The
L e M e M
Cody Fisher March 2015
APRIL MEETING The Magic of ALAN SHAXON with Steve Short AIMC.
S
teve Short has been a full time professional magician for more than thirty years. His interest started when his parents bought him a magic book for his eleventh birthday.
In this new lecture Steve will focus in his new book co-written with Scott Penrose about the life of
Alan Shaxon.
The lecture illuminates Alan's life, his influences, and performances, and is Steve was also greatly illustrated with a number influenced by the television entertainer of of photographs and film the day magician David clips, telling how Alan Nixon. Many years later became interested in Steve and magic magic; his friendships historian Eddie Dawes with other performers, collaborated to produce particularly Robert the autobiography of David Nixon. The book Harbin. was well received by It’s going to be a great magicians and the general public and they afternoon so be sure to were both awarded The get it in your diary! Magic Circle Maskelyne Award for Literature.
forget Don’t is that th is g meetin rd the 3 f yo Sunda th! n the Mo
Change of Date!
Sunday 19th April
Welcome to the MeMeL In this Issue:Editorial Presidential Secretarial
See, Hear, Speak ....
We hope you enjoyed the very first issue of the new improved MeMeL. From your comments we seem to have made some good progress. Keep the feedback coming so we can continue to improve and update your magazine.
Chairman’s Chatter
Just to remind you we now have an Editorial Team consisting of Brian Lead who is Content Editor with overall responsibility for the features, reviewing, planning and proofreading, Allan Clarke the Production Editor who is responsible for layout, typesetting and the Digital format and Donald Monk who is Artwork Editor advising on design.
News & Views
We would of course welcome your ideas, comments and suggestions.
Volume 78 Issue 3
The Session too. ‘The Monk Sez’ Workshop Junior MeMeL
Lots of other great features: step inside and have a look.
Let us know what you think. mailto:b.lead@btinternet.com Page 1
From the Editor’s desk...
S
o what does an editor actually do?
Sometimes, I fear, the answer is "not a lot!" As Trevor will tell you, what he or she should do is engage with the material submitted by others, not just acting as a receptacle for it and forwarding it to the printer, warts and all. The first job is to clean up any errors in spelling, punctuation and grammar . . . known in the trade as SPaG. What one must not do is alter the distinctive style of the original writer. I wouldn't dream, for example, of tampering with the dialect style of Donald, even though it does play havoc with my spellchecker, but if he were to write (he never has - this is just hypothetical) 'hearing that practise was important the novice decided to practice every day', I would have to nip in under the cover of darkness and swap round those pesky words, as 'practice' is the noun and 'practise' the verb.
Similarly, if someone were daft enough to write that 'the magician had the audience literally eating out of his hand' I would need to pop in again to do a quick repair job. 'He had the audience eating out of his hand' would be fine as a metaphor, but it's that apparently innocent word 'literally', tossed in carelessly like a hand grenade, which does all the damage. With a bit of luck, even the original perpetrator won't notice the amendment.
‘I immediately saw a lower case 'i' glaring out at me..’
E
ven the most respectable magazines can come a cropper. One such boasts a team of no fewer than nine proof-readers, yet there are always two or three errors in its pages. Last month, for example, 'taut' was replaced with 'taught', a 'strait jacket' became a 'straight jacket' and a performer was said to have solicited a response from an audience rather than eliciting it. Roger will tell you that there is a world of difference between eliciting and soliciting!
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Fortunately, after almost 40 years of correcting such things, both in the classroom and as a Chief Moderator for the Exam Board, this comes as second nature. Errors leap off the page, flashing and performing a somersault. Not literally, of course.
I
can't be too smug, however, because any article which complains about typos will inevitably contain one. When you know what you have written it is notoriously difficult to proof-read your own work. Thus, I immediately saw a lower case 'i' glaring out at me from my last editorial where there should have been a capital one, and the first thing I saw when reading an article of mine in the Magic Circular recently was another slip of the keyboard which had run the gauntlet of the proof- readers. Contributors mustn't be too concerned, of course, as there is no reason why an expert in magic should also be a competent writer, just as a top footballer isn't expected to be able to pen his own autobiography. The skills simply aren't transferable. That's why it's a waste to have a team of people who all have the same talents. You wouldn't expect a goalkeeper to run up the field and score a goal any more than you would expect a centre forward to leap up and grab the ball.
To apply this analogy to the MeMeL, there is no way I will ever be able to understand the apparently impenetrable jargon of technology or get my head around the way it all works. But thankfully, I know a man who can!
Computers, damned when they work, damned when they don’t ‌
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Presidential Patter
C
ongratulations to the new editorial team of The MeMeL for producing such a splendid edition last month. I have been hearing so many good comments. I hope you will all be encouraged to send in articles; it is always interesting to read items by new contributors. Many thanks to those of you who watched my presentations at the last meeting. For members who are not on the internet to order the Centenary History books from Lulu.com I will order for you if you let me have ÂŁ32.99 for a softback copy or ÂŁ48.99 for a hardback copy. I have been so impressed with the service from Lulu.com that I have now added a previous publication, Houdini The Myth Maker to the items available from them. By the time you read this the Blackpool Convention will be over for another year. It seems that many dealers now target new books, DVDs and tricks for release at Blackpool which makes it even harder to choose what to buy. I always have a 'wish list' but usually end up buying other things as well!
This year I was very pleased with my purchases. My enjoyment was tempered by the onset of a heavy cold but I enjoyed the shows and meeting up with friends (who will all be cursing me now if they've got colds!)
I
am taking Mo to the South Tyneside International Magic Festival from 11th - 15th March so we will miss the next meeting when Cody Fisher is lecturing. I hope to catch up with his lecture elsewhere. However, there are two lectures scheduled on Sunday morning in Tyneside so we won't be back in time for the MML. Mo and I have been to several of these Tyneside events and they are always very good. Most unusually I have also realised that I will miss the committee meeting and Workshop in March as on 24th I have arranged to give one of my magic talks to a Ladies Group in Bacup.
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I have been having some success with these talks recently and it is a great way to be involved in magic without the pressures of commercially performing. The fees are not much but the audiences are always pleasant and there is a chance of obtaining other bookings by word of mouth recommendation which is always the best. I was amazed when I spoke to the Blackburn & District Tangent Club for Ladies recently to be presented with a substantial cheque for The Rossendale Hospice.
So, you can use magic to do a lot of good of course, as well as enjoying yourself into the bargain. Best regards to you all,
Roger
C
onstruction work has begun at last, at least I should say that the foundations are being prepared. I have brought the site up to date with the 2015 programme and links to the new magazine. Haven’t yet sorted out the photo side of things as the galleries will need re-structuring and a new 2015 gallery created. This element is a little beyond me at the moment but as soon as Joe gets some time we are going to go through it. Meanwhile, please consider my offer of updating your photos. A few members were photographed last meeting but hopefully more will join in. I will be using the photos in the 2015 members directory which should be published next month. If you have any personal websites or details you wish to include in a biography for the site, let me know. Until next month, keep surfing‌
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B
illed as a 'centenary retrospective', the February meeting treated members to a review of the first 101 years in the life of the League. President Roger Woods had raided the archives to trace the MML's development from the time when a handful of like-minded men met in a private house in Blackburn to create a local magic society as the Great War loomed.
W
ith many complementary images he took us through many firsts - our first public show, our first outing to another Society, our first trophy competition, our first dinner, our first lady member and even our first winner of the Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year competition . . . along with the most recent. We were delighted to spot on screen familiar (albeit younger!) faces which gradually began to dominate over those ghostly figures who remain as merely names and reputations, but who make up the intricate fabric of our current Society. We also had a review of the last twelve months, with its two theatre shows, magic in the mall, school art competition, lectures and exhibitions, as well as an impressive array of star performers and lecturers.
I
n the second part of the afternoon, Roger focused upon honorary member Chris Van Bern, detailing his life and times, while your scribe brought members up to date with his hunt for the Young Houdini.
‘this afternoon of nostalgia stirred emotions for everyone’ This began with an anonymous handbill for a performer who turned out to be former MML member Bill Elvey. Over the past twenty years details have gradually emerged, via interviews with friends, correspondence with Mrs. Elvey, contact with the Dobson family which provided more photographs and finally the tracking down of an original Hilbert poster which Bill had begun to amend for his own advertising purposes, but which has since been restored by Graham Morris. The session concluded with a re-run on screen of the headline illusion act from our centenary show, Rick Green, and included the final walkdown of the other participants. I'm sure this afternoon of nostalgia stirred emotions for everyone, and made us all feel proud to be a part of the on-going history of one of the oldest magic societies in the world.
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D
uring the day we also distributed to members 'golden' centenary badges, uniquely bearing the dates 1914-2014, along with book marks which would be ideal for use with Roger's two most recent books on the League and Chris Van Bern - as detailed on the back of our February edition. These items of memorabilia have been kindly donated by Jesse Demaline's family in his memory, and will go to all those on our membership list for 2014. Alan Astra has also produced some sets of MML coasters (pictured) which can be purchased for £8 - and if you ever lose your badge or want another for any reason a replacement will cost just £1.
H
e's all the way from the US, so don't miss this opportunity.
Finally, and importantly: Our show at Padiham rescheduled for 27th March has had to be postponed indefinitely owing to difficulties encountered by the organisers; but Roger has arranged an additional show for us at Barley Village Hall on July 4th.
The ‘Young Houdini’ poster that started it all.
Some of the rather fetching centenary memorabilia on show.
I
usually include in this column news of our next meeting, but full details of Cody Fisher were included in our last edition, so it just remains for me to urge you to come and see him on Sunday.
Winner of the Schools Painting Competition
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From America. Here is an example which I have used for many years now:
M
any towns and cities in the UK have their counterparts in the US. There are two Blackburns, for example - one in Missouri and the other in Oklahoma; Pawnee country. At the last count (the census of 2010) the latter had just 108 inhabitants. Wherever they may live in the world, however, you can hear magicians complaining about so-called 'bad audiences'. In other words, if a show does not go as well as they had hoped the magician will often blame his or her audience for their lack of response. First of all, I believe that there are bad audiences. Friends and family can be very bad audiences for us, as they are too kind and give us a false sense of security. At the same time, I don't believe that bad audiences are as common as many performers seem to think. Why do I believe this? Well, basically I do not view an audience as a 'lump' - as something which cannot be changed as it 'is what it is'. Audiences can be changed because, in part, the performer creates his or her audience - and we do this through our actions, our words, our attitude and the way we treat audience members when they come up to assist us.
Imagine that I want to perform a piece of magic for a friend. In part, I will create an audience in my friend by what I say to him. Here are two introductory sentences I might use: "Let me show you something I have been playing with for the past few days." Or . . . " Let me show you something I have been working on for the past six months." I believe each of these apparently casual comments will create a different audience in my friend. How much value can something have if I have only ben 'playing' with it for a few days? How much more value might something have if I have been 'working' on it for six months?
Volume 78 Issue 3
Eugene Burger
(No – not the Uther Side of Accrington!) Page 8
Chairman’s Chatter S
ome years ago, I was appearing in a Christmas season of Old Time Music Hall shows in a converted barn theatre, way out in the middle of nowhere. It was only accessible via narrow country lanes and cart tracks, and many punters gave up on the journey as they were convinced they had taken a wrong turning - but if you persisted through the mist and mire you were eventually rewarded with the distant glow of a delightful building which captured exactly the appropriate Victorian/Edwardian atmosphere. On the night in question a special performance had been organised in support of the mayor's charity. The mayor, of course, was to be the guest of honour, and duly rolled up in a shiny black limousine bearing the town crest. Now, although the theatre itself was in an excellent state of repair little had been done to prepare the 'car park' which was, in fact, a farmer's field complete with cowpats. In the summer that had been fine, but on this particularly windswept and rainy winter's evening it had turned into something of a quagmire - so much so, in fact, that the mayor's heavy car soon became stuck in the mud.
Bearing in mind Macbeth's words that 'returning were as tedious as to go o'er', it was decided that some of the strong young fellows in the cast would endeavour to push the vehicle out of this veritable bog. The mayor got out to reduce the weight and went round the back to watch the action, as the lads strained and his chauffeur pressed his foot down on the accelerator. Not a lot happened at first, but then the wheels began to spin, churning up an avalanche of mud and sludge. A gigantic tidal wave of muck flew up into the air and then began its descent towards the hapless mayor who was too stunned by the sight to move. The most amazing thing was that, although two or three gallons of the stuff was airborne, not the tiniest speck of it missed him. He resembled a melting Father Christmas in Thornton's window. Fortunately, some costumes were lying round for a pantomime which was in preparation and so the mayor donned one of these while his clothes were being dealt with. He sat on the front row looking like the two ugly sisters rolled into one while backstage volunteers struggled valiantly to remove the gunge from his chain - one of the oldest in the land which had been insured for over ÂŁ40,000!
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Secretarial
F
irstly, thank you to all those who have notified me to changes in your contact details. I have only received a small number of amendments so I will assume everyone else's details are correct. If not then please let me know asap so we can update the records. It is important to have your 'snail mail' and email addresses correct so we send the MeMeL to the correct place as well as any other correspondence. At the meeting Brian Lead issued commemorative centenary badges and book marks to the members who were present. These were purchased from the donation in memory of Jesse Demaline. I'm sure Brian will catch up with those not present for you to receive yours. We had an excellent historical lecture on 100 years of the Modern Mystic League which was presented in an entertaining way by Roger. Roger followed with a short talk on Chris Van Bern to complement his recent publication. Brian Lead did a piece after the break on Bill Elvey but as I was trying to help wash up, hindered by a distinct lack of tea towels, I missed this section.
Perhaps Brian could write a bit about Bill Elvey for future publication? The presentation was enjoyable, interspersed with stories and pictures in which we were trying to recognise people. There were many questions which were ably answered throughout, with contributions from members of the audience. A hundred years is a long time isn't it! I wonder if for the next centenary the members will deliver a similar presentation. It is hard to imagine back 100 years or in fact forward 100 years, to imagine how things were or will be. I hope the Society will still be in existence and active within the local area.
I
always remember history being a boring topic at school. I have now come to believe that history isn't boring but have to put some of the blame on the teachers for making history lessons boring. There are lots of TV documentaries on all the time which cover history topics in a most entertaining way but still deliver the historical facts.
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O
f course history is not just events which happened many years ago but what happened yesterday is also history. So as we enter our next centenary, just remember that we are creating new historical memories with our every step.
“ Must be a PPI message I thought!� Talking of history and memories, the piece on Hans Moretti brought back memories of when I used to watch the Paul Daniels Magic Show on a Saturday evening on television. I remember he was a very animated and entertaining performer with one of my performance memories being an act he did using crossbows. When I returned home from the meeting I had an answering machine message on my home phone. I don't really use my landline much any more so was surprised someone had called and subsequently left a message. - Must be a PPI message I thought! The message was from Jean Nuttall in reply the thank you letter I sent for the donation in the memory of Jesse Demaline. Jean wanted to wish the Society best wishes for the future. Until next time,
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If I had ÂŁ1 for every time I've been told I was rubbish at maths I'd now have 58p.
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I
t never rains but it pours! Never a truer word was spoken in relation to our magical library. For those that don't know, some morons stole the lead off the roof of our HQ and consequently rain, snow and even hail stones poured into the large wooden cupboard which houses the large books that won't fit into the metal cabinets and our collection of bound Abras. I am in the process of attempting to rescue as many of these items as possible. Some are beyond help, some are able to be rescued (albeit rather crinkly, buckled covers and the like) and some are none the worse for their ordeal. To dry out the books carefully is a very slow process - it's taken me over a month and I refurbished just twenty books. This is a daily occurrence, a work in progress. A definite bonus for me however is that with having to 'doctor' each individual page of a book my eye is constantly drawn to some content that I would normally overlook. I've already discovered a prop that I intend to build from 'Jack Hughes's World of Magic'. This book has some gems of magic that you still see today performed by Kids' Magicians to Stage Magicians. If like me you like to construct your own props then you could save yourself a few quid rather than buying from a dealer. I'm in the middle of a ginormous book by a guy who was easily the Derren Brown of his day; Maurice Fogel. The book 'In Search of the Sensational' is my bedside companion just now and is being waded through as we speak‌. Hey, it's my payment for drying out all 391 pages. It would have been 421, but the last few pages refused to be parted from each other. Like lots of people, I find that having a read before bed helps me to sleep and even more so with this book as it shatters me just to hold the massive book up so I can read it! Next month I'll try to determine what other books can, or can't, be rescued. Watch this space! The up side to all this rescue work is that our two filing cabinets full of books are water free (hurray), so anything from those are still available. All the best PS Don't forget, our library books (those that aren't wet through that is) are still 50p per month (plus 50p each for any month overdue) and a DVD is £1 per month (plus 50p each for any month overdue) and with every DVD you also get an extra DVD for free (the 'entertainment' kind, rather than the 'instructional' kind). Volume 78 Issue 3
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Page 13 - Stories to make your toes curl‌. INTO THE DEALER'S DEN with Brian Berry
A
n amusing incident (in retrospect!) happened to me during a dealer dem at the Manchester Circle of Magicians. It involved an effect with six stones, a dice (or die?) and a prediction in an envelope. I knew that the prediction matched what would be These are shuffled, one is the outcome of the effect, but then remembered, then they are I noticed that my shuffled again face down. other envelope "That's made The assistant plays a game looked newer and so to determine where their swapped them over. my night," I disc is, and the ending is that During the trick told them. you spell out a question, someone mixes the ending with a revelation of stones and sets them the chosen disc. But not this time! into a tabled row. A dice is thrown I'd mixed the 'question' with one and the stone at that number is from a completely different trick, so removed. This is repeated until only there was no finale! one remains. To my dismay, when the envelope was opened it contained the wrong prediction! Ah, well. It happens to the best of When I changed the envelopes over us, I suppose . . . for you can I had forgotten that the new one imagine how chuffed I was to contained a prediction for an attend a dealer dem/lecture by a alternative ending! very good friend the following week, when two of his items also went wrong. I was so sympathetic. The final item in that "That's made my night," I told demonstration was with CDs, which them. were being used instead of cards.
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FRANK VAN HOVEN COMEDY MAGIC STAR
I
had only vaguely heard of Frank Van Hoven until Editor Brian asked did I know anything about him and could I put together an article. To my surprise, within a few hours I could. Frank Van Hoven, apparently his real name, was born on February 5th, 1889 in Sioux City, Iowa. U.S.A. Information about his early career is sparse. He toured the South of America selling peanuts with a circus. He aspired to become a juggler and 'The Man Who Made credited a magician not much older Ice Famous' than himself with changing his goal from juggling to magic. That man was He started to cry and told the Jansen, who would become The Great audience he couldn't do his act because everything was ruined. Dante.
D
ai Vernon tells of his real start, at the Columbia Theatre in New York. They were short of an act and called him up at short notice. He rushed to get ready with his two tables, and all manner of tubes, feather flowers and what not. The stage manager told him "You're on". Poor Van Hoven was shaking like a leaf. He'd never before been in a large theatre in front of a big live audience. He tripped and fell, knocking over one of his tables. Backing up he knocked over the other table. Everything was scattered over the stage . . . a total catastrophe.
He glanced down and noticed he had odd socks on; one tan, one black. He cried and said "Look - I even have wrong socks on. Everything has gone wrong." During this fiasco the audience was convulsed with laughter and from the wings came the words, "Stay out there, you're killing them." Vernon finally commented that this was how he stumbled into a completely original presentation and became one of the highest paid acts in the big time.
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I
n 1908, again in New York, when Van Hoven was only 19, he was a support artist to Houdini. After Houdini had done his stuff Frank Van Hoven was called upon to put the audience in a lighter mood with his by then famous ice cake routine. For some reason, presumably financial, he came over to England on a six-year engagement. The advertisement illustrated here indicates he was highly paid. Will Goldston soon became one of his greatest admirers and very favourable reports frequently appeared in Goldston's Magazine of Magic. Van Hoven hosted a night of entertainment 'long to be remembered' with performers apart from himself; Carl Hertz, Nat Leipzig, Lewis Davenport and others before a famous audience.
B
ack in America, in August 1921 William C Dornfield (famous as 'Dorny') wrote in The Sphinx; ' One of the biggest things in New York, magically, is the appearance at all of the big theatres of that well known comedian-magician Frank Van Hoven. He is always the hit of the bill. His act is one long laugh. If there is any part of the top that Van has not already scaled, he will be there shortly, although it is our opinion he has reached the top long ago.'
The early/mid 1920s were his halcyon period, then still only in his mid-thirties. Variously over the years he was known as 'The Mad Magician', 'The Man Who Made Ice Famous' and 'The Dippy Mad Magician'. He was earning more at times than Houdini.
F
rank Van Hoven was particularly famous for his ice effect. He always endeavoured to get a couple of scruffy looking boys up on stage (probably plants). To one he gave a bowl of water, and the other a large cake of ice to hold. The trick supposedly was to pass a handkerchief into the ice, but it never happened. In the melee the boys and the magician ran about the stage, upsetting tables and chairs until everything was in a state of hilarious pandemonium. By the end of the act the water had been spilled and the ice broken into a million pieces. During the entire act Van Hoven pattered without pause 'like the crackling of a machine gun'.
I
n the late 1920s he made his second tour of England, and died in Birmingham on 12th January, 1929 after a brief illness of double pneumonia, aged only 40.
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Making Yourself heard TESTING 1,2,3 Our February workshop was on the subject microphone technique. The workshop will be written up elsewhere, but as I have considerable experience on this topic I thought I would pop a few points down. I am, however, writing this before the workshop, so apologies if I repeat anything covered elsewhere.
Y
ou may well ask what experience I have on the topic microphones and technique. Well I ran my own mobile disco for 15 years and prided myself on having the best quality equipment and not being one of these disc jockeys where you could not tell what they were saying. What is the point in speaking at all, with a microphone or not, if people cannot hear you and, more importantly, understand what you are saying? - None! During my 15 years of running my own mobile disco I was lucky enough to work with a number of PA companies, mainly for large events in the Empress Ballroom in Blackpool. On these events I have been involved in providing PAs for live bands, comedians and Radio 1 disc jockeys.
As I write this article, many anecdotes and stories come to mind of my experiences and I will try to keep on track, but if anyone would like to hear about some of these experiences from being an entertainer, then let me know and I will write some for future issues of the MeMeL; although I may have to change some of the names to protect the guilty! So then, what is a microphone? Well without complicating things, it is a device for converting sound waves into an electrical format which can then be processed through other pieces of audio equipment. I suppose most people class a microphone as a device to enable people to hear your voice. However, to do this you need to connect a microphone to some form of amplification equipment.
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T
o obtain a high quality sound it is important to have a good quality microphone as well as a good quality sound system through which to amplify it. So you know you need a microphone; but which type? Well, there are many types of microphones to choose from: hand held, lapel, hands free, ‘DO NOT bang, cordless and others. With so thump or tap on the many options there will be microphone’ one to suit your requirements. For a magician who needs to use his hands to perform, I would suggest you go for a hands free cordless microphone. Not one designed for hand held use, as then you are trying to adapt a microphone designed for one purpose to suit another; for example putting it in your pocket or in a neck holder etc. A singer and dancer would choose a hands free cordless option of the headset/neck band variety as they are moving around all the time. Many comedians on stage use a hand-held microphone, corded or cordless, as many use the microphone to visually aid their performance. So chose one which fits your needs.
s
mentioned earlier, a microphone needs to be connected to a sound system to ultimately enable amplification through speakers. The combination of this equipment is referred to as a PA. So, what is a PA? - No not a personal assistant in this case. The letters stand for Public Address System, which is an electronic sound amplification and distribution system with a microphone, amplifier and speaker(s). A good quality system will complement your microphone. It is almost like having a Rolls Royce but with a mini engine in it; they will not work well together to provide the best results. If you are looking to purchase equipment, then the best way is to test it for real to see if it suits you. So you've chosen you microphone and plugged it in - let's test it is working. DO NOT bang, thump or tap on the microphone. A microphone is internally a delicate piece of equipment and like a human does not respond well to physical violence! To test it, speak as you would in your performance.
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After all you are using the microphone so that people can hear you as mentioned earlier! A singer would test their microphone by singing parts of their songs. Test yours by delivering the parts of your performance, the loudest and quietest parts, as if for 'real'. Feedback: "This article is great Dave" . . . "why, thank you!" No - not that sort of feedback, although that kind of feedback is always welcome, unlike the kind when you create a loop between the speakers and the microphone, most commonly when walking in front of the speakers with the microphone turned on. This is usually the high pitched ear screeching noise we have all experienced from time to time, although it can also be a rumble depending on the situation and environment. Feedback is when the microphone picks up the output sound from the speakers which it then re-amplifies causing a loop. Feedback can blow your amplifiers or speakers and I have had experience of blowing 'horns' in speakers when this has happened. The easiest way to stop it is not to cause the loop by walking in front of the speakers with the microphone turned on, although there are other alternatives such as the use of specific microphones or using graphic equalizers to 'trim out' the frequencies at which the feedback occurs.
feedback: "This article is great Dave" . . . "why, thank you!"
I'll not go into graphic equalisers in this article, but if anyone asks me I will happily explain their uses which aren't just to 'trim out' feedback but to enhance the sound from your PA dependant on equipment, environments, acoustics, sound requirements etc. This article was intended to be an overview so I'll wrap it up at this point for now. I hope you have found the information useful as an introduction to the topic of microphones. I do have stories and experiences I can share from my time as an entertainer in the fields of mobile discos, PAs and from the fairground, if anyone is interested. Thanks for reading,
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The Session Convention
T
he Session this year took an interesting turn. It offered attendees the opportunity to book on to some rather special workshops. The first, and the one I chose, was with Roberto Giobbi. There was also an option to spend 3 hours with Michael Weber (this was a tough call, I have to say) or 4 hours with the legendary “A workshop with Juan Tamariz. The workshops weren't cheap but Giobbi, Weber or I have to say the one I went to was worth every Tamariz… it was a penny. I'll report on this lecture later in the series. really tough call…”
T
he Convention proper started with a lecture from Roberto Giobbi where he opened with a rather splendid version of the Ken Brook classic 'Fred'. Roberto had added some interesting plot dimensions which certainly increased the impact through some clever emotional hooks. It also meant that you didn't need the thin cards or two decks. It was cleverly thought out and the presentation could be varied depending on the intended audience. He also reprised Vernon's 'Cups & Balls' routine focusing on the surprise elements that slotted neatly into the 3 phases of presentation.
He closed his lecture with a theme that was to dominate the weekend, 'The Trick that cannot be explained', and a clever ACAAN routine which was based on his 2013 book 'The Art of Switching Decks'. There were some nice ideas in there which could be applied to many routines, something I intend to explore.
T
he next 'mini slot' was occupied by someone I had not met before. Peter Clifford is an actor, producer, writer and magician (a good one too!). His talk, which in my view would be a useful addition to any club programme, not that he has considered doing such a thing, covered 'Presentation, Method and Character'. There was too much material to cover in this synopsis but I'll make it the subject of a further discussion.
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Suffice to say it encompassed such diverse topics as diction, physicality (on stage) and the need for a clear narrative in your effects. It was easy to see why Peter has credits in a couple of Derren Brown's shows. He's also a good friend of Derren and reappeared later in the weekend.
D
aniel Madison was next and, in my opinion, the weakest of all the speakers delivering sessions over the weekend. He covered that most underused of sleights, the 'Gambler's Kop'. He was undoubtedly excellent at this technique and his skill was evident but not so his ability to articulate the use of this and a couple of other sleights he demonstrated. He opened by suggesting he wasn't a lecturer and here I would have agreed with him 100%. However, given the nature of the event, I would have thought he could have put something together that was a bit less disjointed and with a touch more flow and direction. This said, I was impressed with his version of what appeared to be an 'in hand' 'sideways' Zarrow shuffle. Now THAT was deceptive! I have seen Boris Wild on a number of occasions and have always admired his work ethic and presentation construction. The afternoon's lecture was billed as 'Classics gone Wild' and so it turned out to be. Boris
presented his take on some of the classics of magic such as Ambitious Card, Stewart James's Open Prediction, an ACAAN routine based on the Blake Voight variation and 'The trick that cannot be explained' by Vernon. All these effects were accomplished in a very different way from the 'original' (if there is such a thing these days). A good solid lecture with some interesting side-line discussions about 'Jazz Magic'.
‘I was disappoimted that no-one explained ‘the trick became that cannot be friends explained’
I
with Luke Jermay a couple of years ago while organising the NMC convention. I know he's not to everyone's taste but I find his approach and material really intriguing. His background is in mentalism and indeed his first book was endorsed by Kenton Knepper no less. However, his lecture took a different turn and he presented some really good ideas for card effects. His blindfold 'locate the spectator's card from a shuffled deck' was stunning both in execution and in method.
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I'm not going to reveal it but I do know that many who watched it will be giving it a go. There was a variation on his 'Touching on Hoy' effect and his variation of the 'Trick that cannot be explained' which is now the subject of his marketed effect 'Game'. He does offer many insights into magic which belie his 'tattooed, East end thug' (his words, not mine) appearance and for me he stuck his finger right on the point when he discussed why the history of magic is important and should be studied by all practitioners. 'We should all use the past to guide us into the future'.
T
he day closed with the Asi Wind show. Asi Wind was another name I was unfamiliar with. He is an Israeli born magician, living and working in New York. Whilst Asi was the 'headline' act in the show, there were some very funny supporting acts. The irrepressible Chad Long opened with some really funny sight gags which words couldn't do justice to, but then went on to some clever coin and card effects which demonstrated he was actually very skilled.
Boris Wild guested a spot with his new FISM act which was clever but overly sentimental in my view. Rune Klan is always a joy to watch; more sight gags and a funny 'find the lady' routine which was very non-PC! He did do something which threw me. It was an impromptu 'Dean Dill' box but without the box, where the ropes linked through his open fly! David Blaine then introduced Asi Wind who floored everyone with some great effects: card to box, named card transpo and a great book test with a T&R twist. The finale was a stunner where he not only solved a Rubik's cube which is a skill in its own right, but proceeded to replicate a spectator's freely mixed cube. As if that wasn't enough of a kicker, he closed by solving both cubes simultaneously, one in each hand, without looking at them. A great finish to a great day. Or at least it would have been if we didn't session on the lobby until the small hours‌
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‘ ‘ “Every silver lining has a cloud . . .”
D
o you ever feel that everything is wrong with the world as you know it? I'll try my best to keep away from politics, although like most people I could prattle on for reams on that subject - religion too. You're safe from these topics however 'cause this ain't that sort of magazine.
Then my car refuses to start. I've tried the John Cleese method of hitting it with the branch of a nearby tree, but that didn't work. I'm now waiting for a friend of mine to come and have a look at it, but he ain't arrived yet - I think his car's broken down.
As some of you know, as far as my magic is concerned, 'things going wrong' is generally the mainstay of my act. Hopefully when it does, it has an element of planning in it (oh yes, it does), but we all know that life's a bit like my magic - not always going to plan.
On top of that our Librarian tells me (I have an inside line to him you know) that some moron has nicked the lead off the roof of our headquarters which has allowed rain to pour in and damage a lot of our magic books (see 'The Librarian Sez').
Take f'rinstance my computer (please!). It's driving me nuts! It's constantly freezing up. I've tried thawing it out with a hairdryer to no avail and I'm tearing my hair out just writing this report, constantly having to save and restart my usually proficient magic machine.
There's got to be some light at the end of the tunnel - even if it's just a bloke with a torch…..and there is. Something that is happening for the good of the club as you now know, is the upgrading of our already marvellous magazine.
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The layout, colour, content and now links to other items via the email version. Wow, with the paper version quickly followed by the interweb thingy I now get the option of reading it twice!
I
've got to say though that our Editor, Brian Lead, has got the same problem that all other magazine editors around the world have and that is, 'where the heck do you get the next article from?' Might I suggest to our loyal readers out there in magic land that you don't need to be any great Shakespeare, or J.K. Rollingpin to produce copy for the MeMeL. Just tell about your experiences since becoming a magician - the good and the not so good. It all helps the readers to empathise with your journey, especially when they see so many similarities with their own. Heck, I'm not the only one that has problems with a computer, car . . . or er, roof?!
I
've also had a request for me to do more cartoons, on a magical theme if possible. Well, doing a cartoon is no hardship for me, but coming up with the idea for a good gag is much harder. Maybe this is where you could help. If you have any ideas that I could turn into a cartoon for our mag I would be delighted to give it a go. You can talk to me at our club meetings, or email me (magicmonk@hotmail.co.uk) and hopefully your suggestions will enable me to put pen to paper for you to see in glorious print. All the best -
Please note that our show at Padiham planned for 27�� March has been cancelled due to a mix up on behalf of the organisers.
2
HOWEVER, we now have a show on July 4�� at Barley Village Hall. Do lend your support if you can. BL
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T
he Team would like to thank all the members (and there were many) who offered their compliments on the 'new look' MeMeL. Thankfully there was not one complaint or adverse comment, which was a relief! All were very positive: 'A wonderful edition.' 'You've set the bar high, guys.' 'A breath of fresh air.' 'Many congratulations on a brilliant February MeMeL.' 'What a fantastic job you are doing.'
W
e are keen to emphasise, though, that this new venture must not be seen as being in competition with previous versions. Like Dr. Who, the MeMeL has undergone many transformations over the years and, as the saying goes, we are only able to reach higher because we stand on the shoulders of the giants who have gone before us. We were pleased that Trevor was one of the first to offer his congratulations, and he will continue to contribute each month. We hope that he will now be able to sit back in his 'retirement' and enjoy the magazine from a new perspective. The Editorial Team
'Captivating - I very much appreciate the hard work and thinking which has gone into its production and publication.' 'A credit to you all - keep up the good work.' One member said they thought the wrong magazine had arrived when they opened the envelope, while another recalled childhood memories of rushing home from school every Tuesday evening with eager anticipation, knowing that their favourite magazine would be waiting . . . and now they will do the same with the MeMeL.
C
raig Docherty has very kindly produced and donated a copy of a Centenary Photo book to the Society. Donald is seen above showing members the result. If you want a copy or would like to have a look at one, get hold of Donald, he’ll be happy to show one to you.
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OVER TO YOU Last months ‘Over to you’ generated a few responses; these from Dave Moss: Marcel Marceau and his friends weren’t talking, The clairvoyant saw it coming, Tamariz had ‘stacked’ the odds, Paul Daniels liked it, but ‘not a lot’, The strongman weighed up the situation, The contortionist was all over the place….. How about taking up the challenge and suggesting a few more? Last month I was invited to perform at the Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre. The event was part of a youth organization called 'Truth for Youth' from Manchester who got in touch with my school for a performer. I performed a 10 minute piece of my regular show before an audience of about two hundred. The group had been helping with the sell-out show 'Little Shop of Horrors'. My performance area was outside the theatre and it was set up as a cabaret show so the lighting was fantastic. I performed my manipulation act with two dove productions and a comedy routine with stinky the skunk (aka rocky the raccoon). I really enjoyed it and I thought it was one of the best performances I have done because I really felt comfortable doing it. I did a mix of table hopping and stage magic. It was a good set up, there was plenty of space and I was assigned to a helper who showed me everything to do like where to set up. I was a bit worried about my manipulation act because of the angles but it was all right on the night as no one was standing at the side. The theatre was brilliant and I hope I can go there again sometime.
Lorenzo Volume 78 Issue 3
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Workshop 27th January 2015
T
welve members attended the February Workshop meeting on the theme of microphones, amplifiers and sound systems. It was a very interesting and informative meeting; several members had brought along their equipment. Trevor (G) gave a short presentation, based on long experience, with many examples of bad practices on sound, some from seasoned professionals who should know better. There were lots of tips and advice about sound systems. Many magicians spend a lot of money on new tricks but do not think to spend as much on the presentation, which includes sound, which is just as important, if not more so. Trevor gave advice on handling volunteers, microphone control and use, the need to have sufficient time to test and set up properly, how to avoid feedback and so on; a comprehensive guide to the subject. Ricky also contributed, as did Dave (M) and others so we all learnt a lot. As the “Buy the best government sold off the waveband previously used equipment you for radio microphone systems many of these are now out of date or even illegal. The advice is to buy can from a reputable source� the best equipment you can afford from a reputable source.
A
fter refreshments the discussions moved on to the recent Blackpool Convention and Harrison showed us the new coins he had purchased. The theme decided on for the next meeting on 24th March is invisible thread and the theme for the meeting after that in April will be flash products. I am glad we are able to work to definite themes as we get the chance to learn a lot which is what the Workshop meeting is all about.
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The Art of the Magicienne
Whether this is a correct spelling or translation remains to be seen‌
Ekaterina Dobrokhotova was born in Moscow, and developed an early interest in the Circus and the Entertainment Industry. At the age of ten, she began juggling balls and clubs, and later discovered her true passion when she received access to magic through the Internet. She purchased magic DVDs, practised every day for hours on end, and soon began to perform in public. Specializing in the art of card manipulation, often referred to as "flourishing", Ekaterina gained respect from other magicians for her skill, her flair and for making it look so easy. She soon met with veteran magicians from around the world, who graciously helped her develop her career in show business, increase her venues and invitations to perform, and expand her expertise and wide variety of skills in the fine art of performing magic.
T
oday, Ekaterina is considered a rare and exotic female magician by her peers and touches thousands of people with her magic through her web site and through online videos on Youtube. In addition to being a magician, Ekaterina is a professional fashion model. Click on the image for a video. This was Inspired by Colbie Caillat's 'Try' music video. See Ekaterina and a few of her friends.
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The Junior MeMeL
A monthly round up of goings on with our less grey haired members
W
e opened the meeting by congratulating Harrison who despite moving up to being a full member still insisted on joining us. We also congratulated Adam on being awarded the Tyro Trophy and we thought it would be useful to explain why he won. The award is a merit award made up of a points system. Here's how it works:POINTS ARE AWARDED FOR : ATTENDANCE - 5 Points for every meeting attended. Not everyone can get to all meetings so an average bonus is applied at the end of the year. PERFORMANCE - Points are awarded for performing at the meeting. Where possible, the other juniors will vote on how good the effect was performed. 1 - 5 Points PROGRESS - Points are awarded for the following: Showing that you have listened to advice: 1 - 5 points Helping at any meetings or MML events: 1 - 5 points Writing articles for the MeMeL: 1 - 5 points Bonus points from organisers for acting as a 'member' would. At the end of the year, the points are totalled and we have a winner. Simple! if you want to make sure you are in with a shout, perform every meeting, write an article or two, let us know if, like Lorenzo this last month (see later), you perform for another audience or get mentioned in the press. (Extra points for being on TV!) - So now you know. It's up to you. So
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W
e only had two junior members but we pressed on. Adam Hussain jumped up first to show us an effect he had videoed and put on Facebook where a selected card appears from under his cap. Lorenzo Carcione helped out and a selected card was indeed found to be in Adam's cap! It was quite a strong revelation and he made a good show of the presentation. We chatted about some of the aspects and Ricky added his views to some of the explanations. Lorenzo wasn't to be outdone and came up impeccably dressed, ready to perform. He had a card selected and found in a routine full of gags and one-liners. Ably assisted by Harrison, Lorenzo busted out the moves and ended with a nice revelation. Well done to you both.
L
ast year Donald offered a white rabbit for free to the first person who got back to him. Lorenzo won that self same rabbit and chose to name it 'Donald' would you believe. It's not often that Donald, the average one, uses a rabbit these days, but Lorenzo kindly offered to loan this one back to him if ever he needed it. His opportunity came with an unexpected request to do a kids' show for Christmas and the rabbit, 'Little Donald', proved to be much more than average and played his part well.
‘Is that your card?’
Lorenzo helped Donald, the big one, to do the magic and did some well received walk around magic for the grown-ups after the kids' show. Allan & Donald
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s ’ c i Mag L
Rene LAvand & Dean Dill At the age of 32 he appeared in Buenos Aires' Tabarís Theater, following which his career took off, leading to world tours. The catchphrase he used to close several of his tricks is "No se puede hacer más lento" (Spanish for "it cannot be done any slower"), referencing the intentional slow pace at which he performs.
ast month saw the sad passing of two of Magic most endearing characters. Rene Lavand and Dean Dill. They were endearing for entirely different reasons. Rene as he developed and "No se puede extraordinary skill with card cards even hacer más lento" In between international tours, he resided in Tandil, though he only had - "it cannot be Argentina and adapted a one hand and Dean done any train wagon which he turned because this mid west into a magic saloon where he slower" barber from humble taught illusion. He also cobeginnings became wrote (with Richard one of the worlds leading coin Kaufman) the book "Mysteries of my manipulation experts. But First Rene. Life". The book is an autobiography as well as an instructional book on Héctor René Lavandera, usually Rene's magic. He was widely known as René Lavand, was a considered one of the best close-up magician from Argentina specialising performers in the world and in close-up performance. He achieved legendary status. Without appeared in Ed Sullivan's and Johnny doubt he will go down in history as Carson's television shows as well as one of the most highly skilled closeshows at Hollywood's Magic Castle. up magicians of the 21st century. After losing a hand at the age of 9 in a car crash, Lavand endured a gradual entry into the magic world, selftaught because, in his own words, "all books and techniques are for twohanded magicians". Volume 78 Issue 3
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D
ean Dill was a magician and effects designer who lived and worked in Glendale, California, USA. He appeared on The Tonight Show in November 1990. His performance focused mostly on close-up effects, and he had a particular passion for and expertise in coin magic. He created and marketed a number of effects, including "Dean's Box," "Blizzard", and "A New World" an ieffect he created with magic innovator Michael Weber. He appeared on the cover of the October 2003 edition of The Linking Ring magazine. Dean Dill’s Shoppe, in Glendale, California was a must-visit for magicians when they came to Los Angeles or work at the Magic Castle. On any given day you might have found somebody in from China, Japan, Germany, England or Sweden. Many regulars like R. Paul Wilson came in and worked all day long and late into the night sessioning with other magicians like Michael Weber, John Carney, Tom Frank. Not too long ago David Blaine was in, as was Juan Tamariz, Dani DaOrtiz and Cyril all visiting to find out what new things Dean was working on. Of course magic wasn’t the only thing that went on in Dean’s Shoppe. It was also a barbershop.
D
ean was an incredibly good barber. He’d been at it for over 30 years. One of his first early customers was Dai Vernon. In 1989 when he was finished cutting Vernon’s hair Dean swept the bits of his hair up off the floor and put them in an envelope, sealed the envelope and wrote Vernon’s name on the outside along with the date and a list of the other magicians in the Shoppe that day. He had clippings from a large number of very well known magicians. Dean also gave lessons on magic. One of the most famous people Dean has tutored is Johnny Carson. Many people don’t realize Carson’s hobby was magic, and he actually started out as a magician before he went into radio and then television. One day Carson came into Hollywood Magic to buy a couple of tricks and he met Dean. Dean did a few coin tricks for Carson, and he was very impressed, asking if he would come out to his house in Malibu, and give him lessons. Dean did teach Carson number of coin tricks over the next couple years and ended up performing on the Tonight Show. RIP Dean Dill
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Incidental Youtubery Rene Lavand and the Cups & Balls
Dean Dill doing what he does best!
Rene Lavand and Duel of the West Rene Lavand on the Paul Daniels Show
Volume 78 Issue 3
That damn box again!
Dean Dill’s Triangle
Page 32
Remembered Nancy Spencer 13 Aug 1920 - 23 Jan 2015
N
ancy was one half of a very famous double act with her husband, Ron, she fooled audiences worldwide with their 'Minds in Harmony' act. Her funeral took place at York Crematorium on 12 February, 2015. Paying their respects alongside her family were over 80 friends and neighbours, including many from the magical fraternity. The service was held in the manner of a Quaker meeting in which periods of silence were interspersed with contributions from her family and guests. Her daughters, Joy and Andrea, and many of her grandchildren gave personal recollections and poignant tributes to their mother and grandmother. I believe that Ron and Nancy Spencer visited us at the MML a couple of times to baffle us with their two-person telepathic act. And, whilst I knew of their act and Ron, I never really got to meet him. However, I did get to chat with Nancy on frequent occasions. [Ed: I'm pretty sure Ron and Nancy appeared at our first 'dinner' in 1987, and certainly lectured for us in September, 1997]
‘She was an elegant lady with a huge smile’
She and Joy regularly attended Magic Conventions, especially those of the Northern Magic Circle and the IBM British Ring. We go to conventions to hear the lectures, visit the dealers and watch the gala shows and Nancy was one of those people who you looked out for and hoped to meet up with. She was a very graceful, fun loving lady who always had a big smile on her face and enjoyed a laugh. I recall one occasion at Southport; not sure if it was a 'Spring Parade' or an IBM Convention, but it was a warm afternoon and Nancy and Joy were sitting outside the theatre having a drink. When they saw Margaret and myself they waved us over to join them.
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We chatted for ages, mostly about magic as Nancy loved to do, and before we knew it the afternoon had gone and we had missed all the afternoon magic sessions. In fact, the ladies finished up having to take Nancy back to her hotel to put her to bed. At her funeral, one of the York Society of Magicians spoke about some private tuition on 'mind reading' he had been given by Nancy when he was just a 'junior'. Without giving too much away, let's say that it is important not to put a foot wrong. Hence, the young budding magician was carefully placing and re-positioning his feet in accordance with instructions provided by Nancy. Then, after a few minutes, it suddenly dawned on him that Nancy had been 'pulling his leg' and had actually been teaching him a dance step.
C
olleagues know that I like puns and to play on words, but I offer this reflection with sincerity and affection for a wonderful lady with whom it was always a pleasure to spend time; Nancy's maiden name was 'Smiles' and I honestly cannot think of anyone more appropriate to have that name. Whenever I close my eyes and think of her I simply see an elegant lady with a huge smile on her face. Nancy's ashes are to be mixed with those of her husband Ron (who died in 2006) and scattered at a waterfall in the Isle of Man - at a venue where they honeymooned in 1946.
Paul Guy
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What’s On?
T O
n Monday 26�� January The Magic Circle hosted the Closeup magician of the year competition. This years winner was a very deserving Will Houston who took home the Devano Trophy. In second place and winner of the originality prize was Noel Qualter MMC and in third place was James Freedman MIMC.
T
here’s an interview with Will on the ‘Magicians Podcast’ created by Richard Young. http://magicianspodcast.podbean.c om/e/ep-19-will-houstoun Bit of a mouthful but click on the link or the star and go straight there!
he Northern Magic Circle Convention gathers pace with the announcement of two more names to the line up. They have already secured Andrew Green and Ken Dyne as well as Wayne Goodman and Mark James. Now they are adding Elizabeth Rogan (Young Magician of the year finalist) and Michael Diamond as ‘Dr Diablo’ in the Gala Show. Click on the link to go and get tickets!
M
agic on the One Show: Alan Davies joined Matt and Alex while Gyles Brandreth presented a film on Chan Canasta, who was billed as the first magician to become a television celebrity. He caused a stir in the 1950s with his audacious mind tricks. Mind reader Graham P Jolley was in the studio trying to read the minds of Matt, Alex and Alan... it proved very interesting! Worth a catch up on BBC iPlayer:
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Top Hat and Tales With Paul Guy Letter from Teck Teck No Phobia
W
arning. The following report includes references to flashing lights! Magician Jamie Allan brought his new show iMagician - to Harrogate. The first stop (of 29) on his UK tour featured an enthralling blend of illusion, card tricks, sleight of hand and modern technology. The preface to his show was a quotation by Arthur C Clarke: "Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic". True !? The first half of the show focuses on the history of magic and revisits some of the greatest tricks of yesteryear from master magicians such as RobertHoudin and the one whom chains couldn't restrain, Harry Houdini. Utilising film clips on big screens, it offered a fascinating alternative to the tricks and stitched the show together.
Jamie manages to make the tricks relevant and accessible to his audience and very entertaining. In truth this wasn't as 'techie' as I had imagined and it was hampered by a few first night technical problems and a bizarrely placed laser show that served no magical purpose. But it still was akin to Harry Houdini meets the 21st Century. His opening 7 minutes featured a collage of effects we have all seen many times; appearing and vanishing candle, its reappearance to multiply into 3 and then vanish, silk through silk, drink from newspaper and the drawing of a ten-pin bowling ball on a sketch pad which resulted in its being produced - for real - with a loud thud as it landed on the stage. Then to some close-up card work on stage with a volunteer - which was definitely a little 'ambitious'. His first illusion followed; a mini zig-zag type of prop positioned on a raised glass table. There was a gasp. The audience was hooked.
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M
ore top notch sleight of hand was displayed in the 'Shape of my Heart' routine. Performed to Sting's song of the same name, it was truly memorable as it was enhanced through cutting-edge over-head projection. An interesting point for our history buffs is that he claimed that he was the originator of this routine, some 16 years ago?
on a wire above the stage from the outset.
Our attention was directed to a metal box which had been hanging
For more info and to book visit www.magicjamie.com.
Some small ladders were introduced, ostensibly to lower the box down onto. Well, he had to take the necessary steps to 'get at' the right answers.
H
is final illusion was the recreation of Houdini's water torture cell escape coupled ‘There was also with a 'sub trunk' switch. The Another (simple) card a lovely tribute Harrogate Theatre, where effect which used the the NMC Convention is to be to Apple founder same technique held on 11th/12th April, has Steve Jobs’ became visibly superb vantage points extraordinary. It wherever you are seated. featured a matchstick 'cardtoon' of a Hence, seeing this illusion close up little magician on the back of each and very real was worth paying the playing card and he became entrance fee for alone - see you animated when the pack was flicked there. through. And, guess what, he Jamie has a great stage presence, produced the chosen card that was making jokes and talking easily with called out just moments before. the audience. His passion for magic Clever, imaginative and convincing. is clear and infectious. Thoroughly There was also a lovely tribute to enjoyable - catch it if you can. Apple founder Steve Jobs using a Illuminating from D' simple wooden puzzle set against an inspiring recording of Jobs's voice. A D' Lite Ful number of extra wooden pieces Guy de Paul were added to it and yet it still fitted into its original frame. PS. You can still catch the show Then came a prediction, using a here: combination of Facebook, Twitter 18th April Southport Theatre and text messaging to select three 19th April Manchester Opera House words at random.
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Delving in the archives.
T
he accompanying cartoon comes from a booklet entitled There's Laughter In Magic, compiled by Frank Richmond, a co-founder of the Northern Magic Circle. The cartoons range in date from this one, used at the first convention (or Easter Parade) held at Newcastle in 1959, to Harrogate in 1969. The cover cartoon (of Tommy Cooper) is by Bill Hall, and the booklet begins with a caricature of Frank Richmond himself, produced by 'Bos' in 1955.
I
t is not clear who actually drew the cartoons, but many refer directly to the Circle and so it must have been an 'insider' to some degree, albeit a very competent one artistically. The only other piece of 'evidence' to be found in the booklet is that it was printed in Burnley by Charles Sowden's Central Printing Company. It was Charles who donated the impressive Sowden Shield to the Circle, to be competed for annually. We hope to publish a few more in this retro style as we go through the year. It seems appropriate that we should reprint the cartoon at this time, as the Northern's next convention is coming up in a matter of weeks, over the weekend of 11th/12th April.
I know a lot of you have attended, and indeed contributed to, the conventions over many years and many words have been written in its praise. Anyway, do come along if you can, if only for one of the days. Harrogate isn't that far away, and we can guarantee you a good time. Just ask Donald, who waxed lyrical about it a couple of years ago.
A
ll Presidents of the MML are automatically Vice-Presidents of the NMC, and indeed Roger Woods was its real President last year. I am the current Secretary, Paul Guy is on the Council and Allan Clarke played a very large part in reinvigorating the Society a few years ago. Volume 78 Issue 3
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And finally…
I
've heard it all now.... Apparently there is a device coming to market which is designed to help you break some of your bad habits. Specifically internet based ones. No it's not what you're thinking but who knows where it could Lead. The device is a wristband that delivers a significant electric shock if it finds you wasting time. Yup. Idle away too many minutes on specified websites and you could find yourself on the receiving end of 240 volts. Ye-Ow! http://www.bbc.com/news/technology-30182607 It's called the ‘Pavlock’ (play on Pavlov, geddit?) Its primary aim is to encourage you, by electric shock treatment, to suppress bad habits, such as roaming aimlessly around the internet for hours or maybe playing one too many levels of 'Candy Crush' or ‘Family Farm’. Then of course there is the issue of 'Tweeting' or 'Facebooking' at inappropriate times, work being a prime example. Whilst I will admit to finding Facebook useful, I have not yet found any sane reason why anyone would engage in the kind of mindless drivel that get posted under the hashtag #ivenothingbettertodo. But that's by the by. The point is that we probably should be making better use of our time and as one who is coming up to that glorious day when 'work' no longer occupies a significant chunk of the 24 allotted hours, it kind of brings things into focus. Why do I mention this? Well, it occurs to me that having this device monitor the time spent looking at or buying the latest 'whiz bang', mind blowing, easy to perform magic effect, might actually save you money. A short sharp shock in every sense of the word may just encourage you to stop the search for that holy grail of magic once and for all. It's true that the magic auction aftermarket would suffer but I suspect that there is probably enough headroom on that particular segment not to worry us too much just yet. It also occurs to me that this idea could be extended to a device that could spot when you are buying a differently presented version of a trick you already know. I have done this so many times, it's embarrassing. It would be shocking if it wasn’t true…….
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Officers of the MML PRESIDENT:
Roger Woods
woods.roger1953@gmail.com
CHAIRMAN:
Brian Lead
b.lead@btinternet.com
Hon Secretary:
Dave Moss
dwmoss@hotmail.com
Hon Treasurer:
Ian Brown
ianbrownmagic@aol.com
Hon Librarian:
Donald Monk
magicmonk@hotmail.co.uk
MeMeL Editor
Brian Lead
b.lead@btinternet.com
Concert Secretary: Brian Lead
b.lead@btinternet.com
President Elect:
To Be Appointed
Webmaster:
Allan Clarke
allan.clarke@tiscali.co.uk
Committee Members:
Trevor Greenwood
tgmagic@btinternet.com
Ricky Reidy
rickyreidy@yahoo.co.uk
Paul Guy
p6uys@yahoo.com
Hon Vice Presidents:
John Tattersall
Paul Daniels Volume 78 Issue 3
Maurice Howarth Page 40
CONJURER’S CALENDAR 13th - 15th March MAR
APR
JUNIORS - 1:00PM MEETINGS - 2:00PM
South Tyneside International Magic Festival Welcome to the friendliest magic convention in the world, renowned for it's intimate and personal atmosphere. With tickets strictly limited to 150 delegates, you're sure to be able to spend time with some world-class performers.
Cody Fisher. USA
15th Ron Baron
Northern Magic Circle Covention - Harrogate
11th
COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
24th
WORKSHOP
28th
Peter Eggink (Netherlands)
17th Trevor Dawson COMMITTEE
26th
Chairman’s Day with Brian Lead
14th
WORKSHOP
23rd
COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
28th
The Magic of Alan Shaxon 19th Ian Brown with Steve Short. Visit to the Barrow Boys. 13th
MAY
JUN
WORKSHOP
MML Fundraising Show 4th Barley Village Hall JUL
Young ‘Uns vs. Oldies Battle of the Ages...
12th Allan Clarke
AUG
Hemingway vs the Audience. 9th Donald Monk
WORKSHOP
25th
SEP
Dealer’s Day with Mission Magic
13th Bert Slater
COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
22nd
Annual Banquet at Mytton Fold.
10th
Oliver Tabor Lecture.
11th Martin Seed
WORKSHOP
27th
COMMITTEE WORKSHOP
24th
OCT
Referee: Brian Lead
NOV
President’s Day with Roger Woods.
8th
DEC
Christmas Party.
6th
NOTE* - Name = Refreshments COMMITTEE - 7:00PM
Denotes OPEN MEETING
Change of usual Date
WORKSHOP - 8:00PM
The MeMeL is the Journal of The Modern Mystic League.