|
|
The North West Magical Close-up Championships
15th April 2002
Reported by Derek Lever
The first North West Magical Close-up Championship was
held on Monday 15th April at the Masonic Hall, The Crescent, Salford. Eight top
close-up magicians battled for the prestigeous title in front of a capacity
audience. Up for grabs was a huge trophy, the title of North West Magical
Close-Up Champion and automatic entry into the British Magcial Close-Up
Championships held in Blackpool every February. In a hard fought contest,
thoroughly enjoyed by the audience, Harry Robson from Haslingden, proved to be
the winner with Matthew McGurk from St. Helens, taking second place and Philip
Partridge from Manchester a close third place.
Harry Robson is a professional magician specialising in Corporate Function work
and featured comedy magic with rope and cards in his very entertaining act. The
other strong competitors were Phil Tilston from Ollerton, Cheshire, David Smith
from Hoylake, Peter Roberts from Todmorden, Alan Firth from Bolton and Neill
Drennan from Macclesfield. Carl Royle presented a very entertaining and clever
guest spot whilst well known judges Steve Eastham, Brian Sefton and John Hotowka
deliberated.
Derek Lever compered and kept the show running at a fast pace throughout. Stage
managers were Carl Royle and Peter Woolley. This highly prestigeous event will
now be held annually by the Manchester Circle of Magicians with magicians from
all over the North West being invited to perform.
© Derek Lever 2002
(Photo L to R Matthew McGurk, Harry Robson and Philip Partridge)