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