
November 11th 2001 -
Reviewed by Ian Rowland.
Guests:
John Archer, David Berglas, Derren Brown, Kevin Gallagher, Paul Hallas,
Chris Hare, Ian Keable, Andy Nyman, Andrew O'Connor
and Anthony Owen. Hosted by Duncan Trillo.
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MindMagic 2001 - SOLD OUT!
MindMagic has been described as a 'mini-convention', a gathering of
minds, or just a get-together for anyone who has ever loaded carbon
paper the wrong way into a clipboard. Call it what you like, it is a
unique and thoroughly enjoyable day in the magic calendar. Dreamed up,
organised and hosted by Duncan 'Tireless' Trillo, MindMagic 2001
offered the usual splendid mix of talks, lectures and demonstrations
plus ample opportunities to make new friends or just insult old ones.
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Paul Hallas
First to take the platform was Paul Hallas, who demonstrated several
practical, tried-and-tested routines with ESP cards, pictures and
numbers. Paul's assured, confident manner shone through, and each
routine included numerous subtle touches reflecting his seasoned
professionalism.
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Chris Hare
Chris Hare was next, with a witty and enjoyable 'Master Memory'
demonstration based on the names and registration numbers of everyone in
the room. This, he explained, was his and Duncan's way of introducing
everyone to everyone else! Is there anything the versatile Mr. Hare does
not do?
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David Berglas
To conclude the morning session, David Berglas gave an extended lecture
which was without doubt one of the highlights of the day. David must
have been in an especially generous mood, since he shared innumerable
ideas, secrets, routines and subtleties drawn from his matchless
experience in the field. The lecture championed two themes in
particular. The first was the benefit of 'thinking big', which David
illustrated (among other ways) by showing how he had re-invented a
simple pocket trick into part of a large-scale mental illusion which
could fill the largest stage. His second major theme was that of
creating multiple climaxes for each routine. This too was illustrated in
several ways, with the section on the 'Khan Slate' principle being
particularly impressive. David also provided a sneak preview of the
forthcoming Britland/Steinmeyer book on his life and work, and had time
for questions and answers too! It was a superb lecture by any standards.
I believe David has participated in every MindMagic to date, and there
is no doubt the convention is greatly enhanced by his unique
contribution.
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Anthony Owen, Andy Nyman,
Andrew O'Connor and Derren Brown
After lunch, the platform was taken by Derren Brown and three members of
the 'Mind Control' team: Andy Nyman, Anthony Owen and producer Andrew
O'Connor. In what proved to be a very lively and good-natured session,
the team fielded questions from the floor concerning Derren's
exceptional TV shows - origins, practicalities, aims and plans for the
future. All the panel members were satisfyingly candid and forthcoming,
and the room was soon buzzing with questions, opinions and views. It was
a rare privilege to be able to discuss these stunning TV shows in this
way, and it is this kind of special event that really gives MindMagic
its own distinctive atmosphere. As an extra treat, the team also showed
one segment from Derren's new show, which should hit our TV screens
towards the end of the year. Suffice to say it was yet another truly
superb example of Derren's inimitable style of breathtaking and richly
creative mentalism.
Although Derren was not
officially attending to perform, he also treated us to a fascinating
demonstration of Mind Control featuring five consecutive 50-50 guesses
with £20 staked on the outcome - leaving the entire room baffled as
usual.
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Kevin Gallagher
Following the mid-afternoon break, Kevin Gallagher presented an
ingenious three-phase routine with cards which incorporated telepathy,
location and coincidence. Kevin's very intelligent material - based on
an ingenious inter-locking of different principles - was captivating,
and it is was a pleasure to see every nuance explained so clearly and
methodically.
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Ian Keable
Next came Ian Keable with his outrageously entertaining lecture "How Not
To Be a Mind Reader." Ian was on devastating form, and his talk was a
seamless blend of genuine wit and priceless insights regarding
mentalism. I doubt anyone in magic offers a funnier, more effortlessly
entertaining lecture. Ian talked us through three very practical
effects, and also tossed in one exquisite gag, based on a Derren Brown
routine, which I think deserves some sort of trophy as the single
funniest remark ever uttered at a magic get-together (Chris Hare,
sitting next to me, almost had a hernia). If you want to know what was
so funny, hire Ian to lecture at your local society. I've no idea what
he charges, but he's worth double.
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John Archer
Ian's lecture was a tough act to follow, to be sure, but John Archer,
presenting the final session of the day, brought the house down with his
unique approach to comedy and mentalism. John is a genuinely likeable,
funny and creative guy who builds routines in which the comedy enhances
the mentalism and vice-versa - not easy, seldom attempted, and hardly
ever done as well as John does it. His very finely-judged approach works
superbly well, and brought the day to a satisfying close.
MindMagic is always a
superb, informative and fun day, and this year's was no exception.
Congratulations to the self-effacing Mr. Trillo for organising such a
fascinating program, and to all participants for their highly
informative and entertaining contributions.
Reviewed by
Ian Rowland © 2001
www.ianrowland.com
www.mindmagic.co.uk
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