9.4 - In the Spotlight: Walt Lees
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A couple of years ago Walt found out how much he could sell his house for in London, and how much loose change he would have if he bought one in Scunthorpe. So he relocated ASAP!
London’s loss is Hull’s gain and we are delighted that Walt has become a member of HMC. Not just a member, but one who fully participates in our events. His popularity and reputation was demonstrated when, at his lecture for HMC earlier in the year, he attracted an attendance in excess of many of our international visitors. Walt Lees was born in Lincoln during World War II and lived at home until 1968. He decided to try his luck in London and fell on his feet, straight away, when Ron MacMillan took him on as a Svengali demonstrator. Walt worked for Ron for seven years, initially doing Ideal Home Exhibitions all over the place, then in Selfridges, Hamleys and Harrods. During that time Walt edited Ron’s magazine Info and then took over Pabular when the first editor, Fred Robinson, retired. Later he handed it to Stephen Tucker so that Walt could devote his time to establishing a business as a children’s performer and he’s been entertaining children since 1981. In 1984 Geoff Maltby asked Walt if he would consider helping him to revive Repro Magic’s Club 71 magazine. Walt agreed and expected that it might last a couple of years, but he’s been editor for twenty-one years! Along the way he’s written a number of books. That idea came from Lewis Ganson. He wrote a book of some of Walt’s stuff in 1980, and Walt learnt from watching how he did it.
What started your interest in Magic?
The first magician I ever saw was Wilf Smith of Lincoln. He came to my in fant school when I was f ve, with a road safety magic show. From that moment, I never wanted to be anything but a magician. Wilf dressed in Chinese costume, and I thought that you had to be Chinese to do magic. So when anybody asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I used to tell them a Chinaman.
A few years later I saw Harold Taylor at the Nottingham Empire. He did Edward Victor’s Rope Routine from Magic of the Hands. It really impressed me. Funnily, Edward Victor was on the same bill, doing hand shadows. Another strong influence was an act called Sunya & Sylvani who worked the open-air theatre on the seafront at Skegness. (I recently found out that his real name was Bob Nicholson and that he hailed from Blackpool way.) You could stand outside the fence and watch for nothing. They did three shows a day and I watched every one for two weeks. I was about eight then. I can still remember every detail of everything he did, including one routine that I have never seen anybody else work.
What type of magic do you enjoy?
I like to watch everything! My profession is being a children’s entertainer. I regard that as my ‘work magic’. My hobby is close-up, especially cards. I used to do professional close-up but stopped about fifteen years ago. I wanted to have one branch of magic that I did purely for my own amusement, free from the constraints of having to please anyone other than myself. Nowadays, I just do the things that entertain me. If other people enjoy them, all well and good, if not, tough! My other hobby is stand-up comedy magic. I was British Magic Champion of Comedy in 1992 – everyone seems to have forgotten that, so I thought I would just remind you. Not entirely true; I still occasionally get booked for society dinners but not as many as I would like.
Who is your favourite magician, and why?
I suppose my all-time favourite must be Fred Kaps. He truly understood how to get the most out of everything he did. On a personal level, my two favourites were Fred Robinson and Ron MacMillan. Both were good friends and, in their different ways, incredibly skilful and dedicated. I admired them for opposite reasons. Fred just loved magic for its own sake and never sought any form of
personal gain from it. Ron was the consummate professional. He had played top dates all over the world and understood the magic business, lay audiences, agents and bookers. Not many people appreciate that he gave it all up for Teresa and became a magic dealer so that he could work from home.
Have you followed another profession?
Since leaving school in 1960, I have had three ‘proper’ jobs. None lasted more than five years. I was a Civil Service clerk for a few years straight from school, then I joined the Lincolnshire Chronicle as promotions manager. I had to dream up and implement schemes to boost circulation. We used to arrange variety shows and I used to appear in some of them, beauty competitions and (the one that got me fired) the first ever pop festival. This was at Lincoln City Football Ground and nearly bankrupted the company. We booked every group in the Top Twenty that were in the country, plus Jimmy Saville to MC. I even got a letter from Kenny Everett begging to be allowed to come along and do a stint for nothing, just to be on the bill. I wish I had kept that. In 1976, while working on the magic counter in Hamleys, I got fed up one day and applied for a job with Rowntree Mackintosh as a sales rep. That lasted four years; then I decided to go back into magic.
What has been the highlight of your magical life so far?
I suppose winning The Magic Circle’s Close-up Competition in 1972. I have won more prestigious things since then but that was my first real taste of victory!
Do you have any other hobbies?
Not any more. I used to do a bit of amateur acting and went along to an evening class in Walthamstow in 1991 to brush up my technique. After going for a year or two, I gradually worked my way up
to assistant drama teacher and was often called upon to take classes when nobody else was available. So, although unqualified in any way, I found myself giving lessons to evening students, special-needs groups and all sorts, as well as producing plays, designing and building scenery. I also recently completed an Open University course and got a BSc (Hons). But I have now forgotten everything I learned! I just wanted to prove to myself that I was not completely stupid! I go jogging (six miles, three times a week) and do weight training at the local gymnasium. I suppose you could call that a hobby, although I regard keeping fit as an important part of my work.
What don’t you like in magic?
Self-serving people who just want to exploit it as a means of getting on in show business. The Magic Circle these days is full of sharp young(ish) folk whose only real aim is to become a celebrity. To me, these people seem to be milking magic rather than putting anything in it. If any of them invents something, their only interest is to market it and make money.
Do you have a favourite magic book?
I have just finished reading Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz, and I have been bowled over by it. Every magician should be forced to read it – at gunpoint if necessary. It is THE BEST book on showmanship and presentation that I have ever read and I have read Maurice, Maskelyne & Devant, Fitzkee, Nelms et al. Ortiz begins where they leave off.
Any comments about Hull Magicians’ Circle and its events?
I sometimes feel that things are a little bit too tightly organized. Some of my best nights at The Magic Circle have been when a few of us would sit around a table showing tricks and discussing
magic in general. But perhaps that’s just me. I am sure that if you were to have club nights where nothing was arranged, a lot of people would stop coming. Perhaps it can only work in a place like
TMC where over a hundred people turn up every week.
Have any amusing incidents occurred in connection with performing?
Lots! There was the time in Harrodswhere I mistook the Queen for my aunt. But it is a long story and has to be told verbally. Then there was the posh little five-year-old girl who, when I asked,
“Have you had your eyes checked, or have they always been that colour?”, replied, “Of course I have, my mummy’s an optometrist!”. It killed me!
What non-magical music, films and books do you enjoy?
I am not very musical but I like Gilbert & Sullivan and stage musicals generally. I do not go to the cinema much - I think the last time was twelve years ago. In my early teens, I discovered that live
theatre was much more immediate and gripping. However, anything with the Marx Brothers gets my vote; I also creased up the first time I saw The Producers - brilliant. If I still lived in London,
I would have gone to see the stage show by now. As for books, I mainly only read magic books nowadays, but in the past I have enjoyed anything by P.G. Wodehouse, The Dairy of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith and the poems of Ogden Nash.
Close-up or Stage?
My hobby is close-up, my work is stand-up. I like both equally.
Best night at HMC and why?
Pocket Trick Drive. You get to show a lot of close-up magic and to see other people doing it. You also get to talk to people in a way that is not normally possible at meetings.
Red or Blue backed cards?
Red – it’s a political thing!
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
Neither – I prefer magicians not creepy American icons!
Sawing in Half or Levitation?
Sawing in Half. I am fast coming to the conclusion that I am the only magician in the world who is not especially thrilled by levitations.
What is your favourite trick that you perform?
The Unequal Ropes – it must be because it is the only trick that has never been out of my repertoire since Peter Wentworth taught me how to do it in 1959.
What question haven’t you been asked that you wish you had been?
What would you have been if you had not become a magician? Answer Rich!
Anything else you want to add?
Do I get paid for this?
London’s loss is Hull’s gain and we are delighted that Walt has become a member of HMC. Not just a member, but one who fully participates in our events. His popularity and reputation was demonstrated when, at his lecture for HMC earlier in the year, he attracted an attendance in excess of many of our international visitors. Walt Lees was born in Lincoln during World War II and lived at home until 1968. He decided to try his luck in London and fell on his feet, straight away, when Ron MacMillan took him on as a Svengali demonstrator. Walt worked for Ron for seven years, initially doing Ideal Home Exhibitions all over the place, then in Selfridges, Hamleys and Harrods. During that time Walt edited Ron’s magazine Info and then took over Pabular when the first editor, Fred Robinson, retired. Later he handed it to Stephen Tucker so that Walt could devote his time to establishing a business as a children’s performer and he’s been entertaining children since 1981. In 1984 Geoff Maltby asked Walt if he would consider helping him to revive Repro Magic’s Club 71 magazine. Walt agreed and expected that it might last a couple of years, but he’s been editor for twenty-one years! Along the way he’s written a number of books. That idea came from Lewis Ganson. He wrote a book of some of Walt’s stuff in 1980, and Walt learnt from watching how he did it.
What started your interest in Magic?
The first magician I ever saw was Wilf Smith of Lincoln. He came to my in fant school when I was f ve, with a road safety magic show. From that moment, I never wanted to be anything but a magician. Wilf dressed in Chinese costume, and I thought that you had to be Chinese to do magic. So when anybody asked what I wanted to be when I grew up, I used to tell them a Chinaman.
A few years later I saw Harold Taylor at the Nottingham Empire. He did Edward Victor’s Rope Routine from Magic of the Hands. It really impressed me. Funnily, Edward Victor was on the same bill, doing hand shadows. Another strong influence was an act called Sunya & Sylvani who worked the open-air theatre on the seafront at Skegness. (I recently found out that his real name was Bob Nicholson and that he hailed from Blackpool way.) You could stand outside the fence and watch for nothing. They did three shows a day and I watched every one for two weeks. I was about eight then. I can still remember every detail of everything he did, including one routine that I have never seen anybody else work.
What type of magic do you enjoy?
I like to watch everything! My profession is being a children’s entertainer. I regard that as my ‘work magic’. My hobby is close-up, especially cards. I used to do professional close-up but stopped about fifteen years ago. I wanted to have one branch of magic that I did purely for my own amusement, free from the constraints of having to please anyone other than myself. Nowadays, I just do the things that entertain me. If other people enjoy them, all well and good, if not, tough! My other hobby is stand-up comedy magic. I was British Magic Champion of Comedy in 1992 – everyone seems to have forgotten that, so I thought I would just remind you. Not entirely true; I still occasionally get booked for society dinners but not as many as I would like.
Who is your favourite magician, and why?
I suppose my all-time favourite must be Fred Kaps. He truly understood how to get the most out of everything he did. On a personal level, my two favourites were Fred Robinson and Ron MacMillan. Both were good friends and, in their different ways, incredibly skilful and dedicated. I admired them for opposite reasons. Fred just loved magic for its own sake and never sought any form of
personal gain from it. Ron was the consummate professional. He had played top dates all over the world and understood the magic business, lay audiences, agents and bookers. Not many people appreciate that he gave it all up for Teresa and became a magic dealer so that he could work from home.
Have you followed another profession?
Since leaving school in 1960, I have had three ‘proper’ jobs. None lasted more than five years. I was a Civil Service clerk for a few years straight from school, then I joined the Lincolnshire Chronicle as promotions manager. I had to dream up and implement schemes to boost circulation. We used to arrange variety shows and I used to appear in some of them, beauty competitions and (the one that got me fired) the first ever pop festival. This was at Lincoln City Football Ground and nearly bankrupted the company. We booked every group in the Top Twenty that were in the country, plus Jimmy Saville to MC. I even got a letter from Kenny Everett begging to be allowed to come along and do a stint for nothing, just to be on the bill. I wish I had kept that. In 1976, while working on the magic counter in Hamleys, I got fed up one day and applied for a job with Rowntree Mackintosh as a sales rep. That lasted four years; then I decided to go back into magic.
What has been the highlight of your magical life so far?
I suppose winning The Magic Circle’s Close-up Competition in 1972. I have won more prestigious things since then but that was my first real taste of victory!
Do you have any other hobbies?
Not any more. I used to do a bit of amateur acting and went along to an evening class in Walthamstow in 1991 to brush up my technique. After going for a year or two, I gradually worked my way up
to assistant drama teacher and was often called upon to take classes when nobody else was available. So, although unqualified in any way, I found myself giving lessons to evening students, special-needs groups and all sorts, as well as producing plays, designing and building scenery. I also recently completed an Open University course and got a BSc (Hons). But I have now forgotten everything I learned! I just wanted to prove to myself that I was not completely stupid! I go jogging (six miles, three times a week) and do weight training at the local gymnasium. I suppose you could call that a hobby, although I regard keeping fit as an important part of my work.
What don’t you like in magic?
Self-serving people who just want to exploit it as a means of getting on in show business. The Magic Circle these days is full of sharp young(ish) folk whose only real aim is to become a celebrity. To me, these people seem to be milking magic rather than putting anything in it. If any of them invents something, their only interest is to market it and make money.
Do you have a favourite magic book?
I have just finished reading Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz, and I have been bowled over by it. Every magician should be forced to read it – at gunpoint if necessary. It is THE BEST book on showmanship and presentation that I have ever read and I have read Maurice, Maskelyne & Devant, Fitzkee, Nelms et al. Ortiz begins where they leave off.
Any comments about Hull Magicians’ Circle and its events?
I sometimes feel that things are a little bit too tightly organized. Some of my best nights at The Magic Circle have been when a few of us would sit around a table showing tricks and discussing
magic in general. But perhaps that’s just me. I am sure that if you were to have club nights where nothing was arranged, a lot of people would stop coming. Perhaps it can only work in a place like
TMC where over a hundred people turn up every week.
Have any amusing incidents occurred in connection with performing?
Lots! There was the time in Harrodswhere I mistook the Queen for my aunt. But it is a long story and has to be told verbally. Then there was the posh little five-year-old girl who, when I asked,
“Have you had your eyes checked, or have they always been that colour?”, replied, “Of course I have, my mummy’s an optometrist!”. It killed me!
What non-magical music, films and books do you enjoy?
I am not very musical but I like Gilbert & Sullivan and stage musicals generally. I do not go to the cinema much - I think the last time was twelve years ago. In my early teens, I discovered that live
theatre was much more immediate and gripping. However, anything with the Marx Brothers gets my vote; I also creased up the first time I saw The Producers - brilliant. If I still lived in London,
I would have gone to see the stage show by now. As for books, I mainly only read magic books nowadays, but in the past I have enjoyed anything by P.G. Wodehouse, The Dairy of a Nobody by George and Weedon Grossmith and the poems of Ogden Nash.
Close-up or Stage?
My hobby is close-up, my work is stand-up. I like both equally.
Best night at HMC and why?
Pocket Trick Drive. You get to show a lot of close-up magic and to see other people doing it. You also get to talk to people in a way that is not normally possible at meetings.
Red or Blue backed cards?
Red – it’s a political thing!
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
Neither – I prefer magicians not creepy American icons!
Sawing in Half or Levitation?
Sawing in Half. I am fast coming to the conclusion that I am the only magician in the world who is not especially thrilled by levitations.
What is your favourite trick that you perform?
The Unequal Ropes – it must be because it is the only trick that has never been out of my repertoire since Peter Wentworth taught me how to do it in 1959.
What question haven’t you been asked that you wish you had been?
What would you have been if you had not become a magician? Answer Rich!
Anything else you want to add?
Do I get paid for this?
9.3 In the Spotlight - Gordon Stowe
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Gordon Stow has been a member of HMC for around ten years. He is an active and regular member participating in nearly every competition that HMC holds. His interest in magic as a youngster had lain dormant until it was resurrected after his ill health retirement as a college lecturer in 1995. Discovering Supreme Magic and the British Ring IBM from a childrens book on magic was the catalyst to this re-interest.
Gordon was born and bred in Hull. He raised three children, was married for twenty-one years and divorced in 1987. Gordon married again, started another family and moved out to Kilham in 1992.
Always a Bridesmaid could have been Gordons magical theme tune as he has become known for coming second in nearly every magical competition he has entered! Until this month when he was declared the winner of the Connolly Shield for stage magic 2005. Gordon says he is very proud to be a member of the fraternity of magic.
What type of magic do you enjoy?
I enjoy watching close up and street magic, and I enjoy performing stage, comedy and childrens magic.
Who is your favourite magician, and why?
My favourite magicians have to be my friends in magic: Chris Pawson, Ron Thompson, Rob Walls and Malcolm Bromwich. We share ideas, encouragement, and inspiration.
Do you, have you followed another profession?
Yes, I was a college lecturer in building, then later in special education. I am now a social worker with learning-disabled adults.
Have you used your magical skills with that other profession?
Currently, I find it very useful as a medium into all sorts of therapeutic interventions, from challenging behaviour to inspiring people with profound handicaps.
What has been the highlight of your magical life so far?
Winning the Connolly Shield for stage magic, but I have also been so proud to be runner up in some of our other recent competitions.
Do you have any other hobbies?
Reading, family, listening to classical music, and I enjoy a good cryptic crossword!
What dont you like in magic?
I dont like large illusions with smoke and loud music.
Do you have a favourite magic book?
I get a lot of good ideas and inspiration from magic books for children (not necessarily for childrens magic).
Is there anything you would change at HMC?
I dont like the voting format for the Simpson Shield and Bob Moore Trophy. It doesnt reflect a true result, on a close call, when you only have one vote. People could be tempted to vote for a friend. It should be judged by representatives of our elected committee or vote for first and second place should be allowed.
Have any amusing incidents occurred in connection with performing?
Every time I want to be a comedy magician, but people keep laughing at me.
What non-magical music, films, and books do you enjoy?
Classical music, mostly Mozart. Historical books and films.
Close-up or Stage?
Stage.
Best night at HMC and Why?
Any lectures, talks by our own members, because they are exclusive to those present on the night.
Red or Blue backed cards?
Blue.
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
David Blaine.
Sawing in Half or Levitation?
Levitation.
What is your favourite trick that you perform?
Its A Hold Up, from Alan Shaxons Lecture (originally by Oswald Rae), combined with a Pearl Necklace production from a Jack Delvin Lecture.
Gordon was born and bred in Hull. He raised three children, was married for twenty-one years and divorced in 1987. Gordon married again, started another family and moved out to Kilham in 1992.
Always a Bridesmaid could have been Gordons magical theme tune as he has become known for coming second in nearly every magical competition he has entered! Until this month when he was declared the winner of the Connolly Shield for stage magic 2005. Gordon says he is very proud to be a member of the fraternity of magic.
What type of magic do you enjoy?
I enjoy watching close up and street magic, and I enjoy performing stage, comedy and childrens magic.
Who is your favourite magician, and why?
My favourite magicians have to be my friends in magic: Chris Pawson, Ron Thompson, Rob Walls and Malcolm Bromwich. We share ideas, encouragement, and inspiration.
Do you, have you followed another profession?
Yes, I was a college lecturer in building, then later in special education. I am now a social worker with learning-disabled adults.
Have you used your magical skills with that other profession?
Currently, I find it very useful as a medium into all sorts of therapeutic interventions, from challenging behaviour to inspiring people with profound handicaps.
What has been the highlight of your magical life so far?
Winning the Connolly Shield for stage magic, but I have also been so proud to be runner up in some of our other recent competitions.
Do you have any other hobbies?
Reading, family, listening to classical music, and I enjoy a good cryptic crossword!
What dont you like in magic?
I dont like large illusions with smoke and loud music.
Do you have a favourite magic book?
I get a lot of good ideas and inspiration from magic books for children (not necessarily for childrens magic).
Is there anything you would change at HMC?
I dont like the voting format for the Simpson Shield and Bob Moore Trophy. It doesnt reflect a true result, on a close call, when you only have one vote. People could be tempted to vote for a friend. It should be judged by representatives of our elected committee or vote for first and second place should be allowed.
Have any amusing incidents occurred in connection with performing?
Every time I want to be a comedy magician, but people keep laughing at me.
What non-magical music, films, and books do you enjoy?
Classical music, mostly Mozart. Historical books and films.
Close-up or Stage?
Stage.
Best night at HMC and Why?
Any lectures, talks by our own members, because they are exclusive to those present on the night.
Red or Blue backed cards?
Blue.
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
David Blaine.
Sawing in Half or Levitation?
Levitation.
What is your favourite trick that you perform?
Its A Hold Up, from Alan Shaxons Lecture (originally by Oswald Rae), combined with a Pearl Necklace production from a Jack Delvin Lecture.
9.2 In the Spotlight - Ron Thompson
[1 comment]
Member of HMC for two years and long time member of the BMS (British Magical Society - Birmingham) Ron Thompson has retired and moved to Nafferton in the East Riding. Their loss is our gain, members will have seen Ron participate in club nights and he is now the Simpson Shield host. He is presenting It's a Gamble, an evening with, of course, gambling as its theme on February 17. Something Ron knows a little about as he spent over forty years in the casino business progressing from croupier to Gaming Director. The Spotlight asked if Ron ever used his magic skills in the casino - his reply, “What! And get lynched!”
When and how did you become interested in magic?
There was an advert in the Wizard comic, in about 1947, for the Boy's Magic Service, Prestatyn. I sent for a catalogue and was hooked.
Who is your favourite magician?
Ken Brooke rates pretty high with me.
What book are you reading at the moment?
One of my hobbies is reading, I enjoyed Poisonwood Bible and I like Bruce Elliot's magic books. My first magic book was Magic as a Hobby.
How did you join HMC and how long have you been a member?
Well I'm a fairly new boy to HMC. Having been a member of the Staffs Magical Society and then the BMS for many years I just had to join a local society to keep up my interest when I retired to Yorkshire. My son and family live around here and we followed in 2002.
Close-up or Stage?
I enjoy close-up and stand up and I also admire some of the fine illusion acts around.
Best Night at HMC and why?
I love them all! Gazzo performed very well but talked crap!
Anything you would change at HMC?
I like the fact that we're not lectured at every week. You have to get off your ass and do tricks.
Red or Blue Backed Cards?
Strippers every time!
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
How about an Englishman? - Gordon Stow gets my vote.
Do you have a favourite film?
Brassed Off - a good Yorkshire film.
What is your all time favourite trick that you perform?
Charlie Edward's Flick Book.
Rope Tricks or Card Tricks?
Cards. And I'm not a coin magician - I can never tell copper from silver.
Your best magical experience?
Being asked to open the BMS Diamond Jubilee close-up show in 1964. I was on the bill with Francis Haxton and Tom Harris. Funny they never asked me back!
Sawing in Half or Levitation?
I'd rather have a rise anytime.
When and how did you become interested in magic?
There was an advert in the Wizard comic, in about 1947, for the Boy's Magic Service, Prestatyn. I sent for a catalogue and was hooked.
Who is your favourite magician?
Ken Brooke rates pretty high with me.
What book are you reading at the moment?
One of my hobbies is reading, I enjoyed Poisonwood Bible and I like Bruce Elliot's magic books. My first magic book was Magic as a Hobby.
How did you join HMC and how long have you been a member?
Well I'm a fairly new boy to HMC. Having been a member of the Staffs Magical Society and then the BMS for many years I just had to join a local society to keep up my interest when I retired to Yorkshire. My son and family live around here and we followed in 2002.
Close-up or Stage?
I enjoy close-up and stand up and I also admire some of the fine illusion acts around.
Best Night at HMC and why?
I love them all! Gazzo performed very well but talked crap!
Anything you would change at HMC?
I like the fact that we're not lectured at every week. You have to get off your ass and do tricks.
Red or Blue Backed Cards?
Strippers every time!
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
How about an Englishman? - Gordon Stow gets my vote.
Do you have a favourite film?
Brassed Off - a good Yorkshire film.
What is your all time favourite trick that you perform?
Charlie Edward's Flick Book.
Rope Tricks or Card Tricks?
Cards. And I'm not a coin magician - I can never tell copper from silver.
Your best magical experience?
Being asked to open the BMS Diamond Jubilee close-up show in 1964. I was on the bill with Francis Haxton and Tom Harris. Funny they never asked me back!
Sawing in Half or Levitation?
I'd rather have a rise anytime.
In the SpotLight 9.1 - Roni
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Popular member, Roni, makes one of the longest treks to HMC events – Scarborough and back! And he rarely misses a meeting. Roni was born in Tel-Aviv, Israel. He has always been creative. He enjoyed playing music and drawing, but magic became his consuming passion. In 1980 he founded the Israeli Magic Club and served as their President for three years. Before his move to England the Israeli Society awarded him the honorary lifetime title of ‘Grand President’ in recognition of hi promotion of the art of magic. Most of his adult life he has spent as a professional entertainer, first as a musician then as a magician. Although he owned and ran other businesses magic was his first love. In his own words:-“I consider myself a very lucky person as I have always done what I loved best. The honest truth for me is that with the art of magic being such a wide and deep art, even now, I still feel as if I am but a humble beginner. To me Magic means exactly that”.
When did you become interested in magic?
In my youth I used to be a bass guitarist for a rock band, I composed music and wrote lyrics. In 1969 we became very popular and decided to put on a short cabaret. I bought a few magic tricks, Feather Flowers and such like. It went well and I left the rock band to perform magic.
Who is your favourite magician?
It would have to be the late Fred Kaps. I learnt a lot from watching him and my second manipulation act was built with Fred Kaps in mind. My first Manipulation act was my Dove act. I was inspired to do this act by a magician who was my mentor, his name was Jimmy Rogers.
What book are you reading at the moment?
At the moment I am very interested in Mediums. The book I am reading now is Behind the Scenes with the Mediums.
When not doing magic what do you do?
When I am not doing magic? Strange question to ask me. Sleep, I suppose.
How did you join the HMC and how long have you been a member?
I used to come as a visitor quite often to the HMC. On one of those visits Eddie asked me if I would like to join. I have never looked back. To my mind the HMC is one of the best magic clubs (if not the best) and I am grateful to Eddie for his very valuable suggestion. Members of the HMC should know, that it is a superbly run club and should seriously value their membership..How long have I been a member? Sorry Alzheimer’s is revisiting.
Close-up or stage?
It used to be stage; as I mentioned before, I performed manipulation acts when variety used to be the in-thing. These days I rather like the intimate type of close-up magic. Psychic work, mentalism, and readings are the subjects I like best.
Best night at the HMC and why?
It has to be the nights that the members take the stage. I like the camaraderie that we all enjoy at the HMC and there is no doubt in my mind that the knowledge possessed by our members is at least as good as any lecturer can offer.
Anything you would change at the HMC?
I can’t think of anything (which is unusual for me) but there you go.
Red or Blue backed cards?
Is this a psychological question?
Choose any car and put your own number plate on it.
It would have to be a Robin Reliant with the number plate UPM 10 IUP, which stands for ‘You Pay Me £10 If You Pass!’
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
It would have to be David Hand. After all he has all of our money.
Do you have a favourite film?
No.
What is your all time favourite trick that you perform?
There are a good few but the two that I like best are The Good Luck Charm and Ghostly Touches.Both are my own versions of mental effects.
Rope tricks or card tricks?
Definitely not Card tricks (Does this answer your question?)
What is your favourite colour?
It would have to be green and smell like a Dollar.
Best magical experience?
Finding my Queen of Hearts some thirty-two years ago.
Do you have a favourite card in the pack?
Yes. The one that wins.
Sawing in half or levitation?
Levitation I suppose. Reason? Why spoil a good-looking lady if you can levitate her?
When did you become interested in magic?
In my youth I used to be a bass guitarist for a rock band, I composed music and wrote lyrics. In 1969 we became very popular and decided to put on a short cabaret. I bought a few magic tricks, Feather Flowers and such like. It went well and I left the rock band to perform magic.
Who is your favourite magician?
It would have to be the late Fred Kaps. I learnt a lot from watching him and my second manipulation act was built with Fred Kaps in mind. My first Manipulation act was my Dove act. I was inspired to do this act by a magician who was my mentor, his name was Jimmy Rogers.
What book are you reading at the moment?
At the moment I am very interested in Mediums. The book I am reading now is Behind the Scenes with the Mediums.
When not doing magic what do you do?
When I am not doing magic? Strange question to ask me. Sleep, I suppose.
How did you join the HMC and how long have you been a member?
I used to come as a visitor quite often to the HMC. On one of those visits Eddie asked me if I would like to join. I have never looked back. To my mind the HMC is one of the best magic clubs (if not the best) and I am grateful to Eddie for his very valuable suggestion. Members of the HMC should know, that it is a superbly run club and should seriously value their membership..How long have I been a member? Sorry Alzheimer’s is revisiting.
Close-up or stage?
It used to be stage; as I mentioned before, I performed manipulation acts when variety used to be the in-thing. These days I rather like the intimate type of close-up magic. Psychic work, mentalism, and readings are the subjects I like best.
Best night at the HMC and why?
It has to be the nights that the members take the stage. I like the camaraderie that we all enjoy at the HMC and there is no doubt in my mind that the knowledge possessed by our members is at least as good as any lecturer can offer.
Anything you would change at the HMC?
I can’t think of anything (which is unusual for me) but there you go.
Red or Blue backed cards?
Is this a psychological question?
Choose any car and put your own number plate on it.
It would have to be a Robin Reliant with the number plate UPM 10 IUP, which stands for ‘You Pay Me £10 If You Pass!’
David Copperfield or David Blaine?
It would have to be David Hand. After all he has all of our money.
Do you have a favourite film?
No.
What is your all time favourite trick that you perform?
There are a good few but the two that I like best are The Good Luck Charm and Ghostly Touches.Both are my own versions of mental effects.
Rope tricks or card tricks?
Definitely not Card tricks (Does this answer your question?)
What is your favourite colour?
It would have to be green and smell like a Dollar.
Best magical experience?
Finding my Queen of Hearts some thirty-two years ago.
Do you have a favourite card in the pack?
Yes. The one that wins.
Sawing in half or levitation?
Levitation I suppose. Reason? Why spoil a good-looking lady if you can levitate her?
In The Spotlight v8.3 - Rex Stott
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This time round you get to know all you ever wanted to know (and probably things you didn't) about the one and only Rex Stott, now we already know a little about Rex such as he is Hon. Secretary, lives in Walkington and supports Leeds United, but did you know he will be celebrating forty years of marriage to the lovely Jan this year? Rex and Jan have three children and five grandchildren aged from four months to nineteen years. They also own three cats, Merlin, Copperfield and Sugar.
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In The Spotlight v8.2 - Chris Pawson
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This is my first ‘proper’ interview since taking over as Spotlight Operator and I have asked my good friend Chris Pawson to open up his mind to us. Chris is a lecturer in the School of Development, Education & Child Studies at Hull College and enjoys practising Magic in his spare time (when he's not looking after his beautiful new granddaughter).
I hope by reading these articles we will all learn something that we didn’t know about other members, for example, did you know Chris's favourite colour is sky blue pink with yellow dots!!!!
So now let’s focus on Chris and thanks for reading!! [Read More]
In The Spotlight v8.1 - Kerry Scorah
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Popular member Kerry Scorah was the first lady member to win the Simpson Shield last year. Kerry is going to compile future In the Spotlight features. She was recently married to comedy performer Mark Shortland and now lives in Northampton.
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