KEY DECEMBER 2021

FOR MY LAST TRICK

COLLABORATIVE COLLECTION
COMEDY COLOURS l SECOND SHERLOCK
TURKEY TIME
www.britishring.org.uk
 DECEMBER 2021

RiNG officers
KEY

25

President: Alan MASKELL COUNCIL

40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW Richard CADELL
T. 07999 537686 E. richardcadell@hotmail.com
E. alan.maskell@gmail.com Clive MOORE
President Elect: Oliver TABOR T. 01332 763 206
Sutton Hall, Shopland Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LH M. 07711139479
T. 01702 543242 Email: otmagicfx@hotmail.com
E. clivejeanmagic@gmail.com
Vice President: Edwin DAWES
Carol TYNAN
Immediate Past President: Brian LEAD
T. 01704 533 768
55 Saunders Road, Blackburn, Lancs, BB2 6NP
E. ibmbritishring25reg@gmail.com
T. 01254 52070 E. b.lead@btinternet.com
Graham COLVAN
Executive Secretary: Moira FLETCHER
T. 0780 937 3746
40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW
E. graham.colvan@gmail.com
T. 07771 613894 E. moira1.fletcher@gmail.com
James HOBART
Assistant Secretary: Ajay VORA
T. 028 9185 2760
27 St Barnabas Road, Barnetby, N Lincs DN32 6 JB
E. j.hobart@btinternet.com
T. 07771752000 E. vora110@aol.com
John RUSSELL
Treasurer: Rick TYNAN
Communications Manager
12 Kempton Park Fold, Southport, Merseyside PR8 5PL
T. 0191 416 4152
T. 01704 533768 E. ibmbritishring25treasurer@gmail.com
E. john@kirsand.co.uk
Hon. Solicitor: Clive CULLUM
Oliver TABOR
25 Martin Grange 5 Otley Road Harrogate HG2 0DL T. 01702 543242
T. 01423 525093. E. magic.cullum@btinternet.com E. otmagicfx@hotmail.com
Chaplain & Welfare Officer: Alan CLARKE Aidan HERITAGE
Bear’s Den, 22 Blackcliffe Way, Bearpark, Co. Durham DH7 7TJ T. 07903 931967
T. 0191 659 9114 E. alanbearsden@gmail.com E. aidanheritage@britishring.org.uk
Webmaster: Aidan HERITAGE Robert MOSS
T. 07903 931967 E. aidanheritage@britishring.org.uk T. 07926 182 756
Key Ring Editor and Advertising Manager: Geoffrey NEWTON E. robert.mosseng@gmail.com
The Quills, 146 Ashton Lane, Ashton Upon Mersey, Sale M33 5EZ. Danny HUNT
T. 0161 969 8222. E. geoffreynewton@uwclub.net info@amethystmagic.com
Child Protection Representative: Rena FLETCHER 07957340617
T.07798 524662 renafindlay@gmail.com
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Benevolent Fund Trustees: The British Ring Moira FLETCHER Membership applications,
Eddie DAWES, John PYE, is proud to be a changes of address and general British Ring
Alan J CLARKE and Keith COOPER. member of FISM correspondence.
Rick TYNAN Annual subscriptions, benevolent
Past Presidents *Donald Crombie. *Tony Shelley. *John Palfreyman. fund donations and all financial enquiries.
*J. Milton *Will Ayling. Mike Gancia.
*Oswald Rae. Woodward. *Hamilton Kaye. *Cynthia Neptune. Aidan HERITAGE Website contributions.
*Herbert Collings. *Paul Graham. *Brian Miller. Don Beattie. Alan J CLARKE News of members recovering,
*John Ramsay. *Tommy Rowe. *Rovi. Mark Raffles. ill, or deceased.
*His Honour Ernest *Revd. Michael *Peter Scarlett. John Styles MBE.
Wethered OBE. Seacome. *Clem Bailey. *Derek McFaull. Geoffrey NEWTON Public relations, news,
*W. G. Stickland MBE. *Geoffrey *Robert Sinclair. Trevor Lewis. advertising enquiries, copy, payments,
*Harry Kaye. Buckingham. *Ron MacMillan. Shirley Ray. Key Ring articles/letters, Broken Wands,
*John Gambling. *Harold Taylor. *Ken De Courcy. Keith Cooper.
*Oscar Paulson. *Ron Bishop. *Alan Shaxon. *Brian Miller.
and requests to switch over to
*Geoffrey *Alastair Oliphant. Geoff Ray. *John ‘Sly’ Smith the e. key ring etc.
Robinson OBE. Dr. Eddie Dawes. Terry Herbert. Neil Roberts Contact details shown above
*Eddie Dexter. *Alfred Gabriel. *Les Nottle. Alan Astra
*Jeffery Atkins. *Ted Whebell. *Tom Owen. Paul Ray
*Les Levante. *Duncan Fletcher. John Pye. Clive Moore
*Archie Tear. David Berglas. *Bob Hayden. Richard Cadell
*Wilfred Tyler. *Edwin Hooper. Derek Lever. Brian Lead
THE DIGITAL KEY RING
*Francis Haxton. *Ali Bongo. *Richard Stupple. Direct links to websites, videos and other articles.
*Peter Warlock. *Cliff Townsend. *Louis Martelle. * DECEASED Help save the environment by going paperless
 RiNG contents
KEY

25 December 2021
The Official Magazine of The British Ring No. 25 of
The International Brotherhood of Magicians For Private Circulation

PAGE 6

Features
5 A Study in Scarlet: Holmes and Watson in harmony
6 Brian’s Bulletin: a Dickens of a Turkey
8 Collaborative Conjuring: Christmas collection
10 For My Last Trick: Show's over: a polished finish for your act
13 Three Book Challenge: Mike Driver’s selection
PAGE 10 14 Carol’s Convention Carousel: this month Terry Herbert goes back
16 A Bit Moore Magic: Moore embarrassing moments
17 Nonvention 2021: part two
22 Rick’s Magic Musings: Rick’s all Tic and Tac
28 Puzzle Corner: coins, matchsticks and jigsaws
IBC Beyond the Web: Aidan Heritage updates
Tricks
PAGE 14 24 Kids’ Corner: boxing clever
Regulars
2 The Editor’s View
3 President’s View
4 From the Executive Secretary

DATES FOR YOUR DIARY

Saturday 19 March 2022, President’s Dinner,
PAGE 17 Bar Hill Hotel, Cambridge.
Further details will be available very soon, or please contact
Cover our President for information.
Adapted from an Sunday 29 May 2022, Picnic Event, Ocean Room, Gorleston
image supplied by Further details will be released as soon as possible.
The Van Buren Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 September 2022, Annual Convention, Eastbourne
Organisation We are very excited to be returning to our face to face convention and plans are
already under way!
THE EDITOR and council accept no responsibility for the opinions expressed in articles appearing in the KEY RING. Its contents are copyright and
must not be reproduced in part or whole without permission of the author/contributor and editor.
KEY RING REVIEWS POLICY: As the KEY RING is a members only magazine, and space is limited, only items that have been advertised in KEY RING
(excluding Smalls) or the current convention brochure will be reviewed. Reviews must be submitted from a satisfied customer, or send the item to the editor
with a stamped SAE for its return.
KEY RING CONTRIBUTIONS POLICY: When sending to the editor enquiries or items for publication on flashdrives etc. and/or props that you wish
to be returned please enclose a stamped SAE. Also, please try to email the editor your effect, article etc. for publication. This should not prevent
members without computers from getting involved, but do enclose a stamped SAE for the return of ANYTHING that you would like back.
IBM FACEBOOK PAGE: https://www.facebook.com/IBM.BritishRing25 BRITISH RING TWITTER PAGE: http://twitter.com/IBMBRITISHRING
 THE EDITOR’S VIEW
Ihiswould like to start this editorial with
a big thank you to Roger Woods for
series The Wizard in the Woods. In
enough diversity within the contents?
Magic performance has been in
extremely short supply for over
this column, Roger has covered many eighteen months now and so have
topics of general interest to magicians writers. Articles for publication have not
and I feel confident that a good number been arriving on the editor’s desk in
of members will have gleaned abundance. I feel it is a case, here, of
information to help them with their the syndrome of not being able to
magic. Roger now feels this column’s please all the people all of the time. We,
area is complete. He will continue to fortunately, live in a free society with a
write for Key Ring on an occasional basis and I Your Say page available and criticism, as long as
look forward to receiving these articles whenever it is constructive, can be aired there. No
they become available. anonymous letters please.
At this time of year there are, more than ever,
inserts in the way of flyers and small pamphlets in
magazines of all interests. One that I found was
for a puzzle company and which included an item
called Illusion Cubes. These are, in fact, hexagonal
‘tiles’ which fit together to make all sorts of
optical illusion configurations. There are 120
challenges included, but from
what it sounds the limit is
only as far as your
imagination will stretch. This
Roger with a captive audience might be worth considering
I am pleased to inform you that Brian’s Bulletin for something to do during
(by Brian Lead) will extend to two pages each the quieter times of your
month as opposed to the alternate one page/ two winter break.
pages rota as has previously been the case. Whatever you are doing,
Thank you, Brian, for your continued enthusiastic wherever you are going,
support of the society magazine. enjoy yourselves, but do it safely.
Key Ring receives favourable comments, of
which a number are published. I do this because Geoffrey NEWTON editor
they are not just for me. They are for the whole The Quills
team, whose joint efforts pull it all together. 146 Ashton Lane,
Knowing what an appreciative readership is out Ashton upon Mersey,
there spurs them on to keep up the good work. Sale M33 5EZ
Thank you for making these feelings known. T. 0161-969 8222 or 07769 884109
On the other hand, it has been brought to my E. geoffreynewton@uwclub.net
attention that comments have been made by
people (some of whom are currently unnamed to When submitting articles send to the above
me) about the odd published humorous article address. When writing to the editor, please
being a partner’s view, (and not ‘pure magic’) as enclose a stamped SAE if you need a reply or if
unsuitable for this magazine. Do you think there is you would like photos etc. returned. Thank you.

2 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

 PRESIDENT’S VIEW
D ecember and Christmas is almost
here! I hope that members are able
to get out and perform, helping to add to
It was good to see some of you at
Hinckley last month and I hope that
those of you who were there enjoyed
the magic of this special time of year. the chance to socialise with fellow
One Christmas treat is to read or watch British Ring members again. There will
John Masefield’s magical book ‘The Box be another chance to meet up at my
of Delights’ which was dramatized by Presidential Dinner in March and tickets
the BBC in 1984 and is still available on for this are available from me now. If
DVD and on BritBox. If you have not you prefer a less formal gathering, the
read or seen this, the story features a Picnic at Gorleston in May is something
Punch and Judy man and has to look forward to and then, of course, there is our
many references to magic. Some main event, September’s convention in
members will recognise actors Eastbourne, which promises to be a very special
Charles Pemberton and James occasion.
Grout in the BBC version. They December’s President’s Challenge is to post
were both interested in magic a Christmas magic themed photograph on The
and James Grout’s character in British Ring Members’ Facebook page. I look
the film discusses tricks with forward to seeing them and hope there is a
the young hero of the story. better response than there was for the October
We have been getting out Challenge when there were not enough entries
and about again with a for a competition.
recent break in the Highlands Stay safe, and I look forward to seeing
near Braemar, and a visit to the theatre to see you in 2022!
‘Blood Brothers’. Although magic is part of the Alan
Edinburgh Fringe, it seems a lot of the touring
magic shows do not get up to Scotland. However, Alan MASKELL
I see that Champions of Magic and Derren Brown 40 Lanton Drive, Glagow G52 2EW
are both coming to Glasgow next year, so more T. 07999 537686
theatre trips are on the horizon. E. alan.maskell@gmail.com

Alan and Moira wish you

a magical Christmas and
a Happy New Year

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 3

 FROM THE EXECUTIVE SECRETARY
H ere we are again approaching the
festive season and hopefully things
will keep going this year. I have been
month, and a great time was had by all.
Thank you to those who attended, to
Richard Cadell for arranging the venue
back performing and it certainly gives and his talk, Wayne Dobson and Mike
me such a buzz that I really hope no- Sullivan for their lecture, Alan Maskell
one has to endure any cancellations and for being our quizmaster, and to those
we can all get on with enjoying the who took part in the show. A full report
magic of the season. It is fantastic will hopefully be in the January edition
seeing many Facebook posts of our of the Key Ring.
members who are back performing and obviously We welcome another new member, Frank Allen,
getting back to the lives they enjoy. and it was fabulous that he was able to join us at
Our Convention Team is organising our Hinckley.
convention for September in Eastbourne. Next As we welcome a new member, I thought it
month we are hoping to start making some prudent to remind members of some of the
announcements so keep a look out for these here membership benefits. There is reduced
in the Key Ring, on registration rates for the annual
Facebook and other convention; Members can enter the
media outlets. We have various competitions at the convention
had a couple of with trophies, cash prizes and
suggestions from performance opportunities; our welfare
members which have and benevolent services if a member is
gone onto the list for in difficulty; access to the members’ area
possible ideas. If you Eastbourne on our website which offers videos and
would like to see something particular then now is access to past magazines. Along with the monthly
the time to get in touch. Please just send me an magazine and the friendships we feel we offer a
email and we can take it from there. lot to our members. We are happy for our
To enable a fabulous re-launch of our members to be as actively involved as they like,
convention we are extremely grateful to two so if you wish to take part in any events, write an
members who have given substantial donations to article for the magazine or be part of any of the
help towards the costs of acts. These will enable organisation teams then please do get in touch. It
us to look at acts from overseas to enhance the is always lovely to hear from members, and I love
programme of events. Our very grateful thanks getting the various phone calls and emails from
are extended to these members and we will you all.
ensure this money is spent wisely to present a
convention which will be a real celebration of The art of a magician is to create wonder. If we
magic. live with a sense of wonder, our lives become
It was lovely to filled with joy – Doug Henning
see some of our
members at the
event at the Moira FLETCHER
Concordia 40 Lanton Drive, Glasgow G52 2EW
Theatre in T. 07771 613894
Hinckley last E. moira1.fletcher@gmail.com

4 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

B A STUDY IN
eing an ardent Sherlock Method:
Holmes fan, I was As I have said, simple but effective.

SCARLET
particularly interested in the l Set the cards, Watson cards
Collaborative Conjuring item face up and Holmes cards on
from Chris Wardle and top face down
James Ward in the l The cards are mixed by the
November issue. I have, Your Editor turns detective performer. Do what you wish,
based on an old principle, come any over. At this point (with a but do not turn any over
up with a follow-on item, which polite excuse) the performer, with l Allow the spectator to do the
may be of interest. I am not hands at the back, turns away same
sure of the origin of the modus from the spectator, requesting the l Turn your back to the spectator
operandi here, but will ask cards be returned either way up. whilst they are shuffling and
Chris and James as they are The performer then turns to face ask for them to be returned
my usual first port of call with the spectator again. Now, unable to your hands, which are now
any enquiry about principles to see the cards, a few behind your back
based on maths. Any incantations are recited and the l Turn to face the spectator, as
information gleaned will be cards brought forward. you recite your incantations
published in a future edition of They are dealt down in two (a few words about the story
Key Ring. piles, one following the other (as A Study in Scarlet wouldn’t
As many of you will be opposed to an alternate deal). I go amiss at this point) and, as
aware, A Study in Scarlet was cannot say exactly what the two this is going on deal off five
the first of Sir Arthur Conan piles will show, as it will differ cards and turn this stack over
Doyle’s Holmes stories that almost each time (within the returning them to the pile
brought together Sherlock realms of possible combinations), l Bring the cards to the front,
Holmes and Dr Watson. but they will certainly match. For deal down two individual
example, there will be the same piles and the number of face
Effect: amount of scarlet backs showing up and face down cards in
The performer shows ten cards, in each pile and the same number each pile will match
all with solid scarlet coloured of Watson face up cards in one Thanks for the inspiration boys.
backs. There are five showing pile and equally the same number Elementary my dear Wardle or
items connected with Holmes: of Holmes cards face up in the should I say: elementary my
deerstalker, pipe, magnifying other. Simple, but effective! dear Ward(son)!
glass, microscope and a violin.
Then there are five cards with
items that could be associated
with Watson: bowler hat, fob
watch, doctor’s bag,
stethoscope and a copy of
Gray’s Anatomy. These cards The Holmes Cards
are held in the palm, face
upwards and the Holmes cards
placed on top, face down. The
performer demonstrates the
mixing of the cards and
requests a spectator to do the
same, but stresses not to turn The Watson Cards All cards with plain scarlet backs

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 5

 BRIAN’S BULLETIN DICKENS AND THE VANISHING TURKEY by
“Do you know know it, and here we
whether they’ve see him conjuring up
sold the prize the spirit of Christmas,
turkey that was as envisioned by ‘Kyd’
hanging up there? – (Joseph Clayton Clarke)
Not the little turkey: in The Dickensian in
the big one?” 1905. He established,
(Charles Dickens: among other things,
A Christmas Carol) the turkey as the
Christmas dinner dish rather than
Charles Dickens was a keen the traditional goose. On this
amateur magician. He first occasion, he had ordered a huge
mentioned his new hobby in a turkey, thirty pounds in weight (not
letter dated 3 December, 1842 dissimilar to the one bought by
(exactly a year before A Scrooge, which was said to be
Christmas Carol was published) twice the size of Tiny Tim) and
in which he spoke George Dalby, the manager of his Railway. It had been transferred to
of buying up ‘the reading tours, had arranged for it a horse box at Gloucester, it being
entire stock-in- to be sent from Ross-on-Wye to common practice to use this form
trade of a conjuror, his home in Kent. of transport for a dual purpose;
the practice and By Christmas Eve the fowl had the less attractive alternative
display whereof is not turned up, causing Dickens to being the use of an open wagon,
entrusted to me.’ write impatiently: ‘Where is that under tarpaulin.
His first appearance bird? It has not arrived!’ It would Anyway, just outside Reading
was to be on soon be too late to cook it in time the horse box caught fire, the
Twelfth Night. for the Christmas dinner. mishap possibly being caused by
Subsequently, Jane Carlyle It transpired that the sparks from the engine as the
described ‘that excellent transporting of the bird had been train passed through a tunnel. It
Dickens playing the Conjuror for entrusted to the Great Western was reported that the whole
one whole hour – the best structure had been destroyed.
conjuror I ever saw, and I have Some of the meat must have been
paid money to see several.’ A retrieved, however, (possibly
comprehensive study of this cooked in the fire) as parts of the
aspect of the writer’s life can be turkey were offered to the good
found in Charles Dickens; folk of Reading at six pence per
Magician, by Ring member Ian portion. No doubt its association
Keable. with Dickens provided a unique
At Christmas time in 1869, selling point.
however, Dickens encountered Dickens’s complaint was dealt
the strange tale of a with by James Charles Kingett,
disappearing turkey. He had superintendent of the Parcels
been instrumental in creating Department at Paddington station,
the festive season as we now who sent an apology along with

6 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

Brian LEA D

an offer of compensation. Dickens of magic, beautifully

responded in February 1870, with photographed by Homer Liwag
a handwritten letter from his and supplemented with archive
home at Gads Hill Place in Higham images. On display are small
by Rochester, Kent. He said: ‘There items such as Cardini’s
is no doubt that my Christmas fare monocle and Koran’s medallion,
was destroyed by an unavoidable through to Richiardi Junior’s
accident, and I have borne the buzz-saw which spattered
loss with unbroken good humour blood onto the curtains and
towards the Great Western Alexander’s high-tech turban,
Railway Company.’ which conveyed information to
Sadly, this would have been him via a hidden earpiece.
Dickens’s last Christmas turkey, Over 28 bite-sized chapters,
as he died in June, 1870. David (along with co-writers
His letter lay buried in the Richard Wiseman and David
Company’s archives until it was with the project in a minor way in Britland) covers the ‘greats’
rediscovered almost four decades the early stages, trying to (Kellar/Thurston/Houdini/Dante)
later and published in the Great establish the provenance of a gun but also includes less well-
Western Railway Magazine in owned by Chung Ling Soo, so known performers such as Dell
1908. In December last year, David kindly sent O’Dell and Arthur
almost 150 years to the day, it over a Lloyd, the ‘Human
was uncovered again; this time in complimentary pre- Card Index’. The
the archives of the National publication copy a theme of ‘costumes’
Railway Museum in York. few weeks ago. It includes the flowery
Talking of Christmas fare, many would be dungarees of Doug
magic stockings this year will no inappropriate of me Henning and a dress
doubt be bulging with the new, to write a review, so thought to have
eagerly-awaited book David you will have to look been worn by
Copperfield’s History of Magic, elsewhere for that, Adelaide Herrmann,
which has just reached the shops. but it does mean that while influential
I was involved I can be the first to writers (Reginald
tell you about it. Scot, Professor
As it says on the Hoffmann and the
label, the book mysterious Erdnase)
traces the history of magic, but all make an appearance.
uniquely using items from David Personal props include iconic
Copperfield’s extensive museum items such as Malini’s egg bag,
Blackstone’s vanishing bird
cage and Buatier de Kolta’s
expanding die ... described as
‘a bomb waiting to explode’,
which can never again be
removed from its box.

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 7

 COLLABORATIVE CONJURING A FOURTH 12 IDEAS

JAMES: Well, here we are again giving it a quarter turn forwards

with another festive mix of ideas. each time until it lands on the
CHRIS: Yes, it’s hard to believe middle square of any row. The
another Christmas is fast number facing upwards will be
approaching and that this is our the spectator’s chosen number!
FOURTH festive column!
JAMES: We hope you enjoy the Number 5
mix of items and that you can use At what age does a magician
some of the tricks, tips, gags and become the perfect performer?
festive silliness over the holiday ANSWER: At forty years old
period. This is very useful for holding a because then they XL. (‘Excel’ XL
CHRIS AND JAMES:Best wishes tube, bottle, wine glass, ball or being 40 in Roman numerals!)
and good health to all for 2022! any similar object securely and
gives you an extra space on your NUMBER 6
NUMBER 1 magic table. Draw four lines on a pad: I I I I
Write on eight Post-It notes the Ask a spectator to add just five
following digits: NUMBER 4 more lines but to finish up with ten.
1, 2, 7 and 9 Draw a 5 x 5 grid on a piece of How do you do it? Add five lines
3, 4, 5 and 8 paper and fill out the outside rows to write the WORD ten: T E N
Line one, totals 19 and line two and columns (see the diagram).
totals 20. Ask a spectator to swap Give a spectator a die and look NUMBER 7
two Post-Its, one from each line, away. Ask them to choose any Why are 1980 British pennies
so that both lines total 18. They number and place the die in any worth almost £20?
will struggle until you show them. corner square with the chosen ANSWER: Because if you had
Take the 9 and 8 and swap them, number on the bottom. The 1,980 pennies, that would equal
but invert the 9 so it becomes a 6 spectator now moves around the £19.80, which is almost £20.00.
in the process! grid as many times as they like,
moving one square at a time and NUMBER 8
NUMBER 2 giving the die a quarter turn Hand a spectator a Christmas
Why is a skateboarder like a forwards each time. When cracker. Every cracker has
magician? Because they both do finished, you turn around and surprise contents which is part of
skilful tricks! move the die as the spectator did, the fun. Ask them for a number
BETWEEN 1 and 10. Then show
NUMBER 3 them the following list which has
When you visit your local garden been in an envelope on the table
centre, look out for an accessory the whole time:
called a ‘Trink’. It is an oversized 1 Red
bulldog clip with a hole in 2 White
the top, which will clip 3 Lavender
onto a table and also 4 Yellow
hold a glass. It is 5 Indigo
designed for picnics. 6 Orange

8 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

OF CHRISTMAS by Chris WARDLE and James WARD

7 Purple number, remove the list showing ANSWER: Just one will do the trick!
8 Green them the OTHER SIDE, which has
9 Lilac the force words listed in the even NUMBER 11
10 Pink positions, 2, 4, 6 and 8! Here’s a tip we got from the late,
great Steve Evans. If you want to
They say 7, for example, and so NUMBER 9 remove permanent pen from a
choose purple. They pull the Look at this sum: hard surface, e.g. a Sharpie
cracker and find inside a purple 1+9+1+9+1 marker, rub over it with a dry wipe
hat, a purple balloon and even a Can you perform a simple pen. You can then rub this off with
joke printed on purple paper! operation to turn this total into 15? a cloth and it removes the
permanent marker at the same
WORKING: ANSWER: You don’t need to use time!
Simply load the cracker addition, subtraction,
beforehand by opening up one multiplication or division, just the NUMBER 12
end carefully and switching the operation of turning the question Always remember these two
contents. If they call an ODD upside down! magical words. They will open
number between 1 and 10 – i.e. up the doors in your life.
3, 5, 7 or 9 – then these are all NUMBER 10 ‘Push’ and ‘Pull’.
synonyms of purple and match How many magicians does it take Happy Christmas!
the prediction. If they call an EVEN to do magic?

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 9

FOR MY LAST TRICK
Your Editor discusses some finishing effects that have served time well and
some tailored unique ones

How you finish your act could well who can also sing or play a was turned round and revealed
be the item by which people musical instrument is equally the words, “Time Gentlemen
remember you. It’s not the ‘be all admired. You only need to look at Please!” With a slight change of
and end all’ of your performance, the success of Mel Harvey over wording, it would be equally
but an aspect I would like to deal the years. effective and suitable for use
with here. The correct finale is One of the all-time favourites as today.
important in all acts, but it’s just a finisher has been the Multiplying Over the years, there have been
that, in close up, the size of the Bottles. Originally, a nine bottle some rather saucy props with
props tends to be scaled down. routine, but latterly some which to end an act. Chinese
However, the impact needs to be manufacturers created a twelve Goodnight was popular at one
the same. bottle version. Tommy Cooper time, but times change and
For many years, in my view, made a big finish of this effect by attitudes with it. I do remember a
there have been basically four adding additional loads, with each magician writing an article on
types of act: stage patter or silent, steal making it easier, as more
in either case played straight (e.g. cover became available. The only
mentalism) or for laughs. Then problem I found with this whole
close up for a relatively formal thing was when striking the stage.
seated audience and, finally, the Bottles, being a little unstable,
act of the Illusionist. I know there could fall over and give away the
are variations on these categories; secret when being carried off. This
for example patter mixed with is bad enough behind the tabs, but
illusion and close up in the form of imagine the embarrassment on an
street magic, mix and mingle or open cabaret floor.
table magic (for functions). There I found the answer in a prop Fin Jon
is technically one other, in effect a supplied many years ago by David such items, with the title X Rated
non-magician, e.g. comedian or Hemingway. It worked like this: Props, but perhaps it is best to
vocalist, who puts in a good trick You performed the routine on a leave it there; well, for the
and is appreciated more for tray. At the end, a cover in the purpose of this piece anyway.
having a second string to their form of a box which had no base, A false tab ending, where the
bow. This is in no way went over the bottles and this was audience thinks you have finished
intended to deride the trunk clipped to the tray. It was and then you hit them with
official magician, as lifted off with a handle and, as something else, has always drawn
conversely a magician your closing words were said, it extra applause and maybe an
additional curtain call. Many
performers have finished on the
Zombie, but in many ways it
lacked a finish. Strong enough if
you had mastered slow moves
and the finesse of Fin Jon, with

Multiplying Bottles 10 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

 stage to thunderous applause. The case round, where it can have
lonesome remaining dove was written something like, “Goodnight
picked up at the curtain call, All,” wave and depart, smiling.
thrown up and came down as a This type of act can have, built
white scarf! This was an excellent in, some form of sincerity as
false tab finale to any finishing lines. A couple of endings
performance. that have always registered well
At this point, I’ll relate with me are:
something that happened on one The greatest thing in life is
occasion to someone who is, by time. Thank you for sharing some
Norm Neilsen now, almost a lifelong friend of of yours with me. (slight pause) .
appropriate music, but he was a mine. His name is Scott Christian, Goodnight.
one off. I have seen Zombies at and he had a highly polished dove When I left home tonight, my
the end of the routine split in half act and was much in demand five-year-old son/daughter (or
to a ball of fire and sometimes a during the 1970s. Working at a grandson/granddaughter,
total vanish. Talking of the vanish, sophisticated night club, at the depending on your age) said, “Are
track your mind back to the act of point of the finale he, rather over you giving a magic show tonight
the late Norm Nielsen and the enthusiastically threw the cloth up (Gran)dad/mum (Grandma)?” I
floating violin, which vanished at and it became caught in the said “Yes.” Then the following
the end of his act. That was it, or lighting gantry. Everyone looked line is said “Will they give you
so we thought (the first time up, but with all the a big round of applause
anyway) then: by remote control spotlights then when you are
the violin returned to the stage on shining in the eyes finished?” Now say,
wheels and also took a bow, with of the audience, they “Oh yes. They
a style of genuflection at the scroll could see nothing, always do.” You
part of the neck. This was a just like the black then, personally
brilliant example of the false tab if hole you see from addressing the
ever there was one. the stage normally. audience, say, “Well you
In my opinion, there is no better Coming back for the wouldn’t want me to lie to
finish to a dove act than the Dove final dove vanish a child would you?” Leave
Cage Vanish, containing the proved to be an anti- a short pause here to let the
doves. For a false tab, some climax, but he had to go line register and then go on
magicians would leave one dove through with it, as it was to say, “Goodnight everybody.”
behind and you could actually in the days of band parts and a Using a prop in conjunction
hear the audience talking about it, final drum roll had been written in. with finishing lines is equally
as they saw the performer coming As Clive (M) sometimes quotes, effective in the right
downstage with the cloth, holding “There’s no business like show circumstances. If you have been
the cage of doves. Come the business.” using liquids in your act, then it
throw up, the performer left the Straight patter acts (meaning would be reasonable continuity to
those not playing for comedy) finish on the Hydrostatic Glass
need an item that says “I’ve (HG). Alan Shaxon produced
finished,” without necessarily goldfish in his act and placed
actually saying so. A good them in a standard goldfish bowl.
example of this is the His finish was with the HG lines, to
transformation of a dining type the effect of “That’s science, that’s
chair to a small suitcase. You then magic and that’s all Goodnight.”
walk off, stop midway, turn the This made the perfect ending.
s

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 11

Geoffrey Durham’s version, when down the centre aisle from the
performing as Soprendo, used a back of the auditorium to the
four pint vessel and you can stage. Brilliant! The vanishing
imagine what a splash that made motor bike and rider with the
during emptying; same principle same style of finish is equally
used and an equally strong finish. spectacular. You only have to see
Comedy acts can finish on the Richard Cadell perform this to
return of a borrowed item and the appreciate the terrific impact on
more impossible the place from an audience.
which it is returned, the better the To me, the most unique false
finish. There are a number of Terry Seabrooke tab was performed by Fred Van
situations to create, where this is Buren and Greta in their heyday.
the result. It is usually run along to can finish on this, as the applause They would finish on the
the end, with appropriate lines is for you as well. If the applause Substitution Trunk. The speedy
along the way. has been mediocre, then you need transposition revealed Fred being
Be careful, to return to the stage with a quick untied from a sack in the
though, how one line appropriate for the previously examined crate. The
long you wind occasion. Seek one that suits you casual smoking of a cigarette
someone up from one of the many gag books enhanced the effect somehow,
with what you available. Something as simple as: although not considered so today.
may consider “Time for me to go now, Fred would then escort the
funny. On everybody, as I have a long drive, volunteer, who had witnessed the
burning a (slight pause) but only a small locking of the crate etc, back to
borrowed house.” their seat as the tabs were
banknote, the fact that the likes of To finish this article on bumped to accentuate the applause
Terry Seabrooke could get away ‘finishing’ I’ll hark back to false cue. As Fred returned to the stage,
with lines like, “It’s cost you a bit tabs. In my opinion, these are, at he walked towards the crate and
more to come out tonight than the best placed as part of an it changed to a wonderful floral
what you thought, hasn’t it?” does illusion act. Take, for example, the garden display, complete with real
not mean that you can. If you have return of the vanished assistant in water fountains. What a finish:
the personality, stagecraft and an Asrah, who comes running Follow that!
confidence, by all means go for it.
I would suggest you test the water
on this when embarking on the
routine. You could try “Oh…er,
could you lend me another
tenner?” which is funny, but less
direct. It’s a case of working your
way up and being aware of when
to knock off poking fun at the
spectator’s temporary misfortune.
Once the note has been returned,
ask for the applause for the willing
good sport assistant. As you
escort them back to their seat,
encourage the applause to
continue. If it is strong enough you Asrah

12 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

 T 5
THE THREE BOOK CHALLENGE Introduced by Alan MASKELL
PAR
These three are the choices of production, The Four Ace routines, Monty Walks Again. The most
Mike Driver. Card on the Ceiling, The Dice important outcome, however, is
Book number one is Bruce routine, Chink a Chink, Ambitious that the book made me think
Elliott’s ‘Classic Secrets of Magic.’ Card and Cups and Balls including much more widely about effects I
What a resource for a learning the Benson Bowl. Bruce Elliott’s would like to create.
magician! choices challenged me and moved My third volume is The
From age my magic to a higher level as a Definitive Sankey (Gladwin & Jay).
nine years result. The quality of the contents Jay Sankey is renowned for his
I had learned captured my interest so much that ‘off the wall ideas’. This huge
a lot through I was highly motivated to practise tome, (actually three volumes!), is
other books hard and master the effects. I still so broad in the range of the types
by Peter perform some of them today. of magic
Warlock, My choice number two is discussed. It
Bruce Elliott Vortex’ by Tom Stone. Books such is a treasure
and Walter as the Dai Vernon Book of Magic chest of
Gibson. ‘Peter and The Art of Close-up Magic all effects,
Warlock’s Book of Magic’ was an played a critical role in helping me techniques,
early favourite. It is well written develop my technique and close- and ideas that
and taught me a variety of general up magic skills. Vortex, however, one can use.
magic which Includes vanishes, is the first book I bought which Like Vortex, it
productions and transpositions. revealed and explored the creative is a fabulous
‘The Royal Road to Card Magic’ is process so openly. The book itself stimulus for
another front runner. I liked the is like Tom‘s version of the Benson creative thinking to
progressive structure of the book Bowl. You open the book and it produce one’s own effects. For
and worked hard developing my explodes with a fountain of ideas, example, I particularly liked
skills and mastering some great not a single ‘final load’. As a Sankey’s point that a subtler
card effects. However, Classic former teacher I am used change can be more magical than
Secrets is the clear winner. It has a marked one. From just one
absolutely high-class effects effect where four holes assemble
across a wide range of magic. on the corner of the ‘same’
The explanations are good and banknote (as opposed to a change
it is well illustrated. I loved the of currency) I came up with four
way that within each chapter a powerful effects not involving
principle was explored and banknotes or holes!
taken to a higher level e.g. the I have filled many notebooks
paddle move with matchsticks with ideas after reading ‘Vortex’
progressed to Dr Sack’s dice to thinking laterally to and The Definitive Sankey! I am
routine. I worked through virtually create engaging lessons. This having a great time developing
every chapter of this book. book provided a booster rocket. them and bringing the best ideas
Particular favourites were the Yes, there are effects I learned and to fruition.
Wally Dean wineglass and coin practised from the book, such as

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 13

 CAROL’S CONVENTION CAROUSEL EARLY ME
How many of you correctly identified ‘The Great over the room, and the
Fiasco’ mentioned in last month’s article for his announcement came – Fogel and
appearance in the Gala Show at the 1994 his Ghosts. Fogel then appeared
Eastbourne Convention? It was, of course, our very walking sedately across the room
own Terry Herbert. In her report for The Budget, followed by several white clad
Elizabeth Warlock wrote of the performance: figures. A very novel touch that set
“Immaculately dressed in top hat, tie, and tails, the evening off perfectly.
‘The Great Fiasco’ stumbles through such things I also remember the Americans
as the egg bag, linking rings, silk and dove that used to come to the
productions that, despite his air of nonchalance, never seem to go quite conventions, especially Dr Zina
as they should. The final disaster is when smoke pours from his table Bennett who did excellent
and it moves off stage of its own accord.” manipulations with Jumbo Cards
The Great Fiasco sounds such a wonderful character, and I only wish and who used to take an active
I had been able to see his act in person. interest in Eddie Dexter’s
Terry has taken an active part and Welfare Section by writing to
undertaken many roles at British Ring conventions everyone on it.
over the years, including President (1992-1993), I have a few more personal
competing in the Shield Competition, regular photographic memories that I’d
appearances in the Children’s Show, giving like to share, this time from the
lectures, compèring Outside Events, and 1954 Convention in Brighton. One
participating in the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon- is of myself and Al Wood, a dear
to name but a few! friend, being greeted at the
Terry has been in touch to share some of his Banquet by President Oscar
many memories of British Ring Conventions. The Great Fiasco Paulson, and Blanche Haxton,
who was acting as his Lady.
A FEW CONVENTIONS Claude Perry are watching a card In another photograph, myself
HIGHLIGHTS trick, but unfortunately I am and Al are pictured having a laugh
By Terry Herbert unable to name the card man. with Claude Perry – but I can’t
I have wonderful One of the stand-out events at quite remember what was so
memories of so many the convention was ‘Fogel’s interesting about the spoon! . The
conventions it is difficult Ghost Show’, billed in the
to collate them all. programme as ‘An hour’s
Here are a few Excursion to another World’ [with]
highlights that stand out. ‘Thrills and chills that will give you
I was a fresh-faced the creeps’. The scene for the
youth when I attended show had been well and truly set
my first convention at Hastings in the previous night at the Civic
1952 - and have photographs to Reception. A report in The Budget
prove it! Those I can identify with recalls that, as was usual on such
me in the photograph of the dove occasions, the guests were
pan demonstration are Jock announced and walked forward to
Armitage, Dennis Patten, Bobby meet the dignitaries. The
Bernard and Donald Bevan. In reception was well under way Terry, Claude Perry and mystery
the other photo, myself and when all of a sudden a hush fell card man

14 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

MORIES BY CAROL TYNAN

Terry watching Dove Pan Demonstration Terry with President Oscar Paulson

Terry, Al Wood and Claude Perry Terry, John Salisse, Jim Peasy, Redvers Dexter
next one shows John Salisse, Magic Company led by their held in the HQ hotels, which were
Jim Peasy, and Redvers Dexter Damaging Director Geoffrey always full of fun and laughter,
admiring our medals from the Robinson’ with his gang of usually featuring people like Ken
South London Magicians Guild, fugitives (mostly from the London Brooke. Not a pack of cards in
now known as The South London Society of Magicians) who would sight!
Magic Society. put on a mad crazy show on the The British Ring Conventions
The many varied and wonderful last late night of the convention, have always been my favourite
Gala Shows over the years are with proceeds from donations (in magical gatherings. Not so much
also special highlights, especially lieu of an admission fee) for the for the magic but meeting up with
the one at Eastbourne in 1986, benefit of the Welfare Fund. These old friends we only see once a
which featured Harry Blackstone would be held ‘somewhere in the year and for the fun and sociability
Jnr presenting The Floating Light basement of the Convention hotel we have.
Bulb, which was, and still is, one – just follow your nose!’ I had the
of the most amazing illusions that ‘dubious’ pleasure of taking part
I have ever seen. in the show at Scarborough in
However, Fringe Shows have 1969, being billed as ‘The poor
always been one of my absolute man’s Rin Tin Tin’!
favourite aspects of conventions, I also recall attending a lot of
and I remember ‘The New Era late-night/early morning sessions

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 15

 ABITMOOREMAGIC BY Clive MOORE

Tcheckhey say you

should always
your car
birthday party show (a
rarity these days),
all was going well
before you set off on with the Silver
a journey, something Sceptre. The kids were
that a responsible shouting out, letting me
motorist would do know the wand had
and this should also risen in the air. Then, a Make room
for me!
apply to magicians quick twang and the
with our tricks/props. wand would rise no more and yes
Unfortunately I do not practise you have guessed it; the elastic
what I preach. Most of my props had perished.
have been stored in my lockup On a non-related lock down
this last eighteen months. I have issue, some years ago, whilst
already fallen flat with my Ring acting as compère for the Derby
on Sword, where the Magic Circle Dinner, a couple of
mechanism had seized up. magicians, who will remain
Luckily I was able to fix the prop nameless, were chatting back well with the Ring on Rose trick
mid show and I feel the stage about a Three Card Monte and I presented an elderly lady
audience didn’t know the routine. As my cabaret table was with an artificial rose. I was quite
difference. There were, though, there, they asked if they could shocked when she realised that
two magicians in the audience borrow three cards from a pack I the head of the rose was a lacy
who realised that I had a had in my box and I never thought red thong; she was quite
that they wouldn’t put them back. amused as she held it up.
I went on stage to force the I often wondered if she ever
queen of diamonds, not realising wore it. Fortunately it got a
that one of the cards they had laugh and it has taught me a
taken away was, unfortunately, lesson: to check my roses in
the queen of diamonds and this the future.
was the card in my Card Frame. Keep waving those wands.
Oops! Luckily I was able to locate
the queen of hearts flashing it
to the spectator and telling him it
was the queen of diamonds by
amazing good luck. I seemed to
get away with it.
problem. Fortunately, after a Now just to round off: I had
good clean and a squirt of
WD40, the prop revived and it
has now been returned to
bought a stash of silk roses
(obviously left over from St.
Valentine’s day) and, again, I had
OOPS!
regular use. not checked the quality of the
A few weeks later, whilst roses. I went to perform at a
performing at a children’s care home. All was going

16 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

 THE 2021 NONVENTION PART 2
The 2021 Nonvention Part 2 (The Sunday events continue)
The Century of Deception – Birth of the Hoax

Roy Field watched unborn child. She was also behind what we would now call
the live zoom – Ian a good actress, convincing poltergeist activity. Pots, plates
Keable gave us a the male midwives in and pans fell mysteriously to the
fascinating attendance, although they floor or flew across the room.
PowerPoint could have been more Even when Mrs Golding, the
presentation about suspicious when only parts frightened owner of the house,
his new book ‘The of rabbits, rather than live took refuge with a friend and took
Century of ones, were being ’born’. Ann with her, the pandemonium
Deception: the birth The case of William- followed. One would have thought
of the hoax in eighteenth century Henry Ireland stirred memories that the link between the
England’. He began by defining a for me of historical bibliography paranormal activity and the maid
hoax and its differentiation from lectures when I was a student. would have caused suspicion, but
magic. Hoaxes should be amusing The end product of his hoax it was regarded, well into the 20th
as well as fooling and non- was the ‘discovery’ of a lost play century by many as genuine
financially motivated. Scams, by William Shakespeare, poltergeist activity. Ann later
such as ‘thimble rigging’ which Vortigern. The brilliance of the confessed her trickery with
also began in the 18th century, deceit was that he produced many techniques still used
can still be found today in the small scale forgeries by magicians today.
form of the shells and pea game, purportedly written by Finally, Ian related
or the ‘Find the Lady’ three card Shakespeare such as his favourite hoax –
monte. They differ from benign letters, notes, bills of the Bottle Conjuror.
but amusing pranks. Elaborate sale with references An advertisement
hoaxes can be as difficult to pull to the forthcoming appeared in a
off as complicated magic tricks play. By the time the newspaper saying
or illusions. lost play was actually that a man would
Three successful 18th century ‘discovered’ the climb inside a
hoaxes were described as good background standard sized
and well-known examples. The evidence had bottle on the stage
first was the case of Mary Toft, theoretically verified of a London
famous for seemingly giving birth the claim. Vortigern theatre. The
to rabbits. Mary, who worked as a was actually staged crowds turned up
hop picker, certainly had a known for one night at for the
fascination with rabbits and this Drury Lane Theatre performance, but
fact made her eventual claims in 1796. the performer did

! seem more likely. It was a time of

the ‘maternal imagination’ belief
which postulated that a woman’s
The case known
as the Stockwell
Ghost began in
not. The annoyed
punters then rioted
and caused
abnormal and fanciful thoughts January 1772. Ann extensive damage
during pregnancy could impact Robinson, a maid at to the theatre. Was
adversely on the foetus of her the house was it 18th century
s

Ian in a bottle
DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 17
gullibility, or even today would an
intrigued audience turn up to see
what it was all about?
It was a fascinating afternoon
with, maybe, the realization that
people do not change and that
hoaxes, benign and malign, can
still be believed. Many of us will
now, I am sure, be ordering Ian’s
new book to learn more about
these and other historical hoaxes.
The Century of Deception: The
Birth of the Hoax in Eighteenth
Century England by Ian Keable is
now widely available. Check out
www.centuryofdeception.com for
details of where to buy it. If you
would like an inscribed copy, get
in touch directly with Ian Keable
(ian@iankeable.co.uk

THE LOCKDOWNUNDER LECTURE

John Russell writes- Alan
Maskell kindly arranged for Sean
Taylor to present his lecture from
his home in Australia. Sean is a
world-renowned magician,
mentalist, speaker and one of
Australia’s top corporate
entertainers. He is a Member of Sean Taylor
The Inner Magic Circle with Gold obtain some of the items he heart shaped cut outs would
Star, the only performer in needed for the lecture, so magically appear, where
Australia to hold the highest improvised with some of the previously there were none. The
degree. He is an all-round props. All the effects he showed transition is also done whilst the
entertainer with close-up, stage could be made up quite easily, card is in full view. All carried out
shows, mentalism and children’s even by me and that’s saying with a small punch, easily
magic to name but a few of his something. His presentation style available at all good stationers
talents. In his own words, he is a was very relaxed and the quality (and Amazon!!)
‘GP in magic’. He has also written of the video and audio made it Next his version of Alan
several books and produced DVDs easy to sit back, relax and enjoy Shaxon’s invisible card in
on magic. Originally from Britain, his company. envelope, with some twists. He
having been born in Cambridge The first effect was a novel way called his version ‘One.’ One of
(there’s the Alan Maskell to present your business card by the improvements made possible
connection), he grew up in forcing a card. Then it appeared by modern printing techniques, is
Newmarket. on your business card, but in a to use thin cards, manufactured
As Australia was in a six-week very novel way. Let’s say it was by Card Shark. These cards are
lockdown, Sean was not able to the two of hearts, so two small half the thickness of a normal

18 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

card, so the bulk of the envelopes is:- seantaylor.com.au Two of his
being much reduced, from seven books worthy of mention are on
to four, all fitting in one pocket, mentalism: MindStorms and
hence the name ‘One.’ With MindCoaster.
Sean’s technique for finding any The 45 minutes flew by, and
card named, using natural Sean’s presentation and
movements, this was a very explanations were a joy to watch.
workable piece of magic. Our thanks go to Sean for such an
Next was Sean’s take on Peter interesting lecture and to our
Kane’s ‘Peaches’, except in Sean’s President, Alan, for arranging it.
version it was pineapple, but in
reality, could be anything, not THE NONVENTION STAGE GALA
necessarily food related. This 2021
revolved around the routine, Neil Roberts was watching -
where something different is Conventions are all about seeing
shown to be written on the back good magic, learning (or buying)
of every card and the prediction is new tricks, meeting old and new High Jinx
found on the back of the friends and general socialising, me make a fleeting appearance).
spectator’s named card; thanks but it is the gala show that is the To open the show was Philip
again to the use of thin cards, with highlight or, at least the icing on Hitchcock or, Philipe as he was in
half of them having the force word the cake. This gala show was 1992. My notes say, “act as
written on the back. The beauty of indeed the icing, with lots of known”, but that’s not quite true,
thin cards is that a pack of 104 is sprinkles on top. All these acts as this was an earlier version
the same thickness as a normal were winners in our Shield although we still had the style, the
pack of 52, so you can have two competition over the years. I know faultless handling of the doves
of each. As a bonus, Sean showed them all well, either as a fellow and his trademark “one that got
a method using normal cards, but competitor or, in most cases, from left behind” in the cage vanish.
with the same effect. Useful if you cuing the act from the corner. This was to be built up in later
do not have thin cards and don’t (Sharp eyed will have even seen years, to include the reappearance
wish to buy them. This effect has of the cage et cetera and a special
been produced commercially by mention for the ultra-slow silk
Card Shark under the title blendo.
‘Pineapple Surprise.’ Sean gave Then from 2007, was the
credit to Trevor Duffy of South original line up of Michael and
Africa for bringing out one of the Siobhan Jordan as High Jinx, with
original versions of this effect. The their brother/sister routine. A
methodology used was credited to combination of small magic from
Roy Johnson’s effect Lucky Cards. both performers, including a very
Finally, Sean showed an effective D’lites routine, along with
example of making a Pro some larger illusions: sub truck
envelope, a two-way envelope and tubes thro. Even at this early
with dual compartments, and stage, you can see the potential
demonstrated an effect using this shown by Michael that would lead
principle, which could also be to him becoming one of our best
adapted to many other effects. and busiest performers.
If you want to take a look at Alfonso Rios started with a
Sean’s magic, his web address manipulation sequence of cards
s

Philip Hitchcock

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 19

Mark Shortland Roy Davenport
and flowers with a Spanish flair. act, but with a jovial presentation,
Then into a dramatic solo sword that is not so much “look how
through body, stripped to the clever I am” (and he is skilled), but
waist and ending with the more “let’s have some fun with
butterflies on fan to snowstorm. I this”. All the classics were there:
felt, on this occasion, the audience billiard balls, thimbles, the
took a while to warm to the act; “Davenport” mutilated sunshade
was it too artistic for the audience and a colour changing waistcoat streamer, linking rings and into an
in 1988? on the offbeat. For the magicians, audience participation section of
Mark Shortland was the only using a well table but proving it jacket escape, with two spectators
“pure” patter act we saw that isn’t. Slight problems with the and a “tunnel of love”. This was
night. From 2001, opening with a sync of the sound didn’t spoil the an extended version of the act
series of sight gags that I had enjoyment. that won in 2009.
forgotten and therefore seemed By way of an intermission, As well as being an award-
new, leading into a combined Aiden added the classic “potter’s winning children’s entertainer,
credit card/playing card sequence, wheel” from 1950s TV. I was going Fraser Stokes is a skilled
with interplay involving an on- to say that it may have been lost performer who has created the
stage spectator and a bow and on many of our viewers, but character of Hamish, not quite a
arrow revelation. It was broad looking at the membership clown and not quite a tramp. A
comedy concealing clever magic. demographic, I expect most will combination of mime, magic,
By 2005, Roy Davenport had remember it. pathos and skill. A complex
tried a number of different styles, Romany always knows how to manipulation act but presented
but seemed to strike gold with this make a good-looking stage again not as “look how clever I
recreation of his grandfather’s act appearance. A miscellany of am” but this time more “why is
(with modern adaptions). It was feathers, birds and cages, a this happening to me?” He is the
very much a classic manipulation sequence of ring on and off current Shield holder as we have

20 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

Romany Safire
not been able to hold a standard that the others had to illusion act in the UK. Having won
competition since 2019. beat; in the end they didn’t. the Shield in 1995, this was a
I remember Paul Dabek being Looking smooth in a velvet frock more recent performance
annoyed, when he found he was coat, Paul presents a fast-moving including their classic illusions of
first act on in the 2006 sequence with cards, silks and heads-off, legs-off and crystal sub
competition, but I told him that it doves. Another performer with the trunk. It was a fast- moving high
just meant that he would set the butterflies routine but ending, not energy sequence, presented with
with a snowstorm, but a large humour and Stuart’s facial
paper dove to live dove. A expressions that add so much to
vanishing cage with a tear-apart the act. A fitting close to any Gala
cloth brought the act to a fitting Show.
conclusion. Looking through the notes I
I recall being backstage with a made whilst watching, the words
friend in 2009 and looking at the that cropped up most often were
rear of an act’s props, a mass of “humour”, “fast-moving” and
gaffer tape and bent wire We both “unique.” There has been some
looked at each other and said discussion on-line recently
“that’s the winner,” and so it regarding the value and relevance
proved with Ta Na Manga. A of competitions. I think these acts
unique two (three) handed act showed the argument for. All that
with live commentary to a series was lacking was the frisson of a
of slick tricks; a study in black live show; let’s hope we will get
and white with an unexpected that at Eastbourne next year.
flash of red. A unique blend of
storytelling, magic and humour.
Ta Na Manga Safire are possibly the busiest

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 21

 RICK’S MAGIC MUSINGS LOCKDOWN MAGIC PART T

Lnewsockdown insomnia black cards in any are dealt fairly, the blocking cards
was not all bad horizontal, vertical, or will fall into arrangements
and I utilised diagonal line. The resulting in four levels of chance
some of that extra black cards will be that the volunteer can win.
time to think about referred to as winning The worst-case scenario for the
routines that I used cards, indicating they performer is a pattern where 5/8
to do and revisiting signal success for the lines are blocked giving the
old lecture notes and volunteer no matter volunteer winning odds of 38%.
books. In one of Nick the performance plot. Fig 4 Other patterns have 6/8
Trost’s Gambling The performer Fig 5 and 7/8 Fig 6 lines blocked
Routines series, I stresses that there and give the volunteer odds of
rediscovered several are twice as many 25% and 13% of winning.
Tic Tac Toe challenges with winning cards as red cards so that However, if the three blocking
playing cards that I used to have a the odds are stacked two-to one cards form one of the diagonal
lot of fun with. One challenge that in the volunteer’s favour. The red lines there are no winning lines at
Nick Trost explained very briefly is cards will be referred to as all. Fig 7 If the volunteer shuffles
easy to miss, but I think it is worth blocking cards, as they prevent the cards and deals them, the
unpacking a bit more. It used nine the spectator meeting the odds of turning over no blocking
cards, six of one colour and three challenge set out in the cards are between 38% and 0%,
of the other. Fig 1 Incorporated performance plot. The volunteer with the average somewhere in
into playing card routines, this can ‘win’ on occasion, but when it between depending on the
challenge routine can be matters will always turn over a number of patterns at each level.
impromptu or ‘prepared’, close-up blocking card in the line. This is a However, as magicians there
or scaled up. In addition, if you good effect to entertain and ‘jazz’
don’t like gambling or card with and can combine smoothly Fig 1
routines you can adapt the with a Three Card Monte routine.
principles, theme and plot quite Fig 3
easily using numbers, letters, Even without any secret
symbols, or pictures instead. You intervention, the game is weighted
just use any cards that fall into heavily against the volunteer. The
two easily distinguished sets. The odds quoted to the volunteer (6/9
illustrations below use either or 2/3) are only true when turning
playing cards or blank and printed the first card. From there on the
business cards to demonstrate odds diminish rapidly. The Fig 5
how easy it is to personalise the volunteer must still turn two more
effect to the performer or a client’s winning cards, and they have to
wishes. be in a straight line. However,
The cards are handed to the from a magician’s perspective, it
volunteer. They are given the is the rule that the cards must be
opportunity to shuffle and then turned over in a line that makes
asked to lay them out in a three- things interesting. There are eight
by-three grid. Fig 2 lines to choose from in a nine-
The challenge is to turn three card grid, and, even if the cards

22 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

HREE – TIC TAC TOE REVISED BY RICK TYNAN

are several principles that we can shuffled and set out the cards. If they want to mix the cards,
invoke to influence the the cards are not in that layout, pretending you do not care either
probabilities. For sections of a you can give the volunteer the way. They may well go straight to
routine where you think it opportunity to mix the cards face the deal. If so, you can patter from
important that the spectator down on the table. Whatever the the standpoint that you are certain
handles the cards and mixes them result, prepare some entertaining a winning line will not be the
freely there is a strong possibility lines for all eventualities. outcome.
of the spectator turning over a In performance, why not start After each phase use a Three
blocking card. Using marked with the blocking cards in stack Card Brag stacking technique.
cards, either, pre-prepared or positions 1, 5 and 9. Demonstrate Face down (if using marked cards)
marked in play, allows the patterns dealing the grid of nine cards and or face up (checking the cards
to be identified as the cards are collect the cards apparently at have not been tampered with),
laid out and alternative patter random but without changing the scoop the cards in groups of three
lines adopted. If there are winning stack positions of the blocking with a blocking card in the correct
lines possible, you patter from the cards. Emphasise that there are positions to place them in a
standpoint that this is a game of ‘nine factorial’ or 362,880 diagonal line when the next grid is
chance, which you are going to try different ways of dealing 9 cards dealt. You may need to mix the
and win but nothing is certain. The (true) and there is no way of cards face up to get ideal scoop
cards may be dealt with no winning predicting which one is on the positions, but it will look different
lines. If so, you will be able to table. You can false shuffle and each time. Fig 8
state with absolute certainty that cut if you like. Then hand the pack I hope this stimulates more
the volunteer cannot meet the over and ask your helper to deal ideas on this Nick Trost gambling
challenge, even after they have the grid as demonstrated. Ask if challenge.

Fig 2 Fig 3 Fig 4

Fig 6 Fig 7 Fig 8

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 23

 KIDS’ CORNER COMEDY BACK AND FORTH SILK PRODUCTION by

A lthough the props used in

this feature routine are
completely different to those
performer removes this silk, turns
away, only for yet another silk to
pop up and make its appearance.
green, blue and orange. Five 12”
(300mm) silks with each one
matching the colours on the
the late Robert Harbin This is continued until five Sunburst silk.
originated in his effect ‘Ad different coloured silks have Perspex tray: This long strip-
Infinitum’ the actual effect is appeared in this way. Each time, type tray has four knob feet on its
similar. However, I’ve changed the silks (called hankies during base, one in each corner. Four
Bob’s method and have presentation) are placed into the blocks of Perspex are glued to the
introduced a real climax to the other box. tray to make it possible for the
effect. The original prop The first box is shown empty boxes to stay secure and with a
consisted of two open-topped and you say “Well, it looks empty gap between each.
boxes, positioned next to each now, as empty as Old Mother
other, which rested on a tray. A Hubbard’s cupboard and we all SET-UP:
continuous production of single know that was really empty!” The red box (on the right hand
silks magically appeared in one Waving a hand over the other box end of the tray) is loaded with the
box and rransferred into the reach inside and instead of the five 12” silks, the corners being
other. five discarded silks, there’s a large entwined with each other. The flap
In this presentation, the 24” Sunburst silk made up of all is then hinged over. The opposite
children see two wooden open- five colours. side is empty at this stage.
topped boxes on a clear Into one side of the yellow box
Perspex tray which has four REQUIREMENTS: place the 24” Sunburst Silk and
small clear feet on the corners. Two square-type wooden boxes hinge the flap over.
The performer tips the interiors which have open tops. One box is
of each box towards the painted red, the other yellow, WORKING AND PRESENTATION:
children to show that they are whilst the interior of both boxes Explain that you require a magic
empty, and then replaces them are painted matt black. hanky for one of your tricks.
back on the tray. My method uses an old Lift up the red box and in showing
The children are told that principle: flaps, identical in both its interior, slant it downwards
when a hand is waved over one boxes. These are diagonally slightly. For the best results (due
of the boxes, a bright coloured hinged centrally onto the bases of to the Black Art Principle, it looks
hanky will magically appear. It each box. They can pivot back and empty) keep it on the move as
does! As this is removed and forth, from one side to the other. you display the interior. Replace
placed into the other box say “I The flaps are also painted matt the box onto the tray and whilst
only need one, no more”. black, so the black art principle doing so, the fingers of your right
However, the children see comes into action. hand casually flip over the hinged
another silk pop up from inside A large 24” (600mm) Sunburst flap
the box, shout out and point. silk. Colours can vary. In my Reach inside and pull the first
Taking notice of this, the example it displays red, yellow, loaded silk upwards. As you

24 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

Ian ADA IR

Clear Perspex blocks at locations shown to keep boxes in place

withdraw it, the following silks

make their appearance.
Remember to state that you
only require one hanky, so the
children will respond and shout
Base made from clear Perspex out that there’s another. Pretend
not to notice, but then give a
Clear Perspex ball foot at each corner
‘double take’. Pull out the silk
Keep open end sloping down on view and place it inside the
slightly when displaying
Hinged here yellow box as before. Another
Open end
Flap moves silk appears, until all five pop
across up in the same way.
Once all five silks are inside
Line of flap the yellow box, you casually
show the red box is now empty.
Wave your hand over the
yellow box – pause – and in
lifting it up from the tray, flip
Section view over the hinged flap. Produce
Open end of box
the large 24” Sunburst silk,
Load chamber opening it out fully to display.
Direction of audience Casually show the yellow box
Create black art flap
hinged at centre. empty.
See text

Both boxes open at top

Clear Perspex block to

both sides of each box to
keep it in place

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 25

 Ideas Time BY Brian BERRY THE

P erhaps
Christmas is the
most ideal time to
are Christmas packs of
cards, adaptable for
most packet card
down coins without a sticker
showing, until only one coin is left.
This coloured coin (with double
show off your tricks, whilst good stickers) matches the prediction
magical abilities quality Happy Family you made before you started. Was
either as a cards make card tricks it chance, intuition or magic?
children’s more suitable for While discussions are taking
entertainer, cabaret children. Various place, switch the double coin and
artist or close-up Christmas decorations, its mate for another colour and it
performer. It like small baubles, are can be done again!
reminds us how versatile magic ideal for Cups and Balls and One It’s always a pleasure to hear
can be and an ideal medium for in Pocket and Two in the Hand, as from Ian Adair and learn about his
“breaking the ice” and bringing well as Torn and Restored cracker latest ideas, especially twists on
folk together with a common hat, or Christmas card prediction. popular effects. This time he
purpose of enjoyment as well You’ll be amazed at the ideas wrote: “I am having fun
as being thought provoking and you’ll discover just by showing friends an old
entertaining. looking at the retail Betcha type stunt. I’ve
For those who don’t do displays in your added a magical climax
close-up on a regular basis is local shops. Save to it, which really
this opportunity taken seriously your old Christmas makes a difference.”
or do you just put something in cards, cut them down to The original
the pocket? Is it the same as playing card size and you stunt is one
years past and treated in a have your own unique pack which uses a
flippant or casual sort of way? of cards. square of paper with a
We all have our favourite ‘party Christmas is also an ideal hole through its centre. You hand
piece,’ but do we give it some time to bring out those effects someone a ten pence sized coin
thought to add to this, making which combine magic and and ask them if they can push it
up a theme of several effects? puzzles. Again, it’s a great way to through the hole. Of course, they
These could be seemingly get everyone in a group involved. can’t because the hole is smaller
casually performed, but taking For instance, use five coins with a than the coin. You explain it can be
the experience to higher and different coloured sticker on each. done by magic by folding the
more professional level. On one, put a similar sticker on square of paper in half (see
Many of the popular standard BOTH sides. Spectators take it in illustration) and holding both
close-up effects can be slanted turn to shake the coins in their sides. Then bend these up so the
towards Christmas, using hands and throw them on the coin falls through easily.
seasonal items on sale. There table. You remove all the face “My addition,” says Ian. “Is that

26 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

PRESTON PRESTIDIGITATOR

once several folk have tried to gimmicked coin through the hole. spectators that this time you
accomplish this and failed, Make sure you cover the curled can push it through the hole
casually switch the genuine coin edges and casually show it (after without folding or bending the
for one which is bent (If you all, they have seen the real one paper. Watch the faces of
cannot bend the coin in a vice, get moments before). Then pretend to onlookers as they pick up the
someone to do it for you.) Hold the bend it between the fingers back paper square and the bent coin.
paper square flat and in an open and forth and drop it through the (The latter cannot be
state and simply drop the hole in the paper. Tell the straightened out!)
Thanks Ian for another great
idea. If YOU have any ideas to
add to this theme, please let me
have them. Who knows, with
this internet and lack of paper
instructions, all these “goodies”
could be lost.
MERRY CHRISTMAS EVERYONE.

Coin drops through brianberry@tiscali.co.uk would

be pleased to hear from you –
01772 421816
Paper folded in half
(I do not recommend you
deface a coin of current
currency as there are
conflicting opinions as to
whether this is or is not illegal.
It is, apparently, illegal to
deface a bank note. If you want
to play safe, use a couple of pre
decimal coins and there are still
plenty about. Alternatively, pre
Euro foreign coins from
countries which went onto that
system would appear to be a
safe bet. Just a thought and
Brian agrees Ed).

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 27

 PUZZLE CORNER
Lay out sixteen 2p coins
as shown in the head/tail
arrangement. The
challenge is to rearrange
the coins so that all coins
in each vertical column
are showing the same
side. Only two coins may
be touched.
(answer next month)

Make 3 squares with

matchsticks as shown.
The challenge is to take
away 1 and move 2 to
make 1.
(answer next month)

Now for a quick one liner: Take a piece of a jigsaw

puzzle which has indentations on all sides (purely for
best effect). Place the plain side on your scanner and
scan. Drop it into an A4 sheet on your computer and
drag it to fill the page as much as possible. Print this off
and glue to a piece of card. Stick some Fablon or similar
to the card side. Cut the shape out with a rotary cutter.
Be careful when using this tool as it is very sharp.
Have the piece in your performance prop box. Be looking for a prop whilst on stage, pick out
the piece, look surprised and say “I have often wondered what this is. It’s always been a bit of
a puzzle to me!” Ed.

28 KEYRING DECEMBER 2021

BEYOND THE WEB
Video library and facebook by Aidan Heritage

Iclickntwothethepages
members’ area, we have
with videos. If you
VIDEO menu choice itself
there would be windows of
opportunity if other things had to
take priority. If you have content
members’ area so that members
can watch them whenever they
wish. I would love some of you to
you will get to a page of general you can offer to members, I’d love volunteer to help with this. For
videos. If you click the videos from to hear from you! each video I will need to have a
Bob Hamilton sub menu you will Just after Eastbourne, The picture, a sensible title, and some
find more. I’m not certain this is British Ring Members’ forum was keywords to help people search. It
the best layout but I’m also set up on facebook. I decided to would be nice to have a brief
conscious that pages with videos set myself a challenge of posting description as well. For any one
on can take a while to load so I a video a day (I like taking on video, this shouldn’t take much
wanted to reduce the load time. projects as you will have noticed). more time than it takes to watch
These videos (being in the At the time of writing, I’ve posted the video. However, as you can
members’ area) are specifically in excess of 700 videos for imagine, if I do it on my own it will
for our members benefit. As you members to enjoy. These are all take some considerable time! If
know, we use the members’ area publicly available on the internet, you can spare a small amount of
to host our Nonventions and we I’ve just done the hard work time to do even one video, then
would love to increase the content finding them. During the first that will speed up the process so
in the video area for the benefit of Nonvention I posted a list of all the please get in touch with me. Don’t
members. Suggestion could videos found so far. Going forget to see them as I post them
include even more Nonventions forwards, I intend to build a join us on Facebook! I will keep
(nice, but a lot of work for some!) searchable archive of these in the going as long as I can find
and having specific lectures – interesting videos and people
perhaps from past conventions – keep watching them!
available for a limited amount of
time. The British Ring has never
had regular meetings and has
people from all walks of life with
different priorities. That was my
principle behind the Nonvention
planning that although it would be
“live” for those who wanted it,

DECEMBER 2021 KEYRING 29

 from
The Editor, Columnists, Graphic Designer,
Printer and Distributer of Key Ring
and may twenty, twenty-two be the year for you

Dates for your Diary

Saturday 19 March 2022, President’s Dinner, Bar Hill Hotel, Cambridge.
Contact Alan Maskell for details.
Sunday 29 May 2022, Picnic Event, Ocean Room, Gorleston.
Further details will be released as soon as possible.
Thursday 1 to Sunday 4 September 2022, Annual Convention, Eastbourne.

Key Ring your magazine on time every time