Number 660 - 16th February 2013
The
61st Blackpool Convention opens it doors this Friday, and already dates for
next year's convention have been released. They are Friday 21st, Saturday 22nd
and Sunday 23rd February 2014, and the registration desk for 2014 is now open!
For 2014 the organisers announce: "The 'Four F's' come to Blackpool! Obie
O'Brien has for many years produced the famous close up convention 'Fechter's
Finger Flinging Frolics' known affectionately as the 'Four F's'. We are pleased
to inform you that Obie has kindly agreed to help to organise many of the world
class close up performers who have starred at his convention. Expect big names
galore. The registration desk for 2014 is now open. Pick up a registration form
on the registration desk and book early so that you get a good seat. The cost of
a full gold card registration which covers all 3 days and all the events
including show tickets is just £95.00." To see this year's excellent programme
Click Here,
and for more information visit
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
16.2.13
Dynamo:
Magician Impossible - Virgin Media Awards TV Show of the Year: "You voted in
your millions in the first annual Virgin Media Awards, now it's time to reveal
the results and find out how your favourites did."
Click Here. "Dynamo wins TV Show of the Year at Virgin Media Awards"
Click Here.
16.2.13
Mat
Ricardo's London Varieties 2013 Season! February 28th Omid Djalili, March
28th Al Murray, April 25th Paul Daniels. The first three shows for the 2013
season of Mat Ricardo's London Varieties have just been announced. This year
they've moved to the Leicester Square Theatre but all the features and surprises
you loved last year will be back... bigger and crazier too! Mat Ricardo
writes: "Just last like year, the interview from each show will be podcast, but
additionally, an edited version of the show will be professionally filmed and
put online so you can watch it at home! For free! I figured if TV won't make a
proper variety show, then I will! And, as you can see, we've got some big names.
Some of them you'll know, and some of them maybe you won't, but every single
person on all of the bills is the absolute best at what they do, and I'm proud
and - frankly - stunned to be welcoming them to The Varieties. We've got some
bona-fide legends and heroes of variety and circus coming your way this year.
For the opening night we've got the hilarious Kev Orkian, the UK's funniest magician John Archer, the spectacle that is Craig the Incredible Hula Boy, and I'll be sitting down for a chat with the brilliant Omid Djalili - comedian, actor, and, recently, high diver! It's going to be special, and if you ever considered coming to one of these shows but haven't - now's the time! Get yourself a ticket to the first night and lets pack that theatre and show the West End that there's an audience for a knock-down, drag-out, no-apologies, no-compromise variety show!" For more info, dates and to book tickets Click Here. 16.2.13
Gregory
Wilson Lecture, at the AWS. "Gregory Wilson is an American magician and a
two time FISM Winner, who specializes in close-up magic, and is the subject of a
chapter in magician Paul Harris's book, Art of Astonishment, Vol. 1. He is a
regular performer at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, as well as large corporate
events all over the world. In 1998, Greg was also awarded the 'Most Creative
Magician of the Year' by the International Brotherhood of Magicians. He has
contributed scores of original effects to MAGIC, Genii, Linking Ring, M.U.M.,
Arcane, Penumbra, Magic Menu and other magazines, as well as a full chapter in
Paul Harris' The Art of Astonishment, a chapter in Harry Lorayne's Best of
Friends 3, a chapter in John Lovick's Switch, and a chapter in the wildly
popular Magic for Dummies. Just don't hold that last one against him! He has
performed and lectured in 44 countries and 1,000 cities, giving him the
experience to add to your own personal experience." Tuesday, 30th April. Doors
Open 7.30pm. Visiting magicians welcome (£5 door charge). Host: Darren Holden.
Venue: Woolston & Sholing Conservative Club, 74 St Annes Rodd, Southampton,
Hampshire SO19 9FF (Map).
www.awsmagic.co.uk
www.facebook.com.
16.2.13
Matthew
Wright Lecture - Coventry Magic Circle. Steve Clements writes: Two days
after competing at the International Close Up Magic Competition at the Blackpool
Magic Convention, two time FISM award winner Matthew Wright is visiting Coventry
Magic Circle to lecture on Tuesday February 26th at 8pm. A full time working
professional, Matthew is also Director of Magic at The House of Illusion in
Spain and was the Head Magician at Illusions Magic Bar in the UK before that.
Matthew brings all this experience together in an action-packed lecture which
includes every aspect of performance including character building, movement,
scripting and routining. The lecture will include many effects which feature
directly in Matthew's working repertoire and will have something for everyone of
all skill levels. Don't miss this opportunity to see one of magic's stars at
Coventry Magic Circle; visiting magicians welcome, £10 entrance fee payable on
the door. Coventry Magic Circle, Bentley Road Sports & Social Club, Nuneaton,
Warwickshire CV11 5LR (Map)
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk.
16.2.13
The
Berglas Effects - A limited number of signed copies are currently available directly from David Berglas.
"This is a wonderful, wonderful book, as well as one that resonates with me very
much personally. I feel a slight voyeuristic guilt being allowed in as much as
this, into his hidden world, but also the joy of seeing so lucidly before me
what seems now to be the ONLY way to present card material. Where the performer
is all and there's no card 'plot' to follow along with. This is a unique delight
to be reading." Derren Brown. Written by magic’s most experienced author
Richard Kaufman. Foreword by Juan Tamariz, Afterword by Max Maven. Includes 3
feature-packed DVDs. Limited number now available here in the UK, signed by
David Berglas.
Click
Here for ordering details.
16.2.12
Steve
Evans wins Close-up Trophy for the second year running. Sue Oakley,
Secretary of the WCM reports: On Wednesday the 6th February, Steve Evans
deservedly won the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians Close-up Trophy for the
second year running. Steve also holds the trophies for the WCM Stage and pocket
tricks competitions. The trophy was presented by president David Oakley.
www.wcm-magic.co.uk.
16.2.13
Marcelo
Insua (Mr Tango) Lecture, at the AWS. "Marcelo Insua is the owner of the
Tango Magic gaffed coins factory. He has been a professional magician for more
than 20 years and has the only magic bar theatre in South America, called Bar
Mágico. Four years ago he invented a new gaffed coin called TUC - Tango Ultimate
Coin, which allows you to perform the most difficult coin magic routine with
just a few minutes of practice. In July 2012, Marcelo received the FISM
Invention Award for his creation. His Stress Free Magic Lecture will include
routines with coins, cards and mentalism." Tuesday, 26th February. Doors Open
7.30pm. Visiting magicians welcome (£5 door charge). Host: Darren Holden. Venue:
Woolston & Sholing Conservative Club, 74 St Annes Rodd, Southampton, Hampshire
SO19 9FF (Map).
www.awsmagic.co.uk
www.facebook.com.
16.2.13
Ian
Keable lecture - Derby Magic Circle. Paul Sharp writes: Ian Keable
will be lecturing for the Derby Magic Circle on Wednesday, 27th February, at
Breadsall Village Hall, Derby. In his lecture Ian performs and explains several
tricks from his professional repertoire to illustrate not only how to, but also
how not to, do Cabaret magic. Ian also talks about choosing Cabaret material,
how to be funny, patter to avoid, dealing with hecklers, using assistants from
the audience and other aspects of Cabaret magic which can only be learnt through
solid performing experience. Above all the lecture is designed to be
entertaining. He guarantees that even if you don't use any of his tricks or buy
his lecture notes, you will still have a thoroughly enjoyable evening.
Visiting magicians are very welcome at Derby, there is a small fee of £8 payable
on the night. Please contact our secretary Allan Humphries on 01889 590 975
prior to attending. For more information about our programme for the remainder
of the year please visit
www.derbymagiccircle.com.
16.2.13
One:Twist
/ Two:Fusion; ingenious new routines from Axel Hecklau. Axel writes: "There
have been, in the past, numerous published versions of the torn and restored
playing card. I was always fascinated by this effect but never found a version
which leaves the spectator with an everlasting impression. At the end, you are
only left with a signed, folded card on the table, without any emotional
content, which will be rapidly disregarded. The probable reason is that a
playing card has no particular value, either financial, ideal nor emotional. The
only version I know of, where the card is worth a lot is the torn baseball card
(Tom Assunder) from Chris Kenner which was performed by David Copperfield in his
TV Special in 1993. But even in this version there is no real reason to tear the
card. It is a general problem: to justify destroying something just to
demonstrate that you have the ability to restore it..." To continue reading
Axel's thoughts and watch some video demonstrations of his very latest effect
visit: www.axelhecklau.com.
16.2.13
Magicians
wanted for 'Magic behind the Medicine', Thackray Medical Museum, Leeds. Lauren
Ryall-Stockton writes: I am the assistant curator at the Thackray Medical Museum
in Leeds. We are preparing to open our big exhibition for 2013 which is called
‘Magic behind the Medicine’, looking at the history of medicine and magical
links. We received an Arts Council grant to enable us to produce this
exhibition, and part of the overall project is a clinical trial working with
young hospital patients to use magic tricks to help with their rehabilitation -
www.breatheahr.org. In
order to make the exhibition really come alive for visitors we are looking for
people with magical skills, either professional or amateur, who could spend some
time in the museum performing sleight of hand and close up magic. We especially
wanted some people to do this at our VIP events on the 27th, 28th and 29th March
2013. For the launch events we will have the press involved and lots of people
connected with the arts and NHS in Yorkshire, so it could be a good opportunity
for networking and practising skills on a very varied audience. There will be
families at all the VIP events as well as throughout the exhibition, and we are
keen to hear from performers both young and old who are interested in taking
part. Enquiries can be made to me directly at this email address
lauren@thackraymuseum.org and
more information about the museum can be found on our website
www.thackraymuseum.org.
16.2.13
The
Wallet Transformer:
An ingenious gimmick that turns any normal wallet (with at least one credit card
slot) into a ‘Signed Card To Wallet’ utility wallet.
The Wallet Transformer allows you to show a single playing card tucked inside
your wallet. In the cleanest manner imaginable you pull the card out to show
that it is the signed card belonging to your spectator that everyone believed
was lost in the deck. Key points: The gimmick can be fitted into any wallet; The
gimmick can be moved between different wallets in seconds; Makes performing ‘Signed Card To Wallet’ incredibly easy!; Fits in hip wallets, chequebook style wallets and dress wallets;
The ingenious design of the gimmick will make you giggle. Find out more, visit
www.bigblindmedia.com.
16.2.13
Look,
no books! First the bad news, Look No Hands by Wayne Dobson has now
sold out in its printed format. Now the good news, Wayne's just made it
available as an eBook (PDF), saving you money in the process too. Look No
Hands features ten incredible 'hands off' routines: "The one condition I set
myself in developing these routines is that effects would not be diluted just
because they were 'hands off' – in fact, if anything, they would become
stronger. Well they did become stronger, much stronger! A couple of these
routines have been published before however they have now been fully updated to
become totally 'hands off'. For instance my 'Echo' routine is fully described
with complete patter and a new finish. There are also lots of new routines that
are all extremely commercial." For more information and to order visit
www.waynedobson.co.uk
(and remember to check out the newly published follow up book 'More Look No
Hands' too!)
16.2.13
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16.2.13
Hide
& Seek: James Brown: "A superb collection of routines using James' version
of an old Pat Page idea. Playing Cards, Credit Cards, Books and Phones are all
used in a series of superb magic effects that will blow your audiences' minds.
Best of all no gimmick or device is used to accomplish any of the routines! Russ
Stevens of rsvpmagic said: 'This is the second of our big Blackpool Releases
and I know that the magic featured will be used by most professional magicians
once they see this DVD. We're also offering a special deal to purchasers of our
unique ATW wallet. Buy the wallet and get the James Brown "Hide & Seek" DVD
free! (limited time only).' You can see the trailer here:
www.rsvpmagic.com."
16.2.13
Magical
comedian Dain Cordean has been asked to headline "Seaside Special" at Cromer
Pier, Norfolk, for a second year running. Dain was the first magician to be
asked to headline the show which has been running for 35 years. The show runs
from the 15th of June to the 28th of September. To book tickets visit
www.cromer-pier.com.
16.2.13
AWS
Open Evening: "The AWS are having an open evening on Tuesday 19th February.
Come along and see what it is about, learn a few tricks along the way. The AWS
is a friendly club based in Southampton, with members from all walks and levels
of magical experience. Bring along your friends it will be a great evening for
all. We've even got nibbles. 7.30pm. Woolston & Sholing Conservative Club, 74 St
Annes Road, Southampton, Hampshire SO19 9FF (Map).
For more information contact Nick Chandler
nick.chandler@awsmagic.co.uk
(do not contact the venue itself).
www.aswmagic.co.uk.
Darren Holden.
16.2.13
The Home Counties Magical Society.
Robin Maddy writes: "The Home Counties Magical Society has a superb evening arranged for Thursday
28th February. Paul Hyland will be presenting his special evening entitled "The
Art of the Impossible". It consist of two parts, "Pocket Cabaret" and "No Gaffs
or Sleights (almost)". Magic for Close-Up, Cabaret and Banquet. Something for
everybody at all levels. Not to be missed. The meeting starts at 8pm but the doors
will be open at 7.30pm. Guests are very welcome at a fee of £10. Meetings are held
at Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH (Map). Look forward to
seeing you there."
www.hcms.org.uk.
16.2.13
Packs
Small - Plays Massive... "From one of the world's most successful cruise
ship magicians, Jamie Allan, comes a brand new 2 DVD set "Packs Small - Plays
Massive. Take your close-up magic to the next level and a whole new audience.
Bigger crowds, bigger money and bigger successes will follow if you apply some
of the routines and ideas that Jamie teaches on these two DVDs. Best of all, the
magic all fits into your pockets! Russ Stevens of rsvpmagic said: 'It's taken me
several years to persuade Jamie to do this project for us, as this is Jamie
explaining just how to take your magic up several gears in just a few easy
steps. Also featured and explained are several of Jamie's favourite routines
that he uses every night. Learn not just the secrets to the tricks, but also
why they work and get the reactions they do. There has been nothing like
this on the market before.' Watch the trailer here:
www.rsvpmagic.com."
16.2.13
Mr
Albert's Big Finish! - Blackpool. Jon Marshall's Magic Carpet Theatre are
presenting their variety and magic show for young audiences and families, Mr
Albert's Big Finish!, at Blackpool's Showzam Festival, from Monday 18th to
Friday 22nd February. Mr Albert’s Theatre is about to close... Charlie the
Caretaker wants to save it by putting on a variety show, but they need a Big
Finish! Will the Safety Inspector let Charlie do something dangerous? Has Mr
Albert got talent and will he perform the Fastest Magic Trick in the World? Can
Charlie learn to juggle in time to save the theatre? There’s loads of fun and
audience participation in this exciting show set in an old theatre, this
colourful family comedy is a roller coaster ride of music-hall, magic and
mayhem. 2pm daily And the show is accompanied by a daily workshop at 11am - Mr
Albert's Trade of the Tricks. Ever wanted to pull a tablecloth from under a load
of crockery? How about magically floating a glass of water in the air? You will
be able to try these stunts and much more in this fun, 1½ hour workshop session.
Make, explore and perform traditional variety act techniques, magic, comedy,
slapstick and balancing things on your nose. The Grand Theatre Studio, 33 Church
Street, Blackpool FY1 1HT (Map).
Phone 01253 478222.
www.showzam.co.uk
www.magiccarpettheatre.com.
16.2.13
Italian
mentalist Luca Volpe lectures at the Peterborough Society of Magicians on
19th February. The lecture focuses on the presentation of stage and close-up
routines from his professional repertoire.
The evening will be open to non-members
(£5 including interval refreshments) and will start at 7.30pm at Millfield Community Centre, New England Complex, Lincoln
Road, Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map).
www.psmagicians.org.uk.
Luca then heads back to Italy for a Mentalism Seminar he is presenting at the
Unicorn in Rome. From May to October he will be performing his new show for
Princess Cruises.
16.2.13
The
Order of the Magi Annual Dinner and Cabaret. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes:
"The Order of the Magi (Manchester) are holding their 2013 Annual Dinner and
Cabaret in their new premises, the Irish World Heritage Centre, 1 Irish Town
Way, Manchester M8 0AE (Map)
on Saturday the 23rd March. The cabaret features the comedy juggling of Steve
Royle and the amazing illusions of Visage (photo). All this is in the very
capable hands of compere Peter Moran. Later you can boogie away into the night
with the music of ‘Oz’ a local DJ who is much in demand in the area. Every year
The Magi puts a theme on their dinner and this time is will be Camelot. Come
along and be part of the visiting nobility from this well documented legend from
back in times gone by. You never know you may even meet Merlin! At only £35 per
ticket it represents remarkably good value for money especially in this day and
age. The Guest of Honour will be the International President of The
International Brotherhood of Magicians John Pye with his Lady, Carol. They will
be joined at the top table with Magi President Joe Abrahams and his Lady Sybil
and the British Ring President John ‘Sly’ Smith and his Lady June. Further
details on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk or contact
pro@orderofthemagi.org.uk."
16.2.13
Dundee
Society of Magicians and Perth Magic Circle. Adrian Harris writes: Dundee
Society of Magicians and Perth Magic Circle held a joint belated Christmas
Dinner on 7th February at the Park Hotel Dundee. Now a regular event in both
clubs' diaries, the evening was organised once again by George Tennant who also
ran a free raffle and a quiz with a film theme. Strangely the raffle and the
quiz were both won by a group of nurses who enjoy watching magic and came along
for a fun night out! A company of approximately 30, which consisted of members
of both clubs, families and friends, enjoyed a three course meal, before a
Cabaret style show given by representatives from both clubs. The event was
compered by Paul Cuningham and the artistes participating were President of the
Dundee club, Harry Mudie, Craig Kirkwood and Albert Lawson who performed the act
with which he won the Harold McMillan Shield in the Stage Competition at the
2012 S.A.M.S. Convention. Performers from the Perth club were Perth M.C.'s
President Gus McGregor, Ian Dougall and Adrian Harris.
16.2.13
Paul
Gordon lecture - Bolton Magician's Club. James Hodgkiss writes: Bolton
Magician's Club is delighted to host Paul Gordon, one of the UK’s leading (and
busiest) professional close-up magicians and entertainers. He is an
award-winning member of The Sussex Magic Circle, and one of the country's
foremost card magic authors. Paul will be presenting his lecture entitled
'Commercial Card Magic' at Bolton Magicians' Club on Wednesday 20th February
8.30pm. Paul's website is
www.paulgordon.net and the venue is the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road,
Bolton BL1 5QD (Map).
There will be an nominal entrance fee of £5.00 for visiting magicians from other
societies, who are most welcome. For directions to the Doffcocker Inn visit
www.boltonmagic.co.uk
or telephone James Hodgkiss on 01204 522651.
16.2.13
Britain
Does Variety 2013. From the organisers: "Auditions start this weekend for
Britain Does Variety. If you'd like your chance to perform on TV, at the O2 or
in front of the exec producer of the Royal Variety Performance then head to our
website and book your chance to shine! Good luck, The BDV Team"
www.britain-does-variety.co.uk.
2.2.13
Ian D Montfort Is: Unbelievable.
Episode 3,
9.30pm on Thursday 21st February on BBC Radio Two. "Ian D Montfort, spirit medium from Sheffield, stars in this comedy
showcase that will amaze as well as entertain. With broadcaster,
presenter and cook Hardeep Singh Kohli." See
TV Magic for listings.
16.2.13
The
Magic Show, Nottingham. Freddie Wilkinson writes: "Just a quick update on
last Friday's charity tribute show for Allen Tipton. The show was a complete
sell out (many thanks to MagicWeek) and a great success. The M1 being closed all
afternoon made life interesting by adding 3 - 4 hours to some peoples journeys,
but come 7.30pm everyone was ready for a great night. One of the highlights was
Marc Oberon premiering a new mind reading effect, that I believe he is going to
launch at the Blackpool Convention. If he does I urge you to buy it no matter
what the price, as it's amazing! The total raised was £1,086.71 for the local
charity When You Wish Upon A Star. A huge thank you to everyone who helped and
supported the evening."
16.2.13
Harry
Mudie, President Dundee Society of Magicians, writes: On Sunday the 10th
February Dundee Society of Magicians helped host a party for Fairy Box, a
charity that makes life a little easier for sick kids. All the magicians in the
Circle took part hosting the tables and performing magic. This was a dress up
party and was also helped along with many Star Wars characters. Ravin from
children's television was also there, along with Steve Cousins (Balloonatic).
16.2.13
Tonny van Dommelen. Gerard Scanlan writes: Tonny van Dommelen passed away on the 6th of February 2013. He won FISM in 1958. 16.2.13
News deadline for all submissions next week: 12 noon Thursday 21st February. 16.2.13
"Britain's
Got Talent 2013: Magician James More impresses Simon Cowell"
Click Here and "Britain’s Got Talent 2013 spoilers: James More moves
from Penn & Teller to Simon Cowell & David Walliams"
Click Here • "Magician watched on as five die in cruise horror"
Click Here • "Magician mixes modern medicine with magic to heal
patients"
Click Here • "Revealing secrets of the magic arts"
Click Here • You talkin' to me? "Derren Brown prepares to play more
tricks on the mind at Birmingham's New Alexandra Theatre"
Click Here • "‘Cups and Balls’ magic trick sheds light on
neuroscience of illusion"
Click Here • Founder of The Magic Castle and Santa Barbara Resident
Reflects on His Legacy"
Click Here • "Rochford magician organises major West End magic show"
Click Here • Geoffrey Newton reports on the recent Order of the
Magic Open Night,
Click Here • "Acclaimed magician heading for Durham"
Click Here • "Purley magician Lewis Swires looks to follow in
footsteps of Derren Brown"
Click Here • "Clarkson magician breaks world records"
Click Here •
Thanks for your news, always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan.
16.2.13