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The Chris Wood Lecture
Bexley Magic Society
May 2016
Reviewed by John Derris
Chris
Wood is a full time pro. and a big man in many ways who through his experience
as a former teacher knows the value of simplicity, presentation and visual
clarity. His lectures focus on how you can improve your magic by applying
performance theory rather than a new sleight. No mean performer himself, he was
mentored by Alan Alan and his work shows the theatrical touch of this world
performer, as well as a deep and thorough understanding of misdirection.
His first lecture has been presented at over 30 magic clubs throughout the UK
and also in Iceland, Belgium and Holland with other European countries due this
year. Reviews have been overwhelmingly positive and acclaimed as a master class
in misdirection by many of them, including the exacting audience of The Magic
Circle.
His approach is to use as case studies classic close-up effects (cards, coins,
banknotes etc.) from his professional programme and to illustrate the theory
that can be applied to enhance your performance. This is the way he learned from
his mentor enabling him to make his own development. This is no pipe dream or
academic exercise. Chris has injected his expansive style into his magic and is
a magician aware of the immense value of presentation more than a new sleight.
His handling is clean and natural, his manner and presentation are entertaining
and his routines really do demonstrate the ingredients that lift magic above the
cute and novel. The depth to which he breaks down the routines into principles
is exceptional and not often seen. Chris Wood is someone who not only cares and
thinks deeply about his magic but he can also articulate it well employing his
teacher background. The lecture notes are some of the best I have seen both in
content and quality and frankly look more like books than notes.
From all points of view having attended magic lectures for many years, I highly
recommend any of the three Chris Wood lectures available. What you will see and
learn will last you a lifetime.
© John Derris, May 2016