Hello Wizards, A bit of catching up is needed now the summer holidays are coming to a close. Here's what happened at the Circle's last two meetings kicking off with the July meeting, the theme of which was of course Question Time. Paul Sunderland took the chair at our Questions Time. The panel was Colin Gough, Mark Waddington, Alan Driffield and Louise Bellerby (not Louisie B - a common misconception!). As well as chairing, Paul also scribbled down some notes, which I'm hoping will help me embellish this report. Some of the questions were back from last year but there were a few new ones for the panel and the floor to address. Amongst them was the question, The Magic Circle is celebrating its centenary this year and to join The Magic Circle it was required that the applicant in his audition did a version of a cups and ball routine. Were the BMC to adopt this rule, what trick should we see performed as part of the audition? The most interesting answer to this question was Mark's He pointed it out that a fixed requirement in the audition could have a negative effect. Personally, I was surprised they didn't think 6 Card Repeat was ideal! Keith asked what magic the panel watches and what they gain from it? Louise not being a magician gained nothing from it in the conventional sense but did say she enjoyed watching the reactions of the audience, particularly the children, usually at the Hey Presto shows. The panel was asked if they think we will ever see such magic shows as those hosted by Paul Daniels, Wayne Dobson and David Nixon back on our screens. Mark's thoughts were that today's viewers only want snappy quick pieces of magic. Colin thought there may be the return of a big show, possibly a variety show, with magic as a part of the whole show. Alan's thoughts were that we may see a return of a form of magic show when we've gone full circle in 10 - 15 years time and Louise felt there were too many "talent" shows that were nothing more than glorified Karaoke. While not able to be at the meeting, Melvyn did submit a question for the panel. Are Junior magicians important to a Magical Society? Alan who is hugely involved with Junior magicians at Northern Magic Circle's Junior Section had mixed feelings about Junior members in societies as he felt it is too easy to get going for magicians today to buy books and tricks. In his youth, Alan had to save for ages to buy an effect and most of his props were home made. Mark felt Junior members are important to a society as did Colin drawing attention to the Junior members who have performed in our Hey Presto Shows and Dinners. Louise felt that if they were prepared to put in the time to learn the skills and theories of magic then it should be encouraged. Some comic relief ensued with discussion about which way round the often seen embossed close-up mats should lay on the table. Louise's response was the best received as she explained that her eyes glaze over when playing cards are brought out! On a more serious note, the panel were asked if smoking in a magic act is acceptable in shows in these times. Mark's thoughts were that it could be detrimental to one's health as it could encourage smoking both to the performer and the audience. Colin took a different view remembering clips shown of Cardini's confusions as a drunk who had cigarettes popping up left right and centre. Louise, who smokes herself, felt it wasn't needed in an act as other things can be used instead. There was comment from the floor on this subject. I mentioned that there was some wonderful magic that would never be seen again such as Slydini's broken and restored presentation. Andy Briggs suggested that that effect could be used in an educational way. Alex pointed out that while controversial, cigarettes were certainly less dangerous than some of the antics of Hans Moretti and other such performers. Chris Hart mentioned that magic with cigarettes may soon become outlawed by the Government anyway. Alan mentioned that there is very little magic seen with cigarettes on T.V. today and most hotels don't allow fire anyway. There were plenty of other questions and the evening was, in spite of the poor turn out, and interesting lively one. As for the August meeting, well there were even less people there! Those who were there got to meet Deanna Charlotte Gore who was ever so well behaved. The theme for the evening was bring a trick - problem shop. It wasn't the most successful although Peter Wright was having difficulty working out the misleading instructions of a diary card trick concocted by Steve Cook. Mr. Naylor fortunately was to hand to offer assistance. Joe Manning was having trouble with Casino Coins so I stepped in and we both had trouble with Casino Coins! Only kidding. He soon got the idea of the effect and it should be pointed out it was the poor instructions that made the effect difficult to grasp. Other tricks were shown, including a newly learnt coins across by Michael Moore and some tomfoolery with ropes by me. I think it's fair to say the majority enjoyed something. It was one of those meeting where you get out of it what you put into it! Anyway that brings us up to date ready for tonight competitions. Hope you enjoy the magic on offer. Thanks for reading. Stevie B. | 
