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Peterborough Day of Magic
Millfield Hall, Peterborough
Sunday 29th April 2012
Overlooked by Al Smith
The Peterborough Day Of Magic is not a pure convention. Starting at about 10am
and running through to 5pm, it’s a Bring & Buy, Sale and Exchange; a Jumble
Sale, almost. But with more than several extras. Things to buy and sell,
lectures, workshops, car-boot dealers, “proper” dealers, plenty of fun and food
and all at a price you can afford.
Peterborough President Keith Downs opened proceedings officially at about 1030am
and shortly after this announced the first of two lectures, provided this year
by Jimmy Carlo and Dave Forrest. There was also a workshop, courtesy of Mister
Forrest.
Jimmy Carlo took the podium first and delivered a worldly-wise session on Kids
Stuff; mostly using familiar props, loads of business and non-stop gags. Very
entertaining as well as instructive.
Dave Forrest of Full 52 Productions presented his stuff in the early afternoon.
This was largely cards and proved a solid contrast to Jimmy Carlo. Thoughtful
and very well-worked out effects, all fully explained. Not so many gags as
Mister Carlo, but delivered with style and humour. As was his workshop, which
followed shortly after the lecture and focused on the torn and restored card.
A first this year was a competition, open to any and all non-Peterborough
members. The brief was to present about eight minutes of standup magic—personal
choice—and attracted a grand total of two entrants: Michael Wilkie and Wayne
Goodman. Mister Goodman collected the gold medal and Mister Wilkie the silver.
Bronze was not awarded. It was all good natured and the minuscule entry did not
detract. Judges were Dave Forrest and Walt Lees.
Another first was an impromptu dealer dem, which saw Dave Charles of Hocus Pocus
Magic and Richard Ballinger of Richard Ballinger Magic demonstrate several of
their wares. Hopefully this helped with business, because, sad to say,
registrations were down considerably and long pockets were much in evidence.
Despite the lower turnout than usual the Peterborough Day remains a full one and
is pleasant enough to whiz by almost before it seems to begin. An unhyped event
of good magic, good company and good value. With two lectures and a workshop of
this measure, it would be hard pressed to be anything else, really.
The gruesome weather likely deterred a few, but the mildewed malaise that is
strangling magic overall and live magic events in particular was probably the
key factor.
To say that the level of enthusiasm abroad in the fraternity in recent times
(distinguished largely by its absence) is disheartening in the extreme. It’s not
just Peterborough of course, and those who can’t be bothered to support live
events are missing out. Oh well.
© A E Smith, May 2012