Close-up Magic Convention in
Sussex
Haywards Heath
14th May 2005
Photos and review
by Martin Breese
The
Close Up Magic in Sussex Convention organised by Paul Gordon (photo) and
Mark Worgan was a total success. Everything ran so efficiently that it is
hard to believe that this was the first convention of this nature run by
these two guys (assisted by their wives Judy and Alison).
The doors opened at 10am, registration lasted but a few seconds and the
dealer hall was the first venue. A good selection of dealers including one
long distance attendee Trevor Duffy from South Africa provided a fine
balance of magic for sale. Those who took time out to demonstrate their
wares found crowds willing to watch and buy.
Al Smith provided workshops for small groups and Mandy Davis did the same
for the Young Magicians. I was not able to see either at work but they
received excellent reports from those who attended. |
The
lectures, which were projected on to a large screen by Bob Hamilton were
well organised and started on time. Mark Mason (photo) gave a stunning
lecture and tipped and taught some of his classic effects including his
highlight no force classic force. At the end there was a big run on his
lecture notes and DVDs. A great lecture and my first time to see the man
with a big reputation doing his stuff.
After lunch it was Stephen Tucker’s turn. He had a wide range of material
to offer and there was the usual variety of off-the-wall material from the
zany Stephen who is a regular and highly popular fixture at every
convention I attend. He has one of the most inventive and fertile minds in
magic and his output is prolific as can be seen by his countless
contributions to magic magazines. Another great lecture.
The day closed with close up from Paul Gordon, Mark Mason (photo), Stephen
Tucker, Andrew Murray, Mark Worgan and Mark Shortland. The entire close up
session was on time and all the performers had excellent material and
professional skills. I don’t really want to single out any performer as
all were good but new to me was Andrew Murray and his skill with cards and
coins was something to be seen.
I cannot imagine that there was a single registrant who is not looking
forward to the next convention from Paul Gordon and Mark Worgan. Top marks
for a wonderful day of magic.
© Martin Breese, May 2005. |