The Modern Mystic League
SEPTEMBER 2024
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
It was a delight to welcome British Ring President Philip Partridge to our September meeting, for his ‘final fling’ before passing on his chain of office at the up-coming convention.
As predicted, Philip was probed and prodded by myself and performed some of his signature routines, with tea and cakes in between provided by the Docherty family and Margaret Guy.
Philip spoke about his childhood in South Wales, and the serendipity which caused him, at the age of eight, to receive as a Christmas present a ‘Hanky Panky’ magic set originally destined for someone else in the family. He explained his influences, both local and national (with particular references to John Mills and Paul Daniels), before tracing his career in pharmacy (working at the Alder Hay Children’s Hospital for five years) through to taking up magic professionally. In between, he could be found demonstrating magic at the Wizard’s Den in Liverpool’s Dale Street. Specialising in children’s magic for a living, Philip feels he has managed to retain magic for adults as a hobby.
As predicted, Philip was probed and prodded by myself and performed some of his signature routines, with tea and cakes in between provided by the Docherty family and Margaret Guy.
Philip spoke about his childhood in South Wales, and the serendipity which caused him, at the age of eight, to receive as a Christmas present a ‘Hanky Panky’ magic set originally destined for someone else in the family. He explained his influences, both local and national (with particular references to John Mills and Paul Daniels), before tracing his career in pharmacy (working at the Alder Hay Children’s Hospital for five years) through to taking up magic professionally. In between, he could be found demonstrating magic at the Wizard’s Den in Liverpool’s Dale Street. Specialising in children’s magic for a living, Philip feels he has managed to retain magic for adults as a hobby.
AFTERNOON TEA WITH
PHILIP PARTRIDGE
PHILIP PARTRIDGE
Along the way, he has been the youngest ever President of the Mahatma Magic Circle in Liverpool (performing with the Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra on one occasion) and President of the Manchester Circle of Magicians.
Philip spoke about the support of Steve, his partner for over twenty-five years, and we heard about performances for the rich and famous, including the then Prince Charles, Brooklyn Beckham (at his third birthday party) and Ronaldo.
Also during the afternoon, we heard how Philip dealt with Covid and a freak head injury, and his experiences as British Ring President, including a visit to the USA for the I.B.M.’s Tacoma convention.
It was also revealed that his favourite colour is fuchsia.
In the performance part of the afternoon, we were treated to Philip’s version of the classic Penta-Block, his Harry Potter train noises, a presentation of Chris Wardle and James Ward’s new ‘Triadic’ book test and a balloon dog which did a card trick. It was all great fun, making for a really joyous event.
Philip gave generously of his time and talents, which was greatly appreciated by the members present, and has now become an official ‘Friend’ of the MML.
Brian Lead
Philip spoke about the support of Steve, his partner for over twenty-five years, and we heard about performances for the rich and famous, including the then Prince Charles, Brooklyn Beckham (at his third birthday party) and Ronaldo.
Also during the afternoon, we heard how Philip dealt with Covid and a freak head injury, and his experiences as British Ring President, including a visit to the USA for the I.B.M.’s Tacoma convention.
It was also revealed that his favourite colour is fuchsia.
In the performance part of the afternoon, we were treated to Philip’s version of the classic Penta-Block, his Harry Potter train noises, a presentation of Chris Wardle and James Ward’s new ‘Triadic’ book test and a balloon dog which did a card trick. It was all great fun, making for a really joyous event.
Philip gave generously of his time and talents, which was greatly appreciated by the members present, and has now become an official ‘Friend’ of the MML.
Brian Lead