This evening saw the first gala stage show. As I arrived it became apparent that additional TV cameras had been installed in the theatre by Chinese TV. This caused a few complaints. The Chinese FISM president, Mr Lin Jian appeared and argued with the cameramen. He made them re-position their cameras. He then returned with an interpreter and invited myself and about 7 others to move to the front row with him. I now feel the Chinese really care about their visitors from abroad!

The show was compered by Mac King and featured Fujiyama Shintaro from Japan with the beautiful water fountains effect. Double Fantasy was a Ukrainian quick change /illusion act.Yang Gang from China balanced precariously on a tower of chairs to great reaction.

We saw winners from the last FISM, Pilou and Eun-Gyeol Lee. The other acts were Jorgos with his Cinema Magic act and Peter Marvey who closed the show with his flying. Another high standard FISM show!

Read all of the reporting as we get it Direct from China by clicking here

The Close-up Contest is held in a superb auditorium seating about 300. Lush seating and great sight lines ( for those fortunate enough to get a seat ) If no seat - no problem. Fire safety isn’t an issue in China - the venue and emergency exits were filled to capacity with people some literally sitting on the banisters.

So far - the standard of close-up seems better than stage. Will be interesting to see how the trend develops.

Below are the highlights and lowlights of the closeup so far: (more…)

This afternoon the close up was packed with people sitting in every available space. FISM Close up covers “Parlour”, “Micro Magic” and “Card Magic”. One performer stood on the table and produced a girl. Another featured a close up costume change.

One act chose to perform cards across using cards with flags on, so it was a kind of countries across. He used a chair that shocked a volunteer, which some found offensive. One of the countries chosen was “Taiwan”, which caused offense to the Chinese who view Taiwan as a Chinese Province “Taipei”. At the end of the act a Chinese delegate jumped onto the stage and asked the performer to apologise!

The delegates from the area concerned all have “China - Taipei” on their badges. I particularly enjoyed a Japanese performer, who removed his shoes and socks to reveal a prediction and actually got a laugh from magicians with the old “aren’t I you my friend” gag and the card magic act of Olmac from France.

Photo from Craig Mitchell

FISM day two started early with the first round of the stage competition at 0830! Despite the early hour the theatre was nearly full with an enthusiastic audience. One of the scheduled acts had to drop out as they’re currently hospitalized in Greece, so we saw 15 acts. None of the acts would have looked out of place on a convention gala show.

Michael Close played jazz piano in-between the acts as there is no compere in a FISM competition. We saw three dove acts in a row, but all were in a different style. A mentalist from Spain got the volunteer from hell. He was working in English and asked that whoever came up (selected via paper ball) should speak English. His volunteer said he spoke English, but then asked from the stage, in I think Chinese, for someone to replace him! I think he had trouble reading the instant stooge instructions - either that or he was out wreck the act!

I’m puzzled why so many manipulators choose to wear a black costume, use a black table and perform in front of a black backdrop - with the lights off!

A Japanese act performed jumbo card manips in the style of Marka Tendo and a French manipulator tossed coins in the style of Piere Bremah. The final Chinese illusion act featured crocodiles!

We’ll be updating our pool of Photos during the week, if you have any photos you want added please email them to info@magicconventionguide.com

You can follow all the updates on FISM 2009 here

many thanks to Craig Mitchell and Andy Stone, amongst others for Photos

Well jet lag is a glorious thing and it was up bright & breezy for an 8:30 am start for the stage contest after 4 hours sleep. Traveling across time zones is always fun.

In other news - the dear lady at x-ray security no longer deems me to be a terrorist threat, so was only subjected to a cursory inspection this morning.

15 competitors made up the first batch of contestants - and overall stage magic is in serious trouble with a very average standard. I cringe to think what a lay person must think of us magicians after watching some of the performances.

Brief reviews of each act below： (more…)