Home Counties Magical Society

On Saturday 31st January 2009, I attended the very first Southern England Magic Convention at the Lakeside Complex at Frimley Green.  The event organisers, Collin Richardson and Geoff Pescud, are to be congratulated for their first attempt at such a large convention.

There were many things which went well, and a few that lessons will have been learned from, and improved for next years event, which I understand will be a two day convention.

There were lectures by Graham Lee on Ballons, Paul Gordon on Card Magic, Lee Alex on Stage Magic in particular quick change clothing, The Twins and Mark Parker on Stage Illusions, Mel Mellors on Comedy Magic, and JC Sum on Structuring a Show.  Due to the timings of the lectures, it was not possible to attend all of them, I attended the Paul Gordon, Mel Mellors and JC Sum lectures.  All the lectures were well attended, and the sales of lectures notes/books etc went well after them.

There was plenty of business being done in the Dealers Hall, which had a good selection of dealers selling a wide variety of goods.

There was 2 competitions, one being the British Isles Children's Entertainer of the Year, and the other being the Close Up Competition.  Although the prizes for each winner was a 4 days holiday for two people to Las Vegas, it was surprising that there was only 5 competitors in each competition.  I was only able to attend the Close Up Competition, which was won by David Taylor.  The Childern's Competition winner was Dave Allen.  I am sure these these events will attract more competitors in the future.

The Gala Show was produced by Mike Danata, and was compered by James Fortune.  Mike Danata opened the show, and was immaculately dressed, as always, sang a few songs  and presented some classic magic.  

James More was an act I had not seen before, he executed some nice manipulations of billard balls, did a floating snooker cue, and some lovely jumbo card manipulations.  A very good act, and one to watch out for in the future.

Mel Mellors was the next act on, and he was well 'Mel Mellors'.  He performed his act as seen, with his particular dry sense of humour.  I have seen Mel performed live at least 3 times, and look forward to seeing him again.  Mel had just returned from Chile the day before, having been entertaining on yet another Cruise Ship.  It is easy to see why he is such a busy chap.

I had seen the next act El Loco at a Portsmouth Jumbo Magic Day, a couple of years ago.  The act was good then, but he has honed and improved upon it since.  A funny and inventive act presented with taped music/words.  It is little wonder that this act has a very busy schedule.

Mike Danata opened the second half with some more classic magic, sang a tribute song to Dusty Springfield, with her voice on the music track, and to which a microphone rose from its stand.  It was a pity that one of Mike's signature pieces, the floating ball, suffering from bad lighting. 

Collin Richardson followed Mike Danata, with his new illusion named "Isis".  The act was based on a James Bond theme.

Magic Singh was the next act.  He presented some very nice pieces, including Ray Kosby's colouring changing apple, an empty soda can refilled itself, and a nice card effect.

JC Sum followed with his Miser's Dream act, which he had explained during his lecture, and set the scene for the headliner of the Gala Show, "Magic Babe" Ning.

Ning did a nice cut and restored rope routine, a straitjacket escape, linked coat hangers and threaded razor blades onto to some white thread.

As Ali Bongo was not well, Alan Shaxon stood in his place and presented the prizes to the competitions winners, mentioned previously.

The Gala Show was immediate followed by a Apres Party, at which Roy Charles was the entertainment.  Unfortunately this was by now well past my bedtime!!

Overall this was a good first attempt at holding such a large convention in the South of England.  I am sure both Collin and Geoff, and all those who helped throughout the day, will reflect on the days events, and consider to how improve on its strengths and eliminate the weak points.

If my magic history remembers correctly, the Blackpool Magic Convention started out as a one day Convention at the Pleasure Beach many years ago.  What that saying, from a single seed mightly Oaks may grow.  Lets hope that is the case.  I wish them well.

It was also good to see so many members of the Home Counties Magical Society supporting this local event.