talkmagic.co.uk

Thanks Sheila and Geoff.

It was a pleasure seeing you both again.

You've actually taken a picture of me in one of those

Well done to Dat for winning the close-up - I told you so Dave !

Personally, apart from James Moore and Mellors who were both brilliant, I thought the gala show was abysmal and walked out half way through Ning's set and went home to the much more exciting prospect of sleep !

what was all of that James Bond routine about?

dat8962 wrote:what was all of that James Bond routine about?

His assistant was georgeous but I thought he was going to have a heart attack by the end of it

Congrat Dat Well done.

Well done Dave, thoroughly deserved!

Good day out, mel mellors was the best on the day !!!!!! seen paul gordon lots before always very good, james fortune should retire, mike danata to cheeeseee, james more very good, el loco very funny, isis not sure, sing boring, jc sum +babe ning, seen better....... Does any one know where can you get 6th sense for less than £135 Thanks Magi

sounds great

if i was going to use my car as a personal asdvert, i'd wash it....

anyway, day sounds fun

Lots of positives, a few negatives, but nothing that would make me change my mind about going next year.

First of all, I hadn't realised others had a problem at Registration. two people in front of me, about the same after behind by the time I booked in. this was about 9.15. I expected more of a queue, so was more than happy.

A map of the areas would have been helpful. It doesn't even have to be in the programme, but a large one in the Registration area would have helped. This is only a minor niggle.

Lee Alex was the first lecture I went to. It was very informative and enjoyable. Most of the lecture seemed to be helping other people learn the techniques, what to use/not to use etc. Highlights for me were his "newspaper" suit, plus the techniques on using this, plus the kilt, which I would love to try and use! The lecture "notes" ended up being a hardback book, almost 190 pages long. I'm sure somebody else will do a review of this book.

A quick break and look round the Dealers, before the Mel Mellers Lecture.
I already had one of his DVDs, so I was looking forward to his lecture. I wasn't disappointed. I went there to both enjoy the comedy part, but also for ideas to use in Children's shows. Again, I found it both very useful, plus entertaining.

Next thing was to hit the Dealers hall again. Though some of my money was diverted so someone else could buy things, I had made a list up before I got to the SEMC.
Among a few of the "off list" things I picked up, two have to be my favourite purchases of the day. A 1984 book, "The Bobo Magic Show" which is on children's magic shows, by J.B.Bobo, plus a 1972 book, "McCoombs Magic, 25 Years Wiser" by Billy McCoomb.
I have read through parts, but looking forward to having the time to sit and read them properly.

The British Isles Children's Entertainer of the Year Competition was next.
Plus side, there was a good size group of children, noticeable enough to put the "Children" into Children's Entertainer. The set out of the Lakeside and how it was organised added to this.
I am afraid that the big criticism was the sound and video, though mainly the sound. I don't think that I'm saying anything that the organisers haven't already realised, but still needs mentioning, to give an accurate and honest opinion of the whole event.
There was one point that could have been dealt with better. That little girl with the Knock Knock jokes should have had her name put on the voting form. She may have knocked Magic Dave into second place! ( Congrats for winning! ) Some would say it was either stupid or brave to get children up between acts, so they could tell a joke. To me, it added to the enjoyment and made the whole thing more relaxing.

The Close up Competition.
Again, same comments on the sound and vision. For the cameras, just moving the front row back another foot or so could be all that was needed. The attendance wasn't quite as good as I thought it would be for this, though some of it could be that you had to get to the Dealers Hall at some point.

The Gala Show.

When Mike Danata comes on and sings "Come Fly With Me" I half expected him to do a levitation at the same time.

James More.

I repeat, James More. Get used to that name, because you should be hearing more about him. He is a Star in the making. Apart from having a well themed, skillful entertaining act, something else also makes him stand out.
He has a theme and act that could be identified with by late teens, right up to being somebody that pensioners would enjoy watching. I can't praise James or the quality of his performance, entertainment, or skill enough, for what was a fantastic routine for all the family.

Mel Mellers.
Although some of the routines and jokes were what I had seen, either on DVD or on lectures, I didn't mind one bit. Seeing something live, together with judging the audience reaction myself, just made me realise what I can gain from some of the ideas.

El Loco.
Carried on the laughter, although in a completely different way. Very funny. I won't give anything away, apart from say that music has a big part in his act. Loved this completely.

Break.

Isis.
I am sorry, but I didn't like any part of this performance. I felt that the James Bond theme, isn't for somebody of Colin's age. The theme seemed to come and go and didn't seem to make sense. Again, my point of view only.

JC Sum and Magic Babe Ning.
I heard there were reasons why they had to change their act, so feel they did what they could in the circumstances. They still showed why they are so big an act, even if they couldn't perform the big illusions.

The most disappointing part was during Nings performance. I wasn't selected to strap her up!

After Gala party.

I left for a while, coming back hoping to see Big Roy. Got back with a few minutes to go before he came on. I enjoyed it, though by that time of night, umm, morning, the people still there were spread about, many taking the time to socialise, so lots of talking for Roy to contend with.
I would have liked to see Roy on a bit earlier, with more of an audience.

Over all views.

To get this as good as it was in the first year was a massive achievement. A big thank you to Collin and Geoff for all their work. Having it at the Lakeside was inspired, though with one or two things that need ironing out.

Lectures clashing will always happen, but that also means there is a good range to suit all types of interests. I found the layout to be a better way to relax and enjoy the entertainment.
The only criticism on this, which is NOT aimed at the organisers, is the noise from the bar area during parts of the shows, mainly near the start. I found the loudness the bar staff and customers talking and laughing, to be off putting. (Note, if they were laughing at something funny in the show, no problem, but they weren't.)
I would like to know when we can get tickets for next years one!!

I was at the Continental Hotel and had no problems with noise. I would stay there again, especially as it was a stroll across the car park between hotel and venues.

Well done Dave, if you want me to come to Vegas with you just let me know

Thanks Tony - You'll have to fight Mrs dat for that one

Looks like you all had a lucky escape with the weather!

Hi, my name's James More I was the openning act in the Gala show at the SEMC

Firstly I would like to say very well done to Dave Tayler for winning the close u comp, I hope u enjoy every moment with ur title.... and im sure every moment in Vegas goes without saying!!!! After all the years you've supported me, It was great to sit on the otherside of the fence and root for you.

I'd also like to thank the organisers for letting me play this established, and beautiful venue... and always thanks to Mike Danata for his faith and mentoring!!!!


Hope everyone had a great day!!!!!

dat8962 wrote:
I have the grandeous title of British Isles Close Up Magician of The Year 2009

So we have the Close Up magician of the year working at our jolly jamboree in April! How great is that?! Come buy your tickets gentlefolk:
http://www.frightnights.co.uk/events/index.php?cid=1545

Well done Dave. Great news.

jamesmore wrote:Hi, my name's James More I was the openning act in the Gala show at the SEMC:

Hi James - great act. Good looking, dazzling smile, sharp dresser, nice dance moves, excellent routining and great magic - I predict you've got a very bright future ahead of you