by Mandrake » Oct 14th, '12, 21:35
My son and I had a great time at the awards on Saturday, champagne, canapés, close up magic and, apart from the awards, some great stage magic including Paul Daniels topping the bill.
The awards this year were:
The Maskelyne Award: Given for services to British magic - Derren Brown.
The Carlton Award: Presented to a performer for outstanding comedy in magic - Paul Daniels.
The David Devant Award: Given to those who have made a significant contribution in advancing the art of magic or who have given outstanding service to magic internationally. Winner - Jim Steinmeyer who accepted by video.
The John Nevil Maskelyne Prize: Given to the winner for noteworthy contributions to the art or literature of magic - Andi Gladwin
The Cecil Lyle Award: Given to the author of the best trick published in The Magic Circular: - Walford Taylor who accepted via his son.
The Hoffmann Memorial Lecture: Awarded to ‘encourage research into subjects related to the history, theory and practice of magic’ - David Fung
Silver Wand was awarded to Mike O'Brien for outstanding service to The Magic Circle and specifically for 50 Years of participation in Meet the Magic Circle.
Other awards were Honorary memberships and one went to Bob Loomis, not a magician but the Librarian and who just happened to be sitting next to us. Like all the other recipients, he genuinely had no clue that he was to be given any award. Fred Van Buren received recognition for his years of magic and several other worthies received due accolades – which meant lots of impromptu acceptance speeches which meant the show ran over quite a bit.
There was no shortage of champers, in the Devant room Fay Presto did the close up magic before the show and during the interval, a consummate professional who entertained the oldies and the youngsters equally skilfully.
Richard Pinner compered the show and Paul Daniels toped the bill with the luverly Debbie McGee joining in with her Gypsy Thread routine. Paul did Chop Cup, Borrowed currency note in walnut, in egg, in lemon and also a rather super signed newspaper tear and restore – I know it was good ‘cos I signed the newspaper and I have it as a souvenir!
There’s a lot of public events going on at the Magic Circle HQ, well worth subscribing for their forthcoming events emails!