The Modern Mystic League
NOVEMBER 2024
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
We had an excellent turn-out for Paul Guy’s President’s Day, from both audience and performers.
The entertainment, provided by Liverpool’s Mahatma Magic Circle, had a decidedly European touch, with President Matteo Borrini from Italy elegantly introducing us to Orpheus from Greece, performing as Leonardo in a traditional half-mask from the commedia dell’arte. His ‘magia dell’arte’ consisted of a most impressive cups-and-balls sequence without a single reference to Egyptian hieroglyphics – so it can be done! There was some skilful wand manipulation, clever misdirection, the use of a shiny brass bell to point the moves and multiple loads at the conclusion of the routine.
Next, Daniel Maze amazed with Rubik’s Cubes of all shapes, colours and sizes; from ‘straightforward’ (?) solving to other feats engaging three spectators. This very personable young man ended with the creation of the name of Paul, made from apparently randomly selected cubes in a frame. I’m sure Paul will have really appreciated this, as it reflected his own philosophy about thoughtfully personalised magic.
Rick and Carol Tynan closed the stage section of the programme with their light-hearted take on Russian roulette, using eggs as ammunition and a ‘revolver’ which was actually a turn-table. There were seven hardboiled eggs and one ‘live’ round, with the volunteer (?) assistant being allowed to wear a hard hat for protection. You really had to be there. We were also treated to the couple’s trademark presentation of the hydrostatic glass, with President Paul in the hot seat this time, wearing a fetching shower hat. I know the feeling, having been the victim on a previous occasion.
The entertainment, provided by Liverpool’s Mahatma Magic Circle, had a decidedly European touch, with President Matteo Borrini from Italy elegantly introducing us to Orpheus from Greece, performing as Leonardo in a traditional half-mask from the commedia dell’arte. His ‘magia dell’arte’ consisted of a most impressive cups-and-balls sequence without a single reference to Egyptian hieroglyphics – so it can be done! There was some skilful wand manipulation, clever misdirection, the use of a shiny brass bell to point the moves and multiple loads at the conclusion of the routine.
Next, Daniel Maze amazed with Rubik’s Cubes of all shapes, colours and sizes; from ‘straightforward’ (?) solving to other feats engaging three spectators. This very personable young man ended with the creation of the name of Paul, made from apparently randomly selected cubes in a frame. I’m sure Paul will have really appreciated this, as it reflected his own philosophy about thoughtfully personalised magic.
Rick and Carol Tynan closed the stage section of the programme with their light-hearted take on Russian roulette, using eggs as ammunition and a ‘revolver’ which was actually a turn-table. There were seven hardboiled eggs and one ‘live’ round, with the volunteer (?) assistant being allowed to wear a hard hat for protection. You really had to be there. We were also treated to the couple’s trademark presentation of the hydrostatic glass, with President Paul in the hot seat this time, wearing a fetching shower hat. I know the feeling, having been the victim on a previous occasion.
PRESIDENT'S DAY
with
MAHATMA MAGIC CIRCLE
with
MAHATMA MAGIC CIRCLE
It didn’t take any magic words to vanish the wonderful buffet magicked up by Paul and Margaret, enhanced by the latter’s baking skills.
Part two brought a round of close-up performances with Harvey Oldham joining the team with some highly original patter based upon his own experiences and skills, including ju-jitsu. We heard about his Uncle Tony’s uncanny ability to assess dimensions by instinct, and he personally located cards with startling accuracy.
Orpheus turned his attention to cards and coins, finding the ‘lady’ using Jokers and introducing some impressive jumping coins.
I saw Dan in the background with more of his cube magic, while at my table Rick presented an original version of the Professor’s Nightmare using thick yellow ropes and a smaller, close-up reworking of the Linking Rings. He also slipped in Chris Congreave’s ‘Dead Cert’, which is a sort of alternative, less tasteful, version of Ken Brooke’s ‘Baby Gag’.
The afternoon came to a close before we knew it, proving that time does indeed fly when you are enjoying yourself. All that was left was thanks all round, and a promise to return the favour in 2025.
Brian Lead
Part two brought a round of close-up performances with Harvey Oldham joining the team with some highly original patter based upon his own experiences and skills, including ju-jitsu. We heard about his Uncle Tony’s uncanny ability to assess dimensions by instinct, and he personally located cards with startling accuracy.
Orpheus turned his attention to cards and coins, finding the ‘lady’ using Jokers and introducing some impressive jumping coins.
I saw Dan in the background with more of his cube magic, while at my table Rick presented an original version of the Professor’s Nightmare using thick yellow ropes and a smaller, close-up reworking of the Linking Rings. He also slipped in Chris Congreave’s ‘Dead Cert’, which is a sort of alternative, less tasteful, version of Ken Brooke’s ‘Baby Gag’.
The afternoon came to a close before we knew it, proving that time does indeed fly when you are enjoying yourself. All that was left was thanks all round, and a promise to return the favour in 2025.
Brian Lead