Leven magician takes top prize for children's magic

Jamie the Jester and close-up magician Tom Davidson have come away from the Scottish Association of Magical Societies convention in Prestwick.

Jamie Field AKA Jamie the Jester impressed judges at the Scottish Association for Magical Societies annual competition in Prestwick.

Having come in second place in the 2015 rankings he was determined to scoop the top prize this year.

“I was surprised to win but I also worked really hard for it. This was the best and most challenging year competition- wise so far but I really pushed myself and worked for it.

The 31-year-old landscape gardener juggles his own business with developing his act.

“It can be tricky to fit everything in. At the moment I have so many new ideas and am starting to work on a new show for the kids. There is so much in my head now, such as new props that I want to to put into action, but it takes time to put it together and I need to find it!”

Jamie, who has been inspired by Paul Daniels, Ally Bongo and David Blaine, won the Max Raskin Cup for the best act in Children’s Magic.

And Tom Davidson, president of the St Andrews Magic Circle, also took home some silverware in the shape of the Ann Warlock Trophy for the best act in the close-up competition.

The circle is a small operation in comparison to some of the larger clubs from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

“For us to walk away with two awards is fantastic. It shows just how well we are operating as a club and how we’ve helped each other,” said Tom, a teacher. “We’ve been very supportive of one another that’s why we’ve come away with two awards.”

The club was started 10 years ago by Rodger Caseby – aka Rodger the Dodger – from Craigrothie.

Often seen performing in village halls, old folks homes, schools and at Craigtoun Park Summer Fairs, Roger has nurtured magical talent over his 60 year career.

John Edwards said: “Unfortunately, Rodger who is now in his eighties, has had to hand the baton on to Tom when it was found that he had to undergo heart surgery.”

Jamie added: “If it wasn’t for Roger I wouldn’t be where I am now. He set me on the right lines and helped me develop as a performer.”

The international flavour in St Andrews has added a different mix to the club and Tom urges anyone with an interest in magic to come along: “It’s become an interesting wee club. We have had a Hungarian mathematician turn up and do ingenious bits of magic as well as two Malaysian maths and physics students and various others.

“In order to keep running the club we are speaking to a broad audience. We are happy to encourage and teach people as well as performing at our shows in the Victory Memorial Hall.”