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South Shields 2008
April
Reviewed by Dale Shrimpton
Once again, what has become the highlight of my magical year has come and gone.
And what a great convention it was. Martin Duffy, Kari Prinn, and the rest of
the organizing body behind this fantastic convention, managed to pull out all
the stops, and provide magicians and laymen alike, a dazzling display of magical
talent from around the world. It's not just about the magic. This convention is
without doubt one of the friendliest there is. It’s a testament to this
convention, that most will be returning next year, regardless of who is on the
bill.
The highlights…
Top of the list has to be the one, the only…..
Juan Tamariz (Spain)
What can I say that hasn’t already been said about Juan? Nothing. The man's a
living legend! Many of the attendees to this year's convention, came on the
strength of Juan being there alone. He gave a full 2 hour show, in the perfect
venue that the Custom House supply, and a further 2 hour lecture later on in the
weekend, on his theories on the performance of magic. Brilliant stuff!
Alain Nu. (USA)
This was Alain’s first visit to the UK. In his stage presentation he bent
silverware, performed a book test, and PK touched people. On paper, this sounds
reasonably standard fare, but Alain's gift is injecting something special into
his performance. The X factor if you like, that raises him above many of the run
of the mill mentalists that are out there. His lecture towards the end of the
weekend, also gave him the chance to explain his presentation of Anders Moden’s
Healed and Sealed. It looks good. It's clear to see why Alain is in demand from
people like David Blaine.
Brando & Silvana (Spain)
This award winning act opened on a street in Paris. A flower girl plies her
trade, in competition with the street hustler. In this simple scenario, they
performed cups and balls, a lovely self levitation, balls from mouth, bow tie
from mouth etc... ending in a very smooth dress change, and a complete change of
set. Silvana returned the next night, with a simply gorgeous solo act, with
linking juggling rings, and a charming version of the Indian sand trick, using
confetti, and multi coloured snow storm. This was for me the nicest trick of the
weekend. They too lectured later in the weekend. Through interpreters, they
explained some of the fundamentally important things involved in stage magic, in
particular deportment and misdirection. A brilliant talk.
Charlie Frye (USA)
I love Charlie Frye. And going by the incredible reception the audiences gave
him I am not alone. His blend of Carnie charm, and broad slapstick humour is,
for me, my idea of a perfect act. And he is without doubt one of the top 3
jugglers too. Fantastic! As is his close-up magic, his lecture, and his stage
magic. Is there no end to this mans talents? I doubt it very much. And he’s a
genuinely nice guy too!
Mel Mellers (UK)
My first time seeing Mel work, and hopefully not my last. Strong magic and
mentalism interlaced with perfectly timed insult (but not insulting) humour.
This man is a master of his craft. He also gave a lecture full of useful
practical magic.
Matthew J Dowden (UK)
The tabs open, and Matthew is found in a tux, on a stool. He then gives a fine
display of card manips and productions. This followed by some audience
participation, with gags. It's great, but I felt that Matthew should have just
done the manips. Mainly because of the over run… more to follow.
Terry Herbert (UK)
Firstly, a chance to watch a master of his craft, Terry Herbert, mesmerise a
theatre full of 300+ local children was a treat. It's impossible to list
everything he did, but his final effect, the rare Anverdi’s Coin to Glass, was
of particular interest to the magicians. I'd love to find one myself. Following
his hour long show he gave a talk on his philosophy on the art of entertaining
children. This advice was worth the price of admission alone. He also had a few
items to sell afterwards, each one a gem, and way too cheap! He also appeared on
the Gala show.
Martin Duffy (UK)
Not just the instigator of this wonderful convention. He gave a display and
demonstration of his incredible collection of Flea Circuses. I am sure that
nobody could fail to fall in love with these almost invisible characters. All I
can say is. I want one I want one!!! Contact Martin for more details.
www.yourfleacircus.com
Paul Zerdin (UK)
The UK’s top ventriloquist gave the audience top notch entertainment with two
characters. The ever popular, always cheeky, Sam and a new character (to me
anyway) his granddad Albert. Some of the things Albert said were a tiny bit near
the knuckle for me, but great never the less.
John Archer (UK)
The fact that a busy guy like John comes to this convention as a delegate every
year is proof positive that it is one hell of a great weekend. John performed
both on the Saturday night Gala Show as compere and in the Friday night late
show back at the Sea Hotel. I’ve seen John many times – here he was at his best.
His invisible opening was inspired, and the ukulele gag perfect for this kind of
event. On the Friday night show we saw John perform some of his signature
effects. These included the wonderful Nana’s box, his Blindfold routine, and a
Seven Keys type of effect. Also on the bill on the Friday show, was Pat Monahan,
who compered the Friday night Gala, and a lovely girl singer/guitarist who’s
name I am afraid, escapes me. (Blame the beer)
Zane (UK)
I have to say that this opening act didn’t grab me. Unfortunately, for the other
acts on the bill, it over ran by a good 20 minutes, which put a bit of a damper
on the Saturday night show. Personally, I would of cut the act down by at least
two thirds, and miss out the not very magical Illusion at the end. This “escape”
is not angle-proof and looks far from dangerous. From a magician’s point of
view, the McBride mask act only works when Jeff does it. And I don’t think that
anybody should produce doves and handle them in quite the rough way that Zane
did this night. Likewise the snake.
Close up sessions…
Alain Nu (USA)
Performed 3 effects. He gave an explanation of how magicians vanish silk
handkerchiefs giving three explanations. He then did an Invisible Deck routine
with a small twist and ended up with a great presentation of the Any Card at Any
Number – the whole audience generating the number.
Charlie Frye (USA)
A flurry of effects using cards, coins and lots more. Many will know I’m not a
fan of flourishing. If everybody was as great at it as Charlie... I might just
change my mind.
Ian Moran (UK)
Ian performed several nice effects, starting with a 3 Fly routine. This was as
good an act as you are likely to see at a convention.
In closing, Id like to say a huge thanks to
Martin, Karri, and all the boys at Magicbox, for once again making this
convention one of the greats.
Long may it continue!!!!
© Dale Shrimpton, April 2008.