Number 628 - 7th July 2012

 

FISM, 9th-14th July 2012, Blackpool. Latest news - all available Day Tickets for Thursday 12th July have been sold. Day Tickets for all other days are still available. The Dealers Fare is the largest ever at Blackpool, with 130 Dealers situated in the Empress Ballroom, Balcony, Arena and Ice Room. 38 of these Dealers have never exhibited at Blackpool before! With over 60 international performers plus 150 Stage and Close-Up competitors it is going to be a feast of magic... www.fismwcm2012.com. 7.7.12

 

"TV magic shows: now you see them, now you don't. Dynamo: Magician Impossible is spell-binding television – after the demise of The Magicians and Penn & Teller is he the future of TV magic?" To read the full story in The Guardian Click Here. "Dynamo: Magician Impossible, Watch, review - Nicola Dawson was entertained by the first episode of the Bradford-born magician Dynamo's new series on Watch." To read the full story in The Telegraph Click Here. "'Made in Chelsea is my guilty pleasure.' The magician Dynamo talks to Metro about his favourite TV shows, and reveals why he is such a big fan of Batman." Click Here. "Magic moments. Sun man Colin meets electrifying illusionist" Click Here. "Dynamo performs tricks for Digital Spy: 'I'm coming back stronger'" Click Here. "Watch Dynamo defy the laws of physics and trap a smartphone in a bottle" Click Here. 7.7.12

 

Teller & Brown get down. Here's the latest from the organisers of the EMC: Just confirmed. Two incredible additions to EMC. Last year David Copperfield gave us a virtual tour of his magic museum in Las Vegas. It was one of the highlights of the conference. This year Teller and Derren Brown will be joining us online in two very special sessions, broadcast live during the Essential Magic Conference 2012. Register now and join us for one of the biggest magic events of the year... Teller Live from Las Vegas. Teller will be joining us live from Las Vegas to answer your questions. This is a unique opportunity to interview one of the most creative performers in magic, an artist and perfectionist who, with Penn Jillette, reinvented magic for a new generation. Join Teller online and learn what magic means to one of the most successful magicians in the world. As we near the conference members will be asked to submit their questions for Teller and the best will be put to him during a live interview. Derren Brown Live from London. Derren Brown has changed the face of mentalism. Acclaimed for his television specials and theatre shows, Derren Brown redefined the art of mental magic, updating it for the 21st century and making it credible, entertaining and unbelievably popular. At EMC2012 Derren will answer your questions and share his thoughts on magic, mentalism and performance. It is a rare chance to learn from one of the UK’s most famous entertainers. Members will be invited to submit their questions prior to the conference and the best will be used during the live interview. The Essential Magic Conference, 27th, 28th and 29th July 2012. Find out more and register online at www.essentialmagicconference.com. 7.7.12

 

Derren Brown: Svengali back in the West End. Derren's groundbreaking live show Svengali is back in the West End for a limited run at the Novello Theatre, London from July 12th. "A baffling, bamboozling and beautifully bewitching display of devilry. When it comes to eye-popping illusions Brown is the only game in town" Evening Standard. 28 performances only. Be prepared for a theatrical roller-coaster ride as the acknowledged master of psychological illusion gives audiences another opportunity to see this Olivier-winning sensation. Svengali will reside at the Novello Theatre from 12th July - 11th August. This is the last chance to see the sell-out live show that has mesmerized the nation! Age recommendation: 12+ Box Office: www.delfontmackintosh.co.uk Also see www.derrenbrown.co.uk. 7.7.12

 

IBM British Ring Great Yarmouth Convention. The full programme of events for this year's convention (26th to 30th September) has been released, Click Here. Paul Daniels & Debbie McGee, Michael Vincent and Nick Einhorn are just some of the 'Best of British' who will be appearing this year. For full details and to register online visit www.magicconvention.co.uk. 7.7.12

 

Paul Zenon is appearing in Edinburgh in La Clique from the 3rd to 26th of April 'by Royal appointment' www.arfringe.com. It's a return to where the show first premiered in 2003, in the same venue, The Famous Spiegeltent. 7.7.12

 

Dynamo: Magician Impossible. The Magic Circle is delighted to announce the promotion of Dynamo, to Associate Member of The Inner Magic Circle, with Silver Star for performance, coinciding with the launch of Season Two of Dynamo: Magician Impossible on Watch TV. Jack Delvin, The Magic Circle’s President, said: “The Dynamo story is incredible. This young man’s journey, starting life on a tough housing estate and then becoming the face of modern British magic, is an inspiration to anyone who wants to make the impossible become possible.” His promotion also coincides with an exclusive interview in The Magic Circular, which is dropping on members’ doormats this week. Readers will discover what Dynamo thinks a magician really is, how doing things differently sets him apart, and why working with a team is empowering. www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 7.7.12

 

The best just got even better! Many readers will be familiar with Ian Rowland’s book ‘The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading’ which he first published all the way back in 1999. The book is still selling well, all around the world, and Ian has just published the fifth edition. “There was a bit of a disaster last year,” explains Ian, “when a printer went out of business and we lost all the plates used to reprint the book. I had to start over and re-create the entire book from scratch. I took the opportunity to completely revise the text, line by line, page by page, making lots of small corrections and updates. I also re-wrote a couple of chapters that I felt needed it. It’s the same book, but a better version of it. I also got new covers done and had them laminated for extra durability.” The book costs £20 and can only be ordered from the website Ian has set up for the purpose: www.thecoldreadingbook.com. 7.7.12

 

Advertisement Feature

 

FISM 2012 - LIMITED OPPORTUNITY
Blackpool Magicians' Club is pleased to announce that there are Daytime Registrations available at £60 per day.
Also there are a limited number of Evening Event show tickets available at £30 each.
These registrations and tickets will only be available from the Registration Desk from Monday 9th July.


For further details contact our Registration Team
Arthur Casson - Tel: 07870 661464
or
Ann Plant - Tel: 07743 724383


 

The Twins FX: "We are The Twins FX, one of the leading companies operating in the field of theatrical visual special effects, illusions and animatronics. We combine personal service, innovation and engineering expertise with an unrivalled dedication to excellence, making the impossible....... possible for theatre productions, film and television worldwide We deliver exceptional effects and turn ideas into reality. Drawing on our wealth of experience and knowledge, we produce amazing special effects to create intimate and powerful entertainment experiences. We work with clients all over the world, on everything from a single mega illusion to a full Casino theatre show and everything in between. We’ve made elephants appear under the Big Top, materialised Super Bikes at lightning speed, disappeared a $400,000 luxury yacht, and appeared a $250,000 helicopter, from nowhere, onto an empty stage! Not to mention the levitations live on stage, over a speechless audience! The sky is the limit whether our clients purchase or hire from us, we devise, design, build and make the wow happen!. Our creations are tailor-made to suit your needs. We make the impossible....... possible for theatre productions, film and television worldwide. Click with us ...... www.thetwinsfx.com." 7.7.12

 

Carl & Dave - FISM News: "Carl & Dave will be performing their award winning act for FISM, in the closing ceremony gala on Saturday night. After the overwhelming success from their showcase back in November, they have being touring their act all around the UK. Carl & Dave are constantly tweaking the act, to make their twist on their illusions as funny, original and unique as possible. 'It’s an absolute honour to be performing at FISM World Championships'. www.facebook.com/carlanddave." 7.7.12

 

Big Revelation, Spectrum and Wayne Dobson & Friends... Just three of the latest products available directly from Wayne Dobson himself via www.waynedobson.co.uk. Visit the site for ordering information. For Books & DVDs Click Here and for Close up and Stand up magic Click Here. And don't forget to visit the Newsletter page either! Click Here. 7.7.12

 

Illusions Magic Bar is once again opening its doors to guest magicians. Mark Bennett writes: This July we have Jeffrey Tam (winner of FISM Philippines) and Scott Xavier appearing, both these acts will be attending FISM and then will be perform here at Illusions. If you'd like to obtain a guest magician slot at Illusions Magic Bar Bristol we will need to see a showreel of you performing in the real world. You will also need a 20 minute set that will be continuous; we recommend that you have at least 3 openers and 3 closer routines, you will have about 3 minutes to reset. You should have a combination of varied effects, a show with just cards will not work. A mentalist routine that lasts 20 minutes also would not work, unless you are Scott Xavier. Our fee is £250 per week plus accommodation. Contact mark@illusionsmagicbar.co.uk Illusions will be opening a sister venue called Smoke and Mirrors within Bristol and is looking for Stand up Magicians (a small stage act or parlour act only) you'll need to have at least a 45 minute show and again we will need to see showreels. Please send all correspondence to mark@smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk. 7.7.12

 

South Tyneside International Magic Festival. Two more names for the festival. Martin Duffy writes: Dani DaOrtiz combines superb technique with crazy humour. At only 30 years of age he is another of the great card workers that Spain has given the world, magicians like Arturo de Ascanio, Pepe Carroll and Juan Tamariz. Daniel Ortiz was born in Malaga in a town called Estepona. Like most magicians he began his own marathon of magic at 4 years of age thanks to a box of tricks given to him by his father. When he was 12, he visited the magic circle in Seville and experienced the magic of Mario the Magician who would later become his mentor. Later still he would associate with first class artists such as Juan Escolano, Mago Migue, Juan Tamariz, and even today Lennart Green. All played their part in influencing his approach to magic. Scott Land is a puppeteer at the top of his game. His seasoned performing skills are on display in nearly every scene of Paramount Pictures' Team America: World Police. Other screen credits include Disney's The Princess Diaries 2, for which he created and performed a Julie Andrews look-alike marionette, seen on the Special Features section of the DVD. His other TV and film credits include Pee Wee's Playhouse, The Ben Stiller Show, Still Breathing, Shakes the Clown and Rodney Dangerfield's Birthday Bash. Land has performed some 10,000 shows worldwide at theatres, convention centres, theme parks, corporate events and on cruise lines. Scott has entertained at more celebrity private parties than any other puppeteer. I am also pleased to announce that we will be able to take registrations from Tuesday 10th July and as a thank you for your support we will be offering 10% off the £65.00 registration fee up until 1st October 2012. Please call Karri or Jess on 0191 424 7987 (only from Tuesday) you can either pay over the phone or request a registration form. Looking forward to seeing you and celebrating 10 years of magic in South Tyneside, made possible by sponsorship from Magicbox and a very kind donor who wishes to remain anonymous. 7.7.12

 

Supreme Magic Archive - Sunday 8th July, Blackpool. Andrew Miles's Supreme Magic Archive will be in Blackpool on Sunday 8th July at 4.30pm, on Wednesday 11th July at 5pm and on Friday 13th July at 5pm. The venue is Tiffany's Hotel, 250-252 North Promenade, Blackpool FY1 1SA (Map) tel 01253 313414. The shows will display an array of magic from Supreme Magic's Hallmark range, thought to be lost forever, as well as other Supreme effects and stories about working for Supreme in the Edwin Hooper era. Admission is just £3.00 on the door.  Tiffany's Hotel, 250-252 North Promenade, Blackpool FY1 1SA (Map) telephone 01253 313414 www.tiffanyshotel.co.uk. 7.7.12

 

Nottingham Close-up Champions. Congratulations to Daniel Dore, winner of the Nottingham Guild of Magicians under 18's Close-up Competition and Stage Competition 'Brian Holland' Cup. Daniel has been a member of the Nottingham Guild of Magicians for just a few months, and specialises in close-up magic but is also enjoying developing a new and exciting stage show. Daniel recently celebrated his 14th birthday competing in the Under 18's 'Battle of the Wizards' competition at MagicFest in Edinburgh. Pictured with Daniel is the winner of the Adult Close-up Magic competition, Shane Morrison, featured last week. "Hey presto! Young magician conjures up two top awards" Click Here. 7.7.12

 

Ian Adair's The Magic Wand Book. Just published, and set to be launched at F.I.S.M. is Ian Adair’s latest, The Magic Wand Book, containing scores of different wands including gimmicked, comedy, jumbo and 'banner', together with gags and bits of business and complete tricks and routines, all using wands – plus brand new wands from the author himself. The 209 page book has some 157 illustrations and photos. “I’ve always thought that there should be a complete reference book dealing with magic wands" Ian said, "and the many described are suitable for children’s entertainers, adult performers, comedy magicians, clowns and anyone who uses a magic wand!" With a Foreword from Allen Tipton, who has lectured on wands and their uses, this will be Ian’s last book for quite some time. Available from www.practical-magic.com. Ian’s earlier book 'Dealing with Magic – The Rise & Fall of the Supreme Magic Company' has been a best seller, with the first edition selling out. A reprint is now available, for details contact Ian directly: magicianadair@hotmail.co.uk. 7.7.12

 

Magicians Cave Productions. The new website is now online, and the company will be adding some great new effects for the children's entertainer over the coming weeks. Visit www.magicianscave.co.uk today! 7.7.12

 

Mystery Magazine write: With great sadness Paul and Kate announce the closure of Mystery Magazine, due to increasing publication costs and reducing subscriber numbers. Thanks to Walt Lees for editing and to everyone who's supported the magazine over the years. Magic Books by Post is still very much alive and kicking and continually offering exciting new titles to our members. We look forward to seeing you at forthcoming conventions and to keeping your magic bookshelves up to date. Please don't hesitate to contact us with orders or enquiries: info@magicbooksbypost.co.uk www.magicbooksbypost.co.uk. 7.7.12

 

Ed Fringe, in the spotlight: Having just returned from The Magic Castle in Hollywood, Alan Hudson is taking his first solo show to Edinburgh this year so if you are planning to visit during August, you can buy tickets at the Ed Fringe website www.edfringe.com. If you're not going he is performing two preview shows in London at the Hen and Chickens Theatre on 15th July, www.henandchickens.com and at the Etcetera Theatre on 22nd July www.etceteratheatre.com. Alan was too lazy to get a proper job so he became a magician. Was this a mistake ... it felt like that sometimes. Quirky illusions and hilarious tales from Alan's magical life, mainly about tricks going horribly wrong. From ITVs Fool Us, "We loved your act" Penn & Teller. "Very funny indeed. He's found a rich seam in digging at the ludicrous conventions of magic acts and as it turned out, his tricks were pretty good too." The Stage. "Warning: may contain LOLs, OMGs and WTFs. No refunds." 7.7.12

 

The Magician’s Daughter. Written by Michael Rosen and inspired by The Tempest, Little Angel Theatre, in association with the Royal Shakespeare Company, bring their trademark blend of puppetry, live music and song to this captivating story of the adventures of a young girl on a magical faraway island. Join Miranda's daughter as she discovers for herself Ariel, Caliban and the wonders of the 'isle full of noises', The Magician's Daughter' is a gentle and humorous story suitable for children aged three and over. "Little Angel Theatre's puppetry and Michael Rosen's writing prove a magical combination... more successful storytelling would be hard to conjure." The Stage. Saturday 14th July to Thursday 19th July. For more information and to book Click Here. 7.7.12

 

Steve Dimmer Lecture. It’s been a good week for Northampton-based magician Steve Dimmer. On Tuesday he won the Northamptonshire Magicians' Club 'Magic of The Mind' competition by performing The Knight’s Tour solely from memory. Judge Roy Gilbert commented "If I’d have known that was the method I would have given you the prize twice!". Steve is the only person to have won every trophy up for grabs at the club! In addition to this Steve has had two very positive reviews for his lecture ‘The Nuts and Bolts of Children’s Entertaining’, one in The Magic Circle’s in-house magazine The Magic Circular and one here on MagicWeek Click Here after his time at The Leamington & Warwick Magic Society. Steve is now taking bookings for this lecture up until 2013 and can be contacted on 07904 311 007 or at inflatabletheatre@ntlworld.com. 7.7.12

 

An Afternoon of Nostalgia with the Bachelors. John Stoke's Bachelors will take you on a trip down 'Memory Lane' with their great songs from the past and great entertainment from the Martyn St. James Sound, Comedian Mike Lodge and magician Freddie Wilkinson. Reditch Palace Theatre, Alcester Street, Redditch, Worcestershire B98 8AE (Map) Box Office: 01527 65203. www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk. Thursday July 12th at 2pm, Tickets £10.50, Suitable for all ages. www.freddiewilkinson.co.uk. 7.7.12

 

The Order of the Magi (Manchester) have booked mentalist Jorge Garcia (The Jack) from Argentina to lecture on Tuesday 10th July at their headquarters, The Irish World Heritage Centre, 10 Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map). His details appear on www.magothejack.com.ar and the society welcomes him to England and looks forward to his evening. Door charge for non members. Directions to the Magi are on www.orderofthemagi.org.uk Geoffrey Newton PRO. 7.7.12

 

Magician Damien O'Brien was spotted performing at T4 On The Beach's 10th anniversary last weekend where he entertained some of the biggest stars in the UK music industry including Little Mix (photo), Rita Ora, The Wanted, Alexandra Burke and Conor Maynard. Damien's video from T4 was also named 'Viral of the Week' by The Mirror and will be featured in this Sunday's paper. www.damienobrien.com. 7.7.12

 

Tri-Wizard Tournament. Paul Bromley writes: The three magic clubs in Sussex held their annual Tri-Wizard Tournament on Wednesday 4th July. The event was hosted by the South Downs Magicians who chose American Independence Day as the theme for the evening. The three category winners were: Len Angell from the South Downs Magicians for his interpretation of Stars and Stripes; Stuart Harley from the Sussex Magic Circle in the Hollywood category; and Nicky Lewis of the Associated Conjurers of East Sussex for her Presidents routine. The category winners each received a mini-Oscar trophy in keeping with the theme of the event. The fun and friendly competition was attended by members of all three clubs plus family, friends and invited guests. 7.7.12

 

The David Grist Memorial Lecture. Graham Lee writes: This event has been running for a few years now and for the first time it will be held over two days with a mini convention. The event is happening next week, Wednesday 11th and Thursday 12th July in Birmingham. More details: balloonchat.co.uk. The days are dedicated and in remembrance of an excellent balloon artiste who passed away in 2005. Money raised from the sale of David’s DVDs goes directly to the Grist family. Coming over to do a lecture/workshop over the two days is one of Europe’s leading balloon artistes, Patrick van de Ven. Patrick will be running eight, 1 hour sessions over the two days covering some of his newer material and revisiting the classics. The day is being sponsored by Graham Lee and Qualatex Balloons. To book, Click Here. 7.7.12

 

The Home Counties Magical Society. Robin Neil Maddy writes: The Home Counties Magical Society is proud to announce a really first class lecture by James Prince at our meeting on Thursday 19th July. James will be presenting items from his two DVDs "Menu of Miracles" and will be covering restaurant magic with particular advice on how to work them. The meeting starts at 8pm but the doors will be open at 7.30pm.Guests very welcome at a fee of £10. Meetings are held at Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH. For details on how to find us visit our website at www.hcms.org.uk. Look forward to seeing you. Robin Neil Maddy. 7.7.12

 

AWS Summer Magic Festival. Darren Holden, writes: AWS Summer Magic Festival & BBQ & Live Music. Tuesday, 17th July at 7pm. £3 per person - includes free BBQ, Entertainment, Live Music and a Disco. With a Magical Stage Show starring: Matt Williams - Mentalist, John Shuttleworth - TBA, Rosie Taylor - Stage Illusions, Phil Smith - Comedy Magic, plus walkabout magic from Ian Marriott and Colin Phillips. Balloonolgy by Leto Kitchen. Also we will be having an Open Mic Competition (with prizes, please let me know if you want to take part), Grand Raffle, and much, much more throughout the evening. Kids are also welcome. Venue: The Dolphin, 30 Osborne Road South, St Denys, Hampshire, SO17 2EZ facebook.com. Darren Holden, AWS Programme Secretary. 7.7.12

 

The South London Magic Society proudly present a lecture by John Styles MBE. Known throughout the world as "The" Punch & Judy Man, John as entertained all the way to Royalty. This is to be a fantastic lecture not to be missed. As always we meet at the United Reform Church Hall, Cobden Road, South Norwood SE25 5NU (Map). Time is 7.30pm and the date is Friday 13th July. Non-members £10 on the door. Michael Sullivan. 7.7.12

 

Morgan & West: Clockwork Miracles preview. Join Morgan & West in the first outings of their all-new show for 2012 Edinburgh Fringe on Thursday 12th July at 7.30pm at the Canal Cafe Theatre, Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, London, W2 6ND (Map). Wander into the world of time travelling magicians Morgan & West. Uncover a multitude of magical marvels strewn hither and thither. But mostly thither. Be you urchin, industrialist or lady of leisure prepare to cover your ankles - Morgan & West will literally blow your socks off. Book by calling 0207 289 6054 or via www.canalcafetheatre.com. 7.7.12

 

"Hey, presto! Record numbers of children signing up to Young Magicians Club" Click Here • "Magician Dynamo wins £10,000 by predicting exactly how Spain would win Euro 2012" Click Here • David Diamond reviews the JOL Informer Mentalists' Wallet this week, Click Here • "There are not many 20-stone bald magicians" Click Here • "Magician George Saterial has serious star power" Click Here • "Magician Ben Cardall hopes to conjure up success in Stoke's Top Talent competition" Click Here • "Top Illusionist Brings Magic Therapy To Local Children" Click Here • "Illusionist Rushed to Hospital After Botching Trick" Click Here • If you're going to FISM have a great time. Unfortunately I won't be able to make it. My wife Keiko is working for NHK (Japanese TV) at the Olympic Village in the lead-up to and during the games - so I'll be at home looking after the family. However, MagicWeek will bring you a round-up of FISM highlights. See you next week, Duncan. 7.7.12

 

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