Number 645 - 3rd November 2012
Alan
Shaxon. Such sad news to report that Alan Shaxon passed away last
Sunday morning (28th October). Alan was a brilliant magician, a former President of The Magic Circle,
modest, kind, and always a real pleasure to be with. He was simply the nicest of men
and will be hugely missed by his many
friends in magic. Here's Alan, together with his wife Anne, in 1964,
performing at The Magic Circle
Click Here (DT). The funeral for Alan Shaxon, MIMC, will take
place at 1.15 pm on Tuesday 13th November at St Mary's, Church Street,
Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 2QS. Following the service, there will be
a private crematorium committal, but friends are invited to make their
way to the reception which will be held at Burhill Golf Club, Burwood
Road, Walton-on-Thames, Surrey KT12 4BX. The following link provides a
map of the location:
www.burhillgolf-club.co.uk/find-us. It is requested that there only
be family flowers, but it is Anne's wish that anyone wanting to make a
charitable donation in Alan's memory, do so to The Maskelyne Endowment
Fund of which Alan was a trustee and the income of which "may be applied
to provide monies for grants and bursaries to or for the benefit of
Members of the Society in connection with projects or activities which
advance the art of magic." Donations can be sent to The Maskelyne
Endowment Fund, ℅ The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
3.11.12
International
Magic Convention & Festival of Magic - latest! Just confirmed,
Michael Vine will take part in the Directions Day on the Monday
(November 12th) of the Festival of Magic. As the manager of Derren Brown
he will be able to give an unparalleled view of where magic is going and
what it takes to be spotted and picked up as an act. As an ex-performer
he has a unique position in knowing both sides of the business and those
of you that know him already will know that there will be anecdotes and
asides galore. Add his name to Richard McDougall talking about body
language and showmanship, Morgan & West lecturing on character
development, and Anthony Owen discussing not only what it takes to break
into TV but also what works and what doesn't work in that medium, and it
will be an unmissable day for those who want to take their magic to the
next level... and all for the unbelievable price of just £30 with
additional different days available during the rest of the week for only
£20. Registration for the Festival and Convention:
www.internationalmagic.com.
3.11.12
Derren
Brown: Fear and Faith, Friday 9th November on Channel 4. The BAFTA
winning Derren Brown continues his specials for 2012 with his customary
inventive, intelligent mix of thought-provoking, compelling
entertainment, stunts and suggestion, combined with tried and tested
psychological tricks and experiments. The first of a two-part event,
Fear and Faith is an extraordinary film looking at what happens when
people have the experience of fear removed through the use of a powerful
new drug. See TV Magic
for times.
3.11.12
The
Blackpool Convention, 22nd, 23rd, 24th February 2013. From the
organisers: February 2013 looks like
being one of the 'best ever'. Already booked are: F.I.S.M. Grand Prix
winner Yu Ho Jin from Korea. Marko Karvo (photo) from Finland, First Prize in
F.I.S.M. General Magic, Haon Gun from Korea, Second Prize in F.I.S.M.
General Magic, Les Chapeaux Blancs from France, joint Second Prize in
F.I.S.M. General magic, Simon Lovell from U.S.A., David Williamson from
U.S.A., Matthew Wright from U.K. joint Second in F.I.S.M. Parlour Magic,
Yuji Yasuda from Korea, Zeki Yoo from Korea, Third Prize in F.I.S.M.
Card Magic, Haon Gun from Korea, Special Award F.I.S.M. Invention, Lukas
from Korea, Second Prize F.I.S.M. Manipulation, Ted Kim from Korea
Special Prize F.I.S.M. Most Original Stage Act, Kim Hyun Joon from Korea
Third Prize F.I.S.M. Manipulation, Mel Mellers from U.K., Vittorio
Marino from Italy, Jan Logemann from Germany First Prize F.I.S.M. Card
Magic, Johan Stahl from Germany Second Place F.I.S.M. joint Second Prize
F.I.S.M. Parlour Magic, David Merry from Canada, Dirk Losander from
U.S.A. and many more being added every day. Friday night will be The
Korean Magic Gala Show and Saturday night and Sunday night will feature
International Gala Shows. Nearly 1,500 registrations have been sold
already. Visit www.blackpoolmagic.com to download a Registration Form or
email: arthurcasson@aol.com.
3.11.12
Fancy
a magical weekend with one of the world's greatest magicians? Bristol's
newest magic venue, Smoke and Mirrors, are proud to announce their first
Las Vegas Headliner! Jeff McBride is performing his sensational one-man
show on Friday 23rd November. Immediately following the show is Jeff's
lecture. Then on Saturday 24th November Jeff presents his McBride Magic
Experience; a full 4 hour Masterclass. The cost for the show is only
£15, the lecture is also only £15. The Masterclass is £75. Special Offer: Book the Lecture and Masterclass for £90 and get a
free ticket for the Friday night show! This is a rare opportunity
to spend time with a renowned master and move your magic to the next
level. In an increasingly crowded market, does your magic stand out? Can
you really afford not to be there? Book today:
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk. Limited seating
available per event. Jay Fortune.
3.11.12
"Derren
Brown brands 'fake' Apocalypse rumours 'hurtful'... as he posts video
debunking conspiracy theories. Derren Brown has hit out over
allegations that the 'victim' of his zombie stunt is an actor. Viewers
have been gripped by Brown's latest mind-bending illusion on Channel 4
show Apocalypse, which saw him convince Steve Brosnan that the world has
been devastated by a meteorite and later taken over by Zombies..." To
read the full story, and watch the video, in Mail online
Click Here. "If they were actors we would have to quietly kill
anyone who knew them"... "Frustrated Derren Brown slams accusations that
Apocalypse victim faked reactions",
Click Here.
3.11.12
Noel Britten and Mark James live at Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol's all-new
magic venue, on Thursday 29th November. Paul Preager writes: "Mark Bennett who
only recently celebrated the 5th
anniversary of his Illusions Bar on the Triangle in Clifton has now
opened his second bar on Denmark Street off the city centre. In
the place left by the previous Bunch of Grapes opposite the Hippodrome
stage door is now ‘Smoke and Mirrors’. Opened on
26th October, with its first show featuring very funny Wayne Goodman and
even more hilarious John Archer, the main feature
is a compact 50 seat show room that is going to be presenting a
significant magical performer once a month. With the Illusions Bar
featuring close-up magic up the road, Smoke and Mirrors will cover stand
up magic. Is Bristol becoming the UK’s magic city?" On Thursday
November 29th Mark
James will be supporting the one and only Noel Britten, visit
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk
for more info and to book.
3.11.12
Portsmouth & District Magic Circle Jumbo Day
- tomorrow! Walt Lees 'Pitching The Sven'; Paul
Gordon 'All-new Killer Card Magic' Rikki Mark 'Rubber Band Workshop'; Merv
Cole's Auction; Bob Hamilton 'Films and
recordings'; Star Lecture David Stone; Close Up Sessions with Paul
Gordon, Dave Forrest, Walt Lees and Joe Tooley; The
Gala Show starring Ian Keable, Richard Pinner, Chris Rawlins and Rob Roy
Collins. Plus loads of dealers and second hand deals! Sunday November 4th, from
9am. Pay on the door. Venue: Portsmouth & District Magic Circle, Buckland Community Centre,
Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO2 7BL (Map).
More info: www.jumboday.co.uk.
Conjuring
at the Court, Thursday 29th November, London. "Witness the impossible with an entertaining night of fun and magic! Top
comedy magicians John Archer and Steve Price; hilarious ventriloquist
John Kimmons; mind-boggling mentalism from Chris Hare; and genial
magical compere Russell Levinson.
The show is in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The
Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at
8pm. Parking is free after
6.30pm. Why not arrive early to enjoy dinner at the pub, in the lovely
dining room or the large garden?
Tickets just £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
3.11.12
David
Stone: The eXperience. As part of his 2012 World Lecture Tour, David
Stone is now in the UK his ‘eXperience’ lecture. David
says that the tricks, explanations and entertaining surprises involving
the audience will change the concept of a traditional lecture. See
What's On for tour
dates.
3.11.12
Award winning Spanish card magician Woody Aragon
starts his first UK lecture tour today in Scotland... Woody's lecture
contains over 2 hours of top quality magic that begins with a small show
which is then explained in its entirety and includes theory about the
structure of the various routines, some very bad English (thanks to the
Lennart Green videos!) and some routines, moves and principles including
the spelling routine that he performed at the recent Essential Magic
Conference, and which he won the 2011 International Magic Close Up
Competition with. Most of what Woody teaches in his lecture are very easy to
follow, understand, and do! See
What's On for tour
dates.
3.11.12
Henry
Lewis: Practical Mentalism for a Magic Program. A lecture with a
difference... "Mental tricks that are practical which you
can add to your magic act. It is to the point and most magicians are
capable of making the necessary items themselves. I have nothing to sell
and I bring with me sufficient instruction papers (free for those who
attend). If required I am happy do a full evening." For full details of
Henry's lecture visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page.
3.11.12
Magicseen
Issue 47 out Now! From editor Mark Leveridge: Magicseen
Issue 47 (November 2012) is out and about and begging for your
attention. We sent Deputy Editor Graham Hey down to the West Country to
move in for a while with cover star Paul Stockman, and the results of
Graham's stay are amply covered in this issue. We also talk to two
highly creative people, Angelo Carbone and French inventor Mickael
Chatelain, about how and why they do it! We also risk getting our
fingers singed when we talk with Steve Spade, fresh as he was from being
burnt at the stake. Issue 47 also sees us delve into the mysteries of
the Chop Cup and gives you advice a-plenty about how to break into
groups of spectators who are all standing, in the concluding part of
It's All In Your Approach. Then there's the Dealers' Booth featuring
Warped Magic, the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians appear in Club Land,
Gary Jones takes over the Masterclass, and our team of trusted and
knowledgeable reviewers get stuck into the latest product releases. All
this plus much more is available now as a printed copy or digital
download from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
3.11.12
Richard
Graham, proud to be magic champion four times over in one year!
Richard has been successful in winning the trophies for both Stage and
Close-up Magic at both the Southend Sorcerers and Mid Essex Magical
Society in 2012. Richard said, "Both clubs have very talented performers
and so it's a great privilege and honour to be the winner of these
competitions." For more details see
www.richardgraham-magic.co.uk.
3.11.12
A
John Gaughan built giant 'Rice, Orange and Checkers', beautifully decorated
and standing two feet tall, one of only two ever made, is being offered
for sale by
Taurus Magic Supply. Shown in detail in Volume 4 of 'Further Classic Magic
With Apparatus' by Robert Albo. Manufactured in 1975, it was used by
Johnny Hart and Zee in the London "Magic Castle" show. The price is
£1,800.00 plus shipping. For more information contact Derek Lever via
www.taurusmagic.net.
3.11.12
Julie
Carpenter aka 'Auntie Julie' will be debuting her new lecture 'Julie
Noted - Entertaining the Under 5's and other nice ways to drive you
insane' at the South
London Magic Society on Friday 9th November at 7.30pm. Julie will also be
demonstrating her new Magic Colouring Book routine 'Zoo Time'. All are welcome; there is a £10.00 charge for non-members. The venue is, as always, The
United Reform Church Hall, Cobden Road, South Norwood, London SE25 5NU (Map).
www.auntiejulie.com.
Mike Sullivan.
3.11.12
The
Spirit of Fire Awards, London. Matt
Wainwright recently had the pleasure of being invited back to perform at The
Spirit of Fire Awards in London for the 4th consecutive year.
It is the most prestigious event in the fire and rescue services'
calendar, recognizing acts of selfless sacrifice within the fire and
rescue community. It was a real honor to be part of such an amazing evening,
enjoyed by Kevin Keegan (photo), Michelle Heaton, Ken Livingstone,
actors and actresses and GB Olympic medal winners
facebook.com/MattWainwrightMagic.
3.11.12
John
Derris is back!
Following a noticeable absence of nearly a year of information on
www.magicderris.com,
due to domestic health reasons, comes the announcement of an immediate
resumption of regular postings. The site 'Come a Little
Closer' features news, comment, routines, original effects and opinion on
what is current in the magic world as well as reminiscences that cover
John Derris's half century in the business. Coming up is news of the
sell-out in the UK and USA of his book KISS and the production by
International Magic of a new DVD of his widely acclaimed lecture.
In this version he revealed many of his exclusive routines that he has
presented around the world in the last 15 years, including his acclaimed
production of a bowl of goldfish!
3.11.12
Guinness World Record for the biggest ever magic lesson. Kevin McMahon, Artistic Director, Edinburgh International Magic
Festival, reports "Delighted to say that we smashed the Guinness World Record for the
biggest ever magic lesson on 27th October 2012 at Fettes
College in Edinburgh; the building that inspired JK Rowling's vision for
Hogwarts and a very fitting venue.
Massive thanks to all the performers, volunteers, staff, friends and all
1,500 audience members that turned up to break the world record in
wintery conditions. Massive achievement. Well done to all involved
especially to all at Royal Blind Charity who did a fantastic job
organising the event.
www.facebook.com/edmagicfest" "Rosyth magician breaks world record"
Click Here.
3.11.12
"Win a magician for your next event" Click Here • "Criss Angel celebrating four years at the Luxor" Click Here • "Ricky Jay: Sleight of hand, abundant of secrets" Click Here • "Psychic pair fail scientific test" Click Here • "Harry Houdini Grave Sparks Fight Among Museum, Cemetery And Magicians" Click Here • "David Blaine cheers up storm victims with card tricks" Click Here • "Jewish escape artist Houdini lives on each Halloween" Click Here • "Magic Castle enchants Hollywood with CAA deal and film project" Click Here • "Magician doesn't miss a trick" Click Here • "Neil Patrick Harris-Directed Magic Show to Open at Geffen Playhouse" Click Here • "Marco Tempest: A cyber-magic card trick like no other " Click Here • "Five Questions: Magician/Illusionist David Caserta discusses his 'Haunted Illusions' show, State Theatre stop" Click Here • "Magic, dance and more" Click Here • "The drawing that proves daredevil Felix was born to fly" Click Here • Many thanks for your news submissions this week, see you next week, Duncan. 3.11.12