Number 542 - 13th November 2010

International Magic Convention - in two weeks!

The 27th International Close-Up Competition. The Competition will be held on Saturday 27th November at the Mermaid Theatre. This year magicians from nine different countries will compete for the coveted Kevin Reay Trophy. In alphabetical order: Andost (USA), Julien Bachelet (France), Will Gray (UK), Alexander Hansford (UK), Kim Min Hyung (Korea), René Jensen (Denmark), Kasrani (Iraq), Jason Ladanye (USA), Javier Sanchez (Spain), Simon Si (Poland), Paul Sommersguter (Austria), Matthew Wright (UK).

Dealer Only Tickets. On both the Saturday and Sunday 'Dealer Only' access tickets will be available for anyone just wanting to visit the magic dealers. The tickets are £15 each, on the door, on the day, and will be available from 4.30pm. Note that the dealers will close at 6pm.

Special René Lavand double DVD set. News just in: "We will have the new the René Lavand double DVD set on release at the convention. This features his full lecture last year’s convention, plus excerpts from the 1992 lecture he did for us, plus the interview conducted by Matthew Field and finally his stunning One Man Show from the Bridewell Theatre last year. Special convention price is £25 for the set of 2 DVDs (normal price will be £35)." Visit www.internationalmagic.com to register today! (26th, 27th, 28th November). 13.11.10

The Session announces a one-off lecture by contemporary magician Benjamin Earl. Not only is this a rare opportunity to see Ben perform the magic that has gained him a worldwide reputation, but it's an opportunity to learn it too! This is an exclusive and rare event, as Ben has no future plans to lecture at any other magic conventions. Andi Gladwin, has also tipped that The Session will play host to a special surprise guest. "Carrying on the tradition of hosting magicians who don't normally attend magic conventions, we're absolutely honoured to host this surprise guest. They are one of magic's most famous and interesting performers who everyone will enjoy meeting. We will be announcing further details nearer the time, but I am convinced that this will be an event not to miss!" Half of the tickets have now gone and The Session has sold out every single year! www.sessionconvention.com (15th, 16th January 2011). 13.11.10

South Tyneside International Magic Festival 2011. Dates have been set for next year's South Tyneside International Magic Festival: Friday 11th - Sunday 13th March 2011. Names have yet to be announced, but it will be a great weekend! To pre-register email Karri karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk (preference will be given to previous registrants). Facebook Click Here. 13.11.10

Good Vs Evil, The Paul Dabek & Chris Cross Show - one night only in Edinburgh. 21st November at 8pm at The Voodoo Rooms (Main Ballroom), West Register Street, Edinburgh www.thevoodoorooms.com. "Chris Cross and Paul Dabek - a comedy magician and an angry contortionist, for one night only in Edinburgh - A unique show to follow up the success of their Edinburgh Fringe performances." "Must See Show" The Stage. www.chris-cross.co.uk, www.carnycabaret.com. 13.11.10

A Grand Evening of Variety. The Provincial Grand Lodge of Somerset and Daniel Dean Proudly Present A Grand Evening of Variety. In aid of Local Hospices and Charities in the community. On Sunday the 28th November at the Weston Playhouse  at 7.30pm Presenting a wonderful line up, including Jimmy Cricket, Isla St Clair, Bristol Musical Youth productions, Daniel Dean and a selection of local talent. www.theplayhouse.co.uk Tickets: £17.50 Adults (£14.50 Under 12s and concessions) Venue: Weston Playhouse Theater WSM, Somerset. 13.11.10

Magicians Andy James and Jayne Corrigan have just returned from life on the High Seas! Unlike Andy who spends around ten and half months a year working on Cruise Ships, it was Jayne’s very first time at Sea. Jayne said, “I absolutely loved it and can’t wait to do it again. The passengers were so friendly and constantly coming over and saying how much they enjoyed the shows, it really was a lot of fun!” It seems that performing magic on cruise ships is certainly a fast pace, dynamic lifestyle, Jayne explains, “We were meant to fly back together from Rome but just the day before we were due to leave Andy had a call asking him instead to divert to Venice to join yet another ship!” Jayne continues “Cruise ships are such a fun place to perform magic and it’s great that Andy is in such demand; and I look forward to my own next Sea Bound adventure!” www.ajmagic.com, www.magicbyjayne.co.uk (Photo: Andy, Jayne and the ship’s Captain). 13.11.10

This is Hypnosis Stage Hypnosis MasterClass - Blackpool, 13th, 14th November. "Stage Hypnosis is not just about learning to hypnotise and doing some funny routines. It's about show structure, audience management, promotion and marketing skills, and of course hypnotising safely and with panache! In November in Blackpool there is a rare opportunity to join Ken Webster, who has the world's longest running single venue Stage Hypnosis show at the Horseshoe Cabaret, now combining Mentalism, and Jonathan Chase author of one of the most popular and respected books on stage hypnosis 'Deeper and Deeper'. Ken is breaking into a mini theatre tour and Jon is combining his perennial Masterclass for this one-off class with two undoubted Masters of the art." Details of the event can be found at www.thisishypnosis.com. 13.11.10

Richard Graham had two reasons to celebrate this month. On 11th November, Richard won the Mid Essex Magical Society's stage competition to add to his close-up competition win earlier in the month. Always tough competitions, Richard was particularly pleased this year as the standard from all competitors was the highest ever. Richard said, "The club has some new members that are raising the bar and showing great talent, so it is a great honour to be voted through by peer and lay judges alike" www.richardgraham-magic.co.uk. 13.11.10

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Matthew Garrett is lecturing at the Watford Association of Magicians on Tuesday 16th November at 8pm. Non members £10. Email Julie Carpenter for details and address: juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk. 13.11.10

The Manchester Circle of Magicians. A large audience turned out for The Manchester Circle of Magicians annual North West Magical Championships last Monday. The standard of the competitors was very high and after nearly 2 hours of magic, the judges (Peter Roberts, Brian Glover and Quentin Reynolds) awarded first place to the brilliant Harry Robson, second place to Pat Trix (David Hutchinson) and third place to Brian Berry. Pat Trix also won the trophy for the best card trick and is pictured here, cups in hands! 13.11.10

The Cotswold Magical Society 2010-2011 stand up/cabaret competition. Congratulations to Darren Campbell for winning the Edgar Westlake Trophy for his stand up magic act. Darren is pictured here receiving the trophy from president Colin Dymond. He performed an interesting Cup & Ball routine with a classic hat finale. Bob King was placed second and Tom Arnold third. www.cotswoldmagic.co.uk. 13.11.10

Gary Jones and Chris Congreave: 52 vs Joker, the new DVD from BigBlindMedia: "Inside this package you'll find two awesome playing card gaffs printed by the United States Playing Card Company. The 52 on 1 Card features an entire deck of cards on one side and a joker on the other. And the second gaff is a double facer with a Joker on one side and a 5 of Hearts (or Spades) on the reverse. Using these two secret weapons you'll be able to unleash a mindblowing series of effects. Presented by renowned UK magicians Gary Jones and Chris Congreave, this DVD is packed with material and will have you wowing people in no time. And best of all - the magic is easy, so you can concentrate on the presentation and taking the applause. Six routines are taught, and you'll also find some killer bonus material on offer. Dive into the 52 vs Joker Project now! Visit www.bigblindmedia.com/52vsjoker.htm today! 13.11.10

Chris Congreave Lecture 2011. Chris Congreave emails: "I now have a new lecture ready for 2011, included in the lecture are routines from "Dupes" www.bigblindmedia.com (this DVD is all about effects using duplicate cards). Also new effects from just released "The 52 vs Joker Project" which will be taught, along with a new Diary effect, a new effect called Apparition and some routines from my working repertoire that are all designed for strolling performance (no table required, instantly reset). All of the material taught is extremely practical and easy to perform. I am now taking bookings for 2011." Contact Chris via www.christophercongreave.co.uk. 13.11.10

Gary Jones lectures at the Bath Circle of Magicians, at 8pm on Thursday 18th November. "The Bath Circle of Magicians are pleased to invite you to a lecture by Gary Jones! Gary is one of the UK's top commercial close-up magicians, with an impressive portfolio of corporate clients, wrought by top quality magic and slick presentation. This is set to be another highly entertaining and valuable evening so please come along and bring your friends - the more the merrier! Admission: £5 for guests, free for members of Bath and Bristol. Venue: St Mary's Church Hall, Saltford (near Bath), arrive 7:45 for an 8pm start. Please contact Oli Foster for further details: olifostermagic@gmail.com 07817 726 785." www.garyjonesmagic.co.uk. 13.11.10

Wayne Fox - Outfoxed in Portsmouth. After his successful Flick Drift Workshop at the Jumbo Day, Wayne Fox returns to Portsmouth & District Magic Circle to present his 'Outfoxed' lecture this coming Monday, 15th November. Non-members welcome, £8 admission. 7.45pm at Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO6 2DN (Map) www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk. 13.11.10

Zane's Magic Shop have added a number of new tricks to their site and made a number of changes. In future  Zane's Magic Shop is going to be concentrating on supplying magicians with classic tricks and supplies. www.zanesmagicshop.com. 13.11.10

Michael J Fitch was invited to launch Bang & Olufsen's new sound system the BeoSound 8 last week. He unveiled the first model in the country to customers and created custom made magic effects using Bang & Olufsen products. www.michaeljfitch.co.uk. 13.11.10

Desirable objects wanted! "Do you have any magical items or collectibles you want to sell? From antiques through to the thoroughly modern, do you own something you think could be worth hundreds of thousands? A primetime Channel 4 series is offering you a once in a lifetime opportunity to sell it to Britain’s top dealers." For more information contact Anne Rowland on 0207 861 8075 or email a photo and description to anne.rowland@talkbackthames.tv. 13.11.10

Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers. On Monday 8th November the Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers held their bi-annual Weller Trophy competition for the most entertaining Close-up act. 7 members competed for the cup, but Philip Sweeting (photo right, with Club Treasurer Mike Simpson handing over the cup) pipped the others to the post with a close-up mentalism act. FAME meet once a month on the second Monday of the month and new members are always assured a warm welcome - visit www.fame-magic.co.uk for more details. 13.11.10

"Charles Reynolds, Magicians’ Magician, Dies at 78" Click Here • "Charles Reynolds – The Unknown Magician" Click Here • Ali Cook was a guest on The ESPN Sports channel on Monday 8th November alongside former England cricket captain Michael Vaughan, Formula One driver Johnny Herbert and football player Rohan Ricketts: Click Here and Click Here • Chris Dugdale, Tony Middleton and Dorian Michael are flying to Rio this week to perform at the party of the decade we are told The event for Soccerex will be held on Sugarloaf mountain overlooking the city of Rio, for VIP's and celebrities from the world of soccer, entertainment and politics. Chris will be revealing details on his Twitter account with a daily Rio update twitter.com/chrisdugdale  • "Invisibility cloak closer with flexible 'metamaterial'" [Mac King was first to put in a pre-order] Click Here • "Cruise ship's plight beats NZ magician" Click Here and Magic Magazine's Stan Allen (includes video) Click Here • "Revealed: Harry Houdini's Greatest Escape" Click Here • "Play Dead" review Click Here • "Another view Cézanne's The Card Players" Click Here • "Pontin's goes into administration" Click Here • Many thanks for your UK magic news - always welcomed, have a good week and see you next week, Duncan. 13.11.10

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