Martin Duffy Children’s Entertainer of the Year Award

Description

The Martin Duffy Children’s Entertainer of the Year award was introduced in 2012, while Graeme Shaw was president. He felt there was a gap in the Circle’s competitions and wanted a children’s magic competition. It is named after Martin Duffy, who is well known in the North East for his children’s magic shows. He has been an active member since 1980, and has been both president and secretary.

Rules

1. The competition shall be held each year in a venue decided by the Committee.
2. The competition shall be open to all members in good standing of the Newcastle upon Tyne Magic Circle.
3. The minimum number of competitors shall be three and the maximum number shall be five. If more than five people wish to enter, the first place shall go to the previous year’s winner, should they wish to enter. The remaining places shall be decided by names drawn from a hat.
4. Each performance shall be between six and fifteen minutes. A verbal warning will be given after twelve minutes and another at fifteen minutes. Any competitor exceeding fifteen minutes shall be disqualified.
5. A panel of at least three judges is arranged. These shall be both magical and non-magical people, and may include children.
6. The winner shall receive the trophy and keep it safely for twelve months. A small trophy is also presented for the winner to retain.
7. The Committee retains the right to withhold the trophy if no competitor has reached the required standard.

Rules updated and issued January 2021.