Number 270 - 27th August 2005
The
line up of events for this year's British Ring Convention in Southport
(September 27th - October 2nd) looks set to be the largest ever. Booked to
date: Michael Close, Simon Lovell, Wayne Dobson, John Archer, Rafael
(photo), Tim Hannig, The Deans of Magic, Safire, Alan Shaxon, Terry
Herbert, Jean Marie le Royer, Kamyleon, Marcel Prince of Illusions, Reed
McClintock, Sean Carpenter, Joshua Jay, Peter Scarlett, Marc Oberon,
Brinum X Bubble Opera, Duane Laflin, Scott Penrose, Dennis Patten, Mike
O'Brien, Mark Shortland, Alexander Koplin, Laurent Beretta, Walt Lees,
Jonathan Shotton, Alan Hudson, Guy Barrett & Company, Amethyst, Tony
Stevens, Bobby Bernard, Granville Taylor, and Jon Marshall. The full
brochure, listing all events, is available online (as an Adobe PDF) from
www.britishring.org.uk. Highlights this year include Star Lectures,
Children's Showtime, Children's Forum, Balloon Workshop, Collectors'
Seminar, Wayne Dobson Q & A, Eddie Dawes Show, Giant Dealer's Fair, Junior
Workshop, Stars of the Future, The Magic Circle 100 Show, The Late Late
Gala, The Saturday Night Gala Show, The Friday Night Fringe, The
Convention Banquet, More History of Mystery, The Stage and Close-up
competitions, Stars of the Future Show and more! On the Tuesday evening
there will be a free Chinese Buffet courtesy of Sefton Council. All
registrants are invited but they must pre-book with Paul Stone (email
paulstone@uniquemagiccollection.com) and reserve a place. The buffet
will be served between 6pm and 8.30pm and it is suggested that you just
call in for 30-45 minutes. China City, 18-20 King Street, Southport PR8
1JZ (Map).
Visit
www.britishring.org.uk for more convention information. 27.8.05
Geoffrey
Durham - No Hat, No Rabbit the brand new one man show goes on tour
from October 1st with previews from September 14th in Hemel Hempstead,
Croydon and Hitchin. "Geoffrey Durham is the magician and illusionist who
looks like a rural bank manager and could lift the entire contents of
Harrods without anybody noticing." Time Out. This is the third in
Geoffrey's trilogy of one man shows and concentrates on stand-up and
close-up magic. You've see Geoffrey Durham on the TV, now witness his
astonishing skills live, on stage, in the bar, and around the foyer, in
this unique evening. Taking TV magic as a starting point, Geoffrey's brand
new show will explore exactly what can and can't be done with camera
tricks and in the process he'll show you just how close an audience can
come to the action, by bringing the magic nearer than ever before... See
What's On for full tour dates. 27.8.05
Master
of Mind Games returns. "Marc Salem, who has a new show in London,
insists that all he does is pay attention to the potential of the mind. As
I'm introduced to the mind-blowing New York mind-reader Marc Salem in a
small, cosy hotel near the British Museum, I seem to be suffering from
pre-mentalist tension. But then, with his skills at reading body language
in ways that can seem positively psychic, I guess he knows that already.
Seeing him on stage, as he blends sharp insight into the human mind with a
wily reinvention of traditional magic techniques, it's easy to believe
there is something superhuman about his abilities..." To read the full
story by Paul Morley in the Telegraph
Click Here. Marc Salem returns to the UK for a limited London run
(August 31st - September 17th). For booking information
Click Here or see What's On. 27.8.05
Wayne
Dobson Unclamped - Live in London. Hot off the press Wayne's latest
DVD was recorded live at The Magic Circle in London on June 20th. "For the
first time Wayne explains, in detail, the secrets behind his favourite
routines. In-between the routines listen to one of magic's funniest
storytellers, as he takes you on a journey through his life in magic and
showbusiness... but be prepared, as he pulls no punches. This DVD is not
for the fainthearted!" The disc carries an 'adults only' warning! Available
now from
www.waynedobson.co.uk. 27.8.05
How
Edinburgh was held captive by Houdini. "For the barefoot bairns of
early 1900s Edinburgh, the offer was one they were unlikely to refuse. The
greatest escape artist the world had ever seen was in town and,
incredibly, he wanted to share his immense wealth with the city's poor and
pitiful children. Word spread like wildfire. Any child who did not have a
pair of boots to his or her name should make their way to the theatre
where Houdini was performing and receive a fine pair of boots..." To read
the full story by Sandra Dick in Scotsman.com
Click Here. 27.8.05
Tommy
Cooper to star on Walk of Fame. "Lord (Laurence) Olivier, Tommy
Cooper, Ricky Gervais, Nicole Kidman, John Cleese and the Rolling Stones
are among the first stars to be immortalised on Britain's equivalent of
the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
Click Here To read the full story. The Best of Tommy Cooper is
now available on DVD from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here to order. This specially selected selection from the BBC
contains some extracts from Cooper at his very best including his infamous
appearances on Parkinson and The Bob Monkhouse Show. 27.8.05
Theatre
of Blood. The Hollywood Reporter has enthusiastically reviewed
Theatre of Blood at the National Theatre in London. "Illusionist Paul
Kieve stages the murders in quite extraordinary fashion. They are as
utterly convincing as they are hilariously horrific, with blood flying and
bodies crushed and set on fire." To read the full review
Click Here. Based on the 1970's movie of the same name, the play stars
Oscar winner Jim Broadbent as mad actor Edward Lionheart. He takes
vengeance on his critics by murdering them one by one, in the style of
Shakespearean plays. The final performance is on September 10th. To book
seats (subject to availability) for just £10.00 each call the Box Office
on 020 7452 3000 and quote "ten pound offer." 27.8.05
The
Magic Hands of Mystery will be demonstrating their unique DVD at
Kidology 2005 and welcome visitors to their stand. "You can be the star of the DVD because throughout we have carefully filmed the effects so that only
the magician's hands are seen." To find out more visit
www.magichandsofmystery.co.uk. 27.8.05
James
More is through to the finals of the Bournemouth Star Trail 2005
which takes place this Sunday. Mike Danata's been watching his progress
and records the highs and lows
Click Here.
The final takes place at the
Wessex Hotel,
West Cliff, Bournemouth at 8pm. Arrive early. Good luck James! 27.8.05
Stephen
Mulhern launches Tricky TV,
a new magic series, at
4pm on Monday 5th September on ITV1. The first in the series includes: A life-size model gorilla
that comes alive and scares visitors at a
wildlife park. Jennifer Ellison is amazed by a flying card trick. Stephen
attempts to create a dream come true for a class of pupils, there's a
chance to join "The Secret Circle" and there's a mesmerising performance
from a Young Magician. 27.8.05
WinMagicTricks.co.uk
- Just a quick reminder that the first
www.winmagictricks.co.uk competition ends on August 31st, so you just
have a few days left to enter. Win Magic Tricks is the UK's first SMS
based text-to-win magic competition. The top prize for August is
worth over £400.00 To enter simply text the phrase "Win Magic" to 60999. It
costs £1 and you also receive free gifts including a £1.50 voucher to
spend on magic.
www.winmagictricks.co.uk. 27.8.05
Jack
Delvin's one-man show, Delving into Magic is coming to the
King's Head Theatre, 115 Upper Street, Islington, London N1, on Sunday
11th September. The show ranges from close-up magic, to stage illusions,
which include Sawing a Lady in Half and The Amazing Floating
Lady and although Jack mainly plays for laughs, he'll also be
including some magic of the mind. Don't miss this unique opportunity to
see one of magic's characters - an enchanted evening of magic and fun is
promised. Suitable for all the family. Sunday 11th September, at 8pm.
£10.00 (Concessions £8.00) Telephone 0230 7226 1916 to book.
www.jackdelvin.co.uk. 27.8.05
Kidology UK
update -
the last date for registrations is Wednesday 31st August, contact
Practical Magic to register.
And the day is Monday 5th September 2005, from 9am
- 6pm at the Civic & Wulfrun Halls, North Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1RQ (Map).
Dave Allen, Children's Entertainer of the Year 2004, will
present part of his act and then discuss the thinking behind it, in
"Little People: Big Business." Tricky Ricky (Ricky McLeod) offers
his highly successful ideas on entertaining children in a lecture called
'Tricks of my Trade' and Pat Page (photo) presents an all new lecture: "The Page
Boy Speaks Out on Kids' Magic." In addition to the lectures they are
planning a forum on how to open and close your show, with a prize for the
best contribution, as well as a Dealers' Demonstration and workshop.
Tickets are £30.00 (includes a buffet lunch) and a printable registration
form is available online at
www.practical-magic.com. 27.8.05
First
Aid Courses for entertainers. Jez Rose is offering tailored first aid
courses predominantly aimed at children's entertainers but open to all
magic clubs across the UK. Aside from mind reading, Jez is an Immediate
Care Specialist and part of his job is teaching first aid. The courses
will be approximately 2 hours long and will be certified. Jez writes
"Apart from the obvious benefits, for entertainers this is a great
addition to your CV; enhances your professional reputation; is a great
piece of advertising; reassures parents; could lower your insurance
premiums and most importantly gives you the peace of mind that if a child
did ever start choking or twist their ankle or run into a door and knock
themselves unconscious, when all eyes go to you as the one in control,
you'd know what to do." If you already have a first aid certificate, you
can use this as a refresher or to re-train as practices are being
continuously updated. The cost is only £25 per person (a substantial
saving on a commercial course) and it is tailored to deal with issues
specifically facing entertainers. This is a very cost-effective way to
learn and keep up to date with first aid. If you are interested, club
secretaries should email Jez at:
jezrose@doctors.org.uk for more information. (Requests from
individuals cannot be taken unless you have a group of 10 or more.) 27.8.05
Cards4magic.co.uk
have a number of souvenir Magic Circle Centenary Celebration decks of
cards in stock, visit:
www.cards4magic.co.uk. 27.8.05
Aberdeen
magicians Alan Innes, Alan Petrie, Derry Simpson and Garry Seagraves
performed close-up magic throughout a four-hour journey onboard the
"Orient Express" last week as it took oil company delegates to a
conference in Aviemore. Decorated in a Colonial style the magicians
decided to get into the mood by dressing for the occasion in white jackets
and straw hats. Rumours that they will be forming a jazz band were
squashed when Basil (Garry's rabbit) ate one of the hats!
www.comagi.co.uk
www.garryseagravesmagic.co.uk . 27.8.05
Martin
Sanderson presents his Corporate Close-up lecture for the Associated
Wizards of the South on Tuesday 6th September at 7.30pm at the Woolston
Conservative Club, 74 St Anne's Road, Woolston, Southampton. Free Parking,
Licensed Bar. Tickets are only £3 each for
www.magicshop.co.uk
customers. Martin Sanderson was the 1995 Magic Circle 'Close-up Magician
of the Year' and stars in the recently released DVD 'Corporate Close-up'
that became an overnight best-seller. Magic dealer Dominic Reyes (The
Merchant of Magic) will also be attending, offering a wide selection of
the very best in magic from around the world. Tickets can be purchased on
the door or booked in advance by contacting John Harris on 07764 615993.
www.sanderson-magic.com. 27.8.05
Robert
Fox gave American band
The Presidents of
the United States of America a personal performance after they'd
performed at The V
Festival last weekend. The band turned out to be huge fans, with lead
singer Chris Ballew stating "This guy is amazing!" Fox and the band ended
up drinking together until the early hours before the band flew home!
www.robertfox.net. 27.8.05
"Peter
Lamont is a research fellow at the Koestler Parapsychology Unit at the
University of Edinburgh. He is also a magician. His shrewd and often very
funny book distils the perplexities of an age. For all its levity - and
laughter arises like - oh, like a piano - this is a serious and
thought-provoking book about how we witness and interpret the world. My
own uncanny powers forecast a feast called Christmas, not far distant,
when The First Psychic should, if there is any justice, mysteriously
levitate from bookshop shelves and appear in intelligent people's
stockings." To read the full review of Peter Lamont's The First Psychic
by Hilary Mantel in the New Statesman,
Click Here. To order from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here. 27.8.05
The
Associated Wizards of the South are holding a One Day Convention on
5th March 2006. To be opened by Alan Shaxon, President of The Magic
Circle. With four lectures, close-up magic, dealers and a gala show.
Tickets are £17.50 in advance, or £20.00 on the day. Extra gala show
tickets £6.00, (£3.00 for children under 12). Contact Geoffrey Gould 023
8084 4677 or Ian Marriott 01794 324345. Venue: Colbury Memorial Hall,
Hunters Hill, (A35) Totton, Near Southampton.
www.awsmagic.co.uk
Magic Car Boot Sale. Now in it's 12th year the twice yearly Magic Car Boot Sale organised by Alec Powell at The Beechmen Circus Warehouse 43 Union Street West Bromwich B70 6DA (Map) will take place on Sunday 4th September 2005. Doors open at 9.30am and admission is just £3.00. There will be around 30 stalls of new and used magic. Dealers include Alakazam, Hocus Pocus, Practical Magic, Albion Magic, Stephen Tucker, Keith Bennett and Merlins. Hot breakfasts are available and the venue is only a couple of minutes drive from Junction 1 on the M5. Further details from Alec on 07831 115448. 27.8.05
Tony Griffith is holding another Magic Teach-in Day on 5th March 2006 from 10am - 5pm, telephone 01275 837017 for details. Tony will be in the USA in January presenting a Masterclass at Raleigh NC and Columbia SC, and will also be performing close-up magic at the South Carolina Association of Magicians Convention. 27.8.05
Magic Aid 2005 is sending two British Ring magicians to the Tsunami hit regions of Asia in the next few days. Michael Chandler will be touring the survivor camps, affected schools and hospitals in Sri Lanka and James Hanrahan will be performing in Southern Thailand. Both are looking forward to the challenge. 27.8.05
Jarrett
and Raja at The Hilton Hotel, Blackpool, the show is reviewed by Quentin
Reynolds this week,
Click Here and The
Fabulous Magic of Dr Bondini is reviewed by Nick Ralls,
Click Here
"The Joke Comedians Tell to Each Other"
Click Here "Sleight of hand Colerain Township magician has been
fooling people for years"
Click Here "High-tech magic tricks"
Click Here "Vietnamese female magician to mesmerize US viewers"
Click Here "Making magic for 50 years"
Click Here "Picnic fun for charitys golden jubilee celebrations"
Click Here Magic Video Sale, see
www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk Richard Leigh's Magic Cavern at Barons Court is two years
old this week. They are currently booking through to December 2005, see
www.falseimpressions.com Look out for Dynamo in the Observer this
Sunday Your UK magic news is always welcomed, have a good weekend, see
you next week, Duncan. 27.8.05