Last Week: Number 329 - 14th October 2006
The
Prestige opens in the UK on November 10th. From acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento,
Batman Begins), comes a mysterious story of two magicians whose
intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy full of
obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences.
From the time that they first met as young magicians on the rise, Robert
Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) were competitors.
However, their friendly competition evolves into a bitter rivalry making
them fierce enemies-for-life and consequently jeopardizing the lives of
everyone around them. Full of twists and turns, The Prestige is set
against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century London, the exceptional cast
includes two-time Oscar winner Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and David
Bowie. Movie trailer and "behind the scenes" on
http://theprestige.movies.go.com.
Other magic movies in the pipeline include: "Magicians" (in production),
"The Amazing Adventures of Kavalier & Clay" (in development), "Carter
Beats the Devil" (in development), "Death Defying Acts" (in production) and "The Illusionist" (released in the US earlier this
year, no UK release date yet). 14.10.06
Show
me the money! There are still a few places left for entrants in the International
Magic Close-up Competition in London on 25th November 2006. Part of The
International Magic Convention, the winner receives The Kevin Reay Trophy
and £1000 cash, with second and third cash prizes too. This is one of the
most prestigious magic competitions in the world, and a great showcase,
seen by many overseas convention organisers. For a list of previous
winners
Click Here. Last year's competition featured Rick Merrill, Martin
Eisle and Helder Guimeraraes who all went on to be placed at FISM, with
Rick Merrill winning the Grand Prix. With such world class performers
entering it is always one of the most eagerly awaited events at the
convention. Tickets are still available for the whole weekend of events,
or single day tickets are available if you just want to see the
competition,
Click Here. To enter, or for more details, contact Martin MacMillan
martin@internationalmagic.com. 14.10.06
Paul Daniels plays Scrooge in a stage version of Charles Dickens'
immortal A Christmas Story at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft. The family
production is running from December 11th-16th, with three 1.30pm mid-week
matinees, and a 2.30pm Saturday show. Tickets: £7.50 - £16.50 depending on
the show. Concessions available.
www.marinatheatre.co.uk. 14.10.06
Marc
Oberon lectures at Doncaster Magic Club, Regent Hotel, on October 25th.
This is a special one off night. Visiting magicians are welcome for a
small door charge of £5.00. Contact Magix Paul (President) in advance on
07710 933185 to book. On Monday December 4th Monday the club will be
holding an auction from 7pm (11pm finish). Anyone wishing to register
items for sale should also contact the Secretary, Magix Paul, on 07710 933185.
www.doncastermagicclub.co.uk. 14.10.06
Kovari
Magic have a new website featuring Kovari's magic range. As a
performing magician Kovari has many
television appearances to his credit including; "The Sooty Show", "Five
Magic Minutes", "Rainbow", "Illusions", "Jim'll Fix It", "Won't Change
Places" and "The Freddie Starr Show" and has also acted as magical
advisor for films, television and theatrical productions. His original
magic creations are supplied to magicians all over the world and are
manufactured in his own workshop. The new site features online ordering.
Visit
www.kovarimagic.com today!. 14.10.06
Max
Maven - Nothing. "Max Maven traveled from Hollywood to Lake Tahoe. He
brought Nothing but a nice suit. On the way from the airport to the
studio, he stopped at a supermarket for less than ten minutes and spent
less than ten dollars. Once in his room, he spent less than half an hour
preparing, and proceeded to go on stage and do a 50-minute performance of
mentalism. Featuring Eugene Burger, Brandon Combs, Gene Matsuura, Stephen
Minch, Jan Rose and Michael Weber. A two-DVD set (with as much content as
most three-DVD sets). Running time: 3 hours 50 minutes, plus bonus
material." Available for immediate delivery from
www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk (see under "Just In") at £58.00 post paid. 14.10.06
Blackpool Magicians Convention,
latest news: Only 20 VIP Registration
Tickets remain out of the 500 allocated. Registrations are at record
levels this year with over 60% of all Gold Card Registrations already
being sold! To obtain your free book "Sensational Secrets" (price £25.00) you
must register by the 31st December, 2006. The Blackpool dates are 23rd,
24th, 25th February, 2007. Contact "Happy" Arthur Casson on 01253 393688
or visit
www.blackpoolmagic.com. 14.10.06
Simple
and Direct Mentalism by Looch - Out Now! "From the mind of one of
mentalism's rising stars comes an important book of practical, simple and
direct mentalism. Why should you be interested in this book? Because it
features powerful, entertaining close-up mentalism that has been sharpened
to a razor's edge by constant use in the real world. Looch only performs
direct, uncluttered effects that are guaranteed to astound an audience.
Overcoming one of the problems with a lot of mentalism material, Looch has
devised clever ways of retaining the element of surprise in his work,
which elevates the material, even standard plots, to new levels of
astonishment." Find out all about this new publication from
www.alakazam.co.uk. 14.10.06
Chester
Guild of Magicians 50th Anniversary. To celebrate their anniversary
Stephen Cooil has booked the function room at the Ramada Hotel,
Christleton, Chester, on November 3rd, for an evening of magic and celebration starring
spectacular award winning illusionists Safire, and close-up award winner
David Jones. Tickets, which include a three course dinner, are £30.00 each
from Treasurer Phil Fairclough on 0151 355 8340. 14.10.06
John
van der Put has just finished working as the magic advisor for
Punchdrunk on their new show 'Faust', a co-production between them and the
National Theatre. John created some magic for a couple of scenes,
including a version of "Any Drink Called For". The show has sold out
already, but they've just announced they're extending the run until
December so more tickets are available. It's previewing this week, and
opens officially today, Saturday 14th.
www.nationaltheatre.org.uk
www.punchdrunk.org.uk. 14.10.06
Manchester
Circle of Magicians Jumbo Auction takes place on Tuesday 24th October,
2006 at 6.30 pm at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent,
Salford M5 4PE (Map).
Hundreds of items have already been entered and it promises to be the
biggest ever. The British Magical Society have chosen this Auction to sell
valuable artefacts from their museum and they include a number of rare
collectables manufactured by Jos. Bland. The star Auctioneers are Derek
Lever and Mike Shepherd. Members attend free of charge. Non-members £3.00
door charge or join the club for just £10.00 per year. Full details from
Derek Lever, 32 Pilling Lane, Preesall, Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancs. FY6 OEU
Phone/Fax: 01253 810113
deriko@webaplomb.com. 14.10.06
Freaky! 12.30pm
today, Saturday 14th October, on Channel 4. "Dave, Mike, Nige and Phil, four
freaky geezas with mayhem in
mind, bring viewers a mix of interactive magic, surrealism and comedy that
will shock, amuse, bemuse and humour the audience. Joining them are a
selection of the weirdest performance artists and astonishing freaks, and
twins with a fine line in surreal trickery. It's all the product of
several dark, overactive and twisted minds." See
TV Magic. 14.10.06
Derby
Magic Circle Auction and Table Top Sale. Derby Magic Circle are
holding an auction and table top sale of magic on Sunday November 5th from
9.30am at the Breadsall Memorial Hall, Brookside Road, Breadsall, Derby
DE21 5LF. Entry is £3.00 or to book a table £10.00. For further details
contact Simon Goodfellow (Secretary) 01335 345126
magic@syemon.fsnet.co.uk.
The table top sale starts at 9.30am and the auction at1pm. Dealers will be
in attendance and food will be available.
www.derbymagiccircle.co.uk. 14.10.06
Manchester
Circle of Magicians Christmas Party. Derek Lever writes: Manchester
Circle of Magicians have booked star TV Comedian Johnny Casson plus Terry
Seabrooke and Arthur Casson for their annual Christmas Party on Tuesday
12th December, 2006. The night includes a Buffet Supper and tickets are
£15.00 each available from Derek Lever, 32 Pilling Lane, Preesall,
Poulton-Le-Fylde, Lancs. FY6 OEU Phone/Fax: 01253 810113
deriko@webaplomb.com. 14.10.06
Sylvester
Oscar Scary’s House of Illusion. Rodney James Piper and Wayne Goodman
treated all the magicians who have worked for them at Sylvester Oscar
Scary’s House of Illusion throughout this Summer in Spain to an end of
season treat. They were taken to Barcelona to a secret restaurant where
they had a "talk about tricks" lunch with Joshua Jay. Joshua gave an
informal lecture over lunch and talked about his travels in magic. In the
photo Dangerous Ryan, David Taylor, Glenn Bonnar, Joshua Jay, Matt
Edwards, Wayne Goodman and Rodney James Piper. House of Illusion will be
holding auditions in the New Year for Summer '07.
www.everythingents.com
www.houseofillusion.net. 14.10.06
Andy
Nyman will be attending the Hollywood Film Festival in LA on October
20th for the movie 'Played' and will also be a guest at the Cardiff Film
Festival where they are showing two of his movies, 'Shut Up & Shoot Me'
and 'Are You Ready For Love'. Andy will be doing a Question & Answer
session after all screenings and would be happy to meet magicians.
www.cardiffscreenfestival.co.uk The 'Bear trap scene' in
Severance has been shortlisted as the Scariest scene of the year in Total
Film and it is now down to the votes... Visit
www.survey.futurenet.com/totalfilmawards to vote for Andy! See the
'Get Nyman' lecture at The Magic Circle in London on November 13th
(members only). 14.10.06
Mr
Zodiac retires from office. Mr Zodiac (Freddie Firth) has stepped down
as Honorary Editor of The Zodiac Magical Society's magazine 'The Zodiac'
after 40 years, and from the council after serving on it for all sixty
years of the society's life so far. Freddie also served a record 34 years
as President during that time. The photo shows retiring President Jean
Purdy presenting Freddie with a memento and certificate to mark this
remarkable achievement. The new President of The Zodiac Magical Society is
Richard Pinner. His father, Peter Pinner, held this office from 1991-2001.
This is the first time the society has had a second generation member
becoming President.
www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk. 14.10.06
Prestidigital
meets Charlie Frye! Following the Eastbourne Convention the
Prestidigital cameras and crew caught up with the amazing Charlie Frye, to
film an interview before he headed back to Las Vegas. Look out for it on
the next DVD issue of Prestidigital, where he talks about routining,
eccentricks, influences and more; including an excellent bill switch for
good measure. For more information visit
www.prestidigital.tv. 14.10.06
Welcome
to Wonderland - IV. "Witness the impossible as three top magical
illusionists from around the world take to the stage." Producer Gary Scott
takes on the role of his alter-ego "Alucard Van Horn" (billed as a
"magical fright fest") and guest magicians Michael Jay and Tony Spallino
fly in from the States. Also starring the mind trickery of Wayne Clancy,
and compere David Fung. Saturday 21st October, Doors open 6:30pm,
Showtime: 7pm. Venue: Allum Hall, 2 Allum Lane, Elstree, Hertfordshire WD6
3PJ (Map).
Tickets are £10.00 each and include refreshments. Visit:
www.welcome-to-wonderland.com. 14.10.06
Building once held opera house. "A Christmas open house in Colon Village Dec. 2 is expected to go on as planned despite Thursday's fire that devastated a landmark building in the center of town. 'It's a tragedy,' said Greg Bordner, president of the Colon Chamber of Commerce and Abbott Magic Company. 'The building is destroyed. It doesn't really matter at this point what started the fire. The building's gone." To read the full story in Sturgis Journal, Click Here. 14.10.06
Oz Pearlman lecture update. Oz Pearlman has now obtained a work permit and is flying into the UK again this weekend. Tony Griffith emails: "His lecture for the Bath Circle next Friday 20th was cancelled when it was known he had returned to the US. However, I have decided to host his lecture at my home here in Bristol on Friday next 20th. Starting time will be 8pm admission £10 per person. Seating is limited to 15 people only. If a seat is not booked they will not be able to attend." Telephone Tony Griffith on 01275 837017 to book. 14.10.06
Close-up magicians and street magicians wanted! Stuart Watkins has been asked by a major client to provide magicians for promotional work; i.e. street magic/close-up to be performed outside their premises to encourage passers-by to call in and sign up for memberships etc. They will need to work between the hours of 4pm-10pm (with breaks) in the following locations: Cardiff, Glasgow, Dundee, Sunderland, Stockport and Teeside on October 21st and Glasgow, Dundee and Birmingham on October 28th. Call Stuart Watkins on 07763 285078 or email info@livemagic.co.uk for more details and rates. www.livemagic.co.uk. 14.10.06
Children's Entertainers: Heidi's Costumes is holding an open house week from October 16th - 20th from 9.30am - 4pm and will have for sale a selection of costumes and accessories at 100 Woodmere Avenue, Watford, Hertfordshire WD24 7LW. Contact Heidi for details costumes@heidis606.fsnet.co.uk telephone: 01923 254609 www.heidiscostumes.co.uk. 14.10.06
In 2003, Brian Caswell, (creator of Trilogy and Cataclysm), made an hour long documentary following four performers. The idea was not to concentrate on household names, but on four full-time professional magicians, showing the wide variety of work they do, their other interests and their thoughts on magic. The documentary will be screened at the Magical Mayhem club www.magicalmayhem.co.uk on Thursday November 2nd. Brian will follow this with a lecture on the original magic created especially for the film and will also discuss some of his new creations. Brian's newest effects can be seen at www.unearthlymagic.com. 14.10.06
Congratulations to Christopher Williams - awarded Plymouth Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year on Thursday 12th October. Christopher presented two of his own signature effects. Christopher reports that his first book 'A Collection of Card Magic' is selling well. www.magicman13.co.uk. 14.10.06
Val Andrews 1926-2006. Sad to report that magician and prolific writer Val Andrews died following a heart attack on October 12th. 14.10.06
Mike Stokes of Playtime Balloons has been asked to present another Balloon Workshop for the British Ring at next year's Convention in Southport, following his success this year www.playtimeballoons.com • "Illusionist Stephen's debut show will be 'edgy'" Click Here • That's it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 14.10.06