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Cylchlythyr Hud Gogledd Cymru
The North Wales Magic Circular
The
Griffin Vol. 74 No. 5 March 2017
Free to Members
Paris
Blackpool 2017
Broken Wands
The Complete Course Vol 1
Podcast of the Month
News
And More
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3 From the Lectern
Thoughts you never wanted in a way you never wanted them.
4 Hail to the Chief(s) Back from Blackpool
5 Magic News What’s new in the world of magic and mystery.
7 Tarbell Vol. 1 Eddie Hughes starts us off on the complete course.
In This Issue Vol 74 No 5
12 Review Blank Night by John Archer reviewed by Chris O’Brien.
14 From the Vault Charles I Hogg looks at performing for children.
15 Blackpool 2017 The Conference in pictures.
19 The Next Meeting The Jasper Blakeley Lecture.
20 Podcast of the Month The Magic Word
21 Profile Steve Ashcroft
22 Broken Wands Farewell to Daryl and Bob
24 Diary Keep up to date on what’s happening in your society and others.
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From the Lectern
Tinkety-tonk, Old Fruits, We are back from Blackpool!
Well, not really we, but you, and what an interesting time it was watching members Facebook updates from the Winter Gardens. I saw the likes of Paul Zenon, Ken Dodd, Dani Daortiz, and others turning and a very nervous Jay being levitated by a very professional looking Sarah (Don’t believe me! See the presidents’ address this issue!)
There had to be a change to the plan to this month’s meeting, the bad news was the Comedy and Children’s Competition was postponed (see News) the good news is this will allow me to change the publishing schedule for the Griffin. Next month’s edition will be out on the day of
the meeting. This will allow us a whole month to write up events after the meetings to get meetings and competitions written up things written up, so a heads up to our contributors (Jay), please can I have your bits as soon as possible?
With that in mind the last issue of the Griffin stood out with contributions from our members, Chris, Graham and Eddie. We are developing quite a little team, this does not mean there is not room for you too! Got something you’d like to share, or even just a comment or letter, drop us a line at [email protected]
As ever, I remain,
Your Faithful Servant
Prof. Llusern Pp.
Chris Baglin Et Salve ad Iasonem Isaacs
Watch out for your next issue of the Griffin, out on the 4th of April!
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Hail to the Chief(s)
reetings one and all.
We made it back. We dove into the madness that was
the Blackpool Convention and came out tired, excited and generally inspired to make more cool magic.
As was mentioned in the previous issue Sarah and I had not attended the convention for a few years. Four to be exact and we were excited to return to the chaos. It was extended by an additional day this year to incorporate the FISM European Competition. In which there was a plethora of interesting and unusual acts. We did not attend the entire comp, but did get to witness those that were deemed winners; which proved to be a mixed bag of imaginative and technical acts.
As for the rest of the convention, as is the way of
Blackpool there was much going on and we only saw the tip of the magical iceberg. But I can say our highlights involved, in the most part, Paul Zenon. His lecture was awesome, his role as compere in the Sunday night Gala show superb, but out of all of that his show The Linking Rings was truly astounding. A heartfelt and emotional performance that must be seen to truly appreciate, if you ever get the opportunity to catch this show I would highly recommend it.
Overall we enjoyed our time at the convention and look forward to returning next year. We got to catch up with friends, meet some of our favourite magicians (performing on stage with Franz Harary and bunch of convention magi was also awesome) and were able to enjoy some awesome stage shows. Some of the best that the convention has offered, at least since we last went, in our opinion.
And that’s all for now, but as always come on down to this year’s meetings as much as you can, catch up with friends, learn something cool and of course have fun. We’ll see you there.
Allons-Y!
G
Wh
o w
ears the m
agic?
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Magic News
Change of Plans
As the old saw goes, due to unforeseen circumstances it was decided to postpone the Children’s and Comedy Magic competition until later in the year. We have been offered a “party in the park” style event on a Sunday in the summer instead, details to be sorted out later on.
This decision to postpone was not made lightly and emails have been sent out to the membership, as well as updates to the website and Facebook groups, as the decision had to be taken quite late in the day. As with any difficult choice it was not without controversy, but President Jay stepped up to pour oil on the waters and all are now in agreement. We look forward to hearing about the summer event.
The Annual Dinner
Dance and Cabaret.
Remember you are now able to pay for your tickets by instalments! This means the opportunity to spread the cost of the Dinner over the next few months. If you wish to take up the payment plan, please see Bob Scott.
Tickets are priced at £35 for
dinner and cabaret. Cabaret only
tickets are £20.
Merlin Magic
Competition
Following on from the invitation to submit videos last
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Magic News
month to the Merlin Magic Competition in Carmarthen, the Griffin is happy to announce that of the five finalists two will be members of the NWMC. President Jay Gatling and the Griffin Editor’s alter ego Professor Llusern will be representing North Wales on the 25th of March. We will keep you informed as to how we get on.
Honorary Members.
Just to let you know that after a lengthy hospital stay Honorary Member Arthur Dilkes has now moved from his pensioners’ flat in Prestatyn and no longer receives emails.
(Continued on page 11)
All items are accurate at the time of
going to press. We try our best but keep
sometimes mistakes will creep in, please
bear with us. Please address any
complaints to British Airways, London
N1
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for B
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ats.
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Eddie does
Tarbell
Volume 1
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Society librarian Eddie Hughes (Eddie Magico) has an ongoing
review of the Tarbell course. Here is part two, or Volume 1.
On opening volume one I am amazed how much Tarbell has crammed into it. Although outdated in some magical areas and principles it still contains much relevant information in 19 lessons over 410 pages. It covers aspects of magic such as the history of magic, sleight of hand, mathematical mysteries, card sleights, card tricks and rope
tricks to name just a few. This volume enables magicians at all levels, from beginners and amateurs to professionals to learn the basic skills of magic the correct way.
Tarbell’s philosophy in writing the volume was that a true magician is just like any other professional person. One must be trained in the mechanics of the subject/profession. Those who teach and perform magic must not only do so but also inspire others. Most people want to believe that magicians perform miracles and not know how the trick is done. The Magician’s art is to take people to a land of enchantment and mystery. Tarbell says always protect your secrets, secrecy is the power the magician. Guard your secrets well and profit by them! The power of the magician is to bring happiness and wonder to others.
Tarbell’s first volume is an excellent introduction to all aspects of magic.
1. The History of Magic. This is
so interesting that I intend
including this in the next issue
of the Griffin.
2. Magic as a Science. This
Tarbell Vol. 1
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From our library
provides a firm foundation on
magical concepts such as
professional performing, good
patter, being sure of your trick
and never repeat a trick by the
same method in the same
performance. This lesson also
covers also covers angle
visibility, power of suggestion
and art of misdirection.
Tarbell’s final message here is
know your tricks, be confident
in your ability to perform them,
give your patter in a straight,
forceful manner and I would
add Be Yourself.
3. Sleight of Hand with Coins.
Tarbell covers all aspects of
coin manipulation and coin
vanishes. He explains 15
different palms and 19 different
coin vanishes.
4. Coin Tricks. Lessons 4 and 5
provide a good range of coin
tricks utilising the concepts
learned in lesson 3.
5. See above.
6. The Thumb Tip. Probably the
least informative lessons with
limited uses of the thumb tip
but it does show how to handle
one.
7. Impromptu Tricks. Includes
some good close-effects using
rings, string etc. One good trick
is the jumping elastic band.
8. Ball Tricks. Explains the cups
and balls routine and other
sponge ball tricks.
9. Mathematical Mysteries. An
introduction to this form of
magic using numbers.
10.Effective Card Mysteries. An
excellent lesson which includes
the Simplified Pass, the False
Shuffle, The Double Card Lift,
The Slip Change, and Palming
a Card.
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11.Impromptu and Mental Card
Mysteries. Both lessons 11 and
12 provide a wide range of
these effects.
12.See above.
13.Card Sleights. One of the best
lessons in volume one. This
includes methods of controlling
cards, various
passes, cuts,
forces, sleights
and shuffles.
14.Novel Card
Mysteries.
Utilizing props
such as hats,
oranges and
envelopes.
15.Torn and Restored Paper
Effect. Provides some great
effects.
16.The Rope and Tape Principle.
These provide a basis of effects
using tapes, ropes and rings.
Some great tricks in this
section.
17.Handkerchiefs and Silks.
Lessons 17 and 18 cover
handkerchief and silks
including some good Knotty
Silk Tricks.
18.See above.
19.Eggs and Silks. Includes some
good egg vanishes.
Eddie Magico, librarian.
Next time, Tarbell’s History of
Magic.
Tarbell Vol. 1
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News (continued)
Arthur's address is now 17, Sea View, Bradshaw Manor, East Parade Rhyl and would welcome any visitors as indeed would another Honorary Member Eddie Thomas who now resides in Richmond House, Brighton Road, Rhyl.
Please so something for our friends in magic.
Broken wands
It is with a heavy heart that the Griffin must report the loss of two great artists and teachers from the magic community, the first is Bob Cassidy, mentalist and author who passed away on the 24th of February; and on the same day we lost close-up magician extraordinaire and
teacher Daryl Easton.
This latter death has been the cause of much speculation and debate online as Daryl was found hanged in no other place than the Magic Castle in California, the home of American Magic, where he had been performing for a number of weeks. Despite early sensationalist reports it has now been confirmed that he was found fully dressed in a dressing/prep area adjacent to his performance space, and separated from the same by a thick curtain. The coroner has officially recorded a verdict of suicide, the reason for which would fall to speculation outside the purview of the Griffin.
For more on both of these performers careers please see page 26
All items are accurate at the time of going to
press. We try our best but sometimes
mistakes will creep in, please bear with us.
Please address any complaints to British
Airways, London N1
(Continued from page 6)
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Blank Night by John Archer is a trick that is by no means a new release. Before I start this review I have to say in my own defence that I think John Archer is one of the funniest comic magicians in the business today. This is one of the very few tricks that I have bought for the patter, and out of curiosity, rather that a need to perform it.
I remembered seeing this very funny magic trick on TV a couple of years ago, and being disappointed at the time that I could not find it for sale. Having recently seen John Archer doing this act again on an old YouTube clip of Penn and Teller's Fool Us, I decided to look for it again. This time I succeed in acquiring it.
Am I pleased with it? Well, yes and no!
The trick has a simple premise: five envelopes are shown, one containing a cash prize. The object of the exercise
is for the magician to keep the money. After a lot of word play audience members choose four of the five envelopes but each, in turn, discovers they have only picked a small consolation prize.
It is an update of the old Bank Night effect, in this version the final envelope is clearly opened to reveal 3 x £20 notes. The bills are not folded and are seen clearly being pulled out, without any suspicious moves, body loads, envelope switches, or thumb tips. Blank Night left both Penn and Teller speechless!
A simple trick that you may already know, and one that would not normally fool Penn and Teller, but this was an effect that the magic duo couldn't figure out! Or could they? I think they did! All but for one word, a word that I can't disclose now since by watching the clip and changing the word, when the method is described by Penn and denied by John, you would have all the knowledge needed to perform his act.
I must admit that I was a little disappointed when reading the booklet that came with the it, when I discovered the actual workings of the trick, since my
Blank Night: Review
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Review (continued)
reasoning of how it was pulled off, at the time of transmission, was the same as P & T, and I felt just as fooled as they did at the time. So I did not expect that the trick was in fact to all intents and purposes just about as described by Penn, apart from that one word.
But having said all that, it is a great act and not bad value for money at around £20.
Blank Night comes complete with a "Fully illustrated instruction booklet, specially manufactured envelopes and gimmicks". In fact almost everything you need to add it to your next show, EXCEPT for a bit of glue, the printing needed on each of the five envelopes, the time it takes to make the small consolation prizes, and the £60 to keep at the end, possibly the hardest prop to keep hold of these
days!
The booklet says the envelopes come blank "so that you can write whatever words you would like on them". Now that, I think, is a bit of a liberty. If you are a scriptwriter, or a comic genius like John is, you may, just may, be able to come up with a script that would work as well as John's does, but I doubt it. So when John asks us not to use his script, I can only assume he is joking, it's so often hard to tell when he is being serious.
In my humble opinion, the script is the meat of the trick and if he doesn't want it used he should not sell it!
Sorry, my mistake he doesn't sell it with the trick. No, you have to get the script from a free YouTube clip http://tinyurl.com/griffinvid745
As a trick.
As a trick performed by John Archer.
Chris O'Brien aka COBERMAN
"The Sit-down Magician”
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From the Vault
This month in 1995 Charles I Hogg’s column on performing in America had a very
specific focus….
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Blackpool
2017
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Blackpool in Pictures
Some lucky magicians got to go to Blackpool last month. Here is what happened to according to
Madam President Sarah Gatling
We visited Blackpool in February to attend the world’s largest magic convention. Over 3,000 magicians were there over the four day event.
There were plenty of lectures and shows to watch, as well as the opportunity to see the latest magic tricks being demonstrated in the two dealers halls.
The Blackpool convention is always a great place to catch up with friends and other magicians; and also a chance to meet some of the big names in magic.
One of our highlights was Paul Zenon’s “Linking Rings”, a wonderfully unique and moving performance.
We also had a little bit of fun at the Magic Circle’s stand, where Jay found out what it was like to be the assistant for a change!
We had a wonderful time, and can’t wait to go back again next year!
Sarah Gatling
Well it looks like the Gatlings had a fantastic time and thanks to everyone here who shared their
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The Report
pics with us. It would seem everyone was there from Wayne Dobson to Paul Zenon (I tried to think of an attendee with a surname beginning with A, as
you can see I failed - Ed)
As ever there was a lot going on from lectures and shows to the dealer’s hall. Looking forward to
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next year.
Next month Jay and
Chris are taking you on a road trip to the
Merlin Festival in
Carmarthen That’s right, it’s a Road
Trip!
Blackpool 2017
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Our Next Meeting
April 4th 2017
Jasper Blakeley Lecture
This from Chris O’Brien;
I understand that Jasper Blakeley is a full-time professional and an international award-winning close up and cabaret magician. As a trained actor and performer, Jasper entertains and brings a fresh, original approach magic and cabaret. Having worked with both major blue-chip companies and private clients, Jasper has established himself as one of the most diverse magical performers in the UK. He is Magic Circle and Equity member based in Cardiff South Wales.
I understand that his lectures to magic clubs are something a little different than the norm and a lot of fun! So we hope to see you at the next meeting.
Members/Associates £5
Visiting magicians £10
7-30pm for 8pm start.
Outrageous … hysterical …
laugh out loud. Genii Magazine
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Podcast of the month
What is it? A largely interview based
podcast with forays into reviews and convention reports. .
Why you should listen:
Scott Wells, the host, is a professional American magician and as such has accesss to other, professional American magicians.
The Archive is huge, almost 350 episodes and no sign of slowing down.
Did I mention the wide scope of interviewees? From Jon Armstrong to Garrett Thomas, Michael Ammar to Gazzo.
What are the downsides?
The sound levels at events/
conventions could be problematic for some listeners.
The daily convention reports are not my particular cup of tea.
Number of Episodes?
347 at the time of going to press. Should keep you going for a while.
Highlights so far?
The Gregory Wilson Debates between 268 and 283
The Christmas Podcasts (Eugene Berger as the Grinch)
How can I find it?
It is possible to find it on iTunes or just type the URL below into your browser and enjoy
http://themagicwordpodcast.com Heard a podcast you like? Let the
Griffin know at [email protected]
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In Profile
Name?
Steve Ashcroft
How and when did you first get into magic?
I got married in October 2000 and watched a close up magician in Florida, came out of gift shop, some dollars lighter!
What keeps you in magic?
Generating reactions and I love to perform.
What is your Go-To effect?
Ambitious card.
Who are your influences in and
out of magic?
Jay Sankey, David Penn, the wife.
What is your greatest achievement to date?
Recently booked for gig at Liverpool Echo Arena by Nicky Weller (Paul Weller’s sister) I'm a huge fan !!!!! .
What do you hope to achieve in the future?
Make a success of Young Magicians Club / Become a member of The Magic Circle.
What was the last film you saw?
Grimsby (rubbish).
When you hear the words the book, which book comes to mind?
The Royal Road to Card Magic (Check it out of the Society library, folks - Ed)
Best sandwich?
Bacon (obviously).
Next time– Great Scott! It’s Robert!
Competitions Officer
Steve Ashcroft
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Broken Wands
Bob Cassidy
23/06/1949 - 24/02/2017
Serious performers of Mentalism will know about the recent passing of Bob Cassidy.
A favourite author of both myself and Dave Baker, his ideas and creations have formed a part of our circle and personal performances for a long while. To those who knew he was, by no means, a saint but there again who can honestly claim that. Here’s an insight into the man and his times.
Bob Cassidy was born in Kearny, New Jersey and entered the world of show business at the age of twelve, appearing on television’s "Original Amateur
Hour" as a magician.
Later, while serving overseas as a naval communications specialist, he developed the unique and strangely compelling act that he refined ever since.
Cassidy performed throughout the world on cruise ships and in showplaces and theatres throughout the United States. He claimed that his ability was actually a “scientific form of thought reading,” yet denied being psychic in the traditional sense of the word.
In 1978, Cassidy and fellow mentalists founded the "Psychic Entertainers Association" (P.E.A.), which has since become mentalism's primary international professional society.
Cassidy has garnered numerous prestigious awards, including "Mentalist of the Year" (1987) "David Lederman Award for Creativity in Mentalism" (1996), "Silver Seer Award" (2003) and "Psychic Entertainers Association Life Membership Award."
The magic community has lost a great luminary .
Mark Thorold
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Broken Wands
Daryl Easton
13/08/1955 - 24/02/2017
The magic community has been rocked by the reports this week of the death of Daryl Easton, the Magicians’ Magician in tragic circumstances.
He was born Daryl Edward Martinez in San Jose, California into a family of performers. From a young age they would entertain with them with piano and songs at local restaurants. He took up the wand at the age of seven after being given a Svengali deck by a well meaning uncle.
At eighteen he became a regular at the Magic Cellar in San Francisco, it was during this
time that he began lecturing and it wasn’t long before he had earned the moniker The Magicians’ Magician.
By twenty-one Daryl was performing regularly at the Magic Castle for Dai Vernon amongst others. He won the in-house awards there so often that he made himself ineligible to compete again. So he turned his attention outward and in 1982 won a FISM Gold Medal for his card magic.
In 1980 he published his first book on magic, Secrets of a Puerto Rican Gambler which has been followed by more books and videos over the years. He also promoted the idea of “Jazz Magic” in his book Secrets… wherein a magician explores every possibility by staying a step ahead of his audience.
“Your magic should make people feel good. If you are having a good time then that shows itself to an audience and they have a good time, it’s contagious.”
Daryl is survived by his wife, Alison, and their two daughters.
Requiem in Pace
The
Griffin
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Next Issue
4th April: Jasper Blakeley lecture
2nd May: Mental Magic Competition
6th June: Summer Social
4th July: Lecture – Shoot Ogawa
1st August: Stage / Cabaret Competition
5th September: Lecture TBC
3rd October: President’s Night
7th November: AGM
25th November: The Annual Dinner Dance and Cabaret
• Chris and Jay visit the Merlin Festival
• More reviews
• More on Tarbell
Watch out for our new press schedule. (see From the
Lectern page 3)
Forthcoming Meetings
