South Tyneside convention 2010

Surprisingly, fewer people came to the South Tyneside convention this year, although the line-up was, in my opinion, excellent.

Some of the highlights for me were:

Lennart Green, the Swedish world-champion close-up/card magician. This man is amazing. He is famous for his careless and chaotic handling of cards, which is amusingly convincing yet covers a frighteningly sharp awareness of exactly what is going on at all times. I was lucky enough to be involved twice: once in his lecture and the second time for the close-up. The trick I helped with in the lecture turned out to be self-working (!), although the presentation was so engaging that I doubt anyone would have guessed this. Lennart’s close-up act was fabulous and, as well as the cards, I enjoyed his version of the three-shell game, done with scarab beetles.

Lennart Green

Brad Manuel, the Australian comedy magician. Far too many people seem to think that ‘comedy’ is an easy way into magic and that standing around telling dirty, corny jokes - and/or insulting the audience - passes for entertainment. Brad, however, understands both comedy and magic and does loads of clever tricks as well as being (genuinely) funny. His trademark running gag is producing a shot-glass of drink from his shoe, over and over again.

Richard McDougall, the wonderful close-up magician I saw at Simon Drake’s House of Magic last Hallowe’en (see my review on this blog). Sadly, he wasn’t doing close-up at this convention but he has a great stage act too, which we did get to see. Richard also gave a lecture, though by no means of the usual sort. It was an analysis of the state of the magical art. I found this riveting and will be writing more about it in subsequent posts.

Simon Drake, who attended only virtually. Martin Duffy, one of the convention organisers, interviewed this legend via Skype, which worked surprisingly well. I’m a huge fan of Simon’s and it was cool to hear his news and find out more of his views on magic how to create it.

The gala shows were of a very high standard. The first was compèred by Brad Manuel and the second by John Archer. Our friend Matthew J Dowden did an impressive manipulation act and Shahid Malik, whom I’d never seen before but certainly want to see again, showed us some fantastic illusions. Jeton, the gentleman juggler from Germany, presented an extraordinary series of feats, including balancing an enormous mirror on his forehead, making it turn a revolution in mid-air and then catching it back on his forehead.

This is a well thought-out and well organised convention, different and stimulating. I always enjoy it and I’m looking forward to the next one already.