I spoke to Matt who confirmed that many of the Page classics, the Miser’s Dream, the Stacked Deck, the Coins Through the Table and other gems were indeed included in this new book to which Pat is constantly adding fresh touches and photographs. This must be his Opus, a publication of his lifetime in magic which will undoubtedly be a major work that will be an outstanding British publication as I understand that Pat is publishing it himself.

This is big news indeed and I know a hundred people who would place an order tomorrow for possession of the work of one of Britain’s finest masters of magic. Put me down for the first copy!

He showed in fine detail many of the great classic effects that he includes in his stage act as well as many outstanding close-up ideas that he has created in the last fifty years or so. He showed the subtleties and time-polished technique of his Miser’s Dream routine which he does to perfection. The secret loads of coins blatantly stolen from the table top and from the coin bucket stand in full view the whole time. All blended into a practical routine that has taken him around the world for years. He showed his outstanding handling of the stacked deck, inspired by street magician Charlie Edwards, with which he demonstrated incredible card predictions and names of unseen cards in the spectator’s pocket. And simple little impromptu effects with coins in the hand, finishing with the bold production of a dinner plate from out of thin air. This was classic professional magic Pat Page style and a lesson for anyone who purports to entertain with the ancient art..

Many other Page classics followed. His famed sponge ball routine, his excellent developments of the Han Ping Chien coins through the table and an unbelievable cards to pocket with no palming that suddenly develops into a six card repeat climax. Masterly!

This lecture was going on into the late hours and unfortunately I had to leave early and cannot comment on the rest of the programme But I was enthralled with this presentation of the real, classic Pat Page that I saw and was more than satisfied. Pat’s reputation and the quality of his work is world wide that drew to this little Italian Restaurant in Holborn some of the current ”names” of magic. Paul Wilson, famed for his card work and his current “Hustle” TV programme. Andy Nyman, the creative brain behind the highly successful Derren Brown shows also a  film and stage actor. Anthony Owen, lifetime magician and now a big wheel in Objective Productions responsible for many of the current TV programmes involving magic. And Jerry Sadowitz, stunning card man and long time friend of Pat and many others. It was an amazing evening from a highly respected magician now approaching eighty years of age and if it comes your way, I beg you,  don’t miss it. (Or you can buy the DVD!)

But now he has come up with an absolutely stunning, modern version of this classic effect. He has designed a simple pair of metal tweezers or forceps, about 8 – 9 inches long, held casually in the hand and he reaches out and a silver coin appears held at the end of the tweezers. Just like that. But there’s more.

He then tosses the coin into a metal cup or bucket and you are certain that you actually see and hear the coin drop into the container. He then reaches into the air again and produces another coin and tosses it into the bucket. And he can go on doing this all night.

As a climax, and to prove the tenuous value of money, he tips the cup upside down and silver confetti floats to the floor, the accumulation of coin having now vanished. It’s magical and delightful to see and lends itself to a good patter theme about money for kids and adults. Based on an idea given to Colin by that master of mysterious methods Gaeton Bloom. For more information contact Colin Rose – 01775 840 103.