The Modern Mystic League
JUNE 2023
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
Derby Magic Circle Entertain
Despite the glorious summer weather, we had our largest turn-out so far this year to welcome our friends from the Derby Magic Circle: Clive and Jean, Doug Gregg and Colin Hall.
Clive compered the first half, incorporating the Mona Lisa Jigsaw Puzzle, Ring on Sword and Chinese Sticks – along with a selection of his favourite gags.
Colin Hall, a new face to us, presented some close-up items involving washers which lost their holes, cards and sponge balls, all to great effect. He had an intriguing card prediction, along with the revelation of a simply imagined card.
Doug Gregg, NMC President Elect, demonstrated some nifty paddle moves while pattering about a ‘magical money tree’ and the creation of money, from coins to banknotes. Cards inexplicably changed their colours, and a ring on lace/ribbon effect registered well. Doug concluded with the revelation of a chosen card in a candle flame, by means of a special ‘magical’ pair of spectacles.
MML President Carl worked his own brand of magic over the interval, and we all obliged by making his pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, cakes and pickles disappear in short order, while Harry took care of the raffle.
In part two it was the turn of the MMLers.
I compered, with an on-going link concerning the origins of the popular ‘Pig That Looks Round’ sight gag; from a simple drawing in 1912 to the slightly more magical version created by U F Grant in 1928. The apparatus was demonstrated, as made up by both Jack Ledwick and Bob Benyon and augmented by a rhyme by Sid Lorraine in 1938. These days, a further prediction gag has been added.
Clive compered the first half, incorporating the Mona Lisa Jigsaw Puzzle, Ring on Sword and Chinese Sticks – along with a selection of his favourite gags.
Colin Hall, a new face to us, presented some close-up items involving washers which lost their holes, cards and sponge balls, all to great effect. He had an intriguing card prediction, along with the revelation of a simply imagined card.
Doug Gregg, NMC President Elect, demonstrated some nifty paddle moves while pattering about a ‘magical money tree’ and the creation of money, from coins to banknotes. Cards inexplicably changed their colours, and a ring on lace/ribbon effect registered well. Doug concluded with the revelation of a chosen card in a candle flame, by means of a special ‘magical’ pair of spectacles.
MML President Carl worked his own brand of magic over the interval, and we all obliged by making his pies, sausage rolls, Scotch eggs, cakes and pickles disappear in short order, while Harry took care of the raffle.
In part two it was the turn of the MMLers.
I compered, with an on-going link concerning the origins of the popular ‘Pig That Looks Round’ sight gag; from a simple drawing in 1912 to the slightly more magical version created by U F Grant in 1928. The apparatus was demonstrated, as made up by both Jack Ledwick and Bob Benyon and augmented by a rhyme by Sid Lorraine in 1938. These days, a further prediction gag has been added.
Roger Woods presented a bewildering display of card changes, tied in the tale of the Houdini Challenge of 1902 in Blackburn and presented the Chop Cup as performed by PD et al.
Brian Berry opened with a ‘censored’ version of Old Mother Hubbard, who was as bare as her cupboard, and continued to patter about the birds and bees. He, too, was able to produce money, and concluded with his cups-and-balls, which includes multiple final loads.
Paul Guy was perplexed by a rope trick, greeted Anne with a hug rather than killing her (you know the routine!) and revealed a prediction via a security tag in his jacket. All great fun.
An unexpected bonus came in the form of a couple of card effects presented by Connor Pearson, son of Carl and a former Junior. It was good to see him again, along with brother Jack.
Allan baffled with a card and die effect, while Anne Walmsley demonstrated her floating/dancing feather.
Bringing up the rear (who could follow him?) was Donald the Average with his penetrated spoon which becomes a fork, his secret way of entering the MML HQ and his rhyme about weight loss which results in the production of a skeleton.
It was a remarkably varied afternoon of magic and fun, and we now look forward to a reciprocal visit next year.
Brian Lead
Brian Berry opened with a ‘censored’ version of Old Mother Hubbard, who was as bare as her cupboard, and continued to patter about the birds and bees. He, too, was able to produce money, and concluded with his cups-and-balls, which includes multiple final loads.
Paul Guy was perplexed by a rope trick, greeted Anne with a hug rather than killing her (you know the routine!) and revealed a prediction via a security tag in his jacket. All great fun.
An unexpected bonus came in the form of a couple of card effects presented by Connor Pearson, son of Carl and a former Junior. It was good to see him again, along with brother Jack.
Allan baffled with a card and die effect, while Anne Walmsley demonstrated her floating/dancing feather.
Bringing up the rear (who could follow him?) was Donald the Average with his penetrated spoon which becomes a fork, his secret way of entering the MML HQ and his rhyme about weight loss which results in the production of a skeleton.
It was a remarkably varied afternoon of magic and fun, and we now look forward to a reciprocal visit next year.
Brian Lead