Number 314 - 1st July 2006

 

Tommy Wonder, 29th November 1953 - 26th June 2006. Tommy Wonder died of lung cancer on June 26th, 2006. Born in Holland in 1953 Tommy Wonder (Jos Bemelman) started performing magic at the age of just 10. After high school he studied for three years at the "Academie voor Podiumvorming" in The Hague where he learned acting, dancing and singing and then worked for two years with the theatre company "De Haagsche Comedie." After winning a national talent contest which was televised in The Netherlands in 1977, his career really took off. At first he specialised just in close-up magic and was awarded second prize at the FISM Championships in 1979 but then around 1987 he developed his stage act, initially for mediaeval parties, which was to become an international attraction later on. The act, characterised by its simplicity, elegance, high magic content and underlying charm showed off Tommy Wonder's theatrical background. During his career Tommy performed in more than 26 countries, including Japan, Australia, Argentina, Canada, the USA and all of Western Europe. Highlights included TV shows in The Netherlands, England, Portugal, the USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, France and Argentina. And major awards included: Best Sleight of Hand Performer - World Magic Awards, Los Angeles 1999. Performer Fellowship Award - Academy of Magical Arts, Hollywood 1998. 2nd Prize FISM (stage) - The Hague 1988. 2nd Prize FISM (close-up) - Brussels 1979. Tommy's significant contribution to the art of magic will live on through his published work. His thinking on misdirection, or as he preferred to term it direction, was exceptional. A Condolence Register has been set up at www.tommywonder.nl. 1.7.06

 

On Second Thoughts... Marc Salem's in town! In just over two weeks time following sell-out seasons two years running, direct from New York, Marc Salem returns to the Tricycle with his brand new show. "He doesn't just have a sixth sense, but a seventh, eight and ninth as well. I was bewitched and bedazzled." Time Out, Critic's Choice. Tricycle Theatre, London July 18th - August 5th, Tuesday - Saturday at 8pm, plus Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £13. Concessions available. Box office 020 7328 1000 or book online www.tricycle.co.uk Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6 7JR (Map). If his Mind Games left you baffled and bewildered, make sure you don't miss this one! "Playing Those ‘Mind Games'" Click Here. 1.7.06

 

Magic on the Fringe... This year's 60th Edinburgh Fringe Festival boasts more magic than ever before (I think!). Thanks to Peter McLanachan for help with the listings. Click links for more information, dates, times and to book.

 

Abracadabra

"Albert and his friends are preparing to perform their spectacular new show. However, all is not well. Are there goblins in the Garden or is Albert the Idiot? Music, magic and mayhem by the masters of children's entertainment."

 

Chris Cox - He Can't Read Minds?

"Multimedia mind reading, magic, psychology and comedy as heard on BBC Radio 1. Chris will read your mind but promises you he can't read minds! 'Utterly unbelievable, best Cox ever' Colin Murray."

 

Hypnotic Hilarity
"Join us on an enchanting and hilarious journey as we travel the globe seeking the key of life. Mind magic, comedy and audience participation. Be inspired, mystified, electrified! Volunteers 18+."

 

Kockov's Free Mind Show
"Mullet-haired Monrokvian magician, 'Kockov', is 'a deranged Derren brown-style' mentalist. His comical show displays amazing mental powers. Real magic, real powers, real funny. Unmissable - free entry. Adults only."

 

Kevin McMahon – Tricks I Have Learned Since Being on Telly
"Refined by Penn and Teller as he excelled in Channel 4's Faking It, Kevin now presents his unique style of comedy-magic. 'Kevin's such a sweetie, you'll be swept along' Heat."

Mario Morris - All Human One Man Magic Show
"Sideshow, street theatre poured into a family comedy magic show. Outstanding magic, mind reading wooden duck, and an escapologist. The children will leave cheering and guardians will leave shocked. A non-patronising family magic show."

Magic@Cafe Royal
"It's a magic show. Three magicians over three weeks. Scott Sullivan from America in week 1, Fringe veteran Ian Kendall's new show in week 2 and FISM champion Paul Nardini in week 3."

 

Magico Theatre Company - Struwwelpeter - In English! (See poster)
"Heinrich Hoffman's classic cautionary tales are brought to life in a show combining physical theatre, music, masque, illusion and more. Developed through improvisational workshops, this humorously macabre piece depicts the gruesome results of misbehaviour."

 

Isabel Fay - Magic Steve's Disappearing Act
"'I'm Annette Cadabra - Magic Steve's lovely assistant! He let me write this cos I'm like the new Debbie McGee, only better coz I'm allowed to talk.' A warped magic circle surrounds this blissfully unaware comic character."

 

Malcolm Marvelle - Master of Mystery and the lovely Rita
"Poached from the 20 seater Twilight Ballrooms in Scratby, this notorious couple present their magic show. But not just any magic show. Miss this and you'll eventually regret it. Scissors!"

Sam Beedle – No Smoke And Mirrors

"Magic... but almost real. A new wave in theatrical illusions to transport you into a unique world. Magic, dance and incredible visuals create a truly unforgettable experience."

And here's one not to be missed, that was hidden away in the Comedy section:


Arturo Brachetti

"Man of a thousand faces, peerless master of transformation, reinvented the art of quick-change. In the blink of an eye he becomes James Bond, Charlie Chaplin, Snow White and Liza Minelli. Leaving audiences mystified, breathless, blown away." 1.7.06

 

David Hawkins is featured in Magic Profile this week. "I’ve been lucky enough to witness some incredible magical moments which will stay with me for a long time. For example having a front row seat for Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants, attending a performance of Steve Cohen’s wonderful Chamber Magic in a top London Hotel, and seeing David Copperfield “fly” at Earls Court. However the moment that really stands out above all others happened only last year when I was part of a standing ovation at the start of Derren Brown’s Something Wicked This Way Comes show in London. To witness the general public reacting with such love and enthusiasm really hit home just how far magic has moved forward. An incredible moment and, I must admit, I had a slight tear in my eye." To read the full profile Click Here. 1.7.06

 

FISM approaches! Representing the UK in the Close-up Competition we have Will Houstoun (Micro Magic), Marc Oberon (Micro Magic), Kevin Gallagher (Micro Magic) and Etienne Pradier (Card Magic). Very best of luck to all four. They will be well supported by a number of British magicians who'll be attending the convention (overseas readers will be pleased to know that unlike English football fans our magic fans are a very civil bunch). FISM, Stockholm, July 31st - August 5th www.fism.com. 1.7.06

 

Mike Danata's Magic Studio have given their website a new look and now offer many more items online. Just in: The Dream Multiplying Silicon Ball Set (40cm) which includes four balls, two gimmicks and an instructional DVD, all for £50.00. The DVD includes: basic shell technique, basic routine, advanced routine, two shell routine, classic palm, finger palm, toss vanish, continue production, Cardini's ball roll, ball roll, vanish, shell subtlety and more. Visit www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk (see Shop / Just In). 1.7.06

 

Scott Penrose lectures at the South Downs Magicians in Turners Hill near Crawley on Wednesday 5th July at 8pm. Visiting magicians welcome. £5.00 charge for non-members. Contact the President, Jonathan Cann for further details on 01444 230409. www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 1.7.06

 

Rentaghost the Musical. After a successful 53 date theatre tour Rentaghost the Musical can be seen at Butlins Holiday Centres throughout the Summer. Six dancers have been added to the cast and there's also a new magic opening number. Stuart and Jayne Loughland (Safire) will be with the show in Skegness on Tuesdays, Minehead on Wednesdays and Bognor Regis on Thursdays, from 23rd May until 29th October, performing magic, illusions and puppets. Visit www.rentaghostthemusical.com. 1.7.06

 

Philip Partridge appears on Radio Manchester at 2.40pm on Tuesday 4th July. You can tune in on 95.1 FM or listen live at www.bbc.co.uk/radio. Philip will be talking about his new websites, his recent close-up magic competition win and his trade show magic for PC World Business. www.philippartridge.co.uk. 1.7.06

 

International News: Showboat Magic! Rod Junor has performed on the Sydney Showboat for more than 15 years; his skills are legendary both as a magician and entertainer and he regularly hosts the Sydney Showboats Dinner Cruise Spectacular. Visiting magicians can now take advantage of a special 50% discount on certain nights (if they book more than one week in advance) via Digiquick Magic, a Sydney based magic dealer. 1.7.06

 

The Order of the Magi Giant Summer Auction. Tuesday 11th July 2006 at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF. Commences at 7.30pm prompt with viewing from 6.30pm. Admission £4 includes free catalogue. For directions and more information visit: www.orderofthemagi.org.uk or contact Entertainments Officer Ian Ball MMC on 01457 835990. You may find that special something that you've been looking, or why not have a clear out and make some money yourself! 1.7.06

 

Mark Leveridge Magic's E-Routines have proved a popular and economical way for customers to receive top effects (in PDF format). Mark Leveridge is now pleased to announce that his Master Routine Series is also now available in the same format. There are 12 routines to chose from, including his Ring and String Routine, the Commercial Sponge Ball Routine and The Borrowed Ring on Pencil. Each Master Routine has been extracted from the hard backed book The Master Routine Series - Collected Works, which means that not only do customers get the latest versions of the routines, they also benefit from the excellent line drawings of Jay Fortune. For more information Click Here. 1.7.06

 

Qualatex targets balloon entertainers. A 4-page 'Qualatex Entertainer Collection' catalogue has been produced by Pioneer Europe Ltd, makers of Qualatex Balloons, aimed solely at the entertainer and twister market. The catalogue contains full details of the 160Q to 646Q range, as well as the full variety of Qualatex entertainer products and Balloon Magic books and magazines. If you would like to receive a copy contact your favourite dealer or call Pioneer on 01279 501090. For details of upcoming Q-Jam events, hosted by Popular balloon entertainer, Dee White CBA, visit www.thequalatexevent.com. 1.7.06

 

Dynamo: the full interview. "When I was growing up I lived on some of the biggest estates in the Bradford area –West Bowling, Wyke and Delph Hill. The thing I found was that people all seemed to follow one another. There seemed to be nothing unique about anyone. They all went to the same school, same college, did the same course… Even the kids who got good grades seemed to struggle because there just weren't many opportunities about – and the opportunities that were there went to people who came from different backgrounds." To read the full interview from the Prince's Trust Click Here. 1.7.06

 

Martin Sanderson lectures at the Home Counties Magical Society (7.30pm for 8pm start) on Thursday 20th July. Non-members are welcome (£5.00 charge). Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield, Reading RG2 9EH (Map) or contact Dan Hudson, Programme Secretary, for more information programme@hcms.org.uk telephone 0118 93 10 981. 1.7.06

 

Northern Magic Circle's Junior Day of Magic is on Saturday 8th July at St. Johns Church Hall, Ashbrooke Road, Sunderland. Amethyst (Daniel Hunt & Annette Claire) will present a workshop and lecture for the juniors and will also star in the mini gala show with their magic and escapology act. During the day there will be an inter-society quiz and competitions which will be open to all 11-16 year olds. Tickets are £12 (lunch and tea included). For more information contact Cynthia Neptune: 0191 2529151. 1.7.06

 

Growing Into His Act. "10 years into his Monte Carlo run, Lance Burton seems more and more the classic magician. The tuxedo looks just right on him now, after wearing one since childhood. 'I'm one of the old guys now,' says 46-year-old magician Lance Burton. 'He always, even as a kid, was pretty set in his ways,' says Mac King, a Harrah's Las Vegas comedy-magician and Burton's friend since they were teens in Louisville, Ky. It often has been told that Burton first decided to become a magician at age 5, when he attended a party at the Frito-Lay plant where his mom worked and a magician pulled a coin from behind his ear. 'He never changed his mind since he was 5 years old,' his mother, Hilma, confirms. 'Most kids, one week they want to do something, another week they want to do something else. But he never changed his mind.'" To read the full story in the Las Vegas Review Journal by Mike Weatherford Click Here. 1.7.06

 

Derren Brown - Trick of the Mind Series 2 on DVD To order from Amazon.co.uk Click Here • "Don't you spook to me!" Click Here • Amardeep Singh Dhanjal is interviewed in the latest Summer issue of 'Asiana' magazine, complete with photo • "Magic reality show casting call" Click Here • "Students learn the magic of making a hobby a career" Click Here • "Hammy Houdini" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 1.7.06

 

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