Number 631 - 28th July 2012

 

Eric Mead makes his London debut later this year at the International Magic Convention (November 16th, 17th 18th). Eric will be lecturing and also performing in the Close Up Gala. Considered one of magic's most celebrated 'thinkers', Eric has a wealth of experience in many fields of magic from bar magic, to a period working in comedy clubs, to his present work as one of America's busiest corporate mentalists. His first major book, Tangled Web, was praised for its many routines covering bar magic, close-up magic, strolling, mentalism and stage work. But it is the chapters that include seven instructive essays and two chapters devoted to work with a memorized deck and a systematic approach to Vernon's "Trick That Cannot Be Explained" that show his real in-depth thinking. With both Eric and Juan Tamariz booked for the Convention there's going to be a "stack" of things to talk about and see! www.internationalmagic.com. 28.7.12

 

The Essential Magic Conference is on this weekend (day 2 and 3). Day 1 got off to an excellent start. See 33+ Magicians over 3 Days. The Essential Magic Conference is the world’s first digital conference for magic and magicians. Watch it this weekend live via the internet. Watch all sessions online and on demand for one year and also receive an 8 DVD Box set of all the sessions once the conference is over (mailed post free worldwide). Register for the EMC2012 right now and treat yourself to a weekend of fine live magic and discussion: www.essentialmagicconference.com. 28.7.12

 

Ed Fringe, in the spotlight: Bullet Catch by Rob Drummond. "Drummond's conjuring skills are genuine and very impressive but his ability to make a profound philosophical meditation into a hugely entertaining magic show is cleverer still because it is so subtly done." ****The Herald. Roll up, roll up. The Arches makes its return to the Edinburgh Festival Fringe to present the most daring, death defying show on earth, Bullet Catch by Rob Drummond, which will open at the Traverse Theatre, Edinburgh from Friday 3rd – Sunday 26th August 2012. A stunt so dangerous Houdini refused to attempt it, the Bullet Catch has claimed the lives of at least twelve illusionists, assistants and spectators since its conception in 1613. The show follows the life and death onstage of famed bullet catcher, William Henderson, who tragically died 100 years ago performing the trick. Now, with a little help from his audience, modern day marvel William Wonder presents a unique theatrical magic show featuring storytelling, mind reading, levitation, games of chance and, if you're brave enough to stay for it, the most notorious finale in show business. See www.traverse.co.uk for more information, and What's On for Ed Fringe magic listings. 28.7.12

 

Magic Marketing Masterclass: "Any performer who is interested in making 2013 a great year for paid show bookings should attend the Magic Marketing Masterclass which will be taking place at the Hilton Newbury Centre Hotel on Tuesday 9th October 2012. Organised by Mark Leveridge Magic, this is a day dedicated to helping those who are serious about improving their show promotion techniques and who also want to learn the best ways to convert enquiries into paid bookings. This exclusive one-off event will provide sessions on the following topic areas. 1. Social Media - in which expert Julia Bramble will unpick the truth from the hype and explain how magicians can effectively tap into the power of social networking. 2. Strategic Marketing - Bob Yelland will present his highly praised talk on how to develop a winning Marketing Strategy and Communication approach using advertising, the web and email. 3. Enquiry Conversion - promotion is useless unless you can convert enough of the resultant enquiries, and so Mark Leveridge will reveal a killer idea which has given him a 10 fold increase in his show conversion rate. The Magic Marketing Masterclass will be an absorbing day full of practical advice to help any type of performer, whether they be close up, cabaret or children's workers, to beat the recession and develop a successful marketing plan that will help to produce more paid shows. To apply for one of the limited places available, and to watch an information video containing further details, go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/masterclass.php". 28.7.12

 

Magicseen Taster Issue 15 is now out and available as a free download. Editor Mark Leveridge writes: Based on the current full issue (issue 45 July 12), Taster Issue 15 contains the full article on cover personality Ian D Montfort, has our interview with young German rising star Florian Zimmer, plus contains Eoin Smith's look at the rise of designer decks, a peek into a week in the life of Magic Dealership Merlins and a selection of the reviews published in the main issue. Then from our back catalogue we offer an interesting feature on Women In Magic with interviews and information about some of the top female acts working currently. Taster Issue 15 is a great way to get a flavour of what Magicseen has to offer and a copy can be yours as a free download now from www.magicseen.co.uk. 28.7.12

 

The Edinburgh International Magic Festival is delighted to announce they will once again bring the world’s most amazing magic acts to Edinburgh from 28th June - 5th July 2013. For an overview of this year's festival, which just ended Click Here. 28.7.12

 

A Care & Share Balloon Party Day. Graham Lee writes: A Care & Share Balloon Party Day will be taking place in Halesowen, Birmingham on Wednesday 12th September, which is the day after the Kidology children’s magic convention that is taking place in Wolverhampton, so you may be able to attend both events. The party day will have a basic balloon lecture, some fun competitions if you would like to join in and a surprise or two along the way. A buffet lunch is also supplied at this annual get together to celebrate the art of balloon modelling. There is more info on the balloon forum, www.balloonchat.co.uk. Booking details: www.qualatexballoons.co.uk. 28.7.12

 

Shaun McCree Lecture - Bolton Magician's Club. James Hodgkiss writes: Bolton Magician's Club host Shaun McCree, multi award winning magician and acknowledged as one of the pioneers in introducing close-up magic into the UK. Shaun will be presenting his lecture entitled 'Commercial Close-up' at Bolton Magicians' Club on Wednesday 1st August at 8.30pm. The venue is the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QD (Map). Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome. There will be an entrance fee of £5.00. For directions to the Doffcocker Inn please visit www.boltonmagic.co.uk or telephone James Hodgkiss on 01204 522651. 28.7.12

 

David Forrest "Close Up Magic... Outside the Box". Paul Cadley, President, British Magical Society writes: Full time professional magician and inventor of magic effects, Dave is acknowledged as an innovative and creative magical thinker as well as being proprietor of Full 52 Productions. As a finale to its Summer Season the British Magical Society is pleased to present a lecture by Dave Forrest in Birmingham. The date is Tuesday 31st July (7.30pm) at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map). Visit www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details. 28.7.12

 

Wizard School Bristol: In less than 3 weeks, Magic Mike, The Kids Magician, will be opening the doors to Wizard School. Comprising 2 weeks of magic classes for children in Bristol, Mike is looking forward to introducing children in Bristol to the art of magic, mystery and illusion. There are still spaces left, so if you are around the Bristol area and have children who would like to attend, further details can be found at www.thekidsmagician.com/wizard-school. 28.7.12

 

News from Twins FX: "The Twins FX are creating special effects in new production shows at Halikarnas, the legendary club of Bodrum, Turkey. Halikarnas holds its place as one of the best clubs in the World, but now with a brand new design, a new concept, cutting edge sound, lighting systems and visual special effects, the legend is strengthened. The shows are tailor made for Halikarnas, introducing an entertainment style unparalleled in Turkey. Behind these fantastic shows are some brilliant names of the creative world: the Halikarnas shows are directed by Gary Lloyd and Arthur Gourounlian, the best directors / choreographers of the global showbiz world. The Twins FX provided the very best in visual special effects for Halikarnas and look forward to the forthcoming season. Check out www.halikarnas.com or www.thetwinsfx.com." 28.7.12

 

Magician bamboozles HRH Prince Charles! Last Tuesday North East based magician Chris Cross entertained HRH Price Charles, performing a selection of magic tricks which were very well received… "It was brilliant to have entertained yet another member of the British Monarchy. HRH Prince Charles was a good team player and he thoroughly enjoyed the tricks, jokes and banter. I knew he liked magic so it was great when we got to share a few tricks and laughs together - I’m becoming something of a Royal Entertainer now!" said Chris. And Prince Charles quipped ''You're such a professional... highly amusing!" Previously Chris has entertained HRH Prince Harry and The Prince of Bahrain. www.chris-cross.co.uk. 28.7.12

 

Iain Moran is presenting his “Greatest Hits” lecture for Sheffield Circle of Magicians on Thursday 2nd of August. The lecture is free for members and £10 for guests and visitors. The event starts at 7.30pm at Magick Enterprises, 82 Broad Street, Sheffield S2 5TG (Map). www.sheffieldcircleofmagicians.org. 28.7.12

 

London magician and street performer Owen Lean will be performing next week in the Ottawa Buskers Festival. Also performing contortionist Bendy Em, and Chinese Pole performer Reuben Dot Dot. 28.7.12

 

Kevin Cunliffe Product Catalogue. Kevin Cunliffe writes: "Kevin Cunliffe Entertainments now has the new 2012 product catalogue available, featuring the greatly anticipated effect 'Cognition- The act of knowing'. You can request a free copy by contacting via email kevincunliffe@hotmail.co.uk a PDF copy will be digitally sent to you. Alternatively you can see the online version at www.kevincunliffe.co.uk." 28.7.12

 

"Daddymo Magician Improbable" Click Here • "Student's gameshow tipped to be US hit" Click Here • "Dynamo: Magician Impossible – TV review" Click Here • "Vanni Pulé spends year as magicians’ president" Click Here • "Do you believe? Young magician already making his mark in the entertainment world" Click Here • "Magic Castle appears on Crystal Cruises" Click Here • "Magician to the Stars Lior Suchard's Amazing Feats" Click Here • "Making magic: Greenwich teen has plenty of tricks up his sleeve" Click Here • "Abbott's Magic Get-Together to celebrate 75 years of illusionary entertainment" Click Here • Young magician James Samuel has set himself the task of reviewing magic products over the summer holidays on his new blog: jamessamuelmagicianb.blogspot.co.uk • "The search is on for the nation's most entertaining young people" Click Here • "Kuwaiti illusionist claims to make car vanish in desert" Click Here • And finally, not magic, but interesting, "Do good things come to those who wait?" Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK magic news is always welcome, see you next week, Duncan. 28.7.12

 

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