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Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 13th, 2009, 8:25 pm
by Jolly Roger
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 13th, 2009, 8:33 pm
by mrgoat
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!

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 13th, 2009, 8:50 pm
by MagicBilly
Me too, but stopped after feeling a bit disconnected and disenchanted living across the pond.

Was in London once during my membership but missed the Monday gathering. Hindsight, I wish I had made it to their headquarters. I was fortunate to be proposed and tested by a wonderful group of MIMC's and was quite excited to become a member.

Sadly, my only access was through the magazine, which I thought was great and their unofficial official forum. There was considerable bickering, blaming, kicking and screaming which led to a rather unsatifying experience for me. My AMA membership was much more satisfying given the proximity of my home while I lived in L.A. I looked for ways to connect, but the distance just made it difficult.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 13th, 2009, 9:39 pm
by Mark.Lewis
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 12:20 am
by Jolly Roger
Mark.Lewis wrote: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.


Mark....on this one you are wrong. It is nothing to do with any remarks you may have made. Please keep the posts coming, as I find them most interesting and informative. Thanks! JR

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 1:00 am
by Richard Kaufman
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 2:46 am
by El Mystico
I'm a member. Although British, i rarely get a chance to visit though.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 4:35 am
by Mark.Lewis
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 5:01 am
by Paul Gordon
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

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 5:23 am
by Mark.Lewis
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 6:10 am
by Matthew Field
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

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 11:36 am
by Paul Gordon
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

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 12:34 pm
by JimAlfredson
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?!)

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 5:51 pm
by Mark.Lewis
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 6:56 pm
by Edward
Mark, you have a wicked sense of humor. :)

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 14th, 2009, 8:56 pm
by Mark.Lewis
That is because I have been active in very wicked activities my entire life.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 15th, 2009, 5:28 am
by Chris Wood
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 15th, 2009, 5:34 am
by Paul Gordon
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

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 7:15 am
by Francesca Moffet
I am not a member of TMC but I love going there after attending a convention. I am very disappointed I won't be able to make it at the end of the month but I hope to go back again next year. I found everyone there to be very friendly and they made me very welcome despite the fact I am not a member.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 7:40 am
by Marco Pusterla
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 :)

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 3:06 pm
by Jolly Roger
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 3:21 pm
by mrgoat
Jolly Roger wrote: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 [censored].

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...

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 3:26 pm
by Richard Kaufman
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 3:29 pm
by Mark.Lewis
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 4:14 pm
by Jolly Roger
Mark.Lewis wrote: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.


How did I know you would say that, McLewis? I must be psychic. For your information, Fred Robinson was wildly jealous of me because I was doing an illusion act on the cruise ships, and he had a day job! Fred did enjoy the pub, as did many of us. There is a pub around the corner from the present headquarters, but I rarely see magi hanging out in there.

I have to disagree with you about Chenies Mews, McLewis. It was an amazing place to be on a monday night. Francis White was always most cordial.........and an excellent auctioneer as well. JR

I was unaware they no longer enforced the dress code at the Circle, Richard. I will test it out when I visit in February.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 4:40 pm
by Mark.Lewis
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 5:00 pm
by Paul Gordon
Richard Kaufman wrote:The dress code at The Magic Circle is no longer enforced (thank goodness!).



It is enforced in a way...but, seems hit & miss! It's a strange situation; one which I still don't understand. Maybe Matt Field can clarify? Matt...where are you?

Paul Gordon

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 5:15 pm
by Mark.Lewis
A DRESS CODE! They didn't have that in my day. So they are still a bunch of toffee nosed gits!

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 5:33 pm
by Jolly Roger
Mark.Lewis wrote:I am tempted to say what Fred Robinson once said about Roger but I shall bite my tongue.


It seems to me that you are having difficulty biting your tongue for long, McLewis. I suspect Fred was innebriated when he made those remarks, and was confusing me with Jeffrey Atkins! JR

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 5:38 pm
by Richard Kaufman
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 6:16 pm
by mrgoat
Richard Kaufman wrote: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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 6:20 pm
by Richard Kaufman
My experience has entirely to do with meeting friends and chatting.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 8:55 pm
by Paul Gordon
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

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 16th, 2009, 9:42 pm
by Richard Kaufman
How long has it been since you've seen people asked to leave?

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 17th, 2009, 1:26 am
by Paul Gordon
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

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 17th, 2009, 4:17 am
by Matthew Field
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

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 17th, 2009, 4:53 am
by El Mystico
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...

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 17th, 2009, 5:08 am
by Paul Gordon
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

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 17th, 2009, 5:18 am
by El Mystico
Jolly Roger wrote:
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.

Re: Are you a member of The Magic Circle?

Posted: November 17th, 2009, 6:15 am
by AnthonyBrahams
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.