73rd British Ring IBM Convention
23rd - 27th September 2009, Southport
Update 14, August 2009
Bob Hayden, British Ring PRO


Closing the International Magic Show on Saturday evening will be David & Dania with their Magical Dress-Transformation act. From the moment the act made its debut in1996 it has had audiences everywhere responding to it with tremendous ovations.

Although both came from a show business background but initially neither trained in magic or quick change. Dania trained as a gymnast going on to acrobatics and dance. With these talents she created a hula hoop act performing with the Moscow State Circus. David’s first circus act was juggling on a low wire but additionally he trained in acrobatics, dance and theatre at the same time finding he had a talent for singing. He even found time to study magic.

How did the extraordinary act of David & Dania come into being and how was it developed? Some of the answers to these questions will be revealed when John Pye is in conversation with them in Southport on the Saturday morning giving you a second to none opportunity to have an insight into the art of dress transformation. This is the first time this art form has been discussed at a British Convention.

If there are any questions you would like John to put to David & Dania you are invited to submit them to him by e.mail at johnedwardpye@btinternet.com

For twenty four years Eddie Dawes has presented a show on the theme of ‘Pleasures of Yesterday’ in which he combines historical narrative with performances by contemporary performers presenting effects and acts recalling or linking with some of the ‘Greats’ of the past. His first was in Southport in 1985 and this show, his 25th ‘Thanks for the Memories’ will not only be on the same stage, but will also sadly be the last in the series, a decision occasioned by personal circumstances surrounding his wife Amy’s health.

During the period Eddie has featured some ninety different performers in these shows, sixteen of whom sadly are no longer with us. Overseas performers who have appeared include Topper Martyn, George Johnson, Vanni Pule, Alfonso Rios, Dick Newton, Bill McIlhany and Dale Salwak, who, in Scarborough in 1989, not only ‘stopped the show’ but also the whole Convention, leading to his immediate booking for the 1990 Gala Show.

As this final show falls in the year that celebrates the centenary of the birth in South Africa of that great creative magical genius Robert Harbin, some of his creations will be featured in the act of his great friend Alan Shaxon, former President of The Magic Circle, to whom they were bequeathed by Harbin. Alan’s polished cabaret act has entertained audiences around the world.

The very first show included ‘Hot Meals Served Here’, the music Hall act of Eddie’s friend the late Jon Gresham, which he toured in Britain and the Continent. Jon’s equipment was later presented by his widow Pat to young magician Tim Cockerill, whose interest in and subsequent researches on fire eaters has led to the creation of a new fire act which will be seen at Southport on his return from Borneo where he has spent the last several months on his academic biological research from Cambridge university. He first appeared in the Friday show of 1997 when he played the part of Eugene Robert-Houdin, son of the great French magician in Jon Marshall’s recreation of the Ethereal Suspension.

Another young magician, who first came to prominence as the British Junior Stage Magic Champion and was featured at The Magic circle Centenary celebrations in 2005, is Jonathon Shotton. Since then his talents have been seen in America and on BBC and ITV television, and this versatile youthful performer will present an act different from that which will be seen in the Opening Show at Southport.

Bertie Pearce has travelled the world bringing to audiences a delightful melange of magic and ventriloquism, spiced with his eccentric and lively sense of humour, recognised by receiving The Magic Circle’s Carlton award for Comedy. One of magic’s most versatile exponents, Bertie, a drama graduate of Manchester University and the Ecole Intemationale du Theatre Jacques Lecoq in Paris, is equally at home performing on stage, parlour, close-up, children, or cruise ships and his hilarious ‘take’ on this last arena is the subject of his show All Aboard.

The show will be closed in fine style by the illusion act of James Long & Louise. James was bitten by the magic bug at the age of nine and within two years had won his first award and went on to win many more awards with his highly acclaimed card manipulation act, an act which took him to the finals of The Magic Circle’s Young Magician of the Year Competition. At seventeen years of age he turned professional developing a small illusion show, which grew into a large scale production. That has taken him to every corner of the UK and much of Europe from sunny Spain to the low temperatures of Finland performed in theatres. Theme parks, and on board international cruise ships as well as many corporate events and private parties. James’s illusions are custom built, original and entertaining and are performed with a style of his own

As the curtain falls on Eddie’s last show we must all remember and thank him for the huge contribution he has made through his shows in securing the reputation and prestige of the British Ring Convention to become one of the foremost among the world’s magical Conventions.

Steve Evans is continuing his role as compere of the Shield Competition. Last year as well as introducing the competitors he initiated a joke competition between the acts. The jokes had been submitted by members and the one the audience liked most won a prize in the form of a rather expensive book kindly donated by Keith Bennett and a Trophy (all be it an inflatable one!). After its success first time round he is doing it again this year so here is another golden opportunity for every one of you to be involved and be participants of your Convention. You are invited to submit your jokes to Steve Evans 22 Old Fallings Lane Wolverhampton WV10 8BH. Alternatively you can e.mail them to Steve at Stevemagicbloke@aol.com or by text to 07900 191958. The jokes need to be short and are not those used in your (or others) act and should be the kind you would hear in the pub, be told at work or received by text.

If you are into magic these are some more good reasons why you should be in Southport between 23rd and 27th September for the British Ring Convention. Made your registration now!

 

Bob Hayden, British Ring PRO, August 2009. www.britishring.org.uk

 

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