2006
4th January 06
Theo the magician hardly seemed an appropriate speaker selection for a staid and well matured Probus Club, but the Ewell Club was soon shaken out of their lethargy by the professional approach of Theo. No, not from the sophistication of conjuring tricks (which were good) but from the subtle and sociological explanation of his subject.
He first explained how he a NESCOT qualified carpenter finished up as a fulltime magician, it really started when he attended a party and the performer arrive rather late and did not have time to produce for each child a balloon sword, so Theo stepped in to help and became a “master” at this one object, but that started the ball rolling and from there has developed on many sphere, so today he is not only full time but a member of the magic circle and helps to raise monies for the “Neonatal Unit” at St Heliers Hospital, Carshalton (about £5,000 plus last year), especially after his daughter of a few years back was a premature baby of only two pounds and survived to be a normal healthy and bouncing child thanks to the help and support from the “Neonatal Unit”.
Theo is very sporty and once played basketball for the England team, so he is very supportive of those disadvantaged in sport. He has performed at some of the TOP UK venues, including The Hilton, The Savoy, The Dorchester, The Royal Lancaster & Biggin Hill Air show. Including performances for a variety of organisations, including Rotary, Masonic Lady's Nights, Golf Dinners, Banquets, and Festivals and for Senior Citizens. Theo is also available as Father Christmas, Charlie Chaplin & other Costume Characters.
The afternoon progressed not just in a range of tricks, but in sequence of child, adult, conference, party, front stage magical effects, each baffling but each supported by the ethos and understanding behind each, from crowd control (boisterous boys!), individual conflicts (slightly tipsy adults!), etc and how to handle each and every occasion. His quickness of repartee and blending responses and ribald comments to his own advantage, this was supreme professionalism at the highest level.
We at the Ewell Club consider this an excellent start to the New Year, and in the vote of thanks from Peter Stoddart a policeman at heart confessed that apart from the Bunny trick all the others left him bemused although sitting at the front he as advised watched not the trick but the hands beyond the obvious he failed to spot the slight of hands, our membership agreed with Peter that this was a most entertaining and informative presentation, we all joined in with a well deserved round of applause.
