Home Counties Magical Society

On Thursday 18^th August we were treated to an excellent lecture by Matthew Garrett.  Matthew won the Magic Circle Close Up Magic of the Year award in 2010, but as a professional magician also performs cabaret and children’s parties, and his lecture covered all three points.

The lecture featured a variety of routines with varying skill levels, however all were adaptable so someone with less technical ability could still perform them.  For example, one of the routines was a story telling effect using a “shuffled” deck.  Firstly Matthew explained how easy it was to remember the story (and associated order of the deck) and by the third run through Matthew had the entire audience able to recall the story and associated card before it was revealed.

One routine required thumb-counting card and a range of back-palms, manipulations and productions.  However, this was the “cherry on top” ending to the routine and can be substituted for easier moves, but seeing Matthew’s close-up abilities gave the member’s something to aspire too.

Matthew is also known amongst magician for his take on the linking rings, the Ninja Plus.  Matthew has taken the popular Ninja Rings (smaller version of the linking rings) and adapted the routine to an original handling that also includes linking to a borrowed finger ring.  To illustrate some of the technique involves Matthew got a member who doesn’t perform any linking ring type effects and within minutes had them performing the basic techniques required.

The lecture also included a mini workshop on balloon modelling – including a balloon of Micky Mouse juggling 5 balls on a unicycle (made from a single balloon).  This can be integrated into an existing children’s magic show, and even a model that can be integrated into a wedding which will make  a great talking point and photo-opportunity.

The lecture also contained plenty of tips, thoughts and ideas and was enjoyed by everyone who attended.