talkmagic.co.uk

by **Leslie Melville** » Jun 24th, '13, 00:44

Hello! My name is Leslie Melville.

After an interest that began in the mid 1940's, it has continued through a number of years with a 1960's period of Redcoat holiday camp entertainment experiences at Butlins and then performing professionally in cabarets, theatres, clubs etc. with a magic act built loosely around Mentalism. During this time I featured a mind reading chicken (live, egg-laying variety!). With the decline in club work towards the end on the 1970's, I worked in cruise ship entertainment, returning to holiday camps in the 1980's. At the same time,I also created a children's fun character (Percy Piecrust) and with others, produced packages of entertainment under the title of 'The Circus Pandemonium Clowns'. I later moved into performance storytelling.

Since 2006 I have had published a couple of books on the subject of storytelling magic. This activity has resulted in my being embraced into the so called 'Bizarre' branch of magic, although I hardly regard myself a genuine 'Bizarrist'.

Now largely retired from performing professionally, I continue to write and make occasional contributions to on-line forums, including the maintenance of a storytelling web-site. And every so often visit local charity groups etc. with a presentation entitled, 'Tales of a Traveling Trickster!' - a lighthearted magical reminiscence of an eventful and mostly enjoyable life.

I look forward to participating in conversations and debates with like minded member of this community and thank the Moderators for including me into the forum.

Leslie.

by **Mandrake** » Jun 24th, '13, 09:36

Hi and welcome to TM!

by **philipsw** » Jun 24th, '13, 10:07

Welcome! I have a copy of (and very much enjoyed) your MagicTales book. When funds perfmit I may invest in vol 2!

by **mark lewis** » Jun 24th, '13, 10:19

Welcome to Leslie. I can confirm that he was quite a well known act in his day. If I remember correctly he was billed as "Leslie Melville and his Clairvoyant Hen". The first time I met him in Blackpool he informed me that he did a mental act and included the thumb tie trick. I was puzzled and asked what on earth the thumb tie had to do with mentalism. He replied, "I present it as the power of suggestion"

It is good to see an experienced old pro on this site.

by **mr invisible** » Jun 24th, '13, 16:10

Welcome to TM Leslie, you must have a wealth of magic under your skin. Hope you enjoy your stay here..
Regards Garry.

by **Lady of Mystery** » Jun 24th, '13, 16:29

Hiya Leslie, welcome along to TM

by **Leslie Melville** » Jun 25th, '13, 17:41

Thank you all for your welcome - and to you Mark for your 'Glowing endorsement'! ("Well known in his day", indeed!), I'll have you know that I'm still knocking 'em dead in the geriatric clubs and old folks homes around Blackpool!

The chicken earlier referred to was called 'Madame Charmaine' - although that was only her stage name, her real name was 'Wattles'; she divined the serial numbers on banknotes, laid eggs containing predictions and performed additional feats of 'Eggs-trasensory' Perception. The thumb-tie routine was/is based on a mind over matter premise and it is possible that I may soon produce a monograph on the subject. I anticipate presenting the routine next year at the 'Doomsday' Bizarre gathering at Whitby (May, 9,10,11 2014). I'll keep you informed.

Thanks again for your kind words,

From 'an experienced old pro'!

Leslie

by **mark lewis** » Jun 26th, '13, 07:01

I look forward to the thumb tie explanation. I have been wondering about it for years! As for the old age homes, until recently I did them too! As for the clairvoyant hen I remember there was quite a controversy with Maurice Fogel about it and Leslie describes the fuss in the recent Fogel book.

by **Leslie Melville** » Jun 26th, '13, 09:48

Hi Mark,

There is only a brief reference to 'Chickengate' in the Maurice Fogel book; to read the full story, check out http://www.thestorytelling-resource-cen ... fogel.html on my website. Abracadabra ran a short weekly series on the subject.

I have been intending to write an in depth piece on the Thumb-tie for some time - not an explanation of how it's done - there is already sufficient material out there to cover that, Max Andrews, "Sixteen Thumb-tie Gems," is as good as any. But there are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about the presentation that I think need to be addressed. That would be the emphasis I would be placing on the piece. I shall be talking to Dean Montalbano at Leaping Lizards soon and will keep you informed.