Another City Livery Club event and this one was a bit
different. As Club members the Mistress and I were invited to attend an evening
of magic and illusion held at the Magic Circle Museum up near Euston – who knew
such a place existed?!
Essentially, the venue comprises of a small theatre, bar and
common areas (including a marvellous suspended spiral staircase – see picture)
but also a museum in the basement. Before the show started, we were able to inspect
the many props and tricks from generations of Magic Circle members dating back
to the Victorians (see picture). Names like Houdini were in evidence as well as
more recent performers such as Tommy Cooper and David Nixon. There was even a
magic stage box from Sooty! But all exhibits had one thing in common – they
were designed to keep the audience guessing.
There then followed a rotation of four magicians working
close up and personal with card manipulation, mind reading and spoon bending
tricks to name but a few. Seeing them working so intimately with their audience
– and with all the patter – makes one wonder ever more loudly; how do they do
it? The standard was excellent and although these were all amateurs, they were
very able magicians.
After an interval the main show began in the theatre proper.
Three acts were presented including a slight of hand card sharp, an old school magician
complete with white rabbit from a hat and a pick-pocket. Your Master was
invited onto the stage by the latter and within seconds was relieved of his
wallet, keys and mobile phone – and I didn’t feel a thing. Amazing. And what
was more amazing was seeing my £20 note being torn up before my eyes! But all
ended with a laugh and we did get our money back. How DO they do it…
A great evening and a lot of fun. Magic is so much better in
the raw and TV does seem to take something away from the illusion. Thanks to
all the performers, the President and Clerk of the CLC and members of the
Worshipful Company of Marketors for organising.
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