Micro Magic Competition for the Zina Bennett Trophy
Close Up 29 September 1962 16:00 The Aquarium Florida Ballroom
Organised by Fred Lowe in the Florida Ballroom (The Aquarium). Competitors (not in order of performance): Reg. Allen, Ali Bongo, Hubert Caddy, Michael Gillan, Tom Harris, Tony Lanman, Jack Mayes, Bill Patrick, Peter Scarlett, Michael Seacombe, Terry Herbert, Arthur Setterington, Frank Valentine and Murray Smith. Judges: George Blake, James Sherman and Charles Wicks.
Competition details & rules
Conditions relating to performance in this competition, sponsored by the British Ring (International Brotherhood of Magicians): the competition is open to all paid-up members of Ring 25 (The British Ring), International Brotherhood of Magicians. There are two main awards: 1. The Zina Bennett Trophy and a silver replica valued at ÂŁ4 4s., awarded to the competitor presenting, in the opinion of the judges, the most novel magical entertaining act. 2. A cash award of ÂŁ3 to be presented to the runner-up.
Micro Magic, for the purpose of this competition, is defined as magic generally termed âTable Magicâ. The entertainment to be given should not include tricks suitable for platform use, and the inclusion of such tricks will mean a loss of marks. It is an entertainment intended for the most intimate audience; CARD TRICKS of any kind are precluded from this competition. The length of the performerâs act shall be not less than four and not more than eight minutes. Warning will be given either audibly or visually when seven minutes have elapsed and should a performer exceed the maximum time of eight minutes he will be disqualified when eight and a half minutes have elapsed, such disqualification to be announced by the judges.
Instructions to the Judges: there shall be no more than five nor less than three judges, one of whom is appointed Chairman. Each judge keeps his own record and no comparison with any other judge shall be allowed. At the conclusion of the competition each judge hands his marking paper to the Chairman, and from their findings the name of the winner and the runner-up will be announced. The points which shall decide the judges in their voting are: 1. The overall magical content. 2. Technical ability and handling. 3. Entertainment value of tricks used. 4. Originality in the trick per se or in technical ability. 5. Manner of presentation. 6. Whether the routine is truly Micro Magic. The winner holds the cup for one year, receives a replica and a cash prize of ÂŁ4.
