Bruce Munton
Bruce
originally came from Johannesburg to London in 1997 and received much of
his early magic education in South Africa under the mentorship of Graham
Kirk. Graham was an outstanding manipulator and the author of "Jumbo Coin
Magic" and was related to the late Robert Harbin, also from South Africa.
After Graham died in tragic car accident in September 1997, Bruce decided
to move to England to pursue his interest in magic and joined The Magic
Circle in 1998. He is proud to be an Associate Member of the Inner Magic
Circle with Silver Star.
Bruce lives in London with his wife Mia, 4 year old son Jaedon and
Yorkshire Terrier Taz.
Awards and Memberships:
South African National
Sleight of Hand Magic Champion 1996-1999, 1999-2002
South African National Stage Magic Champion 1999-2002
Bronze Medalist for the Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year Contest
1999
Silver Medalist for the South African National Magic Championships for
Close-up Magic 2002
Bruce is a Silver Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle (AIMC) and a
member of Equity
Top Trick
For 'Top Trick' I choose Fifty Percent Lighter by Tommy Wonder (Page 26 of
Volume 2 of the books of Wonder by Tommy Wonder and Stephen Minch). The
basic effect of this trick is has the hallmarks of all good magic - it is
simple and direct in effect ie easy to understand and visually strong.
Effect - a cigarette lighter changes into a box of matches. I have chosen
this as top trick because it is highly visual, magical, meaningful and the
transformation is instantaneous. It plays as well close-up as it does on
stage and there is minimal set up time. It also has the benefit of being a
great opener and utilises objects which everyone is familiar with. Instead
of the magician saying "here we have a lighter" and then changing it into
a box of matches, the magician is seen attempting to light the lighter,
which just wont work. Instead of "asking someone for a light", he changes
gears by magically transforming the lighter into a box of matches and then
removes a match from the box to light his cigarette. What I love so much
about this effect is the meaning behind the magic. The meaning in this
instance is found when the magician solves his dilemma by magically
transforming the lighter into a box of matches.
Top Book
The Magic of Slydini
I am a great fan of Slydini, although I never had the honour of meeting
him personally. I love this book set because they are beautifully written
an have such wonderful pictures depicting the life and philosophy of one
the all time greats in magic.
Top Magician
Michael Vincent. For me Michael epitomises the characteristics of a master
magician. His outlook, focus, discipline, humility and incredible
knowledge and ability are a rarity in today's world. Michael has a genuine
love for people and it shines through in his magic. He lives the magic and
the magic lives through him. I have known Michael for many years now and
feel blessed to count him as one of my friends. I mean this sincerely and
am not one to flatter people, but believe in giving credit where credit is
due.
Top Magic Quote
"Magicians stop thinking too soon" Dai Vernon
Top Magic Moment
Winning the gold medal for manipulation at the South African National
Magic Championships for the first time back in 1999. It was moment of pure
magic for me, because I had sweated blood for it and the hard work and
dedication paid off in the end - a wonderful feeling.
© MagicWeek 2005