Day 6 - (Mon) The First night... So the evening got off to a good start Shows attended by Magicians Handsome Jack, Derek DelGuardio and Head of Entertainment Todd Carr. Had lots of positive feedback on the act, however I over run to 25mins on the first show so had to cut my coin routine. Starsky and hutch and the Big Cheese routines are going well. Audience were getting into the show the quirky humor as expected. Other than that Hollwood is pretty fun reminds me a little of Leicester Sq crossed with Camden Lock.
Day 7 - (Tue) As its now Thursday I've forgotten what the hell I did, went over act again...thats it headed down to Hollywood magic looked around bought nothing much exciting execept a few tee shirts from a rock store. Act went well again spoke to Milt Larsen (owner of the castle) he gave me a pat on the back.
Day 8 - (Wed) Today to pass the time I took a celelebrtiy tour of Hollywood the guide Marco Italian fella had the best accent and played it up very well. Very entertaining chap for 2 hours had me and the bus in stitches. Actually saw Samuel L Jackson in a car also Mick Jagger passenger in a brown Bentley. Homes included Paris Hilton, OZZY and Colombo. Ha Ha. The show went well except for the first show I almost had to throw somone out for being a little bit drunk and raucus. Chatted to Mr Seabrooke and Greg Wilson amongst others also met 2 other castle guys Brian and Howar(d) Hamburg both real gentlemen! Howar(d) told me loads of great storys about the Professor, Jennings Ose and Miller.
Day 9 - (Thurs) Sat with Mr Terry Seabrooke he was good enough to go through the Slydini paper tear with me, other than that just chilled out.....so far read Marlo book. Got to castle did my 3 shows Chris Korn came along as did Lou Serrano and My main man Mr Tony Piccasso all liked the show. I'm waiting to speak with Mr Piccasso for his full report.
Day 10 - (Friday) Woke to a call from John LovicK Informing me that I had to perform an extra lunch show for the senior members of the castle, including Pete Biro and Milt Larsen amongst others they liked the show a lot! Also got the chance to meet Richard Sherman the guy who wrote the scores for MAry Poppins amongst others. One quick change into a pair of combat shorts later, I headed down to the Hollywood Blvd for some shopping, decided to walk back a different route to the castle lots of heavy traffic. So was waiting to cross the street (no jay walking) .... traffic had came to stand still over crossing... I get to middle of the street look up to my right where I see a really nice shiny black convertable Mercedes just to my side...then I notice it was being driven by Mr Brad Pitt (lol) I stop like a deer in the head lights in a cliche double take...we both make eye contact we both smile with amusement at the situation... I tip my trilby then walk on. Man, only in Hollywood!! (3 spots so far)
Off now to the castle to meet Mr Picasso and possibly the busyiest night so far.
So just got back to hotel, had quite honestly the best shows that I've EVER EVER done full stop! The audience in the close-up gallery were hanging on every word followig every bit of misdirection. Unknown to me Billy Mc Combs old assistant was in the audience (who was incidentally best friends with Charlie Miller) She came to me after the show to tell me, "you have great shades of Billys persona mixed with wonderful sleight of hand equal to that of Charlie Miller"! Then went on to say that Billy and Charlie would have REALLY loved my show and that I was one of her favorite performers she has seen at the castle over the past few years.
Hmmm ; I now realise that my show has clicked...my timing and lines are almost perfect! I can't wait to perform tomorrow for Mr St Patricks day.
In the basement diamond geezer Tony Picasso was on form to full effect, the guy is a proverbial (O.C.D) genius with a deck of pasteboards, his business is cheating at cards to perfection. Later he gave me some invaluable advice which helped a lot; now out of the hole. So, thanks Mr P if you every read this! (now, piss off) lol.
Day 11 - (Sat St Paddys day!) Saw a huge War Rally (20,000) in Hollywood ended up at the magic shop to get some supplys. Got castle on time shows where a little bit flatter today maybe the guiness thinking about it the host Marty was pretty flat at introducing my act! I likes Matt and the other guy much better.... Anyhow I did extra show because tonnes of extra people wanting to see magic tonight.
Sat at the bar chatting to friendly Americans about sight-seeing ideas, Gregs Wilsons charming girlfriend recommended Huntington gardens. Later in the evening I spoke to Greg about his credit card to sock and metal detector routines and how I'd seen a similar act in the UK a few months back.
On the ego front I had lots of fans again LOL... at the end of the night Howar(d) told me the story of the missing (d) talk about the Vernon touch.
Day 12 - (Sunday) went sight seeing to Huntington gardens, Quiet and chilled for L.A. Cactus gardens and Japanese gardens. Pretty cool. Back to castle for my last night. First show was attended be Greg Wilson and Todd Robbins. Both enjoyed the show Greg told me that my card work was seamless. Todd laughed out loud at some jokes which is a good thing.
Also My old friend Dan Harlan showed up, he enjoyed my act too liked the cheese bit, he even bought me a few gifts. What a nice man (also gave me some Mc Giver feedback). Mindy Billys old magic assistant came to see my last show and gave me a gift of some old footage of her and Mc comb performing an audition. Spoke with card men Howar(d), Brian, Bill Goodwn (Genius) and Tony P again. All made me feel at home over the last week. (Thanks guys)
Quite tired...headed back around 2am.
Day 13 - (Monday) Packed case, checked out bumped int Gazzo and Billy Kid in the lobby...now of for coffee with them....Forgot how much Gazzo makes you laugh, bit like Ricky Gervais of magic world, spot on dead pan humor. Knock knock whos there, control freak....hahahh. Top man. Billy was cool too. I've got some gereat magic mates, Gazzo is one of those where u pick up where u left off. (Having a great time).
One more hour by the pool...then off to airport.
