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An Evening of Magic and Illusion
Sunday 28th January 2007
Reported by Graham Harper
As more and more magic conventions start to fill up the calendar, a sort of half
way measure proved to be a comfortable compromise and a great success in
Nottingham last weekend, with an evening gala show coupled with three
substantial afternoon lectures thrown in for good measure.
Not that I ever doubted it would be a success as this was just another in a long
line of magic extravaganzas that the Nottingham Guild of Magicians stages twice
a year at the Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham.
Approximately forty magic nuts braved the bitter cold of a January afternoon to
attend the three one-hour lectures, and all for the bargain price of £6.00.
Following my brief introduction Marc Oberon kicked things off by
demonstrating why he holds the title of European Champion of Magic with a
plethora of tight and impressive routines. Items covered were mainly close-up
and mentalism, most of which were for sale, refreshingly though all items were
revealed in full - dealers and other lecturers take note!
Brian Sefton was next up with his mind blowing manipulation act, followed
by step by step explanations. Surely it must be easier to thread a needle
wearing boxing gloves than to produce endless stacks of cards in white cotton
gloves? As always excellent entertainment and priceless tips from a real
gentleman.
Last but by no means least a relative newcomer William Houstoun, once a
Nottingham Guild member but now living in London it was easy to see why he’s
making quite a name for himself. His manipulative close-up skills with coins and
a laid back style of delivery will surely mean he will be in constant demand for
his talents for many years to come.
As the lectures drew to a close the attendees were eagerly awaiting the prospect
of the evenings gala show, or was it the pull of the local Chinese restaurant,
who twice a year are puzzled as to why a group of Bicycle and Sharpie wielding
magicians take over their premises?
So bring on the main event, the evening show compèred by Nottingham’s very own
Neil Haywood. The audience were soon warmed up by his zany brand of
humour and sight gags – Neil you can still be seen when the mic stand is in
front of you! Trust me.
Brian Sefton opened the show with the act he had explained earlier in day
and left many in the audience open mouthed. (No he didn’t drop his trousers;
this would come later in the show) During ten all too brief minutes Brian
produced and vanished cards, thimbles, balls, canes and a champagne bottle. The
audience may well have seen this beautiful act before but they’ll certainly be
there to see him again – “Proper magic” as one audience member described it
during the interval.
Marc Oberon was next up with his multi award winning competition act;
Marc being a local lad to the venue he had quite a large following of loyal fans
which was richly observed. His deceptive productions of golden objects gave his
act the Midas touch, but it was his any card any number that wowed the crowd.
For the first time ever I saw Marc miss on a card, but he had such a funny out
that maybe he should make it part of the act? He then ended the spot with the
levitation of his assistant.
Vizage a.k.a Sam and Vicki Lane closed the first half with a frenetic
display of illusions interspersed with song, dance and very appropriate
choreography. Fire eating, fire pyramid, heads off, razor blades and a body
squasher were just a few of the effects performed. I have not seen so many
comical facial expressions as on Sam’s face since Phil Cool was last on the
small screen. Their upbeat illusion act never fails to win an audience over and
on this night they stole the show. Well worth your while to go see them in
Scarborough this summer at the Spa Theatre.
The second half was opened by Marcus Blake who treated the audience to a
bit of mentalism. A tough act to pull off as all too often mind magic can fall
flat, but not tonight. A well disguised version of the tossed out deck was the
main thrust of the act and left the ‘Muggles’ open mouthed once again. It was
great to see just how strong a classic of magic can be in the right hands.
An ultra violet delight followed, billed as the Wizard but actually Marc
Oberon’s alter ego. This one-man black art act was a colourful mosaic of ideas
that ended with the wizard being repeatedly spun around in the air to great
effect. Being one of the privileged few to be back stage during the day, I was
amazed to see the huge amount of set up that goes into this kind of act, no
wonder there are only a handful of people still doing this kind of thing.
Top of the bill was the star of TV’s Monkey Magic and Dirty Tricks Pete
Firman (photo), who with his alternative style had the audience in the palm of his
hand right from the start. His gags were fast and furious with a clever
delivery; the magical content was sound with a great version of Confabulation,
trust him to pick me! He also made it no secret that he wears very colourful
Y-fronts during a hilarious lesson in magic, which covered the inner workings of
the vanishing hanky. Won’t say any more as you must see it live.
To end, the minor task of swallowing ten lit cigarettes, no mean feat especially
when each one is followed by sheet after sheet of tissue paper. It was nice to
see Pete stop mid routine concerned about a lady on the front row who was
coughing, crying and making a hell of a noise. “Is it the smoke?” asked Pete,
“no” replied her friend “she is in fits of laughter watching you!!!”
Great stuff and the end to another great night of magic and variety.
It will become more and more difficult for the Guild of Magicians to maintain
the standard of these shows but I’m sure based on past efforts they will.
Devised by Freddie Wilkinson and Andrew Morrison, with Roy Bond, Rhys Smith and
Barrie Perkins working extremely hard backstage plus various other Guild members
all kindly given their time to make the day a great success.
The next planned extravaganza is on Sunday 23rd September 2007, book early to
avoid disappointment.
See you all there,
Graham Harper
www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk
© Graham Harper, February 2007