Tom Moloney Lecture Review

Tom Moloney lectured at The SBM in Cork last Tuesday the 14th of September and John Casey has kindly supplied the picture and the words that follow to IrishMagicNews...

On Tuesday 14^th September last, Tom Moloney presented his lecture ‘One Step Beyond’ to the SBM in the Victoria Hotel, Cork. This was a lecture that those who knew Tom, and were fans of his work and his approach, were really looking forward to seeing and I think it’s safe to say that Tom lived up to their expectations and more. In fact, Tom was so good and inspiring that he left with a whole new set of fans and admirers!

In his own words he didn’t show us any new effects, but what he did do was so much better. He took familiar props and routines and took them ‘One Step Beyond’ their boundaries! He made modifications to props such as the colouring book, wrapped them in a new fresh approach, applied some new ideas and presented some jaded material in a new and inspiring way. Not only did Tom apply his thinking to these props in a magical way but also in a very practical way, for example, all the props he uses are now flat pack and his entire show can be done from a teacher’s bag!  

The highlight of the evening was Tom’s version of the colouring book which he now calls ‘Nothing’! This is a fabulous routine because of the story and presentation that Tom has created for the trick. It’s full of some superb one-liners and comedy moments that will appeal to audiences of all ages, and this routine had many members of the SBM in fits of laughter on the night. Tom also has another excellent idea on how to adapt the trick into a hypnosis routine which is also very practical and easy to accomplish.

Overall, this was an absolutely superb Lecture. Tom does not have a larger than life performing persona; instead he adopts an approach that is layered with fun, comedy, and some classic one liners. Tom reacts a lot to the magic he is creating on stage, which allows him to build a wonderful relationship with his audience and take them on a magical journey with him over the course of his show. This is really a lecture that needs to be experienced firsthand to truly appreciate that value of what Tom is sharing. It is a lecture layered with information on how to apply new thinking to old ideas, a master class on performance and comic timing, and it is delivered in Tom’s unique style that is wonderfully entertaining and a joy to watch. Make sure you try and book Tom to lecture at your club; I promise you will not regret it!

Thanks to John and once again congratulations to all the guys in the SBM.  For a small and newly formed club they really are pulling out all the stops and continue to nourish and help grow the art of magic in the region.