Number 206 - 5th June 2004
The
Magic Circle has just announced the programme for its
Centenary Celebration, due to be held in July 2005. The event promises to
be the experience of a lifetime, celebrating 100 years of excellence in
magic and takes place in the luxurious Logan Hall (photo) and Jeffery Hall
of the University of London, and the modern Galleon Suite opposite, in the
Royal National Hotel, London. The facilities are perfect for enjoying
magic, with raked seating for all stage and close-up shows. The venues are
just a few minutes walk from the excellent new Headquarters of The Magic
Circle, where the additional Centenary Heritage Day will be held on Sunday 24th July.
The programme for the 20th - 23rd July registration period includes: A
dazzling Opening Ceremony and Gala Show, Star lecturers of international
standing, three Close-up Galas presented under ideal viewing conditions, a
Late Night Revue, an International Dealers Fair featuring the latest magic
from around the world, Gala Shows on the Thursday and Friday evenings with
world-renowned magicians and the International Centenary Gala Show on the
Saturday evening. Each delegate will receive a complimentary copy of the
specially commissioned book, Circle Without End, plus two more
unique Centennial gifts. For more information and to register visit:
TheMagicCircleCentenary.co.uk. 5.6.04
Kidology
UK 2004. In conjunction with Albion Magic, Practical Magic are hosting
Kidology UK 2004 a one day event for children's entertainers on
Monday, 6th September, at West Bromwich Town Hall, West Bromwich B70 8DT (Map).
The day features four specialist lectures, from well known names in the
field of children's entertainment: Ian Adair presents 'Adair's Ideas'
featuring ideas and tricks for the children's entertainer. Marc Dominic
will discuss breaking into the lucrative world of Corporate Children's
Magic. Gerry Luff offers his children's lecture, with loads of practical
DIY tips and ideas and Ali Cadabra will present an all-new children's
lecture. In addition, there will be 6 dealers, presenting their latest
children's material: Albion Magic, Practical Magic, Playtime Balloons,
Hocus Pocus, Castle Magic and Mark Leveridge Magic. Two workshops are
planned: 'Balloon Modelling' with Mike Stokes of Playtime Balloons and
'Bits of Business' with Ron Popple (photo). The convention is being held
on Monday September 6th so that it doesn't clash with weekend bookings and
the registration fee is £25.00 (you must book in advance), which includes
a Buffet Lunch. For more information and a booking form email:
info@practical-magic.com. 5.6.04
Jerome
Flynn makes a welcome return starring as Tommy Cooper in Jus' Like
That! at the New Victoria Theatre, Woking from Monday 23rd August -
Saturday 28th August at 8pm (matinees Wednesday and Saturday at 2.30pm).
"Jerome Flynn is a wonderful Tommy Cooper" The Times. One of the
nation's most loved natural clowns, Tommy Cooper truly deserved the title
"comic genius". As well as recreating his comedy, the play also takes us
behind the scenes to meet the man beneath the fez. Tickets from £9.00 +
booking fee. Telephone: 01483 545900 or visit
www.theambassadors.com. The New Victoria Theatre, The Ambassadors,
Peacocks Centre, Woking, Surrey GU21 6GQ (Map). 5.6.04
ChildrensPartyShows.co.uk
- The UK Directory of Children's Entertainers launches on July 1st
2004. As the internet continues to expand and as more and more people turn
to search engines such as google.com instead of reaching for the
traditional Yellow Pages
ChildrensPartyShows.co.uk offers a one-click solution for entertainers
who want to promote their services and reach a wider audience. The initial response has been very positive, ensuring that
the site will launch with
solid content from day one (replacing the "sample" pages). The focus is very much on the entertainers
pages and the site has been designed to offer a "one-click solution"
making it a real pleasure to use. On launch it will be submitted to the
search engines and marketed online. Rates and an Application Form can be
found on the 'contact' page. Visit:
ChildrensPartyShows.co.uk today! (From the makers of MagicWeek
and
CorporateMagicians.com) 5.6.04
Derren
Brown's Séance on Bank Holiday Monday certainly did the trick! The 70
minute programme attracted hundreds of complaints; most coming before it
had even aired (that'll be the fortune tellers) resulting in it being
rated the third most complained about television show in British
television history! In actual fact it was an ingeniously constructed piece
of theatre that set out to debunk "the Séance" and demonstrate both the
gullibility and vulnerability of we mere mortals. Derren's performance was
faultless throughout - full marks to him and the entire production team.
Here's some of the press:
Digital Spy,
BBC News,
ITV.
See Derren Brown Live on Stage at The Palace Theatre in London's West End
for two weeks only. Box Office: 020
7494 5094. Book online:
www.seetickets.com. 5.6.04
MagicShop.co.uk
are now taking orders for the new Black Tiger Bicycle Playing Cards. The
first edition sold out in 96 hours... "They're gritty, they look
incredible, and they're just one more factor that will make spectators
remember you. Now's your chance to get your claws
on the second run - with even more special edition features, including
black-light sensitivity and the highest quality card made by the US
Playing Card Company." Due in any day, pre-order from
www.magicshop.co.uk. 5.6.04
Taurus
Magic Supply have just purchased a substantial magic collection adding
some 400 used magic items to their already gigantic stocks. Over 1,000
items are shown on the website including rare Burtini, Ken Brooke, Vampire
Magic, Jos. Bland, and Wilman props along with current American close-up
magic and hard to find children's apparatus. Taurus are the world's
largest used magic dealers. Visit
www.taurusmagic.net
today! 5.6.04
Mark
Worgan's Klub Magic Show at the Komedia Theatre, Brighton, celebrates
its first birthday on June 7th. Over the past year Mark, who produces and
hosts the show, has featured some of the country's top magicians
performing in an informal cabaret setting allowing the audience of 180 -
200 to enjoy a meal with the show. Mel Harvey, Jack Delvin, Fay Presto,
Safire, Chris North & Belinda, Ian Keable, Terry Seabrooke, Tensai,
Romany, Duncan Trillo, Loki, Mel Mellors, Keith Fields, Mandy Muden,
Martin Cox, Andy Clockwise, Mark Shortland, Fluke and Bharat Patel to name
but a few have all featured on the show. There are also regular close-up
workers: Steve Pratt, Steve Virgo and Andrew Jeffrey. The next show on
Monday June 7th features Peter Wardell and Graham Jolley (should be
great!). During July and August the show has a break but returns on Monday
September 6th. To follow the shows visit
www.klubmagic.co.uk
and join the mailing list for regular updates. 5.6.04
TheLittleMagicShop.co.uk
aren't so little anymore! They've recently added over 100 new lines to
their range including Bee Playing Cards, Miniature Bicycle Cards, the
Malini Egg Bag, ITR's, Sponge Balls, Knife through Arm, The Razor Blade
Illusion, Cups & Balls and more. Visit:
www.thelittlemagicshop.co.uk to see what's new. 5.6.04
Magic
by the Seaside. If you live near Brighton or plan to visit this Summer
you'll be pleased to hear that Martin Breese has opened a small stall in
an antiques arcade that's currently packed with second hand magic books and will
also include, from time to time, antique magic props. Visit Martin
Breese's stall at Snoopers Paradise, 7 Kensington Gardens, Brighton BN1
4AL. The items are displayed in cabinet number 76. Hours: 9.30am to 5.30pm
and 11am to 4pm on Sundays. (Map). 5.6.04
The
Art of Illusion appear and disappear nightly at The Pavilion Theatre,
Glasgow, in A Kick up the Eighties starring The Krankies, Bucks
Fizz, Stu Francis, Christian, The Art of Illusion and the Pavilion Theatre
Dancers. The show runs from August 11th through until September 4th.
Directed and produced by Ian Gordon and choreographed by Sheridan Nicol.
Musical director David Lambie. Box Office: 0141 332 1846
www.paviliontheatre.co.uk. 5.6.04
Harry
Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban broke all opening-day box office
records in the UK grossing just over £5 million. The newest installment in
the seven-part Harry Potter series was released on Bank Hoilday Monday,
May 31st, and features Paul Keive's work - things to look out for include
the floating spheres in the Astronomy room, background action in the Leaky
Cauldron pub, Paul's appearance in "The Three Broomsticks" in Hogsmeade
and the self-folding Marauder's map.
www.harrypotter.co.uk. 5.6.04
"Magic
makers angry as Houdini spell is broken. Stop reading now. The
information that follows should not be published and, should you choose to
read it, should not be shared with others." Writes Dan Glaister for the
Guardian and "Revealing Houdini's secrets spells disaster for Magic
Circle" says
The Scotsman. "It's a safe bet the Outagamie Museum normally doesn't
contact local police when opening a new exhibit" writes a local paper
Click Here and even the BBC are in on the act
Click Here. Boy are magicians good at publicising exposure!! 5.6.04
Paul
Daniels makes the Radio 4 Appeal on behalf of The Dystonia Society, a
charity which supports people with this neurological movement disorder on
Sunday at 7.55am and 9.26pm on BBC Radio Four. 5.6.04
Following
a recent appearance with Rocco at the recent Four F's Convention in
the States Mel Harvey is off again, and is currently aboard the five star
Silver Shadow for two weeks cruising in Alaska. Booked to appear
with his "Magic to Die For" act and Max Miller tribute, Mel will also be
entertaining the passengers with his comedy close-up magic. On his return
Mel can be seen in the "All Star Variety Show" at the Westcliff Theatre,
Clacton, on Sunday 20th June. 5.6.04
Gary Young's 8th Top Secret Magic Day (Sunday 7th) has now sold out - no tickets will be available on the door • "Take a ride on Carnesky's Ghost Train and you'll find yourself travelling through a series of Victorian-like burlesque vignettes and illusions." Carnesky's Ghost Train is reviewed by BBC Manchester Click Here • For seven days only (June 5th - 11th) box12.net are offering Hyp Hyp Hoo Royle a compilation CD ROM containing every single book and written course that would normally retail for £177 for just £39.95. Email: hypno@hypnotorious.com for more information • Ray Roberts reports on the British Ring IBM President’s Dinner in Roving with Ray • "New club gets off to flying start" Click Here • Soon-to-be acting CIA director is a true magician Click Here • That's it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 5.6.04