The Modern Mystic League
OCTOBER 2026
Blackburn & District Society of Magicians
President Brian Lead had secured the services of Andy Greaves “The Entertainer” from Worksop for his President’s Day at the Kingsway Rooms on Sunday 11th October. Brian first met Andy at an IBM Convention some years ago.
The audience of about two dozen members and friends was welcomed by Brian who began the proceedings by presenting our newest member Adele with her membership certificate and badge.
He then introduced “Norman Snodgrass” one of Mo Howarth’s mother Josephine Langley’s ventriloquist figures which is well over one hundred years old. He then welcomed Andy who has been in showbusiness for over fifty years.
Andy told us that he was born in a village called Sheffield (!). With much humour and byplay he then presented some magic; the colour changing records, the acrobatic knot and a colour changing silk routine before introducing us to Lewis his ventriloquist bird. More repartee followed with a balloon routine and singing with audience participation. It was easy to tell that Andy is a consummate professional entertainer feeding off the audience as he went along.
After an array of delicious refreshments including lovely cakes from Margaret Guy there was a successful raffle.
The audience of about two dozen members and friends was welcomed by Brian who began the proceedings by presenting our newest member Adele with her membership certificate and badge.
He then introduced “Norman Snodgrass” one of Mo Howarth’s mother Josephine Langley’s ventriloquist figures which is well over one hundred years old. He then welcomed Andy who has been in showbusiness for over fifty years.
Andy told us that he was born in a village called Sheffield (!). With much humour and byplay he then presented some magic; the colour changing records, the acrobatic knot and a colour changing silk routine before introducing us to Lewis his ventriloquist bird. More repartee followed with a balloon routine and singing with audience participation. It was easy to tell that Andy is a consummate professional entertainer feeding off the audience as he went along.
After an array of delicious refreshments including lovely cakes from Margaret Guy there was a successful raffle.
PRESIDENT'S DAY
with
ANDY GREAVES
with
ANDY GREAVES
During the second half Andy showed a selection of pictures on the tv screen which described the many facets of his career in showbusiness since being inspired as a ten year old when the family went to see Tommy Cooper’s show in Skegness also featuring ventriloquist Ray Alan with Lord Charles. More magic followed with “Codology” and a cut and restored rope routine. Aged fourteen he entered a talent show on the local tv station before becoming a Butlin’s Redcoat at the age of seventeen (having lied about his age as you had to be eighteen, but the manager knew!), then later a Pontin’s Bluecoat. All valuable experience for his later career.
Andy became a busy entertainer on the club circuit before moving into theatre shows, television shows and pantomime. He was, and is, an all rounder with magic, ventriloquism, comedy and singing (and even dancing on one show!). He worked with many famous performers throughout the country and topped the bill himself on many occasions. Andy mentioned among others The Baron Knights, The Beverley Sisters, Tom O’Connor, Joe Longthorne, Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer, John Inman and Martin Daniels. He also worked as an “extra” in film and television including starring in an advertisement for IKEA. He is now busier than ever even though he no longer performs at holiday parks. Because he is so versatile he can cater his act according to the audience.
Andy taught us all how to say “hello” with ventriloquism and concluded with the Spotted Card. Brian thanked Andy and everyone for coming. Roger proposed a vote of thanks to Brian. Brian then rounded off the afternoon by presenting appropriate birthday presents to Donald (the book “Over 80’s Jokes”!), Adele (“Little Miss Magic”) and Allan (a jumbo deck of cards).
It was a very pleasant afternoon and good to see such a talented professional as Andy Greaves at work.
Roger Woods
Andy became a busy entertainer on the club circuit before moving into theatre shows, television shows and pantomime. He was, and is, an all rounder with magic, ventriloquism, comedy and singing (and even dancing on one show!). He worked with many famous performers throughout the country and topped the bill himself on many occasions. Andy mentioned among others The Baron Knights, The Beverley Sisters, Tom O’Connor, Joe Longthorne, Vic Reeves & Bob Mortimer, John Inman and Martin Daniels. He also worked as an “extra” in film and television including starring in an advertisement for IKEA. He is now busier than ever even though he no longer performs at holiday parks. Because he is so versatile he can cater his act according to the audience.
Andy taught us all how to say “hello” with ventriloquism and concluded with the Spotted Card. Brian thanked Andy and everyone for coming. Roger proposed a vote of thanks to Brian. Brian then rounded off the afternoon by presenting appropriate birthday presents to Donald (the book “Over 80’s Jokes”!), Adele (“Little Miss Magic”) and Allan (a jumbo deck of cards).
It was a very pleasant afternoon and good to see such a talented professional as Andy Greaves at work.
Roger Woods
