Another Fine Mess
 
5th Februar 2016
 
In 1890 Arthur Stanley Jefferson entered into this world in Argyle St, Ulverston. He later found fame when he teamed up with Norvell Hardy and changed his name to Stan Laurel.
Rear row Russ Greenhow, David Grainger and Geoffrey Lee,
Front row Stan Laurel, Sharon Greenhow, Beryl Grainger, Dave Simpson, Marion Lee and Oliver Hardy.
There is now a Laurel and Hardy Museum in the town which was the venue for a social evening organised by Russ Greenhow with any profits from the event going to Mark charities.
The talking dragon.
The museum occupies the ground floor of the local cinema and proved an excellent venue.
Les Preston and Keith Wood.
There is a small bar and café area with some rows of cinema seats facing a small stage at the other end of the room. All of course surrounded by photographs and other exhibits detailing the life and work of Laurel and Hardy.
Russ and Sharon Greenhow.
It was a different venue for a different type of social gathering.
David and Beryl Grainger.
As you entered the room you encountered a metre high dragon which moved and spoke to you. It was in fact operated by local entertainer Dave Simpson who hid out of view nearby and used a remote control to govern the movements of this modern day mechanical puppet whilst a microphone enabled him to speak through its mouth. It was similar to how you see them do special effects in a film. I wonder if they could adapt something similar for the use of directors of ceremonies!
Rosie Torrance, John Torrance and Dave Simpson.
There was a chance to look round some of the exhibits before taking seats in the café area when no less than six conjurers from the North Western Society of Magicians made an appearance. They worked round the room performing at the tables with each performer having his own style and set of tricks.
Charlie Dent, Hazel Buck and Su Sear.
As table magic goes I have to say that it was top rate and despite my natural cynicism thoroughly enjoyable, my bam has never been so boozled.
Conducting the sound check.
Following a break for pie and peas it was down to the seats in front of the stage as the magicians took it in turns to perform larger feats of illusion and magic.
Adam Hudson performs.
Of course most stage magicians need stooges from the audience and these were no different with Sharon Greenhow and Geoffrey Lee being good sports as they were called onto the stage at different times.
Dave Simpson with glamorous assistant Sharon.
Adam Hudson with his not quite as glamorous assistant Geoffrey!
Thanks must go to Russ Greenhow, the success of the evening made his efforts all worthwhile. If he runs another event I would recommend you treat yourself to a most pleasurable evening of magic, fun and fellowship.
Article and Photographs Courtesy of Dave Sear