Number 353 - 31st March 2007

 

You'll like this... Paul Daniels tops the bill at Gary Young's 11th Top Secret Magic Day in Bedford on June 3rd. As well as lecturing Paul Daniels will star in the whole of the second half of the Gala Show. Also lined up for the day: to lecture Aldo Colombini and Nicholas Einhorn, a star comedy hour with Mandy Muden, workshops with Paul Gordon and Aldo Colombini, a full evening show starring Terry Seabrooke, Zane, Mandy Muden, Aldo Colombini, Martyn James & Company and Paul Daniels, loads of magic dealers, the Top Secret Café, and more! Visit www.topsecretmagicday.co.uk for more information and to book. Always a great day. (Celebrity Wife Swap, tomorrow - don't miss it! TV Magic.) 31.3.07

 

Illusions Magic Bar & Restaurant to open in Cheltenham. Manchester's Pure Magic Bar closed its doors at the end of January (re-opening as a disco). The owners didn't lose any money, but the location just wasn't right so this time they are heading South to the spa town of Cheltenham, on the edge of the Cotswolds. Mark Bennett emails "The Bar was a great base for magicians to meet and have some fun working behind the bar. David Stone had a great time as did Dynamo and Doc Eason. I would love to thank the lads Magic Sam, Magic Matt, Andy Dextrous, Simply Magic Lee, Magic Chris, Dr Magic Jon and Magic Al for all their hard work. I would also like to thank my regulars, John Doe, Sparks (Magic Ste) Magic Simon, and Matt Coleman and of course the guys from the Liverpool Magic Circle, and all that popped in - thanks!" The new venue is set to open in a few months, we'll keep you posted. www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk (Picture: Artist's impression). 31.3.07

 

Northern Magic Circle Easter Parade. 7th -9th April at the Swallows Three Tuns Hotel, New Elvet, Durham, County Durham, DH1 3AQ (Map). Featuring: Gala shows, Dealers, Competitions, Workshops, Children's Showtime, Junior Show and a Ladies Event. For the full programme on PDF Click Here Registration officer: Bill Peckitt, 18 Pentland Drive, Huntington, York YO32 9PQ Telephone 01904 762910. www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk. 31.3.07

 

Introducing MagicCave.co.uk Londoners or regular visitors to London will no doubt be familiar with the magic and jokes stall in Covent Garden known as The Magic Cave. Established for over 20 years, it's recently taken on new ownership and now boasts an extended range of professional magic items as well as a new e-commerce website containing over 6000 products! In accordance with the beliefs of the new owners, there is a strong emphasis on privacy and consequently you'll need to answer a series of magic related questions to gain access to the restricted magicians only area with complete product and price listings. Visit the main site www.magiccave.co.uk or for access to the restricted area visit www.magiccave.co.uk/inside. 31.3.07

 

Blackpool Magicians' Club have now opened their Registration Desk for the 2008 Convention which takes place on Friday, Saturday and Sunday 22nd, 23rd and 24th February, 2008. Already over 200 VIP Gold Cards have been sold, leaving just 300! Opening the full Dealers Fair from 1pm on the Friday proved to be a huge success so this will be continued for the 2008 Convention. Details and a downloadable Registration Form are on www.blackpoolmagic.com or contact Arthur Casson, 44 Bryan Road, Blackpool, Lancs. FY3 9BE Telephone 01253 393688 Email arthurcasson@aol.com. 31.3.07

 

Houdini Relatives Against Exhumation. "The family of Harry Houdini's widow wants to block a plan to exhume the escape artist's remains, saying a disinterment to determine whether he was murdered smacks of sensationalism. 'It is our firm belief that Bess Houdini would never approve of this,'' said a statement from her grandnephews, John and Jeffrey Blood. 'The family believes this is likely being done to promote sales of a recent book on Harry Houdini, suggesting he may have been murdered.'" To read the full story in the Guardian Click Here. 31.3.07

 

The Order of the Magi Annual Dinner and Cabaret. Elizabeth Warlock is seen here receiving a retirement gift from Magi President Barrie Horridge on behalf of Magi Honorary Member Donald Bevan, the former editor of Abracadabra at the societies dinner on Friday 23rd March. "The cabaret gave laughter all the way and opened with High Jinx the very visual sibling duo. Following on came Michael Pearse with non stop one liners and topping was John Archer another comedy great. You hadn’t finished laughing at the last line before the next one hit you." Geoffrey Newton PRO. 31.3.07

 

Magic Dave, the United Kingdom's Children's Entertainer of the Year 2004, has just had a new website produced that allows users to order his recently released DVD for children's entertainers PartyTime, together with a number of other items, simply, online: www.magicroundabout.net. 31.3.07

 

Two new DVDs from Alakazam. "On the 20th January 2007 Close up Magicians from around the world came together for a gathering like no other... Allan Ackermann, Jon Armstrong, Jamie Badman, James Brown, Luke Dancy, Mike Davis, Dynamo, Andi Gladwin, Wayne Houchin, Rob James, Oli Mealing, Robert Moreland, Tyler Wilson, It's time to take your front row seat at the convention and learn from some of the leading close-up magicians from around the world. So sit back, relax and enjoy The Session!" and... Bright Ideas by Christopher Williams "Bright Ideas is a collection of killer commercial card effects. On this DVD you will see Christopher Williams performing the effects in a live situation drawing some spectacular reactions with his stunning visual card magic." Visit www.alakazam.co.uk for more information and video clips. 31.3.07

 

The Complete Magic Party. After two years of preparation, Mark Leveridge is pleased to announce the publication of his completely revised and updated book The Complete Magic Party. The original two Magic Party books, which were released in 1988 and 1996 respectively, have been combined and many of the sections completely re-written. The new book is hardback, with 189 A4 pages and over 70 colour photos. It features a wealth of information on running a commercial games and magic show for children's parties; plus it gives full details of 10 warm-ups, over 40 games and 20 magic routines. Mark has been entertaining children professionally for over 30 years and this book brings all of his experience together into one quality volume. Available now from www.markleveridge.co.uk. 31.3.07

 

Connoisseur Conjuring had a major setback recently when, during what should have been a routine software update, the site was almost totally whiped out! Richard James emails: "Thankfully, backups were available for most of the information, so it is back - bigger and better than ever before! We now have a fully operational Forum, a Video Lounge, an online Store and much more. There is also a competition running where members can win a DVD with required Props! If you have never visited us before, may I extend this invitation to you now? Also, as a special offer to MagicWeek visitors, I am offering a free upgrade. After you join, simply send Richard a PM, mentioning that you found us via MagicWeek, and you will be given full access to all areas of the Website and Forums." Visit the all new www.cc-magic.co.uk today! 31.3.07

 

French magician David Stone has just appeared on the most famous talk show in Norway (YouTube: Part 1 Part 2) David will be back in the UK for the Bristol Day of Magic on May 13th www.bristolmagic.co.uk. 31.3.07

 

Bertini Coin Magic DVD. "The performances demonstrate a never-before seen and original coin manipulation system. You won't believe your eyes! Although not for beginners, a study of these moves will enhance your present arsenal of sleights in ways you never dreamed. You will find a collection of equipments, steals, fake transfers, switches, productions, and loads, designed to whiz by the closest observer." Click Here to watch a clip (it's great stuff!) and visit www.martinbreese.com for more clips and to order. 31.3.07

 

Matthew Duggan is a new addition to The Magic Waiters team. Matthew will be joining Alfonso Rios and Noora Karma as they fly out to Dubai on April 1st to entertain guests at The Mall of the Emirates Kempinski Hotel. On his return in May he'll be working on designing magic effects for the Cambridge Shakespeare Festival’s production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream before taking on the role of Puck. Now in its 20th year the festival runs from 9th July until the end of August. www.workingmagic.co.uk. 31.3.07

 

Pasteboard Devices: And the beguiling finesses within compositions of legerdemain. April 8th and 14th 11am to 3pm, London. "The card workshop pertains to an entire system for doing card magic by using two card sleights. The lesson and notes reveal and instruct two card sleights. Participants have the opportunity to witness Armando executing these sleights within original compositions of legerdemain. Emphasis is on theory, application, and performance. A few routines are shared to get you started in applying the sleights. The routines are structured with artistic and theatrical considerations. In this way, you may use these routines as templates for structuring other routines in the same manner. Included in the workshop are two sets of notes with full explanations on the two sleights (routines not included). All workshop people will be given access to view some of the routines from the workshop shown as QuickTime movies on a secured website (performance only). All those who attend the workshop are required to sign a legally binding non-disclosure agreement." Tickets $500.00 attendance limited to 5 people. Reservations via cardworkshop@armandolucero.com Telephone 020 8816 7734. Visit www.armandolucero.com for more information. 31.3.07

 

Tony Binarelli lectures at the Leicester Magic Circle Headquarters, Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6ES (Map) at 7.30pm on Bank Holiday Monday, May 7th. Visitors welcome, contact the Secretary Barry J Martin for more details 01509 843066 lmcircle@hotmail.com. 31.3.07

 

The Magic Awards. Edd C. Withers, the man behind www.themagicwoods.co.uk magic forum has just launched a new website: themagicawards.com. "TMW Awards are awards given to magicians, tricks and institutions in the magic industry, by fellow magicians. Nominations are made by magicians on The Magic Woods forum, and then anyone is welcome to vote on The Magic Woods Awards website. The awards cover everything from best new trick, to best magic website, and the awards are run annually in April." To find out more visit www.themagicawards.com. 31.3.07

 

Congratulations to Ozzy Symons winner of this year's Devon Magic Circle Close-up Competition. This is the second time Ozzy has won the cup. Ozzy won the competition a few weeks ago but it has taken him this long to prise the cup from the clutches of eleven-times winner Gary Jones; he just didn't want to let go! www.corporatemagic.info. 31.3.07

 

Alex Moffat devised the close-up act that resulted in him winning The Leicester Magic Circle Close Up Competition on Monday March 19th just over eight months ago, and worked on it ever since. The act included sleight of hand card magic and the breaking and restoration of the arm of a spectators pair of glasses on the spur of the moment! Alex has been a member of the society since the age of 16 (he is now 29) and mainly performs in and around York and Leeds. He was awarded Roy Johnson Shield. www.alexmoffat.co.uk. 31.3.07

 

Congratulations to Will Gray on winning The Leicester Magic Circle's Sir Julien Cahn Cup for Stage Magic for the second year running. The competition, now in its 71st year, has been won by magic names Roy Johnson, Wayne Dobson and Chris Dugdale in the past, this year's competition was held at Water Leys School at Wigston on Friday 23rd March and the magical judges were James Parker and Jimmy Carlo. www.willgray.co.uk. 31.3.07

 

Clive Hyams wins close-up title for a fifth time! Better known as Mr Mysto to all his younger fans, Clive Hyams was crowned winner of the Surrey Close-up Magician of the Year title two weeks ago for a fifth time. Clive impressed the two lay judges and top magical judge, President of The Magic Circle, Alan Shaxon, with an act that included card magic, bottle tops and even some metal bending. Clive had been working on the act over recent months in an attempt to recapture his crown, having won it four times in the past, but not in recent years. Clive has the distinction of being the only competitor to have taken part every year since the competition's inception in 1992. Steve Lobley was placed second and Gordon Drayson third. Congratulations to all three (photo, left to right: Steve Lobley, Clive Hyams, Gordon Drayson). www.mrmysto.co.uk. 31.3.07

 

Frank E Haschka wins CMS Cabaret Competition. Monday 26th March saw relative newcomer Frank E Haschka scoop this year's title at Cardiff Magical Society's annual Cabaret Competition. A late entry, and up against other great acts including those of previous winners, Frank presented 9 minutes and 56 seconds of musically backed pure magical entertainment. Rumour has it the judges are still trying to figure out some of his moves, which in itself is one heck of an accolade. www.rightbeforeyoureyes.co.uk. 31.3.07

 

Marc Oberon lectures at the Winchester Magical Society on Thursday 5th April - visitors from other clubs are welcome (£5 charge) Not to be missed. Contact John Harris johnernharris@hotmail.com for details. 31.3.07

 

Virgin Comics to Produce Masked Magician Graphic Novel. "Nash Entertainment is resurrecting the Masked Magician, the star of Nash's five Breaking the Magician's Code: Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed specials, which scored big ratings for Fox in the late 1990s. The specials caused a fuss with professional magicians, who were upset that some of the industries best tricks and illusions were being dissected on primetime TV. In the fourth special, the magician removed his mask; turns out it was Val Valentino, a figure well-known on the illusion circuit..." To read the full story from Superhero Flix Click Here. 31.3.07

 

The Magician's Daughter is the title of BBC Radio Four's Afternoon Play at 2.15pm on Friday April 6th "Comedy drama by Adam Beeson, set in 19th-century Europe. A celebrated magician is shot on stage. With his dying breaths, he passes on the secrets of his spectacular act to his daughter. Fearing pursuit by jealous rivals, she disappears. With James Bryce, Paul Young, Lucy Paterson, Richard Conlon. Director: Bruce A. Young." See TV Magic for Radio and TV listings. 31.3.07

 

Feed The Children Variety Performance 2007 is reviewed by David Hawkins this week, Click Here • Gordon Collin is selling his magic book collection via a dedicated website: www.mybooklist.co.uk • Thanks to David Prior for this link "Now, that's MAG 1C" Click Here • Wayne Dobson WD40 - Hardback edition now ready for immediate shipping via the publishers: www.magicseen.co.uk • "Larry Scott: Brooklyn’s joke man preps us for April Fools Day." Click Here • "Making magic" Click Here • "Mandan man wants to be a magician" Click Here • "Student magician's success no illusion" Click Here • "Hey presto! It's Loony Lenny" Click Here • "Magician has tricks up his sleeves to entertain" Click Here • "Magician returns to roots in Richmond" Click Here • Your magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan. 31.3.07

 

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