Number 431 - 27th September 2008

 

Jonathan Shotton clocks-up competition win! Many congratulations to Jonathan Shotton - awarded 'The British Ring Shield' (first place) in Wednesday's British Ring stage competition, for his original visual act, themed around clocks and watches. Jonathan was also the deserved winner of the originality trophy. Congratulations also to second place winner Rev-Illusion and third place winner Joe Ray, who was also awarded 'The Dittia Shield' for manipulation. Young Edward Hilsum from Kent deserves a mention here too - a great smile that reached to the back of the circle, and some fine magic as well. We'll see more from this young man in the future. Twelve acts competed, which would have been just about right, but the time between acts was simply too long so the show lacked any sort of pace. Steve Evans compered by reading out jokes that had been submitted to him during the preceding weeks. The close-up winners were also announced on the Friday evening... 27.9.08

 

John van der Put pots prize! John van der Put was awarded first prize in Thursday's Close-up Competition winning the 'Zina Bennett Trophy'. Rob James was placed second and was also awarded the Rovi Trophy for card skill, and Will Gray was awarded third place. Mr Avista won the newly introduced Micro Marathon (in which registrants had a vote) and Practical Magic were awarded the Dealers Trophy for the best display. Congratulations to all. DT. 27.9.08

 

The Witches of Eastwick touchdown in Epsom. Last year James Fortune MIMC directed HMS Pinafore to critical acclaim - selling out on all nights. This year, he is directing "The Witches of Eastwick" a delightful production, which will play the Epsom Playhouse in Surrey from Tuesday 14th October to Saturday 18th October nightly at 7.30pm, with a matinee on the Saturday 2.30pm. James said "I would love my magical friends to come to the show and I know they will enjoy it. It is a funny, fast-action musical with great singing and dancing, flashy costumes, wonderful magic, super flying and other special effects to make this my most exciting show ever! Scott Penrose, the Chairman of The Magic Circle, has been involved in helping make this a truly magical production. I promise you, it will be the best £16 you have spent in a long time! I'll be in the auditorium every night so I'm looking forward to seeing you there." Tickets are £16.00 each. Theatre Box Office: 01372 742555 or 01372 742227, or contact James directly: james@magicfun.co.uk telephone 020 8763 1995. 27.9.08

 

Pete Firman appeared on ITV's new variety show 'For One Night Only' a couple of weeks ago, and did a great job. Pete is currently on nationwide tour with his one man show, 'Flim-Flam'. Shows have been selling out, but tickets are still available for some upcoming performances, see www.myspace.com/petefirman for tour dates. "The leading light in the new magic scene." Time Out. "We love you Pete!" MagicWeek. 28th Sep 8pm - The Cavern, Bath. 19th Oct 6.30pm - Brighton Dome, Brighton. 22nd Oct 8.15pm - Frog & Bucket, Manchester. 24th Oct 8pm - Comedy Festival, Hull. 26th Oct 7pm - Hilarity Bites, Darlington. 30th Oct 8.30pm - The Comedy Box, Bristol. 31st Oct 7pm - The Glee, Birmingham. 2nd Nov 8pm - Bottle Rocket, Leicester. 3rd Nov 9.15pm - Free Beer Show, Oxford. 6th Nov 7.30pm - Arts Centre, Helmsley. 7th Nov 8pm - The Arc, Stockton. "Firman in a tricky situation" Click Here. 27.9.08

 

Blaine defends upside down stunt. US illusionist David Blaine has responded to critics who claimed he had misled people over his latest stunt. The 35-year-old spent 60 hours hanging upside down in New York, but has been criticised by some for taking breaks to use the toilet and drink water." To read the full story and watch a video clip from the BBC Click Here. 27.9.08

 

Congratulations to Peter Pinner (right) winner of the Rex Taylor Mental Magic Competition last week at The Zodiac Magical Society. This is the fourth time that Peter has won the competition! Peter's seen here receiving the cup from President Richard Pinner. Stephen Barry was a close runner-up. www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk. 27.9.08

 

Ravi Mayar - 'official magician' for Asiana magazine. After impressing magazine owner Sarwar Ahmed and managing director Ashok Thawan together with hundreds of Asiana guests at recent Asiana celebrity events, Ravi has been named their 'official magician. He is seen here on the red carpet at Asiana's recent Fashion and Industry party. Ravi is featured in Asiana's spring 2008 issue and will also be featured in future articles. "My goal is to take the art of magic into an already magical culture, in the hope that future young Asians will be inspired to push art even further." www.ravimayar.com 27.9.08

 

Mel Harvey will be appearing at the Kirby Muxloe Golf Club, Leicester on Saturday 4th October for the Leicester Magic Circle's Annual Dinner. Mel will be presenting his award-winning comedy cruise act and introducing manipulator Brian Sefton and illusionist Andrew Green. www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk. 27.9.08

 

David Ginn presents a lecture on Christmas Magic, the last of his current tour, on Friday 24th October at 7.30pm at Davenports Magic Studio, 5-7 Charing Cross Underground Arcade, The Strand, London WC2 4HZ. Tickets: £10.00 Contact: Bob Pamplin bob@lsmmagic.co.uk. See What's On for other dates. 27.9.08

 

South Downs Magicians present a lecture by Lynn Thomas, street entertainer, restaurant magician and cabaret performer, on Wednesday, October 1st at 8pm at Handcross Parish hall, High Street, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6BJ (Map). "Lynn appeared on the BBC2 programme Clowns earlier this year. Come along to see some magic and hear some anecdotes about the perils and pitfalls of being a modern performer." Visitors £5. Further information from club secretary Paul Bromley on 01444 871161 or visit www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 27.9.08

 

Stephen Barry was invited to entertain guests at this year's TV Quick / TV Choice awards after show party, and is seen here with Ant, who, as you can see from his expression, was suitably impressed! www.stephenbarry.co.uk. 27.9.08

 

The Blackpool and Fylde Mystics are currently researching their history and would appreciate any information from anyone who has had dealings with them in the past, or were past members of the society - contact Alan Mylecraine at info@fyldemystics.co.uk if you can help with any information. 27.9.08

 

Matt Parro, Stuart Harley and Geoff Hunt have been adding the finishing touches to their Eastbourne Convention blog: www.ibmconvention.blogspot.com. 27.9.08

 

Merlins of Wakefield are currently experiencing problems with their website. Users can view some items at www.merlinswakefield.co.uk but can not place an order. If you need any items please contact them by phone on 01924 339933 or email them your phone number merlins@btconnect.com and they will ring you back. The problem will be sorted as soon as possible and they would like to apologise for any inconvenience. 27.9.08

 

House of Magic (UK) 10 week Magic Course. House of Magic (UK) are launching a weekly beginners magic course, spread over ten weeks, from Wednesday October 8th. The course costs £43.40 to sign up for, and then £11.00 per lesson for the following nine weeks. If paying for the entire course on their first night you will benefit from a 15% discount and pay just £121.00 in total. Cards, Ropes, Sponge balls, gimmicks and more will be covered over the length of the course. For more information contact www.houseofmagicuk.co.uk. 27.9.08

 

Miracles of Modern Magic by Claude Klingsor has just been translated into English by Pierre-Ulric Achour, and is now exclusively available from Lybrary.com as an ebook. "This is an ebook on enabling miracles with electronics. Magicians have always used the latest technology to create their wonders. Claude Klingsor from Belgium has specialized in using electronics to create miracles." For more information visit www.lybrary.com • "The best place... to see proper magic" Click Here • D May reviews the Nottingham Guild of Magicians' Evening of Magic and Illusion, Click Here • Simon Shaw reviews John B. Born's recent lecture for the Ipswich Magical Society, Click Here • That's it for this week. News of upcoming UK magic events always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 27.9.08

 

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