The Billet Article - The Stevie B Page

This article is taken from The Billet Issue - 430 - Jan 2008, Authored by Stephen Bellerby

The Stevie B Page

Happy New Year Wizards!

I trust you all had a great Christmas. I hope I did as well as I’m writing this in December! Did you like the show that was arranged by Ivan? Stephen Hord has submitted a report for the benefit of those unable to be there. I though it was a great show with a good deal of variety. My thoughts? Well I think Steve’s holding back Deanna! I noticed constantly he had to keep consulting her for what he had to do next. I don’t think he smiled at the audience as much either! It was nice seeing new member Gary Brook taking part and doing very well, and what about our Publicity Officer? Well done Ken, tremendous effort. Indeed well done to all the performers in the show. It was great to see Ivan’s ideas come to fruition, particularly the mastermind sketch. I’d like to see that sort of thing develop into something more.

Tonight is the Party Night and it is unclear what will be taking place but whatever it is, it should be enjoyable.

I remember several years’ back; members would put together special one off shows and acts, produced just for the Circle social nights. One of these was a series of “impressions” of some of the membership, presented by Steve Naylor, Paul Sunderland and Alex Wright. Very original and very funny. Steve Naylor joined Steve Gore and me to present the “Three Steve’s in Concert” one time. The idea was that like with the Three Tenors, we took it in turns to present a trick and at the end presented a trick (six-card repeat) together sharing the patter between the three of us. Another time, I presented a show called “Oh Gawd, What’s He Gonna Do This Year”. It was an unusual game, which included mime, impressions, custard pies and even a song at the end from yours truly. I’ve quite a nice voice, if you like that sort of thing …… screeching! Since those days however, general responsibilities must come first and we’ve all become somewhat occupied with the affairs of the Circle, so such shows don’t happen much any more.

Of course that could change so easily. I’d love to see the next group of newer members getting together to present such an act/show. With such people as Mark Waddington, Gary Brooke and Ken Mitchell, such an act could return. How about Colin Gough and Ivan Robinson pairing up for a joke fest? Or Dennis Calvert and Stephen Hord putting together a double act.

What sometimes happens is that an act is created intended as a one off only to discover that the concept works really well and can be developed into something more. Some of these acts get to appear on such events as our Roadshows. Speaking of which, thanks to those who have already volunteered to take part in the one on the 12th January at Pudsey. I would also like to thank all those who don’t take part in any of these sorts of events (assuming that the Circle just ticks over under its own momentum, as if by magic) so as to give the rest of us things to do for their benefit in our own time! Simon Porter has agreed to do a report. Peter Wright will be looking after the sound. Ken Mitchell may well be on hand (if nothing else, to plug the Hey Presto Show) as will I. Joining me in the show at present will be Joe King, Godfrey Shackleton, Gary Brooke and Hi Jinx. A couple more acts would be most welcome.

Don’t forget that tickets are now available for the Hey Presto Show; get them early to avoid disappointment. Please remember that next month is of course the AGM at the end of which, we will welcome our new President, Nick Mohammed. Of course it is also the start of our 60th anniversary as a society.

One of the other clubs to which I belong has just celebrated its 60th anniversary. Harrogate Society of Magicians celebrated with a meal out at Pinocchio’s restaurant in Harrogate. Just a meal and a celebration but thoroughly enjoyable. Huddersfield Circle of Magicians will be 60 in 2009. I wonder what they’ll be up to in celebration. We may find out in due course as later in our 60th year, we intend to hold an auction night with an invitation to our neighbouring clubs at Harrogate, Huddersfield and Leeds to join in.

Anyway, enough from me for now. Go and start enjoying 2008 and we’ll chat next time.

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