Letter from Murray, June 15th from Empire theatre, Cleethorpes: "Thank you for your letter. I may be able to place you during the period you mention. I would like you to telephone me at the above theatre this evening at 6.30p.m., or if it is too far to come, come and see me this Saturday. Best wishes. Murray." He did not put the year, 195l, and intended to write "NOT too far to come"! Granville Taylor travelled to Cleethorpes on the Saturday from Hull, where he was a student at Hull University-College, saw the show, and afterwards went backstage to be seen by Murray.
Interviewed by Murray, the Australian illusionist and escapologist at the Empire Theatre, Cleethorpes.
Later engaged to join his "International Wonder Show" as a stage assistant at a salary of £4. - 0s. - 0d. per week, with an extra £1 per week when playing in London to allow for increased expenses re 'digs'.
Letter from Murray, confirming contract, followed. Dated June 22nd. from the Pleasure Gardens theatre, Folkestone: "Dear Granville, This confirms that you join my show at the Tivoli New Brighton next week. You will receive £4 for exes. Please bring with you: white shirts and collars, black bow tie, black shoes and socks, black trousers. Best wishes, Murray."
One ambition, learning the running and organisation of a big magic show, about to be realised !
June 25th. week, 195l. Tivoli Theatre, New Brighton.
July 2nd. week. His Majesty's Theatre, Barrow-in-Furness.
July 9th. week. Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne.
July 16th. week. Palace Theatre, East Ham, London.
July 23rd. week. Hippodrome Theatre, Ipswich.
July 30th. week. Metropolitan Theatre, London.
August 6th. week. Pier Pavilion, Colwyn Bay.
August 13th. week. Chelsea Palace Theatre, London.
August 20th. week. Grand Theatre, Doncaster.
Granville Taylor graduated with a B.Sc. degree at Hull University College in 1952. Whilst studying for a teaching diploma, he started to accept bookings again as a magician.
November 15th. 1952. Manor Road Social Club, Hull. 3 guineas.
December 18th. 1952. New York Hotel, Hull. 3 guineas.
December 19th. 1952. Johnson & Johnson, Gargrave. 2 guineas.
December 20th. 1952. Cooper Street Methodist Church, Nelson. 1 guinea.
No date. Salvation Army, Hull. 3 guineas.
No date. Willerby Caravan Company, Hull. 3 guineas.
February 15th. 1953. Marble Arch Cinema, Beverley. 3 guineas.
February 19th. 1953. Blackburn Welfare Club, Brough. £3 - 10 - 0d.
February 27th. 1953. New Manchester Hotel, Hull. Reckitt & Colman Limited Annual Dinner. 3 guineas.
May 23rd. 1953. Langham Recreation Club, Hessle Road, Hull. 3 guineas.
June 2nd. 1953. Coronation Day. Private Party, Albert Avenue, Hull.
5 guineas.
June 2nd. 1953. Private Party, Endike Lane, Hull. 3 guineas.
No date. Hedon Road Club, Hull. 3 guineas.
After completing his studies at Hull University College, Granville Taylor applied for the second time to join The Great Lyle's show. The first time, Granville Taylor made the mistake of saying that he was an amateur magician, and wanted to gain experience. Lyle replied that according to the amateur and semi-professional magicians he met, he was in considerable need of experience himself.!
When the "Mystery Box Revue came to the Palace Theatre, Grimsby, it was an opportunity not to be missed, and this time it was Lucille Lyle who interviewed him. Granville mentioned that he had worked for Murray, had seen the Lyle show as a boy, was interested in the magic of the theatre, and wanted to work for the biggest and best magic show.
Lucille Lyle must have been impressed, because she said "Leave your name and address and telephone number with me, and I'll have a word with Mr.Lyle."
Granville Taylor saw The Great Lyle's "Mystery Box Revue" at the Palace Theatre, Grimsby, and afterwards he went backstage to see Cecil Lyle, and he was interviewed by Lucille Lyle for a position as stage assistant with the show should a vacancy arrive.
Granville Taylor joined the show mid-week at the Palace Theatre, Halifax, on a salary of £7 - 10s - 0d per week.
June 22nd. week. 1953. Palace Theatre, Halifax.
June 29th. week. Empire Theatre, Leeds.
July 6th. week. Empire Theatre, Sheffield.
July 13th. week. Hippodrome Theatre, Birmingham.
July 20th. week. Empire Theatre, Nottingham.
July 27th. week. Empire Theatre, Glasgow.
August 3rd. week. Empire Theatre, Edinburgh.
August 10th. week. Empire Theatre, Newcastle.
Granville Taylor left the show at the end of the week in Newcastle to accept a post as Science Master at Whitefield Secondary Modern School in Nelson.
November 17th., 1953. One night. Monk Fryston Hall, Nr. Selby. 3 guineas.
June 11th., 1955. King George's Hall, London. Magic Circle Concert with David J.Hill, Granville Taylor with Valerie ("Modern Purveyor of Wonders"), Michael Bailey, Margaret Newman, Bobby Voltaire with Gwen, Geoff Gregson and Doreen. Two Shows at 6.15 and 8.30 pm.
March 13th., 1957. St.Pancras Assembly Rooms, London. The Magic Circle presenting a programme of magic by the I.B.M., with Oscar Paulson, Joy, Oswald Rae, Geoff Gregson & Doreen, Granville Taylor with Valerie, Esme Levante, Selwyn, and Raoul.
The production of 20 watches from a paper cone. The last watch was "thrown" at the display board. Granville Taylor included this trick in his show for the I.B.M. (above), and agent Jimmy Retford, who was in the audience, was much impressed.
