
Topper Martyn
(Maida Vale, London, England: 30th October 1923 - 24th May 2004)
Of Australian parents. Inspired and learned assisting parent's stage act ("Martyn & Florence") since age 2. Pro debut in 1925. Juggler-magician, working nightclubs, variety, cabaret, ice shows (the first juggle-on-ice), and circus.
In 1959 moved to Sweden where he became a citizen. 1969 Karlovy Vary Grand Prix. 1970 FISM 1st prize in comedy magic (shared with Armandi). 1972 AMA Visiting Magician of the Year. 1973 and 1982 FISM 2nd prizes in comedy magic. Set 1986 Guinness record for fastest magician (69 tricks in 4 minutes), a dubious distinction but fine publicity, one that Dr Eldoonie later beat and The Napoleons parody.
Has toured Europe, North and South America, Africa, and Japan. Collects books, posters, etc on circus, magic, and the occult. 1986 Nordic Magic Convention's Knight of Magic. 1990 AMA Performing Fellowship; 1996 Magic Circle Carlton Award.
Wrote Easy Juggling for Magicians [1975] and lecture notes. Articles in Magic Cauldron, Genii, Magical Bookie, Mystics Magazine, etc. See also Gene Anderson, Topper's Mad, Mad Magic (1974).
Coauthors: Gene Anderson