Walking through a sea of yellow splats, red stickers, fireballs, balloons and baboons could seem like an abstract interpretation of a living breathing impressionistic painting from the late 19th Century. Unfortunately nothing as meaningful with an ounce of depth can be found here, I?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢m referring to the Blackpool convention, a large festering monstrosity aimed at capturing the soul of the ?¢‚ǨÀúgeneric magician?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ and with as much depth as a dog blowing off in my soup.The commercial engine at the heart of Blackpool is evil, however the true spirit of magic can be found backstage, away from the boney fingers of the dealer?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢s hall, away from the mock auction style dealer dem lectures.

Away from the wandering magical ghouls whose purpose is to generally preach about their way, even if they have only been involved in magic for six months!

Backstage is where the true secrets are kept and here not only will you find great ideas, concepts and effects but you have a choice. A choice to perform, reveal, listen, interact and laugh with anyone you choose. These backstage meetings are organic by nature allowing an authentic flow of communication without monetary admission or rape charges.

At Blackpool this year there were some amazing performers in this backstage arena and in amongst the cloud of food, wine and tobacco a huge amount of enjoyment could be had by beating up the younger kids, watching some of the professionals have punch ups, playing one sided games of hide & seek with the silver foxes and generally looking smug around similar ilk.

It is an intense battleground but with a little discipline and a twinkle in your eye it is possible to come away with something more valuable than a ?¢‚ǨÀúMicro folding gaff-less gaff?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢, an ?¢‚ǨÀúInvisible stagecoach through anything?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢ or a ?¢‚ǨÀúJapanese no-handed top change?¢‚Ǩ‚Ñ¢. On further inspection it is also possible to still have an intact soul and clean underwear.

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About the Author….Chewwy Baccy is your conscience