CLOSE-UP DRIVE - Thursday 11th November

7 December 2004

Having been a member of the Sussex Magic Circle for quite a few years, I have to admit that this was the first time I had ever attended a close-up drive.

I wasn't sure just what to expect - close-up magic obviously, but what about the drive'

All was revealed on the night. With the evening organised by Andy Hart and nine willing participants it became clear the formula for this evening was ever so slightly complicated but nevertheless it worked!

The basis of the evening is that each magician has to perform to, and be assessed by, his fellow magicians. The spectators provide the audience for this friendly rivalry and most importantly, don't move from their seats all evening. It's the magicians that move as Andy explained.

Still perplexed, I couldn't work out why we had the same participating magician, Mark Worgan at our table the whole evening - seemingly it's all in the mathematics and allows each magician to be marked by the other competitors. Nevertheless, having Mark at our table led to some good running gags throughout the evening.

Magicians came and went as they circulated round the room. There was magic with playing cards (surprise, surprise) matchboxes and cigarettes and each competitor performed and entertained to the best of their ability.

When the evening was over, the votes were counted and the winner was Matt Parr with an excellent card routine.

There are no prizes or cups for this event, only the knowledge and satisfaction that ones fellow performers have voted for you. Well done Matt.

Thanks to Andy Hart for organising the evening and making sure the performers circulated in the correct manner and to all nine magicians for giving us an entertaining evening. A drive to remember!

JONATHAN CANN

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