Number 523 - 3rd July 2010

 

Penn and Teller join Jonathan Ross on Friday, July 9th, on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross at 10.35pm on BBC 1, just days ahead of their five dates at the HMV Hammersmith Apollo (see What's On). "Jonathan Ross presents another edition of his chat show. Joining him are motormouth Jimmy Carr, psychotic magicians Penn and Teller, and Canadian actress Ellen Page, with chat and performance from the magnificent Sir Tom Jones." See TV Magic for details. 3.7.10

 

Tom Noddy “The Bubble Guy” will be making his first UK Magic Convention appearance at Ron’s Weekend in November. Tom was one of only a handful of guests who were invited back for a return performance on The Paul Daniels Magic Show years ago. Tom has taken his unique and charming presentations to audiences around the world. The bubbles are truly exquisite and Tom’s lively humour and engaging sense of fun will leave you both delighted and intrigued. There are no tricks with what he does - this is natural magic. For registration details visit www.internationalmagic.com. 3.7.10

 

The Young Magician of the Year 2011, 50th Anniversary Competition. The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition is held every two years at The Magic Circle HQ in London. Competitors, aged between 14 and 18 years, have to present a stage act, suitable for family entertainment, lasting between eight and twelve minutes. Heats will take place on May 8th and the Final on 31st July 31st 2011. The winner holds the title 'Young Magician of the Year' and is awarded the Derrick Speight Trophy, together with admission to full membership of The Magic Circle at the age of eighteen, all paid, for four years.

 

The competition, which has been held every two years since 1961, has so far produced 26 winners, (there have been joint winners twice), most of whom have gone on to successful careers in entertainment. Here's a look at just a few of the success stories. The first winner, Johnny Hart, appeared at the London Palladium, and subsequently presented his act all over the world; Russ Stevens (joint winner in 1977), starred in the Mystique Illusion Show in Blackpool for nearly 8 years; Richard Cadell became a highly successful illusionist and is now Sooty’s presenter; Andrew O’Connor developed a hugely successful career in television, and ended up running it; Dominic Wood went on to become a favourite children’s TV, and in 2009, the title was taken by Michael Jordan, who now performs professionally. The competition is a Magic Circle Youth Initiative. Further information may be obtained from the Competition Secretary Dr C M Colley, MIMC by emailing michaelcolley@themagiccircle.co.uk or for a PDF Application Form: Click Here. (I have always rated this competition as the most significant in British magic, as it comes at a key stage in a magician's development, can really act as a career boost, and is recognised both in magic and entertainment spheres. If you are aged between 14 and 18 on 1st January 2011 then get your act together and go for it! DT). 3.7.10

 

The Edinburgh International Magic Festival, 7th to 11th July. Featuring over 50 shows across Edinburgh City Centre, in some of Edinburgh's quirkiest venues. R Paul Wilson, Keelan Leyser and Charlotte, Drew McAdam, John Archer, Xavier Mortimer, Paul Nardini, Matthew Dowden, and many more are performing at the first ever MagicFest. Competitions, live shows, selected movies presented by magicians, a magic school for kids... it all adds up to a wonderful week of live magic, culminating in a spectacular gala show in the enchanting Royal Lyceum Theatre. Only a few days left to get your tickets. Don't miss out! Visit www.magicfest.co.uk and order your tickets. "It's a kind of magic" Click Here. 3.7.10

 

The Essential Magic Conference is nearly here! On Wednesday Luis de Matos and the team ran a live 'test' broadcast from Studio 33 in Portugal that included a video tour of the studio explaining how the conference will work and a behind the scenes look at the technology involved. The interactive chat system was also tested out. This will be used during the actual event to allow registrants the opportunity to interact with, and pose questions to, the speakers. The actual conference goes live on 15th, 16th and 17th July. If you haven’t already registered for the world’s first digital conference for magicians, then take a look at what is on offer: 33 of the top thinkers, performers and experts in magic, providing three days, of tricks, lectures and presentations. When you register for the conference you can watch the lectures live and for the next year you can watch them all on-demand, but not only that, you will also receive all the conference presentations on a special DVD set that will be mailed to you free of charge! The cost of registration is just 55 Euros (approximately $75). I was very impressed with the test transmission last week and wouldn't want to miss this 'world first' magic event in 12 days time. Find out much more and register today by visiting www.essentialmagicconference.com and share in what will undoubtedly be a truly ground-breaking magic happening. DT. 3.7.10

 

Illusions Magic Bar Bristol would like to invite you to their 3rd Anniversary Party: "This is the big one as they say if you can make it to 3 years in business, then you have either robbed a bank or you have made it! Well ladies and gents we have made it! 3 years! To celebrate this great day we have, for your enjoyment and ours, invited Paul Daniels, yes Paul Daniels, the legend that inspired 100's of magicians with his TV shows and magic trick sets! We have very limited space for the evening, first come, first served. The evening will be great featuring fire eaters, stilt walkers, Mark's illusion and lots more! With live music from Ant Noel, Steve Williams, Kevin Rowe, Matt Whiley and Ryan Inglis. Champagne on arrival. Illusions Magic Bar looks forward to seeing you on the day and thanks everyone that has supported the Bar over the last 3 years." Wednesday, September 8th from 7pm. VIP tickets will be £5 in advance and £8 on the door. Email Mark Bennett for details mark@illusionsmagicbar.co.uk . 3.7.10

 

Magic Night - Friday July 9th. "Magic Night cuts itself in half and performs some exceptionally twisted physical Magic to make you wince! Dave Chameleon juggles with objects that hilariously take on a life of their own whilst French comedy diva, 'La Poule Plombee', sings about the inadequacy of your, yes your, English culture (not hers, she's French). Trickster Phil Knoxville, pierces and slices bits of himself and Max Somerset plays with your mind with some seriously sharp mentalism. Plus the best, big, bad sawing in half trick yet seen on our stage, Christian Lee Will be doubling himself up with the aid of sharp tools... will it work? Will he live?" Doors 7pm, Show 7.45pm sharp. Tickets £10 (or supper and show tickets for 2 £40.00) from www.ticketweb.co.uk or www.lastminute.com. Madame JoJo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SP (Map) 020 7734 3040 www.magicnight.co.uk. 3.7.10

 

The Northern Magic Circle Junior Day of Magic - Saturday 10th July, Cross Keys Community Hall, St Peters Church, Elmwood Road, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, NE25 8EX (Map). The day will feature competitions, lectures, workshops and a mini gala show. Registration is £12.50, which includes both lunch and tea, and registrations will be available on the door on the day from 10am. For further details contact Cynthia Neptune cynthianeptune@aol.com. 3.7.10

 

 

Watch out, Kockov's about! Magicseen editor, Mark Leveridge, emails: "Vladimir Dimitri Kockov from the former Soviet Republic of Monrokvia has more hair and tighter clothing than is probably good for anyone, yet somehow he has sneaked on to the cover of the latest Magicseen when we weren't looking. He is just one of the varied performance characters created by magic comedian Jasper Blakeley and we learn more about his outrageous Russian character and the others that he uses in his shows. As well as fictitious performers we also have the genuine article with features on Joaquin Ayala working in Las Vegas, Simon Lovell working in New York and Wayne Slater working.... well, just about anywhere really! Our summery July issue also has a Start Up Guide To Using Music in which you receive great advice about how to add backing music to your act, there's a Masterclass Special featuring 5 effects to learn, we have the latest in our series of international articles with The Magic of Hungary, and we give you plenty of background information about the Essential Magic Conference, the world's first major online magic convention which is taking place mid-July. Add to this Part 5 of Craig Petty's World of Fake Coins, advance news about major books on Jay Marshall and Siegfried and Roy, loads of product reviews, plus news, letters and other varied, fun articles to keep you amused while you lie on the beach. Magicseen issue 33 is available now as part of a 1 or 2 year sub, as a single printed copy or as an instant download from www.magicseen.co.uk." 3.7.10

 

Ghost Stories, the truly terrifying theatrical production co-written directed by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, has just transferred to the West End’s Duke of York Theatre after a sell out run at the Lyric Hammersmith having broken all box office records. The show, which is totally unique to West End Theatre, comes from the truly talented and dark minds of The League of Gentlemen’s master of the macabre, Jeremy Dyson, and Andy Nyman, co-creator and director of Derren Brown’s television and stage shows and star of Dead Set and Severance. Co-writers and co-directors Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman, who also stars in the production said: “Having had 'Ghost Stories' terrify over 50,000 audience members in its sell-out seasons, we are so excited at the prospect of bringing these jumps, laughs and scares to many more people in the West End.” Duke of York’s Theatre, St Martin’s Lane, London WC2N 4BG to 7th November. Visit www.ghoststoriestheshow.co.uk for more info and to book. 3.7.10

 

For sale, a pair of original hand drawn storyboards used in the making of the 1937 short 'Magician Mickey'. Russell Singler of the 'Art You Grew Up With' gallery emails: "They really are beautiful, and in the 20 odd years I've been collecting, I have never found storyboards from this short firstly, and secondly such expressive Magician Mickey poses and expressions. So, they're a real find. They'll be offered for £1495 each, and before I put them on the web etc, I wanted to see if there was interest from anyone that has Magic to heart." For more information and larger images contact Russell Singler 'Art You Grew Up With' on 020 7633 0071 or email gallery@animaart.com. www.artyougrewupwith.com. 3.7.10

 

Phil Smith will present his lecture, Lights Camera Magic!, at the Northern Magic Circle’s President’s Day, on Sunday 11th July. It’s unlikely that most of us will land a prime-time TV magic series, but many of us may appear on videos, satellite and regional TV channels. Phil will tell you how to get yourself on TV, what to expect in the studio and the best sort of tricks to do, as well as those to avoid like the plague! Phil has been involved in magic for over thirty years and has worked for the BBC for over twenty years. He has a unique insight in the art of magic and how it can be best performed on television. In recent years he has advised on and produced promotional videos for the UK's top illusionists, magicians and theatre companies. The Northern Magic Circle’s President’s Day will be held at Crosskeys Community Centre, West Monkseaton, Whitley Bay. More information from: sujayne@theladymagician.co.uk and www.lightscameramagic.co.uk. 3.7.10

 

MagicTricks.co.uk are sponsoring the first War of the Wizards Magic Competition this week at Scotland's Magic Festival. Magicians will compete in front of an audience as a panel of judges made up of magicians and non magicians, evaluate their magical ability, originality and presentation amongst other things. This will be a fantastic opportunity to see some of the best local talent battle it out to become 'Edinburgh International Magic Festival Magician of the Year'. They will not only win hundreds of pounds worth of www.magictricks.co.uk vouchers, but also a massive amount of free magic tricks and a guaranteed opportunity to perform at MagicFest 2011. Visit www.magicfest.co.uk and www.magictricks.co.uk to find out more! 3.7.10

 

Smokin' Aces is showing on  ITV1 on Friday July 9th. "Las Vegas magician and would-be crime boss Buddy 'Aces' Israel agrees to testify against former partner and friend Primo Sparazza in return for admittance into the Witness Protection Programme. But before the deal can be hammered out, Sparazza orders a hit on Israel, and a host of hit men and women race to kill the snitch and take the bounty, while the FBI endeavours to keep their source of information alive." Starring Jeremy Piven, Ray Liotta, Andy Garcia, Ben Affleck and Alicia Keys. Card expert R Paul Wilson was the consultant. See TV Magic for times. 3.7.10

 

Derek Lever will present the Jeffery Atkins Memorial Lecture at the British Ring Eastbourne Convention in September: "A most popular event in the convention programme is the Jeffery Atkins memorial Lecture. This year the lecture is being delivered by Derek Lever who is taking for his theme ‘The World of Magic of Jack Hughes’. To many of today’s younger magicians Jack Hughes is just a name who manufactured magical props. To those in their more senior years Jack was much more than that. Yes he manufactured props to an exceptionally high standard but it was a standard he set himself never allowing any prop to leave his workshop unless he was completely satisfied with its quality. Probably more important Jack was a thorough gentleman always available to give a fledgling magician encouragement and practical advice from his own experience as a performer..." To read the full article from Bob Hayden PRO Click Here. 3.7.10

 

Mark Leveridge Magic E-Club newsletter. For several years magicians from all over the world have been receiving the Mark Leveridge Magic E-Club newsletter, the free email newsletter which arrives on the 1st of each month. Starting this month, the format of this newsletter has been upgraded offering even more information on the latest Web Offers and news associated with Mark's magic business. Part of this newsletter is a link to the monthly E-Video Newsletter, and this too has been changed and is now in more of a fun magazine-style format with a Teach-In, Wrinkles, Web Offers news, dems, a competition and other fun bits and pieces. To watch this Windows Media Player format newsletter you simply have to sign up for the free E-Club newsletter itself by visiting www.markleveridge.co.uk/shopbask/eclub.html. 3.7.10

 

The Secret Caribbean with Trevor McDonald. Trevor McDonald visits three starkly different islands - Musha Cay, Jamaica and Barbados. Musha Cay is owned by David Copperfield, and is possibly the most expensive private island in the Caribbean. In contrast, Trevor is then given permission to visit some of the British women serving time in a Jamaican prison for drug smuggling. Finally he travels on to meet the man who owns most of luxurious Barbados. 9pm on Friday 9th July on ITV3 - see TV Magic (first shown in 2009). 3.7.10

 

Magicbox have just re-launched their website following a complete make-over. It's at the same address as before www.magicbox.uk.com and MagicWeek readers can benefit from a 10% discount on all online orders for the remainder of this week by simply entering NEWLAUNCH at the checkout! Visit www.magicbox.uk.com today! 3.7.10

 

"Dealing" with Magic - The Rise & Fall of The Supreme Magic Company by Ian Adair, scheduled for publication in November, will now be available in August. Ian Adair was once a partner, with founder Edwin Hooper, in what became the largest magical dealing firm in the world; The Supreme Magic Company. Ian's new book (his 266th) will contain 180 pages, with illustrations and photos throughout. He describes how, from small beginnings, the firm rapidly expanded and over decades, employed hundreds, followed by the rapid decline, the changes of ownership and the County Court proceedings. The additional twenty chapters deal with every aspect of the company. With an introduction and a foreword by David Berglas and Steve Short. Ian's methods of originating magical effects are revealed for the first time. For more information email magicianadair@hotmail.co.uk (with your postal address) for a flyer which will be posted out to you. 3.7.10

 

David Tomkins MIMC lectures at the Ilford Magic Society on Wednesday 7th July at 8pm. David's lecture will include close-up magic, children's magic and ventriloquism. Entry for non members is £10 (on the door). Venue: Parkside Community Centre, 176 Goodmayes Lane, Goodmayes, Ilford, Essex IG3 9PP (Map). Contact Paul Clancy for more details 07801 553 295 www.ilfordmagic.co.uk. 3.7.10

 

Manchester Circle of Magicians have obtained the services of rising magic star Matthew J. Dowden for their meeting on Monday 19th July. Meetings take place at 8pm at the Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford M5 4PE (Map). Members free of charge, visitors £5.00. For further details contact Derek Lever on 01253 810113 d.lever1@sky.com. 3.7.10

 

John Archer will be presenting the Star Lecture, and performing in The Gala Show, alongside Matthew Garrett, Steve Price and Ed Hilsum at this year's Portsmouth & District Magic Circle Jumbo Day on Sunday 7th November. As well as the many dealers attending (Alakazam, The Card Collection, Practical Magic, Magic Books by Post, Playtime Balloons and Razamatazz Magic) there will be a huge selection of second-hand props and effects for sale. With workshops, close-up sessions and Bob Hamilton's videos, you'll have a packed day of magic! Also, this year there will be a one-off talk by a very special guest, details to follow later. To take advantage of the early registration deal, and for more information, visit www.jumboday.co.uk. Venue: Portsmouth & District Magic Circle, Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO2 7BL (Map). 3.7.10

 

Blackpool Magicians Club Jumbo Magic Auction - Tuesday 13th July at Blackpool Magicians Theatre Club, Rear of No.1, Sherbourne Road, North Shore, Blackpool FY1 2PW (Map). The auction will commence at 7.30pm with viewing from 6pm. (Please note that there is no lecture prior to the auction.) Star Auctioneers are Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Door charge is £3.00 but members and associate members will be admitted free of charge. Licensed bar, plus toasties, sandwiches and pies available. All enquiries to Derek Lever 01253 810113 d.lever1@sky.com. 3.7.10

 

John van der Put at the Buxton Fringe Festival. "Lock up your princesses! Piff meets Pooch in explosive Buxton return! Buxton Fringe Best Comedy Award winner 2009 Piff the Magic Dragon returns to Buxton with 'Piff-Tacular 2: Get Rich or Die Trying', featuring a host of all-new tricks and Mr Piffles – the world’s first levitating Chihuahua. With nothing to lose and veterinary bills to pay, Piff is pulling out all the fire-breathing, fortune-telling, canine-conjuring stops in a mind-blowing blend of world class magic and deadpan comedy." Underground Venues (The Square, Buxton, SK17 6BD), part of Buxton Festival Fringe 7th & 9th July at 11pm; 8th & 10th July at 6.30pm (approx 60 mins). Tickets - £7/£6 Box Office - 07980 29 29 78 or via www.undergroundvenues.co.uk. John's other show, with Maya Politaki, 'Love and Other Magic Tricks' can also be seen at the festival on 7th & 9th July at 6.30pm and 8th & 10th July at 9.30pm. 3.7.10

 

The Leamington & Warwick Annual Day of Magic features a Close-up Competition entitled 'Champion of Champions' whereby the winners of the Close-up Competitions of the various clubs in the Midlands area compete for the title and a large cup, plus £300 in cash. This year the prize went to their own Paul Kybert, who produced a goldfish from a banknote and featured a fish in a rising card effect (a la Zombie). Coming a close second was Carl Buck from Leicester who received a cheque for £100, and third, Alan Cooper from Coventry with a cheque for £50, all presented by their president Keith Pearson. There were also contestants from Northampton, Wolverhampton and South Staffs. The day also included a dealers fair, lectures, breakfast, lunch and a barbecue! The event was sponsored by Mick McCreath. Reported by Mike Gancia. 3.7.10

 

James Ward will be lecturing at Bolton Magicians' Club on Wednesday 7th July at the Doffcocker Inn, Bolton at 8.30pm. James will be presenting his lecture 'Mind, Mirth and Magic' which covers mentalism and card magic, together with advice for putting humour into your routines. Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome. There will be an entrance fee of £5.00. James Ward's website is www.jameswardmagic.co.uk. Visit www.bolton-magic.co.uk for directions to the Doffcocker Inn or telephone Jim Hodgkiss on 01204 522651. 3.7.10

 

A Magical Opportunity for Young Magicians and Actors who live in Sussex, Surrey and Hampshire. "A very exciting opportunity has been created for an enthusiastic young person to perform, demonstrate and sell a range of magic tricks at a very famous south-coast resort. Applicants must have excellent communication skills and lively extrovert personalities. A knowledge of basic magic skills would be useful but not essential as full training will be given by one of our professional magicians. applicants must be able to start from mid July. Earnings will be circa £300 per week depending on the ability of the individual plus commission. Please call Karen on 020 8742 4950." www.jamesgrant.co.uk. 3.7.10

 

Dave Hooper (Liverpool Magic Circle) along with Paul Callan and Rob Graham from the Southport Magic Circle jointly won the Mersey Dee Trophy organised by the Mahatma Magic Circle on Tuesday 29th June at the Guild Hall, Formby. Dave Hoper was also the overall winner. Photo: Dave Hooper and Richie Smith, Secretary, Liverpool Magic Circle. 3.7.10

 

Wessex Magical Association One Day Convention, Bournemouth, April 2011. The WMA convention will take place on Sunday 3rd April 2011, featuring lectures, workshops, magic dealers and performances from a variety of magic names. The WMA will be celebrating its 80th year in 2011 and the long running bi-annual convention will be one of the highlights of the year. Full details of the top magicians who will be participating will be announced later in the year. Full day tickets (including the evening Gala Show) will be £18 if booked in advance or £20 on the door. The venue, as in previous years, will be The Kinson Community Centre, Millhams Road, Kinson, Bournemouth BH10 7LH (Map). www.wmagic.co.uk. 3.7.10

 

International News: Polish Annual Convention. From Simon Cwirko in Poland: "Our Polish Annual Convention will take place in Lodz (130 km west from Warsaw), at the House of Culture "Lodzki Dom Kultury", Traugutta street 18. The organizers are Society Magical Lodz and Krajowy Klub Iluzjonistow - the only Polish association of magicians, existing since 1976, and FISM members. It is here, in Lodz, where the World Champion FISM 1997 from Russia Netcheporenko started his world career as he received the Grand Prix in our contest in 1990. Another prize winner was the magician from Hungary - SOMA (in 2006), who is now World Champion FISM 2009. In the past years we have had guests from many countries. Our conventions are rather small, but quite international (usually we have magicians from about 10 - 12 countries). There is a friendly and magical atmosphere, in the time between the programme items everybody can rest for a while, have a cup of coffee or a glass of beer and talk to other magicians about our 'passion and profession'. The people are friendly, many of us speak English or German, so there are no problems with understanding each other. The prices are low, so you will spend not even half of the money you would have to spend elsewhere. And you will see the great magic of our Guest Stars: Arthur Trace (USA), Jerome Helfenstien (France), Sos & Victoria (Germany / Armenia), Pro Phyl (France), Norbert Ferre (Photo, France) and Arsene Lupin (Poland). They will show their world famous magic acts in the gala show. Don't hesitate! Register online right now! 9th - 11th, September, 2010. If you have some questions, please feel free to contact our president Mr. Jerzy Stanek who will answer them: mgmstanek@poczta.onet.pl Mobil: +48 501 47 56 56. Let's meet in Poland this year! Welcome to magical Lodz!" 3.7.10

 

Dr Nicolas Grimoire is performing his Tales From the Darker Side at Gainsborough Old Hall on Saturday, July 10th. The Tales are a series of unsettling Gothic magic effects, psychological illusion and spooky story-telling. During the evening someone from the audience will be invited to test their ability to tell the living from the dead, help recreate one of this country's most unusual murders and to challenge a long-dead writer of horror stories to name a family member who has "passed over". As part of the entertainment someone's heart will stop! Could that someone be you? Tickets are £8 each and available from the venue on 01427 612669. 3.7.10

 

Chris Cross was in the USA in May, taking in gigs that included hosting shows in New York and LA. Now back, he performed at the Glastonbury Festival last week and had a lot of fun. Keep up to date with Chris via: www.chris-cross.co.uk. 3.7.10

 

Tony Corinda, 1930 - 2010. Very sad to report that Tony Corinda died on Thursday 1st July in Norfolk. Perhaps best known as a magic dealer in the 50s, 60s and early 70s, Tony Corinda's Thirteen Steps to Mentalism, originally published as 13 individual 'courses', went on to be regarded as the essential 'mentalism' read/reference book bar none and still is to this day. 3.7.10

 

Gordon Bruce lectures at The Magic Lounge, Magick Enterprises, Broad Street, Sheffield S2 5TG (Map) on Thursday July 8th at 7.30pm. Admission is £10.00 and places are filling up fast: "Don't miss this rare event from one of magic's true close-up masters of the art. Gordon has rubbed shoulders with many of the greats of magic - his stories of those encounters are inspiring, entertaining and often, very, very funny. I'm doing a 140 mile round trip to be there, dashing straight from work. Don't miss what I know will be a fabulous evening, and support Russell Hall in his efforts to bring the best to 'The Lounge'." Steve Cook. 3.7.10

 

Magic Singh is seen here, performing at Glastonbury last weekend • Paul Gordon's Card Capers Day 2011. Visit www.paulgordon.net for dates • "Israel's answer to David Blaine: Daredevil magician dangles between skyscrapers" Click Here • "Hat’s more like it, Kylie" Click Here • "Circus takes magician back to his roots" Click Here • "Indian magician dodges truck while in a coffin" Click Here • "Here’s one old teacher who has new tricks..." Click Here • Please remember the strict 12 noon Friday deadline for all submissions. Next week I'll be looking back at 10 years of MagicWeek (that was quick), see you then, Duncan. 3.7.10

 

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