The Billet Article - The Stevie B Page

This article is taken from The Billet Issue - 428 - Nov 2007, Authored by Stephen Bellerby

The Stevie B Page

Hello Wizards,

Well done to Melvyn on winning the first One-trick contest we’ve had in a long time, certainly not while I’ve been a member. It was unusual to win a one-trick event with a whole act too! Also well done to see Steve Gore for second place and to Louise Bellerby (Louisie B?) on coming third. Considering a non-magician was happy to take part, it was strange to see a few sitting back and not having a go.

For me highlights were watching young children getting traumatised by Henry “cutting” his hand open and Colin telling us all about how an acquaintance of his drove a knife through his hand! Yep, they’ll be scarred forever, those kids. Seriously, it was nice that Gary brought some friends along and that they were made so welcome. I made a point of mentioning to them both the Dinner and the Hey Presto Show (well there’s no point mentioning it to the membership looking at the number who attend particularly the Dinner).

Steve and I enjoyed presenting our rings segment on our act. It was difficult trying to stay “hypnotised” (some people remarked to Louise that they could see my belly chuckling) as Mark Waddington convulsed in fits of laughter!

Of course, we were to present the whole act the following Friday as the closing act on the Skipton Factor show, which Mark had produced with all the proceeds going to Manorlands Hospice. I saw some of the acts that were taking part (I don’t like to be seen when I’m all costumed up in my make-up, tu-tu, tights, blouse & wig. Just knickers and tights …… fine!) and there was a tremendous camaraderie back stage.

Some people should be acknowledged for taking part in whatever capacity there were there in. Joining Steve and me in the show were Mark Waddington in the first half and Daryl Hackett in the second half with some hysterical chaos using tremendous audience participation. Paul Sunderland took charge as stage manager and Simon Hayton looked after sound. Dennis Calvert was there along with Gemma assisting the Front of House staff and Peter Wright was able to perform the duties of official photographer. Mark’s family, Dave, Sue, Neil and Uncle Paul, were also there. Paul and Neil helped backstage while Dave and Sue were running a raffle and a tombola during the interval. With a bit of help from many friends and some new friends as well, Mark was able raise £680 for Manorlands! Well done Mark and let me know when next year’s show is.

See you next time.

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