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KEY NOVEMBER 2021

ALICE’S ADVENTURES
DINNER DATE l PRESTON PERFORMANCE
SHEFFIELD SHOW
www.britishring.org.uk
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NOVEMBER 2021

RiNG officers
KEY

25

President: Alan MASKELL COUNCIL

40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW Richard CADELL
T. 07999 537686 E. [email protected]
E. [email protected] Clive MOORE
President Elect: Oliver TABOR T. 01332 763 206
Sutton Hall, Shopland Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LH M. 07711139479
T. 01702 543242 Email: [email protected]
E. [email protected]
Vice President: Edwin DAWES
Carol TYNAN
Immediate Past President: Brian LEAD
T. 01704 533 768
55 Saunders Road, Blackburn, Lancs, BB2 6NP
E. [email protected]
T. 01254 52070 E. [email protected]
Graham COLVAN
Executive Secretary: Moira FLETCHER
T. 0780 937 3746
40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW
E. [email protected]
T. 07771 613894 E. [email protected]
James HOBART
Assistant Secretary: Ajay VORA
T. 028 9185 2760
27 St Barnabas Road, Barnetby, N Lincs DN32 6 JB
E. [email protected]
T. 07771752000 E. [email protected]
John RUSSELL
Treasurer: Rick TYNAN
Communications Manager
12 Kempton Park Fold, Southport, Merseyside PR8 5PL
T. 0191 416 4152
T. 01704 533768 E. [email protected]
E. [email protected]
Hon. Solicitor: Clive CULLUM
Oliver TABOR
25 Martin Grange 5 Otley Road Harrogate HG2 0DL
T. 01702 543242
T. 01423 525093. E. [email protected]
E. [email protected]
Chaplain & Welfare Officer: Alan CLARKE
Aidan HERITAGE
Bear’s Den, 22 Blackcliffe Way, Bearpark, Co. Durham DH7 7TJ
T. 07903 931967
T. 0191 659 9114 E. [email protected]
E. [email protected]
Webmaster: Aidan HERITAGE
Robert MOSS
T. 07903 931967 E. [email protected]
T. 07926 182 756
Key Ring Editor and Advertising Manager: Geoffrey NEWTON
E. [email protected]
The Quills, 146 Ashton Lane, Ashton Upon Mersey, Sale M33 5EZ.
Danny HUNT
T. 0161 969 8222. E. [email protected]
[email protected]
Child Protection Representative: Rena FLETCHER
07957340617
T.07798 524662 [email protected]

Benevolent Fund Trustees: The British Ring IMPORTANT INFORMATION

Eddie DAWES, John PYE, is proud to be a Moira FLETCHER Membership applications,
Alan J CLARKE and Keith COOPER. member of FISM changes of address and general British Ring
correspondence.
Rick TYNAN Annual subscriptions, benevolent
Past Presidents *Donald Crombie. *Tony Shelley. *John Palfreyman. fund donations and all financial enquiries.
*J. Milton *Will Ayling. Mike Gancia.
*Oswald Rae. Woodward. *Hamilton Kaye. *Cynthia Neptune. Aidan HERITAGE Website contributions.
*Herbert Collings. *Paul Graham. *Brian Miller. Don Beattie. Alan J CLARKE News of members recovering,
*John Ramsay. *Tommy Rowe. *Rovi. Mark Raffles. ill, or deceased.
*His Honour Ernest *Revd. Michael *Peter Scarlett. John Styles MBE.
Wethered OBE. Seacome. *Clem Bailey. *Derek McFaull. Geoffrey NEWTON Public relations, news,
*W. G. Stickland MBE. *Geoffrey *Robert Sinclair. Trevor Lewis. advertising enquiries, copy, payments,
*Harry Kaye. Buckingham. *Ron MacMillan. Shirley Ray. Key Ring articles/letters, Broken Wands,
*John Gambling. *Harold Taylor. *Ken De Courcy. Keith Cooper.
*Oscar Paulson. *Ron Bishop. *Alan Shaxon. *Brian Miller.
and requests to switch over to
*Geoffrey *Alastair Oliphant. Geoff Ray. *John ‘Sly’ Smith the e. key ring etc.
Robinson OBE. Dr. Eddie Dawes. Terry Herbert. Neil Roberts Contact details shown above
*Eddie Dexter. *Alfred Gabriel. *Les Nottle. Alan Astra
*Jeffery Atkins. *Ted Whebell. *Tom Owen. Paul Ray
*Les Levante. *Duncan Fletcher. John Pye. Clive Moore
*Archie Tear. David Berglas. *Bob Hayden. Richard Cadell
*Wilfred Tyler. *Edwin Hooper. Derek Lever. Brian Lead
THE DIGITAL KEY RING
*Francis Haxton. *Ali Bongo. *Richard Stupple. Direct links to websites, videos and other articles.
*Peter Warlock. *Cliff Townsend. *Louis Martelle. * DECEASED Help save the environment by going paperless
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RiNG contents
KEY

25 November 2021
The Official Magazine of The British Ring No. 25 of
The International Brotherhood of Magicians For Private Circulation

Features
5 Preston Live: Brian Sefton reports post COVID show
PAGE 5 6 Collaborative Conjuring: elementary my dear Watson
8 Nonvention 2021: a virtual variety
13 Steve Faulkner: magic with a pint and a pie
14 Rick’s Magic Musings: clever cups
16 Brian’s Bulletin: Brian in Wonderland
18 AGM Report: a short report
20 Carol’s Convention Carousel: memories of Eastbourne
22 A Bit Moore Magic: Derby debut
PAGE 8
23 Three Book Challenge: Dr Keith Souter a man of secrets
26 Ideas time: Bells, balls and a bottle
28 Broken Wand: Brian Knowles
29 More Miller Memories: friends remember Brian
Tricks
24 Kids’ Corner: Christmas already
Regulars
PAGE 13 2 The Editor’s View
3 President’s View
4 From the Executive Secretary

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 6 November 2021, Concordia Theatre Hinckley. Informal Face to
Face Event. More details will be sent out by email shortly and will also be on our
Facebook page and website.
PAGE 16 Saturday 19 March 2022, President’s Dinner, Barr Hill Hotel, Cambridge.
Further details will be available very soon, or please contact our President for
information.
Sunday 29 May 2022, Picnic Event, Ocean Room, Gorleston
Further details will be released as soon as possible.
Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 September 2022, Annual Convention, Eastbourne
We are very excited to be returning to our face to face convention and plans are
already under way!

THE EDITOR and council accept no responsibility for the opinions expressed in articles appearing in the KEY RING. Its contents are copyright and
must not be reproduced in part or whole without permission of the author/contributor and editor.
KEY RING REVIEWS POLICY: As the KEY RING is a members only magazine, and space is limited, only items that have been advertised in KEY RING
(excluding Smalls) or the current convention brochure will be reviewed. Reviews must be submitted from a satisfied customer, or send the item to the editor
with a stamped SAE for its return.
KEY RING CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY: When sending to the editor enquiries or items for publication on flashdrives etc. and/or props that you wish
to be returned please enclose a stamped SAE. Also, please try to email the editor your effect, article etc. for publication. This should not prevent
members without computers from getting involved, but do enclose a stamped SAE for the return of ANYTHING that you would like back.
IBM FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/IBM.BritishRing25 BRITISH RING TWITTER PAGE: http://twitter.com/IBMBRITISHRING
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THE EDITOR’S VIEW

Ibackmagic
t seems that at last some normal
society meetings are coming
into fashion and our columnist,
Remember, remember the fifth of
November,
Gunpowder treason and plot.
Brian Lead has informed me that at We see no reason
The Modern Mystic League in Why gunpowder treason
Blackburn eight hardy souls braved the Should ever be forgot!
virus to assemble in person on Sunday Many of you, I am sure, will remember
(12 September) for the first time in this poem (maybe in a slightly different
eighteen months. The first version and additional verses) from
thirty minutes were your school days. Well, the 5 November
spent catching up on chatter will be here soon and, whilst on the subject of the
and comparing ailments. The easing of restrictions, there may well be some of
focus of the meeting was, you providing entertainment as part of official
“What did you do in the events organised by local sports clubs. If working
lockdown?” It was a most with children, it provides an ideal opportunity to
enjoyable and relaxing give out a fire safety message. Things such as
afternoon in the company this are noticed and could result in impressed
of old friends. parents booking you for future events of their own.
Two days later, my local
society, The Order of The
Magi in Manchester, held Geoffrey NEWTON editor
a similar meeting but was The Quills
unable to use their normal 146 Ashton Lane,
venue, The Irish World Heritage Ashton upon Mersey,
Centre, as it had been leased to the NHS as a Sale M33 5EZ
Vaccination Centre. Fortunately a new hotel has T. 0161-969 8222 or 07769 884109
recently been constructed within the same site, E. [email protected]
so their lucky seven could chat there and discuss
magical matters of the day. It was a pleasant When submitting articles send to the above
reunion for all. address. When writing to the editor, please
Has your society returned to face to face enclose a stamped SAE if you need a reply or if
activities? If so, do write in. you would like photos etc. returned. Thank you.

AT LAST! TH
PRESIDENT’SE
DINNER
The British Ring
Dinner & Cabare President’s
Saturday 19 Mart
Cambridge Bar ch 2022
Cambridge CB23Hill Hotel,
Tickets – £38 8EU
Contact Alan Mas
kell

2 KEYRING NOVEMBER 2021

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PRESIDENT’S VIEW
N ovember, the leaves are off the
trees, and the nights have drawn in,
but we have the first face-to-face
Shorter days mean staying in and
reading! Ian Keable’s book on
eighteenth century hoaxes has been a
British Ring meeting since the lockdown great read and I’m currently reading the
to look forward to! I hope to see some memoirs of Adelaide Herrmann.
of you at our get-together in Hinckley The Magic Circle has finally caught
on Saturday 6 for what should be an us up and elected a female President,
excellent day and the first step on our although we are still ahead having had
return to physical meetings. If you are two: Cynthia Neptune and Shirley Ray!
going don’t forget to book your place Congratulations to Megan Swann
and don’t forget you can bring along a non- MIMC, who is also
member for just £10 and that can be deducted the youngest TMC
from their subscription if they join on the day! President. You may
A sandwich lunch can also be booked, if required, remember Megan
for £5, payable on the day. won both The
The next step will be my Presidential Dinner British Ring Shield
and Cabaret on 19 March next year at the Bar Hill and the Originality
Hotel, Cambridge. Details and tickets from me! It Trophy in the
is good to be able to finally get this event competition at
organised and being able to fulfil the Southport 2018.
requirements of the President’s role. On that I’ve known her from
point, we have been asking the Officers and The Young
Council members to assist in putting together Magicians’ Club Adelaide Herrmann
their individual job descriptions to both clarify when she was friends with my daughter and they
their roles and have a template both took part in ‘Tricky TV.’ alongside
ready for future post holders and a Michael Jordan, Troy and others.
guide for those who may be Congratulations too to Aidan
interested in standing for election in Heritage, who won the September
the future. Challenge with his poem of 150 words,
Although we are getting back to a or so, on what was missed from our live
semblance of normality, I still plan to conventions. The November Challenge
organise occasional Zoom meetings is to write a short piece, say 200
for members to join in on. It has words, on your favourite trick,
been apparent that these meetings what it means to you, or an
have, not only been well attended, Megan Swann example of it performed, or the
but also a good link for members around the background to it.
countries and those who may not yet be ready or Keep safe,
able to travel. If you have any ideas or content for Alan
any of these please let me know. Which leads me
to thank all those who contacted Moira and
myself by email, telephone, and even post, to Alan MASKELL
congratulate the team on a great Nonvention. 40 Lanton Drive, Glagow G52 2EW
Thank you too for being involved in watching T. 07999 537686
and enjoying it! E. [email protected]

NOVEMBER 2021 KEYRING 3

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FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY

W e have been delighted with the
number of members who were
online for our AGM at the start of
also be interested in old photographs,
preferably with anyone included being
identified and also where the picture
September, and also for those joining was taken. Please contact either Aidan
the various Zoom events we have been or myself, and our details can be found
holding, particularly the President’s on the inner page of each issue of the
Challenge Zoom at the end of each Key Ring.
month. Although there may only be 20 Finally, we are getting very excited
to 30 members who come on, we have about our event at the Concordia
a great time catching up, chatting about magic Theatre in Hinckley, Leicestershire, in a few days
we have seen, and share ideas and thoughts on time. If you are planning on attending please
magic in general. The monthly Zooms will continue make sure you have booked your place, and also
at present as we appreciate this is a good way to your lunch. It is very important we have numbers
stay in touch. If you haven’t been on yet, please for those attending, and also for the number of
feel free to join us. Also, if you have any
suggestions for lectures or presentations at one
of these Zoom events, then please let me know.
At the AGM our Rules and Constitution updated
amendments were accepted and we were also
delighted to announce 49 long service certificates.
These will now have been sent out to those
members. We can now hopefully keep our
records up to date so that we can present these
in the future without members having to let us
know they are due. Concordia Theatre in Hinckley
We are extremely grateful to Audrey Miller who lunches that are required. Please don’t miss
has very kindly agreed to carry on mailing out the out book now. We need to have numbers by
Key Ring every month. She has been given 2 November at the very latest.
Honorary Membership in recognition of her work I would like to take this opportunity to thank
and dedication over many years for The British those who have emailed, written and telephoned
Ring. Joy Shaw has also been given this in relation to the Nonvention in September. The
recognition, again for her dedicated involvement team have worked very hard but have thoroughly
with The British Ring over many years, and we are enjoyed being able to keep our members
pleased that we can show our entertained with magic online, and we are very
appreciation to them both in this grateful for your kind words and appreciation.
way.
It has come to our attention that Life is a Fairy Tale. Live it with wonder and
a few members may have videos or amazement – Welwyn Wilton Katz
old cine film from previous British
Ring conventions and events, and we Moira FLETCHER
are wondering if these could be shared 40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW
with Aidan so a copy can be T. 07771 613894
made for our archives. We would E. [email protected]

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Tthroughout
he festival ran from the 21 to 30
June, this year, at various venues
the city.
“Smash and Stab” although I
suspect that Mark’s method did
much to avoid the inherent
Even though I live in Preston, I dangers in the effect.
wouldn’t have known anything about Edward Hilsum did a patter act,
it but for Duncan Trillo’s Magic Week in the first half which included
which included a plug for the final “The Miser’s Dream” in the style
event “Hey Presto–N”, a magic show of Jeff McBride and performed his
taking place at the Charter Theatre. Dove Act later in the programme.
The theatre, within the Guild Hall Jamie Raven, probably best
by Brian Sefton
complex has been closed known to the public from his
(regrettably) for quite some time appearances on Britain’s Got
(long before Covid) and had re-opened just for the Talent, performed mainly standard effects in both his
festival. spots, with charm and style that registered well with
Although booking via the seating plan gave the the predominantly lay audience.
impression that the event was pretty much a sell- The opening and closing act of the show was Alex
out (allowing for social distancing), there were, in Jesson’s Matricks Illusion, a six handed team who
fact, only about 80 in the audience. (No other performed many well- known illusions some with
magicians that I recognised, but I did run in to Russ offbeat twists. I am sometimes unsure whether to
Stevens, in the foyer.) applaud the performers, or the clever boxes, but this
The show consisted of four acts which performed team were fast, colourful and energetic making for a
in each half to provide over two hours of magic, very entertaining presentation.
excluding interval. The small audience was extremely enthusiastic
Mark Shortland was a boisterous host and throughout the evening and this did much to create
compère with tricks between acts and his own spot a wonderful atmosphere both for the performers and
in both halves of the show. He included Andy themselves.
Gladwin’s magic square and a most effective It was a great night’s entertainment.

Mark Shortland Edward Hilsum Jamie Raven

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COLLABORATIVE CONJURING THE BOOKCASE OF S H

JAMES: This month’s title is a play the spectator to the top of the
on The Casebook of Sherlock deck. This is used to throw them
Holmes, and, not surprisingly, is all off the scent. They believe their

CHRIS: It was inspired after

about Sherlock Holmes’ stories. cuts must have mixed the deck,
but the top portion remains intact.
purchasing a collector’s deck of Though the Piatnik deck has many
playing cards in a games shop. different images, there are
(Piatnik Number 1636, which are actually nine cards which (using

JAMES: These can also be

‘Sherlock Holmes Playing Cards’.) reproductions of book covers, film
posters or stars from a production)
purchased online. Each card deck. In this way two random cuts depict The Hound of the
depicts a different book cover, film have been made. The performer Baskervilles in several different
poster or star linked to Sir Arthur spreads through to the first face- ways! The cards are the Queen of

CHRIS: We hope you enjoy this

Conan Doyle’s great detective. down card and cuts the deck at Diamonds, the Nine of Clubs, the
this point, placing the face-up King of Diamonds, the Two of
delve into the world of Sherlock cards to the bottom. The cards are Diamonds, the Nine of Spades, the
Holmes! now dealt alternately into two Three of Spades, the Nine of

EFFECT
piles, still face down, until the Diamonds, the Two of Spades and
spectator calls ‘Stop’. Either pile is the Nine of Hearts. Taking
The performer displays a large indicated and the spectator advantage of this, the top 18
envelope, which contains a gift for chooses one card from this pile.
the spectator as a thank you for The deck has been cut, two
helping with an experiment. A piles dealt, one pile chosen, and
deck of cards is shown, each one one card taken. A random and fair
bearing a different image related selection. The card is turned over
to the stories and characters from to reveal it bears an image of the
the world of Sherlock Holmes. The story, The Hound of the
cards are casually spread to show Baskervilles.
some of the different images, then The spectator now opens the
squared up and turned face down. envelope and removes their gift. It
A spectator is asked to cut off is a copy of the story; The Hound
about a third to a half of the deck, of the Baskervilles!

WORKING
turn it face up and place it back
on top of the deck. They are then
asked to take an even bigger cut, Having read through the effect, we
half to three-quarters of the deck, are sure you will have spotted the
pick it up and turn it over, placing use of Ed Balducci’s Turn Over and
it back onto the remainder of the Cut Deeper Force, which returns

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S HERLOCK HOLMES by Chris WARDLE and James WARD

cards are stacked so that every

other card (starting with the top
card) bears a The Hound of the two piles, ask the spectator to call
Baskervilles image. The turnover ‘Stop’ at any point. It is very likely
and cut deeper force returns the that they will stop you before you Alternatively, you could just
top stack to its original position. have dealt all 18 cards, which produce a written prediction,
You then deal the cards alternately adds to the illusion that the perhaps on a luggage label
into two piles, thus creating a spectator has a free choice. attached to a magnifying glass, as
‘force’ pile and a ‘discard’ pile. However, if you do deal up to 18 if it were a piece of evidence. You
You ask the spectator to push one cards, then just casually say ‘I could even flash the remaining
pile towards you. If they push the think we’ve got enough cards force cards, once one has been
discard pile forward, you simply now’ and stop dealing. They don’t selected, if you hold them in a
add it to the top of the deck, know what you are going to do fairly tight fan, as all of the images
effectively eliminating it. They with them, so there is no reason and the card indices – relating to
then pick a card from the for them to disagree! The Hound of the Baskervilles –
remaining force pile! If, however, You can purchase cheap copies are different so this will further
they push the force pile towards of classic books such as The suggest complete freedom of
you, then simply pick it up, fan it Hound of the Baskervilles in shops choice!
out and allow them to pick a card like ‘The Works’. This allows you, We wonder if the great Holmes
from this pile! if you wish, to give away a copy of himself might work out the
When you deal the cards into the book at the end of the trick. method!

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THE 2021 NONVENTION PART 1

Saturday and Sunday 4 -5 September 2021
Welcome and That was… Memories of Conventions Past

SATURDAY 4 SEPTEMBER with the Mystic Craig Dealers’ attractive concept, beautifully
Brian Lead reports – Looking as Trophy at our last Eastbourne executed.
immaculate as ever, British Ring convention. Paul Daniels appeared in our
President Alan Maskell declared This exercise in nostalgia was gala show in 1986, at the peak of
the proceedings open, welcoming followed by a clip of Harry Corbett, his fame, and in the absence of
all members and dedicating along with Sooty, being historical footage Aidan took the
Nonvention 21 to the memory of interviewed on Calendar People by opportunity to re-run the iconic
the late Brian Miller, who had Richard Whiteley. Harry recalled chop-cup sequence from his
contributed so much to Ring 25 in buying Sooty (without the black television show, which was
so many ways. ears which gave him his name) on broadcast around the same time.
Alan was joined online from the Blackpool’s North Pier in 1948 We are all now so familiar with
USA by I.B.M. International and, guided by George Blake, first this version that we
President Ken Scott, who presenting him on television in can repeat the
performed a quick sight-gag trick 1952. We heard the delightful patter word for
before sending greetings from the story of taking Sooty on holiday word and
parent body and reminding us of with the family (because, after all, anticipate all of the
next year’s centenary, the he had paid for it!) and learned moves (including
Brotherhood having been founded that he has no mouth, and so can the slow-motion
in 1922. register a range of emotions just segment which
For the first event, Aidan by head movements and body seems obligatory
Heritage had raided the archives language. Inevitably, Sweep for all who continue Paul Daniels
for photographs of dealers from turned up before the end and to copy it), but Paul’s uniqueness
the past, which he had blended squirted everyone with water. shone through.
into a fascinating time capsule. It Next up was the ever-popular Aidan had provided a heart-
was wonderful to see again Terry Seabrooke with his warming trip down memory lane
friends who once provided our trademark double-handed as the prelude to an exceptional
props but who are no longer with guillotine, still drawing laughs with weekend of magical events.

MAGIC FOR SMILES

us, and companies which no his quick quips and perfect timing.
longer exist and the Key Ring’s Changing the mood again, we
own Brian Berry proudly posing enjoyed Shaun McCree’s Aidan Heritage writes – Jamie
prizewinning performance from presented a talk on his charity at
the 1981 stage competition. The Eastbourne, but I (and I’m sure
‘Enchanted Garden’ routine found others) didn’t get to see it at the
Shaun dressed purely in white, time. As a children’s entertainer
producing flowers before and parent, I know the value of
multiplying the red rose petals. play to a child’s wellbeing, but for
Balls and silks made an children in war torn parts of the
appearance, concluding with a world, this is something that is
glowing ‘zombie’ which overlooked. Jamie’s charity aims
transformed into a freely floating to bring some of the fun back to
Brian Berry crystal shape. It was a very refugee children in Turkey, Jordan

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history and background in the use RICHARD PINNER – EVOLUTIONS

of LIVE fleas doing all sorts of Mike Driver records – Richard
stunts and the evolution of this Pinner is a highly successful,
side show that attracted skilful, award-winning magician.
thousands of people to hundreds He gave generously of his time
of sites for many years. and expertise in this, his first on-
Jon covered the origins back to line lecture. The presentation was
the first act a few hundred years clear, good-humoured, and
ago and how it evolved to be a interactive. Creativity in magic has
Jamie Balfour Paul hugely popular show, copied by various dimensions. Richard
and Lebanon. This presentation hundreds of performers, all with explored and illustrated many of
was relatively short at just over 17 the same title and found all these, in a brisk, clear, journey
minutes in length but gave us all around the world. I never realised through the evolution of a number
we needed to know as an insight what was involved in harnessing of his effects, much of which had
into the charity, so the timing was these fleas and getting them to not been shared before.
spot on! We were treated to some perform as sword fighters, Some effects were designed
clips of Jamie working and, via ballerinas, tight rope walkers, as specifically for virtual use. ‘Gold’ is
PowerPoint slides saw various well as many other stunts. He a well-structured, humorous,
points of information. As Philip covered the performers (fleas), the hands clean ‘bank night’ effect.
Partridge posted on the members’ props, the professors, and the Camouflage and technique are put
Facebook page, “very poignant printer who made the same to good use and
presentation, especially since the advertisements for all. Unusually each envelope can
UK are currently taking in Afghan the act died out, not for lack of an reveal any of three
refugees”. At least one other attending audience, but due to a outcomes. Richard
member viewed this presentation lack of performers as the human controls the
as one of the top events of the flea infestation died out in modern structure of the
weekend. Should you wish to times. He ended the talk with his routine to ensure a
make a donation to this charity, humorous and very entertaining great mixture of
you can do so at Flea Circus act, which we surprise and
www.justgiving.com/magicforsmiles discovered was first performed at humour, while Richard Pinner

THE MAGIC OF THE FLEA CIRCUS

the Hull Dinner and had been treating the spectator with
given to Jon by Danny Hunt as a respect. A deck production for use
Ajay Vora reports – Jon Marshall surprise birthday present. I highly in invisible deck routines is an
gave an excellent talk on the recommend fellow I.B.M.members effective quickie which uses an
various aspects of the Flea Circus. to see this talk if they get the ordinary, slightly modified card
As a fellow member of the Hull chance. box.
Circle, I had seen the multi- Richard described four further
talented Jon perform his highly effects. ‘Forced focus’ employs a
entertaining Flea Circus act in the clever new principle to force four
past. However, this does not use different cards in a riffled pack,
actual fleas, (sorry Jon), and that previously shown as normal. In
is what I assumed was also the ‘Elemental’ Richard finds a new
case in the acts of the past. Being choice for spectators. They view a
totally unaware of the history of Periodic Table and he reveals the
this unusual show, I was riveted thought of element, which he
and enthralled throughout the jokes is not ‘Ah’, the element of
s

whole talk, which covered the surprise! In his well-regarded

Jon Marshall
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effect ‘PET’, Richard wanted a

card, together with other vanished
objects, to appear within a sealed
envelope in a compact container.
He progressed from the ‘pocket’ in
the back of a small notebook to a
small plastic snap fastening
envelope. Finally, Richard also
described a number of ‘add-a-
number’ pads using different
principles including a simple
plastic binding spine (my
favourite) and magnetic paper.
This presentation was full of
useful practical detail. It also Neil Roberts and James Hobart
clearly demonstrated both the comedy items. I particularly created for use in a production of
imagination and resolve involved enjoyed the re-enactment of a Cinderella.
in generating new ideas and comedy money share, with James All too soon, the talk was
bringing them to fruition. The Hobart in the rôle of the second nearing its end, but not before the
lecture was really well received henchman. audience was invited to
and certainly had an impact on Neil’s talk also included participate in a community
me. I awoke a number of times references to the use of magic singsong!
that night, scribbling down ideas! effects in panto and he As Neil rightly stated at the
Thanks, Richard! demonstrated a unique torn-and- beginning… PANTO IS NOT JUST

THE MAGIC OF PANTOMIME –

restored invitation which he had FOR CHRISTMAS!

NEIL ROBERTS NONVENTION CLOSE-UP

GALA 2021
Close-up Competition Winners.
Report by Carol Tynan – I am What a pleasure it was to watch
fortunate to have been a member Rick Tynan writes – Huge thanks such a cavalcade of talent in one
of the ‘live’ audience at the to Oliver Tabor for arranging show. The performers from the
Leicester Picnic in 2019, when permissions and the Nonvention Nineties, Noughties and Tens
Neil originally gave his brilliant technical team for collating and represented a wide range of
and entertaining lecture. What a presenting these videos of past distinct and original performing
delight it was to be able to
experience it again.
Despite a less than auspicious
first experience of pantomime as
a young child, Neil soon became
fascinated with this form of
entertainment, and his knowledge,
experience and love of all things
pantomime was clearly evident
throughout the talk. The story he
told was packed with fascinating
facts and humorous references to
personal experiences, all cleverly
interspersed with some clever Nikola Arkane

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personas, styles and approaches multiplying cigarette packs and the Covid-19 pandemic. Danny
to close-up magic. In order of matchboxes. spent a while talking to us about
appearance, with their winning Thank you to all the performers different books that he
year in brackets, we saw great for giving their permission for the recommended to enhance our
performances from:- videos to be used in an excellent magic knowledge and he
Rob James (2015), whose laptop close-up show. explained that you can get more

SUNDAY 5 SEPTEMBER
visually kept a running tally of his out of a book than you can from
‘bad’ jokes and provided the buying a trick. He encouraged us
kicker prediction ending to the Sunday started with the video to follow our dreams and that he
first card effect. tribute to departed members, had made his career through
Steve Bedwell (1992), whose once again well put together by encouragement by people he had
Walkman appeared and re- Bob and Sue Hamilton and a idolised and was very grateful for
appeared under his baseball cap special event for our junior all the support he was given.

A BRIEF VISIT TO THE

throughout an entertaining and members.

MAGIC WORLD OF
strong cassette tape magic routine.

MATCHLESS MATCHAM
Richard Pinner (2003), who Alice Heritage reports –
literally rocked the house with his I attended the junior members’
very funny ‘laser sighted banana talk delivered by Danny Hunt. He
gun’ and exploding pack of cards spoke to us for around an hour
routine. about all things magic. He detailed
Alastair Cook (1994), whose how he grew up entranced by
faultless coins and cards were the magic, found his way in the
prelude to a miniature hat routine industry, who he has met and
with impossible ending and a looked up to along the way and
signed treasury note to lime held how his career in magic has had
by an audience member. to change more recently, to adapt
Nikola Arkane (2019), whose to the ever-changing climate of
artistry and characterisations are
only matched by her stagecraft
and evocative routines. Peter Rann
Steve Dela (2009), who started Seen by Alan Maskell – At the
with contact juggling and a drink last Eastbourne Convention, the
production and finished with a ‘Atkins Corner’ was filled to
well-choreographed and highly capacity for Peter Rann’s talk on
visual cups and balls routine to the history of Frank Matcham and
music. the theatres he designed. This
Jon Allen (1998), whose visual recording gave those who had
and verbal comedy and innovative missed it a chance to see this
magic was unstoppable, finishing fascinating presentation and I’m
with a borrowed ring re-appearing sure that many were delighted for
in a party-popper. the opportunity to watch it again.
Matthew Wright (2011), who Although Matcham was not a
demonstrated originality of style magician, this was a different sort
and magic, starting with a visible, of magic, and many of the
levitating coin across, leading into theatres he built and transformed
a matrix routine, a card routine set had links to famous magicians.
s

to music and finished with Danny and Steph Peter spoke about these and the

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innovations Matcham had brought included what one might consider some top tips, including:-
to theatre design, along with some to be more ‘adult’ magic items, Giving out your business card
glimpses into the social history of such as the head chopper, Penta as a souvenir, great publicity.
the time, illustrating his talk with Block head penetration (described Use of the small red carpet for
appropriate pictures and as brain surgery!), T&R newspaper the child to stand on. They get the
photographs. Magicians will be (with a clever recycling theme) ‘red carpet treatment’ and will
familiar with the Buxton Opera and a water vanish using a cup stay in the same spot, where you
House, Blackpool Grand and the and barbeque skewers, but all want them.
London Palladium, just three of given the ‘Magic Philip’ treatment. A wonderful warm up game
the 150 theatres with which This just goes to show that, in the using words to create the sound
Matcham was involved and just right hands, any effect can be of a steam train.
part of his legacy to theatre. made suitable and Philip worked Lots of tips on pricing and how
Hopefully we’ll be able to get back hard to reassure the audience that you sell yourself.
into and appreciate these, and all would be well, whilst each Clever routining ideas with a
other, theatres soon. effect was introduced. Verbal dog puppet.

THE MAGIC PHILIP SHOW

How to personalise your

AND LECTURE
bookings by putting the child’s
name in letters on your magic
Review by Chris Wardle – Philip table.
Partridge generously shared a Use of a Spiderflex frame
recording of one of his school Using Vistaprint to produce
stage shows and following lecture publicity material cheaply
with us as part of our Use of ‘Google My Business’ (free)
‘Nonvention’. This was expertly linked to Google Maps to help you
filmed by Bob Hamilton, but as the to come up quickly in local
focus was, quite rightly, on Philip, searches.
it was harder to judge the Keeping an awareness of your
engagement of the audience, as mental health, especially if you
they could not be seen. It is only are self-employed, as you can be
through the gasps, smiles and Philip Partridge ‘working on your own’.
surprised looks that tell you if gags, mostly suited to the adults Use of a sound system and play
something is really working, in the audience, flew thick and on and play off music.
although I am sure it was. It was fast and Philip’s highly engaging Redressing the ‘magic washing’
also quite a sad contrast to see mix of visual comedy and effect with different themes
Philip so engaged and ‘up close’ pantomime jollity kept the whole There was much to be learnt
to his child helpers, with full-on thing moving. (Personally, and this from this informative lecture and
participation, which, at the time of could just be the teacher in me Philip clearly knows his audience,
writing, has had to be replaced talking, I wasn’t too keen on the his magic and his marketing
with much more virtual, socially bottom gags and references to extremely well. If you are a
distanced and non-participation constipation and kissing or the children’s entertainer, his lecture
shows for us all. A sad reminder of moment when a child, sitting on a notes are absolutely required
what we have currently lost. chair, had a cloth thrown over reading. Thank you, Philip, for
Philip romped through a range them and then Philip sat on top of sharing so much with us. (Contact
of standard effects, including them. However, it clearly works Philip via his website for lecture
using comedy wands, a tear-apart well for him and his exuberant notes details: magicphilip.co.uk)
change bag and colourful silks style.)
(‘Fishy Business’) and, unusually In his lecture, Philip gave out Reports continue next month Ed

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STEVE FAULKNER
MAGIC SHOW THE GREYSTONES, SHEFFIELD
2 SEPTEMBER 2021

S
Robert Moss Reviewing Magic

teve is a Sheffield magician predictions and magically solving lows of only managing one show
with a large local following. He Rubik’s cubes. Steve had invested on the cruise before being asked
regularly arranges a magic show a lot in this new show, clearly to take it with him and leave. Then
in the Backroom Theatre at the spending lockdown writing his there was him appearing as
Greystones in Sheffield bringing own show and investing in a quick-change Michael Jackson
the best working magicians to this whole new repertoire. He moonwalking, which he didn’t
intimate venue, but this was unashamedly admitted many want to show us, settling for
Steve’s show. His first live stage items were just in the show to showing us a clip of the more
show in two years, and the justify a stated tax position. rewarding reaction of his
audience clearly missed him. Pumping out vocal rap on his new daughter.
Steve’s background is as a Beatbox and juggling with The finale of the show
street performer, learning his illuminated juggling clubs isn’t consisted of two predictions on a
trade with the magician’s staple what you would expect a smartphone, a Wikitest, and then
toolbox of Cups and Balls, Miser’s Magician/Mentalist to be doing, or phoning a random number and
Dream and Straitjacket Escape on for it to work, but it did. Steve is asking the person who answered
the streets of Covent Garden. This loved by his audiences, and this to name the word the spectator
show was different this was an night he couldn’t seem to do had been thinking of, which of
all-new Steve Faulkner. He has wrong, and he tried, really hard, to course they did after much
always been an admirer of prove life doesn’t always work out convincing this wasn’t a hoax.
Mentalism, and this was Steve the the way you wanted it to. Steve had us all up on our feet
Mentalist, well the Beatbox Interspaced with stories of rapping, playing us out with his
Juggling Mentalist. It was a very colourful characters and their new Beatbox to conclude a very
personal show, an introspective of influence on his journey enjoyable and entertaining
his life’s journey with stories of his accompanied audio visual clips of evening. I hope Steve does more
life, what made him happy, what his family and those truly with this first outing of his new
made him sad, filling in the gaps important moments in life. Highs show and brings it to the wider
between Dice Reading, Billet of winning a Cruise contract to the audiences.

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RICK’S MAGIC MUSINGS LOCKDOWN MAGIC PART T W

C ompleting the
account of my
self-imposed
and move them
around but allow the
performer to know
the volunteer can swap any pair of
cups as many times as they want
but must tell the performer which
challenge during the which cup it is under. two are being swapped on each
first full lockdown to I developed the occasion, referring to the playing
find magical uses for version described cards as position markers.
a set of six stacking here from the effect Remembering the starting
stainless-steel shot ‘Find the ball’ position of the key card, the
cups purchased at a described in The performer mentally tracks its
craft and collectors’ Complete Magician by potential movements. Using the
fayre leading to three Marvin Kaye and position of the key cup relative to
simple ideas that can Edited by John where it should be, and multiple
used alone or in combination. Salisse. I am sure my method will outs, the cup hiding the ball is

Idea Three: Find the Ball

have been thought of before and, revealed. I wanted a simplified
if so, I would welcome an and shortened version that
Strong magic often takes place in originator source to cite. removed the need for the
the spectator’s hands. Luckily, The original effect uses three spectator to say which cups had
there are many methods that different coloured cups with been swapped. In achieving this,
allow the spectator to secretly playing cards (Ace, Two and Three the need for the position marker
place the pea, ball, or any suitable of the same suit) to mark the cards was removed and the
object under one of the three cups positions of the cups, and an magician always reveals the
ingenious method. This allows one object first time.

A different version:
of the coloured cups to be used as
a key cup. With the performer’s
back turned, the spectator hides You still need a key cup. You can
an object under one cup and then mark one cup if you wish but I
swaps the position of the other usually use the natural
two. Then appearance of the stainless-steel
shot cups. They are all shiny but
each one has a distinctive
appearance due to wear and
tarnishing. Also, I found that the
shot cups I had purchased were a
mixed set. Three had flat bottoms
and three a bottom rim. So, if I
allowed the spectator to choose
three cups, usually there was two
of one sort and one of the other.
The photograph demonstrates that
they are very similar even viewed
close up.

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T WO – IMPROMPTU EFFECTS WITH THREE CUPS BY RICK TYNAN

Place the key cup face down in that more cups have been moved. cannot just spot the cup that has
the middle with the object to be Then, say that it is best to make been lifted to hide the object.
hidden close by, and in your mind sure that the cup hiding the object You can then turn around and
number their positions 1, 2 and 3 is definitely moved and ask them instantly indicate which cup the
left to right as you look at them: to move the cup hiding the object spectator should lift to reveal the
The performer’s attitude should by swapping it with the cup on its hidden object:
be relaxed and as if you are left if you are both in front of the The key cup is in one of three
making up the instructions as you cups. (This equates to position 1 locations, each indicating the cup
go along, but you are not! so, if you are sitting across from hiding the object:
Ask your volunteer to hide the the spectator ask them to swap Key cup in position 1: Key cup
object under any cup and then do the cup hiding the object with the hides the object
as you ask, giving no verbal clues, cup to their right.) Key cup in position 2: Cup
whilst your back is turned. Say that if the cup hiding the hiding the object is in position 3
You are going to instruct the object is at the end of the line with Key cup in position 3: Cup
spectator to swap certain cups, so no other cup to swap with then hiding the object is in position 2
it is important to have a they should swap it with the cup You have now established your
motivation for moving them not at the other end again so that you complete rapport with the three
linked to ‘mixing up’ the cups. don’t get any sound clues that no cups.
Suggest that it might not be cups have been swapped. Have fun! Now I just need to
possible to reposition the cup they Recap for the audience. The find a lockdown use for the other
lifted exactly, giving the game spectator had a free choice of three cups and the shot funnel.
away immediately. Instruct the cups to hide the object under and Cheers!
volunteer to swap the end cups so has moved some cups so that you

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BRIAN’S BULLETIN MAGIC IN WONDERLAND by Brian LEA D

U ntil the end of this

year, 150 years
since the publication
Wonderland, for
example, will reveal a
(magician’s?) top hat
and a number of other Articles
from a borrowed Hat.’) It is
generally accepted that Anderson,
of Alice Through the worn by the Hatter, and the Wizard of the North,
Looking Glass, the the iconic white rabbit. popularised the trick in the 1840s,
Victoria and Albert The most enduring so it would have been well
Museum is mounting magic motif must be established as a staple effect of
an exhibition titled that of a rabbit emerging the conjuror by the time Carroll
Curiouser and from a top hat. The first was composing his Alice stories.
Curiouser, based upon Lewis book to contain a description of Elsewhere in the tales of
Carroll’s ‘Alice’ books. It traces the effect was The Humorous Wonderland, the determined
the evolution of the tales from Magician Unmasked by Engstrom, researcher can find references to
the original manuscripts to published in Philadelphia in 1836. the miraculous cutting off of
modern interpretations by Walt (Page 88: ‘To produce a live Rabbit heads (a staple diet of the
Disney and Tim Burton.
At the centre of
the exhibition sits
the Hatter’s Tea
Party (he is never
referred to as the
‘Mad’ Hatter in the
original text),
accompanied by
footage from the
innovative television
version directed by
Jonathan Miller in
1966. The V&A tea-
party tableau has
the chairs rising up
in a spiral while psychedelic
moving images are projected
onto the table cloth.
As he was an amateur
conjuror, one
interesting
element of
Carroll’s work
from our point of
view is the
influence of magic.
A cursory glance at
Alice’s Adventures in

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conjuror since the days of the “Now I’m opening out like the favour in the present cultural
Egyptian sorcerer Dedi) and a largest telescope that ever was. climate, but the influence of the
living pack of cards, members of Good-bye feet.” When she looked Victorian seaside puppet show
which hold court and indulge in down at her feet they seemed to ‘professors’ is much in evidence.
gardening activities. be almost out of sight, they were The central magical feature
In one passage several magic getting so far off.’ of the Wonderland episodes
routines appear to be going on In one chapter a baby turns into must be the appearance and
simultaneously. Initially, Alice finds disappearance of the Cheshire
herself caught in a hail-storm of Cat. The effect is described in
pebbles, which then transform these words:
themselves in a most miraculous “I wish you wouldn’t keep
fashion: appearing and vanishing so
‘Alice noticed with some suddenly,” said Alice. “You
surprise that the pebbles were all make one quite giddy.” “All
right,” said the Cat; and this
a pig following a slapstick time it vanished quite slowly,
sequence reminiscent of a Punch beginning with the end of the
and Judy show: tail and ending with the grin,
‘The baby grunted, and Alice which remained some time
looked very anxiously into its face after the rest of it had gone.
to see what was the matter with “Well, I’ve often seen a cat
it. There could be no doubt that it without a grin,” thought Alice,
had a very turn-up nose, much “but a grin without a cat! It’s
more like a snout than a real
nose; also its eyes were getting
turning into little cakes as they lay extremely small for a baby. Alice
on the floor, and a bright idea did not like the look of the thing at
came into her head. “If I eat one of all. She was just beginning to
these cakes,” she thought, “it’s think to herself “Now, what am I
sure to make some change in my to do with this creature when I get
size; and as it can’t possibly make it home?” when it grunted again,
me larger, it must make me so violently that she looked down
smaller.” So she swallowed one of into its face in some alarm. This
the cakes, and was delighted to time there could be no mistake
find that she began shrinking about it; it was neither more nor
directly.’ less than a pig.’
In fact, our heroine goes in for The preceding sequence, when the most curious thing I ever
quite a bit of expanding and the child is thrown around from saw in all my life!”
shrinking during the course of the person to person and has items ‘A lovely description of the
tale, initiated by drinking from a hurled at it (‘the baby was howling ghost effect!’ was the comment
strange bottle of liquid or eating so much already that it was quite of Eddie Dawes in his study of
party cakes, echoes, perhaps, of impossible to say whether the The Great Illusionists.
the popular ‘stretcher’ illusion? . . . blows hurt or not’) would not find

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Short Report of the ANNUAL GENE

TAlanhecommenced
AGM of The British Ring No. 25
at 7.40 pm with President
Maskell welcoming those in
been held over Zoom which enabled
business of the Ring to continue and for
arrangements for the various events. A
attendance. sub committee established to look at the
The Minute of the AGM held in marketing of the Ring. Honorary
Eastbourne in 2019 was approved. Membership has been given to Ian Adair
President Alan thanked Council and all and Joy Shaw. Thanks given for the
those involved with organising, attending, general support of members.
and contributing to the various events Treasurer, Rick Tynan, has been
online during this difficult 18 months. He preparing accounts for 2019-20 and
thanked everyone who participated in the 2020-21. Our Auditor/ Accountant has
President’s Challenge, posted on retired due to ill health and finding a
Facebook, written for The Linking Ring replacement has taken time. Records are
and Key Ring, and generally helped The with an accountant in Southport and the
British Ring continue during this period. scrutinised accounts should be ready in
Mention made of forthcoming face-to-face approximately 12 weeks. Rick presented a
events, details given later in the meeting. summary of the accounts, which are
Executive Secretary, Moira Fletcher, healthy, and announced the Eastbourne
expressed gratitude to Officers, Council convention had made a profit of around
Members and others involved in all £3,000, HSBC has refunded a significant
aspects of running the Ring and online amount of Bank Charges made in error
events over the last 18 months. Alan was with interest. We have had a promise of
thanked for his continuing Presidency. significant sponsorship for our next
Members of Council and Officers were convention. All members will receive the
thanked for their input. Clive Cullum final accounts when available and the
thanked for his assistance with the Treasurer is willing to receive questions
amendments to the Rules and Constitution regarding these. The meeting agreed the
and special mention of Aidan Heritage for two sets of accounts will be ratified at the
his incredible work on the 3 Nonventions 2022 AGM.
and other online events and videos, and to Alan Clarke, Chief Welfare Officer,
John Russell for keeping everyone stated this had been an exceptionally
informed, sending out many emails. The difficult time for many members and he
sad passing of Brian Miller is a loss to the had tried to keep in contact with those
Ring following his many years hard work who had been in touch. 17 members have
and commitment. Council meetings had sadly passed away this year. Bob Hamilton

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NERAL Meeting held on Friday 3 September 2021

via Zoom
showed the tribute to Past Members. Hotel, Cambridge; Picnic Event at Ocean
Both President Elect, Oliver Tabor, and Room, Gorleston, Norfolk, 29 May 2022;
President Alan Maskell, will continue for and annual convention in Eastbourne, 1 –
2021-22. 4 September 2022. Details will be
No ballot necessary this year. Officers circulated to members via the Key Ring,
and Council as follows: our Facebook page and website.
President: Alan Maskell Practical help to assist members to
Officers: Treasurer, Rick Tynan; attend these events will be discussed.
Executive Secretary, Moira Fletcher; Zoom events will continue at present
Assistant Executive Secretary, Ajay Vora. alongside face-to-face events.
Council Members: Richard Cadell, Long Service Awards were announced
Graham Colvan, Aidan Heritage for a good number of members thanks to
(Webmaster), James Hobart, Danny Hunt, Aidan Heritage listing members joining
Clive Moore, Robert Moss, John Russell dates.
(Communications), Oliver Tabor (President
Elect) and Carol Tynan. The full Minute of the AGM will be printed
Ex Officio: Immediate Past President, in a future issue of Key Ring.
Brian Lead; Advertising Manager and Key Reported by Executive Secretary,
Ring Editor, Geoffrey Newton; Legal Moira Fletcher.
Advisor, Clive Cullum; Chief Welfare
Officer, Chaplain, Rev Alan Clarke; Child The meeting closed at 8.45 pm.
Protection Representative, Rena Fletcher.
Marketing Sub-Committee established
with Rick Tynan, Elliot Bibby, and Robert
Moss as Chair.
Venue for 2022 convention is
Eastbourne. Dates 1 – 4 September.
Auditor for 2021-22 is Oliver Grills of
J.A. Fell & Company of Southport.
The amendments to the Rules and
Constitution were approved by the
meeting.
Events being planned include:
6 November, Hinckley Concordia Theatre;
President’s Dinner 19 March 2022, Bar Hill

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CAROL’S CONVENTION CAROUSEL EARLY ME M

In this issue we return to David Adams’ of the World’, was ably compèred
memories of Eastbourne Conventions, this time by Simon Lovell who performed
featuring those held between 1992 and 2000. various magical effects
More of David’s Eastbourne Convention throughout the show, including his
‘As Seen’ straitjacket routine.
memories will be featured in future issues. I also
received fond recollections of Eastbourne from At the Civic Reception the
another member, Richard Clayton, who took part Mayor and Mayoress welcomed
in the Shield Competition in 2000, performing as Overseas Visitors before Terry
‘Mustafa Seabrooke introduced the
Camel’. Richard recalls that he cabaret featuring Graham P.
thoroughly enjoyed the whole Jolley and Chris North. Star
process, although getting the act Lecturers at the Convention were
to Eastbourne and staging it was a Derek Lever, Salvano, Jon
military operation in itself! My Tremaine, Larry Becker, George
thanks go to Bob Hamilton for Johnstone, Dan Garrett,
providing a screenshot from Henrique and Ron Gilbert.
Richard’s performance. George Johnstone’s lecture ‘50

MAGIC AT EASTBOURNE
years a full time Pro’ was packed

by David Adams
British Ring Shield Competition with wonderful stories and good
with a faultless act featuring advice.
Finn Jon, ‘The superb dove productions, many The Gala Show arranged by
Unusual Norwegian done at incredible speed. A truly Jeffery Atkins included The
Magician’, was worthy winner who as we all Great Fiasco [Carol: Can you
particularly busy at know, has since gone from name this well-known British Ring
the 1992 strength to strength! personality?], Norm Nielsen and
convention, giving a As usual, His Worship the Mayor Franklin, the Grand Prix magician.
Star Lecture and of Eastbourne presided over the Tricky Business won the Shield
appearing in the Official Opening of our 1994 Competition and Tom Owen was
International Close convention, opened by Les Nottle, installed as the President.
Up Show as well as the Gala our President. The opening show,
Show. Other Star Lectures were ‘Magicians
given by Mike Shelley, Fantasio,
Marvyn Roy, Howard
Peters, David
Hemingway, Henk
Dreissen and Bob
Wooding. Mr Electric &
Carol. Fantasio also
appeared in the Gala
Show. An immaculately
attired Philippe (aka
Philip Hitchcock) won The

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ME MORIES BY CAROL TYNAN

Eastbourne welcomed the including the

‘Diamond Jubilee Convention’ Geometric Cabinet
from the 17 to 22 September Illusion and The
1996. ‘I Remember’ was the title Artist’s Dream,
of the Opening Show for members ending with the
to look back at the talent of Vanishing
Geoffrey Robinson, Louis Motorcycle and Rider.
Martelle, Ali Bongo, Pavel and Richard received a
Brian Sefton. I remember very well-deserved
vividly seeing Brian’s magnificent standing ovation when
manipulation at the Hastings he appeared at the
Convention in 1978, when he won back of the theatre
The British Ring Shield. riding his motorcycle Convention were Nicholas
Overseas visitors were back to the stage! Einhorn, Ted Ware, Goldfinger,
welcomed, not only at the Civic After the 1997 convention, David Wood, Peter Gardner,
Reception but also at a Cocktail which I attended, in Southport, it Dominique Duvivier, Billy
Party at the Town Hall, with the was back to Eastbourne again for McComb and Roger
Mayor of Eastbourne. There were the 62nd convention. Star Crosthwaite.
sixty dealers in the Dealers’ Hall lecturers were Tony Curtis, Gene Mike Gancia organised the
and business was very brisk with Anderson, John Gaughan, Ted Zina Bennett Close-up
so many attendees! There were Lesley, Ali Bongo, Vikj, Boris Competition, for which there were
sixteen competitors in the close- Wild, Chad Long and Leslie fourteen competitors, and the
up competition and Derek Melville. International Close-up Show
McFaull continued to organise the Rich Bloch was Master of featured Steve Bedwell,
Hospital and Special Venue Ceremonies for the Gala Show, Dominique Duvivier, Nicholas
Shows. which included Gene Anderson, Einhorn, Lur Luitem, Billy
Eddie Dawes introduced ‘Six Roy Davenport, Chapeau and McComb and Tommy Wonder.
Magical Decades’ with Anthony Bertran Lotth. Alfonso Rios won The New Silver British Ring Shield
Crabbe, Roy Davenport, Philip the Shield Competition and was won by Leo Ward and John
Hitchcock, Kovari and Paul Richard Stupple was installed as Palfreyman was installed as the
Daniels. ‘Children’s Showtime’ President. new President.
included entertainment from Don In his message to the 2000 A particular favourite of mine
Robertson, Scott Penrose, Brian British Ring Convention, the was Dominique Duvivier, who I
Eames and ‘Mr Woo – the International President, Jack K. had seen on television, but to see
Wizard’. Greenberg, wrote of his honour at his amazing skills live was a really
The highlight of the Diamond attending the convention, which exceptional experience. The other
Jubilee Gala Show was Richard spanned two centuries. The event at this convention that really
Cadell and Company, billed, Opening Show, ‘Into the stands out for me was the story
quite rightly in my opinion, as ‘the Millennium’, continued this theme telling of David Wood, who
brilliant young illusionist from the with Ali Bongo introducing Colin presented his ‘Magic & Music
UK!’ The act was packed with Rose, Carlijn, Steve Bedwell and Show’ for the 2000 ‘Children’s
amazing illusions and effects, Tensai. Star lecturers at this Showtime’!

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ABITMOOREMAGIC BY Clive MOORE

W ell, well, it was

great to start up
the Derby Magic
He looked puzzled and
shocked as the bus
drove away.
caring man, but at times he
could be stern. Joe held a very
senior management position at
Circle (DMC) again. Luckily, a man Rolls Royce and was rather old
Like most societies walking his dog school. His first words to me
there has been little directed me down a were, “I want a policeman.” his
or nothing happening jitty, (a narrow footpath: second words were “There is
with any physical Ed) but unfortunately he one on the way.” “Goodness”
meeting for the last forgot to tell me that I thought. What a rough gig,
20 months, but I am pleased to the ground was waterlogged. “Are they expecting a raid?”
say that we are getting back to Eventually I arrived at the Of course the policeman was
business as usual. village hall, confronted by the a magician coming for an
As we walked along the legendary Joe Bonsal, a founder audition.
dimly lit car park, my mind went member of the DMC and long I must have done well, as
back to November 1974, the standing secretary. For many they let me in and I started a
day I joined the DMC as a mere years a full member of I.B.M., new chapter in my magic life.
eighteen year old apprentice. he put up visiting lecturers and I imagine that many
I had no car and lived about six was also well known in the readers have similar stories.
miles away from the village community. A more dedicated A few months later,
hall, so relied on two buses, magician would I auditioned for The British Ring,
travelling with a large suitcase be hard to being escorted to the back
stuck up with gaffer tape. find: a kind and room by Denis Gardner, whose
I climbed on board, not realising title of Interrogation Officer
on the front of the bus, was the was formidable. Denis
word Breadsall. What I didn’t really took the job
realise was there is a Breadsall seriously and,
Village and also an Estate. You even though he had
have guessed; I was of known me for years through my
course on the wrong bus. magician uncle, George
There was no one on the Reed, he went through my
bus to talk to and, when I list of tricks and books,
explained to the conductor offering advice along the
that I was looking for way. What a great character
Derby Magic Circle, he he was, with a wealth of
looked at me in a slightly knowledge.
old fashioned Now magic
way. As I got clubs open up
off the bus, again, let’s
slipping out work for the
from behind future of this
the gaffer tape wonderful
was the tip of art.
a magic wand.

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THE THREE BOOK CHALLENGE Introduced by Alan MASKELL

PART4

Tselection
his month’s contributor is Dr
Keith Souter who starts his
with a statement that
sleights rather than without skill.
I studied it acidulously and built
up a small repertoire of card tricks
My third favourite book is
‘Classic Secrets of Magic’ by
Bruce Elliott published in 1953.
many others can relate to: that I could perform with my This is one of several I have by
To pick one’s three favourite ubiquitous pack of cards for this prolific magic and thriller
magic books is not an easy task, school chums, prefects, and the writer. He goes through all the
because choosing those you love odd teacher. A stab in classics of magic, from the cups
best is like slighting (or should the dark was my and balls, the egg bag, the
that be sleighting) the others. Yet blindfold trick that I paddle trick, the rice
I’ll have a stab at it. performed bowls, the multiplying
A stab in the dark, that was the with a gradually billiard balls, the Miser’s
name of a trick in ‘Card Tricks diminishing deck, Dream, and Houdini’s
Without Skill’ by Paul Clive, first since I sacrificed needle trick that evolved
published in 1946. It still had its a card with my into the Threaded Razor
second-hand price of 10/- written ever-ready Blades. I had a go at them
in pencil inside the cover. That is penknife every all, including the needle
the equivalent of 50p, but it time I performed it. trick and again spent my
seemed a lot of money before My second paper round earnings on
decimalisation. A ten-bob note favourite magic ping pong balls as billiard
was how much I earned as a book ‘101 Magic ball substitutes, weekly packs of
paperboy in the sixties, and Secrets’ by Will Dexter, published cards, innumerable bags of rice,
I remember the day that I bought in 1957 was actually the first safety pins and boxes of matches.
the book and handed one of those magic book I ever read. I was Those three books were the
lovely rust-coloured notes over the seven years old, and I saved up start of my magic library, and
counter of Davenports Magic Shop pocket money for weeks to buy it. although they may not be
when it was on Great Russell In his introduction Will Dexter considered real
Street, opposite the British quoted the old Chinese proverb classics, yet they
Museum. The book title is a bit of ‘One picture is worth a thousand fired my
a misnomer, because ‘without words,’ which was the basis for enthusiasm and
skill’ simply means without this pictorial book of magic tricks provided a
lavishly illustrated by artist Stan rudimentary
Lane. There was every type of magical
trick in it, some of which involved education for
chemicals and were labelled with the wonderful
skull and crossbones. I have to lifelong hobby
admit that Will’s stunt Who Put of conjuring
That Stamp on the Ceiling used that I have
to be my calling card wherever enjoyed ever
I found a ceiling that was since.
impossibly high!

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KIDS’ CORNER RUDOLPH THE RED NOSED REINDEER by Ian ADAIR

H ere is an effect designed for

your Christmas shows.
I give credit to my magical
performer suddenly realises he’s
made a mistake, and removes the
blue nose and brings out a yellow
enough so the 2” (50mm) sponge
balls inside cannot be seen at the
commencement.
inventor friend Reg Martin who’s sponge ball which he inserts into Depending on the actual
marketed effect Rudolph’s the hole. “It must be right this number of colours you intend
Escapade inspired me into time, Rudolph the yellow nosed using, I suggest no more than five
providing my own version. reindeer!” or six, but you must have a red

EFFECT:
In fact the performer keeps one amongst the other 2” sponge
making mistakes and inserting balls.
Resting on the magician’s table further different coloured sponge You require a duplicate red 2”
is a cut-out display made in balls into the hole; green, orange, sponge ball which is carefully
plywood, featuring an image of purple, brown etc. cut in half.
Rudolph the red nosed reindeer. In despair, he covers the cut- Santa’s Hat is really a Flat
The upright cut-out displays out display (showing an empty Change bag with the usual
Rudolph without his usual red hole at this stage) with a cloth and partition. It should be tapered, red
nose only a circular hole. asks the children “Well, what in colour with white nylon fur
The children’s entertainer colour should Rudolph’s nose be?” around its top area, and, if wished,
explains that Rudolph is getting The children will obviously shout a white fluffy pom-pom on top.

THE RUDOLPH CUT-OUT DISPLAY

ready to help Santa deliver the out “Red”.
thousands of presents on Looking inside his basket of
Christmas Eve. Whilst facing the sponge balls he finds a red one As illustrated, this is made in
children, he points towards the amongst them and displays it. either plywood or hardboard. On
hole on the cut-out display unit, He shows Santa’s hat and its front side is a face-on picture
and says “As you can see, he’s drops the red sponge ball inside, of Rudolph (Obtain copyright free
got his big bright red coloured then waves his hand over it a few images from clip art on Google.)
nose.” Of course the children times. The nose position has a hole
will point and shout out, some The hat is tuned inside out to running through it.
saying it isn’t there. The show that it’s empty. Rudolph’s The rear side of this (see
performer glances at the hole red nose has vanished! illustration) shows a hinged flap
where the nose should be and When the cloth is removed from which has one of the half red
apologises. the cut-out display, the missing sponge balls attached to it. When
He reaches inside a plastic red ball (nose) is showing. this flap is down, the hole looks
basket and brings out a blue He asks the children to sing empty from the front. When it’s
sponge ball and fits it into the Rudolph the red nosed reindeer up, the red sponge ball wedges
hole “That’s better” he says song together so to complete the into the hole and it stays secure.
“Rudolph the blue nosed presentation. To keep the cut-out upright

REQUIREMENTS:
reindeer.” Again the children during performance, make a ‘strip
respond, and much laughter stand’ consisting of a strip of
comes when they see Rudolph The special cut-out display unit wood which has a central cut-out
with the wrong coloured nose. (which I shall explain later). groove into which the base of the
Noticing the laughter, the A plastic basket (opaque) high unit fits.

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DAIR

Front Height

SET-UP:
of top of
Rudolph’s
antlers
The cut-out display should be
resting on your table, showing
Height
of top of Rudolph without a nose. Cover
Rudolph’s this with the cloth.
head Have the basket of sponge balls
nearby, together with Santa’s hat.
Hinged flap with
WORKING (refer to ‘Effect’ for the
Hole for nose
½ a 2” diameter

presentation.)
sponge ball
affixed
Uncover the cut-out display
showing Rudolph without a nose.
Remove the first sponge ball
from the basket (blue in our
example) and fit it into the hole.
Section view
Remove this ball and repeat the
same procedure with all the other
balls until you finally come to the
Rear red one.
With the hole showing at this
point, cover the complete cut-out
display with the cloth.
Vanish the red ball within
Santa’s bag, using the ‘Flat
Changing Bag’ method.
Left hand goes behind the cut-
out and pivots up the flap which in
Hole cut out in turn brings the half-red sponge
reindeer ball into place, through the hole.
The right whips off the cloth
moments later.
Rudolph has finally got his red
nose!
Slotted stand (As has become the practice,
this item has been published a
month early in order for you to
have time to make it up Ed.)
Prop sits in slotted stand

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Ideas Time BY Brian BERRY THE P

“I s that the Peter

Diamond Magic
Studio?” I was
gentleman since, so
don’t know if he really
was serious. If he
some simple card tricks from a
party compendium were added to
make up a short magic show and
asked one Saturday wasn’t he kept up the foster the magic bug! I still use
morning a few years pretence very this little bottle, and it’s still REAL
ago. I answered in convincingly. MAGIC to me despite an
the affirmative and It certainly gives explanation courtesy of Collectors’
the gentleman in food for thought. Would Workshop who put out a trick
question went on: it be a good idea to called “Burmese Bells.” This uses
“Do you sell REAL consider, whether the FIVE small bells instead of one
magic or just tricks?” magic we do does get the bottle, all different lengths
“Well,” I replied, “all magic necessary time, thought and suspended from a Perspex bar
tricks seem like real magic if practice required to make it look and, magically, the chosen bell is
performed in a confident, adept like REAL magic? the one that moves. It is, say the
and a well presented manner. Yet it was REAL magic that was instructions, all down to “an
You’d better come in and I’ll the first magic effect I ever saw application of an old and quite
show you what we have.” and encouraged me to do my first wonderful physics principle
I demonstrated some of our magic show. My dad came home involving harmonics.” Google tells
latest ‘miracles’ in stock which, one night and asked me to get my us that “harmonic” is “a
to me thinking about the mother’s shoe, and one of my component frequency of an
positive reaction they usually own. He had a very small bottle oscillation or wave.” Well, if that’s
received, were as near to real dangling from a piece of cotton not magic, what is!
magic as possible! He seemed and said it could tell the difference As you can see from the photos
to be impressed but still between a girl’s shoe and a boy’s this is quite an impressive piece of
commented “Yes, but you’re shoe. He held it over my shoe and apparatus. You could, of course,
tricking me, it’s not real magic; the bottle mysteriously moved in replace the bells/bottle with
that’s what I want.” an up and down direction. When anything else and during a
By this time I’d realised he he held over my Mother’s shoe it
wasn’t having me on but was went round in a circle. To make
quite serious. This is a true the magic work, my Dad
incident, I’m not making it up. explained, you had to
I called in Peter Diamond and concentrate on the bottle
explained quite seriously the and encourage it to do as
situation (knowing what his you wanted. To my
reaction would be like!). I’m amazement and delight, I
afraid that Peter wasn’t as found that it worked. No
patient as I had been, or trickery, just pure magic!
perhaps not so gullible! I don’t It still is, to me!
think I have ever met this That started me off and

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E PRESTON PRESTIDIGITATOR

session with Harvey Seager one

night we suggested it could be
adapted to interest children.
The older ones could have a
go and in many cases make it
work. The obvious replacement
was a series of small balls so
Harvey set to work making the
version you see here so that
the children choose a colour
instead of an object. It works
perfectly. Harvey used a
wooden rod instead of a
Perspex tube. The fact that the
lengths of cord are different
sizes certainly adds to the
mystery.
Is it mental ability, physics,
trickery or just REAL MAGIC!
Wouldn’t it be great if everyone
jotted down a few details of
their first attempt at performing
a magic show? It would
probably keep the column going
for another 69 issues! Ah well,
and I suppose pigs might fly!
Seriously I’d love to hear from
you: 01772 421816 or
[email protected]

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BROKEN WAND
Brian KNOWLES 26 August 1931-3 September 2021

Brian Knowles, a long-standing carpet fitter and, soon after, met

member of the British Ring, has another young apprentice, Patricia,
sadly passed away at the age of whom he enlisted into his magic act.
ninety. Love blossomed and they later
An accomplished and full-time married, having three children,
magician, dealer and children’s Christine, Jacqueline and Paul.
entertainer, Brian was the last- Patricia went by the stage name
surviving founder-member of ‘Betty’ in their double act (see the
Harrogate Society of Magicians. accompanying photo), though sadly
He and his good friend, George predeceased Brian in 1988.
Fowler (who passed away last In December 1949, Brian was
year), were pillars of the society called up for National Service,
from its beginnings in November entering the medical corps.
1947, with Brian himself Transferred to an RAF base near
maintaining an unbroken Hanover, he found a well-equipped
membership that continued – as a Life Member – workshop where he built props for his magic act,
until his death. a skill that served him well throughout his career.
Brian’s interest in magic was sparked on a visit Though Brian returned to work in Harrogate, in
to Harrogate Stray where, at the age of 11, he saw 1968 he became a full-time entertainer, launching
a magician, ‘Professor Hollis’. Encouraged by the his career with a 22-week engagement at
‘Professor,’ Brian went on to perform his first Pontin’s in Sussex. Here, performing six nights a
show on 21 November 1944, aged just thirteen. week, he created his children’s persona ‘Daddy
Having befriended a local magician – Wilfred Long Legs, The Magiclown’, inspired by a popular
Hartley – Brian and George, along with Wilfred TV character, Mr Pastry!
and seven others, helped found the Harrogate Retiring in 2010 (at the age of 79), Brian
Society on 7 November 1947. Over the years, remained active and, in 2012, devised his coin-
Brian served as President, Secretary and change prop, the Slot Box, which he regarded as
Treasurer. He was also a multiple winner of only second in usefulness to the Rattle Box. The
the society’s competition trophies. editor of the then Budget, Stephen Tucker,
In his early years, Brian performed both solo – described it as ‘perfect for those who want a
under titles such as ‘Master of Deception’ and 100% self-working coin effect’.
‘Master of Mystery’ – and alongside his brother, Brian encouraged many younger magicians,
Frank, as ‘The Knowles Brothers.’ His middle and helped launch the career of Bob McBratney,
name being Leslie, he adopted the stage name who went on to become, after Brian, Harrogate’s
Brian Le Slie when performing for adults and, in most successful children’s entertainer. Actor,
later years, ‘Daddy Long Legs’ when entertaining comedian and magician Ali Cook also cites Brian
children. as a great help when he was learning his craft.
Brian joined a concert party, the Christ Church Until the very end, Brian retained his love of
Players, entertaining at local airfields and army magic, and was an avid reader of Key Ring. An
barracks. For a while, he was also a member of inspiration to many of us, it was an honour and
Leeds Magical Association. delight to have known him.
On leaving school, he became an apprentice James Ward

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MORE MILLER
MEMORIES
From Brian O’Leary: attended by members of his old
I first met Brian all the way back club. Brian and Audrey would
in 2016. I was a relatively new attend our annual dinner and
member of The Ilford Magical award ceremony every year. He
Society (and relatively new to was charming and gregarious,
magic) and taking part in my first mixing with members old and
close-up competition at the club. new. He will be sadly missed by
The rules stated that the us all.
competition would need to be
judged by a magician who was a From Brian Lead:
non-member. A man named Brian
From Clive Moore and turned up (which I took to be
Jean Ellison: auspicious) and judged me by the
I first met Brian Miller back in narrowest of margins to be the
the 70s and I remember his act winner. Perhaps then I’m biased,
well, polished and colourful. It but I always liked him.
was a real audience pleaser, so As it transpired, Brian was not
much so that we invited Brian just an outside magician who
and Audrey to perform at our turned up on the night. Brian was
Derby Magic Circle Dinner, a former president of our club (from Sharing the same forename,
again wowing the audience. 1973 to 1981) but his history with Brian bemoaned the fact that
I remember chatting to him the club goes way back. Brian these days it is frequently
most of the evening and it was joined the society at the age of 12 misspelt as Brain, a possible
obvious he was passionate under the guidance of Len Foxwell. downside to predictive text. He
about the art. It was through the club that he was always an amusing
Brian was very saw a member win the stage observer of life’s absurdities.
knowledgeable about things competition with a dove act and Although I didn’t know Brian
magical, a very kind, caring figured he would give that a try intimately, he was invariably
person. himself. From little acorns, that act supportive and encouraging.
Winding the clock on a few grew and was eventually performed Always willing to take a risk
years when I became President in front of eighteen million people and try something new, he invited
Elect to The British Ring, he on Opportunity Knocks. me to create the Northern
was so supportive and Brian Miller has always been at Magic Circle all-winners show
encouraging, offering a wealth the heart of the Ilford Magical at the last Buxton convention,
of advice on the role. He was a Society. For many years, he ran and proposed me for the British
tireless worker for The British the Magic ‘n’ Fun shop on Ilford Ring Presidency, so I have
Ring and very conscientious High Road. His Magic and many things to thank him for.
about the organisation. Mischief nights raised thousands He and Audrey were among the
Jean and I once spent a for charity and were always well first to book for the Presidential
weekend with him at John dinner, and together must have
Palfreyman’s and covered many travelled thousands of miles to
subjects from carpentry to Las attend magic-related functions,
Vegas. both happy and sad.
He will be sadly missed by Brian always seemed to be
all who knew him a charming there when needed, and while
kind man. his physical presence will be
Rest in peace. missed, his influence will endure.

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THE CENTURY OF DECEPTION

Ian Keable

The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth Century England

‘A fascinating, witty, comprehensive and beautifully-written book’

—Matt Lucas
‘A masterful and fascinating journey into a hitherto hidden world of
history, mystery and hoaxes.’
— Richard Wiseman, author of 59 Seconds and The Luck Factor

Magician, Ian Keable, details some of the most bamboozling

hoaxes of the 18th Century – a woman who birthed rabbits,
someone climbing into a bottle in front of a live audience,
curious astrological predictions and more hoaxes of intrigue.

In 1749 a newspaper advertisement appeared stating that

a man would climb inside a bottle on the stage of a London
theatre. Unfortunately, although the audience turned up,
the conjurer didn’t. Over the following decades, elaborate
jokes and fanciful tales would continue to bamboozle
people across England.

In The Century of Deception, magician and historian Ian Keable tells the engrossing
stories of these eighteenth-century hoaxes and those who were duped by them. The
English public were hoodwinked time and time again, swallowing whole tales of rapping
ghosts, a woman who gave birth to rabbits, a levitating Frenchman in a Chinese Temple
and outrageous astrological predictions. Not only were the hoaxes widely influential,
drawing in celebrities such as Samuel Johnson, Benjamin Franklin and Jonathan Swift,
they also inflamed concerns about English credulity’.

‘Fake news’, going viral’ and social media’ may be modern terms, but as this
entertaining, eye-opening book shows, these concepts have been with us for
centuries.

Ian Keable obtained a first-class degree from the University of Oxford in Philosophy,
Politics and Economics, qualified as a chartered accountant and then became a professional
magician. A member of The Magic Circle with gold star, he has won several awards for his
unique brand of comedy magic. Keable has also performed on television and has written and
presented programmes for BBC Radio. An accredited lecturer for The Arts Society, he gives
talks on magic history, cartoons and eighteenth-century hoaxes. Keable’s other publications
include Stand-Up: A Professional Guide to Comedy Magic and Charles Dickens Magician:
Conjuring in Life, Letters and Literature. He lives in London.

The Century of Deception: The Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth Century England by Ian Keable is now widely
available. Check out www.centuryofdeception.com for details of where to buy it. If you would like an inscribed
copy, get in touch directly with Ian Keable ([email protected]).

The Westbourne Press, 7 September 2021, ISBN: 9781908906441, Hardback, £20.00