The Modern Mystic League
MAY 2024
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
On a glorious early-summer’s day (the hottest so far in 2024), three cars containing members of Team MML made their way into deepest Derbyshire, and to the lovely home of Doug and Yvette Gregg in the picturesque village of Longford. The aim was to repay several visits paid to us over the years by Derby Magic Circle, and their members turned out to greet us, along with family, friends and patrons. It was a pleasure to have Roy and Hazel Field joining us too, having travelled down from Filey.
For the first part of the afternoon, five close-up workers entertained at tables set out in the shade of overhanging trees. Carl Pearson rolled a die as a prelude to some impressive mind magic, while guest performer Richard Blackie divined randomly selected animal names and did a book test. Brian Berry presented his classic popper beads routine, along with some card effects and cups-and-balls, while Allan Clarke juggled miscellaneous magic with taking photographs. It was nice to see our ‘tech man’ Craig Docherty trying his hand with a card trick and eliciting a good response.
For the first part of the afternoon, five close-up workers entertained at tables set out in the shade of overhanging trees. Carl Pearson rolled a die as a prelude to some impressive mind magic, while guest performer Richard Blackie divined randomly selected animal names and did a book test. Brian Berry presented his classic popper beads routine, along with some card effects and cups-and-balls, while Allan Clarke juggled miscellaneous magic with taking photographs. It was nice to see our ‘tech man’ Craig Docherty trying his hand with a card trick and eliciting a good response.
VISIT TO DERBY MAGIC CIRCLE
(an away match!)
(an away match!)
After a delicious afternoon tea of sandwiches and cakes, courtesy of Doug and Yvette, the car porch was transformed into a makeshift theatre, where I introduced our remaining three members. Roger Woods opened with a Houdini escape themed rope effect, followed by his chop cup with a nod to Paul Daniels and a final card location involving a card castle. Donald (the Average) Monk was on top form, and soon endeared himself to the audience with his quirky humour, spoon penetration, his own ‘getting into the MML HQ’ origami-styled puzzle and a tricky card trick solved by Magic Bunny. He left us wondering why Selfridges doesn’t sell fridges. Paul Guy closed with some troublesome socks and an effect specifically designed for Doug with plenty of audience participation, which is his speciality.
On the drive back up the M6 and into the thunder storms of Lancashire, we reflected upon a most enjoyable and rewarding afternoon.
Brian Lead
On the drive back up the M6 and into the thunder storms of Lancashire, we reflected upon a most enjoyable and rewarding afternoon.
Brian Lead