Number 617 - 21st April 2012
Derren
Brown wins another Olivier Award! This time for his incredible
West End hit production
Svengali. First recognised for an Olivier in 2006 for MagicWeek
favourite Something Wicked This Way Comes, Derren's current show is
perhaps a little darker, but his playfulness shines through as ever. Derren
Brown Svengali is currently on tour, and will return to London's West End in
the summer. Don't miss it! See
What's On. "Brown wins Best Entertainment and Family Award"
Click Here. Guardian photo
Click Here. YouTube
Click Here.
21.4.12
Blackpool
Magicians Club offer FISM Convention registrants great value for money:
"Each registrant will receive a special F.I.S.M. shoulder bag, a Jack Hughes
World of Magic compilation hard backed 230 page book (priced at £150.00), a
limited edition Magical Cooper Bear, a large colour Souvenir Programme, a box of
Hanky Panky Magic Tricks, plus one lucky registrant will receive a genuine
£6,500 diamond to celebrate the Queen's Jubilee. Joshua Jay will be presenting
his brilliant one man show on Monday 9th July and Tuesday 10th July which has
never been seen in the U.K. previously. Over 145 competitors have entered the
World Championships of Magic. There are 3 stupendous Gala Shows, a Banquet and a
night at the famous Blackpool Tower Circus, 30 star lectures and 125
International Magic Dealers. Over 2,000 magicians from 40 different countries
have already registered. Are you going to miss out?" Visit
www.fismwcm2012.com or
click on the FISM banner at the head of this page.
21.4.12
The
Magic Circle Ali Bongo Memorial Lecture 2012. News from The Magic Circle
Press Office: The Magic Circle Ali Bongo Memorial Lecture 2012 - 23rd April 2012
at 7.30pm. For the Ali Bongo Memorial Lecture, which takes place on Monday, The
Magic Circle has invited a magician, who was close to Ali, to share his memories
– and who better than Paul Daniels MIMC? Ali was a magical advisor and
inspiration for a lot of the magic on the Paul Daniels shows through the years.
Paul will pay tribute to this amazing man – performer, lecturer, inventor and,
above all, mentor to so many famous and not so famous names. The lecture is open
to Members of The Magic Circle. Members unable to attend the Headquarters on
Monday night can watch the lecture via live streaming on the Club’s website.
Visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk for more information, and membership details.
21.4.12
The
Berglas Effects - Last chance for First Edition. This is your last
opportunity to obtain a signed First Edition of this unique book, describing the
full workings of the much discussed "holy grail" of card magic - The Berglas
Effect. The book includes three DVDs, a pair of 3-D glasses and by request, a
signed bookplate from
David Berglas.
The price, including p&p in the UK, is £120.
Click
Here for ordering details.
21.4.12
Tickets
for new Disney magic show at Echo Arena in Liverpool go on sale. "In a
captivating combination, favourite Disney characters join a professional
illusionist live on stage in a performance that will excite and delight children
of all ages. From Feld Entertainment, the producers of Disney On Ice, Disney
Live! presents Mickey’s Magic Show..." read the full story in the Chester
Chronical
Click Here. To book tickets:
Click Here.
21.4.12
More
EMC 2012 Speakers. Each week we will be announcing 3 of the 33 magicians who
will be appearing at the Essential Magic Conference. This week: Armando Lucero -
one of the finest sleight of hand magicians in the world. Denis Behr - one of
Germany’s top card men. And, Marco Tempest - Marco is one of the founders of the
Essential Magic Conference, a magician who really understands the power and
possibilities of the internet. He combines magic and digital technology in new
and innovative ways to create unique performances. This year he astounded
audiences at the world renowned TED conference in Long Beach. See him live at
EMC. Book today at
www.essentialmagicconference.com and remember, visit the EMC website this
weekend and watch sessions from previous conferences for free!
21.4.12
The Associated Wizards of the South One-day Convention -
tomorrow in Romsey, Hampshire.
Sunday April 22nd at Crossfield Hall, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8GL (Map).
Lee Smith, Scott Penrose and Wayne Fox all lecture, and the evening show will
star Scott Penrose, Phill Smith, Mel Mellers (photo), Matt Baker and Jason
Steel. The day also includes magic dealers, workshops and close-up sessions.
£22.50 on the
door from 9.30am.
www.awsmagic.co.uk.
21.4.12
My ‘psychic’ life – a show by Rob Bailey, the ‘Psychic’ Psychologist.
This is the story of how a psychologist became a 'psychic' performer. Weaving
magic and comedy with his life story, Rob returns to the Oxford Fringe Festival
to tell of his childhood love of supernatural mysteries, work in secure
psychiatric wards, and becoming a veteran Edinburgh performer. Rob
simultaneously demonstrates the power of psychology and mental traps exploited
by phony mystics. 7.30pm Thursday 7th and Friday 8th June; Pegasus Theatre,
Magdalen Road, Oxford OX4 1RE (Map). Tickets: £12 full price, £8 concessions, £6 under
18s, 01865 812 166,
www.pegasustheatre.org.uk.
21.4.12
Richard
Pinner Lecture - Home Counties Magical Society.
Richard Pinner presents his updated lecture 'Half Life 2' at the Home Counties
Magical Society on Thursday 26th April at 8pm. This is a tricks lecture
focusing mainly on highly performable material for most environments together
with a
couple of things you would never do outside the walls of a magic club! Richard will also
discuss his brand new "P.E.T." which is set to revolutionise the Cards to Wallet
genre. The lecture will take place at the Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green,
Shinfield, Reading, Berkshire RG2 9EH (Map).
Full details: www.hcms.org.uk. Visiting
magicians are welcome, £8.00 on the door. Steve Graham.
21.4.12
Steve
Cohen, The Millionaires' Magician, was in London last week recording a
segment for his upcoming two-hour 'Lost Magic' special, which will go out on the
History Channel later this year. Past President of The Magic Circle David
Berglas filmed with Steve at The Magic Circle HQ.
www.chambermagic.com.
21.4.12
E-Club
Lite. "There is just over a week left to claim a free download copy of the
Strolling Magician Resource E-Book which features the 18 routines extracted from
the main Strolling Magician book. To get your copy, you simply have to sign up
for Mark Leveridge Magic's free E-Club Lite email newsletter by midnight on 30th
April 2012. The E-Club Lite newsletter is published on the 1st of each month and
has first news of the Web Offers for that month, plus other news of interest to
all MLM customers. It also has the link to Mark's very popular E-Video
Newsletter, the magazine style video presentation featuring the Teach In,
Wrinkles, It Could Only Happen Live, 60 Seconds To Success and other interesting
and fun sections. Hundreds of magicians already access this every month, and you
can join them too if you sign up for E-Club Lite. To enroll go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk."
21.4.12
Conjuring
at the Court – Thursday 26th April. There’s an extra performer for next Thursday’s show as magician Jon Allen joins
the line-up. In an evening full of variety, there is Punch
and Judy for grown-ups by John Styles, comedy illusionists Carl & Dave, and the
spectacular manipulation of award-winning Roy Davenport. Doors open 7.30pm and
show starts at 8pm. Tickets still just £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. Why
not get there early to enjoy a great dinner and reserve a seat for the show!
It’s just 12 minutes from Central London by overground rail from Paddington to
West Ealing, and the pub is just 2 minutes walk from the station. Drayton Court,
2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
21.4.12
Peterborough
Society of Magicians Annual Sale, Exchange and Lecture Day. Ian Schollar
writes: The Peterborough Society of Magicians
invites magicians everywhere to its
24th Annual Sale, Exchange and Lecture Day
Sunday 29th April 2012 (10am - 5pm)
at
The Millfield Community Centre, Lincoln Road,
Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map).
Lecture and workshop with Dave Forrest.
Lecture with Jimmy Carlo.
Dealers Hall.
New this year: Close up and Stand up Competition.
Cash prize for best close-up trick and best stand-up trick.
£10 to enter, competition open to all attendees.
All competition entrants must pay in advance.
Further details from Keith Downs on 01778 343167.
Meet old friends and make new ones. Sell off surplus props.
Dealers welcome!
Refreshments available all day. Ample free parking.
Admission £12 and £6 concessions (partners and under 16s).
If not selling, you may pay at the door.
All tables are £5 extra each and must be booked in advance.
If you would like to book a table, please phone Keith Downs on
01778 343167, or write to him at
77 Eastgate, Deeping St. James,
Peterborough PE6 8HH.
Cheques payable to 'Peterborough Society of Magicians'.
www.psmagicians.org.uk.
21.4.12
The
West Coast Day of Magic will be taking place on Sunday May 6th.
It’s wands at the ready this May as the West Coast Day of Magic comes to town.
The Southport Magic Circle has organised the extravaganza in support of The
Legacy Rainbow House, which helps children with brain injuries, disabilities and
life limiting conditions. The fundraiser includes events appealing to all ages,
with the Dealers Den for the UK’s magical enthusiasts; guests will then be
treated to an insight into the world of magic as four experts take to the stage
to talk about their life as a magician.
Late afternoon will see renowned family entertainers Paul Bimbo and Gary Gizmo
wow the crowds with their magic shows. A top of the range raffle is also set to
take place with prizes to include a signed Manchester United football shirt, a
Nintendo Wii, a BBQ and hotel stays.
Peter Spafford, Organiser commented: “After seeing what The Legacy Rainbow House
has done for some family friends and their young son Aiden, I felt compelled to
nominate them as our charity of the year and to organise this event.”
The West Coast Day of Magic will be taking place on Sunday May 6th at the Royal
Clifford Hotel, Southport. The Dealers Den and Magic talks will run from 10am
till 4pm, the magic show will run from 4.30-6.30pm.
Tickets are £5 adult, £3 child, family saver ticket (2 adults, 2 children) £10.
For more details, contact Peter Spafford on 01704 211944 or visit
www.southport-magic-circle.co.uk.
21.4.12
Anthony
Jacquin Lecture - West Midlands. Ian Brennan writes world renowned hypnotist, Anthony Jacquin, will be lecturing in the West
Midlands on Monday 30th April. Anthony is one of the leading authorities on
speed induction hypnosis which is suitable for using in almost any act from
stage mentalism to close-up street performances.
Anthony and the Head hacking team are here to show hypnosis can be learnt and
that it is as much about technique and understanding as it is personal influence
and confidence in your skills. Learn how to approach people and safely create an
experience your audience will never forget.
If you are new to these areas of magic, previously thought you couldn't do it,
or just want to learn more then this is the place for you.
Cost £5 to non members, check out
www.3sm.org.uk for more details and
the address.
21.4.12
Magic
Table Top Sale - York. Table
Top Sale on 18th May at Wigginton Recreation Hall in York. Tables are £7.50 and
need to be booked in advance. For more details or to book a table please contact Grenville
Dowson on 07515566786
gldowson@ntlworld.com
www.yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk.
21.4.12
2012
is Mr Punch's 350th Birthday, and The Punch and Judy Fellowship are
celebrating in style with an event at The Strand Palace Hotel, Covent Garden,
London. The reception, with cabaret from Mel Mellers, The Wright Stuff, Mickie
Driver and Geraldine, and Presto Puppets starts at 7pm on Sunday 13th May,
following on from the May Fayre celebrations in The Actors' Church, Covent
Garden. Tickets are £15, and are available from
www.thepjf.com.
21.4.12
Kids’
Show Routines Using Changing bags a new book by author Ian Adair. Designed
for the children’s entertainer, the book contains 34 complete routines using all sorts of change bags –
pivoting handle bags, one-handed bags, flat and mesh bags, plus novelty bags.
Patter and bits of business are included and the book is well illustrated
throughout the 124 pages. “In the past there’s been a couple of little booklets dealing with simple trick
ideas with changing bags, but this one is different, says Ian, this publication
provides complete tried and tested routines which can be featured in kids’
shows.” Publication date is 1st May 2012, and
Practical Magic
will handle orders .
21.4.12
David
Gemmell Lecture - Merlin Magical Society. Secretary John Clayton writes: On
Thursday 26th April we are having a Lecture by David Gemmell.
The Lecture consists of the following:
Close-up card magic from the self working to
easy-to-do effects that are commercial and workable for the real
world. Some mentalism including an unpublished chair test that packs a
punch with minimal work, thoughts on presentations, misdirection,
audience handling, (effects taken from e-books published and on sale at
lybrary.com) these will be on sale on the night at special prices for
the lecture on CD-roms...
Also special handling for the infamous 3-fly called free-flying, a
finger tip 'coins across' that is direct and easy to do with no gaffed
coins.
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk.
21.4.12
Sideshow
Illusions at The Roundhouse, Camden, London: Step right this way for the most
incredible, the most stupendous and the extraordinary! Visitors to Professor
Vanessa’s Wondershow, Monday 23rd to Sunday 29th April will be able to see six of
Sideshow Illusions amazing collection of Sideshows from the 1950s. You will be
amazed by Gloria, the Living Half-Lady! Witness Yvette, the Headless Lady, kept
alive by the miracles of modern science! See Cleo the tiny, bikini-clad Girl in
the Goldfish Bowl. Experience the terror, be astonished in The Mummy Show as
Princess Elmira’s clothes melt away from her body and she transforms, before
your eyes, into a hideous, mummy monstrosity. And there are more inexplicable
marvels in Sideshow Illusions’ collection of the most thrilling shows you will
ever see! The half-girl, half-insect, Butterfly Girl will be exhibited - £1000
if she is not alive! Electra will provide a truly shocking experience when she
is charged up with 27,000 volts of electricity. These wonderfully fun shows,
originally created by showman Jon Gresham, brought amusement and mystery to many
thousands. “Sideshows are no longer seen, these are the only original sideshow
fronts remaining in this country,” said Jon Marshall, “I’m sure Jon Gresham
would be pleased that his shows will now be seen by a whole new generation of
thrill seekers”. Adding to the bizarre fun are the wonderful Insect Circus and
Miss Behave. The first two shows are sold out!
www.roundhouse.org.uk/circusfest
www.sideshowillusions.com.
21.4.12
Magic Mike's Wizard School - coming to Bristol, August 2012.
Great news for parents of children aged 7-11 looking for something exciting for
their kids to do in the summer holidays.
Wizard School 2012 provides 5 days of the most exclusive magic training
available for children in the UK.
Perfect for children who loved the Harry Potter books and movies, BBC1's "The
Magicians" or who just love magic and tricks! For full details and to download a registration form, visit
www.thekidsmagician.com/wizard-school.
21.4.12
Rafael
Benatar UK Lecture tour - new date added. The Magic Triangle have been
fortunate enough to book Rafael Benatar to lecture on Sunday 29th April at
7.30pm at The Village Hall, Thorrington, Near Colchester CO7 8HQ (Map).
Visiting magicians £5.00 entrance charge,
www.themagictriangle.co.uk. See
What's On for other club
dates.
21.4.12
Steve
Price, winner of the originality prize at The Magic Circle's Close-up
Magician of the Year competition this year, will be presenting his 'Prop Stuff'
lecture for the South Downs Magicians on Wednesday 2nd May. The lecture includes
Steve's performance of, and thinking behind, the classic Selbit's Blocks as well
as his Coin in Bottle routine. The event starts at 8pm at Handcross Parish Hall,
High Street, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6BJ (Map).
There is a £5 charge for non-members. Further information:
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk.
www.stevepriceillusions.co.uk.
21.4.12
Zane's
Magic shop Dealer Dem now booking. "Zane's Magic Shop is taking bookings for
their excellent dealer dem for 2012 and 2013. 'It's been a couple of years since
I performed my dealer dem at magic societies and would like the chance to do
some more this year and next'. Zane's always brings a fantastic array of lots
products to sell, for all genres of magic. Lots of brand new effects
demonstrated and insightful information on the props and tips on how to use
them. Very open discussion on the products so the customer is left with no doubt
as to whether the product is the right buy!" To book the evening contact via
www.zanesmagicshop.com.
21.4.12
Johnny Fantastica is
presenting magic workshops at
deaf schools in Finland shortly and will also be performing his comedy show 'Doctor
Deaf' at additional venues. He will then attend the World Deaf Magic Festival in
Helsinki of which he is President.
Johnny has recently been acting in a starring role in the comedy drama film
"Still Here" (Mutt
and Jeff Pictures) directed by international
award winning director Louis Neethling. This will be shown in June on Film4, Sky315,
Freeview 15, and
www.bslbt.co.uk.
21.4.12
Paul
Gordon's Killer Card Magic Lecture - Nottingham. "Paul Gordon's all-new
killer workable card magic lecture". Nottingham Guild of Magicians, Thursday 4th
October at 7.30pm. Venue: Pond Hills Lane Arts Centre, Pond Hills Lane, Arnold,
Nottingham NG5 8DR (Map)
www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk. Visit
www.paulgordon.net for information and reviews.
21.4.12
Rhubarb
Cabaret. Bondini Events & Entertainment and PMB Productions have teamed up
with Comberton Leisure in Cambridge to bring you a spectacular night of cabaret
entertainment! The line up this month includes Magic Kev, mime artist Adrian
Hedley, Burlesque performer Sophia St Villier, Doctor Bondini and music from Tom
Copson with special guest appearance by jazz pianist Craig Stallwood. DJ Smyley
Jay will round off the evening with some cool and sophisticated electro swing.
There’s a fully licensed bar and delicious deli style platters supplied by The
Larder at Burwash Manor. What more could you want?! April 28th, doors open at
8pm, performance starts at 8.30pm. Comberton Leisure, West Street, Comberton,
Cambridge CB23 7DU (Map).
Tickets are £10 in advance or £12 on the door. Over 18s only. Tickets are
available from the Comberton Leisure Box Office on 01223 264444 or
www.wegottickets.com. For more
information visit
www.bondini.co.uk or
www.pmbproductions.co.uk.
21.4.12
Roy
Mackenzie (aka Uncle Mac), president of the South London Magic Society,
celebrated his 60th birthday party on Friday 13th April. Mike Sullivan writes: "Falling on a club
night, it was only apt to celebrate with Roy, members, family and friends. A
show was put on compered by Mike Sullivan with performances from Roy Mackenzie,
debut stand-up comedians Ewan and Leighton Mackenzie, Chippy Wood, David Blyth,
Colin Perrotton and Michael Pearse with stage management by Ray Collins. After
the show everybody got stuck in to a fantastic spread and Roy was presented with
a fantastic cake, then our treasurer Gary Fairplay presented Roy with a honorary
membership for his 10 year service as president. A great night was had by all
and it was the only time the members had seen Roy speechless. Happy 60th Roy!" "Party for magician's birthday"
Click Here.
21.4.12
Mike
& Marjorie Stokes. "After passing
Playtime Balloons
into the capable hands of Stuart McDowell, Mike Stokes is keeping busy with his
Balloon Man show, and Marjorie has just returned from 3 weeks in Japan, but will
be joining Mike on three cruises this summer and one in the Autumn. Mike &
Marjorie are looking forward to attending the AWS Convention in their hometown
Romsey, the Bristol Day of Magic and the IBM Convention. They hope to catch up
with old friends and agree it will be strange not to be working, but hopefully a
lot more relaxing!"
21.4.12
Magic Collection Survey. Philip Treece emails: "I'm currently doing a MA degree in Conservation of Historic Objects and The University of Lincoln, concentrating on magic collections for my dissertation. I was wondering if there was any chance you could help me gather participants for a survey I am carrying out on magic collectors? The survey itself is quite brief, and quick to fill out. It doesn't ask for any personal information, and the results are totally anonymous. I'm offering a £20 Amazon voucher draw to participants, and the emails collected from those will not be used for any other purpose than informing the winner of the draw. All the emails will be deleted after the prize is accepted. The survey can be found here: www.tinyurl.com/magiccollectionsurvey. Any help would be much appreciated." 21.4.12
Alan Taylor aka The Great Alprendo writes: "I've launched 100 days of magic on twitter. If people want to follow or be included in the event I have space follow or contact via twitter @100daysofmagic. It will from now until the Olympics. If successful I will do it next year. Thank you." 21.4.12
News
deadlines. Reminder: Please let us have all News/What's On submissions by Thursday
whenever possible. Final deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions.
21.4.12
Team
Poppy fundraising success
Click Here •
"Piff the Magic Dragon hits Magic-Con"
Click Here • ""Bunny Neill and The Escape"
Click
Here • "Magician Paul Daniels 'thrilled' at Redcar steel rebirth"
Click Here • "Magician lines up ‘mindblowing’ bus illusion at depot"
Click Here • "Entertainer hopes non-stop magic show does the trick"
Click Here • "Hey presto! How to ruin a magic trick"
Click Here • "Penn and Teller magician to sue over 'stolen' trick"
Click Here • "Penn and Teller star Raymond Teller sues magician over
rights to magic trick"
Click Here • "Facing the wrath of the Magic Circle: Penn & Teller
sue Dutch entertainer who 'is threatening to sell secret of signature
trick'"
Click Here • Keep up-to-date with 'Alternative Magician' Sean
Heydon,
Click Here • "Rapper's De-Light: Tupac 'Hologram' May Go on Tour"
Click Here • "Tupac 'hologram' merely pretty cool optical illusion"
Click Here • "Video From the Set of Louis Leterrier’s Illusionist
Thriller ‘Now You See Me’"
Click Here • "David Copperfield Enjoys a Magical Evening at Ghost"
Click Here • Davenports Magic on the One Show (BBC iPlayer, 29.35
in, for the next few days),
Click Here • Thanks as always to everyone who contributed news this
week - see you next week, Duncan.
21.4.12