Number 408 - 19th April 2008
Diamond
Jim - first UK lecture tour. Diamond Jim lectures across the UK in
May. The lecture will feature items from his best-selling book and DVD
Pockets Full of Miracles, together with other reputation makers.
Diamond Jim specialises in close-up and stand-up magic and has won awards
from the TAOM and the IBM. His act has been featured at the Magic Castle
on numerous occasions and his magic routines have appeared in every major
US magic magazine. His style is both visual and personable - attend his
lecture and learn why his magic shines! See
What's On for dates.
19.4.08
Michael
Vincent is the guest performer at
The Cardiff
Magical Society's Gala Dinner tomorrow night (Sunday 20th April) at
The Novotel, Schooner Way, Cardiff. On the Sunday morning Michael will
present his brand new lecture 'The Poetry of Conjuring'. To attend the
lecture call the President, Viv Davies, on 02920 792789
www.magicofmagic.com.
19.4.08
John
Archer's dulcet tones can be
heard on 'Hearseys Half Hour' on Sunday, April 20th from
10pm till midnight on Play Radio
UK. "30 minutes of
entertainment crammed into two hours." It's internet radio (he's not big
enough for the nationals yet) but do feel free to phone in or email the
show with complaints or demands for a refund from some convention you saw
him at or something along those lines... John would love to hear from you. The show can be heard again as a podcast from Tuesday the 22nd
(but don't phone in for that one). John can be seen later this year on
tour with Tim Vine (Star of BBC's 'Not Going Out') in May and full tour
dates and venues can be found at
www.timvine.com.
Photo: John Archer, fending off a heckler I would imagine.
19.4.08
British
Ring Convention News - Bob Hayden writes about the 'Micro Magic
Marathon' being introduced at the Eastbourne convention for the first time
this year, in the first of his Convention Updates,
Click Here. Visit
www.britishring.org.uk for convention information and to book.
19.4.08
Bizarre
Bath scoops top award! TripAdvisor.com have just rated Noel Britten's
Bizarre Bath
comedy/magic walk Number One in their 'Things To Do' poll. Visit the
United Kingdom Overview page and then scroll down. The walk is now in
its 17th year (Noel was just a nipper when it started). If you are heading
to the Bristol
Day of Magic on May 4th why not plan to take the walk on the Saturday or
Monday evening? Visit
www.bizarrebath.co.uk for details.
19.4.08
Paul
Zenon can be seen on
Countdown all next week in Dictionary Corner. "Des O'Connor and Carol Vorderman host the show in which contestants race
against the clock to pit their wits against vowels, consonants and
numbers." See TV Magic
for times.
19.4.08
Thirteen
by Nicholas Paul - in stock at JBTV.co.uk "Prepare to blow people away
with Thirteen. You will laugh out loud when you see both the gimmick and
the method for this brilliant piece of magic. Already being called the
trick of 2008, do not miss this. The perfect card at any number, 100%
correct every time. No force, a different card every time. A brilliant
method and gimmick that allows you to perform this classic effect. No
outs, only one deck used, resets itself every time, always bang on the
card. An incredible piece of mentalism, great gimmick, Simple to do -
maximum impact. Perfect for strolling and stand up performers." For more
info and to watch a demonstration
Click Here.
19.4.08
Mark
Townsend, Magic of The Soul – ‘The Lecture’. Ex-Vicar turned Mentalist
/ Mystifier, Mark Townsend, is busy visiting magical clubs and societies
with his spellbinding lecture ‘Magic of The Soul’. So far reactions have
been extremely powerful! As leading Mentalist, Paul Brook, commented: "It
was one of the best lectures I have seen." Last week Mark presented nearly
two hours of material to The British Magical Society. Pat Cross, President
of the Society, said "Your contribution to our evening last night was to
re-awaken that special sparkle, and make our members aware that the
knowledge and skills that they possess are instruments of great value, and
through the medium of their own unique personality, a potent means for
bringing great pleasure and joy into the lives of others. Truly, to
present their magic, this extension of themselves, as 'magic of the soul',
and in defining and presenting this concept, I feel you succeeded most
excellently." For further details of this very unique lecture contact Dave
Taylor on 01568 615882 or Mark himself on 01568 610886 or visit
www.magicofsoul.com.
19.4.08
Magic
Amit has just recorded a spot for a new TV show called Desi's Have
Talent, "A golden opportunity to show your talent to the UK audience
on national television. Desi's Have Talent is the UK's biggest
Asian talent show." The show will be broadcasted on Sky Brit Asia TV in
the next few weeks. For more info visit Amit's website:
www.magicamit.com.
19.4.08
Jack's Magic Shop is
now advertising with MagicWeek. Just added to the range Double Your
Money by Eric Bailey. Visit
www.jackdelvin.co.uk/shop/ for details and to order.
19.4.08
Reel
Magic Quarterly DVD goes bi-monthly! From the next issue there will be
six DVD issues per year instead of just four, delivered to your door,
every two months, post paid too, from
www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk for just £36.00 per year, plus, all
new subscribers will also receive a 15% discount on their first magic
order via the website too. Visit
www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk for details.
19.4.08
Al
Mann Lecture DVD - now available from Lybrary.com "This DVD is a live
lecture Al Mann gave in Vienna, Austria, at the 1. Wiener Zaubertheater,
on November 25th 1984. To my knowledge this is the only DVD available
today showing Al Mann in action. The quality is remarkably good for a live
unscripted recording from a single camera from the 80s. It runs for 1 hour
40 minutes. It is wonderful to see Al in action, as well as pick up a
number of tips and several excellent routines. He also explains a
fantastic card force developed by Robert Parrish. This force is so fair
and completely absent of any sleight-of-hand, that the knowledge of this
alone is worth the entire DVD. Of course, this is just one little bit you
are getting. Al shows two effects with his DiploMental pouch, several
billet tests and two card tricks, plus performance only of the Lexicon
Phenomenon, Master Slate Deluxe, and a symbol prediction. This is followed
by a long Q&A section which reveals quite a bit more in terms of inside
mentalism knowledge. Thanks to the 1. Wiener Zaubertheater, of which I am
a proud member, for making this recording available and allowing me to
offer it for sale." For more information and to order visit
www.lybrary.com.
19.4.08
SCA
President's Night. Scottish Conjurers Association present a lecture by
Alex R Proctor at 7.30pm on Wednesday 14th May. A past president of both
the SCA and The Scottish Association of Magical Societies, Alex has
lectured both in the UK and the USA with great acclaim and will be
performing and teaching magic from his professional repertoire. Venue: The
Scottish Mask and Puppet Theatre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale,
Glasgow G12 0QF (Map).
Entrance is £5.00 for visiting magicians. Contact Brendan Kirk, Club
Secretary:
sca_secretary@fsmail.net or on 01355 238746
www.scottishconjurersassociation.org.uk.
19.4.08
Congratulations
to young magician Jack Gleadow, on another award win! Jack won the
Phillip Theodore Memorial Trophy (1st Place) in the Junior Stage
Competition, together with the Tommy Aldus Cup for Comedy for the funniest
act at
The Northern Magic Circle Spring Parade in Scarborough last weekend.
Congratulations also to Patrica Duncan from Scotland who finished 2nd in
the Junior Stage competition. The judges where John Palfreyman, Clive
Moore and Danny Hunt.
Photo: Jack with Clive Moore, President of The Northern Magic Circle.
19.4.08
Tommy
Templeton lecture.
Edinburgh
Magic Circle host a free lecture by Paisley Magic Circle's Tommy
Templeton at 7.30pm on Monday 28th April. This will take place in their
new venue, The Police Club, 28 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EP (Map).
Doors open 7pm. Guests welcome.
19.4.08
Electric
Empire presents ‘Magic Night’ at Soho Revue Bar on Friday 2nd May.
Doors open 7pm, show starts 8pm. Tickets £10, Concessions £7 via
www.ticketweb.co.uk
or call Ticket Web on 08700 600 100. Starring Marc Spelmann, Oliver Tabor,
Christian Lee, Steve Della, singer Anil Desai and emcee Tiffany Stevenson.
Should be a great night:
www.sohorevuebar.com.
19.4.08
New
Balloon Forum. Graham Lee has launched a balloon forum at
www.balloonchat.co.uk to complement the very successful Care & Share
days that he runs throughout the UK. The forum features 'Model of the
Month', balloon chat challenge, a picture gallery and much more. Upcoming
Care & Share days are in Leeds on Tuesday 29th April (with Twistina) and
Birmingham on Thursday 1st May (with Malcolm Malan) - see for details
www.sempertexballoons.co.uk.
19.4.08
All’s
well at the House of Magic! The House of Magic (UK) in Brook
Street, Stourbridge are extending their shop but work has had to stop
because a well has appeared just where the footings are going. Owner John
says the original building was built in 1860 and this must have been their
water supply. Manager Stuart Millward said "We are open as usual and if
customers want to throw money and make a wish before it’s filled in they
will be very welcome!" Contact Stuart Millward or John Milner on 01384
343545.
www.houseofmagicuk.com.
19.4.08
Houdini
Movie Star. By the year 1919, Harry Houdini was known throughout the
world as a master magician and escape artist. Having conquered the stage,
he set out to rule the screen, appearing in a series of thrillers built
upon his almost supernatural powers. Culled from film archives and private
collections, this DVD set includes all of Houdini's surviving films as an
actor, rare footage of actual handcuff and straitjacket escapes, and a
wealth of historical information. Includes: Thee Master Mystery (1919,
238m, Color Tinted) Terror Island (1920, 55m, B&W) The Man From Beyond
(1922, 68m, Color Tinted) Haldane of the Secret Service (1923, 84m, Color
Tinted) The Grim Game (Fragment, 1919, 5m, Color Tinted) - Special
Features include: Filmed records of Houdini escapes (ca. 1907-23) - Audio
recording of Houdini speaking (1914) - Excerpts from the NY Censor Board
files - Slippery Jim, a 1910 Houdini-inspired comedy - The illusion
Metamorphosis performed by Houdini s brother Hardeen and others.
Just released, all regions, available via Amazon.co.uk,
Click Here.
19.4.08
Andrew
Murray lectures in Ashford this Monday, April 21st. It is a lecture of
two halves: The first half features some of Andrew's own commercial
creations - tricks that he uses every time he works (close-up and stand-up
magic), and the second half is an abridged version of his full day
training programme 'Magic by Numbers'. Doors open at 7.30pm for a prompt
8pm start. Members £5.00, non members welcomed, £10.00 charge. For more
info contact Chris Harding
chris@housefield.freeserve.co.uk or visit
www.downtownmagicclub.co.uk.
19.4.08
Jay
& George. Jay Fortune teams up with George Parker for two shows in
Amsterdam next week on April 26th and 28th, just before the
Queen’s Day festival on April 30th. Contact Jay for more details:
www.jfortune.co.uk.
19.4.08
Dave
Forrest, Ipswich Magical Society, Monday April 21st. The Ipswich
Magical Society will be hosting a lecture by Cardician Dave Forrest on
Monday April 21st. Visiting magicians welcome, but please contact the
secretary first:
www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk.
19.4.08
York
Society of Magicians. "Our next event on Wednesday 14th May 2008 will
be the YSM Auction, this is being held at the Next Generation Fitness
Centre in York, (If you wish to sell your unwanted props please contact us
for a lot number), Visiting magicians are welcome (Admission £2).
Wednesday 11th June: Kaymar Magic dealer demonstration, again visiting
magicians are welcome, there will be a £1 door charge. 7.30pm at Shepherd
Social Club, York. Wednesday 13th August: Star Lecture by Jack Delvin,
7.30pm at the Four Alls, Malton Road, York. Visiting magicians are
welcome, £5 Admission, if you would like to come along, please let us know
so we can reserve your seat for you." Martin Hunt. More info:
www.yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk.
19.4.08
Congratulations
to Chris (Woody) Dinwoodie, winner of the Scottish Conjurers'
Association's annual Close-up contest last week. Woody was one of 7
competitors who entertained around 40 members and 7 guests in what proved
to be a very enjoyable evening. His act consisted of a very slick rope
routine, crazy man's handcuffs, and an impressive display of sleight of
hand with coins that culminated in the production of a giant coin. Added
to all of this, he couldn't resist bringing out his trademark hotrod (!).
David Lees was placed second and Steven Holt third.
19.4.08
The Society of World Deaf Magicians recently held their conference festival at Los Angles. Johnny Fantastica won the World Deaf Merlin Stage Magic for the UK and was awarded 2nd place in the World Deaf Comedy Magic section. Johnny was reelected as President of the Society and can be seen performing both winning acts at the Scottish Deaf Magicians in Aberdeen in May. The next World Deaf Festival is in Rimini, Italy, in 2010. 19.4.08
Amethyst (Danny Hunt and Annette) Houdini Lecture report. Ian Wragg, President, Darlington Magic Circle, reports: It was with great pleasure that we at the Darlington Magic Circle sat thoroughly enthralled at their lecture. It was clear to all that both Danny and Annette are masters of the craft and with great banter and humour Danny gave a lecture of two halves. The first being about Houdini and his life with a fantastic encyclopedic knowledge of Houdini and his methods, along with some great examples of some of Houdini's shackles and even some films clips of the man himself - he held us spellbound. Danny was worried about time but we had him continue, not once did it seem too long due to his performance and interaction with us and our many questions. The 2nd half was purely on lock-picking and escapes, boy did he tip many secrets in this part! He inspired a few who had never even thought about escapology to try lock picking, and was very gracious with his tuition afterwards. Danny and Annette are great couple with a fantastic lecture that I would not hesitate to recommend it to anyone. A fantastic night. 19.4.08
The Magicians of Mann present an Evening of Magic at the Peel Centenary Centre on Saturday 19th April at 7.30pm. "The show will include startling sensations and illusions eclipsing anything ever attempted in the world of magic." Tickets available on the door, visit www.peelcentenarycentre.com. 19.4.08
Reg Maskell. "It is with huge regret that we have to announce that ACES dear friend Reg Maskell died last week after being ill for some time. Reg was a true gentleman of magic and with his many routines performed to rhyme, Reg was always a delight to watch - an absolute entertainer and friend to so many. Our love and thoughts go out to Reg's wife Margaret and his family at this very sad time." All the members of ACES Magic Society, Lewes. 19.4.08
"Houdini,
with Score by Elfman and Yazbek, Aiming for Broadway Arrival in Spring
2010"
Click Here •
"A variety pack!"
Click Here • Magic inventor Angelo Carbone lectures for The Magic
Circle on Monday April 21st 7.30pm start (members only) • Dale Shrimpton
reviews the South Shields convention this week,
Click Here and Elliott Hodges reviews a recent lecture by James Brown,
Click Here • "Criss Angel show in Las Vegas named after Houdini
legend"
Click Here • "Cirque announces Criss Angel's Believe"
Click Here • "Could it be magic?"
Click Here • "Woman arrested for murdering magician husband"
Click Here • "Magician elected as president"
Click Here • "Fundraising night by Southport magicians on the cards"
Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK magic news is always
welcome - see you next week, Duncan.
19.4.08