Voice
of Britain
Hi there!
Another new year and hopefully
a happy magical one to everyone who reads my
reports. Thanks for the letters and encouragement
over the years and it's a pleasure bringing
you news from little old Britain! During the
winter months magic conventions flourish here,
unlike over in your land when events usually
take place during summer months.
THE
MAGIC CIRCLE BANQUET.
This
annual event, held at the plush Hotel Russell,
where I have staged many a Supreme convention
proved an exciting occasion.
Nearly
250 attended and the ticket price of over $90
per person didn't keep people away. Ali Bongo
presented a quiz which everyone participated
in. After the excellent meal, well-known (in
this country) TV perfor- mer/comedian/presenter,
Nicholas Parsons proposed the toast to the Magic
Circle with President David Berglas in charge
as usual, although handing over his office soon.
David responded and mentioned that after nine
years as President he was standing down. The
Circle rewards came next. A brand new award,
one for the youth who had contributed most to
the club's magazine The Young Magician of which
I have the honour of writing for each issue,
was awarded to Gabriel Citron. The close-up
trophy bearing Devano's name, was presented
to Ali Bongo. For best trick published in the
society's magazine Magic Circular, The Cecil
Lyle Award, went to Mark Leveridge and comedy
award went to Richard Dougal.
Donald
Bevan of Abra received the John Nevil Maskelyne
prize. He couldn't attend owing to his wife
Lilian being ill and so Fergus Roy of Davenports
accepted the award on his behalf. Alex Elmsley
received the top award, that of "The Maskelyne."
Then it was the cabaret, with Alan Shaxon as
a brilliant MC. Rousseau with his cigarette
magic, cigars, flowers and a glass of brandy
plus smart billiard ball manipulation scored
well with his award-winning act.
My friend
Mark Raffles who has just appeared at the famous
London Palladium, scored heavily with his act,
producing doves, sword through the Neck climaxing
with his famous egg bag routine.
Vani
Pule and MaryAnne from Malta not only presented
magic but fire-eating, then performed 'Modern
Art,' the title given to Jim Steinmeyer's version
of Zig Zag. Just wish dear, old Bob Harbin was
around today to see the different versions of
his original illusion that have come from his
brainchild idea.
DEATH
OF BOB BATEY
My dear
friend Bob passed away recently, his funeral
taking place on December 5th, being attended
by many magicians. Bob was well known in Britain
and used the name 'Karlyle', presenting an illusion
show as well as working behind the bar counter
of his popular hotel, Rainbow Hotel in the town
of Kendal where the famous mint-cake is produced.
Many times I joined him at his hotel, staying
overnight, together with famous escapologist
and illusionist Murray of Blackpool, chatting
about magic and magicians. He will be sadly
missed.
INTERNATIONAL'S
ANNUAL 26th weekend...
Magicians
flocked to London to attend Ron and Martin's
famous weekend, a superb event which is truly
'international'. Magicians came from as far
as Russia, Japan Australia and all parts of
the world to witness great shows, great lectures
and great competitions, with countless magic
dealers on show. The event has progressed from
the usual Sunday one to a three-day wonder.
Three
lectures took place on the Friday evening presented
by Tony Van Rhee of Holland, Jim Cellini from
USA and Camilo. The Saturday was devoted to
competitions, some 13 entrants competing, all
at a high standard. A prize of úl,000 (one thousand
pounds) was handed over to winner 'Doc' Steve
Bedwell who baffled the crowd with his many
rope routines and other original magic. Second
place was awarded (ú5OO) to Vadim Komulkov of
Russia. Third prize went to Chris Power (úIOO)
for his performance of the penetrations of three
half-dollars through a scarf . It was something
to watch.
Jeffery
Atkins, Past IBM International President awarded
the prizes prior to the commencement of the
International Gala Show.
INTERNATIONAL
GALA SHOW.
Presented
at the famous London Palladium last year, this
time the show took place at the plush 'Her Majesty's
Theatre. MC'd by Ali Bongo. A real treat was
for the British public (the public was allowed
in for this show) to see again, the famous -
. nTiller girls, a well-known TV dancing troupe
of the '60s, still in tremendous form. The show
featured Duo Edam from Russia, Ricard McDougall,
Jan Foster and Jorgos. The second half of the
program featured Russian magician, Igor Lavrov
then Koichi Sugaia of Japan. Kate Medvedeva,
also from Russia, struck bad luck, with bad
lighting during her dancing cane routine, the
Thread also snapping and the cane breaking as
well.
Then
onto stage came 'Lefty' with his master Jay
Marshall. What more can we say about Jay and
hi'friend'. I guess I know his act off line
by line. It's so good. The audience loved it.
David
Berglas entered stage to present Italy's Silvan
who received a special presentation, that of
a statuette of himself. Silvan then delighted
his audience with expert card manipulations
of which he is famed for. The act of Junga Junga
was next, unusual in theme and content but very
entertaining and to conclude the magical packed
show, comedy duo of the Simmons Brothers Brothers
brought fun and laughter into the theatre. A
wonderful convention of which the MacMillan's
should be congratulated.
Now into
1998, we await the Blackpool three-day convention
which will boast up to 3,000 magicians attending.
We shall also be reporting on other events and
of course any magical news which comes our way
from this side of the pond.
To you
all. A happy new year. May it be a magical one!
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