The Modern Mystic League
MAY 2026
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
For our May lecture, John Hotowka packed 45 years of experience into a 120-minute masterclass, embracing close-up and parlour magic.
The first effect (‘Cardboard Balloooooooonology’) incorporated the amusing give-away of a business card, in which a line drawn by a pen inflated to a thicker line which was then transformed into a ‘balloon dog’ image. The double and triple lifts involved were managed by excellent prop choreography.
This was followed by the ‘Crystal Ball Vanishing Deck’, inspired by Colin Linn, in which a pack of cards is ditched into a pocket simply by patting it in a natural gesture while apparently searching for a non-existent crystal ball.
The basic gimmick for ‘Silver, Brass, Copper’ was invented by Conrad Hayden, with details published by J B Bobo. John’s version is based upon the handling of Doc Eason and centres upon the idea of his grandfather’s ‘smallest coin collection in the world’!
‘The Ring, the Lace and the Key Case’ was inspired by Karrell Fox (see Another Book, 1979) and developed by Mark Leveridge. It begins as a relatively standard ‘ring-on-string’ effect, but ends with the borrowed ring being found in a key case. This was probably the most demanding effect of the afternoon, but not beyond the ability of someone willing to put in the work
A routine with a Jardine Ellis ring (‘The Wishing Ring’) was, again, meticulously thought through.
The first effect (‘Cardboard Balloooooooonology’) incorporated the amusing give-away of a business card, in which a line drawn by a pen inflated to a thicker line which was then transformed into a ‘balloon dog’ image. The double and triple lifts involved were managed by excellent prop choreography.
This was followed by the ‘Crystal Ball Vanishing Deck’, inspired by Colin Linn, in which a pack of cards is ditched into a pocket simply by patting it in a natural gesture while apparently searching for a non-existent crystal ball.
The basic gimmick for ‘Silver, Brass, Copper’ was invented by Conrad Hayden, with details published by J B Bobo. John’s version is based upon the handling of Doc Eason and centres upon the idea of his grandfather’s ‘smallest coin collection in the world’!
‘The Ring, the Lace and the Key Case’ was inspired by Karrell Fox (see Another Book, 1979) and developed by Mark Leveridge. It begins as a relatively standard ‘ring-on-string’ effect, but ends with the borrowed ring being found in a key case. This was probably the most demanding effect of the afternoon, but not beyond the ability of someone willing to put in the work
A routine with a Jardine Ellis ring (‘The Wishing Ring’) was, again, meticulously thought through.
STAR LECTURE
with
JOHN HOTOWKA
with
JOHN HOTOWKA
‘Snap!’ (a very clean and simple paper-to-banknote) was credited to Roy Johnson, and his instructions were included in the beautifully-presented lecture notes.
‘The Trick That Never Goes Wrong’ is an amusing concept which can be traced back to ‘A Card Named Fred’ – in John’s case using a Company logo.
The final routine involved a sort of 'yes/no interlude' (if you remember Take Your Pick on the telly you are showing your age!) wherein the required answer was always 'Modern Mystic League'. This led to much hilarity, with the loud dinging of a polished brass bell and an equally noisy personal alarm, with the flawless switch of a card and prize money via a gaffed envelope. Again, the required answer had been adapted very successfully for corporate work. A simple effect which played big and really engaged the audience.
This was a well-delivered presentation, showing John's enthusiasm, excellent stage presence and audience control. He was scrupulous in his citing of sources, and his professionalism extended well beyond the performance time, with a full change of clothing and charming attitude throughout.
Brian Lead
‘The Trick That Never Goes Wrong’ is an amusing concept which can be traced back to ‘A Card Named Fred’ – in John’s case using a Company logo.
The final routine involved a sort of 'yes/no interlude' (if you remember Take Your Pick on the telly you are showing your age!) wherein the required answer was always 'Modern Mystic League'. This led to much hilarity, with the loud dinging of a polished brass bell and an equally noisy personal alarm, with the flawless switch of a card and prize money via a gaffed envelope. Again, the required answer had been adapted very successfully for corporate work. A simple effect which played big and really engaged the audience.
This was a well-delivered presentation, showing John's enthusiasm, excellent stage presence and audience control. He was scrupulous in his citing of sources, and his professionalism extended well beyond the performance time, with a full change of clothing and charming attitude throughout.
Brian Lead
