THE South African Magical Society (SAMS) put on a special show at St Martin’s Diocesan Home for Children in Glenwood recently.
The occasion was the society’s annual competition for the Colin Rood trophy, awarded to the best children’s magic act. Unlike many competitions, the winner of the Colin Rood trophy is voted for by the children themselves. Each performer has ten minutes to perform their act (under the watchful eye of master of ceremonies and timekeeper Neil Hazell).
Five performers took part this year, Adi Paxton, better known to Durban audiences as Cherry the Magical Clown, Russell Comrie, who specialises in classic magic and mentalism, Wayne Driver, one of Durban’s best-loved magical entertainers, Peter Warby, a veteran of the scene and honorary life member of the society, and Bennie Matthee, whose theatrical style has seen him walk away with the trophy no fewer than five times.
This year the trophy went to Russell Comrie for a performance that drew gasps and applause aplenty.
“Performing for children is very different to performing for adults. On the one hand, they’re ready and willing to be amazed; on the other, they haven’t yet fallen into the habits of perception that magicians rely on to fool adults. It’s a real test of your abilities,” said Russell.
For the SAMS performers, however, winning the trophy isn’t the most important part. As Russell said: “It’s not often that children get to see a real live magician, let alone five of us! That’s what today was really all about: putting on a great show for the kids.”
That love of performance has been a part of the SAMS ethos since the society was founded in 1918, which makes it the oldest magical society in Africa, and one of the oldest in the world. “It’s our 100th birthday next year, and we’re marking it with a magic-themed cruise. It’s going to be a wonderful celebration of South African magic, with magicians coming together from all over the country, including some very special guest performers,” said Neil Hazell, society secretary.
Magicians, like their acts, are a varied lot. SAMS has members from all walks of life: businessmen, academics, sea captains, artisans, doctors, sales people, writers, and of course professional entertainers. “What we all share is a love of magic. We all enjoy reminding people of all ages that the world is an amazing place,” said Russell.
Anyone interested in arranging a performance by one or more of the society’s members, or in joining the society, is encouraged to email scribe@sams.org.za, or visit www.sams.org.za.
