Number 573 - 18th June 2011
"Brown
is a consummate showman with a connection to his audience and a
lightness of touch that is matched only by the greatest actors and
comedians. If every era has one great magician, then he is certainly
ours." Alistair Smith, The Stage. Tuesday 14th June, 2011.
This, Derren's fifth all-new full evening show, transports audiences to
a place they seldom visit, playing tricks with their minds and
delivering bucket loads of bafflement and fun in the process. The pace
is rapid and the delivery fast, with ad-libs and one-liners coming in
from all sides. Derren is as brilliant as ever, and the set, a sort of
Jules Verne's '20,000 Leagues Under the Sea' meets 'The Time Machine',
is just perfect. Do see this show (DT). What the papers say:
independent.co.uk,
telegraph.co.uk,
londonist.com,
whatsonstage.com,
guardian.co.uk,
express.co.uk,
thisislondon.co.uk,
theartsdesk.com,
thestage.co.uk.
"'I want to reclaim my 20s… which means poncing around in
pirate clothes'. The master of mind-control on fainting fans, pooing
parrots and his new-found love of cravats..."
Click Here.
18.6.11
Penn
& Teller: Fool Us. The first in this new seven-part series airs
tonight at 8pm on ITV1. The format is simple: "Each show challenges aspiring
magicians to perform their most baffling trick in front of a studio
audience. If they manage to fool the grand masters of magic, they win
the right to perform with the duo in Las Vegas. In today's episode,
illusionists High Jinx, danger man Jon Allen and comedy mentalist Graham
Jolley are the acts vying for a chance to win magic's greatest gig.
After facing the challengers, Penn and Teller will close the show with a
fantastic new trick of their own." See
TV Magic
for details. "Magicians got talent"
Click Here. "Penn & Teller reveal the secrets of TV magic"
Click Here. "Radlett magician Jon Allen stars in ITV show Penn and
Teller: Fool Us"
Click Here.
18.6.11
Meet
The Legends. From Paul Stone: There are still around 25 tickets left
for the exclusive 'Meet The Legends' Reception on Sunday 18th September
2011 at the Courthouse Hotel on Great Marlborough Street, near to the
London Palladium Stage Door. This event is linked to the 'Palladium
Magic' Charity Show taking place at the London Palladium the following
evening, Monday 19th September. Numbers for this event are limited as
the excellent Preview Theatre at the Courthouse hotel only holds 85
people. Thirty places have been allocated for VIP's and the Legends
themselves. This your chance to meet and rub shoulders with some genuine
Magic Legends including John Calvert, Jack Kodell, Mac King, Johnny &
Pam Thompson, Silvan, Jeff Hobson and David Berglas ... plus a few other
surprise guests! You'll see rare video footage and hear stories and
anecdotes from the Legends themselves about their incredible careers and
also about other magic Legends like Channing Pollack and Jay Marshall,
and we've built in time for you to get your photographs and autographs.
This will be a 'never to be repeated' event, and if you have any
interest in the real history of magic, you should make a date to be
there! Remember there are only 25 tickets left, and once they've gone,
we literally can't fit anyone else in! Tickets are £95. To book email to
info@palladiummagic.com.
18.6.11
The
Boys are Back in Town. Chris Power and JJ hold a high level meeting
in leafy Borehamwood to finalise plans for the presentation they will be
making at this year's EMC 2011... The outcome: The story of
Opus Magazine,
how it was born, how it stayed alive and "stuff" that never made it to
print, will all feature in their talk. All EMC 2011 members will receive free PDF
copies of volume one (12 issues) as a special gift. Register
now...
www.essentialmagicconference.com.
18.6.11
Max
Maven will be lecturing all new material (to the UK) at the
International Magic Convention being held later this year (18th-20th
November) at The Mermaid Theatre, London: "This will herald Max’s first
appearance in London for 10 years, and we are thrilled to announce that
in addition to his lecture at the Convention, he will also be presenting
his full evening one man show .Max Maven Thinking in Person: An Evening
of Knowing and Not Knowing. at the Bridewell Theatre on the Saturday
evening. This show, that the New York Times observed as 'a
category defying mind-reading show that veers into conceptual art', has
never been performed before in the UK, and proves why Entertainment
Tonight crowned him 'the master mind reader' in this show which has
been described as 'a rare and precious piece of magical theatre'. Max’s
show will be one of the extra events being organized throughout the
week, to celebrate the 40th anniversary of London’s only annual magic
Convention. Tickets for this two hour show are available individually at
£25, but may also be taken instead of a Convention Gala Show ticket if
you are booking a registration for the convention." Visit
www.internationalmagic.com for more info and
to register.
18.6.11
Portsmouth
& District Magic Circle Jumbo Day, Sunday 6th November 2011. The
line up for the 48th Annual Portsmouth Jumbo Day is now complete. The
day starts at 9am with The Sale, featuring many new and second-hand
dealers. Throughout the day there will be Merv Cole's 'Legendary'
Auction, Bob Hamilton's films, two workshops featuring Coins and then
Mentalism, a presentation about Tarot, and Close-up Sessions with four
magicians. This year's Star Lecture will be by Australian Comedy
Magician, Brad
Manuel (photo). Brad will only be in the UK for a few days, so this
is a great opportunity to see him. The day ends with the Gala Show,
which stars, Brad Manuel, John Kimmons, High Jinx, Neil Kelso and The
Vox Brothers. Fast Track ticket price £17.00, under 16's £8.50. Advance
Dealer Registration £40.00. Closing date for these prices is 18th
October 2011. Pay on the day price £19.00, under 16's £10. Full details
and registration forms available now at
www.jumboday.co.uk
Venue: Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO2
7BL (Map).
18.6.11
Wolverhampton
on the Fringe: Comedians on way to Edinburgh Fringe stop off for
unique hilarious season at Light House. Light House in Wolverhampton
introduce a new and exciting comedy season endorsed by Edinburgh’s
famous Fringe Festival featuring some of the best UK comedians, new
faces and seasoned professionals. It’s a chance to see sneak preview
performances before they are taken to Edinburgh Fringe in August 2011.
The season continues through until July with performances from Carey
Marx, Simon Donald, Pete Firman, Matt Kirshen, Mick Ferry, Chris
McCausland, Shazia Mirza and Zoe Lyons. Pete Firman and Matt Kirshen
will be performing at the third show on Thursday 7th July, 8.15pm, for
8.30pm start. Tickets cost just £12 per night, over 18s only. For more
information visit
www.light-house.co.uk.
18.6.11
Edinburgh International Magic, 1st
- 8th July.
This year’s Edinburgh International Magic Festival programme opens the
door to a world of visually astounding and cutting-edge illusionists,
mind readers and magicians from the Netherlands, France, America, New
Zealand and the UK. The full programme is now available as a glossy (if
you've got a reflective screen ) PDF,
Click Here. Early Bird Special Offers: save up to 20% if you book tickets before 24th June,
Click Here or visit
www.magicfest.co.uk
for more information.
18.6.11
Marvelous Matthew Wright presents a lecture of magic in a quirky quest
for comedy, character and the "Greatest Magic Trick in the World".
Winner of a number of coveted awards such as The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of
the Year, The International Magic Close-up Magician of the Year and FISM
Europe Parlour Category (2nd place), Matthew is one of the most
decorated magicians in the country. A busy professional, and past head magician at Illusions Magic Bar Manchester,
and Director of
Magic at The House of Illusion in Spain, Matthew is now owner of his own Parlour
Theatre www.chamberofsecrets.eu in Malta.
He now looking to take bookings for next year for club lectures
as well as convention appearances for close-up, parlour and gala shows.
He will only be the country in January, February and March 2012, so
don't miss this opportunity to book him. Contact via
www.chamberofsecrets.eu.
18.6.11
Paul Kieve: The real-life Jonathan Creek.
"Stage illusionist Paul Kieve tells Jasper Rees about the tricks of the
trade..."
Click Here, "Paul Kieve’s five greatest illusionist tricks"
Click Here.
18.6.11
Steve
Dimmer's ‘Childrens Nuts & Bolts’ lecture is now taking bookings for
club and convention appearances. In the talk Steve explains many
original effects using props that magicians already own, and also goes into
the practical side of being an children’s entertainer. He explores how
to sell your services more effectively, promoting yourself at parties
with a view to getting more work, as well as how to make your shows more
fun with new bits of business and sub-routines. Also addressed it the
tricky issue of entertaining for the older child and tactics on the
thorny problem of how to keep the adults quiet!
Steve is an Associate Member of The Inner Magic Circle with silver star
and has won The Pip Ayres Memorial Trophy for Children’s entertainment 8
years out of the past 10. Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page for more
details and to make contact.
www.stevethemagician.co.uk.
18.6.11
Kockov
aka magician/comedian Jasper Blakeley, is appearing at the Glee Club in
Cardiff this week on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th June. Having
packed-out the venue earlier this year with his new one-man show,
Mind-Messer, top UK comedy bookers ‘Off The Kerb’ asked Jasper to
compère
one of their regular nights. As MC, Kockov will be introducing three
great stand-ups, Chris Ramsey, Shelley Marshall and Kevin Gildea as well
as entertaining the audience with his trademark edgy mind-reading
routines. www.glee.co.uk
www.jasperblakeley.co.uk.
18.6.11
Nick
Does The Trick! Geoffrey Newton reports: The Order of The Magi
(Manchester) held their annual Close Up competition on Tuesday 14th June
when Nick Barnes took the trophy for the second time. In a room packed
with members and guests, 6 competitors battled it out for the award
finely scrutinised by both lay and magical judges. Although some of the
marking was close Nick peaked over the rest with his very comical
handling of card on forehead and an equally amusing story using the
acrobatic matchboxes. The Chop Cup with double load climax completed his
performance. It just goes to show that in the right hands even well
known effects can achieve different presentations that collect good
marks. The Sly Smith Shield for the Best Card Trick went to a new and
enthusiastic member Paul Feldman who only joined the society three weeks
ago. The Magi Cabaret and Comedy competition is on the 8th November and
guests are equally welcome to attend.
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk Geoffrey Newton PRO.
18.6.11
Use
Your Illusion. After 9 sell out shows Adam Smith will be staging his
new 'Use Your Illusion' show at the Science Theatre, Salomons Estate,
Tunbridge Wells TN3 0TG (Map)
on July 9th. "This highly acclaimed show will leave you baffled and
wondering how it is all possible."
www.adams-magic.co.uk.
18.6.11
More
Terrific-trix for Kids’ Shows. Following on from his best-selling book ‘Dealing with Magic’
The Rise & Fall of the
Supreme Magic Company, Ian Adair published four more titles, and now
has another four on the way! His latest book, a sequel entitled,
'More Terrific-trix for
Kids’ Shows' is due for publication later this month, containing 200 pages and scores of drawings, with a
foreword
by David Ginn. In it Ian explains yet another sixty different
effects and routines for children's entertainers, including many
performance hints and tips.
Following this, Ian’s big book on hand puppet magic, a
book on paddle trick magic, and a non-trick title called 'Chit-chat on
this and that - magical', will all be published.
To finish off his planned eight book run Ian is preparing yet another, this
time covering a pet effect of his – 'Just Chance' featuring scores of methods
for this popular effect.
And after a long break, Ian will be appearing at two major conventions,
both dealing with children’s magic.
Not bad for one year’s work! More Terrific-trix for
Kids’ Shows will be available exclusively from
www.practical-magic.com (Ian's 270th book; his first being published
when he was just 14 years old).
18.6.11
Kovari
Lecture. George Kovari presents his "Ideas and inventions of Kovari
part 2" lecture at the Mystic Ring (Luton and Dunstable) on Thursday
July 21st at 7.45pm. The meeting takes place at the Conservative Club,
Dunstable. Visit
www.mysticring.co.uk for more information.
18.6.11
Fay Presto & Piff The Magic Dragon - From The Magic Circle Season of
Summer Sorcery. "A favourite with the Royal Family, the
legend that is Fay Presto will be at her dazzling best for an evening of
illusion and wonder. The award-winning Piff the Magic Dragon clambers
onto the stage of The Magic Circle with Mr Piffles, the world's first
levitating Chihuahua. Yes really! 'Cute, inspired and very funny' (Time
Out). If you think you've seen everything, wait until you've seen these
two Magic Circle Superstars!" Saturday 9th July at The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson Way,
London NW1 2HD (Map).
Doors open 7pm. Show 7.30pm. All tickets £15. £10 for Members and
Friends of The Magic Circle. To book tickets or become a Friend, visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk or call 020 7387 2222.
18.6.11
What
Do I Know? Is the title of the new eBook from Magic Circle President Jack Delvin: "Over
100 pages of practical experience collected during 65 years of
professional magic at a very high standard for only a fiver! Here is a
treasure trove of thoughts, ideas, articles, over 40 superb tricks, and
also, amazingly, a brilliant 40-page book entitled Act Factor. This is a
brand new in-depth treatise on the creation of new acts. Questions
answered cover the what, why and how of close-up, children's, mental and
stage magic. How do you benefit from this fantastic offer? Order it
today and it will magically appear on your computer, just like that!"
Visit
www.jackdelvin.co.uk and scroll down for more information and to
order.
9.4.11
Rob
James and Alan Hudson preview their new one man shows "Magicana" &
"Alan's Not So Secret World of Magic" together, at the Wickham Theatre
in Bristol on Monday 27th June. Tickets are only £5.50 each and are
available from
www.rob-james.com/preview.html.
18.6.11
Jumbo
Magic Auction - Manchester Circle of Magicians on Tuesday 21st June
at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford,
Nr. Manchester commencing 6.30pm, with viewing from 6pm.
Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Door charge £3.00. Members
free of charge. Hundreds of items available including apparatus, books,
DVDs etc. Further details from Derek Lever, phone 01253 810113 email
d.lever1@sky.com.
18.6.11
The
Grumpy Magicians (Paul Temple and John Hearn) will be performing
during the PBH Free Fringe in Edinburgh at Ryan's Bar, Princess Street,
between 6th-28th August at 7.30pm-8.30pm. Paul and John will offer their
unique brand of strong old fashioned visual magic!
18.6.11
Marco
Tempest's latest visual treat 'iPod Magic - Deceptions' can be seen
on YouTube
Click Here. The application that Marco uses to sync the iPods
together is available at the App store, and it's free:
Click Here. Marco credits: "Karl Germain (1878-1959) for the
inspiration. David Britland for adding the magic of words, Kevin Blanc
for relentlessly tweaking the motion graphics and bringing the
butterflies to life, Alain Renold for making Karl smile one last time,
Jojo Mayer for the wicked soundtrack. Matt, Sherry, Emily and sweet
Carmen for their cameo appearances. Tobias Beckwith for Karls' voice. A
super special shout out to Eric Redlinger for programing MultiVid. And
to Paul Cope for inventing thermoplastic glue, without it this project
would not have been possible." "Magician creates iPhone illusion show"
Click Here. Marco can be seen live at the TED conference in
Edinburgh on July 13th,
Click Here.
www.marcotempest.com.
18.6.11
Mad
Sponges... Warped Magic has taken delivery of yet another special
limited edition trick direct from the USA. Magic Geek have only produced
100 sets of Mad Sponges worldwide, based on the 'Angry Birds'
phenomenon. Use the sponges in conjunction with your Smartphone for an
up to date, charming routine. The set consists of nine hand carved and
painted sponges, and an instructional DVD detailing alternate routines.
See Mad Sponges at
www.warpedmagic.co.uk.
18.6.11
Magic
Worlds, V&A Museum of Childhood. This autumn, the V&A Museum of
Childhood will explore Magic Worlds. The exhibition will delve into the
captivating world of magic, inviting visitors to immerse themselves in
the imaginary and fantastical realms of witches, wizards, fairies,
elves, dragons, magicians and illusionists. The exhibition will feature
Harry Potter, Sooty, Tommy Cooper, Derren Brown and more. The exhibition
runs from Saturday 8th October 2011 to Friday 4th May 2012. Entry to the
exhibition and the Museum is free. The V&A Museum of Childhood aims to
encourage everyone to explore the themes of childhood past and present
and develop an appreciation of creative design through its inspirational
collections and programmes.
www.museumofchildhood.org.uk.
18.6.11
Young
& Strange. "As seen on ITV's Penn & Teller; Fool Us, Young & Strange
make their Edinburgh debut with an hour of magic, comedy and illusion.
The Southsider, 3 - 7 West Richmond Street, EH8 9EF" August 6th-26th at
8pm (1 hour). Free, non-ticketed. More info:
www.youngandstrange.co.uk. "We are Young & Strange"
Click Here.
18.6.11
Darlington
Magic Circle are pleased to be hosting the lecture “Stand Up
Classics” by Ian Keable this coming Thursday, 23rd June: "In his lecture
Ian performs and explains several tricks from his professional
repertoire to illustrate not only how to, but also how not to, do
Cabaret magic. Ian also talks about choosing Cabaret material, how to be
funny, patter to avoid, dealing with hecklers, using assistants from the
audience and other aspects of Cabaret magic which can only be learnt
through solid performing experience. The lecture will be held at The
Railway Institute, 93 North Road, Darlington DL1 2PP (Map)
with a prompt 8pm start. For visiting magicians entry is just £5."
Contact the Secretary, Stuart Hodgson
magic@stu-di-doo.com to
confirm attendance as numbers may be limited.
18.6.11
Fake:
An Evening of Paranormal Experiments. "You are invited to an evening
with world famous psychic, Madame Ceasefire (Steve Ace) and her trusty
Butler, Piles (Gavin Dean) This 'must see' show is full of gasps,
shivers and laughs. Minds will be read, ghost stories told, unseen
forces witnessed close up and put to video live for the whole audience
to see. Remember, you will never forget the night you saw a show called
"Fake!" Not suitable for the under 12's. Saturday 6th August, 7.30pm, at
Pavilion Theatre, Pier Gardens, Gorleston on Sea, Gt Yarmouth, Norfolk
www.gorlestonpavilion.co.uk. Friday 19th August , 7.30pm at The Cut,
New Cut, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BY
www.newcut.org.
Also see
www.thefakeshow.co.uk.
18.6.11
The
South Staffordshire Society of Magicians are now taking lecture
bookings for their 2011/12 season. If you have an existing lecture and
would like to be considered contact the society via
www.3sm.org.uk.
18.6.11
CBBC
Magic Show. "Are you a young magician between the ages of 10 and 15?
Or do you have another special skill? Are you fantastic with a yo-yo?
Can you juggle or perform other circus skills? Do you have a specialist
skill or are you a young magician? We're looking for young magicians and
young people from all over the UK with a skill to take part in a brand
new CBBC magic show. If you're a magician, a wiz with a yo-yo, pen
spinner, card flourisher or have another unique skill (see the list on
the form for more details) then we want to hear from you..."
Click Here for full details and to apply.
18.6.11
"Paul Gertner chronicles his path to master magician" Click Here • "Jason Reitman hired to polish Steve Carell comedy" Click Here • "School’s awards magic success" Click Here • Michael Chandler reviews 'An Audience With The Count' Click Here • "Thousands of pounds raised at Wargrave charity run" Click Here • "Barry and Stuart at South Street Arts Centre" Click Here • That's it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 18.6.11