The Modern Mystic League
FEBRUARY 2025
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
It was a case of ‘old friends reunited’ for our February meeting, as magicians travelled from far and wide for the Mark James lecture ‘Anatomy of a Magician’. Mark himself is an old friend of the League, having delivered his first lecture to us many years ago, and performing at our dinner in 2012. He is now a genuine globe-trotter, as evidenced by the forty-plus stickers on his cases.
Mark started impressively with fire to silver cane and a flower production, stating his policy of apologising later rather than enquiring first!
Next came his hilarious vanishing elephant, at a slick pace which didn’t slacken as he went into his version of the cups and balls classic, with quips galore.
After the break, we were treated to the multiplying bottles with additional embellishments, and signed cards to pocket . . . and elsewhere.
The session concluded with a Sherlock Holmes themed blindfold book test.
So . . . the afternoon was full of the classics of magic. They are classics for a reason, as they have stood the test of time. What Mark brought to them was a fresh vision and presentation which made them relevant and entertaining to a contemporary audience – even to one composed of hardened magicians!
Mark started impressively with fire to silver cane and a flower production, stating his policy of apologising later rather than enquiring first!
Next came his hilarious vanishing elephant, at a slick pace which didn’t slacken as he went into his version of the cups and balls classic, with quips galore.
After the break, we were treated to the multiplying bottles with additional embellishments, and signed cards to pocket . . . and elsewhere.
The session concluded with a Sherlock Holmes themed blindfold book test.
So . . . the afternoon was full of the classics of magic. They are classics for a reason, as they have stood the test of time. What Mark brought to them was a fresh vision and presentation which made them relevant and entertaining to a contemporary audience – even to one composed of hardened magicians!
STAR LECTURE
with
MARK JAMES
with
MARK JAMES
Mark added a continuous commentary, showing fine attention to details, ironing out wrinkles and adding convincers. His rapid-fire patter delivery was a factor which could not be emulated by everyone, but all could use tips about the correct way to produce a bunch of flowers.
Mark commented upon his choice of ‘show names’ which are added to his own name in his publicity, and the use of appropriate low-volume music to underpin and enhance each routine. He explained the construction of his table and unfurling banner, his ingenious doctor’s bag styled gibeciere (really a lady’s handbag) and how to handle the bottle tubes convincingly.
Mark has put a lot of thought into his presentations, and has included features just meaningful to him – such as the cricket ball signed by Michael Parkinson which has associations with his father. Other tips included keeping your eyes closed under a blindfold until it is necessary to peek.
This was a master-class in how to re-assess and re-present ‘standard’ items, and should be emulated by those who are serious about their craft.
The day was made extra-special by the presentation of a certificate to Brian Berry, recognising his being made an honorary member of the League in acknowledgement of all his support over many years.
Brian Lead
Mark commented upon his choice of ‘show names’ which are added to his own name in his publicity, and the use of appropriate low-volume music to underpin and enhance each routine. He explained the construction of his table and unfurling banner, his ingenious doctor’s bag styled gibeciere (really a lady’s handbag) and how to handle the bottle tubes convincingly.
Mark has put a lot of thought into his presentations, and has included features just meaningful to him – such as the cricket ball signed by Michael Parkinson which has associations with his father. Other tips included keeping your eyes closed under a blindfold until it is necessary to peek.
This was a master-class in how to re-assess and re-present ‘standard’ items, and should be emulated by those who are serious about their craft.
The day was made extra-special by the presentation of a certificate to Brian Berry, recognising his being made an honorary member of the League in acknowledgement of all his support over many years.
Brian Lead