Home Counties Magical Society

Yesterday (Sunday) I had the pleasure of again being a guest at The Young Magicians Club 2009 J-Day. The doords opened at 10 am for the waiting crowd of eager and enthusiastic young members, who filed in, collected their programmes and seating details from YMC Chairman Mandy Davis made their way into the Club for either coffee or a cold drink (but in many cases to gather with friends and "out with the cards and ropes").

At 10.30 am we were called to the Theatre for the Welcome and Official Opening of the Day. Mandy introduced some of the magical names then present and then called me on stage for, as she said herself "Keith has something for the YMC and I am as curious as the rest of you".

I explained that some years before the Reading J-Days finished we had been presented with a Mascot and it was now felt more appropriate for this to move to a new home. I unveiled the mascot (see photo) , actually I took off a black plastic bag as none of my rabbit productions were big enough to hold the mascot and allow a magical production !

The Mascot had been presented to the HCMS by Nancy Skelton (Southampton) and had always "watched over" the proceedings at the following J-Days in Reading.

Mandy was delighted with the gift and asked me to convey her thanks from all those present for the new member of the YMC. Applause from the audience signified their pleasure and approval.

I retired to my seat and Mandy introduced the morning lecturer, Chris Capeheart. Chris is a busy street peformer from the USA and quickly showed why he is so very much in demand and highly regarded. In a full lecture he dealt with drawing the crowd, entertaining ALL present, even when presenting what is basically a one -on-one trick, getting their money and how to move swiftly on to the next pitch.

As with all experts, it sounded so easy and straightforward, but for those present to have heard the wisdom of many years experience it was a real Master Class.
Dealers present were Kaymar Magic, Magic Books by Post and Magic Cave who were all busy each time I visited the Devant Room where following his lecture, Chris was surrounded and happily demonstrating and dealing with queries and questions.

The Close Up Competition where we saw cards, coins, money and a great deal of skill and humour was judged by Alison Dolden (Ali Bongo's niece), Neil Henry (Magic Cave) and Graham Reed who must have had a difficult task in reaching their decision which placed (3rd) Kevin McLoughlin, (2nd) Joe Strickland and the winner Jamie Longcake. Others competing were Daniel Burr, Jordan Gregory and Jack Vogler. A reprise from the 2008 winner Carl Scott showed the difference twelve months has made since his 2008 success. Steve Dela, a former winner introduced the artists.

After a lunch break and time for the dealers we settled back in the Theatre for the Stage Competition, where once again I had the privilege of being one of the judges; my fellows were Mary Stupple (widow of former YMC Chairman Richard Stupple and the instigator of the "take-over" by the YMC of J-Day when this finished in Reading) and Circle worker David Weeks.

Particullarly pleasing was the entry of seven competitors after the rather disappointing three in 2008. Kevin Doig made the introductions, explained how the preliminary heats had whittled coompetitors down and said that all the performers had devised and planned their acts themselves which would be shown by the variety of effects, staging and ideas. Probably fair to say that the competition was like the Curate's Egg but obnviously a great deal of thought had gone into every act. Some ideas had "gelled" whilst others needed some fine tuning. Entertaining ? Yes very and a plethora of magic covering the whole spectrum. Most noticeable was the number of "snowstorms" a real nightmare for the stgae crew. Humour, escapology, manipulations, cards, vanishes, productions: we saw it all throughout the afternoon. Ed Hilsum (winner in 2008) reprised his act at the conclusion of the competition and again showed the value that twelve months experience and working had given him.

Although the result was close we were able to agree unanimously on the final order; (3rd) Daniel Shears, (2nd) Patrick Gibson and the winner Thomas Dodson (who will hold the HCMS Stage Trophy). Other competitors were, Tom Anderson, Jonathan Bray, Nick Lee and Tom Wallace. As with the Close Up competition those unplaced will surely return with greater determination to succeed, as we saw regularly with the Reading J-Days.

The Awards were presented by TMC President Jack Delvin (also President of the YMC) and we moved on to the Gala Show, ably compered by Neil Henry. Opening was Michael Jordan (the male half of High Jinks) with his recent Award Winning Act, Chris Capehart held the audince with ease and we saw the other side of this talented and very humorous entertainer, loved his floating table and quite convinced that he let go of his two corners of the cloth at one stage ! Duncan Trillo was, as in all my previous viewings, smooth, poised and immaculate with his musical timing right to the note. Max Somerset closed the Gala and we were able to see some of his logical thinking explained during his afternoon "Audience with" session with Brian Sibley put into practice.

With three volunteers from the audience, much by-play and dressing-up he built his "Human Fruit Machine" and again after much "tooing and froing" showed that the final chosen winning combination of cherriy, orange and lemon  had been correctly predicted as he emptied the three "wheels" held by the volunteers and the stage became covered with leomns, oranges and cherry tomatoes (cherries being out of season as Max explained!".

All in all yet a further feather in the hat of Mandy and her team, and the certain knowledge that the future of our beloved art is in very good hands, from both sides: the teaching and instruction and the young enthusiasts.