Number 583 - 27th August 2011
Ghost
The Magical. There's a new magic star in town set to rival the cinematic
wizardry of Harry Potter, but this one's live on stage every night.
Ghost The Musical, the stage adaptation of the award-winning movie
Ghost, masterfully fuses song, dance, theatre and magic to create a stunning
live show.
Despite being crammed full of special effects, video walls and ever changing sets, the pace of which is often frantic (frantic in a good way), Ghost the Musical's strong cast work with the hardware, not against it. Hollywood constantly struggles with this, often delivering incredible special-effect driven blockbuster movies that really have little soul. But Ghost The Musical is full of heart and soul, and it manages to seamlessly embrace the full force of the production's incredible effects.
Paul Kieve is the man behind the magic and his contribution to this technically demanding production is nothing short of staggering. The 'magic' for want of a better word, draws audible gasps and spontaneous applause from the audience throughout. In fact this is the most powerful use of stage magic that I have ever seen. By the end of the show I was left sad (storyline!) but elated.
In April 2012 the production will open on Broadway. In London Ghost the Musical is currently booking until 13th October 2012 at the Piccadilly Theatre, Denman Street, London W1D 7DY, Monday to Saturday at 7.30pm, with Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Box Office 0844 871 7618, Ticket prices around £25 - £70 via www.ghostthemusical.com.
Treat yourself to the very best seats in the house, centre stalls 5 or 6 rows from the front if you can, and for a couple of hours submerge yourself in the wonderful magical world that is Ghost. Duncan Trillo. 27.8.11
Le
Saucery Soiree. Christian Lee and Max Somerset present Le Saucery Soiree
featuring some very special guests! "The King of Comedy Magic, Christian Lee
hosts this rather fabulous variety evening. Welcoming a line up of new and
internationally acclaimed performers, featuring bizarre antics, breath taking
stunts, burlesque, magic and music... Welcoming a host of international cabaret
performers alongside his partner in crime Max Somerset. With twists and bangs,
it’s one night that has to be kept underground!" Doors: 4.30pm Showtime: 7pm and
10pm Show Tickets: £15 seated tickets. Thursday, 1st September at Le Saucery
Soire, Volupte, 9 Norwich Street, London EC4A 1EJ (Map).
27.8.11
Scipmylo
Brings Magic, Mystery & Mischief to Shoreditch, East London, this September.
"Scipmylo forges ahead with its inaugural Comedy Festival this September, by
which time the whole of London will surely be in need of a sprinkling of magic
and laughter. Magician Paul Daniels will be headlining a world class line up of
Magic, Mystery and Mischief at the Shoreditch Town Hall, in what will be a must
see show. Paul is one of the biggest names in the magic world and is one of the
most entertaining stage magicians in the UK today. Accompanying Paul on this
special evening will be the winner of The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the
Year, John Archer, one of the funniest and most talented magicians gracing the
stage today. Also on the bill is Xavier Mortimer, famous in Paris for his awe
inspiring illusions, witty and playful characters and theatrical musical pieces
filled with flawless magic, mime and juggling and completing this stellar bill
is Javier Jarquin, 'The Card Ninja', who's skills with cards is inspiring, the
stunts he can perform with a regular deck of cards will surprise you as he
compares one of the finest magic shows London will see this year. This is one of
the best magic inspired line-ups in London this year, all of the acts have been
carefully selected to give the audience an unforgettable experience and brings a
fantastic twist to the incredible comedy line-up coming to East London in
September." Friday, 16th September at 7pm. Tickets are on sale now via
www.ticketweb.co.uk. Also see
www.scipmylo.co.uk.
27.8.11
John
Calvert - London Palladium debut. From Paul Stone:
It is now looking more and more likely that John Calvert will be making his long
awaited London Palladium debut in the 'Palladium Magic' Charity Show on Monday
19th September.
John will be joining a stellar cast including Hans Klok, Mac King, Jeff Hobson,
Silvan, Marko Karvo, Michael Finney, Mikael Szanyiel, Paul Zenon, Erix Logan,
Nathalie Enterline and legendary juggler Kris Kremo.
So, if you want to see a world class Magic Show at this very special Variety
Theatre and want to be there to experience Magic History in the making, book
your tickets now at www.palladiummagic.com.
This could very well be the last big Magic Show ever staged at the London
Palladium.
If you live in the UK and want the chance to win the Royal Box for 'Palladium
Magic' for you and three friends, and also win tickets to see Derren
Brown's touring show in 2012, and meet him after the show, you should enter
the 'Palladium Magic' competition. It costs just £1.50 to enter and you can
enter as many times as you like. All the proceeds go towards our MagiCares
Charity ticket initiative, donating 1,000 tickets to local London Cancer related
Charities, Children's Hospices and other deserving Charities for their patients,
families, carers and nurses to enjoy a magical night out at the Palladium. Check
out the 'Palladium Magic' website,
www.palladiummagicshow.com for details. But hurry ... the
competition closes
on 11th September!
If you do book tickets for 'Palladium Magic' or have already done so, then you automatically qualify for a special discount for Jeff Hobson's 'one night only' Lecture in central London on Tuesday 20th September. Seats are limited but there is still space at the moment. Tickets are £25, or £15 if you have bought 'Palladium Magic' tickets. For full details and to reserve a ticket email info@palladiummagic.com. 27.8.11
Magic
Night at Madame JoJo’s, Friday, 16th September. With Barry and Stuart, Piff
the Magic Dragon, Loretta Maine, Abi Collins and 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.
27.8.11
British Ring Convention -
22nd to 25th September.
Geoffrey Newton, British Ring PRO, presents a round-up of planned events
for this year's IBM British Ring Convention in Southport,
Click Here. For registration details visit
www.magicconvention.co.uk.
27.8.11
International
Magic Convention, the Close-up Competition. From the organisers: "Always
a high spot of The International Magic Convention, the Close-up Competition has
now reached its allocated number of entrants. If you wish to be added to the
waiting list, for a spot (in the event of drop outs), please contact
georgia@internationalmagic.com. The winning performer picked by the
international panel of judges, which includes many foreign Convention
organisers, wins the Kevin Reay Trophy, an invitation to the FFFF Convention in
America and £1,000 cash. In the year leading up to each FISM Convention the
Competition has traditionally had a very high standard and we hope that you'll
be able to join us this year for another exciting event. Registration details
for the whole Convention and other extra magical events in the same week can be
found on
www.internationalmagic.com."
27.8.11
The
Magic Circle Heritage Auction - Wednesday 31st August. Featuring
approximately 180 choice lots, including: Chung Ling Soo posters and ephemera,
Alexander Herrmann playbill, David Devant memorabilia, Antiquarian books,
Vintage props, Ephemera of many great names including Dante, Horace Goldin, The
Great Lafayette, Harry Houdini, Adelaide Herrmann, The Maskelynes, Cardini,
Harry Kellar and Alexander Herrmann, Uncommon and unusual props from various
estates, Autographs, Items from Patrick Page and Derrick Speight estates. At The
Magic Circle's London HQ, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD. Viewing from
10.30am – 1pm. Auction 2pm. Auctioneer: Trevor Dawson, FRICS. Auction Manager:
Tim Reed, AIMC. Illustrated catalogues UK £7. International £10. Order Line:
Tel: +44 (0)20 7387 2222 Visa & MasterCard accepted. Absentee bids will be
accepted. See catalogue for terms and conditions. Catalogues available by post
from The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD, England. Any enquiries
pertaining to the auction itself (excluding absentee bids and catalogue
purchases) to be directed, via email, to Tim Reed AIMC via
timreedmagic@aol.com.
27.8.11
The
Magic Circle presents The Young Magician of the Year Revisited. Visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk for details.
More next week.
27.8.11
Illusions
Magic Bar, Bristol: "Don't
forget on the 8th September we have current Magic Circle Close-up Magician of
the Year John van der Put as our special guest star to help us celebrate our 4th
year in business, we would love to see some old faces here and some new ones.
John will be performing his close-up set at our magic bar and then he will hit
the stage with his Edinburgh Fringe Act as Piff the Magic Dragon! He will be
supported by Wizard of Odd and Kieron the Mighty (Kieron Johnson) and we have
live music by our resident musician Steve Williams who has just got back from
supporting Elton John's summer tour. The night is going to be a hum dinger! And
all this entertainment is only £6! And to toast 4 years you get a glass of champers
on us! Our tickets are available form our website
www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk. We thank everyone who has supported us
throughout the year! Thanks from all at Illusions Magic Bar." Mark Bennett.
27.8.11
The
Séance! "This show has been put together after years of research and
fascination of the Victorian Séance and all the fakery that went with it! The
Séance is a show like nothing you have ever seen. Billy will share with you
secrets and techniques used by fraudulent mediums over the years to convince you
that they are in contact with the spirit world. Although Billy makes no secret
that his Séance is fake, during the show he will re-create a genuine Victorian
Séance that will leave you speechless!" West Kilbride Village Hall, Saturday 10th
September.
Harbour Arts Centre Irvine, Saturday 17th September.
Ayr Town Hall, Saturday 24th September.
Walker Hall Kilbirnie, Saturday 8th October.
Walker Hall Troon, Saturday 15th October.
Taylors Hotel Kilwinning, Thursday 27th October.
The start time for each show is 8pm and all tickets are £8.00, they can be
bought at the door on the night and can easily be reserved by emailing
b-reid@live.co.uk
www.billyreidmagic.co.uk.
27.8.11
Andrew
Melia has added a number of new video clips to his
www.club-magic.com
website, featuring his award winning appearances on 'The New Uri Geller'.
27.8.11
Martin
Cox Lecture - Cotswold Magical Society. "So-called 'Hard Man of Magic',
Martin Cox will be giving a lecture to the Cotswold Magical Society on Wednesday
September 7th at 7.30pm. Members of other societies will be very welcome to join
us in our club room (£5 for non-members, just turn up on the night). Venue: The
Hucclecote Community Centre, Hucclecote Road, Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map).
www.cotswoldmagic.co.uk.
27.8.11
Brief
Encounter - new from RTSmagic.com. Here's the effect: "You place a
photograph on a table before a card is selected, after telling your audience
about a brief encounter you had on a train 9 weeks ago with a woman of Gypsy
origin who made a prediction of what is about to happen in the next 10 minutes.
She'd placed 4 cards on the table in a train carriage which you photographed on
your mobile phone and then printed out. You then ask four members of the
audience to name a card, then watch there jaws drop as you turn over the
photograph that has been on show from the start to reveal all 4 spectators cards
are in the photograph! Supplied: the special deck and the Gypsy photograph and
DVD. For that extra touch you can take a photograph of the photograph with your
mobile phone and show that instead ...this would back up your story." For more
information and to order visit
www.rtsmagic.com.
27.8.11
15% off at Alakazam Magic this Bank Holiday weekend!
"Simply enter the code: 58008618 in the coupon box when you are completing your
order at the checkout and you will save a massive 15% off of your order!
This is valid only at www.alakazam.co.uk
and will began at 5pm Friday (26.08.11) and will finish on Tuesday 30th August
at 9am with no exceptions. Offer is valid on online orders only and only on
items that are listed on the website during the sale period.
Happy shopping!".
27.8.11
Tales
from the Darker Side - Saturday 17th September. Gothic magician and story-teller
Dr Nicolas Grimoire is back at Gainsborough's Old Hall next month, despite haunting memories of his last appearance there. "Graham Harper was playing
my Butler on the night, and I got changed in a side room at the end of the Great
Hall just before the show. I was ready and walked out of the room, followed by
Graham. About fifteen seconds later a can of deodorant spray followed too –
apparently flung with some force from the room! We searched the chamber
thoroughly but there was no one there and absolutely no other way in apart from
the door we had just walked through." It is not the first time Dr Grimoire has
experienced strange goings on during the course of the performance which
involves ghost stories, murder and the use of some bizarre artefacts. At
Nottinghamshire’s very haunted Newstead Abbey attendants heard strange noises
from unoccupied parts of the building and a heavy chain and padlock attached to
a huge iron-bound chest began rattling during the spookiest part of the show.
“I’m sure the audience thought we were responsible,” said Nick, “But Graham and
I were just as scared as they were.” Tickets for the show are £8 each and
available from the Old Hall on 01427 612669.
27.8.11
Practical
Magic Presents: The Magic of Puppets. Animating & Performing Magic with a Puppet.
Jack Stephens writes: "Every once in a while a unique tutorial in book or DVD
form is released to the magic fraternity. This is one such instance, with the
production of the 'Magic of Puppets' from one of the UK's leading suppliers of
children’s magic, Practical Magic." To read the full review
Click
Here. Jack Stephens also reviews Colin Dymond's new book 'Making Magical
Memories' this week,
Click Here.
27.8.11
The
Flanagan and Allen Story. Mel
Harvey joins fellow magician Dave Short and the rest of the cast
this weekend for rehearsals and the start of the theatre tour of The
Flanagan and Allen Story. They will both be playing members of the
Palladium "Crazy Gang".
There will be lots of opportunity for comedy and interaction with the
audience both on and off the stage and even a little magic by Bud
Flanagan "The Boy Wizard" when he was touring the halls aged just thirteen!
The Show opens on Wednesday 31st August at the Floral Pavilion, New
Brighton. Followed by
8th September Plaza Theatre, Stockport.
9th September Paramount Theatre, Penistone.
11th September Granville Theatre, Ramsgate.
15th September Princes Theatre, Hunstanton.
27th September Castle Theatre, Wellingborough. 30th September The Roses Theatre,
Tewkesbury.
4th October The Mechanics Theatre, Burnley.
6th October The Windmill Theatre, Littlehampton.
In between all of the above Mel looks forward to meeting friends old and
new at both Kidology and the I.B.M. convention in Southport.
27.8.11
"Who
Reviews The Reviewers?" Chris Cox asks the most pertinent of questions...
Click Here.
27.8.11
Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
9pm on Sunday 28th August on ITV1.
"Following a short break Jonathan Ross
presents the last episode in the series in which Penn and Teller aim to
find the brightest up-and-coming illusionists. Each show challenges
aspiring magicians to try to fool the duo with their most baffling trick
in a bid to win the prize of a lifetime - the chance to perform in Penn
and Teller's stage show in Las Vegas. This edition features Laura London
- whose trick is as amazing as her outfit, a 15-year-old card trickster
with nerves of steel and a mentalist with a mind-reading stomach. Plus
Martin Daniels, son of magic legend Paul Daniels, performs his dad's
all-time favourite trick. To close the show, Penn and Teller perform the
world's first underwater card trick - with a shocking twist." See
TV Magic for listings.
27.8.11
Russ
Abbot to play Tommy Cooper in BBC drama. "Comic and Last of the Summer Wine
actor Russ Abbot is to play Tommy Cooper in a new BBC Radio 3 drama, it has been
confirmed." To read the full story from the BBC
Click Here.
27.8.11
Liverpool's
Mahatma Magic Circle. "Exciting upcoming events include: lectures from Paul
Gordon on September 8th and an exclusive lecture at Mahatma from the legend that
is Bill Thompson on October 13th! Meetings start at 8pm at 'The Pheasant',
Hightown and visitors may see the lectures for £5.00 each. This Year, Mahatma
President Sally Rigley is hosting a very special dinner and variety cabaret at
the Huyton Suite, Liverpool on October 14th - featuring a superb 3 course meal,
and entertainment from outrageous contortionist and escapologist Chris Cross,
surreal visual comedy from Billy Hunter and top of the bill, Las Vegas
mindreader Luke Jermay. Plus disco, all for just £40.00. To reserve tickets,
please use the contact form at
www.liverpoolmahatmamagiccircle.com. Mahatma, the UK's 3rd oldest magic
society, founded in 1915 is now recruiting new members. For information, also go
to
www.liverpoolmahatmamagiccircle.com."
27.8.11
Tony
Griffith 'At Home' - Bristol. There are just four days left to take
advantage of the registration discount offer for Tony Griffith's 'At Home' day
on Sunday 13th November in Bristol. During the day Tony will cover a whole
variety of subjects including stand-up and close-up magic, After Dinner
Speaking/Entertainment, Presenting and organising a Talk/Show Presentation,
Promotion, Publicity and Organisation and Working in Schools. See
What's On
(scroll to 13th November) for full details.
27.8.11
Ealing's
Got Talent. Magicians are invited to enter this Talent Competition in aid of the MS
Society. Organiser
Cara Williams emails: This second annual Ealing's Got Talent event, will be held on Thursday
13th October 2011 at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Ealing. Multiple Sclerosis is the most common disabling neurological condition
affecting young adults and 100,000 people are diagnosed in the UK each year. My
father has had the illness for 30 years and is immobile and almost blind, which
is why I am determined to contribute towards finding a cure and helping people
with MS in the West London area.
Last year's event was a huge success and thanks to the generosity of many local
companies, acts and judges, a fantastic £2,000 was raised. For the
highlights Click Here.
I am now inviting acts to register by emailing
blindedfish@hotmail.com. The prize for this year's winner is £100 and a much coveted Ealing's Got talent trophy!
For tickets:
Click Here.
27.8.11
John
Derris Lecture - Surrey. "The
Surrey Society of Magicians has the great John Derris lecturing at their new
venue on Thursday 8th September. It will be his KISS lecture and one not to be
missed. Visiting magicians, £10.00 who will need to contact me on 01372 275515
for venue details. John Field."
27.8.11
Young
Magician of the Year 2011 Final on DVD. Now available. price £10 + £1 p&p.
Cheques payable to "CMA Ltd (YMotY)" should be sent to Dr Michael Colley, The
Hollies, Oak Street, Lechlade, Glostershire GL7 3AX. ('The Young Magicians - The
History of a Competition' by Michael Colley is still available, with just 13
copies left priced at £30 / $50 plus £5 p&p in the UK. Overseas postage &
packing is $25 or £7.50 in Europe. Cheques, sterling only, payable to C. M.
Colley to the above address).
27.8.11
Now,
That's Magic. BBC
Journalist and amateur magician, Steve Knibbs, has written an article
for this month's "Cotswold Life" magazine on the resurgence of magic. Steve
is one of the team behind Cheltenham's sell-out magic show "An Evening of
Deception" and author of the
www.tricktopia.com blog . With contributions
from Andi Gladwin, the article looks at the rise in the popularity of magic
and what lies ahead for the art. It also includes the story of
Gloucestershire magician JN Maskelyne and the influence he had on modern magic.
Pick up a copy now or get more details from
www.cotswold.greatbritishlife.co.uk.
27.8.11
Boris
Nicoli and the Lovely Russianettes will be mixing and mingling with their
mind experiments at 'The Global Party inspired by Phileas Fogg' in the Russian
room on 8th of Sept 2011. The Exclusive Black tie event will launch the Global
Party that is taking place in 80 countries around the world inspired by Phileas
Fogg. Venue: The Natural History Museum, Cromwell Road, London SW7 5BD.
8pm.Tickets:
www.theglobalparty.com.
27.8.11
Liverpool
Magic Circle. Meetings are now being held back at the club's normal venue,
the Crown Inn, Layfield Road, Liverpool L12 9HA
www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk.
27.8.11
Magic Sale, Berkshire - 27th & 28th August, 3rd & 4th September. Maurice Weller emails: "I'm having a Magic Sale in my back garden: 27th & 28th August and 3rd & 4th September just come along (and also 29th August to 2nd September by appointment - please call first: 07989 046543). All Magic must go. Illusions, Lots of Dove magic, cages, vanishing & appearing. Lots of candles & canes, silks. Magic previously used on board Cruise ships over the last few years. Costumes - male & female - There are also some magicians tables. Reason for blockbuster sale - health. There is no new magic - All used with some attention required. Venue details - 25 Bramshaw Road, Reading, Berks, RG30 6AT. Tel: 07989 046543 Maurice Weller maurice.weller@ntlworld.com." 27.8.11
"Pete Firman shows us a bit of his Jiggery Pokery"
Click Here • "Batman Live, O2 Arena - review"
Click Here • "How Paul Daniels conjured up a right stinker"
Click Here •
"Neil Patrick Harris, magician"
Click Here •
"Interview: Paul Zerdin"
Click Here •
"Scott’s looking to conjure up a career in magic business"
Click Here •
Radek Makar 'Eastern Moves'
Click Here • That's it! See you next week, Duncan.
27.8.11