|
Portsmouth & District Magic Circle Jumbo Day
28th October 2007
Reviewed by Darren
Lawbuary
A grey, rainy morning greeted dealers and early registrants at Buckland
Community Centre last Sunday. Early signs predicted a slightly lower turn out
than in previous years, helped in no small way by the appalling rail situation,
the Great South Run and the typically depressing weather.
Once all the rooms had been prepared, the dealers were allowed in to set up,
ably assisted by the Stewards. Additional to the usual, longstanding regular
Professional dealers, were the dozens of ‘ordinary punters’ - each selling a
plethora of magical items. Many hidden gems were to be found therein.
It must be said from the outset, how effective Robbie and Clint’s new hi-tec
front desk operation was, complete with ‘fast-track’ option. The flow of
registrants, both new and old was smooth and fast.
Business for the kitchen crew and bar staff was brisk and remained so for the
whole day. They coped admirably well with the constant high demand.
Due, I am sure, to the reasons stated earlier, the main hall seemed to take a
while to fill up. I overheard quite a few horror stories of parking, traffic
jams, delayed public transport (and the weather).
Early afternoon, and the hall was prepared for the star lecture. As to be
expected, it was a capacity crowd who had the pleasure of watching Wayne Dobson
simply refuse to allow his disability to beat him. His handling of Hoy’s Tossed
out Deck is one of the best around.
And so to the close-up sessions. Paul Gordon, David Gemmell, Mark Shortland and
James Piper entertained the 3 rooms with their distinctly unique acts and
personas. It is fair to say, that cards dominated. Fine by me (you will NOT be
surprised to hear).
Paul Gordon surprised us with his balloon workshop (only kidding, Paul!) –
performing amongst other things a delightful Ambitious routine and his updated
Corner of Piccadilly. It’s always good to watch Paul perform. A master with the
pasteboards.
David Gemmell regaled us with his act that included Dave’s 3 coin trick, a
sublime Ace to Kings routine and a 4 ace Triumph. My personal highlight was his
handling of J C Wagner’s "Super Closer".
Mark Shortland’s manic personality endeared himself to us all. His wonderful
handling of the venerable 4 Burglars plot, a fun 3-picture-prediction, ambitious
card and card-to-box were warmly received.
A name that may have been unknown to most of us was James Piper from Wales. But
what a great booking he proved to be. This was his 1st ever performance at a
convention, but you would never have known. A fast-paced coin flurry with card
box production was quickly followed by a spades-suit-revelation, court cards
into aces, collectors and assembly. These were all complimented by his charming
Welsh manner. He is performing at Cardiff soon. I predict big things for this
gentleman. Remember, we saw him here, first.
Meanwhile, in the main hall, frantic preparation was underway in readiness for
the evening Gala show. Simon and his team (both front of house and backstage)
produce miracles year after year, in turning a vast, empty hall into a very
credible professional Gala venue.
We welcomed for the 1st time the inimitable Rod Newman as our emcee for the
evening. A packed audience which included Alan Shaxon President of the Magic
Circle were treated to no less than 6 uniquely different acts. Shadowlands was a
stunning mixture of storytelling and 2D puppetry. No greater compliment was paid
than by Derek Mc Faull, President of IBM British Ring, who booked them
immediately for his Presidential Dinner.
Michael Pierce followed. This self-proclaimed “old, therefore cheap” variety
entertainer had us all in stitches as he fired off gag after gag, all the while,
juggling with tennis racquets, balls, diablo’s and furniture (complete with
cutlery and crockery); tremendously enjoyable.
Closing the 1st half instead of the 2nd at his own request, was Wayne Dobson.
More than understandable, considering he had been dealer-demming all day, AND
delivering the lecture in the afternoon too. At the end of his famous
‘act-as-seen’ there was a deserved standing ovation.
The 2nd half opened with the illusion act of James Smith (Reflections). It would
appear that a couple of his loads went astray, and the climax of the production
and brief appearance of his assistant fizzled out sadly, with no distinct
denouement.
Graham Lee and his ‘classics of magic’ balloon act was the penultimate
performer. Even WITH a couple of hic-cups he won the audience over with his
humour and sheer perseverance! The finale of a latex ‘snow storm in China’
proved to be a crowd-winner.
And last, but no means least, Mark Shortland. A more-than-worthy finale with his
great handling of Steve Bedwell’s version of Invisible Deck (Shake, Shuffle &
Twist), and an awfully funny bullet catch routine with a good sport from the
audience.
A lovely touch at the end of proceedings by MC Rod was to have the performers
back on stage en masse for one last bow.
I am convinced that EVERYBODY left having had a wonderful time. Due in
no-small-way to Harold Straker and his dedicated team of staff putting in months
of work for the benefit of us all. Thank you all, Harold. Beat THAT.
© Darren Lawbuary, December 2007