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Magic Stars of the Future: Young Magicians Club J Day
Sunday 21st October 2007
Reported by Jack Delvin
Photos by Mandy Davis
A
little lad, Jack Gleadow, wearing his father’s bowler hat brought the house down
at this year’s Junior Day at The Magic Circle. Not only was he adept at
performing his amazingly magical wonders; he was also extremely funny. So much
so that he walked away with the top prize for the Best Stage Act, and also the
Kaymar Komedy Kup for Best Comedy Act. Look out for Jack Gleadow, a star of the
future. Runner-up was Joe Harper, with James Milner, third.
Organised by the Young Magicians Club, a youth initiative of The Magic Circle, J
Day sees the culmination of a year’s work by its 450 magic mad members between
the ages of 10 and 18. Close-up magic is all the rage just now with magicians
table-hopping their miracles in hotels and restaurants to the delight of the
customers. This year’s J Day saw the rise of a new close-up star, winner of the
Mark Leverage Trophy for the Best Close-up Magician, Alex Hansford. Second was
the only female competitor, Megan Knowles-Bacon and third was Ali Ceurvost. The
judges were Alan Shaxon, Bruce Kalver, David Weeks, Steve Dela and Keith
Churcher.
Magic as a performing art never stands still. Behind the magic there is an army
of enthusiasts creating new magical masterpieces. This year, past chairman, Roy
Marsh, presented the Peter McCahon trophy for Originality to Giles
Rozier-Pamplin.
J Day is totally devoted to magic, including dealers, Kaymar Magic, Magic Books
by Post and Magic Cave, selling their latest wares, and an entertaining and
informative lecture by famous American magician, Bruce Kalver.
An eager audience of young magicians hung on every word of wisdom from one of
our own top magicians, Geoffrey Durham, when interviewed by Brian Sibley.
Notable in the audience were President of The Magic Circle, Alan Shaxon, who
presented the awards, and Honorary Vice President, Ali Bongo.
The day ended with a terrific Gala Show introduced by Matthew Duggan and
featuring the great comedy magic of Bruce Kalver, the originality of Steve Dela,
the quirky humour of Richard McDougal, and the exquisite manipulation of cards
and doves by Scott Penrose. Stage Manager was Michael Carr.
The whole event owes much to the hard work and organising genius of Chairman,
Mandy Davis, assisted by her team consisting of Stephen Kennard, Kevin Doig,
James Fortune and Rob Page. The mature magicians in the audience were united in
their praise for the young performers; happy in the knowledge that the future of
magic is in good hands.
Photos:
1. Magic Circle President Alan Shaxon and Jack Gleadow
2. Alex Hansford
3. Roy Marsh and Giles Rozier-Pamplin
© Jack Delvin, October 2007