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Magicians conjuring up Olympics dream
AS if he has not got enough on his mind, the president of the International Olympic Committee (IOC) Jacques Rogge has been asked to recognise magic as a sport and allow it to be performed in Beijing or at least London in 2012.
A group of Yorkshire enthusiasts has been working hard to revive the "sport" which was once at the heart of medieval royal courts. It is thought magic was last performed at a competitive level during the reign of Henry V.
But in those days it was played very differently. If a member of the team performed poorly they were quite likely to lose their head – literally. In the modern game a poor display is not punished quite so brutally but teams take their matches very seriously.
For the 21st century the game has taken on a new look with a new name, synchronised – or sink – magic.
A local club, the Harrogate Society of Magicians is the driving force behind the sport's renewed popularity. Head coach Bob McBratney said: "There is far more to the Olympics than a bit of running. We already have synchronised swimming so what's the difference between that and synchronised magic. It is not about winning. It is about competing."
In his letter to the IOC Mr McBratney said: "Our sport has lain dormant for centuries. The sport was really big across Europe between five and seven hundred years ago where it could be seen at jousting tournaments.
"Our local team from the Harrogate Society of Magicians has been training hard and are in peak physical and mental condition ready for their first official tournament.
"It is on Friday, May 9 at the Frazer Theatre in Knaresborough, Yorkshire, England. If you would like to send Sebastian Coe or maybe one of your scouts along to view the breathtaking action we would be very pleased to see them.
"In the meantime I wish you and your committee well and look forward to meeting you, if not in Beijing then definitely in London for 2012."
The Frazer Theatre event is the first outing for Mr McBratney's "UK squad". It is a friendly match but he says the public can expect some breathtaking synchronised magic.
"To play in the top echelon of sink magic requires players to have a degree of fitness far beyond that of social or local club level. These guys are top athletes with extraordinary inner strength," he said.
Other magicians will perform during an evening of fun and magic for all the family. Tickets are 7, and 5 for children and concessions. They are available from Art on the Mill, Green Dragon Yard, Knaresborough or by ringing 01423 340568.
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Weather for Yorkshire
Saturday 26 May 2012
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