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The Amazing Alma
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From State Library of Victoria News No. 7, January 1999 - February 1999
One of the Library's most unusual and interesting collections is kept secret, accessible only to a select few. Locked away in rows of drab steel cupboards are the keys to such arcane mysteries as 'The Buzz Saw Illusion', 'The Elastic Lady', 'The Protean Cabinet' and 'The Electrocution Mystery'.
When the magician Will Alma donated his magicana collection to the Library, he stipulated that access to the models and detailed instructions of the tricks of his trade should be limited to magicians and bona fide researchers. So the appearance, disappearances and escapes from death by sword and saw will continue to puzzle and astonish audiences. |
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W G Alma was born William George Bishop in Melbourne in 1904. His father, Oswald Bishop, was a professional vaudeville magician 'Alma the Court Magician' who performed a real-life vanishing trick, deserting his wife and child on a tour of Australia from which, as Will put it, he 'took off for the Islands and on to the USA. It was many a year before I again met him.'
Not surprisingly, Will's mother was determined that he should not become 'a theatrical' but in his early teens it was clear that he had 'the magic bug'. As he described in his autobiographical notes:
Little did mother know that her little Will had secured a copy of Devan's Magic Made Easy and in the closet cubbyhole he was secretly learning about magic and working on doing tricks. |
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Magic was in fact to become his life - not only as a performer but also as a manufacturer and supplier of tricks and equipment. He became well known around Australia, touring with international stars like The Great Levante, but was best known in Victoria, his home state and scene of his greatest achivement:
I was engaged to perform in the largest theatre in Australia [in] July 1932. The State Theatre in Melbourne, backed by a 30-piece orchestra and its twin console Wurlitzer organ. This was a magnificent engagement for a magical act. Only three magicians played seasons in this theatre, first Chefalo, then myself and finally Long Tack Sam.
The skills of 'The Amazing Alma' were recognised and in 1954 he became a member of the Magic Circle and was elevated four years later to the exalted status of Gold Star Member of the Inner Magic Circle.
Illustrations
Top left: Illusion model from the Collection, the Zig Zag Lady.
Top right: The Buss Saw Illusion.
Below left: Illusion model, Disembodied Princess.
Below right: Sword Suspension illusion model. |
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