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Jack Delvin lecture
York Society of Magicians
13th August 2008
Reviewed by Rex Stott
There was a very good
turn-out of our members for Jack Delvin’s latest lecture, Jack’s Magic. The
audience was significantly enhanced not only by visitors from the Harrogate,
Hull and Scarborough local societies but also by several members of the
soon-to-be-established York Society of Young Magicians’ Group. Jack
enthusiastically welcomed these youngsters as you’d expect with his long
commitment to Junior development. He soon had the audience amused and amazed,
taking us on a walk down magic’s memory lane which started with his own early
days as a young magician and then on to his involvement as manager of Ellisdons.
In 1950 he attended his first convention as a dealer, demming his own item The
Pearl Necklace Mystery. He proudly told us that he sold a great many and in
particular one to Robert Harbin! The evening flew by as Jack regaled us with
priceless anecdotes from his vast range of magical memories. He also found time
to show several of his own creations – A Clear Case of Just Chance, Ropes in
Sympathy, some excellent mental items, a cut and restored skipping rope and a
sympathetic silks routine of which Paul Potassy would have been proud. All the
items were very reasonably priced with some under £10. I was delighted to part
with a fiver for Eric Bailey’s Double Your Money – an excellent routine for our
old friend the paddle trick.
As he demonstrated these items he took time to point out to the audience some
handling tips which were pure gold dust - the result of a very extensive
performing background and an eye for practical details. Jack also gave a master
class on how to handle the young volunteers from the audience. All the
experienced magicians there went away with several good ideas but to the York
Young Magicians attending their first ever lecture I’m sure the evening will
provide an inspiration and source of advice which they will take with them on
the road to magic. A thoroughly enjoyable evening and one that I can
unreservedly recommend to other societies.
However, it would be remiss of me not to point out that one of the largest
bursts of applause during the evening came at the end when Roy Marsh, Jack’s
friend and associate from the Bexleyheath Society, made a large backdrop/screen
suddenly collapse. Further details can be found via Roy and Jack’s company at
www.designfordeception.com.
© Rex Stott, August 2008