Number 278 - 22nd October 2005
34th
International Magic Convention, London - latest news. The convention
is only five weeks away now (25th-27th November) and more names have just
been added to an already impressive line up. The International Weekend has
always had a reputation for bringing new talent to the UK (notably in the
past, David Williamson and Gary Kurtz) and this year will be no exception
with a host of performers making their UK debuts including: Rick Merrill
who recently won both the IBM and SAM close-up competitions in the States, Canadian
comedy star David Merry, contemporary manipulator Arthur Trace (photo) and
Farrah Siegal; both from the States. Roberto Giobbi (Card College
author and Genii columnist) will lecture and perform, and classic
black art act Omar Pasha will perform in the intimate Shaw Theatre. Six
different lectures will be presented over the three-day event along with
The Kevin Reay Close-up Competition (first prize of £1000), the
Close-up Gala, and the Evening Stage Show, plus magic dealers from all over the world. Various
convention packages are available, with prices starting at £25.00
Click Here. Special convention room rates at the
Euston Novotel (0207 666 9300) which is part of the same complex, are
also available. This year's convention is dedicated to the memory of Ron
MacMillan, who started the convention in 1972 and passed away earlier this
year. All steps have been taken to make this year's the most memorable
ever and many surprises are promised. For more information visit:
www.internationalmagic.com. Don't miss this one, book now! 22.10.05
Girl
Power! Kay Dyson, Jayne Corrigan and Kerry Scorah (l to r) dazzled
delegates at the recent Samsung "Magic" product launch in Dubai, with
their close-up magic. All three said that they'd loved working together
and are looking forward to the next opportunity. Samsung bosses were
delighted with the trio's magic which brought the new Samsung range of
'Magic' monitors to life. "Samsung, with the incorporation of the 'Magic' set
of technologies, is utilizing its vast economies-of-scale and
understanding of the needs of users to deliver an outstanding combination
of features and technology," said Mr K Koh, Digital Information Technology
Division, Samsung Gulf Electronics.
www.missmagic.co.uk
www.magicbyjayne.co.uk
www.kerryscorah.co.uk. 22.10.05
Street
Magician Dynamo, seen recently on both ITV and Channel 4, is set to
release his debut DVD produced by Dynamo and Mastermind Management on
Wednesday 9th November: "Underground Magic is a unique combination
of magic, music and street hustle. Filmed in the style of a Hip Hop
'mix-tape', it features jaw dropping magic and some of the biggest names
in the world of entertainment. The DVD follows Dynamo, from his street
performances as he amazes passers-by, to his numerous live bookings around
the world including the Snoop Dogg and Coldplay tours. Hosted by this
years 'best hip-hop MOBO award' winner Sway and British rapper Pyrelli, it
also features appearances from Chris Martin (Coldplay), Snoop Dogg, The
Game, Gwyneth Paltrow, Ian Brown, Mike Skinner, Graham Norton, Kevin Hart
(Scary Movie 3) and many more." The DVD will be available from
www.dynamoworld.com
for £14.99 + p&p. However you can pre-order from now for just £10.00 plus
p&p. 22.10.05
Etienne
Pradier can be seen on Tuesday October 25th and Tuesday November 22nd
at Café Mauresque in Canterbury. "Café Mauresque is
delighted to bring you one of the UK's most successful magicians: Etienne
Pradier World Class Magician. Come to our magic evening and enjoy
Etienne's Magic Show and a three course dinner." Price: £30.00. To book
call Café Mauresque on 01227 464 300. Cafe Mauresque, 8 Butchery
Lane, Canterbury CT1 (Map). 22.10.05
JB
Magic presents Revelation by Wayne Dobson... "A mentally
thought of card is revealed in a comical manner!" Here's another great
piece of magic from Wayne Dobson and Mark Mason, with thanks to Tony
Griffith. 100% practical for the busy close-up performer, this can be
worked under any conditions, with no re-set. Because it really does allow
any card to be thought of (which amazingly you'll get right every
time) this can be performed from table to table with no problems. Included
with the special cards is an instructional DVD and that includes a 'Bonus
Endings' section. Highly recommended. 100% practical. Available from
www.jbtv.co.uk and
www.waynedobson.co.uk. 22.10.05
Michael
Close's recent lecture at the Ipswich Magical Society is reviewed by
Simon Shaw this week, see Reviews and
Late Night Magic at the Jermyn Street Theatre is reviewed by Nicole
Keighley, again, see Reviews. 22.10.05
Andy
Nyman's starring role in cult movie Dead Babies can now be seen (and
ordered via Amazon.co.uk) on DVD,
Click Here. This is the movie of Martin Amis's novel of the same name
that launched Andy into the movie world. Due to current filming on a new
move, Andy has regrettably had to pull out of the Portsmouth Day of Magic
(October
30th). 22.10.05
David
Penn and Chris Priest entertained stars and guests last week at the
Emerdale Black Sheep Golf Classic. Seen here with actress Patsy
Kensit; who along with her colleagues helped raise over £50,000 for
charity.
www.davidpenn.co.uk
www.chrispriest.com. 22.10.05
Cardiff
Magical Society Sale and Lecture day. Cardiff Magical Society are
holding a "Table Top Sale" day from 11am on Sunday 20th November,
featuring star lecturer Ali Bongo at 3pm. Venue: Llandaff Rowing Club,
Bridge Road, Llandaff, Cardiff (Map).
Magic dealer
Top Secret Magic will also be there. To book a sale table contact Viv
Davies 02920 792789 rel792@aol.com
tables cost £15.00 (which includes the standard entrance fee). Visiting
magicians welcome, entrance £10.00, payable on the day. 22.10.05
DeafBlind.org.uk
charity request. Jonathan Lucia-Wright, Senior support worker,
deafblind.org.uk, emails: "I will be holding the first ever magic break
(that I know of) for deafblind people in November and have spoken with
David Blaine, Ali Bongo and many others who have all contributed ideas. I
am looking for any old magic tricks which you wouldn't mind donating to us
so we can recycle and help deafblind people I work with access the world
of magic. I have had a couple of donations from Davenports and Top Secret
Magic, but I thought I would try other magicians as I know how we keep
things that we never use! So how ever big or small, if you can help in
anyway please do not hesitate to contact me: 01733 325 353 and my work
email is
support@deafblind.org.uk thank you for your time and I hope to hear
from you soon"
www.deafblind.org.uk. 22.10.05
Toby
Vacher's new ebook With Magic in Mind is now available from
www.magictricks.co.uk "This ebook has full details on how to perform
three amazing, audience-tested, astounding effects. You are taught
everything you need to perform except the humble double lift. There are no
knuckle-busting sleights or use of anything but a standard deck of cards."
Includes: The Biddle Steal, The Kick Cut, A False Riffle Shuffle, The
PATEO Force, An application of Magician's Choice, The authors additions to
Paul Chosse's 'Cascade Control' (requires knowledge of the original
control). All three effects include suggested patter and alternate
endings. Free explanation video available from the author. 22.10.05
The Swedish Magic Circles' Gold Plaque for outstanding contribution to the art of magic has been awarded to the Grimaldi Family and the President of the Monte-Carlo Magic Stars, S.A.S la Princesse Stéphanie. The award recognises the family's long-term support of the performance of magic. www.svenskmagiskcirkel.se. 22.10.05
Internet Payment Scam Warning. Two readers contacted MagicWeek last week regarding well known "over-payment" scams. We have warned about these scams before, and have a permanent warning on our classified Terms & Conditions page, so this will be the last time that I'll cover it under News. Typically you'll be offered an over-payment for your services as a magician, or for second hand magic that you are selling, or whatever, with instructions to forward the over-paid balance to a third party for some convoluted reason. It's a scam. Anything out of the normal is normally a scam. Do not reply. Hit delete and the problem will disappear... Useful info: Click Here. 22.10.05
International News: Jayakumar emails from India: "At Magic Academy, we are excitedly looking forward to conduct 'Mazma' a two day festival of Indian street magicians on 10th, 11th December 2005 in Thiruvananthapuram, the cute capital city of Kerala State in India. As part of the Golden Jubilee Celebrations of Kerala attaining Statehood, Magic Academy is holding 'Mazma', under the auspice of the department of culture and Sangeetha Nataka Akademi of Kerala. It is for the first time that a festival of traditional street magic is held with the support of the government. Kerala stands the only State in the country to recognise magic as an art to issue annual awards for the best magician. The Hindi word Mazma means 'fair at the street' and the festival aims at highlighting the glorious Indian heritage in the art of magic. Indian street magicians, who roam over towns for sustenance, are guardians to a number of unexplored routines and intriguing practices in magic that have been traditionally passed on through vagrant generations. Mazma is going to be a means for tracing these flag bearers of indigenous magic and getting them together on a platform of dignity. Magic Academy will bear all expenses including travel fare, food and accommodation of the participating street magicians. Competitions will be held to kindle their inherent talent. The first prizewinner will be honoured with the title of ‘Jadu Samrat’ and a purse of Rs.25000 whereas the runner up can receive a cash award of Rs.10000. A demonstration by these winners will mark a euphoric finale to Mazma. All other contestants will be honoured with mementos offered by the cultural department of Kerala. As Kerala will be at its climatic best during the month of December, Mazma will be a sure dish of delight to every visitor, curious of getting more magnetism of India." Email muthukad@vsnl.com for more information. 22.10.05
Magician's £12,000 phone bill. "A magician was sent a 3,800-page phone bill after his computer tried to connect to the internet half a million times without his knowledge. Nic Picot, of Highfield, Watford, was sent a £12,000 bill by BT. The itemised bill listed more than 500,000 calls apparently made from his ISDN fax line to a premium rate number for internet service provider Demon..." To read the full story in the Watford Observer Click Here. 22.10.05
Darth
Tater... "Luke, you can destroy the Emperor. He has foreseen this.
Join me and together we will rule the galaxy as father and spud." Darth
Tater is available from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here • FISM 2006 welcomes you,
Click Here • Amethyst (Daniel Hunt and Annette Claire) have just
successfully completed their Houdini-style escape mentioned last week.
Visit
www.yorkcastlemuseum.org.uk and click on 'News' for a full report • "Close-up tricks promise a treat"
Click Here • "David Copperfield to 'magic' girl pregnant"
Click Here • 