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Back to the Future
The Davenport Christmas Wonder Show 2004
Reviewed by John Derris
I think that Roy Davenport, fourth generation of an amazing family is
possibly one of the most courageous and visionary people in British magic today.
I remember his off beat "Waterloo" act wearing military uniform with medals,
cannons, gunfire etc that was somewhat erratic but original and innovative
enough to win a prize in the FISM competition in Dresden against the rest of the
world.
Steeped in family tradition and putting himself through stage school, he burns
with an ambition to recapture and present stage magic in a grand and glorious
way that is hardly seen today except perhaps in the USA. He researched and
presented an act at a convention some years ago based on his great grandfather,
Lewis Davenport, one of the big successes at St. George's Hall where he appeared
no less than 3000 times featuring many exclusive effects.
Now Roy, living in Norfolk, hopes to create a tourist attraction in the area with
a planned magic museum featuring a century of magic; he spearheaded the project
with the production of the first of a series of annual live shows, the profits
of which will go towards the creation of his dream. And so it was that we
journeyed to the Auden Theatre in the village of Holt on the Norfolk coast to
see the inaugural show The Davenport Christmas Wonder Show. An ambitious
production that was staged for two weeks with a cast of thirteen artistes (plus
backstage - consultant director, stage crew, technicians, choreographer,
publicist and musical director ) and a live six-piece orchestra in a real
theatre. More. He religiously set out to present his great grandfather's full,
original, twenty minute act which included many hitherto unseen effects that had
to be recreated from scratch like the expanding die (concluding with the
production of Mickey Mouse), the vanishing and appearing football in goal and
the incredible colour-changing waistcoat. This amazingly changed no less than
fourteen times along with a member of his company whose dress also quick-changed
in sympathy. I later learned that he had consulted with artistes in Russia where
this kind of quick change technique has been well developed. To give you an idea
of the lengths to which Roy went to bring an air of authenticity to the act, the
orchestra played the original band parts and included the original, restored
piano which accompanied Lewis Davenport back in the 1920's.
I cannot but admire the sheer passion and commitment that this magician pours
into his career and to the art and if he continues in this way, he will
undoubtedly become one of the magic names of the 21st century. Was it a good
show? Yes. Not a terrific show for with such an ambitious inaugural production
there were a few gaps as Roy readily admits. But with such personal enthusiasm he
already has plans for an even better show next Christmas. Remembering that this
was a family show the finale was a specially designed, ambitious scene based on
The Nutcracker Suite with a full stage backdrop, the full company and many
illusions including The Doll's House and a stunning production from an empty
box. Roy's skill in creating excellent misdirection with cannon fire etc. fooled
everyone as Father Christmas was secretly loaded into the box for the grand
finale. At this rate Roy Davenport could become the next Doug Henning.
He was supported by a variety show with the accent on magic which included
compere/ magician/comedian Paul Henri, Alexander Koplin, a wonderful,
unbelievable juggler from Germany with diabalo and cigar boxes, Mark Shortland
in one of the best performances I've ever seen him give (his handling of a
difficult kid on stage was masterly), soprano Michele Summers from nearby
Norwich and a stunning black art illusion act Papillon, which featured a flying
carpet supporting cross-legged Papillon high in the air. There was also a team
of Demon Dancers which opened the
two halves of the show including wait for it Roy Davenport, doing his Gene Kelly
bit (very well) and introducing magic with D'Lites flashing throughout the team.
I also have to commend the professional marketing effort that went into
launching this new enterprise. Publicity pictures and stories in the local
press, posters sited everywhere around the district, shops where tickets could
be purchased, an excellent theatre programme and special group excursions that
drew a large number of people from London and even Scotland. A coach trip to
Norfolk with en route videos, overnight accommodation in a very good country
hotel overlooking the sea, dinner on a local version of The Orient Express, a
lantern slide show and a presentation by Roy Davenport on the background to the
whole production. If this young man doesn't deserve to be successful in his
ambitious project there ain't no justice. Watch out for more creative magic and
entertainment in The Davenport Christmas Wonder Show Mark II. He's already
working on it.
© John Derris, January 2005