|
South Shields International Magic Convention 2007
March 2007
Reviewed by Dale Shrimpton
As
conventions go, this is without doubt the best. The headquarters hotel this
year, was different from the past. It was however a comfortable venue, with
friendly staff, great breakfasts, and for those that wanted it, free adult
channels after dark. Also in their favour, was the willingness to provide good
hot food late at night, in the form of toasted sandwiches, fries and salads, or
the fork buffet at the late, late show on the Friday. Alas, this put an end to
last years Pizza fest, which was one of the highlights of last years convention.
Customs house, venue for all the shows and lectures, provided excellent multi
functional facilities, my particular favourite being the studio area, which,
with its tiered seating, and video facilities, gave all a perfect view for the
close-up and lectures. One suggestion I would give however, is that the camera
and projector be set, so the image on the screen is larger than that seen with
the naked eye.
But that's the only fault with customs house. Except that is, for the dealers.
Unfortunately the area set aside for the dealers was round the back, and up some
stairs. It did feel a little less social than in past years, where the dealers
had their own bedrooms. I noted that there was a studio area below the dealers
room, on ground level, that might have been a better choice. Maybe next year?
On another point, because we had to walk down from the hotel, to the customs
house, I got to see a little of the town, and it struck me how clean it was.
Very little graffiti, and no litter on the ground shows a great deal of civic
pride, and I commend the good folk of South Shields for this. If only my local
council could do this.
Now to the conventions' performers, after all that's what we were there for.
OK, here is a review. It will be short, because I didn't take notes. I was
having far too good a time. In no particular order; first the shows...
Daniel Garcia
Let me say publicly, Danny is one of the nicest magicians I have ever had the
pleasure of meeting. He has an infectious personality, which makes watching him
a pure joy. His signature piece "torn" was without doubt the closest thing to
real magic I have witnessed in a very long time. His lecture included a
brilliant handling for the bending paper clip, thoughts on a riffle force, that
looks sooooo clean, and an effect whereby a chosen card is produced under the
spectator's hand. As I was that spectator, I can assure you that its very strong
magic indeed!
Trixie Bond
Hailing from Houston Texas, Trixie gave us her full 90 minute children's show,
and boy did she pack the magic in. Straight away, she went on to do her stand up
act, including effects like the blantz glasses, Grants tea kettle, Blow die,
frosty the snowman, doves from ribbons, a bunny production, and much, much more.
Her hints and tips on her lecture afterwards, gave some good sound advise in how
to market yourself. It is a must-see talk. I believe she's lecturing here later
this year. Trixie also bravely appeared in the close-up shows. I say bravely,
because she was up against Shoot, and Danny.
John Lenahan
John's a legend. He also has an infectious personality. In his lecture, he gave
us his thoughts on the Misers Dream, and the McDonald Aces. Peppered along the
way, with anecdotes from his career so far. In the Friday night gala show, he
gave us value for money. Ending, with his wonderful, slim slide routine. He got
stumped by a heckler who shouted "you're the best magician I have ever seen."
Lots of laughs to be had.
Shoot Ogawa
Woa Shoot!!! Again, what a nice guy. He has taken classics like the linking
rings, thimbles, and the coin matrix, and turned them on their heads. Utterly
breathtaking stuff.
Ray Alan
For most the highlight of the convention was witnessing first hand this 76 year
old legend. Truly the greatest ventriloquist this country has ever produced. You
would swear that Lord Charles isn't just a doll. He is a living breathing
person.
Alex Lodge
Alex had two spots on the Friday show, the first his dove and manipulation act,
the second, the Illusions. I've got to say I preferred the manipulations. Maybe
it's because I know how Shadow box, Origami and Modern Art are done. The lay
audience appreciated it though, which is the most important thing.
Max Maven
Max, was up to his usual incredible standard. Watching Max work is an education
in audience management all on its own. His lecture was as expected, fantastic.
If it's anything to go by, Max's notes were the only ones I bought. There is
some very clever stuff there. His last effect using his favourite, Gilbrieth
principle, to create a seemingly impossible triple prediction effect.
Pete Firman
Pete, what a guy, what an act. Opening with a silk vanish, closing with the
Mullica cigarette act, with tons and tons of good solid stuff in between. I
can't remember much, because I was laughing so hard. Do see him work if you get
the chance to. He's amazing!
Romany
Another quality comedy act. I swear I've not seen audience management (albeit
specially chosen audience members) like this in ages. Her character of the
ditzy, scatty female magician was great.
Marc Oberon
Marc gave us his stunning u.v act. Now, I've worked with u.v, and I know how
difficult it can be to get right. He got it right. And the ( 1st) levitation was
superb... His second spot was a stage version of his award winning close-up act
"Midas". He also included a classic floating apple, his knock out card in
wallet, and his second levitation of the evening. Audible gasps were heard from
both magical and lay audiences alike. This is how all illusions should be. Girl
walks on, girl gets pushed back, girl floats, girl stops floating, and walks
off. No fuss, no faffing around, just clean magic.
And finally... Robert Baxt
One of America's top performers, his first appearance here in the UK, and a very
successful one too. His endless line of good strong comedy effects, wowed the
audience in his stint as compeer on the Saturday show. He's a very, very nice
guy indeed. See him if you can.
Now, overall this convention is without doubt the greatest convention you will
ever visit. This year's event did not disappoint. Why not contact Magic Box or
Karri Prinn at the council now and register your interest? It really is the
greatest magical experience you can possibly have.
For me, the trick of the convention was the incredible "Between the lines" By
Michael Murray, available on pre order only via Magicbox, closely followed, by
Daniel Garcia's "Torn" - as I said, it's the closest thing to real magic in his
hands, and I saw it a good few times. From all angles. It's a miracle.
And as always, the best value of them all, was the convention itself...
Photos by Kevin Creaghan. Top to bottom:
Shoot Ogawa
John Lenahan
Ray Alan
© Dale Shrimpton, March 2007