Number 437 - 8th November 2008

 

The 25th International Magic Close Up Competition for the 'Kevin Reay Trophy' takes place on the morning of Saturday 29th November during the 37th Annual International Magic Convention. This is one of the world's most prestigious magic competitions, having attracted some of the most respected names in the magic world to compete during the past 25 years. This year looks to be no exception - with a total of 16 performers from 10 different countries entering. Here are this year's competitors, in the order that they'll be appearing in: 1 Troy von Schreibner (UK), 2 Vittorio Belloni (Italy), 3 Woody Aragón (Spain), 4 Kolos Parkanyi (Hungary), 5 Igor De Ruitz (Italy), 6 Tatsuya Mishimagi (Japan), 7 Shawn Farquhar (Canada), 8 Matthew Wright (UK), - interval - 9 Gary Charm (Hong Kong), 10 Dynamo (UK), 11 Toto (Japan), 12 Johan Stahl (Sweden), 13 Giacomo De Carlo (Italy), 14 Richard Turner (USA), 15 Kiko Pastur (Spain), 16 René Frotscher (Germany). Don't miss this year's event, register online via www.internationalmagic.com. All events are held at the Shaw Theatre/Novotel Euston, 100 - 110 Euston Road, London NW1. The competition will start at 10am on the Saturday. 8.11.08

 

A Day of Magic at The Arcola Theatre, London - Sunday 16th November. In three parts: 1. Open Magic Class 3pm - 4.30pm Led by John van der Put and Standnotamazed. Cards and tricks all provided courtesy of Alakazam, the online magic shop where the professionals shop. Free event. 2. Hocus Pocus 5.30pm - 6.30pm Paul Kieve (Daniel Radcliffe's personal magic teacher) and consultant to many hit West End shows will perform his spellbinding presentation based on his new book 'Hocus Pocus'. Includes recreations of several mind-boggling feats of magic! With live music by Daniel Kieve. "Brilliantly Intriguing" Derren Brown. Tickets £4.00 / £3.00. 3. Magic to Cry For 7pm - 8.30pm Standnotamazed and Piff "the cutest magic performing dragon of all time" (Bizarre Magazine) present their sell out cabaret show, with special guest star John Archer, The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year. £10.00. Box Office and more information: 020 7503 1646. A Day of Magic at The Arcola Theatre, 27 Arcola Street, London E8 2DJ (Map). 8.11.08

 

Electric Empire presents ‘Magic Night’ at Soho Revue Bar, on Friday 21st November: Starring Chris Cross (physically impossible stunts and escapes), Micheal Vadini (audiences gasp out loud - amazing magic), Bob Percy (catching bullets in his teeth - be afraid... be very afraid), Lady Carol (husky voiced songstress - covers songs by Nirvana, Radiohead and other pop bands!), plus Chris Fitchew of 'Lick and Chew' and Christian Lee (C4s 'Psychic Night') with close-up magic from Neil Henry. Doors open 7pm, Show starts at 8pm, Tickets £10.00, Concessions £7.00 www.ticketweb.co.uk or call Ticket Web on 08700 600 100. Soho Revue Bar, 11 Walkers Court, Soho, London W1 www.sohorevuebar.com. 8.11.08

 

All Star Family Fortunes, 8.50pm on Saturday 8th November on ITV1. "Vernon Kay presents another round of the nation's favourite game show, as two celebrities compete to win thousands of pounds for their selected charities. Magician and TV presenter Paul Daniels takes on actor and ex-EastEnder Joe Swash." 8.11.08

 

Magician leaves stars stumped. "He's had Danielle Lloyd bouncing off in confusion and left R&B stars Akon and Nelly baffled by his illusionary excellence. So just what is it that makes celeb party magician Damien O'Brien's tricks so special? We invited Damien to Sun HQ to find out – and it wasn’t long before the magic he performs at showbiz events left us dumbfounded and questioning the very workings of the universe." To read the story and watch a video clip in The Sun Click Here. Damien will be presenting an award at this year's Urban Music Awards at the O2 Arena on Saturday 15th November. The show will be aired on ITV 2 at a later date. www.damienobrien.com. 8.11.08

 

International News: British magic producer Paul Stone is staging two all-new shows in Las Vegas, this month and next. On November 14th, 15th and 16th at 7.30pm at Suncoast Hotel & Casino Variety Live stars. Jeff Hobson, Charlie Frye & Co, Joseph Gabriel, Larissa, Ben Stone, Rob Torres and Antje Pode and on December 12th, 13th, & 14th at 7.30pm also at Suncoast Hotel & Casino World Stars of Magic stars Kevin James, Tony Chapek, John Archer and The Great Tomsoni & Co. 8.11.08

 

Christmas Seaside Special. A Mix of Music, Comedy, Song and Dance with a Seasonal Twist. Starring Mark Worgan - Comedy Magician (photo), Johnny Laff - Comic, Joanna Kyprianou - Lead Vocalist, Eddie Bushell - Lead Vocalist, and the Christmas Seaside Special Dancers. With a special guest spot by Keith Loads. 5th December - 27th December 2008. Pavilion Theatre, Cromer Pier, Norfolk. Box Office: 01263 512495. Prices: Adults £15.50 (Conc £12.75), Groups 10+ £12.25, Under 14's £7.50, Family Ticket £43.00. 8.11.08

 

Magic Hands! Is the title of the international newsletter for deaf magicians, published by the Society of World Deaf Magicians. Society President John Gapp kindly emailed us a copy, which is produced in Word.doc format. Published every two months, the newsletter, which feels more like a magazine, features 16 pages full of deaf related magic news from around the world. For more information, or to request a copy, email John Gapp: johngapp@fantastica.freeserve.co.uk. 8.11.08

 

Five of Hearts Magic range - in Bournemouth! Mike Danata's Magic Studio in Bournemouth have been so impressed with the Five of Hearts Magic range produced by Colin and Sharron Rose that they have decided to hold stock, in their studio in Bournemouth. If an item is on their site then it will be in stock, but often quantities will be very limited as this is a sought-after range, so hurry! Visit www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk (see the 'Just In' page). 8.11.08

 

Many congratulations to Jayne Corrigan - winner of the Bristol Society of Magic's Close Up Magician of the Year Competition on Thursday October 30th. This is the first time a female magician has won the competition. For more on Jayne visit: www.magicbyjayne.co.uk. www.bristolmagic.co.uk. 8.11.08

 

Matthew Garrett lectures for the Magical Mayhem Club in Hitchin on Thursday 13th November. The close-up lecture: Magic at the Dinning Table will include a whole section on his recently released routine Ninja+. It begins at 7.30pm and finishes at 10pm. Admission is free to magicians. Venue: Magical Mayhem, The Sun Hotel, Hitchin SG5 1AF (Map). 8.11.08

 

Congratulations to Stephen Williams on becoming Liverpool Magic Circle's Close-up Magician of the Year. "Stephen's polished performance took the first prize in what was a closely fought competition. Stephen is also the current Liverpool Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year and holds the prestigious title of Junior World General Magic Champion as well. www.swmagic.co.uk. Photo: Stephen is presented with the award by Liverpool Magic Circle President Alan Singleton. Reported by Dan Burgess. 8.11.08

 

Corporate Close Up 2 - The Secret is Out! RSVPMagic.com are about to release their largest project to date, featuring eight top close-up magicians: Corporate Close Up 2 – The Secret is Out! "Our first DVD release Corporate Close Up 1 with Martin Sanderson was a huge success and made quite an impact on the magic world. This new DVD set takes over from where the original left off. A lot of people loved Martin’s DVD, but always asked when would there be something that covered all of the practical aspects of performing in a corporate environment, such as: arriving at a gig, best opening effects, pocket management, dealing with the client, how to get staff on your side, the survival kit, table approach, dealing with people that hate magic, closing effects, and so on. This DVD set does just that and much more. It also includes nine great routines!” said Russ Stevens. Magicians featured are Harry Robson, Shaun McCree, Quinten Reynolds, Iain Moran, Barrington Powell, Derek Lever, Chris Stevenson and Andy Dean. Hosted by Mike McClean. You can learn more about this exciting new project by visiting www.rsvpmagic.com. 8.11.08

 

Many congratulations to 12 year old James Holdsworth, first-prize winner of the Junior Close-up Competition at the Southend Sorcerers Society. James has also been voted 'best newcomer' to the club. Photo: James receiving his award from club president Adrian Fox. 8.11.08

 

Creative Magic Lecture/Teach-in Day - on the road. Following Tony Griffith's Creative Magic Lecture/Teach-in Day on Sunday 2nd November at his home in Bristol, he has now decided to take the 'Day' on the road. Tony presented this 'At Home' as he calls it as a pre convention event at the South Carolina Association of Magicians Convention in Columbia, USA a couple of years ago with great success. He is now planning his 2009 schedule and would be interested to hear from any magic club or group of magicians who might be interested in an 'in depth' day. The event, which is limited to 10 persons to ensure good group rapport, has received great reviews in both the magical press and in the review section of MagicWeek. For more details visit www.tonygriffith.co.uk. 8.11.08

 

Lotsofmagic.co.uk is a new online magic auction site, devoted solely to the buying and selling of magic props, equipment and general paraphernalia associated with the entertainment industry. Now in beta testing mode, until its official launch in January 2009. For registration details and information visit www.lotsofmagic.co.uk today!. 8.11.08

 

International News. Congratulations to Lex and Alina - "At the German 'Golden Artist Gala' Lex and Alina were awarded the 'Golden Artist Magazine Award' Previous recipients include Peter Marvey, David Copperfield, Siegfried & Roy, and Hans Moretti." www.lexschoppi.com. 8.11.08

 

Carl Charlesworth wins WAM Stage Magician of the Year Competition 2008/09. "Carl entered the stage to music and began by producing 2 goldfish in a large glass bottle, and then a dove. Following this, he swallowed an inflated modelling balloon. He invited a spectator to join him on stage and cunningly took the volunteers watch, then gave it back of course. This was followed by an umbrella card stab routine, and to finish, a comical prediction with a twist. The act was packed with comedy and fun, and was well received by all." Julie Carpenter was placed 2nd and Colin Watkins 3rd. The evening took place at the Watford Association of Magicians on November 4th and was compèred by Andy Clockwise. Jon Allen was the magic judge. www.carlcharlesworth.com. 8.11.08

 

Magician and Entertainer Sam X has been officially appointed as The Town Jester for Buckingham in Buckinghamshire. His duties include performing at various official functions, civic and charity events. The Mayor, Howard Mordue, announced the appointment on 1st November 2008 outside The Old Gaol in the main market of the town. The Town Cryer was also present at the appointment as well as numerous townsfolk. The last link to a Jester was 400 years ago, although records are unclear as to if Buckingham had their own Jester. The Royal Jester, Arcibald Armstrong, no doubt visited the town when King Charles I visited George Villiers, the Duke of Buckingham. Photo: Sam Cross in full regalia with Howard Mordue, current Mayor of Buckingham. 8.11.08

 

Eric and Muriel Sharp celebrate their 65th wedding anniversary today, Saturday November 8th. Eric always felt he would marry the girl next door but didn't meet her until he moved to Devon. And there she was, Miss Muriel Shaxton. After the war they moved to South Wales and became extremely busy with concert parties as well as many years performing Punch & Judy on the beach at Porthcawl, running two cinemas in Porthcawl as well as developing the lucrative field of children's parties with magic and Punch. Reported by Quentin Reynolds. 8.11.08

 

Children's Entertainers wanted for Cruising contracts! "We are looking for Children's Entertainers for short contracts (4 days to 2-3 weeks) sailing out of Southampton. You will need to perform up to four different magic shows with two additional sessions (not necessarily magic). You will also be expected to help out with some of the onboard children's themed parties. Payment is per contract. You will have your own cabin and all meals are included. You will be treated as a 'Guest Entertainer'. This is an ideal opportunity for a busy successful professional entertainer wanting to have break from their normal routine. In order to be considered for an interview in Southampton we will need to see a DVD of your show. For more information please email: loufairall@aol.com" 8.11.08

 

"Performer Keith Barry mixes magic, hypnosis, mentalism" Click Here • "Derren Brown" Click Here • "Illusion is elusive in Angel’s ‘Believe’" Click Here • "Criss Angel, in a word: unbelievable" Click Here • "Doug Elfman: New Criss Angel show is unbelievably bad, sad" Click Here • "Drew plays spellbinding mind games" Click Here • That's it for another week, many thanks for your news items, see you next week, Duncan. 8.11.08

 

Back

 

© www.magicweek.co.uk