47th Bristol Day of Magic

Published Wednesday 16 May 2007 at 16:40 by Elizabeth Warlock

It was the women magicians who for once took centre stage at this high profile annual magic event.

Trixie Bond from Texas certainly lived up to her reputation as one of the best children’s entertainers in the world when she presented a 45 minute show.

Using the theme of Mary Poppins and surrounded by a group of small children who whooped with delight throughout, she produced doves and a rabbit, a bouquet from a burst balloon, took the head off a snowman and restored it, made wands multiply, and produced a huge Union Jack among other gems. It was a brilliant performance from a delightful personality.

Then there was Romany who starred in the evening gala show. A born entertainer with a larger than life personality, she bubbles like the bottle of champagne she produced.

In a pink and black setting including huge feather fans, she produced two birdcages, cut and restored a long scarf, made coins jump from one hand to the other with the assistance of two men from the audience, burnt and restored a length of thread and linked and unlinked steel rings. And all accompanied by mischievous patter, which, together with her outrageous dress, made it reminiscent of a burlesque act brought into the 21st century.

There was also some wonderful magic from the men. Norbert Ferre from France who between some zany and very funny mime cameos, brilliantly manipulated coloured balls and cards; Scott Penrose produced and vanished doves, multiplied lit candles, made smoke appear in a covered glass, and produced a huge snowstorm at the end and Keith Fields had lots of gags and did a superb straight jacket escape.

Alex Lodge produced lots of umbrellas and silk handkerchiefs and floated an illuminated cane, although his act was spoilt due to poor lighting, and Guy Barrett performed some immaculate illusions where his two assistants appeared and disappeared, had rods pushed through them, and were squeezed to nothing.

The show was emceed by Mel Harvey, the Richard Cadell Dancers energetically opened each half, and music was provided by the 18 piece Boulevard Swing.

Other events during the day included a lecture, and the one man show of John Lenahan who between gags did a prediction book test, the six card repeat, magically made a hat from pieces of tissue paper and linked himself to two spectators despite having his thumbs tied together.

There was also superb close-up from Marc Oberon the man with the golden touch who changed props like an apple, egg, swan and even a deck of cards to gold. Manuel Muerte from Germany produced and vanished cigars and a lighter, and the charismatic David Stone from France produced coins and a bottle of wine, and had a card chosen and signed and then revealed it in his mouth.

Mandy Davis headed a workshop for young magicians, and Mandy Farrell together with Barrie Savage, Simon Lane and Paul Praeger organised this very successful day.