The Billet Article - St James The Great Church

This article is taken from The Billet Issue - 387 - Feb 2004, Authored by Colin Gough

St James The Great Church

Well over 100 people attended this 50/50 show, which seemed to be an annual event. A big thank you must go to all those members who have performed at the show over the years, as it is obviously very popular at the Church, judging by the numbers who turned up this year.

The acts comprised of Stevie B (compere), Joe King, Ken Mitchell, Mark Waddington and Simon Jackson.

Stevie opened the show with an hilarious co-ordination routine, which warmed up the audience, and followed this with the Afghan Bands.

Joe King was our first act performing lovely routines for childrens' favourites such as Illusive Rabbits, Colour Changing Records and a rice/ribbon production from canisters.

Stevie then gave a slight variation of David Williamson's ring on rope followed by Professor's Nightmare and a trick with tubes and ropes.

Ken Mitchell commenced his act with a chop cup routine, ending with the production of a ball, apple and tomato. Next came the skipping rope routine, which always goes down well with audiences. The highlight of his act, for us in the know, was with his coloured envelopes. His young assistant would not, and I mean would not, swop the packet of polo mints which she had, and which contained a £20 note, for a box of chocolates, no matter what Ken coaxed her with. If you would like to know the ending, I would suggest that you ask Ken.

After the interval we were treated top Mark's routines. A polished performance, which included Topsy Turvy Skittles, Professor's Nightmare, Invisible Deck and a trick with silks and a changing bag.

Simon closed the show with his enthusiastic, fast moving act. Plenty of audience participation and tricks which included Vanishing Coke Bottle, appearance of a live goldfish and Misers Dream. Other routines were with silks and a handkerchief to mouse.

The show lasted 2½ hours, including interval, and was enjoyed by all. Well done to the members who participated.

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