talkmagic.co.uk

Hello everyone. I'm just posting for moral support really.

I was recently "strongly encouraged" to take part in a local magic club's stage show - which will be carried out in front of a 'real' audience as part of a local school's PTA fund raiser.

I'm really much happier in the close up world, and its in a hall I don't know, and I'm not sure my routine will be visible enough for the size etc. But its happening tonight. So wish me luck...

Will let you know how it goes afterwards.

Phil

Where abouts in London Phil?

Good Luck.

There's nothing like being on a stage in front of an audience.

Potters Bar. OK - so that's stretching 'London' a bit

Darn, a bit far. Oh well! Good luck!

So I said I would tell you how it went. And I've just realised this is my 100th post which is extra nice for some good news.

Incredibly, I won! In fact, it wasn't that incredible. There were 5 of us competing originally, 1 dropped out because of illness and 1 was disqualified for over-running the time limit. So I had a 1 in 3 chance!

But I was pleased, because I hadn't really wanted to do it in the first place and I was very nervous. But the audience were very good and were applauding in places I wasn't expecting!

Just out of interest, I thought I'd detail what I performed, because all (but one trick) was at least 20 (and some of it more like 60!) years old, yet the audience enjoyed it.

I started with an old Supreme 'Blendo' - visual, quick and attention getting.

Then moved on to the Joe Riding 4 card trick using jumbo cards. They were applauding between phases which was amazing!

I then did a very old (not certain of derivation, it was taught me by an old magician friend - possibly Ali Bongo or someone like that) card in balloon type trick, where it starts with the spectator simply naming any card, then burying it in the middle of a cased deck of cards. (I was helped here by having a lively and friendly spectator to help so there was plenty of opportunity for banter).

And then when they were still reeling from the card coming out of the balloon I finished with Bang On using the same card that had been chosen for the balloon trick (It's amazing you chose that card...)

It has certainly built my confidence a bit in doing the show. But I was definitely helped by a friendly audience.

Thanks for reading.

Well dun, Phil on your success! As you know, I was fortunate enough to see your act as I was another one of the three competing.
You really deserved the win and my own experience did me a lot of good too. Your act was visual, with an uncomplicated plot and expertly executed, oh and very entertaining too
Congratulations pal

So we meet at last on TM! Now at least I know what your name is on here. Thanks for the kind words. For what my opinion is worth, I thought you did a really good job too in a very difficult context.

And now I know you are a singer too! You kept that one quiet.

See you soon. Phil