by daleshrimpton » Oct 4th, '10, 09:19
Last Friday was as you may well remember, wet, and cold. Not the sort of evening you would normally rush into London straight from work. But I did, and I am so glad that I did, because I spent the evening watching some wonderful and charming magic presented by Dr Todd Landman, and Evie Harris, at Treadwell’s bookshop in Covent Garden, London.
I should describe the venue for those who have never paid it a visit. Treadwell’s is like something from a Harry potter movie, with every inch of its shop crammed full of magical things.
Crystal balls, and dried snakes, magic wands, potions, amulets, charms, and chalices line the walls, together with thousands of books covering the strange and esoteric.
At the rear of this house of wonderment, is a steep staircase, which takes you down to the inner sanctum. And it was here, that Todd and Evie had set up their display of enchantments.
First on the bill was the lovely Evie Harris.
She opened the evening with a version of out of this world, in which a lady and a gentleman had to use their intuition to sort out cards bearing traditional boy toys, and girl toys.
She then played a number of other games with various members of the audience including a blind fold routine, and a blue tongue, a lovely Psycometry routine with favourite sweets, and a psychic game of cluedo.
We also got to see a couple of items from her own Smoke and Mirrors range, which are very well constructed, and should be in everybody’s collection.
One can’t but enjoy the talented Evie’s performance, because Evie is just so nice.
After her performance ended, I noticed that some of the audience were talking about the toys, and that they remembered having them as a child.
Invoking personal memories like this is a powerful tool for any magician...
After a break, Doctor Todd Landman illustrated the story of his life so far, with a range of dazzling, and superbly presented magic and mentalism.
On the table, sat a range of beautify crafted boxes. As each one was opened, delightful things were introduced. My favourite box contained a pipe, which took us on a trip to the mind of Sherlock Holmes creator, Arthur Conan Doyle. I particularly liked this, as it leads into a nice book test. Much nicer than the usual Here’s a book, pick a page.. This routine had reason..
And afterwards, when I saw what was going on, I appreciated the dressing even more.
Intertwined with the mentalism, Todd also performed some card manipulations, Hundi 500, and some other great magic, all expertly routined.
Todd’s performance is a master class in routining, and should be seen by anybody who is undecided as to whether you can mix magic, with mentalism.
You can.
And so a thoroughly entertaining evening came to an end..
My thanks go out to both Evie, and Todd,
And I am looking forward to seeing you both again soon, ant the next Tab meeting in November..
you're like Yoda.you dont say much, but what you do say is worth listening to....
Greg Wilson about.... Me.