talkmagic.co.uk

I got sent this from my magic club, sorry i don't know what the email address is-

Following on from the hugely successful National IQ Test 2003 and most recently The National Quiz, the BBC1 programme TEST THE NATION is coming back.



We are now preparing for the next programme in the series, THE 2003 TEST, which will be showing live on BBC1 in December. The test itself will cover news events of 2003.



The studio audience plays an integral part in the programme and is split into six groups by occupation, hobbies or physical characteristics. On this occasion, MAGICIANS is one of the categories that we would very much like to include. The group would be made up of 50 - 60 Magicians / Magician’s Assistants who would come to the studio and take part in the test. I was therefore wondering if it would be possible to distribute this information and attached poster among the Magicians in your Magic Club.



As part of the studio audience, hand held computer keypads are used to answer the multiple choice questions which means that nobody else finds out each person’s individual score. Although everyone answers the questions as individuals, they play as a group and it is our policy to not spotlight people or point fingers. This is all about what people know rather than what they don't!



We would also love if possible for the Magicians / Magician’s Assistants to wear what they do when they are performing, as visually this would be great and would immediately distinguish the group.



Once again Anne Robinson and Phillip Schofield will host this completely live and interactive programme, which promises to be an entertaining evening packed full of fun, celebrities and surprises.



Feedback from the previous shows has been incredibly positive with all the participants telling us what a fantastic time they've had and what a great experience it has been, whether they have come along on their own or with friends and colleagues.



The programme will take place during Christmas week and although we are unable to pay people for participating, we do cover everyone’s transport costs, and it is definitely a great way to get exposure, live on primetime BBC1!



If you require any further information, please do not hesitate to contact me on 020 7421 7830 or on this email address.



Best wishes,



Amanda Morris



Researcher

Test The Nation



Talent TV

Lion House

72 - 75 Red Lion Street

London

WC1R 4NA



020 7421 7830 (Tel)

020 7421 7811 (Fax)

Thanks for this, MoM - it's so tempting to make some very pointed responses here but I'll keep quiet for the time being!

If any of our members manage to get on the programme, please let us know so we can wave and cheer etc. (Suggest you tell them you need transport costs paid for a return trip to Saturn and see how much you can get out of the dear ol' Beeb!)

and make sure you take an aardvark or a lemon with you to identify yourself!

.....and it is definitely a great way to get exposure, live on primetime BBC1!

Apart from the sheer cheek of not being paid, the last lot who got prime time exposure on the BBC were those on the Secrets Revealed programme and some were thrown out of the Magic Circle as a result!

For those of you wishing to go, you can fill out an application form on the website at www.talenttv.com and go to the contestants section.

Well it was on last night and I must admit I didn't think much of the tricks the Magicians did! OK, the setting was not the best but Nic Einhorn's Parking Tickets to £20 Notes was about the best albeit humorously 'crticised' by Anne Robinson. The Rinky Dinky routine was poor and is obviously not suited to being done sitting down, the Saddam card from bag was painful - sorry but that's how I saw it! - and the mistletoe from silks - er, were they really trying to set magic back a few hundred years? Sorry to sound harsh and critical at this time of Peace & Goodwill but the feature Magicians did nobody any good at all! (Bah, Humbug!)

(Bah, Humbug!)

i totaly agree man.

Caught the 'important' parts of this, as Mrs Seige called me from the computer to say - 'hey, there's magician's on TV'.

Sadly, my 14 year old nephew, under training of yours truly, performs the Ring>Key, Silk productions and any other effect with MUCH more verve and excitement.

Aren't we all glad we didn't go and associate ourselves with these 'magicians'...?

Gasp...

Thinking about it, it does seem strange that the Magicians did four tricks but nobody else did anything! The Firefighters didn't fight any fires, the Celebs didn't celebrate anyone, the Beauticians didn't beautify anyone, the Clampers didn't clamp anyone, the Lawyers didn't sue anyone, and the Armed Forces Families didn't do, er, whatever they do. In other words a great opportunity to have the stage all to yourselves and they just came up with dross. Perhaps it's the Beeb's revenge for panning their Secrets Revealed program earlier this year!