Page 48                                            Fall 1994

Flashback

Paul Vandy, The Magical Juggler

Report of a performance at The Tivoli Theatre in Manchester, England, on July 7, 1913

 

Entering a neatly set stage, displaying four small tables draped in yellow, Paul Vandy places his coat over a chair and proceeds to swing his watch by its chain into his pocket. Apparently from his leg, he produces a plate and similarly a bouquet of flowers occupies the plate. A cigar is added and juggled with the plates. His hat serves to produce three cannon balls for juggling movements, and one falling upon the artiste's head discloses the ball is made of rubber. Again he manipulates his watch and chain. Three silk handkerchiefs are next converted into a flag. More plates are mysteriously produced for juggling purposes, with the watch and chain business serving as an interlude.

 

A cigar inserted in the ear is produced from the mouth, then with all seriousness, the juggler takes a handkerchief and creates laughter with the production of... his finger! Three metal cups are cleverly manipulated and caught inside each other. Placed on the performer's extended arm, the cups are thrown into the air, and smartly caught one within the other. 

 

"Watch it," formed the next item, of which Paul Vandy was the originator.  The watch mysteriously wanders invisibly to different parts of his costume until it finds its own invisible way back to its chain again.

 

An egg is produced from his mouth, more plates and silk handkerchiefs are materialized, announced by a detonating flash from his fingertips. Three other plates are juggled, and a quantity of cigar boxes stacked and knocked apart one at a time while in a horizontal position. This effect was deservedly encored by the further production of plates, one of which is thrown over the audience.  As it was made of paper, it fell lightly and harmlessly.

 

Balls were next introduced, thrown skillfully into the pockets. One strikes the artiste's mouth with disastrous result, as more teeth fall to the stage than the average gums are fitted with. This raised a big laugh. A green silk handkerchief produced to wipe the mouth changes to red in color. A calling card, two balls, and a bottle are next brought into play. A ball is balanced on the bottle, the card on the ball and another ball above it. The card is flipped away, the upper ball falls to the lower one and retains the balance.

 

The concluding effect is with balls, cigar in mouth, and a hat. The movements in the act are so numerous and rapid that it is almost impossible to describe them with accuracy. An excellent act and brilliant showmanship.

<--- Previous Page

Return to Main Index