February 6 - Handcuffs & Houdini / Pete's Potpourri
Initiation Show - Roxanne Broadbent. Roxanne had only recently started on the magical road, but produced an accomplished show, starting with a ring and rope sequence, followed by handkerchief and coin items, finishing with a card divination. The members voted unanimously for her to be accepted as a member.
Jon Marshall gave us a PowerPoint Presentation, thanks to the expertise of Phil Smith.
Jon was following the advice of "Collect, Collate and Communicate", having had Houdini as an idol from an early age. He had not only an impressive collection of handcuffs, but also an original Houdini Straight Jacket. He said the Spiritualists restraints had evolved into Houdini's escapes. Darbies, Foggat and Hiatt were names of early handcuff manufacturers. Jon's talk was accompanied by photo's of a younger Jon, as well as Houdini. Jon talked about the locking mechanisms, and their vulnerability to the escape artist. This was a very interesting talk by an enthusiastic collector.
Peter Smales had started his magical life with Arthur Setterington, and it had since become an obsession. His performances had included the feared clubland, so he was well placed to give us his guidelines for success. His heroes of magic included Don Allen, Nick Nickerson, David Groves, Cellini, Gazzo and Peter Wardell.
These performers would be unfamiliar to most as they were predominantly Street Magicians, but this was an art at its purest form.
Peter talked about the need for an emotional hook, and emphasised the people aspect of his work. He felt that magic at it's simplest was the best. However the performer has to select one style for each performance. This could be changed for a different audience, but must be consistent throughout a performance; otherwise the audience is confused.
Administration was necessary, and Peter explained how he kept track of tricks performed at each venue, to avoid duplication. This made use of the computer to cross-reference many aspects of a trick.
As befits an accountant Peter cautioned us about the tax aspects of performing for reward, and perhaps because of this his excellent lecture notes were free.
Eddie Dawes thanked Jon Marshall and Peter Smales for an excellent evening. Both talks had shown how much effort and thought had gone into their presentations. Other members may be encouraged to follow their example and give a talk at a future meeting.
Jon Marshall gave us a PowerPoint Presentation, thanks to the expertise of Phil Smith.
Jon was following the advice of "Collect, Collate and Communicate", having had Houdini as an idol from an early age. He had not only an impressive collection of handcuffs, but also an original Houdini Straight Jacket. He said the Spiritualists restraints had evolved into Houdini's escapes. Darbies, Foggat and Hiatt were names of early handcuff manufacturers. Jon's talk was accompanied by photo's of a younger Jon, as well as Houdini. Jon talked about the locking mechanisms, and their vulnerability to the escape artist. This was a very interesting talk by an enthusiastic collector.
Peter Smales had started his magical life with Arthur Setterington, and it had since become an obsession. His performances had included the feared clubland, so he was well placed to give us his guidelines for success. His heroes of magic included Don Allen, Nick Nickerson, David Groves, Cellini, Gazzo and Peter Wardell.
These performers would be unfamiliar to most as they were predominantly Street Magicians, but this was an art at its purest form.
Peter talked about the need for an emotional hook, and emphasised the people aspect of his work. He felt that magic at it's simplest was the best. However the performer has to select one style for each performance. This could be changed for a different audience, but must be consistent throughout a performance; otherwise the audience is confused.
Administration was necessary, and Peter explained how he kept track of tricks performed at each venue, to avoid duplication. This made use of the computer to cross-reference many aspects of a trick.
As befits an accountant Peter cautioned us about the tax aspects of performing for reward, and perhaps because of this his excellent lecture notes were free.
Eddie Dawes thanked Jon Marshall and Peter Smales for an excellent evening. Both talks had shown how much effort and thought had gone into their presentations. Other members may be encouraged to follow their example and give a talk at a future meeting.
Comments
No comments yet
