
coat hangers! Brian Lead’s next compére spot was interrupted in a frenzy of
noise and colour as Richard Rozel, an august style clown, similar in
appearance to the late Charlie Cairoli, who burst through the auditorium for his
‘Dr in the House’ routine. A small boy who evidently needed his help was
dragged on stage for a tooth extraction to much laughter from his family and
friends. The stage was now set for the next act, ‘Gang Show’ specialist
Donald Monk gave a ‘Lesson in Magic’ via the vanishing bandana
routine. Donald closed the first half, literally with a bang, with Alex Powell’s
‘Speed Camera’ gag bringing tears to the eyes of the audience who were still
laughing as they went to queue for their interval ice creams.
The Zoe Taylor Dancers opened the second half with a wonderful ‘Hey Big
Spender’ routine, welcoming on stage our second half compére Mark James.
Mark had the audience quickly paying attention with Bruce Kalver’s
shrinking/growing head effect. Mark then introduced another seasoned children’s
entertainer, Paul Guy with some ‘Bell-Ting magic’. Paul had the
kids enthralled as he carried out a very funny ‘cards-across’ routine, moving
onto a great drawing board effect as ‘Thomas the Tank Engine’ came to life in
his hands. More interruptions followed as Brian Lead had again to cope
with Richard Rozel trying to perform a vent act with a skunk and a
crocodile to hilarious effect. Richard gave up and brought a very sporting lady
from the audience for the 20th Century Bra gag. Mark James then
introduced a very fast paced Peter Dean who soon had the theatre in
stitches with a variety of sight gags including drill through head and mind
reading rabbit. Last, but definitely not least was the Magic of Richard Rozel
who first entranced the audience with a very visual ‘water through body’
routine. This led on to a frantic plate spinning segment with both children and
adults getting a chance to show off their skills. The mood then changed
dramatically as the lights dimmed and Richard expertly performed a colour
changing light effect, nicely routined to bring on his attractive assistant Lara
to help with the ‘lights through body’ illusion. A full walk-down ended a great
nights entertainment and hopefully sent a satisfied audience on their way home.
It seemed to go well, so it’s just possible we may venture down this road again.
Stage management was by Allan Clarke and Alan Mylecraine assisted by Jack Clarke
and Todd Davies. Sound & Light was by Trevor Greenwood. Photography by Joe
Gilmour, John Denton and Craig Docherty. Grateful thanks must go to the staff
and volunteers at the Thwaites Empire Theatre for their welcome support.
© Allan Clarke, April 2009