This years convention,the 10th , will probably go down in history as the best of the decade.Both Gala shows, on Friday, and Saturday, had balanced content that kept the packed Custom house audience on the edge of their seats....
But I am jumping ahead of myself.
Thursdays informal meeting was as lovely and relaxed as ever, and the perfect way to wind down after the journey up.
An early night, a great breakfast, and off to the theatre......
The dealers hall,which hosted Adrian Harris, Razzamatazz, Heidi's costumers, Cardshark, Mark Leverage, and Sam Brooks, and of course convention sponsors Magicbox, seemed to be busy, as they looked at some of the latest items, and collectables.
Firs show of the day,our own Jimbo.. had the huge audience of school kids eating out of the palm of his hand.A quality act, if you get the chance to see him work, you must!
Jimmy lectured after , running through many of the items in his show, and seemed to have a busy sales table. not surprising going by the quality.
In the close up sessions that followed, we were blown away by Gaston,Charlie Fry,Sylvester the jester,Rob James, and Dani Daortiz. Dani was shockingly good!!! An amazing card man that would fry even the hardest card hater.
An interesting talk by Debbie McGee followed, on assistants, how to choose them, and everything to do with being married to an international sex symbol.So informative.
the first Gala..
Hosted by, and featuring the first couple of magic, Paul & Debbie Daniels.
acts .. Rob James, who presented two classics, the vanishing bird cage,and the one, and almost only genuine working Houdin Orange tree.A joy to behold.The amazing Pete Turner, Sylvester the jester, Dani DaOrtiz, and sensational puppeteer from the states, the man behind Team America world police, Scott Land. breathtaking!!!!!!!!!! highlight of the convention without doubt.
Back to the hotel, one pint then an early night... Why? because first lecture of Saturday was..... Me.
(I can report a good reception to my conversation on keeping it real in any form of mystery presentation.)
Next, Charlie Frye took us through so much stuff. Too much to list here.
and then.. A lecture by the legend that is Graham P Jolley.... Makes you proud to be British!
then Lunch, and a lecture by Sylvester the jester, on how to transform your stage, into a junk pile.. boy oh boy, what he does with all that stuff, is amazing!
final talk, was a brilliant no trick talk by Gaston,on characters, and acting . this is essential information for all. And never been put across better.
Saturdays Gala.. again a strong line up. Hosted by everybody's favorite supply teacher, John Archer.. who introduced
The classic manipulations and doves of Brian Sefton, The breathtaking puppets of Scott Land, including Balantine. Gaston, as Gunther. The marvel, laugh a minute mentalist Graham P Jolley, and closing the bill, Charley frye. what a genius!!!!!
back to the hotel.. I left at 4am.
sunday..2 talks. Pete Turner, who i hear was amazing..( remember, i left at 4am, so was bleary eyed) and Scott Land. Boy, oh boy, the man is great!!
And that's about it, except later today, the Mayor of southshields is hosting a reception to celebrate this 10th year.. Paul Daniels will be performing, as well as other surprises. cant wait......
The Gathering at the town hall, was a fitting climax for what was over all, the best magical convention on the planet.
We were greeted on our arrival, by two giant silver and blue clad magicians assistants. after which we were ushered into a side room, where a bar, and a simply magnificent buffet kept us in the party spirit.
once we had our fill,( I could of happily continued nibbling for hours) we were invited to take our seat in a meeting room, where the formal section took place.That being a special presentation by the mayor, to those who had been to the convention, every year since its inception.( first up, me)
Then the one, and only Paul Daniels performed a top notch cabaret, featuring the seminal Chop cup routine, and a hilarious bill in, using a huge range of fruit,and one of the local councilors. Magic, just doesn't get better than this.
Cake followed, and we all departed to the pub over the road, to carry on with the celebrations..at closing time, we adjourned to teh sea hotel, and continued continuing to the wee small hours.
And Sadly, this session gave us all a chance to say farewell, to friends old and new, for another year.
Roll on 2014. I am missing the guys and girls already.
huge thanks to Martin Duffy, Karri, Magic box, South tyneside council, the Customs house, Nevin Cody, and the mystery sponsor for producing the true magic needed to create this most magical event.. and good news!!
IT IS HAPPENING NEXT YEAR
Dates 14th to 16th of March 2014.
Details to follow soon!
