#207988 - 11/13/09 08:25 PM
Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
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Jolly Roger
Registered: 03/19/08
Posts: 256
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
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I hope I am posting this in the right area, but I am simply curious how many members of this forum are members of The Magic Circle? I realise that most subscribers to this forum are Americans, but I am just curious. It is part of a survey I am doing, and I truly appreciate your input. Many thanks. Roger Blakiston(JR), AIMC.
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#207990 - 11/13/09 08:33 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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mrgoat
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 1585
Loc: Brighton, UK
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I used to be, but stopped going because I didn't like most of the people there.
It is cliquey beyond belief and I don't think I learned much.
When I first went to the magic castle, I thought to myself, Ah, *this* is what a magic club is like.
And I am a proud member of that establishment now. Only go about 3 times a year, but that's worth it!
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#207996 - 11/13/09 09:39 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: MagicBilly]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Oh dear. I bet I started this discussion with my rude remarks about the Magic Circle on another thread. I am highly suspicious that the first poster on this thread is Jolly Roger who I think is trying to cause trouble in a subtle way. I bet he thinks I am going to come on here and say that the Magic Circle is dreadful and that I have changed my mind about Paul Gordon being 35 and have concluded on closer inspection that he really is about 62 years old.
However I know Roger of old and am refusing to rise to the bait.
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#208023 - 11/14/09 01:00 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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Richard Kaufman
The Chief Genii
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12975
Loc: Washington DC
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I am a proud member of the Magic Circle, and I always make it a point to spend time in the library and the museum, and chat with friends in the clubroom, on Monday nights when I'm in town.
You can't compare it to The Magic Castle, which is full of lay people (most of the people you meet, in fact), and the goal of the club is to get them to eat and drink as much as possible. I can't see how that in any way has anything to do with The Magic Circle.
I see no drinking laymen at the Magic Circle, only others interested in the same thing I am: magic and good fellowship. And if I learn something new in the library or museum then it's the topper on the cake.
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#208029 - 11/14/09 02:46 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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El Mystico
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 504
Loc: Leamington Spa
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I'm a member. Although British, i rarely get a chance to visit though.
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#208031 - 11/14/09 04:35 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: El Mystico]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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The Magic Castle sound far more interesting with the amount of laymen there. Mind you I have to say that I have heard negative reports about them too.
On the other hand my experience of the Magic Circle was that the "magicians" were simply laymen who happened to know how the tricks were done.
Very cliquey indeed as a previous poster remarked. I can't abide snobbery. I am snobby myself but I look down on the whole human race rather than selected segments of it.
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#208034 - 11/14/09 05:01 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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If you saw the membership list of TMC - which you can't if you are not a member - some of the world's very best magicians/entertainers are members. But, being a London-based headquarters, there are only about 50 regulars who attend. When I attend/lecture there, it's a 4 hour round trip and costs me about £60 what with travel/food/drink etc. To do that every Monday wouldn't be easy on the pocket! So, I attend about 5 times a year.
It can be cliquey, but aren't most gatherings!? What I don't like is when people chat to you (thinking you might be 'famous'), but with one eye looking out for someone more famous to chat to! I generally attend just to catch up with old friends and, hopefully, to make new friends. And, the library is fantastic! Since 1994 (ish), I've lectured there four times. A tough audience, but one that keeps you on your toes!
To paraphrase JFK, I think it's best enjoyed if you try to 'give' more than you expect to 'take' from it. "Ask not what your club can do for you, but what you can do for your club!"
Paul Gordon
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#208039 - 11/14/09 05:23 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Most gatherings are NOT as cliquey as the Magic Circle. And the snobbiest magicians are always the worst performers. As for the very best magicians being members that is not quite true. You will notice that I am not a member.
Besides all the allegedly good magicians are now so old and decrepit that they should all be put in a retirement home if they are not there already. The last time I went I did see all sorts of legends there but they all looked so old and wasted that I thought it was a complete waste of time being legends in the first place if they were going to end up like that.
Which reminds me. I got the most backhanded compliment I have ever had in my career quite recently when I performed at a retirement home. After the show the woman that was in charge of the booking said to me, "We have had other magicians here but I like you the best since you are nearer their age and a bit crusty like they are"
I was quite mortified by this and still haven't recovered from it.
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#208043 - 11/14/09 06:10 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Matthew Field
Registered: 01/18/08
Posts: 281
Loc: Hastings, England, UK
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Roger -- As you know I am a member of The Magic Circle and edit their monthly magazine, The Magic Circular. I show up to the Monday meetings almost every week, although as Paul mentioned, for me (in Hastings) it's about a four-hour round trip. But worth it, for the library and to meet and chat with people like Patrick Page, Alan Shaxon, Bobby Bernard, Michael Vincent, Angelo Carbone, Nicholas Einhorn, Paul Kieve, Alan Alan and others who regularly show up.
There are many younger members who have joined in recent years.
About a third of the membership (of about 1500) live in the greater London area, another third in other parts of Great Britain, and a third abroad (U.S., Europe, Asia, South America, Canada and Australia.
Matt Field
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#208064 - 11/14/09 11:36 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Matthew Field]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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My favourite period was when Alex Elmsley returned (mid 90's) to the club. I sat for hours with him...I recall fooling him a couple of times; him and Jack Avis! Boy, was I nervous!
Btw: If you never saw Jack, he was a darned genius. So skilled. Too bad he didn't travel/lecture much!
Paul Gordon
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#208066 - 11/14/09 12:34 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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JimAlfredson
Registered: 01/18/08
Posts: 36
Loc: MI
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I've been a member for many years. Admittedly, I've visited the U.K. on a near-annual basis forover 30 years [Ready for that, Peter Lane, who chauffered me to the Circle on my initial visit!] So I know a number of members. Prior to my first visit, I knew a number via correespondence, thus I got a very warm welcome on my initial visit. On the other hand, I've visited Rings and Assemblies in the U.S. where I've been pointedly ignored. I commend the taste of the 'ignorers,' but wish they'd given me a chance to be boorish first! As Richard said, the library and research facilities are first-rate, and the lads who 'run the store' are most helpful. Remember, too, the Brits are a bit more reserved than we are, and aren't apt to rush at you with hand extended and say, "Hey! Hawareya fella? Who are you, anyway? What do you do for a living? How much does that make ya," and the like. A great outfit!
Jim Alfredson, MIMC [with gold star]. (How's that for snobbishness?!)
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#208091 - 11/14/09 05:51 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: JimAlfredson]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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I remember Jack Avis well. He was as boring as watching traffic lights change. I would rather watch paint dry. But to his credit he never claimed to be a performer. I do admit we great showmen need boring amateur magicians to create the things we put over to the public.
As a kld magician I used to be so disappointed when I would read about these supposedly legendary magicians in magic magazines and shocked beyond measure to see them do tricks (never "perform" them) and they were dross beyond belief. I even asked one of them how to do a trick in his own book and he had no idea.
I was better at 16 years old than all the legendary magicians that you were supposed to froth at the mouth at. I couldn't believe it but it happened to be true.
And I still am truly a genius of the first magnitude and you are all very privileged to have me in your presence.
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#208100 - 11/14/09 06:56 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Edward
Registered: 03/13/08
Posts: 101
Loc: California
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Mark, you have a wicked sense of humor. 
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#208109 - 11/14/09 08:56 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Edward]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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That is because I have been active in very wicked activities my entire life.
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#208125 - 11/15/09 05:28 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Chris Wood
Member
Registered: 11/15/09
Posts: 2
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I confess I've just joined this forum in order to chip in.
I agree TMC unofficial list was unpleasant at times and I'm sorry that Magic Billy didn't get a good impression because of that. There is always a minority who can skew things if given a voice. Mind you having read some of the posts here I'm not sure its so different. It's good to see that RK prunes them regularly.
The unofficial list at the circle is no more. There is now an official mailing list for member's discussion that is self policing and doesn't do too badly. (Occasionally magic is even talked about!) There is also a forum on the website for chat but in truth the mailing list sees most of the activity.
I would say that the new website now has more to offer for overseas members than ever before, if you haven't checked it out recently it's worth it. Video clips of lectures and the competitions are probably the most useful but TMC certainly see this as the way forward to give overseas members more for their money.
As to the snobbery... it's true that there is still a "gentleman's club" mentality that lingers and sometimes I feel that isn't such a bad thing in respect of behaviour and heritage, at others I sense undertones of a class nature. However the real snobbery in magic is often between that of "professionals" vs. "Amateurs" and that isn't limited to the circle by any means.
There is a growing membership in The Magic Circle (which I subscribe to) that belongs to no clique - is ignorant of past politics and simply wants to move forward into making the society a genuine place where we can share and grow and support each other. What Paul says is certainly true that you get out what you put in and although at times it's not easy, I take comfort in the fact that I've met with a lot of members who feel the same way and they make attending such a rewarding and positive experience.
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#208127 - 11/15/09 05:34 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Chris Wood]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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Nicely put, Chris... And, hope to see you soon! (You look so good on my DVD...you laugh in all the right places!) Cheers, Paul
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#208188 - 11/16/09 07:40 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Francesca Moffet]
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Marco Pusterla
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 88
Loc: Suffolk - UK
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I'm a Member of The Magic Circle and proud of. Also for me, like others, a round trip to TMC is a 4-hours journey which, added to work commitments, permit me to visit the headquarters only a couple of times a year.
When I moved to England, I decided to join TMC rather than other local clubs for the "prestige" the club has, rather than for the convenience of attending weekly/monthly meetings with other magicians, and I never regretted my decision. I'm not interested in the "politics" going on, or gone: I'm interested in Magic
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#208220 - 11/16/09 03:06 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Marco Pusterla]
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Jolly Roger
Registered: 03/19/08
Posts: 256
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
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I appreciate everyone's input, and interesting comments.
Just so you know, I first joined the Magic Circle many years ago when they used to meet at Chenies Mews. At that time, the Circle was thriving. I would always get there early, and there were many magicians who would meet at the Marlborough Pub in Torrington Place both before and after the meetings. You would never know who you would meet in the clubroom, but at that time there were regular attendees like Robert Harbin, Eric Mason, Fred Robinson, and Billy McComb.
I now live in Arizona, but have attended the Blackpool convention the last few years, and always go to the Circle on the monday night following. One year, Alan Shaxon asked me to lecture at the last minute, as the scheduled lecturer had fallen through.
I love the new headquarters, with it's wonderful library and clubroom. However, I am sad that so few members seem to be in attendance, and I am puzzled by the reason. It may well be that younger members find it too stuffy, and don't like having to wear a jacket and tie.....I don't know. I usually go out to dinner later with friends like Mandy Davis, Rob Cox, Fay Presto, and, up until this year, Ali was always with us.
However, it is not like the days at Chenies Mews, and the cameraderie seems to have vanished. The lecture is over, and most of the members seem to go straight off to bed! With a wonderful headquarters, I feel this is a real shame. What can be done to return the Magic Circle to it's heydey? Magic is more popular than ever, so what are we doing wrong? JR AIMC Silver Star.
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#208221 - 11/16/09 03:21 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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mrgoat
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 1585
Loc: Brighton, UK
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However, it is not like the days at Chenies Mews, and the cameraderie seems to have vanished. The lecture is over, and most of the members seem to go straight off to bed! With a wonderful headquarters, I feel this is a real shame. What can be done to return the Magic Circle to it's heydey? Magic is more popular than ever, so what are we doing wrong? JR AIMC Silver Star.
I wish so much I could have been part of the Fred Robinson time there. Although as I understand it he spent the time in the pub over the road
It's good enough I was taught by one of Fred's only pupils I guess.
Anyway, it needs to be more like the Castle. Simple. The Castle is, to me, what a magic club should me like. Open to the public, but with a secret place for magicians to go. Showcasing the best magicians in the world. Providing a place for excellent magicians to hang out and share info and shoot the shit.
On my first visit to the Castle I realised that they had it right. I was welcomed so much my the magicians there it felt like a second home! Now, I go about twice a year and there is always someone I know hanging out. It feels like Cheers. I walk in and people turn and go "Hi Damian".
The magic circle is a non-friendly, cliquey, fairly pointless place. The same people talk to the same people each week. Yes, obviously some people there are brilliant. When I used to go, about 8 years ago, I would always sit with the old boys as they had the best stories.
It is a beautiful building. The library and museum are great. But it just feels dead inside?
And only being open on a Monday? Sigh...
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#208222 - 11/16/09 03:26 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: mrgoat]
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Richard Kaufman
The Chief Genii
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12975
Loc: Washington DC
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The dress code at The Magic Circle is no longer enforced (thank goodness!).
It certainly doesn't feel dead inside to me. I find the time available in the club room to be far too short for the number of people I want to spend time with.
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#208223 - 11/16/09 03:29 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: mrgoat]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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I am tempted to say what Fred Robinson once said about Roger but I shall bite my tongue.
The Magic Circle was bloody awful in the Chenies Mews days and from what I read now it seems to be even worse.
The trouble with the Magic Circle seems to be that there are too many magicians there.
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#208231 - 11/16/09 04:40 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Fred said that you were so bad that the passengers were tempted to throw you overboard with all your props!
Mind you Fred wasn't exactly edge of the seat material himself. And I know perfectly well he had never seen you work. Perhaps one of his friends or relatives were on board?
Not that I am in a mischevious mood of course.
Of course the only reason you fitted in with the Magic Circle is because of your posh accent and a member of the upper classes and related to royalty. Mind you if you had shown up in your green dress that might have been a different story.
Of course Fred was a mere railwayman so no doubt that is why he didn't approve of a toff like yourself.
Edited by Mark.Lewis (11/16/09 04:45 PM)
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#208233 - 11/16/09 05:15 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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A DRESS CODE! They didn't have that in my day. So they are still a bunch of toffee nosed gits!
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#208237 - 11/16/09 05:38 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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Richard Kaufman
The Chief Genii
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12975
Loc: Washington DC
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It can't be enforced "in a way." When I was there earlier this year I noticed the number of people not wearing tie and jacket and was told that the code is no longer enforced.
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#208240 - 11/16/09 06:16 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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mrgoat
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 1585
Loc: Brighton, UK
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It certainly doesn't feel dead inside to me. I find the time available in the club room to be far too short for the number of people I want to spend time with.
I imagine as a celebrated magician, publisher and general all round good egg your experience is wildly different from mine.
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#208243 - 11/16/09 06:20 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: mrgoat]
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Richard Kaufman
The Chief Genii
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12975
Loc: Washington DC
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My experience has entirely to do with meeting friends and chatting.
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#208248 - 11/16/09 08:55 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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Richard, what I mean is that members are asked to dress smart, and if they don't - sometimes a blind eye is turned. I've seen some folk asked to leave - and some not. As I say, hit & miss. PG
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#208250 - 11/16/09 09:42 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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Richard Kaufman
The Chief Genii
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12975
Loc: Washington DC
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How long has it been since you've seen people asked to leave?
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#208264 - 11/17/09 01:26 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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My last visit was when I last lectured there about 3 months ago. During that visit, there was a "to-do" at the door because someone was wearing jeans. In fact, I've just checked my TMC schedule card and it says "smart atire must be worn..." So, "smart atire" is the airy-fairy phrasing... Paul
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#208271 - 11/17/09 04:17 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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Matthew Field
Registered: 01/18/08
Posts: 281
Loc: Hastings, England, UK
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The dress code is no longer in operation (unlike the Magic Castle). That may be why more young people are there. Many people show up early-ish instead of staying late -- doors open Monday at 3:00. I've got a train to catch, so leave at 8 or 9.
This is a ridiculous discussion. The Magic Circle is what it is. It is trying to adapt to the needs of the present day. Are there cliques? Of course. People tend to hang out with friends, but anyone can approach a group and be welcomed.
I, too, wish the headquarters were open more than one day a week, and they are working on that. Other days the building is hired out to companies for private events. It's a money thing. And the library is open to all by appointment.
Don't like it? Don't join. It was better in the "old days"? So was everything else, depending on whose opinion you're listening to.
Me, I love it. Lectures and shows every Monday, the opportunity to chat with some of the great names in magic, a phenomenal library and museum. The magazine ain't too shabby.
But that's just my opinion.
Matt Field
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#208274 - 11/17/09 04:53 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Matthew Field]
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El Mystico
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 504
Loc: Leamington Spa
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I haven't been to the Circle for over a year, just because I live well outside London. Matt says the dress code is no longer in operation; Paul says he recently saw a "to do" over jeans. since I usually wear jeans, I don't know if I'll be allowed in or not...
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#208277 - 11/17/09 05:08 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: El Mystico]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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Matt, if the dress code is no longer in operation - the website needs to be updated to reflect that. So, I can't wait to attend next time in jeans. Are you sure I won't get reprimanded!? Paul
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#208278 - 11/17/09 05:18 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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El Mystico
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 504
Loc: Leamington Spa
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For your information, Fred Robinson was wildly jealous of me
Funny; I spent every Monday evening talking to Fred, and I took lessons from him. He never mentioned you.
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#208279 - 11/17/09 06:15 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: El Mystico]
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AnthonyBrahams
Registered: 03/12/08
Posts: 34
Loc: Norwich, U.K.
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First, I am disgusted at Mark Lewis' comments about Jack Avis. If Mr Lewis is as objectionable personally as some of his postings I would expect Jack Avis to have ignored him. For those who' did not have the pleasure of knowing or even meeting Jack, he was a most pleasant man, with a sense of humour and extensive knowledge of magic as well as an excellent card magician.
Secondly, another former friend has been wrongly commented on: Fred Robinson was not the sort either to be jealous or be in a vendetta. Nor did he mention Jolly Roger in my hearing. Interjection, why don't posters have the courage to use their own names ("stand up and be counted")? Jolly Roger, El Mystico and is Mark Lewis his real name? Maybe I know some of these!
One's time at the Circle is what one makes of it. The Chenies Mews era was for me, the best. I would chat to a few on arrival, then if I was not going to the event would go to the Reference Library where Jack would be helping the librarian and we'd chat for a while. Then over to the pub for a lot of fun, magic and talk with Fred Robinson and Eric Mason primarily, plus visitors such as Barrie Richardson on a UK assignment.
Edited by AnthonyBrahams (11/17/09 06:16 AM)
Edit Reason: typos
_________________________
Anthony
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#208280 - 11/17/09 06:18 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: El Mystico]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Roger is making a joke. There is something about the Genii Forum which seems to say that nobody is allowed to have a sense of humour. After all how can you possibly take seriously a man that wears a green dress?
Anyway Fred certainly mentioned Roger to me. I and Roger were ripping off the public-oops!- sorry-I forgot we were on the Genii Forum where humour is not permitted-I meant to say we were marketing merchandise to the public at the Mind Body and Spirit exhibition in a dreadful place called London which I have detested all my life. Roger had decided to go for a break on the grounds that he was exhausted after his fight with a smoking scientologist (read my memoirs for further details).
It seems that Fred was somewhat concerned about his own mind, body and spirit so he decided to visit the said exhibition whereupon to his great horror he came across the devil incarnate in the form of me and felt obliged to talk to me even though it was quite apparent that he would rather be somewhere else in case someone from the Magic Circle saw him talking to me.
I told him that His Royal Excellency the Right Honourable Roger Blakiston was in the building and was taking a break whereupon Fred was distracted from the horror of me and centred his horror on Roger instead. He said with a great sniff of derision, "Oh, Roger Blakiston! The cruise ship magician! He was so bad that the passengers wanted to throw both him and his props overboard"
Naturally this gave me great delight and I completely forgot to tell Roger about this until about a quarter of a century later when Fred was well and truly in the spirit world.
I am pleased you took lessons from him. No doubt you learned all sorts of useless introverted card magic which you could amuse yourself in the mirror with. Of course he wouldn't have taught you anything about presentation and psychology of magic since he didn't know that much about it. Don't despair, however. I and Roger will be delighted to advise you on these matters. Roger will tell you how to be so bad that they will want to throw you overboard on a cruise ship and I will tell you how to be so good that James Munton will come along and tell you that you are doing things all wrong.
I bet you don't learn things like that at the Magic Circle.
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#208281 - 11/17/09 06:36 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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I knew Jack Avis well and got on quite well with him. He would have been the first to admit that he had no showmanship whatsoever and had the personality of a dial tone. I am quite sure he was a nice man and he was always pleasant to me. But that is not what I am discussing. I was discussing his competence at magic. Do pay attention, Brahams old chap.
I also remember Anthony himself. I wouldn't dream of saying he was a toffee nosed git since I have always been the soul of tact and discretion. I do remember he got a trifle irritable when I once tried to sell him a svengali deck.
As for real names again Anthony is not paying attention. The only person among the three he singled out who has not given his real name is El Mystico who is actually supporting Fred Robinson.
Roger's real name is Roger Blakiston and he is related to the Queen so he is even posher than you are. I have several real names as befits my profession and there is no secret whatever as to who I am. Sadly I am not related to royalty but my grandfather was a Russian horse thief if that is any consolation.
Instead of fussing about my "obnoxious posts" I rather think that Anthony should pay attention to them and see what he can learn. I happen to be one of the world's greatest magicians and he should be honoured to be in my presence.
Besides David Ben told me tonight that I am much better behaved than normal. Of course he had been availing himself of the devil's buttermilk all evening and was plying me with whiskey from his own supply so perhaps that had something to do with it.
Brahams, old chap. You must be terribly ancient by now since I remember you at the Magic Circle decades ago. You were older than me then so nowadays you must be nearly as old as Moses. At your age you must watch your blood pressure.
One of the best ways to do it is to develop a sense of humour.
Edited by Mark.Lewis (11/17/09 06:43 AM)
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#208283 - 11/17/09 06:55 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Matthew Field]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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I wonder if Criss Angel would be allowed in?
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#208292 - 11/17/09 09:22 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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AnthonyBrahams
Registered: 03/12/08
Posts: 34
Loc: Norwich, U.K.
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Mark Lewis' last post is so full of errors and rubbish I will not reply further except to state: read my post, Jack was an excellent card man; I have never wanted to buy a Svengali deck from you, even if you have another name! Do you?
_________________________
Anthony
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#208296 - 11/17/09 10:26 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Dearie me Paul! Saying Jack Avis was an excellent card man does make me doubt your credibility somewhat. I still don't know if you are any good or not because your videoclip tells me nothing either way. However there are now two counts against you instead of one. The first count was your enthusiastic approval of the Magic Circle which is always a bad sign and the second is your statement that Jack Avis was an excellent card man.
Just because someone is technically proficient and comes up with good ideas does NOT mean that they are "excellent". That is because they haven't finished the job. Avis was boring whether you like it or not and Fred Robinson equally so. Sure they could both do wonderful moves and tricks and invent various tomfoolery with cards but alas that is NOT enough. You are not there to sell tricks; you are there to sell yourself. And neither of them did so and come to think of it 90% of magicians don't do so either.
Besides you spelled "Hear, Hear" wrong.
As for this Brahams personage who seems to take offence easily I well rememember trying to sell him something or other at some silly Magic Circle dealer event years and years ago. I think it was my wondrous svengali routine. I attempted to draw him over and he immediately got on his inbred stuffy Magic Circle high horse and showed great resentment over the matter saying "don't give me the hard sell" and stormed off after I reprimanded him severely. Rather a stuffy individual as I recall with a three piece suit to emphasise his stuffiness. I am quite sure that he is of the Avis/Robinson sleep inducing school of magic. Lots of moves but no presentation or personality to back it up with.
He seems to want to know my various names. I have three. The one that he possibly knows the best is Ronnie McLeod. However I was using the name Mark Lewis when he was most impertinent to me when I merely wished to deprive him of his money.
Anyway I am delighted he is not going to reply to me. After all I didn't invite him to respond to me in the first place. I can only say "Cheeriebye". May God bless and keep you because I can't afford to.
Edited by Mark.Lewis (11/17/09 10:28 AM)
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#208300 - 11/17/09 11:38 AM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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Jolly Roger
Registered: 03/19/08
Posts: 256
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
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Mark..........I must admit I found your last few posts hilarious, and I thank you for clarifying the Fred Robinson saga. I am also amazed that so many people to seem to be lacking in humour. I would have thought it obvious that the "Jealousy" remark was a joke!
Anthony, dear fellow,......I am not hiding behind a name. Most people in the magic world know me as Jolly Roger. It is the only name on my website http://www.ComicMagician.com You might like to take a look at it to find out a little more about me. Many artists are known by their stage name rather than their real name. Examples might be David Copperfield, Ali Bongo, Slydini, Silvan, Cardini or Chan Canasta!
JR
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#208304 - 11/17/09 12:25 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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mrgoat
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 1585
Loc: Brighton, UK
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Dearie me Paul! Saying Jack Avis was an excellent card man does make me doubt your credibility somewhat. I still don't know if you are any good or not because your videoclip tells me nothing either way. However there are now two counts against you instead of one. The first count was your enthusiastic approval of the Magic Circle which is always a bad sign and the second is your statement that Jack Avis was an excellent card man.
Just because someone is technically proficient and comes up with good ideas does NOT mean that they are "excellent". That is because they haven't finished the job. Avis was boring whether you like it or not and Fred Robinson equally so. Sure they could both do wonderful moves and tricks and invent various tomfoolery with cards but alas that is NOT enough. You are not there to sell tricks; you are there to sell yourself. And neither of them did so and come to think of it 90% of magicians don't do so either.
Besides you spelled "Hear, Hear" wrong.
As for this Brahams personage who seems to take offence easily I well rememember trying to sell him something or other at some silly Magic Circle dealer event years and years ago. I think it was my wondrous svengali routine. I attempted to draw him over and he immediately got on his inbred stuffy Magic Circle high horse and showed great resentment over the matter saying "don't give me the hard sell" and stormed off after I reprimanded him severely. Rather a stuffy individual as I recall with a three piece suit to emphasise his stuffiness. I am quite sure that he is of the Avis/Robinson sleep inducing school of magic. Lots of moves but no presentation or personality to back it up with.
He seems to want to know my various names. I have three. The one that he possibly knows the best is Ronnie McLeod. However I was using the name Mark Lewis when he was most impertinent to me when I merely wished to deprive him of his money.
Anyway I am delighted he is not going to reply to me. After all I didn't invite him to respond to me in the first place. I can only say "Cheeriebye". May God bless and keep you because I can't afford to.
Come on Rev, even for you, this is such obvious trolling.
Oh hang on, 3 people have fallen for it already!
It's like they've never read your posts before, bless them.
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#208305 - 11/17/09 12:57 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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El Mystico
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 504
Loc: Leamington Spa
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Avis was boring whether you like it or not and Fred Robinson equally so.
This is one man's view of Fred Robinson.
For another; Dai Vernon wrote of him, "I only wish more of today's performers would follow his attitude and manner and thus enhance their performances."
Maybe Mark is trolling, or maybe Vernon didn't know about magical performance.
What I do know is that if someone visited me in London back in those days, I made a point of taking them to the Marlborough so they could experience Fred's magic. Some of them still talk about it.
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#208306 - 11/17/09 01:06 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: El Mystico]
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mrgoat
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 1585
Loc: Brighton, UK
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#208308 - 11/17/09 01:26 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: mrgoat]
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Richard Kaufman
The Chief Genii
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12975
Loc: Washington DC
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I actually believe that Mark is speaking honestly, in his opinion, about seeing Fred do magic. (Ditto for Jack Avis.)
Mark doesn't care for any subtlety in presentation--he likes it loud and proud. That's the way he works, and in his opinion it's the only way to hit the audience and bring in the cash. If you understand that, then you understand his point of view.
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#208313 - 11/17/09 01:47 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Again not quite, Richard as I responded to you on the bored stiff thread. I think you are getting confused with the way I sell svengali decks. Different thing entirely.
I do NOT work loud and I do NOT work proud when performing close up magic. I work reasonably quietly and believe or not in a modest manner. I am after reaction, not cash. I am either being paid already or I am doing it for no money at all as oddly enough I have a strange notion shared by few magicians that it is my DUTY to perform impromptu magic when the opportunity arises. And I should make it clear that I never force that opportunity. I don't have to.
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#208315 - 11/17/09 02:02 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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Jolly Roger
Registered: 03/19/08
Posts: 256
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
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I think this is the point. The world is full of wonderfully skillful magicians, whose skill I admire when I see them at the magic clubs. They are technically superb, but they are just plain dull.
There are other less skillful magi, who I find entertaining, and so does the general public. There is no right or wrong. It is what it is. This is what I find so fascinating about our art. I love the Magic Circle, but the friends I mix with there tend to be those with a sense of humour, as well as magical knowledge. One of my oldest ex Magic Circle friends was Michael Vine. Unfortunately, he was thrown out. He had the kind of sense of humour I loved. He has done rather well for himself. If you don't know the name, he manages Derren Brown, who some of you may have heard of. JR
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#208317 - 11/17/09 02:12 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Now to go back to my trolling activities. It ill behooves this Gordon person to complain about me being "egotistical" when his latest post is full of bragging about how good he is. I am afraid I cannot accept his claims although I will certainly admit that I cannot yet reject them.
Young or not really young Gordon has as yet presented no evidence either way. I am sure he is awful as most magicians are but I am loath to say so without actual evidence that he is indeed crap. That video he has posted he has already posted and I must say that he is prone to repeat himself.
There is no evidence whatever concerning his talent or lack thereof on that video. Jolly Roger used to be a successful agent and I used to be an unsuccessful one. I bet neither of us would judge this late 40 year old who looks like he is 35 on the basis of that clip.
The trouble is with it-(and young/old Gordon is not the only one who makes this mistake)-is that the clip shows a few seconds here and a few seconds there and it means nothing at all. Show me 5 minutes of an UNEDITED performance and I will be convinced.
Certainly there is some evidence of giggling and laughing from various silly people but that is not evidence either. We don't know who these people are. They could be his relatives or his friends. They could be members of his beloved Magic Circle although of course that is unlikely because they have no sense of humour.
They could be people that he has told to laugh before the shoot. We have no idea. It could be laughter that has been recorded and put into the video. Or perhaps the silly people are laughing at something else.
Sorry. I am not satisfied. I have to see more evidence. And of course even if they were genuine reactions he was getting we don't know about all the times he has died the death and gotten no reactions at all.
At any rate he is no MARK LEWIS. I would not have elicted a few giggles here and there. I would have received TEN TIMES the reaction and the audience would have started a new religion worshipping me.
As for Vernon praising Fred Robinson Vernon would praise everybody and anybody. I would have been far more impressed if Albert Goshman has said something good about Fred but there is more chance of that happening than there is of both Avis and Robinson rising from the dead.
To go off at a tangent Al made these remarks to me about various legends in magic
"Slydini couldn't handle trouble"
"David Roth has no idea of presentation"
"I have known the professor (Vernon) for 40 years. I have no comment about him" Which of course implied that he did but decided to bite his tongue.
And I HAVE seen Fred Robinson "perform" in that den of depravity known as the Malborough Arms. As a most holy reverend man of the cloth I really cannot approve of people who indulge in the devil's buttermilk even though I will confess that I gave in to the temptation myself yesterday.
And Fred was crap beyond measure. As an entertainer he would have made a remarkable railwayman and if he had been on the same cruise as Roger he would have been thrown overboard as well.
If it had been ME in the Malborough Arms the whole bloody pub would have been around me within 5 minutes. In fact I used to annoy pub owners because of this. And in my youth several centuries ago one day in a bowling alley an announcement was made on the tannoy "Can the gentleman from the Magic Circle please refrain from doing card tricks for a while?" The crowds were too big I am afraid. The worst insult of all was they thought I was a member of the rather awful Magic Circle. Most traumatic if I may say so.
Edited by Mark.Lewis (11/17/09 02:14 PM)
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#208325 - 11/17/09 02:49 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Jolly Roger
Registered: 03/19/08
Posts: 256
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
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Ronnie..you crack me up!!!
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#208327 - 11/17/09 02:53 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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mrgoat
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 1585
Loc: Brighton, UK
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I actually believe that Mark is speaking honestly, in his opinion, about seeing Fred do magic. (Ditto for Jack Avis.)
Mark doesn't care for any subtlety in presentation--he likes it loud and proud. That's the way he works, and in his opinion it's the only way to hit the audience and bring in the cash. If you understand that, then you understand his point of view.
He got you too! Brilliant work Rev.
Anyone that saw Fred work for laymen knows that boring just isn't a word anyone could ever use.
Even if you don't like his simple, beautiful magic, you just can't say he was boring.
Rev L picked that word in order to try and get a response. It worked. He is brilliantly clever.
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#208328 - 11/17/09 03:08 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: mrgoat]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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Well, judging by Mark Lewis's truly AWFUL Svengali-pitch video - I think he certainly should not be throwing stones. It shows a bad performer at work...fumbling; trying to recall the moves. No entertainment value whatsoever. He makes even the worst amateur look talented! And, judging by the many PM's I'm getting - I'm not the only one who feels that way. Now I see why he was thrown out of The Magic Circle.
And, my video shows non-prompted laymen at various parties enjoying themselves. All genuine reactions...something that ML obviously doesn't get!
PG
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#208329 - 11/17/09 03:18 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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mrgoat
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 1585
Loc: Brighton, UK
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Well, judging by Mark Lewis's truly AWFUL Svengali-pitch video - I think he certainly should not be throwing stones. It shows a bad performer at work...fumbling; trying to recall the moves. No entertainment value whatsoever. He makes even the worst amateur look talented! And, judging by the many PM's I'm getting - I'm not the only one who feels that way. Now I see why he was thrown out of The Magic Circle.
PG
Jesus. You guys are SO EASY.
Sigh.
Paul, listen to me. Mark Lewis is a troll. He posts deliberately contentious statements in order to provoke people. He ripped your promo clip to bits in order to get you to post exactly what you did.
He will now be sitting in Canada laughing his arse off.
Although I agree with him about your video (and would add NEVER zoom, esp if your camera is old), you do need to know that he is just posting to annoy you. And it worked. Just stop responding and he will stop antagonising you.
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#208332 - 11/17/09 03:32 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: mrgoat]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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I'm more angry that he knocks everyone...recently Jack Avis, Anthony Brahams and Fred Robinson; all friends of mine. Not seasoned performers, but nice folks - good card technicians.
Why he's allowed to troll on here is a mystery. He's like a rotton egg in a basket...a shop-floor trouble-maker. Oh well, I guess he's just a lonely old man. After all...400 posttings in 2 months is a bit anal!
PG
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#208333 - 11/17/09 03:39 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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I must say that young/old Gordon really has a thin skin and a MASSIVE ego. Far bigger than mine actually.
He hasn't had the decency to offer me the same courtesy I offered him. I didn't rip his video to pieces as the goat claimed. I said there was no evidence that he was crap even though I could see a ton of evidence that he was. However I did wish to be tactful about his lamentable lack of talent. It is perfectly evident from his silly video clip that he has no charisma whatsoever. Just a Magic Circle type of performer with a dreadful English accent which is not as posh as Roger's.
I didn't say that Robinson and Avis were bad people. I merely said they were bad performers and I see that he seems to confirm it in his latest post by saying they were "not seasoned performers"
He has had the audacity to say that the greatest svengali demonstration in history is sub standard. I can assure him there was no fumbling whatsoever in my demonstration except on one minor occasion where I made a terribly witty joke to cover the matter. Only a small memory lapse BETWEEN demonstrations and that can easily be justified on the grounds of old age. Darwin Ortiz mentions that the world's greatest memory expert Harry Lorayne is absent minded too so why shouldn't I be as well?
I hope to God Harry doesn't see this post otherwise we will never hear the end of it.
Besides fumbling and memory lapses are very good for a performer. I suggest Gordon reads my brilliant dissertation on "Defensive Resentment" on the Bored Stiff thread where I give valuable advice on performing.
As for the reaction I get from performing magic for laymen I can assure him that I have MANY witnesses to the results I get some of whom are on this very forum. And the results are elicited from LAYMEN. Young/old Gordon wouldn't have a chance competing with me. I am one of the world's greatest magicians while the Gordon person is merely a member of the Magic Circle. Actually I am THE world's greatest magician but I don't want to mention it on the grounds that people might think me immodest.
The illustrous David Ben has seen me work for laymen and thinks I am wonderful.
The not so illustrious Jolly Roger has seen me work for laymen and thinks that I am wonderful.
Joe Turner who is going to squirm with embarrassment that I have mentioned his name has seen me work for laymen and thinks I am wonderful.
Paul Pacific who is also wonderful has seen me work for laymen thinks I am wonderful too. Mind you he thinks his own feet are more wonderful but I won't get into that.
If however the various twits on this forum from the Magic Circle wish to scoff and say these are merely testimonials from my friends and acquaintances I shall post some quotes from my worst enemy Quentin Reynolds.
James Munton says that I post them several thousand times a day but anything that annoys Quentin and the various Magic Circle incompetents can't be all bad. He shouldn't have said these things in the first place if it was going to bother him in the future.
One moment please.
Edited by Mark.Lewis (11/17/09 03:44 PM)
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#208336 - 11/17/09 03:50 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Here you are: The first Quentin quote. And remember we hate each other's guts.:
"I have no hesitation, nor have I ever had any hesitation or reluctance in acknowledging you as the finest card magician I have ever seen performing for laymen in an impromptu situation.
At conventions I have seen magicians, hailed as some of the world's best by their peers who I know would die a thousand painful deaths in the venues I have seen you perform. Venues where I have seen tough and hostile groups intrigued, tamed and turned into cheering fans in minutes and left shouting for more."
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#208337 - 11/17/09 03:51 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Paul Gordon
Registered: 05/01/08
Posts: 230
Loc: UK
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Someone just PM'd me this link: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2PB3wQz-Md4 - is this the so-called great ML? Either way, it's given me my laugh for the day.
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#208338 - 11/17/09 03:52 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Paul Gordon]
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El Mystico
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 504
Loc: Leamington Spa
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I'm more angry that he knocks everyone...recently Jack Avis, Anthony Brahams and Fred Robinson; all friends of mine.
PG
Fred Robinson was a friend of yours?
Curious; I don't recall you talking to him.
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#208339 - 11/17/09 03:52 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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mrgoat
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 1585
Loc: Brighton, UK
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I must say that young/old Gordon really has a thin skin and a MASSIVE ego. Far bigger than mine actually.
He hasn't had the decency to offer me the same courtesy I offered him. I didn't rip his video to pieces as the goat claimed. I said there was no evidence that he was crap even though I could see a ton of evidence that he was. However I did wish to be tactful about his lamentable lack of talent. It is perfectly evident from his silly video clip that he has no charisma whatsoever. Just a Magic Circle type of performer with a dreadful English accent which is not as posh as Roger's.
To be fair, Rev, he seems to be brilliant at tricks where he makes the spectator looks stupid. His cocky presentation of his excellently reviewed monte is like that. "HAHAHA THEY ARE ALL RED/BLACK YOU IDIOT". And his use of card to 'hanging out of your' mouth also adds a kind of "HOW STUPID ARE YOU LOOK YOUR CARD IS IN MY BLOODY MOUTH YOU TARD".
But yes, you didn't rip him to shreds, I apologise. Such low hanging fruit you leave to me.
Edited by mrgoat (11/17/09 03:53 PM)
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#208340 - 11/17/09 03:53 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Glenn Bishop
Registered: 03/14/08
Posts: 513
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The not so illustrious Jolly Roger has seen me work for laymen and thinks that I am wonderful.
I have never seen you perform Mark. But your posting and advice reminds me of times of long ago. When I would sit and listen to my Dad and a lot of his friends (working performers - not just working magicians) talk for hours on end. And give their opinions on - magic - magicians - audience management - booking - agents - and other subjects that they used to talk about.
Thanks again.
_________________________
Bish The Magish
The Magish Newsletter!
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#208342 - 11/17/09 03:57 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Glenn Bishop]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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And here is comment number two from Quentin. (Oh do be quiet Munton):
"I was thinking about you the other day. In fact I was
also thinking about you at FISM in July. I was hanging
around with some very well known magicians ( I won't say who
because you'd probably tell them what I said) and some laymen
came over and asked to see some tricks. A pack of cards
went around. I was interested to see what reactions they'd
get. To be honest, not much. That's when you came to mind.
You would have crucified the laymen. I still haven't seen anyone
handle laymen with a deck of cards like you.
..................................................
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#208343 - 11/17/09 03:58 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: El Mystico]
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Richard Kaufman
The Chief Genii
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12975
Loc: Washington DC
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Yes, indeed, Paul: that is Mark Lewis, proving himself a very fine children's entertainer.
See, what I know that many of you don't is that Mark is not just some old windbag and provocateur, but he happens to be a superb pitchman, an excellent kids' magician, and adults love his work as well. His performing persona is not at all like some of his wind-heavy writing here on the Forum. When he actually spends the time to write a thoughtful post it's full of insightful information from someone who really knows his stuff.
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#208345 - 11/17/09 04:08 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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And here is quotation number three from Quentin:
"Quentin once wrote on a book (by a certain Richard Kaufmann, no less) "To Mark Lewis, one of the world's greatest magicians"
And I bet he would still say it even though we detest each other.
Quentin is incapable of telling a lie. He blushes every time he tries it. Sheltered Irish Catholic life I am afraid.
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#208346 - 11/17/09 04:10 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Now I am in a state of bafflement as to whose side El Mystico is on. I must get some rest.
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#208347 - 11/17/09 04:11 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Richard Kaufman
The Chief Genii
Registered: 07/18/01
Posts: 12975
Loc: Washington DC
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That's enough about Quentin, Mark.
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#208348 - 11/17/09 04:14 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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OK. I am never a one to labour a point.
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#208351 - 11/17/09 04:23 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Richard Kaufman]
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Glenn Bishop
Registered: 03/14/08
Posts: 513
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Yes, indeed, Paul: that is Mark Lewis, proving himself a very fine children's entertainer.
I agree - and in my opinion working the family show - kid show market is also a very "hard" market and one of the most under appreciated markets in show business.
Having watched my Dad, Jay Marshall, John Shirley, and many others work this market - and having made a living off this market for most of my life - doing shows in this market - before I was a close up magician.
I find it sad that many magicians and others in show business in my opinion look down upon the kid show - children’s entertainer - family show entertainer.
Here is a link to my dad doing a kid show. This video is his last show before his stroke that forced him into retirement. What I find most interesting about this clip is that he performed on the stage of the Billy Rose Diamond Horseshoe a booking that lasted over 6 months. Where he replaced Jay Marshall
In the clip - he performs under the modern performing conditions of today.
http://www.mrhypnotist.org/video/billybishmisersdream.wmv
If I may add - great show Mark - It looks like the audience had a great time.
Just my opinion.
_________________________
Bish The Magish
The Magish Newsletter!
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#208353 - 11/17/09 04:25 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Glenn Bishop]
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David Ben
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 125
Loc: New York
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Mark
Leave me out of this one!
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#208354 - 11/17/09 04:28 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Glenn Bishop]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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I will have a look at Glenn's clip later. I know a lot of people on the magic forums get quite irritated that Glenn talks about his dad all the time.
I don't. I think there is something very moving about it.
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#208355 - 11/17/09 04:29 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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DAvid. It is your fault for filling me up with whiskey last night. You know perfectly well I don't drink. I still haven't sobered up yet.
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#208357 - 11/17/09 04:35 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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I KNEW bloody Jolly Roger was up to mischief when he started this thread!
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#208358 - 11/17/09 04:39 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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David Ben
Registered: 01/17/08
Posts: 125
Loc: New York
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Okay everyone. TIme out.
And as for you, Mark, yes I must admit I was surprised. But, Johnny Walker Black is hard to resist. So, take some time off, clear your head and then - and only then - revisit the Forum.
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#208360 - 11/17/09 04:42 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: David Ben]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Don't worry. I am going to bed for a while even though it is the middle of the day.
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#208362 - 11/17/09 05:12 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Jolly Roger
Registered: 03/19/08
Posts: 256
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
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I see you are a man with similar taste to me, David. Black Label is the choice of the aristocracy! I think Mark's Achilles Heel is that he does not drink. He is missing out on much pleasure, and it would add colour to some of his posts. JR
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#208367 - 11/17/09 06:46 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Roger. David isn't quite the aristocracy but he is the next best thing. After all they don't really have the aristocracy over here. Just as well. They all had their heads chopped off in France. Perhaps you had better be careful in Arizona in case people get the same idea.
Anyway have those dreadful Magic Circle people gone yet? Of course it is all your fault for starting this thread in the first place. You knew perfectly well what would happen.
You deliberately loaded the gun and made me fire it.
Anyway where is your fellow aristrocrat and alcoholic? Munton seems to have disappeared.
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#208370 - 11/17/09 06:58 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Mark.Lewis]
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Jolly Roger
Registered: 03/19/08
Posts: 256
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
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My guess is that Munton is upset because he started an excellent thread about "One Size fits all" shows, and you are the only person to respond with one line. I wonder if Munton was ever a member of the Magic Circle? By the way, he is not an asistocrat, and went to a minor public school. He is also extemely left wing, and was never allowed near the Whitehouse when Bush was in charge, even though he did have cocktails with Hillary!! JR
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#208378 - 11/17/09 10:15 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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I have something hilarious to announce. I bet none of those Magic Circle personages who have been saying rude things about me are mentioned in the recent Fred Robinson book even though they all seem to be claiming to be bosom friends of his.
Well, I in all my talented glory just happen to be in the book.So there. Na,na, na, nananana.................
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#208382 - 11/17/09 10:40 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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James Munton
Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 120
Loc: Dallas, TX
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Wrong as usual on many counts, Roger.
I've been busy doing shows - unlike you and Mark who just gab on about doing them the whole time.
Never a member of the Magic Circle - I have been three times as a guest, enjoyed it each time, especially all the bitching that takes place while standing outside having a cig.
You are correct that I am not an aristocrat and regret that England didn't do what the French did and chop off all their heads. Your good family excepted of course.
I did go to a minor public school where there was no fagging or beating with canes. I have a feeling you were an excellent fag.
I am quite left wing on some issues, centrist on others, and on occasion right wing.
I did not have cocktails with Hillary, although I did perform the most bizarre show of my career for her. Did I ever tell you the story about that?
I was allowed to perform at the White House (okay in the garden) - in fact I did so three times while Bush was in charge. Then when Obama got elected they banned all the magicians because they didn't approve of Ken Scott twisting the heads off his puppets.
I also performed for Dick Cheney - they let me inside the house for that one.
Best,
James
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#208385 - 11/17/09 10:53 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: James Munton]
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Jolly Roger
Registered: 03/19/08
Posts: 256
Loc: Phoenix, Arizona
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You are correct, James. I was an excellent fag, and never even made it to prefect which was sad, as I was unable to get my revenge.
I am sorry to hear that Ken Scott screwed it up for the rest of us at The Whitehouse. However, I am not surprised in the least bit. Ever since I introduced Ken to Bourbon at Kidabra, he has been a wreck! JR
PS: James.........a thought has occured to me. You and I will be in Washington DC at the end of January lecturing at The Kapital Kidvention. Do you think we should offer out our services to sneak in and entertain the Obama Kids? Two of the top children's entertainers in the country both in Washington at the same time? Opportunity Knocks(as Hughie Green would say!)
Edited by Jolly Roger (11/17/09 10:58 PM)
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#208386 - 11/17/09 11:00 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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Mark.Lewis
Registered: 09/12/09
Posts: 962
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Methinks you and James had better explain quickly to the Americans among us what "fag" means especially since Roger is prone to wearing a green dress.
And how come nobody is interested in my vital news that I am featured on page 22 of the Fred Robinson book? It is a rather rude reference saying that I have more names than holes in a perforated teabag. Most impertinent if I may say so. Michael Vine is also mentioned. I consider it an odd coincidence that both of us were kicked out of the Magic Circle and yet are both on page 22 of Fred Robinson's book. I did look to see if there was any trace of him referring to Roger being thrown overboard with all his props on a cruise ship but alas couldn't find it.
Never fear though. Roger is mentioned in MY book which of course is a far greater masterpiece that the Fred Robinson book. And the best part of my book is that there is not a single card trick in it.
Edited by Mark.Lewis (11/17/09 11:02 PM)
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#208387 - 11/17/09 11:05 PM
Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?
[Re: Jolly Roger]
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James Munton
Registered: 05/30/08
Posts: 120
Loc: Dallas, TX
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Yes, Roger, I think you should definitely try to sneak into the White House to entertain Obama's kids. I'll show you the best part of the fence to hop over. Don't worry about the Secret Service. They will completely ignore you if you wear your bright green dress.
James
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