Number 575 - 2nd July 2011
Dynamo
goes walkabout... on the River Thames! Magician Dynamo defied
gravity and logic by walking across the River Thames last Saturday;
onlookers watched in stunned amazement. There'll be plenty more
astounding feats and mind-bending tricks in Dynamo: Magician
Impossible, exclusive to Watch (Sky 109 / Virgin Media 124),
starting on Thursday 7th July. "Dynamo: Magician Impossible"
YouTube.com. "The magician who can walk on water: Dynamo crosses the
River Thames on foot - without using a bridge"
dailymail.co.uk. ""Illusionist 'walks' on Thames"
thesun.co.uk. "Trick or feat? Magician Dynamo 'walks across Thames'"
guardian.co.uk. "Is Magician's 'Walk On Water' Genuine?"
sky.com. "No this picture ISN'T faked - it's a master magician's
greatest stunt: Meet Steve 'Dynamo' Frayne, the man who can walk on
water..."
dailymail.co.uk.
2.7.11
Harry
Anderson - first ever European appearance! With multiple appearances
on Saturday Night Live and The Johnny Carson Show in the
States, as a regular guest artist in Cheers, and as the star of his
own highly successful sitcoms, spanning 12 years, and as one of
the USA’s most revered comedy magicians, it seems inconceivable that
Harry Anderson has never appeared at a European Magic Convention. That will all change later this year when he will not only
perform his one man show, but will then reveal and analyse everything in
it, in a follow up lecture at
The International Magic Convention in London (November 18th, 19th &
20th). If you need any more convincing that this will be a truly
unmissable event, read any review of Mike Caveney’s number one best
seller “Harry Anderson: Wise Guy”. Harry will open the Convention on the
Friday evening. This evening is just one of the very many special events
planned, not only during the Convention but also in London’s Festival of
Magic in the week leading up to it. If you’re a magic fan there will be
no better time to visit London – keep an eye on MagicWeek over the next
month to find out about other special seminars and one-off events being
planned to celebrate this, the 40th year of London’s only annual
Convention, "Ron's Day". Visit
www.internationalmagic.com for more info and to book.
2.7.11
Essential
Magic Conference 7th, 8th, 9th July 2011
David Britland at EMC2011. Along with Luis de Matos and Marco Tempest, David Britland is one of the organisers of the Essential Magic Conference. He is the author of many books on magic including The Mind & Magic of David Berglas and Phantoms of the Card Table. When not writing he is developing and consulting on television shows related to magic, deception, scams and psychology. Among them are The Real Hustle and the series and specials of Derren Brown. This year David will be talking at EMC about the remarkable Chan Canasta.
Free access to Ask Alexander. Thanks to Bill Kalush and The Conjuring Arts Research Center all EMC members registering before 4th of July will receive one month’s free access to the Ask Alexander online magic library. Register today! www.essentialmagicconference.com. 2.7.11
The
Expert at the Card Table. Written and Performed by Guy Hollingworth.
Directed by Neil Patrick Harris. The Edye, 1310 11th St. Santa Monica,
California. July 13th - August 7th. Neil Patrick Harris’ latest
directorial project is all fun and games until magic turns to mystery.
Written and performed by sleight-of-hand master Guy Hollingworth, and
developed under the artistic direction of David Babani of the Menier
Chocolate Factory, this acclaimed adaptation of a notorious, anonymously
penned 1902 book gob-smacked audiences with its tale of two boys whose
childhood love of card tricks turns in adulthood into a deadly game of
trickery and deceit. Tickets:
www.thebroadstage.com "UK Magician Guy Hollingworth in Expert at the
Card Table at The Broad Stage"
Click Here.
2.7.11
British
Ring Convention, Southport, September - 4 days of non-stop magic...
Starring Michael Finney (USA), Rafael (photo, Belgium), Aonghus McAnally
(Ireland), Jason Andrews (USA), Guy Barrett (UK), Anthony Darkstone
Brook (Portugal), Romany (UK), Jeton - The Gentleman Juggler (Germany),
Shawn Farquhar (Canada), Jordan Gomez (France), Paul Joyce (UK), Wes
Zaharuk (Canada), David Tomkins (UK), Richard Cadell and Sooty (UK),
Safire (UK), Amethyst (UK), Mark James (UK), Joe M. Turner (USA), Alex
Hansford (UK), Mel Mellers (UK) and Vittorio Marino (Italy). The
convention runs from 22nd – 25th September, visit
www.magicconvention.co.uk for more information and to register.
2.7.11
The
Berglas Effects, the big hardcover book that reveals the innermost
secrets of the card miracles performed for nearly 60 years by the
legendary David Berglas is now in stock here in the UK and available for
immediate delivery. Written by
magic’s most experienced author, Richard Kaufman with a foreword by Juan
Tamariz and nearly three years in the making, The
Berglas Effects runs to almost 400 pages! Hardcover, dustjacket,
complete with 3-D glasses and 3 DVDs!
Click Here to order. David Berglas will
include an autographed bookplate on request. Members of The Magic Circle
enjoyed An Evening with David Berglas last week, in which he
demonstrated some of his favourite 'effects' live on stage, much to the
delight of the standing room only audience. His card and number work was
simply amazing!
2.7.11
The
Magic Circle presents 'Young Magician of the Year Revisited', a very special one-day event at The Magic Circle
Headquarters in London on Sunday, September 18th, to celebrate the 50th
anniversary of the most significant competition in British magic.
Featuring many past participants, including Richard Wiseman, Marc
Oberon, Russ Stevens, Richard Cadell, Graham Jolley, Paul Kieve, Andrew
O'Connor, Amethyst, Noel Britten, Angelo Carbone, Keith Cooper, Paul
Dabek, Steve Dela, Nicholas Einhorn, Richard Griffin, Ben Hart, Philip
Hitchcock, Michael Jordan, Matt McGurk, David Owen, Bertie Pearce, Scott
Penrose, Colin Rose, Martyn Rowland and Martin Scott Price. Expect to see special presentations,
lectures, close-up performances, a full evening show and a few
surprises. Non-members £45.00, Members £35.00, Young magicians (18 and
under) and their guardians £27.00. Sunday, 18th September 2011. Email
noelbritten@themagiccircle.co.uk for registration details.
2.7.11
Sensation
- the ultimate variety show. "Richard Griffin Productions presents one of the largest variety shows in
the UK.
In this fast paced show you will see an explosion of Britain's top talented
stars all under one roof.
Singing, dancing, comedy, magic, ventriloquism, impressions, juggling,
acrobatics, music, the unusual and bizarre, come together to give
you everything variety has to give in this two hour extravaganza."
Saturday 22nd October at the Harlow Playhouse. Book online at
www.playhouseharlow.com or call the Box office on 01279 431945.
2.7.11
Magic
at the Barn. Now in its 7th successful year Magic at the Barn is
back this summer at
The Barn, Sutton Hall, Shopland Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LQ (Map), featuring
award-winning stage magic, illusion, ventriloquism, comedy and close-up
magic, suitable for all the family, all set in the intimate atmosphere of
17th Century barn theatre with Oliver Tabor and special guests from
around the country. The weekend of magic will be supporting the local
Fair Havens charity. Show times: 7.30pm on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th
July. Starring Oliver Tabor,
Paul Henri,
Olly Day and
Kerry-Ann Steadman.
Close-up magic will be presented by local magicians Mick Geraghty,
Richard Graham and Mark Keeble prior to the show. Doors open at 7pm, finishes
approx. 9.30pm. Refreshments will be available during the
interval.
Tickets: £12.50 adults, £7.50 children (under 16 years), family booking £35 (2 adults
and 2 children). Book now on 01702 543242 or online via
www.magicatthebarn.co.uk.
2.7.11
Flavour
transforming sweets given The Magic Circle stamp of approval.
'Guzzle Puzzle' becomes the first sweet to be officially supplied to
magicians’ society. Wednesday saw the launch of the first ever flavour
transforming sweet range from The Natural Confectionery Co. Tested by
members of The Magic Circle, the sweet will be the first to be
officially supplied to the world famous organisation after members
verified ‘Guzzle Puzzle’ to be ‘truly magical’. The extraordinary new
sweets combine two seemingly normal flavours to magically conjure up a
third inside the mouth. The Master Magician said, “At The Magic Circle
we are committed to promoting and advancing the art of magic, especially
if it’s accessible to all and can bring a sprinkling of mystery and
illusion to everyday life. When we first tested Guzzle Puzzle we were
genuinely amazed and baffled by the flavour transformations we
experienced; something which rarely happens to a group of professional
magicians!” The new magical Guzzle Puzzle is available exclusively in
ASDA stores from 4th July and will hit the shelves nationwide in August.
"Guzzle Puzzle brings a sprinkling of magic to the streets of London"
Click Here (Photo: Magician Robert Pound levitating a selection o
Guzzle Puzzles.)
2.7.11
Magicseen
Issue 39 out now! From the editor: "Magicseen Issue 39 for July 2011 is now available and just bursting with sunny
summer goodness! The amazing Yann Frisch is on the cover and we find out
how he created his amazing FISM winning close up act and where he plans
to go next in his career. Alongside him we offer interviews with two
very different characters in Eric Jones, the smooth close up worker from
the US, and Chris Cross, the unique talent from the UK. For children's
entertainers we start a new series in this issue called 'It Ain't All
Magic' in which we start to look at a range of entertainment options for
kids' parties that are not magic, and in the opening article we give
advice on how to run games. If you've ever wondered what it is like to
try and organise an annual convention, or if you've ever come away from
one thinking you could have done better, reading 'So You Want To Be
A...Magic Convention Organiser' will open your eyes to what is involved
as we get 4 top event coordinators to tell all. All this plus the
Comedy Cavern which has gags and advice from Jo Caulfield, Emo Phillips
and Richard Herring, the Masterclass with effects from Mike Gancia and
Damian Surr to learn, behind the scenes info on several upcoming
conventions including an interview with Luis de Matos about the
Essential Magic Conference, reviews, news, letters and more, it's enough
to keep even the most demanding reader happy! To sign up for printed
copy or download subs, or simply to purchase a single printed copy or
download, go to www.magicseen.co.uk."
2.7.11
John
Carey Lecture, Thursday July 7th. "Sheffield Circle of Magicians
warmly invite you to join us as John Carey presents his 'Handle With
Carey' lecture. Practicality is a key word with John's work. 'I no longer
have time for effects that involve long set ups and dead time. Audience
attention spans are getting shorter and shorter. Material that is
direct, visual and interactive are my goals. Confusion isn't magic as
Vernon once said'. The lecture is free to Members and £10 to non members
(all welcome). It will begin at 7.30 pm at the excellent Magic Lounge,
82 Broad Street, Sheffield, S2 5TG. For more information contact Andy at
secretary@sheffieldcircleofmagicians.org."
2.7.11
Safire
on tour. After
a sellout UK Spring Theatre Tour of "Barry Potty and his Full Blood
Brother Paul, The Ghostly Shadows" Stuart and Jayne (Safire
Illusionists) are now appearing in the Summer Show version, with the
BBC's Children's favorites the Chuckle Brothers. Safire will be performing their illusion act, their Magic Light Puppets
act ,and will also will be playing parts in the production.
Featuring ghosts, ghouls and spectacular magic in this exhilarating
brand new show. Guaranteed fun for all the family from ages 3 to 103!
Skegness Embassy Theatre Box Office 08456740505 Tuesdays - July 26th
August 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd, and 30th.
Great Yarmouth Britannia Theatre Box Office 01493 842209 Wednesdays -
July 27th August 3rd, 10th, 17th, 24th and 31st.
Scarborough Futurist Theatre Box Office 01723 365789 Thursdays - July
28th 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th September 1st. Safire are also appearing with their illusion act and Magic Light Puppets in the
Children's Showtime at the IBM Convention Southport Theatre on Saturday
24th September at 10.30am. Box Office 08448 472380.
2.7.11
Wayne Fox
'Out Foxed' Lecture - Merlin Magical Society. Wayne Fox will present
his 'Out Foxed' lecture at the Merlin Magical Society on Thursday July
7th. The lecture features: "Strong visual routines, powerful sleights,
logical effects, fresh ideas on presentation and misdirection skills,
easy mind reading including: the only "table approach" you will ever
need. Plus: how to generate more customers, advice on how to turn
professional "close upper" and real secrets on the restaurant magic
business.
For more information visit
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk or call Secretary John Clayton on 07931 525399.
Doors open at 7.30pm, lecture runs 8pm to 10pm.
Entry for non members is only £5.
The Merlin Magical Society meets at
Little Heath Parish Hall,
Thornton Road,
Potters Bar,
Hertfordshire
EN6 1JJ (Map).
2.7.11
Magicians
Wanted!
AMP Music Productions Ltd email: "We
are a small record label, and for our next music video we'd like to
feature some magicians performing magic. We are running a competition
asking magicians to post a 30 second video of themselves performing a trick to
YouTube. We will then choose the winners to star in the music video. In
addition we will invite our favourite performers to perform live at the
single launch party.
We will pay the performers who appear in the video.
For full details about the competition,
Click Here. To see examples of previous videos we've commissioned,
please check out Mike Marlin's YouTube channel:
www.youtube.com/mikemarlintube. Contact Jarvey Moss on 07870 668434
email
jarvey@ampmusicproductions.co.uk
www.ampmusicproductions.co.uk."
2.7.11
Paul
Gordon's Card Capers Day of Magic, Belfast, Sunday 27th November.
For the very first time, Paul Gordon's Card Capers Day of Magic comes to
Belfast, Northern Ireland Sunday 27th November 2011. It's a fun
jam-packed day of 'doable' card magic: "Paul
held some fifty people enthralled as he demonstrated items from his
books. In situations like this, his command is phenomenal. With his
showmanship and personality he makes card tricks entertaining and
meaningful. He has them hanging onto his every word, not just for a few
minutes but for an hour or so!" Walt Lees (Mystery Magazine). Only £30
for the day: see
www.paulgordon.net/cardcapers.html for full details.
2.7.11
E-Club
Pro, Mark Leveridge Magic's unique online club, has added a new section.
Called The Lecture Room, it will contain bite size video
segments of Mark's lectures, enabling those who have not been able to
catch Mark working live see the lecture contents. This month
the first part of Mark's latest lecture 'Going Walkabout' can be seen,
with subsequent months eventually featuring the entire lecture.
This is just one of the many benefits afforded to members of E-Club Pro,
which offers an astonishing amount of monthly updated members' only
website content offering instruction, advice and entertainment.
Membership is offered for a small monthly payment which is available as
a pay-as-you-go subscription enabling anyone who joins to stay as long
as they wish and to finish their membership at any time. To find out
more and to register visit
www.markleveridge.co.uk/eclubpro.php.
2.7.11
The
Magic Circle's Season of Summer Sorcery continues tonight with
'Giants of Close-Up Magic' starring Michael Vincent, Fay Presto, Julian
James and Chris Wood. See
What's On for
details of all these shows, open to the public, in The Magic Circle's Season of Summer Sorcery
(July 2nd, 9th, 16th and 30th).
2.7.11
Topsy
Turvey Bottles! Practical Magic announce a great new modern version
of a classic effect. "The magician and his volunteer assistant each have
a bottle and a tube. No matter how hard they try, as each turns their
tube over with the bottle inside, their respective bottles end up
flipping in different directions. Magically, on the last try, the
magician's bottle finally matches the volunteer's bottle... then the
magician magically produces a third bottle to give away as a souvenir!
Manufactured with lightweight, genuine half litre soda bottles. Finally,
a set of tricky bottles that can't break! Bottles are actually filled
with real cola and can be handed out as souvenirs at the end of the
routine!" Available exclusively in the UK from Practical Magic
www.practical-magic.com.
2.7.11
Tricky
Toons by Wayne Dobson (Wayne Dobson's 'Split Personality' for children!)
"The magician displays two sets of Jumbo cards and a prediction. The
sets have the names of famous children's cartoon characters like Bugs
Bunny. One pile of cards to the left has the first names of the cartoon
characters, the other to the right has the last names. A single
prediction card is placed in the middle of the two piles. As the trick
progresses the cards are turned over one by one to show that the names
match up. They are then returned to their original piles and mixed up so
no one knows what position the names are in. The top card from each pile
is turned over and are supposed to match, but disaster... They don't
match!!! So what did the magician predict with the middle card? The
prediction card is turned over to reveal a funny cartoon picture with
sucker ending. Beautifully illustrated Jumbo cards with every character
name having its own cartoon font. Every name has its different coloured
background and all the card backs show a fun cartoon TV. Visually
stunning! 100% self working. £29.95" The original Split Personality by
Wayne Dobson is also now back in stock, visit
www.waynedobson.co.uk for more info and to order.
2.7.11
Amazing
mentalist Docc Hilford is the star lecturer at Blackpool Magicians’
Club on Wednesday 13th July: "Celebrated as the foremost psychic
entertainer on the planet Docc has created numerous effects, written
several books and produced popular DVDs for magicians and mentalists. If
you want to read people’s minds, predict forthcoming events or tell
people what their future holds then this lecture is bound to appeal.
Although Docc is famed throughout the world for his mentalism, cold
reading and bizarre magic his routines also contain humour and a great
deal of audience and individual participation." The lecture, to be held
at the headquarters of Blackpool Magicians’ Club (which is bound to be
packed for this event), is open to all members and associates. For
details of Associate Membership visit
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
2.7.11
Merlins
of Wakefield have now started hosting 'Exclusive Magic Club
Evenings' at their shop in the centre of Wakefield. Mark and Phil will
open the shop in the evening for magic clubs to visit. Clubs can then
hold a meeting there and see some of the latest magic (not to mention
tea, coffee and biscuits!) and it's free for the club. Club secretaries
should contact Merlins for details
merlins@btconnect.com. Also
their latest 16 page Preview is now available, it is packed with loads
of great magic and it too is free for the asking. Call 01924 339933 for
a copy or email for a PDF copy.
27.11
Jay
Scott Berry lecture - final date. This week is the last chance to
see Jay Scott Berry lecture, when he finishes his tour (planned
to be his last) in London on Thursday 7th July at International
Magic. It is being held at their usual venue: 2nd floor at 'Casa
Italiana', 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map)
at 7.30pm (finishes 9.45pm). Entrance is £15.00, pay on the door. All
those who wish to attend should contact Martin on 020 7405 7324 or email
martin@internationalmagic.com.
2.7.11
Cornish
Magical Society 50th Dinner: "President
Paul Scott invites you to join him at the 50th Dinner of the Cornish
Magical Society on Saturday 9th July at the Membley Hall Hotel, Cliff
Road, Falmouth Cornwall. Tickets £25 available from Joan Burford, 15 Bay
Court, Cliff Road, Falmouth, Cornwall TR11 4NP cheques payable to 'Cornish
Magical Society'. The cabaret is Paul Stockman one of the UK's top
psychological entertainers."
2.7.11
Magic Night at Madame JoJo’s - London Friday,
July 15th. Magic Night gets tricky and saucy with bananas, semi naked
predictions, vexed magical beasts and saws! Starring Chris Cox, Piff the
Magic Dragon, Delores Deluxe, Lee Hathaway and MC Neil Henry. Magic
Night at Madame JoJo’s, Doors open 7pm, show starts at 7.45pm, Tickets: £12, show ticket
plus dinner: £22 Tickets can be bought via
www.ticketweb.co.uk.
Madame JoJo’s,
8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SP (Map)
For more info visit:
www.magicnight.co.uk.
2.7.11
Morgan
& West: Crime Solving Magicians London Preview. Wednesday 6th July
at 7.30pm. You've watched the film (Click
Here!), you've played the game,
and you've admired the splendid facial hair... now all that's left is to
see the show! Morgan & West's new show is now ready and raring to go, so
join the dashing duo as they face their hardest challenge yet - solving
their own murders. If you've been waiting through the previews for the
finished product, here it is! If you've seen it in development, come
again and it'll be £1.50 cheaper! Tickets £8. Book via website or 0207
289 6054. Venue: Canal Cafe Theatre, 10 Westbourne Terrace Road, London
W2 6NG (Map)
www.canalcafetheatre.com.
2.7.11
Chris
Burns from Peel is the Magician of Mann for 2011, and was presented
the Arthur Culpin Challenge Cup by Jay Scott Berry last Friday, during
Jay's lecture on the Isle of Man. The competition was held as part of a
charity show given by the Magicians of Mann in May, when Chris performed
as 'Cookie the Clown'.
2.7.11
Andi
Gladwin is lecturing at the Leicester Magic Circle this Monday, 4th
July. £10 for non members visitors welcome. For directions and more info
visit
www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk.
2.7.11
Midweek
Magic at The Corinthian Club, Glasgow. Following a successful run in
May and June, Midweek Magic will now take place weekly, instead of
fortnightly, starting in July. For details visit
www.midweekmagic.co.uk. Tickets can be bought from
www.ticketsoup.com.
2.7.11
Ian
Adair has come out of retirement to feature in a pop video! "I don’t
sing on the video, thank goodness" remarked Ian, "a young lady who goes
under the name of TSV sings whilst I perform a number of ‘visual
quickies’, mainly birthday type tricks. Note the number of jacket and
tie changes I have!" To watch TSV Happy Birthday'
Click Here.
2.7.11
Dave
Allen presents his 'Magic Dave, Bish Bash Bosh' lecture on 7th July
at the Nottingham Guild of Magicians. The lecture includes lots of information
on children's/family and cabaret entertainment, and promises to inspire
you in your magic thinking. 7.30pm at The Guild Arts Centre,
Ponds Hill Lane,
Arnold, Nottingham. For details email Andrew Morrison,
andrew.morrison2@ntlworl.com.
2.7.11
Keith Bennett
presents a lecture and dealer dem at
The Coventry Magic Circle, on Tuesday 5th July at 8pm. Visiting
magicians from other societies are very welcome; £5 admittance.
Venue: Bentley Road Club, 23 Bentley Rd, Nuneaton, Warwickshire CV11 5LR
(Map)
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk
www.kbmagic.com.
2.7.11
D. John Michael Hilford, scheduled to perform at this year’s
Edinburgh International Magic Festival, has regrettably had to
cancel his appearance due to an administrative error with his travel
documents. MagicFest Artistic Director Kevin McMahon said: “We are
understandably very disappointed at this turn of events. We were looking
forward to welcoming John to Edinburgh and this year’s festival and
apologise to everyone who has bought tickets to his shows.” All tickets
to D. John Michael Hilford’s shows Illumineseance on Mon 4 - Tue 5 July,
Psychic Cabaret Sat 2 July - Fri 8 July (not Mon 4 & Tue 5 July) and
Ladies Only Psychic Cabaret on Sat 2 July will be refunded from point of
purchase. Contact Hub Tickets (The Hub, Castlehill EH1 2NE) on 0131 473
2000 for full refund
www.magicfest.co.uk.
2.7.11
Manuel
Martinez (photo) and Paul Stockman have their respective shows
reviewed by Jack Stephens this week,
Click Here •
"Destination Florida: Peter Moran" Reported by Geoffrey Newton,
Click Here • "Magicians take different approaches to afternoon
family shows"
Click Here • "Use your illusion"
Click Here • "Warner Bros. waves its wand over 'Carter Beats the
Devil'"
Click Here • "Lessons in magic. Local Society of Young Magicians
hones the craft"
Click Here • Illusions Magic Bar have moved
their Open Mic Nights to Wednesdays, contact them via
www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk for details • "Big Howard is hiding
something and Little Howard is determined to find out what it is.
Featuring mentalist and magician Chris Cox."
Click
Here • "Magician duo set to wow audience"
Click Here • Thanks for your news - see you next week, Duncan.
2.7.11