Number 658 - 2nd February 2013
Derren
Brown: Infamous. Derren Brown returns with a brand new live show,
which will embark on a nationwide UK tour in March and will visit Ireland
in 2014. Andy Nyman directs Derren Brown: Infamous. The acknowledged
master of psychological illusion, fresh from the hugely successful two-year run
of his 2012 Oliver award-winning show Derren Brown: Svengali will once
again mesmerise, shock and entertain the nation. Derren says: "I enjoy the stage
shows more than anything else. Live on stage is the best place for what I do:
it's unpredictable, and the audience knows there's no possibility of judicious
editing." On stage as well as on TV Derren is in a class of his own,
exhilarating audiences with his unique brand of entertainment. For the past
twelve years he has created TV and stage performances that have stunned
audiences, debunked the paranormal and encouraged many to improve and enhance
their own mental abilities. His first show appeared in 2000, Derren Brown: Mind
Control, and was followed with Trick of the Mind, Trick or Treat and a series of
specials including the controversial Russian Roulette, the hugely popular
Events, Hero at 30,000 Feet and the more recent Derren Brown: The Experiments,
which won the 2012 BAFTA award for Best Entertainment Show. See
What's On for dates.
2.2.13
Dynamo
-
Broadcast Awards 2013: "Cardinal Burns, Dynamo and BBC Two were among the
big winners at this year's Broadcast Awards. The E4 sketch show starring Seb
Cardinal and Dustin Demri-Burns took home both 'Best Comedy Programme' and 'Best
Multichannel Programme', while Dynamo: Magician Impossible beat the likes
of Britain's Got Talent and Celebrity Juice to scoop 'Best Entertainment
Programme'" To read the full story in Digital Spy
Click Here (includes video).
2.2.13
Piff
the Magic Dragon: Jurassic Bark, London dates. Following a sell-out
Edinburgh Fringe run, a hit run at the Sydney Opera House and a Time Out & Soho
Theatre TOAST Award nomination, Piff the Magic Dragon embarks on his first Soho
Theatre season, accompanied by Mr Piffles the World’s First Million Dollar
Chihuahua™. With over 8.5 million hits on YouTube his recent role as opening act
for Mumford & Sons (photo) on their UK tour secured his position as folk rock’s
favourite mythical creature. Will Piff find his princess? Will Mr Piffles defy
the Cannon of Certain Death? Will you be there if he doesn’t? "A hugely
entertaining hour of grumpy magic." Time Out. Piff the Magic Dragon:
Jurassic Bark, Soho Theatre, March 19th - 23rd, 7.45pm. Tickets £10-15 via
www.sohotheatre.com.
2.2.13
Renowned
Puppeteer to make UK debut at the South Tyneside International Magic Festival.
One of the world’s leading puppeteers is to make his UK debut at the South
Tyneside International Magic Festival in March. American Scott Land, whose
skills are on display in nearly every scene of Paramount Pictures’ blockbuster
Team America: World Police, will appearing at the 10th annual South Tyneside
International Magic Festival in March. Despite having performed more than 10,000
shows worldwide this
will be the first British appearance in Scott’s esteemed 25 year career.
Scott, who also created and operated a Julie Andrews look-alike marionette for
Disney’s The Princess Diaries 2, said: “I’ve heard so much about the South
Tyneside International Magic Festival and am really looking forward to making my
first visit to the North East and indeed the UK.”
Ticket holders for the convention will receive entry to both Gala Shows,
which will see Scott sharing the stage with other leading performers from around
the world.
This includes Spanish close-up magician Dani DaOrtiz, living cartoon Sylvester
the Jester, USA double act Charlie Frye & Co, German master of metamorphosis
Gaston and UK magicians Paul Daniels, John Archer, Graham P Jolley, Brian
Sefton, Rob James, Peter Turner and Ian D Montford.
Tickets for the South Tyneside International Magic Festival’s convention, priced
at £65 each, are available by emailing
events@southtyneside.gov.uk or calling
0191 4247987. More details about the festival’s other events can also be found
at www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival.
2.2.13
The
Magic Circle’s Winter Season of Wizardry. Access to the world’s most
prestigious magical society, The Magic Circle, has been restricted to its
secretive membership ever since it was founded in 1905. Now, the doors to the
society’s HQ at 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD have been opened up to the
public for a series of shows highlighting the best in magical entertainment. See
What's On (February and March)
for listings.
2.2.13
Chris
Cox - Fatal Distraction Tour, Spring Dates. Fatal Distraction is the fifth
brand new show from the multi award-winning, five star, fringe sell-out, mind
reader who can’t read minds, Chris Cox. He’s been on TV, toured the world and is
somehow still getting away with it. Fatal Distraction has picked up a magical
hat full of 5 star reviews and won the 2011 Venue Magazine award for best comedy
show. Chris will be doing things he shouldn’t be able to do with the fringe
brochure, performing tricks nobody has ever done before, controlling
coincidence, probing theories of fate and answering the FAQ: ‘Can you use this
stuff on girls?’. Determined to deliver the most satisfying hour possible Chris
will be handing control over to his audience by giving them the power to control
his actions with their minds. Cox manages to mix a love based narrative with
some of the most unique and incredible mind-reading effects ever seen on the
stage. See What's On for dates.
2.2.13
The
Chuckle Brothers meet The Phantom at the Theatre. After finishing in their
own sell-out Pantomime Aladdin, Stuart and Jayne Safire are looking forward to
once again touring the UK’s top theatre venues in a new adventure “The Chuckle
Brothers meet The Phantom at the Theatre”. This will be Safire’s 13th outing
with the BBC children’s favourites, running from the beginning of February
through to the beginning of September. As well as performing their new Ghostly
Themed Black Art Puppet act, Stuart and Jayne will also be playing parts and
presenting their illusions. Once the tour is up and running in between Stuart
and Jayne's Magic Light Productions will start preparing for their Summer
Pantomime in Llandudno based on Alice in Wonderland and also for their third
Christmas offering at Theatr Colwyn, Dick Whittington. For tour dates visit
www.thechucklebrothersontour.co.uk/tour-dates.
2.2.13
Where
the Magic Happens: "Where the Magic Happens focuses on professional,
accomplished magicians and chronicles a year-long roller coaster of trials and
triumphs as they pursue their greatest passion: magic. Lance Burton is the
film's Executive Producer. Filming is almost complete, and we are in the
home-stretch. To get the movie finished and into theaters, we are gathering
post-production funds on the popular funding site Kickstarter. We are offering
great magic-related premiums, including tours of the Magic Castle, magic
lessons, and a private lunch with Lance Burton. We'd love to get the word out to
the magic community, as the campaign ends February 5th. Here is a video
featuring a sneak peek of the film, along with the rewards for donation:
Click Here." Marcie Hume, Christoph Baaden and Theodore James, Producers,
Where the Magic Happens
www.facebook.com/magicdocumentary
www.twitter.com/themagicdoc.
2.2.13
The
Magic Show - Nottingham. Just 40 tickets remain for “The Magic Show” in
Nottingham, a tribute held in
memory of Allen Tipton who sadly died last November. The show organised by
Freddie Wilkinson will be a full night of magic, illusion and comedy, with
all profits going to the charity
When You Wish
Upon A Star. Freddie Wilkinson writes “I’m amazed and truly grateful that so
many busy performers said yes, and have kindly donated their time and talent; it
just goes to show how well loved and respected Allen was. Special thanks must go
to Mark Roberts for not only agreeing to perform but for also being there for me
to bounce ideas off of, suggesting such a brilliant charity, and listening to me
grumble and moan now and again!” The amazing line-up includes – FISM winner Marc
Oberon, international illusionists Andrew Van Buren & Allyson, IBM winner James
Parker, Mark Roberts, Neil Haywood, Steven Garrison, Liam A. Black, Freddie
Wilkinson, Roy Bond and Anthony Chan. Even the Stage Manager for the night is a
IBM winner – James Smith. The show will be held at the
Bonington Theatre,
Arnold Leisure Centre, High Street, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7EE (Map)
on Friday 8th February. Show time 7.30pm; doors open 7pm. Tickets are £10.00 and available from the box
office on 0115 9670114.
2.2.13
Bullet
Catch. Bullet Catch, written and performed by Rob Drummond, plays 'The
Shed', a temporary venue by the National Theatre, London, from 21st May to 1st
June. Celebrating new theatre that is original, ambitious and unexpected. Bullet
Catch is a unique theatrical experience exploring the world of magic, featuring
mind reading, levitation and the most notorious finale in show business.
www.theshed.nationaltheatre.org.uk.
2.2.13
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2.2.13
The
first 'Variety @ UCL' was a huge success! From the organisers: "Check out
the showreel for highlights
YouTube.
The night returns on Tuesday 26th February, hosted by the fantastic Christian
Lee, featuring gentleman juggler Mat Ricardo, the mindreader who can't read
minds, Chris Cox, plus a rare London performance by the amazing spirit medium,
Ian D Montfort (photo), hilarious comedy from Jo Below, live music from Jasmine
Tribe and a very special surprise act which you don't want to miss! We are also
giving away 2 top price seats for
A Chorus Line,
the award-winning Broadway musical which is currently playing at the London
Palladium. Simply buy your tickets online
Click Here by Tuesday 5th February to be entered into the draw. Tickets just
£12.50 (concessions £10). Venue: Mully's Bar, 136 Gower Street, WC1E 6BP (Map).
Doors 7pm, show 7.30pm.
www.uclvariety.com".
2.2.13
Wow!
This Show Is Magic. "See two of the country’s foremost magicians in this
newly created stage show for all the family. Doctor Bondini and JezO have been
wowing the crowds with their incredible magic, comedy and audience participation
for many years in their own shows and now they combine their talents into one
amazing production. See the two generations of professional magicians at work in
one of the few full-scale illusion shows touring the UK today. Mixing
traditional and modern magic this is a show that will make you go wow! as JezO
brings comedy magic and hilarious audience participation and Bondini presents
sophisticated magic and grand illusion." See
What's On for current tour
dates, with further dates to be announced.
2.2.13
Anthony
Owen lectures at The Ilford Magical Society this Wednesday, 6th February.
They meet at The Parkside Community Centre, 176 Goodmayes Lane, Ilford IG3 9PP (Map)
at 8pm. Visitors welcome, £10 on the door.
2.2.13
The
Order of The Magi (Manchester) Open Night. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: The
Order of The Magi (Manchester) is holding an open night at their new
headquarters, the fabulous Irish World Heritage Centre 1 Irish Town Way,
Manchester M8 0AE. This is about 500 yards further along Queens Road past the
old building which is familiar to many. The date is Tuesday 12th February 2013
from 8.00pm. The invitation is free, but, in order to control numbers, it is
strictly by ticket only. It is hoped that many Magi members and their guests
will attend, as well as others over the age of 18 who have an interest in magic.
Anyone aged 16 – 18 years with an interest in magic may also attend but must
inform the President on arrival. The guest of honour will be the International
President of The International Brotherhood of Magicians John Pye who will
officially declare our new headquarters open by cutting the ribbon – and no
doubt restoring it! Guests will be offered a glass of bubbly (or suitable
alternative) and a piece of celebration cake. The entertainment will be by Mark
James with his brand new one hour show. Mark is well known for his work on
cruises. The last one being on the Fred Olsen Line, Boudicca down the Amazon
and the next one with the same line on the Black Watch to India. If you would
like to attend, please email
pro@orderofthemagi.org.uk with your name. All e.ticket holders’ names will
go into a hat for a mystery prize to be drawn at the Magi dinner on 23rd March
2013.
2.2.13
Britain
Does Variety 2013. A nationwide talent competition for all variety acts.
"Would you like to be seen on Sky's Showcase TV? Would you like to win a
performance at London's O2? Would you like the chance to perform in front of the
Executive Producer of The Royal Variety Performance? Britain Does Variety is returning for a third year in 2013. If you'd like to be
part of it then book your audition now. In 2011 and 2012, acts from around
Britain auditioned in front of a panel of industry judges to compete for a place
in one of the Britain Does Variety regional shows which took place in some of
Britain's best theatres with each show staged and managed by an experienced,
professional team." Visit
www.britain-does-variety.co.uk for full details.
2.2.13
The
South London Magic Society are please to present Steve Evans's 'The Magic Bloke'
lecture: "A lecture not to be missed by one of the most funniest men in the
business! Time and date are 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start on Tuesday 5th February
and this will be held at our new venue The South Norwood and Woodside Social
Club, 12 Enmore Road, London SE25 5NQ (Map). As always, non-members are welcome and a
temporary membership of £10 is payable." Mike Sullivan
www.slmagic.co.uk.
2.2.13
Chris
Stevenson, the current British Close Up Magic Champion, will be presenting his
lecture at Winchester Magical Society on Thursday February 7th.
The lecture is based on his winning act from Blackpool 2012 and includes coin,
rope and card routines as well as discussions on his handling of the Classic
Force and his Multiple Card routine.
The lecture starts at 8pm at the Badger Farm Community Centre, Winchester
SO22 4QB (Map). Non-members are very welcome for a nominal £5 charge.
Philip Smith www.winchestermagic.com.
2.2.13
Peter
McLanachan will be presenting his "A Force Much Greater Than Luck" lecture
for The Ulster Society of
Magicians on Monday 4th February at the USM's usual meeting place The Ramada
Hotel at Shaw's Bridge, Belfast. The meeting starts at 7.30pm for 8pm. The
majority of Peter's lecture concentrates on card effects that can be done when
performing for groups in walkaround situations, and requiring more than one card
to be selected which means more audience participation. Any non-members wishing
to attend should email George Bleeks, USM Secretary:
george.bleeks@ntlworld.com. See
www.thecardman.co.uk.
2.2.13
James
Prince lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on Thursday 7th February.
James has been performing magic professionally for over twenty years and in that
time has performed at literally thousands of Hotels, Clubs and Restaurants and
at numerous Corporate and Private Functions, both in the UK and overseas.
Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee, the
lecture takes place in Bookham, Surrey at 8pm for full details contact Adam
Mosley info@surreymagic.org.uk.
2.2.13
The
Pentacle Club (based in Cambridge) have a new website up and running at
www.pentacleclub.com,
built by club member Stacy Smith.
2.2.13
Don't
Try This – The Magic of Illusion & The Mystery of The Mind: "What happens when you put together one of the most dynamic and respected
illusion acts with the South West’s leading mentalists and mind readers? You get something that is not 'just another' magic show.
Don't Try This is a new show featuring spell binding illusions, mind melting
magic and inexplicable demonstrations of psychological manipulation.
Alex and Emily, known internationally as Matricks are the illusionists together with
dancer Natalie, joined by Alan Jones who brings his brand of award winning
mentalism.
You can see the premier of this show at The Acorn Theatre, Penzance on
Saturday 9th February.
Tickets from Cornish Riviera Box office
www.crbo.co.uk Telephone: 01726 879 500.
Adults £9,
Under 16's £5,
Family Ticket Adult x 2 Children x 2 £25,
Doors Open 7pm,
Show starts 7.30pm."
2.2.13
Playing
Cards 1: Spades is a remarkable new production from world-renowned
theatre-maker Robert Lepage. True to this outstanding director’s rich artistic
legacy, the show makes brilliant use of theatrical wizardry and has been created
specifically for presentation in the round within the Roundhouse’s stunning Main
Space. Roundhouse, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8EH, 7th February - 2nd March,
see www.roundhouse.org.uk.
2.2.13
"Olivia
Wilde is Magic on a New Poster For The Incredible Burt Wonderstone"
Click Here and "Exclusive: New Burt Wonderstone Poster"
Click Here • "Magician helping to make bullying disappear"
Click Here • "Mindbending with Paul at Taunton Rugby Club"
Click Here • "Top magician to cast a spell at Business Awards"
Click Here • How clean is your belly button?
Click Here • "Las Vegas magician offers $5,000 reward for return of
stolen puppies"
Click Here • "Peter Firman - a born show-off"
Click Here • Many thanks for your news this week, always welcomed,
see you next week, Duncan.
2.2.13