It’s been a while since I attempted to entertain you with theatrical anecdotes, which I’ve either been told personally or I’ve stumbled across over the years.
I’m returning to the subject by public demand, thanks to a letter that poured in from a Mrs Betty Evans of Fishguard Harbour asking for more ‘Theatrical adenoids’. But I knew what she meant.
The name Harry Houdini will be familiar to most readers, but unless you’re a fan of stage magic, you probably haven’t heard of Harry Blackstone Snr (at one time considered America’s foremost magician) or Joseph Dunninger, world-renowned mind reader.
This tale was told by the well-known magician and mentalist David Berglas, whose ‘Berglas Effect’ card trick has never been bettered and who was President of the Magic Circle in 1989/90 and a much respected, active member up until his death in 2023 aged 97.
So, we have no reason to doubt its authenticity!
One night Harry Houdini went out for dinner with Harry Blackstone Snr. and Joseph Dunninger.
At the end of the evening, Blackstone offered to drive the other two home.
Unfortunately, when the three of them got to the car, Blackstone realised he’d mislaid his keys.
Dunninger, the much-revered mentalist, was unable to ‘see’ where his friend had left them . . . and Houdini, the world’s greatest escapologist, was unable to gain entry by picking the lock.
After much deliberation on what was the best way of opening the car door, they had to ask a policeman to help!
You couldn’t make it up!
Just space for one more . . .
After years of playing Number Two (second rate) theatres, comedian Walter Niblo was offered a week’s booking in a Number One – the prestigious Metropolitan in Edgware Road.
Walter turned up at the Monday morning band call with his ancient band parts (sheet music for the band to play him on and off) in a shocking condition – stained, torn and held-together with sticky tape.
The band leader, Ivan Dozin, disdainfully poked at them with his baton and said “These band parts are filthy, disgusting and deplorable!”
Walter replied “Wait until you see my act!”