Hi all,
I have just returned home from Bradford Magic Circle, where Paul Gordon was lecturing this evening. Not being a member of the Circle, I went as a visitor.
This was my first ever time at a lecture, so I was really looking forward to it and not quite sure what was to come. The guys at Bradford were very welcoming and it helped that I already knew someone (thanks Jean) who introduced me to people there. I had no real expectations, other than the fact that I've spoken to Paul here on TM, have one of his excellent books and that he's a well known cardician.
I took my book with me and Paul very graciously signed it for me (and even waived his £50 charge
).
So, onto the lecture. In an nutshell, it was 2 solid hours of great card magic, wonderful instruction, humour and astonishment.
Paul performed a large number of effects featured in his books and DVD's, picking a few from each to give us a broad selection. Although I do love card magic and have a reasonably good knowledge of principles and sleights, even if I cannot perform them, Paul still managed to make them look ever so easy. He performed each effect and included the normal patter he'd use with the public, then went on to do it again, but explaining as he did so just how the effect works and which sleights (if any) were used. He even went into detail about the subtelties of the effects and nuances he'd developed throughout the years of performing.
Paul kept us all laughing from start to finish, regaling us with some extremely funny stories about his exploits as a magician. With so much material to cover in the 2hrs, he proceeded at quite a pace, but it never felt rushed. He kept the pace brisk, yet still managed to explain and demonstrate everything in such a way that it was easy to follow him. Questions were welcomed and Paul patiently answered each in as much detail as the questioner needed in order to understand. Very nice!
At the end, Paul did some great deals on his books and DVD's and I came away with years worth of material to study, including a 5hr, 3 DVD set containing everything he performed tonight.
I may be an amateur, but I can spot a true professional showman as well as anybody and Paul Gordon is it. I told him that this was my first ever lecture and how much I enjoyed it, and that it will take some beating. I meant it. It will have to be something very special to top this. An evening I won't forget.
So, if you ever get the chance and even if you aren't that bothered about card magic, I strongly recommend spending an evening with Paul Gordon. Buy all his books and DVD's, you won't regret it
A true gent and great entertainer.
Thank you so much Paul for a great evening. I enjoyed every moment.
All the best,
Lea
