The Magic Circle

Discuss the latest news and rumors in the magic world.
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Richard Kaufman
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The Magic Circle

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 20th, 2014, 11:28 am

Want to join The Magic Circle? It's a great club and I always visit on a Monday when in London. I think they're looking for new members and saw this on magicweek.co.uk:

Become a Member of The Magic Circle: "Membership of The Magic Circle gives one the right to enjoy the facilities of the finest magic club headquarters in the world. There is the Club Room, with a drinks and refreshments bar, where one can meet and entertain fellow magicians in comfort. The Library houses over 6000 magic books for loan or reference. The Museum holds a fascinating collection of magical artefacts and houses the finest collection of magic posters in the UK, possibly the world. The beautiful Devant Room is the perfect space for showing the latest tricks and moves to one’s peers. The Magic Circle Theatre offers performers and lecturers an ideal environment to complement their work, supported by an expert team of technicians using the latest hi-tech equipment. All members receive the acclaimed full colour monthly magazine, the Magic Circular, which provides news, reviews and articles on history, performers and magical effects for members only. Regular lectures by the world’s finest lecturers, the opportunity to meet and discuss magic with the world’s finest magicians, and the hands-on tuition provided by the ever-popular Summer School, ensure that you will continue to improve your magical ability. As a member you will gain the opportunity to take part in prestigious competitions and attend additional events." For details (including a video presentation) visit: www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us. (Note: There are six pages of membership information; see links on the left hand side of The Magic Circle's website).
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AJM
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby AJM » December 20th, 2014, 5:21 pm

If I only had a sponsor...

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 20th, 2014, 6:14 pm

I'll be happy to sponsor you: I'm an MIMC with Gold Star.
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AJM
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby AJM » December 20th, 2014, 6:26 pm

That is very kind Richard.

I think I've just found my first goal for 2015...

Cheers

Andrew

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CraigMitchell
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby CraigMitchell » December 21st, 2014, 9:06 am

Interesting in that The Magic Circle are actively soliciting members whilst The Magic Castle I believe will be limiting membership from 2015 with a 'waiting list' ...

When you can't have something - you generally want it even more ;-)

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 21st, 2014, 11:38 am

Just look at the economies of the two countries and you have your answer. But these venues are in no way comparable. One is open 7 days a week with a restaurant and many theaters full of magicians performing. The Magic Circle is open one day a week for members only and has no restaurant--only crisps and drinks.
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Bill Marquardt
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Bill Marquardt » December 21st, 2014, 12:10 pm

I remember reading about a magic club in London some fifty years ago, and to my recollection it was the Magic Circle, but perhaps I am wrong.

The anecdote explained that the club was "Men Only" but that once a year women were allowed in as guests for some function. In the hallway leading to the women's restroom there was a statue of a nude male with a hinged flap covering the vital area. It was a gag setup with a button under the flap that when released would sound a loud buzzer informing everyone else in the main room that the lady en route to the restroom had lifted the flap to take a peek.

Ah, the good old days.

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 21st, 2014, 2:59 pm

I wouldn't call those the good old days! There are many female members now and they always add a positive vibe to the club.
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Bill Marquardt
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Bill Marquardt » December 21st, 2014, 4:22 pm

Oh, yes. I was being sarcastic. I can't imagine anything like that going on today. Sexism was rampant during at least the first half of the 20th century. There was a time when women could not smoke cigarettes, at least in public.

I don't wish to derail this thread, though. I just thought that was an interesting story.

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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Bill Mullins » December 21st, 2014, 10:26 pm

While I'd be pleased to be a member of any magic club that would have me, I don't see myself joining the Magic Circle any time soon. It costs much more than joining IBM or subscribing to Genii and for me (a resident of Alabama who doesn't travel to London) the benefits are comparable -- subscription to a nice magazine and access to a forum.

Or am I missing something?

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Richard Kaufman
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Richard Kaufman » December 21st, 2014, 10:51 pm

It's really worthwhile if you have the chance to visit the Circle once or twice a year.
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Bill Mullins » December 21st, 2014, 11:10 pm

Oh yes, regular travel to the UK would change the balance completely.

Tom Sawyer
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Tom Sawyer » December 21st, 2014, 11:23 pm

I visited The Magic Circle once, back in 1973. I was armed with a letter of introduction from John Henry Grossman, but I didn’t need it, because -- not at my request -- Elsie Findlay (J.B. Findlay’s widow) arranged with Francis White, for me to visit. (I’m sure I would not have dreamed of contacting White.) I got there kind of late -- I went via train and cab directly from visiting George A. Jenness. When I arrived, White was basically pacing around out in front, waiting for me. Leslie R. Cole kind of took me under his wing. I met Peter Warlock and others. It remains one of the bigger events of my life so far. I was treated very well.

Joe Mckay
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Joe Mckay » December 22nd, 2014, 1:12 am

Why are less women interested in magic than men?

99.9% of the members here are dudes.

observer
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby observer » December 23rd, 2014, 3:59 pm

Bill Marquardt wrote:I remember reading about a magic club in London some fifty years ago, and to my recollection it was the Magic Circle, but perhaps I am wrong.

The anecdote explained that the club was "Men Only" but that once a year women were allowed in as guests for some function. In the hallway leading to the women's restroom there was a statue of a nude male with a hinged flap covering the vital area. It was a gag setup with a button under the flap that when released would sound a loud buzzer informing everyone else in the main room that the lady en route to the restroom had lifted the flap to take a peek.

Ah, the good old days.


Heard that story about a bunch of places - casinos, private clubs, etc. Seems unfair to lay it on the Magic Circle.

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Bill Marquardt
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Re: The Magic Circle

Postby Bill Marquardt » December 23rd, 2014, 4:51 pm

observer wrote:Heard that story about a bunch of places - casinos, private clubs, etc. Seems unfair to lay it on the Magic Circle.


Must everything be controversial? I merely related a fifty year old memory, one which shows how times have changed. The tale was in a book about magic and magicians, but I do not recall the title.


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