Hi all, just a quick hello and a bit about me.
I've been a big magic fan since The Paul Daniels Magic show in the 80's and always looked forward to the David Copperfield specials that were shown on Bank Holidays.
I'm getting on a bit, and have finally decided to try and become a bit more than just a fan. I think my fave kind of magic is close up with seemingly everyday objects, but where to start!? Thousands of tricks that all look great in the online shops, so it's difficult to know where to begin.
Joining a local magic club is still a bit daunting because of the 'audition' process, so I'm hoping to get lots of advice on here.

Welcome Andycov,

Don't be afraid of Magic Club auditions. They are usually very kind in their judgment.
Just do something you feel good about in a friendly manner and don't try to impress them with things you can't quite do.
Most clubs are made up of mostly amateurs (not that there is anything wrong with that).

In the meantime there is plenty of good advice here.

-Mary Mowder

Andy! First, Welcome! Second, "Festina lente" (Latin for "make haste slowly.

Don't buy a lot of "toys" at the magic shop, until you've read a book! I'm assuming that you're not an eager teenager,but a mature adult. The best book for someone just starting, or for anyone interested in learning about magic is Doc Tarbell's Course. Doc first
published it in about 1929.He wrote it for people who were totally ignorant of the fundamentals, but seriously wanted to learn.

It's published in seven volumes @ twenty dollars a volume. There is a pdf availble FREE. It's the original course from '29. The hardbound books are updated from the '29 edition. (It was published as a series of "lessons". The pdf version is perfectly adequate.

You will learn PRINCIPLES, not just a bunch of tricks. Most of the tricks use simple props and supplies found in the average home.

I am retired from a life time on the road, performing magic. Many, if not most, of the tricks I perform are tricks that I learned from Tarbell when I was a teenager in the mid '40s.

Feel free to PM me if you have questions.

Thanks for the advice, I'm googling Doc Tarbell now.

Welcome Andycov,

Lots to learn here at the Café and lots of people happy to share their experience - like Dick and Mary - take advantage of it!

Hudson

Hi Andycov,

Welcome to The Café.

Mary is absolutely spot on. If you live in the Essex area, there is a very friendly magic club that meets weekly near Chelmsford. I am biased because I'm the Chairman of the club

If you are local to us, PM (Private Message) me and I'll invite you over to meet us.

All the best with your magic

Michael

Thanks Michael/55 Hudson,I live in Coventry. I know there is a Coventry magic circle, but I'll do a bit of reading and learn a few classics for the dreaded 'audition' before I pluck up the courage to contact them.