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Twelfth Repro Magic Cruise
Voyage to the Fiords, June 2005
Reported by Rex Scott
HAMLET ACT V SCENE 2 (this is the sword fight which ends the play)
HAMLET: Come on, Sir
LAERTES: Come on, my Lord (they fight)
HAMLET: One?
LAERTES: No!
HAMLET: Judgment!
OSRIC: A hit, a very palpable hit.
This
decision by Osric (making it 1-0 to Hamlet) came to mind as a very appropriate
way to describe the recent Repro Cruise which was held on Queen Mary 2.
And why, you might ask, was it such a hit? Well, for a start the magic was good.
In fact the magic was very good with lectures and presentations given by Eric
Sharp, George Kovari, Ali Cardabra, Walt Lees, Mel Moore, Ron Escott and Peter
D’Arcy.
But the success of the event was not only down to these luminaries of the
British magic scene but also to the conventioneers themselves who so readily
performed, shared and explained their own magic in the many impromptu sessions
so skilfully organised by Walt Lees. Participation was the key word and this was
in evidence right from the start. The Magical Beetle/Pocket Trick Drive,
appearing for the first time on the Repro programme, was organised by Rex and
Janice Stott and proved an excellent ice-breaker. It is a brilliant idea which
had its origins in Middlesbrough and it allowed twenty participants to perform
to all their fellow magicians and also for non-magicians to sit at each table as
spectators. Indeed, a couple of passengers, intrigued by the gales of laughter
coming from one corner of the room where George Kovari was doing his own
“Perplexing Pyjama Cord” routine, asked if they could stay and watch. Once they
said the magic words to Geoff, “Can I get you a drink?” they were welcomed as
honorary members of the group.
The next day we had lectures by Paul Buonocore (aka Ali Cardabra for the rest of
this report), and Mel Moore and a talk by Peter D’Arcy. Ali’s lecture was
entitled “Wota Lotta Bottle” and he showed, inter alia, some extremely clever
ideas using clear plastic bottles Ali must be one of the most creative and
inventive characters on the British magic scene. Afterwards, he told me that his
hero and inspiration is Arthur Setterington and I’m sure my friend Arthur will
appreciate that compliment. Mel Moore demonstrated the fascination of magic
squares and provided some excellent notes to accompany this talk. As the cruise
went on I began to build up an impressive collection of lecture notes, all
provided at no extra cost to the conventioneers by Geoff Maltby. Later that day
Peter D’Arcy amused us all with his experiences as a toastmaster at some of the
top events on the London scene and it was easy to see how his composure and
confidence made him so much in demand
The following day Walt, in a new lecture, shared with us some magical gems of
which his “Chop Cup for Mugs” and Slynada’s Balls were particularly impressive
and Ron Escott gave us full details and explanations of the baffling mental
items which he performed. I have to admit that due to a thirty years’ gap in my
magical background I had never seen Eric Sharp perform or lecture. It was a real
privilege to see a master of his craft at work and it is also easy to see why so
many magicians who work with children owe their inspiration to him.
When in port Walt arranged some “free and easy” sessions. Lasting about an hour,
for many these were one of the highlights of the cruise. During one of these
sessions George Kovari showed a video of some of his television appearance
including some priceless footage of an hilarious bullet-catching routine
involving Freddie Starr and Dale Winton.
There was a large audience, including several invited outsiders, for the
conventioneers’ stand up/ close-up competition. The thirteen participants
including lady magician, Brenda Trowell, had 5- 6 minutes each and offered a
wide range of magic using cards, coins, rings, ropes, cups and even an identity
card. The eventual worthy winner was Ali Cardabra or was it Inspector Clousseau?
The following request to a volunteer had to be heard to be believed - “I will
sterp when you say sterp”. The panel of three lady judges made up of Peggy
Lano-Moore, Peg Warman and Susan Kovari gave Ron Escott, Reg Allen and Bruce
Jordan honorable mentions. Bruce particularly caught the eye with his version of
Codology using small clowns instead of fishes. George Kovari, thankfully, (as
the originator of the effect) looked both amused and impressed. Walt ended the
afternoon with Nap Hand, made all the more challenging as two out of the three
non-magician “volunteers”, unknown to Walt, spoke little English.
The final afternoon was made memorable by Ali Cardabra’s illustrated lecture
“Charlie and Me.” This was an affectionate and informative tribute to the life
of Charlie Chaplin. As he talked Ali gradually donned costume and put on make-up
to become Charlie himself! He then did two or three effects in character. This
gained a terrific response from the whole audience.
By now you will have realised that I had a fantastic time and I haven’t even
mentioned the never-ending supply of magical tricks, freebies, memorabilia,
puzzles and competitions which arrived daily in our cabins. (One free trick in
particular, “Shamloch”, was a real stunner. You can find it written up in July’s
The Magician. Perhaps if you say the magic words to Geoff he might make it
available to a wider audience.) A spirit of generosity pervaded the cruise with
Bruce Jordan and Kovari providing extra gifts for all the participants. As ever,
Geoff and Will’s organisation was superb throughout. Will’s ladies were royally
entertained at their coffee/sherry mornings with Charlie Chaplin presenting
roses and serving drinks. The events were also graced by the Commodore’s wife
and Amanda Reid, the Queen Mary’s Cruise Hostess, who chatted animatedly with
all the guests.
The end-of cruise party held in The Winter Gardens was attended by Commodore
Warwick and his beautiful wife, Kim, who presented a host of valuable prizes
including a special one to Peter D’Arcy for his particular contribution to the
convention. “Peg’s Drawers”, a raffle organised by Peggy Lano-Moore, raised £200
for The Lifeboat Association.
The Queen Mary 2 is billed as “The Greatest Ocean Liner of Our Time” and she is
a truly magnificent ship – internally and externally. The furniture, fittings
and in particular the food are superb – they almost matched the magic. The proof
of the pudding is always “Would you do it again?” Well, already three quarters
of the present party signed up for the next Repro Cruise to the Mediterranean in
June 2006. (See July’s The Magician or
www.repromagic.co.uk
for full details.)
So yes, it was a hit, a palpable hit – in fact it was a Bull’s-eye!
© Rex Scott, July 2005.