day one.. friday 14/04/14.
The Childrens lecture.
John Kimmons, quite simply the best children's act I have seen in many, many years.
well, to be fair, I seem to say that every year.. and I mean it too. I don't know who Martin is planning to get next year, ( dates have been confirmed) but who ever it is is going to have to be pretty bloody amazing to beat John. His comedic timing, his stage presence, and his audience handling was flawless. Particularly so, as the audience today was largely made up with members of several special needs schools. and he had to adjust his act to suit moments before the start..
First impressions, when looking at the stage was elegance, clutter free, and practical. stage furniture being two simple case tables either side, and a tripod table center stage.
He was greeted by rapturous applause, and began his set with a fine bit of business with a naughty loud speaker.
I couldn't help but notice that in keeping with his stage, John also looked elegant, wearing a black suit, and shirt highlighted by a bold plain red tie.
the effects included sponge balls.. which for the first time in ages, I loved. then the jumping knot of Pakistan, mike mouth, with two charming kids, sympathetic silks,3 tricks with a towel, which lead into axtel talking board, a raccoon, and Humphrey the monster, who ends up singing I feel pretty, from west side story. A brand new incarnation of Johns signature side kick, Charlie made an appearance, followed finally by an excellent racing game.
His lecture followed afterwards, with explanations and tips on many of the effects featured n the show, together with demonstrations on how sound effects can enhance the act. He included tons of stories, and his effect Jack and the beanstalk.
following on from this talk, we had the pleasure of an hour and a half in the company of Andy Gladwin, who demonstrated a number of effects marketed by Vanishing inc, as well as his own master push off, his multi phase chair test, and a 4 ace assembly, using wine glasses. it was an informative talk, with plenty of sound advice on marketing thrown in as an extra.
Next we had Michael Setteducatti. genius of the magic set, who designed toys and games we have all played with, as well as many tenyo, and magic world items. I know that everybody reading this will have, or have had something that this man has been involved in. He is a very clever man. who also has a pen fetish, having collected thousands of seriously cool writing implements, from across the globe.
The Friday night gala show.
Tonight's gala was one of the best balanced shows Ive seen for quite a while.
First on, ( well not quite first but I'll get to that in a bit.... ) was Young manipulator, Edward Hillsom. A clasical manipulation act with doves, candles, silks and billiard balls. Some magicians may of thought that the act was something we have seen before, BUT listen to the audiences reaction each time a dove fluttered into life from silk.
Next on the bill, What is likely to be THE act of the convention award winning juggler Rod Laver.
No doubt about it, his amazing exhibition of his mouth juggling skills blew the audience away. Including him playing Ode to Joy, on a series of partially filled Gin Bottles, with 5 ping pong balls fired from his mouth.
Next, A favorite of mine, Morgan & West. with a selection of choice items from Time traveling magicians. This including their lovely blindfold coins, and the needle swallow.
After an Interval,
Andy Gladwin, entertained with a lie detector routine, but alas failed in his attempt to climb into a large balloon.. twice.
A welcome return from Rod Laver, saw him juggling razor sharp knives, whilst balanced on 4 beer bottles, and a champagne bottle.
The evening show came to a close, with one of Britain's best Illusionists, Guy Barret.
Boxes Galore, ably assisted by two lovely lady assistants. Guy included the Wakling saw through, a haunted hank routine, and the sub trunk.Now you might of noticed I have omitted to mention the host for this evenings show.
with good reason.
He was possibly the worst host I have ever seen. no gags, no rapport with the audience.. he simply couldn't be bothered. So I cant be bothered to name check him.
Back at the hotel, and the midnight show.
It was a great night, Gary Dunn, John Kimmons and his vent masks, and Simon Donald, co founder of viz magazine, with Twyford, his incredibly accurate local government research collector character..( rude, but not offensive) bought the day to a satisfying close.,, tomorrow, is another day.. Nite folks!
Day Two........
A lecture by John Lovick.
The first lecture on a saturday, is always a hard slog, after the late night before. I know.. I did the slot last year.
John had about two hours to give a talk, and to explain his pet effects, many of which were his own interpretations of existing material. For example, his opening routine, based around the Bob Reid bottle production. He then explained his own fortune telling card trick, complete with a clown gag ending, which is based on an effect by Max Maven..
wet and black, based on a steve mayhew card routine, a bill switch, and an evening with Handsome Jack, based on the Mcombical deck. after a short break, ( of 20 minutes) The talk continued with a nice torn and restored flyer effect, which is clean from beginning to end, and then a talk on character, presentation and believability. Hmm.The phrase One should practice what you preach comes to mind.
The lovely Tamar Kimmons gave a fascinating insight into how to constructively use social media, In particularly Facebook, and the creation of a fan page.
this information is vital, in today's world, and all conventions should set aside time to discuss this free resource, that is available at every bodies finger tips, at the touch of a button.
The days close up session next.. in the superb cinema, which is likely to be the most perfect venue at any UK magic convention.
The performers were, Andy Gladwin, John Lovick, and Anthony Owen. All of whom gave some very strong magic and mentalism. Gladwins new variation on the theme of the magic square being one to watch out for.
After a short break Anthony Owen gave a lecture on his life, and his inventions. In particular his new magazine test, and his incredibly clean face up Oil & water stood out. Along side Anthony, it was a pleasure to meet his son Carter,( the great ) who is a real character, and quite the salesman.
After a break, Michael Murray.. friend, and genius gave a talk on a few of his own inventions.Those including his Brave new world, a take on out of this world, Tatletale, an esp routine involving a married couple, spring board, atm, 13.4, and Dave's Pin. If you want to know more about these effects, contact Michael to pre book his much awaited book, containing his creations. Its due out in the next couple of weeks.
The Saturday night Gala show, impeccably hosted by John Archer.... who was a breath of fresh air as always, and instantly loved by the audience! ( unlike the gentleman last night) first on the bill, Morgan & west, presenting a completely different set to the one last nigh. Well received, by the audience. And by me too.... I love Rhys and Robs act, and the attention to detail.
Next, Handsome Jack, who at the end of the day, came through and gave a performance that registered with the audience.
Guy Barret and company presented 3 more Illusions, fast paced, and perfectly timed. His last one, a combination of disembodied princess, zig zag, miss made man, and the new page, intrigued me. I had not seen this before.
The amazing magic continued with Stephanie. who presented a series of optical puzzles in an amazing U.V black light sequence. Highlight being an amazing full body levitation, and a vanish.
No Idea how that worked.
No Idea how the final act worked either, The reason I came up this year, The most incredible two person sight act THE EVASONS.
I just don't have a clue how to describe this incredible performance.. What I will say is, We all know how they do it,, but we don't know HOW they do it. I am in awe of these two, and pleased to report that the are both lovely people.
And so back to the hotel, where the real convention takes place, the bar.. I left at 3am. Hardly nothing to drink,, Didnt need it, as this gathering gets you high on life and the joys of magic.
.....
Day 3.. Feeling refreshed after a couple of hours kip, and a shower, we headed back to the Customs house for the last chance tp mooch around the dealers, for lectures, and should you wish to attend ,the masterclasses.
10Am, Morgan & West on the creation of character.
such important information for all interested in performing magic, what ever type it may be. Illustrated with photographs, and video clips charting the evolution of their own act, this was a goldmine of creative inspiration. And not one single trick, since this was about the magic, behind the magic. Including thoughts on name,costume, set dressing, patter, and character believability.
Anthony Owen followed , giving all the rare opportunity to talk directly to the man responsible for some of the most successful television magic over the last couple of decades. Those including Derren Browns shows, stuff the white Rabbit, The quick trick show, and Help!! my supply teacher is magic! which returns for a new series in the new future, along side the new BBC3 show Killer Magic.
And Finaly a Q&A With The Evasons
as I said before these amazing couple seriously do things that just cant be explained. But here, we had the chance to talk with them, and learn about the way they approach the subject, how they met, the plans for the future, ect.. just genius.
And there it ended.. apart from the aforementioned master classes, and a meet up later with those still in town.
We all have so much fun, we just hate to leave.
The lovely thing about this convention though, is we all know that most of us will be back next year...
the dates being... the 13th, 14th & 15th of March 2015, see you there!!!
Oh.. And finally, thanks MUST go to Martin Duffy, Kari Prinn, All at Magic box , the team at South Tyneside council, the customs house, the Mystery sponsor, the Sea Hotel, the town of south shields, and most importantly... You, my fellow delegates who have made this the worlds friendliest convention ever!!!
The epilogue. It's 2am Monday morning, and time to call it a night. Had a superb meal in the company many of the people who make the weekend special. Followed by champers, and party games at the sea hotel. The good conversations, the laughter, the feeling of being part of a special family.. The things that make this so special.
We joked about maybe forgetting the convention, and just gathering to get tipsy and have a laugh. (boy did we laugh) you know what... truth is, with the atmosphere we had there it would work.
watching John argue with the cat, watching Petur tell his naughty story, and then hugging everybody, Martins watch, Karris card trick, the great Cigarette mystery.. all of these things mean so much. yet if you weren't there, these things are meaningless. poor you.A perfect way to end what has been a perfect weekend.
