Eddie Dawes introduced Jay Sankey who had enthused us in 1999. Jay is a great ambassador for Canada. He was a Philosophy and Psychology Graduate, who at an early age had flummoxed Richard Kaufman with a tape of his own card and coin work, leading to his first book Sankey Panky. This first book was followed by a flood of ideas, books and tricks.


To a packed audience, Jay Sankey opened by entitling the talk ‘The Dead Easy Lecture’. The title referred to his aim of removing complicated sleights from his repertoire. By focusing on mainly self-working ideas, he was able to concentrate on performing. He enjoys having fun with people, but also aims to mystify them. Jay’s style is unique, with a very quick wit.

He then proceeded to show and explain many of latest ideas, all the time joking with his audience. Coughs and mannerisms were pounced on for a gentle ribbing. The tricks covered cards, coins and banknotes, all with an off beat approach. Jay was eager to make sure that we understood the working, often repeating an explanation for members.
The second half started with a series of animal expressions to get our attention, but then continued with cards and coins, some of which were bonus items. It is impossible to describe the effect Jay has on his audience, you have to be there. Suffice it to say everyone applauded his ideas and explanations, and scrambled for his videos, lecture notes and tricks, all at very reasonable prices.

In thanking Jay, Eddie Dawes said we had been given an evening of brilliant magic, laced with wonderful humour.