Number 550 - 8th January 2011

 

Derren Brown Live Collection 3 DVD set. "A terrific magician. This is breathtakingly ingenious entertainment" The Times. A special DVD box set containing three of Derren Brown’s must-see live theatre shows will be released on January 17th. Included: An Evening of Wonders: "The psychological illusionist takes us on a journey through mind control and subliminal suggestion and recreates the jaw-dropping 'Oracle Act' from the turn of the 20th century. The show features audience participation, shocking stunts and mind games, as Derren shows why you have to see him live." Something Wicked This Way Comes: "This DVD features the Olivier Award-winning stage show. Derren stops his pulse, walks on glass, and armed only with a few newspapers drives the show to a tour-de-force finale of prediction, influence and showmanship that will leave you breathless." Enigma: "A special tone leaves the audience hypnotised and a woman finds herself sleep-walking through the rows. Is a supernatural force summoned within the Spirit Cabinet or is the medium somehow doing Brown's bidding? Derren is again at his finest in this stunning theatrical event that brought him more rave reviews up and down the country and 'sees him climb to artistic heights rarely, if ever, achieved by any other legends of the magical arts'" (Time Out). Three brilliantly crafted live shows from the world's finest mind manipulator. Go ahead, treat yourself, Click Here. And don't miss Derren Brown Night on Channel 4 tonight, from 9pm onwards, see TV Magic for details. 8.1.11

 

The Session is just a few days away. Prepare to see David Berglas, Darwin Ortiz, Pit Hartling, Denis Behr, Luke Jermay, Benjamin Earl (the man who fooled Penn & Teller last night!), Danny Buckler, Peter Wardell and Justin Higham. Joshua Jay, Mark Elsdon, Andi Gladwin and Tyler Wilson will also be hosting hands-on workshops, offering personal tuition covering tricks and technique. This year promises to be the best yet, but with just a couple of tickets left, now is last call to attend The Session 2011 (15th and 16th January, Gloucester) www.sessionconvention.com. 8.1.11

 

Penn & Teller: Fool Us, snapped in the green room on the day of the recording, Click Here. (I was out Friday evening so haven't seen the show yet, but heard good things overall. Very well done to John and Ben. DT). "Penn & Teller: Fool Us on ITV1" Click Here. "American duo Penn and Teller are two of America’s most exciting magicians. They tell David Stephenson why they are appearing on British television" Click Here. See what magicians on the Bunny thought, Click Here. 8.1.11

 

The Mysterious McComb. "Originally broadcast by 4fm Ireland and produced by Digital Audio Productions, Dublin The Mysterious McComb is the magical story of Billy McComb, a boy from Belfast who became one of the world’s most influential performers and magicians. Born into an upper-class family in Belfast in the 1920’s, Billy turned his back on a career in medicine to follow his dream of becoming a world-class magician. His path to success took him from war-torn Belfast to Dublin (where he spent a night in prison) and on to The London Palladium. During his time in London he married and performed with his new bride, a former Miss Ireland. From there, Billy set his sights on global domination, traversing the globe performing on cruise ships. He eventually put down roots in Hollywood, setting the stage alight across Los Angeles and Las Vegas. A charismatic, timeless and indeed iconic figure, Billy McComb changed the face of magic and inspired a generation of aspiring magicians. The producers wish to thank Martin Breese for the original audio of Billy you hear in this production." Thanks to Brendan Byrne (Irish Magic News) for letting us know about this fascinating broadcast, which can now be heard via Brendan's site Click Here. 8.1.11

 

Conjuring at the Court – Thursday 27th January. "Starring: Mike and Julie Evans, a husband and wife duo, who perform an amazing and mesmerising show of Mind Magic and Illusion; Matthew Garrett, the Magic Circle’s Close-Up Magician of the Year; Harrison Richards (photo), the Perceptionist, an engaging fellow with extraordinary abilities; Terry Herbert, someone who’s been making audiences roar, year after year. Hosted by Russell Levinson with his own brand of genial amazement. The show has returned to the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing W13 8PH (Map). The room is much larger and has been completely redecorated, while retaining its period charm. Most seating is theatre style but there are now a few tables as well. Please arrive as early as you can to get the seat you want; our last show had record numbers and there was standing room only for late arrivals! Doors open at 7.30pm, the show starts at 8pm and runs to about 10pm." Tickets £10 from www.conjuringatthecourt.com  or email tickets@conjuringatthecourt.com. 8.1.11

 

Dugdale and Jay present The Magic Purse. Show a purse on your iPhone, ask a volunteer to name a coin, open the purse, reveal the chosen coin (it's the only one in there) and then pluck it from the screen! Visit www.themagicpurse.com to watch a demo and download. 8.1.11

 

Magicseen Issue 36 for January 2011 has been unleashed on a bleary eyed world, and it might just be the tonic that is needed to kick start the New Year. From editor Mark Leveridge: "Andi Gladwin is a busy young man as he tries to juggle performing, with inventing, with convention organising, with running a magic dealership, but we managed to grab some time with him and the fruits of our conversation is in the new issue. We also feature two other very different personalities - Ian Adair, who invents magic like it's going out of fashion, and James L. Clark, who takes time out from being a mentalist/magic dealer to do amazing humanitarian deeds. Magicseen is well known for its advice articles too, and we are pleased to offer the second and concluding part of our piece on performing magic in restaurants with top advice from 6 experts. Paul Stockman dispenses more sage words on performing cabaret/stage magic from his new book, and nearly 4 years on from when we first looked at magic on the internet, we provide you with comments on 12 UK online dealers. All this plus a large number of product reviews, the Masterclass offering two effects to learn, we spend a day with busy children's entertainer Paul Megram, plus much more - issue 36 is simply a great way to be informed and entertained. Get your copy as part of a 1 or 2 year sub, or as a single printed copy or even as an instant download from www.magicseen.co.uk". 8.1.11

 

Steve Faulkner Topits now available. Steve Faulkner emails: "Professionally tailored into your jacket, with a money back guarantee if you are not 100% satisfied. Each topit is finished to perfection in a matching or as near to matching lining as possible. Please email if you would like to see photos, or call with no commitment if you would like any more information. Skype demo is also available. +44 (0)7786 323 127 stevefaulkner@uk2.net Skype: stevenfaulkner." 8.1.11

 

The David Meade Project - 10.45pm on Wednesday 12th January on BBC1 in Northern Ireland only. "Each week, David explores a different topic that sees him take his participants on an often moving, sometimes controversial, and always astonishing journey investigating themes of luck, fear, intelligence, and creativity." See TV Magic for details. 8.1.11

 

BBC Radio Four's Afternoon Play 'Haunted' on Wednesday 19th is a dark psychological thriller by Sally Griffiths in which a TV illusionist and a medium both have their belief systems tested when a voice from the past refuses to keep silent. With Steffan Rhodri, Zoe Tapper and Vineeta Rishi. 2.15pm on Wednesday 19th January on BBC Radio Four. 8.1.11

 

Etienne Pradier lectures at the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, on Wednesday 12th January, at the West End Working Mens Club, Wolverhampton. Visiting magicians from other societies are welcome for a door charge of £5. Contact Mark Harrington 07779 608387 mark@illusistration.com to arrange your visit if you'd like to attend. www.frenchmagician.co.uk. 8.1.11

 

The South London Magic Society will host a lecture from Spyros Melaris entitled "Magic In Mind" on Friday January 14th... "featuring a selection of mental marvels for close-up, and stage. Spyros will give you an insight into his work on stage and television, and will discuss the creation of the world famous 'Alien Autopsy' the illusion that fooled over 1.2 billion TV viewers all over the world. This lecture will be at the SLMS headquarters at The United Reform Church Hall, Cobden Road, South Norwood, London SE25 5NY (Map). Non-Members £10.00." 8.1.11

 

MagicNews TeleVision relaunch. James James emails: "MagicNews TeleVision is about to be relaunched on Saturday 15th January. With News, Reviews and Interviews, it will bridge the gap from what is available to what you will want. Hosted by James James and produced by The Magic Hub it will be quite a ride. Visit www.magicnewstelevision.com and register for free updates and notifications before each episode goes live. Chris Cross is interviewed in the first episode." 8.1.11

 

Paul Gordon's all new professional card magic lecture is now available to book for your club or convention in 2011/12. (See the Lecturers page for info.) Paul promises "a jam-packed lecturing featuring powerful card magic from the Card Startlers and Blockbusters With Cards DVDs, showcasing new material during Card Capers in Glasgow and Manchester next week." www.paulgordon.net. 8.1.11

 

Adam Keisner emails: "I had the pleasure of entertaining Europe’s richest man and the world's 5th richest, Lakshmi Mittal at a private event atop The Gherkin, London. Also I was booked to perform for the contestants of the Italian equivalent of Americas top model. It’s a tough job I know....." www.keisner.com. 8.1.11

 

Magicians wanted for television. "Objective Productions (the television production company responsible for Derren Brown, The Real Hustle and Peep Show) are looking for magicians to audition for a new magic series. If you’re a magician with acting experience who is creative about how you present your magic then we want to hear from you at magictalent@objectiveproductions.com (Please send a photo of yourself and a link to a video of you performing)." 8.1.11

 

Spring-loaded knife board wanted! Unique Television, London, email: "I urgently need a magician’s type knife-board for filming in central London on Sunday. Ideally the knife board would be spring-loaded so when a knife is thrown we can push through a knife from behind or a knife springs up from below as if it’s just been thrown. We are making a comedy programme for Channel 4, filming this Sunday January 9th." If you can help contact Jessica Hartley on 020 8987 6478. 8.1.11

 

Sean Heydon is performing his full evening show in support of the charity "Immanuel Kindergarten" in Sudan on March 20th. The charity helps provide education in Southern Sudan. The show will take place at the Roayl Clifton Hotel in Southport and tickets are £26.50 each with all profits go to Immanuel Kindergarten. For tickets contact Carolyn Murray on 07790 161152. www.immanuelkindergarten.org, also see www.facebook.com. 8.1.11

 

Unusual request. Simon Tyson emails: "My wife Jane is just about to turn 30 and she has always wanted to be a magician's assistant for the day. Is there any magician out there that would be able to make her dream come true. Many thanks, Simon Tyson" Email: simonmtyson@yahoo.com. 8.1.11

 

Magic Lecturers Wanted. Don Simpson emails "The Mid Essex Magical Society are looking for lectures for the first Tuesday of April, May, June and July, we have 30 - 40 members mainly close-up with a couple of kid entertainers, the Tuesday is flexible as we met every Tuesday. We are based in a pub near Chelmsford and Danbury. Contact Don Simpson: closeupdon.simpson@virgin.net" (Also see the Lecturers page on MagicWeek). 8.1.11

 

"The Magicians on BBC One" Click Here. Following the transmission of the first in this five-part series discussion ensued on magic forum www.magicbunny.co.uk and TV forum www.digitalspy.co.uk. Show number 1 can be seen on BBC iPlayer Click Here • The Magic Woods has had a complete overhaul for 2011, visit www.themagicwoods.co.uk to see what's new • "Straitjackets, unicycles and handcuffs" Patrick Dennehy looks at the world of Roslyn Walker this week, Click Here • "Kent magician picked to perform for Penn and Teller " Click Here • Pantomagic, Geoffrey Newton reviews Andrew Van Buren's magic, Click Here • Magic Moments Day 2010, update, Click Here • That's it! Many thanks for your news submissions, see you next week, Duncan. 8.1.11

 

Back

 

© www.magicweek.co.uk