As always we wont review or mention the gala show until after the Sunday repeat, as many people wont have sen it yet.

We dont like spoiling the show!

David Minkin presented a lecturette to end the day.

He talked about a lot of theory and non verbal communication of performance and putting it into practice.

On strolling magic he talked about how to approach and introduce yourself into a group.

Inviting questions from the audience the session was an interesting view on many of the things people dont always think about, how to put your audience at ease and approach their space, how to tone your voice and where to start talking from as you approach.

Also he talked about scripting and routining your act.

For his first ever lecture it was extremely well recieved

Following the lecture Matt Field interviewed Rene Lavand, again with the assistance of Tina Lenart translating.

Matt did an excellent job of interviewing Rene about his life, his magic and his influences

It was a great follow on from the lecture itself, and really gave you a insight into the legend that is, Rene Lavand.

There are some moments in magic where you just sit back, you dont take notes, you dont try and work out the method, you just sit, you listen, you watch, and you smile, and clap, and understand what pure magic is..

The Reve Lavand lecture was one of those times. The session started with Rene performing a short set, from a shuffled deck, a number was called, he named and dealt down to that card. Time and time again, it was as if from a shuffled deck he knew the location of every card.

The reaction was intense as time and time again a named card was found at a particular number, or a set of cards from the top or bottom of the deck was correctly called out.

Rene then allowed the stage camera behind him to expose as he called it the strings of the marionette.

The behind table camera, with Renes explanation showed exactly how he was able to name the cards, and know their location.

At the end Rene took questions from the audience, before performing a final short routine. Rene Lavand recieved a full standing ovation from the audience.

Tina Lenert provided translation for the lecture. The live Rene Lavand one man show takes place tomorrow night.

Many thank to Matt Buckland for photos!

The last act of the competition was another UK act, John van der Put.

Johns delivery and dry humor is second to none and he didnt disappoint here.

Including his card on laptop screen, the whole set was excellent, again another potential placement in the competition

With a female spectator giving some of the best reactions possible, Johan performed some sharp vanishes and appearances of objects for her.

Almost feeling like we were the on lookers for some one to one magic for the spectator, he continued to produce cup cakes, drinks and even a coffee flask.

Fabulous reactions from the spectator and audience is almost certain to gain him a placing in the competition