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.

 

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