Join magicians from across the world for the 71st Annual Convention — five days of Star Lectures, the Competition for the British Ring Shield, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, Special Venue Shows and International Stars of Magic.
The 71st Annual Convention of I.B.M. British Ring No.25 comes to Southport from Wednesday 12th to Sunday 16th September 2007, centred on the Southport Theatre & Convention Centre, with further events at The Arts Centre, The Floral Hall, The Lakeside Suite and The Scarisbrick Hotel. Featuring international performers, Star Lectures and Workshops, the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, the Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy, Special Venue Shows, the Convention Banquet and the International Stars of Magic Gala Show.
President John Styles M.B.E. and his wife Barbara welcome conventioneers to Southport for the 71st Annual Convention — the twelfth time the Convention has been held in this charming resort — in the presence of the Worshipful The Mayor of Sefton, Councillor Richard Hands, and the International President of the I.B.M., Phil Willmarth. The programme opens on Wednesday with the Official Opening Ceremony and Welcome to Overseas Visitors at the Southport Theatre, followed immediately by the Civic Welcome Show, in which Kevin King introduces Paul Dabek, Gaetan Bloom, and Murray Hatfield & Teresa. The Dealers' Magical Trade Fair, arranged by Jim Boyd in the Floral Hall, opens that afternoon and runs through to Saturday, alongside Star Lectures from Bill Malone, Rocco, Michael Vincent and Bob Sheets, and a Balloon Workshop for Beginners with Mike Stokes and Gerry Luff of Playtime Balloons. Wednesday evening brings the Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards, compered by Mel Harvey. Thursday opens with Dave Williamson's Star Lecture 'The Dave Williamson Experience', followed by further Star Lectures from Magic Al, Boris Wild, Paul Kieve and Joanie Spina, the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy in the Syndicate Rooms, and Special Venue Shows, arranged by Derek McFaull, taking magic out to Queen's Court Hospice, Merefield School, Peterhouse School, Presfield School and the B.E.N. Nursing Home, supported by the Giggle of I.B.M. Clowns. The Ladies' Afternoon, organised by Julie Llusion and the Ladies' Committee, features guest speaker Roy Hunt on 'The Life and Times of George Formby', and the evening closes with The Thursday Night Show, introduced by John Fealey and featuring Rocco, Rob Torres, Tim Gabrielson, and Ray Alan and Lord Charles. Friday opens with the Annual General Meeting and Election of Officers, followed by the Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture, in which President John Styles introduces Johnny Thompson, further Star Lectures from Lennart Green, Boris Wild and Paul Kieve, Eddie Dawes' 'A Melange of Mystery' featuring The Great Voltini & Madame Electra, Jon Marshall, Su Jayne, Ben Hart and Amethyst, and the Convention Banquet at the Scarisbrick Hotel, organised by John Pye with Olive Fletcher and Rena Findlay. The evening continues with the Presentation of Awards and the Installation of incoming President Derek McFaull, followed by The Late Gala, introduced by Romany and featuring Bob Sheets, Daniel Hochsteiner and Dan Dunn. Saturday brings a Star Lecture from Gaetan Bloom, the International Close-Up Gala, produced by Bryan Atherton, with Michael Vincent, Lennart Green, Bill Malone, Gaetan Bloom, Rocco and Boris Wild, the Celebrity 'Ask the Experts' panel hosted by Paul Stone, the Grand Auction in aid of the Welfare and Benevolent Fund, Street Magic with John Fealey and Rob Torres, the Junior Workshop with Mandy Davis, Children's Showtime, introduced by Richard Stupple and featuring Percy Piecrust, Tony Rix, Daniel Hochsteiner and Magic Al, and Eddie Dawes' 'More History of Mystery' seminar with Roger Woods and Maurice Howarth, Andrew Sherratt and Vanessa Toulmin. Saturday night's International Stars of Magic Gala Show, with an overture from the Ian Mac Band, is introduced by Robert Baxt and features the 2007 British Ring Shield winner Erik Borgman, Vik & Fabrini, Paul Zenon, Dan Dunn's 'Paintjam', Stringfever, The Great Tomsoni & Co, Les Bubb, and Murray Hatfield & Teresa, followed by the Midnight Finale, with Lennart Green Entertains at the Scarisbrick Hotel. The Convention closes on Sunday with the Convention Service, conducted by Padre Derek McFaull, a Star Lecture from Robert Baxt, and Cynthia Neptune's Stars of the Future, followed by the Official Presidential Handover and Close of Convention. Organising Secretary: John Pye. Executive Producer: Paul Stone.
Meet the performers, lecturers, hosts and special guests appearing at this convention.
A colourful illusion duo bringing spectacle and glamour to Eddie Dawes' Friday showcase.
A colourful illusion duo bringing spectacle and glamour to Eddie Dawes' Friday showcase.
Presents 'The Amazing Professor Popjie and The Great Radiana' as part of Eddie Dawes' Collectors' and Others' Seminar.
Presents 'The Amazing Professor Popjie and The Great Radiana' as part of Eddie Dawes' Collectors' and Others' Seminar.
A rising young close-up performer featured in Eddie Dawes' Friday afternoon showcase of mystery.
A rising young close-up performer featured in Eddie Dawes' Friday afternoon showcase of mystery.
American close-up magician and comedian renowned worldwide for his card magic and warm, story-driven performing style.
American close-up magician and comedian renowned worldwide for his card magic and warm, story-driven performing style.
A leading figure of the American close-up renaissance, known for his character-driven bar and restaurant magic and his influential lecturing.
A leading figure of the American close-up renaissance, known for his character-driven bar and restaurant magic and his influential lecturing.
French sleight-of-hand specialist and creator, celebrated for his technical card magic and inventive published material.
French sleight-of-hand specialist and creator, celebrated for his technical card magic and inventive published material.
Long-serving British Ring committee member who each year gives the Convention's younger magicians a stage of their own.
Long-serving British Ring committee member who each year gives the Convention's younger magicians a stage of their own.
High-energy visual performer whose 'Paintjam' routine combines comedy, music and splashes of colour with sleight of hand.
High-energy visual performer whose 'Paintjam' routine combines comedy, music and splashes of colour with sleight of hand.
Versatile performer appearing in both the grown-up Late Gala and Saturday's Children's Showtime.
Versatile performer appearing in both the grown-up Late Gala and Saturday's Children's Showtime.
American comedy magician known for his quick wit and offbeat visual routines, a regular favourite on the international convention circuit.
American comedy magician known for his quick wit and offbeat visual routines, a regular favourite on the international convention circuit.
British Ring Chaplain and Chief Welfare Officer, arranging the Convention's Special Venue Shows and installed as incoming President on Friday evening.
British Ring Chaplain and Chief Welfare Officer, arranging the Convention's Special Venue Shows and installed as incoming President on Friday evening.
Dutch football juggler and the 2007 British Ring Shield winner, combining ball skills with comic magical flourishes.
Dutch football juggler and the 2007 British Ring Shield winner, combining ball skills with comic magical flourishes.
French comedy magician and inventor famed for his visual, fast-paced routines and a long list of original creations.
French comedy magician and inventor famed for his visual, fast-paced routines and a long list of original creations.
The Convention's house band, providing the overture and musical accompaniment for Saturday's International Stars of Magic.
The Convention's house band, providing the overture and musical accompaniment for Saturday's International Stars of Magic.
American choreographer, director and magician who spent years staging illusions for David Copperfield, now sharing her staging expertise.
American choreographer, director and magician who spent years staging illusions for David Copperfield, now sharing her staging expertise.
Street and close-up performer whose fast, funny outdoor routines have made him a fixture of magic conventions worldwide.
Street and close-up performer whose fast, funny outdoor routines have made him a fixture of magic conventions worldwide.
Also known as The Great Tomsoni, a revered American magician and consultant whose career and influence span decades of stage and close-up magic.
Also known as The Great Tomsoni, a revered American magician and consultant whose career and influence span decades of stage and close-up magic.
Character comedy performer appearing in Eddie Dawes' Friday afternoon 'Melange of Mystery'.
Character comedy performer appearing in Eddie Dawes' Friday afternoon 'Melange of Mystery'.
Organises the Convention's Ladies' Afternoon together with the Ladies' Committee.
Organises the Convention's Ladies' Afternoon together with the Ladies' Committee.
Swedish sleight-of-hand innovator famous for his unorthodox, deliberately messy-looking card magic and unmistakable stage presence.
Swedish sleight-of-hand innovator famous for his unorthodox, deliberately messy-looking card magic and unmistakable stage presence.
British comedy magician and juggler whose fast, laugh-filled variety act has toured worldwide.
British comedy magician and juggler whose fast, laugh-filled variety act has toured worldwide.
Family entertainer whose warm, rabbit-and-dove filled show appears both as a Star Lecture and in Saturday's Children's Showtime.
Family entertainer whose warm, rabbit-and-dove filled show appears both as a Star Lecture and in Saturday's Children's Showtime.
M.I.M.C. comedy entertainer who compered Wednesday night's Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards.
M.I.M.C. comedy entertainer who compered Wednesday night's Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards.
British sleight-of-hand specialist whose 'Tapestry of Deception' lecture explores the theory and craft behind his close-up magic.
British sleight-of-hand specialist whose 'Tapestry of Deception' lecture explores the theory and craft behind his close-up magic.
Canada's premier illusionists, bringing large-scale illusion and dance to the Civic Welcome Show and Saturday's Gala.
Canada's premier illusionists, bringing large-scale illusion and dance to the Civic Welcome Show and Saturday's Gala.
British magician and mentalist, winner of the 2006 British Ring Shield, opening the week in the Civic Welcome Show.
British magician and mentalist, winner of the 2006 British Ring Shield, opening the week in the Civic Welcome Show.
Illusion designer for stage and screen, whose credits include creating magical effects for major film and theatre productions.
Illusion designer for stage and screen, whose credits include creating magical effects for major film and theatre productions.
British television magician and street performer known for his cheeky, streetwise approach to close-up and stand-up magic.
British television magician and street performer known for his cheeky, streetwise approach to close-up and stand-up magic.
Children's entertainer appearing in Saturday afternoon's Children's Showtime.
Children's entertainer appearing in Saturday afternoon's Children's Showtime.
Veteran British ventriloquist whose acid-tongued dummy Lord Charles has been a variety and television favourite for decades.
Veteran British ventriloquist whose acid-tongued dummy Lord Charles has been a variety and television favourite for decades.
I.B.M. Territorial Vice-President for Great Britain, introducing the Wednesday Balloon Workshop and a Star Lecture during the week.
I.B.M. Territorial Vice-President for Great Britain, introducing the Wednesday Balloon Workshop and a Star Lecture during the week.
American magician and master of ceremonies, hosting Saturday's International Stars of Magic and giving his own Sunday Star Lecture.
American magician and master of ceremonies, hosting Saturday's International Stars of Magic and giving his own Sunday Star Lecture.
Present 'Josephine Langley: Lady Ventriloquist' as part of Eddie Dawes' Collectors' and Others' Seminar.
Present 'Josephine Langley: Lady Ventriloquist' as part of Eddie Dawes' Collectors' and Others' Seminar.
Guest speaker at the Ladies' Afternoon, presenting 'The Life and Times of George Formby'.
Guest speaker at the Ladies' Afternoon, presenting 'The Life and Times of George Formby'.
American street and stage performer known for his athletic, high-energy comedy magic.
American street and stage performer known for his athletic, high-energy comedy magic.
American sleight-of-hand artist whose slick, stylish card and coin magic has made him a popular convention headliner.
American sleight-of-hand artist whose slick, stylish card and coin magic has made him a popular convention headliner.
Comedy string quartet blending musical virtuosity with visual comedy in 'Magical Strings'.
Comedy string quartet blending musical virtuosity with visual comedy in 'Magical Strings'.
Direct from Las Vegas, Johnny Thompson's celebrated comedy magic act performing under his stage persona.
Direct from Las Vegas, Johnny Thompson's celebrated comedy magic act performing under his stage persona.
Escapology and mystery act appearing in Eddie Dawes' Friday afternoon showcase.
Escapology and mystery act appearing in Eddie Dawes' Friday afternoon showcase.
American comedy magician whose animated stage persona and visual routines are a highlight of the Thursday Night Show.
American comedy magician whose animated stage persona and visual routines are a highlight of the Thursday Night Show.
Children's entertainer appearing in Saturday afternoon's Children's Showtime.
Children's entertainer appearing in Saturday afternoon's Children's Showtime.
Fairground and popular entertainment historian, presenting 'A Magical Mystery Tour: Edwardian Variety and Magic Films'.
Fairground and popular entertainment historian, presenting 'A Magical Mystery Tour: Edwardian Variety and Magic Films'.
Direct from the Crazy Horse in Paris, bringing continental cabaret magic to Saturday's Gala Show.
Direct from the Crazy Horse in Paris, bringing continental cabaret magic to Saturday's Gala Show.
Browse shows, lectures, competitions, workshops and social events day by day.
Explore the lectures and specialist sessions in the programme.
Tom Owen introduces Bill Malone in the Arts Centre Theatre.
Terry Herbert introduces Rocco in the Arts Centre Theatre.
Star Lecture/Workshop
Mike Gancia introduces Michael Vincent's Star Lecture/Workshop, 'The Tapestry of Deception', in the Lakeside Suite.
Trevor Lewis introduces Bob Sheets in the Arts Centre Theatre.
Star Lecture
Paul Stone introduces Dave Williamson's Star Lecture at the Southport Theatre.
Star Lecture/Show
Terry Herbert introduces Magic Al's Star Lecture/Show in the Arts Centre Theatre.
John Palfreyman introduces Boris Wild in the Arts Centre Studio.
Star Lecture
Eddie Dawes introduces Paul Kieve's Star Lecture in the Arts Centre Theatre.
Paul Stone introduces Joanie Spina in the Arts Centre Theatre.
Presented annually as a fitting tribute to a long serving and dedicated member of The British Ring. President John Styles M.B.E. introduces Johnny Thompson at the Southport Theatre.
Mike Gancia introduces Lennart Green in the Arts Centre Studio.
Ali Bongo introduces Gaetan Bloom at the Southport Theatre.
John Pye introduces Robert Baxt in the Lakeside Suite.
Competition information, entry details, rules, timings and locations.
Compered by Mel Harvey. Running order of competitors: 1. Marcus Taylor (Shrewsbury), 2. Zane (Ramsgate), 3. Alan Maskell (Cambridge), 4. Club Magic (The Netherlands). Interval. 5. Dave Andrews (London), 6. Alex Lodge (Basingstoke), 7. Joe Ray (Shrewsbury), 8. High Jinx (Huddersfield). Competition Organiser: Shirley Ray. Assistant Competition Organiser: Dave Cass. Awards Co-ordinator: John Palfreyman. Stage Director: Neil Roberts. Music by Dave Cass DPLM, GCLCM. Timekeepers: Tony Brooks, Chris Poole. Chairman of Judges: Ali Bongo. Judges: Mandy Davis, Stuart and Jayne Loughland, Tonia Duffy, Phil Willmarth, Peter Greenwood.
The British Ring Shield plus £1000 for the most entertaining Magic Act. The Theo Speaker Cup plus £500 for the runner up. The Alastair Wand plus £250 for third place. The Conventioneers Trophy for originality in effect, method or presentation. The Dittia Shield for Manipulation. The Tom Harris Cup for Comedy.
Arranged by Bryan Atherton. Competitors: 1. Malcolm Bromwich (Hessle), 2. Steve Dela (Newport, Shropshire), 3. Kevin Gallagher (Burton-on-Trent), 4. Ricky Gardiner (Nottingham), 5. Dan Giffard (Leicester), 6. Will Gray (Leicester), 7. Ken Hawes (Milton Keynes), 8. Peter McLanachan (Stewarton), 9. Alex Moffat (Leeds), 10. Marcus Taylor (Shrewsbury). Chairman of Judges: Mike Gancia. Judges: Domenico Dante, Walt Lees, Jim Boyd and Gaetan Bloom.
First Prize — the Zina Bennett Cup plus £1000 cash. Second Prize — £500 cash. Third Prize — £250 cash. The Rovi Trophy may also be presented to the competitor exhibiting a high level of skill with playing cards in an entertaining manner.
Awarded to the dealer presenting the most attractive stand at the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair. Historically also known as the Craig Trophy / Craig Cup.
Judged during Convention week; awarded for the best-presented dealer stand at the Trade Fair.
Discover the dealers, creators and magical suppliers attending the convention.
Find the buildings, halls, theatres and rooms used throughout the convention.
The Promenade, Southport
Lord Street, Southport
Star Lectures, Late Night and Midnight Magic, Children's Showtime, Street Magic, and More History of Mystery, held across the Theatre, Studio and Conference Room.
Home of the Dealers' Magical Trade Fair.
Star Lectures and Workshops, Celebrity 'Ask the Experts', the Convention Service and the Sunday Star Lecture.
Lord Street, Southport
The Ladies' Afternoon, the Convention Banquet and the Midnight Finale.
Southport Theatre Complex, The Promenade, Southport
Home of the Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy.
Celebrating the performers recognised through the British Ring competition programme.
Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy
Dealers Trophy
Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy
Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy
Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Competition for the British Ring Shield Awards
Close-Up Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy
This page remains part of the permanent British Ring convention archive. Explore upcoming conventions and discover more from the history of British magic.
