* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
* Magic New Zealand
* www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Issue Number: #254
Date: Sunday 2nd May 2004
Editor: Alan Watson
www.magicianz.com
www.alan-watson.com
e-mail: AW@Alan-Watson.com

================================
Hi here is the latest news
================================

  1. Editor’s Message
  2. S.A.M President Jay Gorham Son Tragically Passed Away
  3. Looking For Top Notch Professionals
  4. SAM Long Range Planning Committee
  5. The Magical Life Of Long Tack Sam
  6. 2004 New Zealand Convention Charging Full Steam Ahead
  7. 29th Australian Convention Update
  8. Mindvention
  9. Comedy Store At Fox Studios In Sydney - Phil Cass
  10. Bubble Magic Show In Korea
  11. Dan Birch Appears In Verizon Wireless Commercial
  12. Paul Alberstat Lecture Tour
  13. Colon, Michigan!! August 4-7 - Magic Week
  14. FMA Convention Reminder - Update
  15. Super Melted Coin To Card Melt - By Jamie-G
  16. The Amazing Orchante Saga
  17. e-zine Archives
  18. Subscription Management

------------------
1. Editors Message
-------------------
Message from Alan Watson - The Magic One

Our condolences to Jay (International President SAM) and Pat Gorham
at the tragic loss of their son. Messages of condolence can be sent
to: jaygorham@cox.net

For more information refer item 2.

---------------------------------
The Academy of Magical Arts Inc. Awards 2003

Message from James Williams, General Manager of the Magic Castle

The award winners are:

Close-up Magician of the Year 2003 - Whit Haydn
Parlour Magician of the Year 2003 - Dana Daniels
Stage Magician of the Year 2003 - Kevin James
Lecturer of the Year 2003 - Aldo Colombini
Comedy Magician of the Year 2003 - Dana Daniels
Magician of the Year 2003 - Mac King

----------------
Remember if you have any magic news drop me a line:
AW@Alan-Watson.com

-----------------
2. S.A.M President Jay Gorham Son Tragically Passed Away
-----------------
Message from Maria Ibanez (US)

Greetings everyone:

This e-mail is being sent on behalf of Jay and Pat Gorham. They have
just phoned me from Baltimore with a few details on Timothy's
passing and his most generous donation of organs as well as what
they are planning for services. The plan at this time is to have a
private ceremony for the family at Tim's home city and they are
considering having a cremation with the ashes being scattered to the
wind, this as a consequence of a conversation he had in the past and
expressed that was what he would wish. Not sure this will be the way
it goes, but, I will keep you informed as I get word.

Jay and Pat have asked me to issue a statement on their behalf
letting you know that they sincerely appreciate all the prayers and
good wishes you have sent throughout this difficult period in their
lives. They say they will contact you each at a later time when they
are able.

At present they are asking for no flowers or donations, but are
considering perhaps something in the future for the daughter that
Tim leaves behind. This too will go out as soon as I have more
details.

Clem and Jean Kinnicutt have left home to join Jay and Pat in
Baltimore and will remain with the Gorham's as long as need be. My
husband Jay and I will fly out to Baltimore at once if Clem or Jay
give the word that they need us.

Most respectfully,

Maria Ibanez
Society of American Magicians
Regional Vice President
SA States

-----------------
3. Looking For Top Notch Professionals
-----------------
Message from Bev Bergeron (US)

Been talking to several magicians around the U.S.A. and some have
taken the step of bring about a dream of mind – a circuit of
theatres, rooms, etc. that feature magic. My feeble attempts in the
Walt Disney area have failed; however, I have received word from a
couple of magicians/promoters, that they have established some
venues.

All are using hotels, dinner theatres or similar businesses to bring
about our dream. The business sells the food and drink and the
promoter collects a fee at the door from each person. The fee is
what pays the performing magicians.

The talent must be first class -- must be top notch professional. No
blue material – strictly family orientated. Able to do time and look
sharp. Both close-up and stage performers are sought. If you feel
that you qualify please give a call to Richard Staub – 910-264-6826
or contact me at BevBergeron@aol.com.

The first show units are being set up in North Carolina in the
beachfront hotels and a target date for the end of May is set.

-----------------
4. SAM Long Range Planning Committee
-----------------
Message from George Schindler (US)

4/27/04- New York City

At the end of March, 2004, 25 members of the S.A.M. National Council
gathered to conduct the business of the Society. Under the
leadership of our national president, Jay Gorham, we met for an
additional 16 hours over a period of three days as a long range
planning committee of the whole to consider the future of our
Society.

After careful consideration it was determined that our purpose
remains the same as that established by our founding fathers in
1902. However, for the first time we now have a Vision Framework for
the Twenty-First Century, a document that identifies our core values
and beliefs, our guiding principles and tenets, and our philosophy.

In addition we developed a mission statement defining our goals for
the near future, five to ten years. We believe our mission to be
bold and inspiring. This is just the beginning. Our pledge is to
provide service and leadership to the Society as we all look toward
the goals we have set. We hope that after reading this on our
website you will share in our excitement and our commitment too.
Please see www.magicsam.com

-----------------
5. The Magical Life Of Long Tack Sam
-----------------
Message from George Schindler (US)

On Wednesday May 26 at 6:30PM the Asia Society and the Society of
American Magicians presents the screening of a film, "The Magical
Life of Long Tack Sam". The film done by his great- granddaughter
Ann Marie Fleming will be shown at the Asia Society at 725 Park
Avenue (at 70th St) in New York City.

S.A.M. members, other magicians and their friends can purchase
tickets to the screening at a reduced rate of $7.00. (Phone 212-
517-ASIA) There will be discussion after the film with Ms. Anne
Marie Fleming. S.A.M; Regional Vice President Bruce Lish will also
be in attendance along with historian Tom Klem.

Details on the website www.magicsam.com
For other information regarding this film - www.longtacksam.com

-----------------
6. 2004 New Zealand Convention Charging Full Steam Ahead
-----------------
Message from Mick Peck (NZ)

The 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention

Queen's Birthday Weekend - 4, 5, 6, 7th June 2004, Takapuna,
Auckland.

The Shore City Magicians Club is proud to be hosting the 27th New
Zealand International Magicians Convention. The club was formed in
1974 and is celebrating their 30th Anniversary this year. The
original plan was to hold a small one day mini-convention to
celebrate, but as the planning got underway and we received so much
encouragement from magicians around NZ who expressed an interest for
a national convention this year it was decided to upgrade to a
multi-day international event.

With a lineup including DeLarno, Ellis and Webster, Michael Finney,
Charles Gauci, David Ginn, and the world's foremost teacher of
magic, world champion magician Michael Ammar as our headliner, we're
not about to disappoint.

Here's the news:

- The "Shore is Magic!" Family Comedy Magic Show:

Saturday June 5th, 8:00PM, War Memorial Hall (next to the library),
The Strand, Takapuna.

Presented by the Shore City Magicians Club Incorporated as part of
the 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention.

Join us for a fantastic night of comedy and magic! We're proud to be
bringing you a world-class lineup of talent featuring stars of New
Zealand magic as well as internationally recognised performers from
around the world.

You'll see unbelievable acts of magic from our master magicians -
and be prepared to laugh because we're also bringing you one of the
USA's top comedy magicians! This will be a night of real
Middle-Earth magic that you'll never forget.

Convention Registrants each receive a ticket to the show as part of
registration. Additional tickets are now available. We have a
maximum of only 200 seats for this event, tickets can be purchased
for $15 each, and these will sell out. Special family concession -
four tickets for $50.

Tickets can be purchased now by sending payment along with your
details to:

"Shore is Magic!" Show

Shore City Magicians Club
PO Box 23
Takanini
South Auckland

And as we have limited seats available for this event and must
request that full and total payment for the required number of seats
be received with your order.

- Important note about our overseas guests:

There has been some speculation here in NZ that some of our
headliners would also be appearing at the upcoming Melbourne
Convention during their time in this part of the world - this is not
the case.

So just to clarify and save anyone who believed otherwise any
disappointment - our very special US guests Michael Ammar, David
Ginn, and Michael Finney will NOT be appearing at this years
Melbourne Magic Convention in any capacity, sorry people.

- Accommodation and Venue:

As many of you now know we have arranged a very special rate at the
Spencer on Byron - the North Shore's premier hotel. Rooms are still
available at the special convention rate, more information can be
found at the convention website listed below.

Convention registrants receive free breakfast worth $24 each
morning, plus are already saving $60 each night for the Superior
Studio Room or $80 each night for the Superior One Bedroom Suite
(which has two beds and a bed settee and can sleep three). If you
still need to register your room call the Spencer on 0800 773 623,
quote "Corpspec" and mention the magicians convention to get your
discount.

- Tell a friend!

We're continually being surprised by people contacting us who are
only hearing about the convention now! Publicity has been running
through Magicana and Magic New Zealand for months now to keep
everyone informed, but it seems that there are people out there who
still haven't heard about the biggest thing in New Zealand magic in
2004. They'll be kicking themselves later.

If you have friends in magic - encourage them to join you! We're
putting on a world class event - the more the merrier.

This convention is shaping up to be the best this country has ever
seen. We are bringing you WORLD LEADERS in mentalism, close-up
magic, children's magic, and comedy magic. Whatever your interest in
the magical arts, we've got it covered - along with plenty of
surprises along the way.

More details, our updated schedule, competition info, registration
forms etc etc etc all at the convention website -
www.aucklandmagician.com/convention

Best,

Mick Peck
Shore City Magicians Club
The 27th New Zealand International Magicians Convention
Queen's Birthday Weekend - 4, 5, 6, 7th June 2004, Takapuna,
Auckland. www.aucklandmagician.com/convention/

-----------------
7. 29th Australian Convention Update
-----------------
Message from Tim Ellis (Aust)

It's getting Very Close now - there's only four and a half weeks
before registrations close! Have you paid yet?

-------------------------------
Many people have been asking: "When can I perform at the
convention?"

Well thanks to Rex Reeve we will have The Magic Box, a 9' wide 5'
deep mini theatre in Conder room where people can perform close up
or small stage acts. It comes with it's own lighting and we'll add a
PA system with CD playback. JADE has agreed to be stage manager and
host so, if you would like to perform in THE MAGIC BOX (and be in
the running for one of the convention's EIGHT great prizes!) contact
JADE at sunrise_t@hotmail.com Performance times are:

Saturday - 12.00-1.30pm & 3.00-3.30pm
Sunday - 9.00-10.00am & 12.00-1.30pm & 3.00-3.30pm
Monday - 12.00-1.30pm

-------------------------------
Programme Advertising Is Now Sold Out - If you still wish to get
your message across to the registrants, we are offering a limited
number of 'Insert Opportunities' where your flyer can be inserted
into the registrants' goody bags. Cost $40 and you need to provide
us with 300 inserts.

--------------------------------
Banquet - If you would like to perform Close-Up Magic from table to
table at the Banquet on Sunday June 13, please contact Barry Govan
who is co-ordinating this list. If you don't know Barry, email Tim
Ellis at Tim@MagicUnlimited.com and he'll pass your name on to
Barry.

---------------------------------
Pianists Required - Also at the Banquet we are hoping to showcase
magicians' "Other Skills" and as such, would like to create a 30
minute roster of pianists willing to play one or two songs each on
the beautiful Grand Piano in The Great Hall as background music for
the first half hour of the Banquet.

---------------------------------
Airport Pickups - If you are able and willing, we need one or two
volunteers with vehicles to pick up our special overseas guests from
the Airport on Thursday June 10 and take them in to Ivanhoe. We also
need volunteers to help by taking them back to the Airport on
Tuesday and Wednesday after the convention.

----------------------------------
Backstage - If you have had experience or are willing to learn, we
need four people to assist backstage during the All Aussie Show and
The World Champions Show on the Saturday. Tasks will be simple - but
crucial - and involve moving props on and off stage. You may be
required to attend rehearsals too. Contact Tim if interested.

-----------------------------------
Dealers Helpers - Mat Unwin is looking for a few more Dealer Room
helpers especially to assist on Saturday morning at 8am bumping the
dealers in. If you can help, email Mat at the_magician@telstra.com
or see him at the next Melbourne Magic night.

------------------------------------
Doves - Lee Eun-Gyeol requires 8 doves for his act at the
convention. Due to quarantine regulations he can't bring his own
into the country. If you can help out even with just one or two (or
all 8!) please contact Tim asap!

------------------------------------
Speaking Of Doves, the Dove Masterclass now has only 2 spaces left!
If you're interested, sign up NOW!

------------------------------------
Menus On Line - The Delicious meals you are going to enjoy on
Saturday AND Sunday night are now on line at the convention webpage
at www.MagicUnlimited.com If you prefer Vegetarian meals, let me
know asap!

------------------------------------
On Another Note: News from the FISM people

THE FISM-Forum Is Now On-Line

"Today we launch our all new on-line forum. Here you can discuss
everything related to the FISM world championships of magic Please
take your time to give us your input about what you would like to
see and experience at the convention. The more input you give us,
the better the convention will be. You can find the forum by
following the links from www.fism.com

Direct link to the forum: www.SvenskMagiskCirkel.se/forum"

---------------------------------------
Finally Magic On TV

The popular ABC series Jonathon Creek returns Saturday night with
the Illusionist detective back in action.

-----------------
8. Mindvention
-----------------
Message from Robert Allen & Danny Archer

Robert Allen & Danny Archer invite you to join them for 3 days of
mind blowing fun & mental mayhem Mindvention Las Vegas' First Annual
All Mentalism Convention

November 14 - 16, 2004

San Remo Hotel & Casino * Las Vegas, Nevada

Featuring:

Bob Cassidy * Alain Nu * Terry Nosek
Mark Strivings * Richard Osterlind * Chuck Hickok
Brad Henderson * Bruce Bernstein * Lee Earle
Larry Becker and many more to come!

Shows * Lectures * Workshops

If you're a mentalist this is the one convention you don't want to
miss! (of course if you're a great mentalist you already knew that!)

Register Telepathically

or contact:

Mindvention@juno.com

For more Information on Mindvention go to our web site:
www.LVMI.net

Also check out The West Coast's most talked about Close-Up Magic
Convention

The Las Vegas
Magic Invitational
September 12-14, 2004

Great Performers! * Great Magic! * Great Fun!

-----------------
9. Comedy Store At Fox Studios In Sydney - Phil Cass
-----------------
Message from Philippa (Aust)

Here's your chance to catch Phil Cass live.

He will be appearing at The Comedy Store at Fox Studios in Sydney
from Tuesday 4th May to Saturday May 8th.

Sydney’s Original Comedy Store
207-101 Bent St, Fox Studio’s Moore Park NSW 1363

Bookings: (02) 9357 1419
www.comedystore.com.au

Phil will also be appearing on "Kerri-Anne",
Channel 9, Tuesday 4th May sometime between 9.30 am and 10am.

-----------------
10. Bubble Magic Show In Korea
-----------------
Message from Erix Logan

I'm pleased to inform lover of magic and allied arts living in Korea
that from May1st to May 9th "Bubble Magic Show" starring illusionist
Erix Logan and bubble master Fan Yang will be showing at COEX in
Seoul.

The show blends some of the major illusions of Erix Logan
(Italy-Canada) with amazing bubble sculptures of Fan Yang (Canada) 8
times World Record holder for impossible features with soap bubbles.

More information on ticket sales at:
www.bubblemagicshow.co.kr
More information on artists at:
www.erixlogan.com
www.bubbleart.com

-----------------
11. Dan Birch Appears In Verizon Wireless Commercial
-----------------
Message from Cindy Jensen

Dan Birch recently starred in a new Verizon Wireless commercial
filmed in New York. Dan appears as a Magician, transforming fire
into doves. During the act (unbeknownst to Dan) the Verizon Wireless
character walks on stage saying, "Can you hear me now???.. Good!"
He then proceeds to check the cellular reception in an Assistant's
Vanishing Box, disappearing in it. This is a fun, up-beat commercial
and will air on most major TV networks (excluding CBS) the beginning
of May.

-----------------
12. Paul Alberstat Lecture Tour
-----------------
Message from Paul Alberstat

Monday 10th May - Leicester Magic Circle
Tuesday 11th May - Medway Magical Society
Friday 14th May - Newcastle upon Tyne Magic Circle
Tuesday 18th May - Edinburgh Magic Circle

-----------------
13. Colon, Michigan!! August 4-7 - Magic Week
-----------------
Things are hoppin' and poppin' in Colon, Michigan!! August 4-7th is
magic week here in town and we are hosting a massive celebration
that is affordable for EVERYONE!

Our People's Choice Awards will take place Wed-Friday with
competitions in Jr. & Sr. Close-Up and Stage along with the
inaugural Percy Abbott Award For Excellence & The Monk Watson
"Promise" Award - Prizes Will Total $3200.00 Co Sponsored By
Clancy's Restaurant, Coca Cola And Miller Brewing. Registration is
only $35 and we are filling spots quickly!

On Saturday August 7th we will have huge magic Flea Market under the
big top tent - Dealers tables are only $15 per table and those spots
are on limited basis and they too are filling up quickly! Just
Added! The Percy Abbott Era - Lecture by Marilyn Abbott Richards,
daughter of Percy Abbott - Listen to these wonderful stories - how
the "greats" of magic flocked to Colon! There will be limited
seating and this is a FREE lecture plus a major announcement will be
made right after the lecture! This lecture is on a first come first
serve basis....let us know NOW that you want to come...Check
out all the great stuff at www.fabmagic.com

"A New Era Of Old Traditions" - Phone 877.44.MAGIK

-----------------
14. FMA Convention Reminder - Update
-----------------
Message from Maria Ibanez (US)

Greetings everyone: We are now exactly 1 month away from the Florida
Magicians Association Convention, and what a convention it will be!

Now is the time to send in your ads and good wishes for the program.
Contact Rick Del Vecchio for cost of ads -- deadline is rapidly
approaching. Rickydee@aol.com

39th Annual

Florida Magicians Convention
Memorial Day Weekend

May 28, 29, 30
Friday - Saturday – Sunday

Bonaventure Resort
250 Raquet Club Road - Weston Florida
(954) 389-3300

$85.00/night Convention rate -- 
MUST mention convention to get special rate
Hotel room block getting ready to expire -- reserve today if you
want to be able to get the special rate

Talent: is under the direction of Rick del Vecchio, Convention
Chairman. Rick has produced 9 very successful annual Magic on the
Beach conventions, several Florida Magicians Conventions - Magic in
the Glades, and much more. NEWSFLASH -- he has also agreed to
produce next year's convention in West Palm Beach -- the first
registration has already been taken for that one.

The registration fees are
$99 for magician,
$50 for significant other and
$49 for juniors (17 and under)
Price will go up for those registering at the door

Contest: Under the direction of Jay Ibanez, Contest Chairman. There
will be CASH prizes for the contests -- NO gift certificates -- no
prizes to be claimed elsewhere..contact Jay at ibanez217@aol.com
for details. Ask about the People's Choice award.

Register: Maria Ibanez (merlina17@aol.com) or send in your
information along with your check or money order to 12791 S.W. 216
Terrace, Miami, Florida 33170. Make all checks payable to Magic City
Conjurers. No one will be registered until their check is received

Dealers: Are you a dealer who is interested in purchasing a booth?
Contact Dealer Chairman, Oliver Codorniu at magic357@bellsouth.net
for details.

Visit the Florida Magicians website at www.floridamagic.org for more
details

Lectures - Workshops - Contest- Gala Shows - Dealers Room - Spouses
Events - Juniors Events - Much, Much More!

-----------------
15. Super Melted Coin To Card Melt - By Jamie-G
-----------------
Message from Jamie-G (Canada)

Super Melted Coin To Card Melt

Effect: Magician does a basic coins across routine. After that
routine he asks the spectator to hold out his hand and then the
magician melts the coin and the pieces fall into the spectator’s
hand. Then he magician takes the coin and turns it into a folded
card. Magician opens up the card to show that it is in three pieces.
Magician looks at the card like it is odd, closes the card back up
gives it a rub and blows on it and magically the card become whole
again.

Props: American silver dollar that has been treated with the magic
foil system and a card melt.

METHOD: Start with the card melt in your belt buckle. If you don't
have a belt buckle then the rim of your pants is good enough. After
you do you favorite coins across routine (or any coin effect) make
sure that you have the coin with the foil on it last in your hand.
The reason for this is because you want your spectator to get used
to seeing that coin in your hand without noticing the gimmick. Take
the coin and place it into the spectator’s hand. Have them close
their hand. Magician tells them that he will make the coin vanish.
Magician counts to three and says that the coin is gone. Spectator
opens their hand and the coin is still there.

Magician flips the coin around and shows that there is an eagle on
it. Says that the eagle must be too heavy to fly and that it must be
overweight. The spectator open his hand again and the magician
starts to add heat to the coin (in actuality he is scratching the
foil off with his nail). The metal on the coin starts to fall down
to the spectator’s hand. Magician gets the spectator to examine the
coin at which point the magician grabs the card melt out of his
pants. Make sure that the cards in your hand are face up. That the
piece is showing.

Have the spectator give you back the coin. Have the card melt in
your left hand. When you take back the coin from your spectator then
you are going to hold it with your left hand. This will make your
spectator think that your hand is empty. Take the coin back into
your right hand and from there you are going to make it vanish by
using the thumb pinch. When doing this your fingers will cover up
the card melt that is in your left hand. Open your card melt and
look at it as if to not know why it is in three pieces.

Get the spectator to open up their hands and put one of the small
pieces in each of his hands. Magician asks the spectator to match up
the two small pieces. This will give you the misdirection to ditch
the coin in your pocket. Take back your pieces and show the three
pieces as if they were one whole card. Fold up the pieces and with
the blink of an eye and a rub and blow the card is now back
together. You have now just melted a coin and restored a card that
was torn in three. You have done a miracle.

Patter: Hello children today I'm going to show you a break though in
magic history. Some thing that most magicians cannot do but I can
because I do my own special kind of magic.( do your normal coins
across effect or any coin effect that suits you and uses more than
three of the same coins I use U.S. silver dollars because they are
nice and big.) Get a child to hold out their hand if it's a birthday
party use the child who's birthday it is. Now watch as I rub and add
heat to this coin the magic will happen. (at the same time you can
get the child whose hand is open to also blow on the coin as well.
This will make them think that they are more part of the magic when
the magic happens.

As you are scratching the foil off make sure you are going in a
circular motion so it looks like you are rubbing it at the same time
you say "Look The Coin Is Starting To Melt" make sure most of the
foil goes into the Childs hand also say "LOOK AT THE Metal Going
Into Your Hand W.O.W." (At this point the children are all around
both of you and don't be surprised if you see a few adults as well
this is such a killer effect.

When you are done melting the coin say here check out the coin.
(This is where you steal the card melt) get the coin back. O.K. the
coin is so magical that if you blow on it (at this point do the
switch) that the coin turns into a folded card. NOTE: you could use
this as a card prediction beforehand just before this effect just
force the same value card before you start this effect and then lose
the card back into the deck then when you get up to this point show
it (The card melt) Open the card W.O.W. this card is in three pieces
a little acting would not hurt at this point so act surprised. Take
the two small pieces and put one in the child’s left hand and one in
his right and ask the child to put the two pieces together everyone
will be watching the child. This is perfect time to ditch the coin.
Now ask for the pieces back. Now the magician say all I have to do
is fold the card back up, give it a rub and a blow and the magic
happens. The card is back to one piece.

Lets give my helper a big round of applause and enjoy the rest of
the show for free.

Real Time: This effect is a double banger A coin melt and a rip and
restore card centred around a children's birthday party but it also
works well for adults. (just change the patter around a little bit)
I have not tried this to music I do think it would look better with
patter and you can milk this effect as well.

Note: When you are melting the coin you can take your time here at
the same time you can ask the child questions or tell some jokes at
this point to make the effect longer. Also when you are at the card
melt opening it after you put the two pieces in the child’s hand at
this point you can use jokes or ask questions here to make this
effect longer I would not go over the 5 minute mark with this one it
might drag on and you don't want this to happen.

Also in this type of effect there is no giveaways but in the end of
the effect you could give the birthday child a different silver
dollar as a magic give away just before you leave make one disappear
and than reappear and than let the child have it. (It will cost you
a whole dollar WOW I think it’s worth a smile after a great effect
like that.)

-----------------
16. The Amazing Orchante Saga
-----------------
Message from Tommy Orchard (The Amazing Orchante)(UK ex-pat Kiwi)

Page 21

The Sixties! What a decade!

Ten years of discovery, experience, and fun.

My first Theatrical Agent was Mary Throll, a lovely Scotswoman, who
was a singer in her own right. She owned Fuller’s Entertainment
Agency, which was the main Agency for artistes in Auckland. I haven’
t seen or spoken to Mary for years and years and… I found her phone
number and gave her a surprise call the other day.

After the ‘You’ll never guess who this is’ game, we had a wonderful
chat about the ‘Good Old Days’. She was so thrilled “…you’ve made my
day…”, she said. Mary said that she had been booking me for shows
from late 1959, until she sold out to George Tollerton in March
1960;so, my magic abilities were far more advanced at that time,
than I remember. Exactly 5 years later, in March 1965, Mary began
the ‘Throll Entertainment Agency’, operating from the Strand Arcade,
Auckland.

Amazing how you forget things/! Mary recalls my father bringing me
into her office (at her request - somebody had told her about me),
and that “…you were very young”. Well yes - I was 15, going on 16
(turned 16 on 13th (lucky for some) September 1960). That probably
explains why I vaguely remember ‘Piddling’ Fees of three guineas
(Three pounds and three shillings for those wondering what the hell
a ‘guinea’ was) for shows. Veronica says that she was getting only
£4.00 week for her first office job, working 40 hours per week, so
what The Hell was I complaining about!

Mary Throll explained that she is at present writing her
autobiography, due out later this year, she hopes, which is why she
had the ‘facts about me on hand’. “Oh, Tommy,” she said “you were a
little terror – and such a ladies’ man in those days!” Who – ME?
Naaaahhhhh!

When George Tollerton, the famous New Zealand ventriloquist (see
Page 15) took over the ‘Fullers Entertainment Agency’ flag in March
1960, he became the ‘Main Player’ for artists in Auckland - probably
the whole of N.Z.! Apart from the usual ‘gigs’ around town, the
first major show he booked me for was the 1960-61 Christmas/New Year
concerts, at the Mount Maunganui Sound Shell, with the Howard
Morrison Quartet (New Zealand’s most famous group). In fact – he
booked just about ALL of the artistes into the Christmas/ Holiday
shows held in various resorts around the country.

You would move from one venue to another like a ‘merry-go-round’, as
one show or artist moved out, another moved in – this went on for
2 – 3 weeks, over the entire holiday period. You sure learned how to
handle and entertain huge audiences, (from 5000 up to 30,000, or
more) in these out-door (usually at night) concerts. ‘Gee, they were
good days’, as my dear long time buddy, Sally Metzger (nee Philips),
put it recently.

The largest live audience I personally performed for (excluding
television - that’s in the millions) a few years later, working my
Hypnotism show, was in excess of 100,000 people at the Western
Springs Stadium in the late 60s. The show was, ‘The New Zealand -
Battle Of The Bands’, run by the late Benny Levin, (another well
known and respected Agent in Auckland – dealt mainly with bands and
singers). Now, that was just a little overwhelming – standing alone
that huge stage, with only a microphone, and 100 chairs to behind
me, looking out at a never-ending sea of faces and bodies’. That’s
when all those years of experience ‘playing’ outdoor Christmas
concerts, came to the fore.

When I joined ‘The New Zealand Society of Magicians’ in Auckland
Tony Wilson (well known Auckland magician,) was the Editor of the
Club Newsletter – many of which I’ve managed to keep all these
years. I noted the other day (after blowing a mountain of dust off
them), that in the June edition #14, 1961, Tony reported that I had
‘…swallowed a sword…’ at the club, so I must have perfected that
particular art late 1960/early 1961. Tony also reported, in the
January 1962 newsletter - #17, that I had performed my Fire Eating
act at the club in December 1961, so I must also have had that
‘sorted’ as well sometime in 1960. What a busy year of - practising,
honing, and perfecting - that was! All that ‘yucky’, two-stroke
lawnmower fuel I had surreptitiously used to practise with, had
finally paid off!

------------------
17. Magic New Zealand e-zine Archives
------------------
Back issues of the Magic New Zealand e-zine go to:
www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html

Both the User Name and Password MUST be entered in lower case to
gain access.

User Name: magic
Password: kiwi

When you enter the archive the e-zines are in issue order and are
coded. Eg 001 Nov06 1999.txt first three numbers (001) denote issue
number, then the date (Nov06) and the last figures the year (1999)

-------------------
18. Subscription Management
-------------------
Our subscriber list is NOT made available to other companies or
individuals. We value every subscriber and respect your privacy.

To subscribe or unsubscribe from the Magic New Zealand e-zine:
www.watson.co.nz/ezine.html

Magic New Zealand e-zine is published weekly, on Sunday.

The opinions expressed in this e-zine are those of the individual
contributors and not those of Magic New Zealand.

Neither Magic New Zealand or Alan Watson can vouch for the accuracy
or reliability of any opinion, message, statement, or other
information reported via Magic New Zealand e-zine. Subscribers to
this publication and authors who contribute to it by doing so agree
that they will not hold Magic New Zealand and or Alan Watson liable
or responsible in any way for the opinions expressed herein.

We reserve the right to edit, correct or, in our discretion, choose
not to publish any submissions provided to Magic New Zealand for
potential publication.

Magic New Zealand welcomes readers to submit timely articles or news
items which appear to be of interest to our readers. Those
submitting to this e-zine agree that we have permission to publish
their submissions and that they have the full copyright to the
material submitted. All works published by Magic New Zealand are
fully protected by international copyright as provided by law, and
articles cannot be published for profit by anyone other than the
individual author without the written permission of Magic New
Zealand.

>>This publication may be freely redistributed (but not sold) to
other magicians if copied in its ENTIRETY including the copyright
notice below and the above disclaimer.<<

© Copyright 2004 Alan Watson