Number 664 - 16th March 2013
Derren Brown: Infamous.
The all-new
live theatre show for 2013 is previewing this week at the
Orchard Theatre Dartford before heading off on a major UK tour. 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. 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 tour
dates or visit
www.derrenbrown.co.uk.
16.3.13
Irish
IBM Convention update. Trevor Price writes: "The IBM Convention in Belfast
is starting to hot up - the hotel is receiving bookings from all over Europe,
with many conventioneers wanting to stay on extra days to sight-see. Be the first
to see Joshua Jay's new lecture in the UK. Axel Hecklau (photo) has new vibrant
material and the consummate Andi Gladwin always has a new move. Aldo & Rachel
Colombini's depth of material is amazing! Guy Barrett struts his stuff in the
Gala show, with more acts still to be announced. Do enter the Close-up
Competition, featuring a first prize of £250.00. The IBM Belfast convention
promises a fantastic weekend in a brilliant city, it was put together for you,
we look forward to seeing you there."
www.magic2013.co.uk.
16.3.13
University
of Nottingham's Magic Society Gala Show 2013. Tonight, Saturday 16th March
at 8pm: "Magic Soc is proud to present the award winning Magic Society Gala
Show. This will be a night of intrigue and mystery! We have an exciting line-up,
with three award winning, multi-talented, internationally acclaimed magicians
performing unforgettable acts: Jonathan Shotton, Paul Dabek and Peter Wardell!
The Show begins at 8pm, whilst doors open at 7.30pm, with light refreshments and
close-up magic provided for early birds! Venue: Great Hall, Trent
Building, University Park Tickets £12 on the door." More info:
nottingham.ac.uk/events.
16.3.13
Magic Night at Madame JoJo's - London. Starring
Oliver Tabor, Alan Hudson, Madame Galina, Mat Ricardo, Dee Riley and MC
Matt Barnard. From the organisers: "This show finds us playing with
objects, exploding them, transforming them, fixing them to the spot and
then drinking them, with illusionist Oliver Tabor leaving you asking was
it a bird? Was it a Violin? Have I drunk too much? Alan Hudson will be
making a mentalist out of one of you and using you to explode objects
whilst Dee Riley will keep you on your toes with some clever tricks. Mat
Riccardo will play with objects that should not be touched then remove a
cloth from a laden table, replace it and nothing will move, whilst
Madame Galina will grace the stage searching for her Nureyev, he may be
there amongst you. Matt Barnard will expertly compere whilst performing
outstanding beer tricks." Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Friday
April 5th. Doors open 7.00pm. Show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to
Good Foot. Show ticket plus dinner: £25. Tickets:
www.wegottickets.co.uk Madame
JoJo's, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SE 020 734 3040
www.magicnight.co.uk.
16.3.13
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of The Year 2013. Six acts will battle for the
coveted title 'The Magic Circle Young Magician of The Year 2013' at The Magic
Circle's Headquarters in London at 6.30pm on Sunday 7th April. Nicholas Lee
(Cambridge), James Longcake (Epsom), Sonny Pennington (Much Wenlock), Elizabeth
Rogan (Nuneaton), Sebastian Walton (Leeds) and Matthew Woollons (York) all won a
place in the final, following the heats which took place last weekend. The
winner, who will hold the title of The Young Magician of the Year, is awarded the
Derek Speight Trophy. He or she receives admission to full Membership of The
Magic Circle at the age of eighteen with the entrance fee and annual
subscription for the first four years waived. The Competition which has been
held biennially since 1961 celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2011. Tickets for
the afternoon performance at 2.30pm (which is not judged) are available here:
www.seetickets.com. And tickets for the actual competition (6.30pm) are
available here:
www.seetickets.com. For more information, visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
16.3.13
The
Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year 2013. The final of this major
competition will be held on the evening of Saturday 27th April at The Magic
Circle Headquarters in London. The eight magicians who will take to the stage to
compete for the coveted title 'The Magic Circle Stage Magician of The Year 2013'
are Richard Griffin, James More, Richard Pinner, Steve Price, Tim Shoesmith,
Mark Shortland, Oliver Tabor and John van der Put. For tickets and more
information, visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
16.3.13
Piff the Magic Dragon: Jurassic
Bark - London dates selling out... 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 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,
7.45pm on March
19th (Sold Out), 20th (Sold Out), 21st, 22nd, 23rd (Sold Out). Tickets £10-15 via
www.sohotheatre.com.
16.3.13
Chris
Congreave and Gary Jones will be presenting a special workshop on July 7th.
(Venue: West Midlands/Staffordshire TBC). Chris Congreave writes: Gary Jones and
I will be presenting a workshop on 7th July. It is all about how to be a working
close up magician. We will be recreating the challenges of working out there 'in
the real world' and will be teaching how to approach a table/break into a group,
how to hold their attention, misdirection and a lot more. As well as that, we
will be teaching the full sets that we perform, and also a routine that we use
that has not been published and will only be taught at this workshop. You will
receive £40 worth of magic just for attending. Please visit
www.magicians-workshop.co.uk for more information and to register your
interest. Places are very limited."
16.3.13
Richard
Wiseman is on the cover of the Magic Circular this month, and has also
released a new trick called The Grid. This effect allows anyone to look like a
mathematical genius. The video has already had over 100,000 views on YouTube,
with lots of people thinking that Richard is using stooges, a force or camera
trickery (none of which is true). Visit
www.gridtrick.com to find out more!
16.3.13
Pete Firman: Hoodwinker. Don't miss Pete Firman, 'the new poster-boy for British comedy magic' (The Telegraph), as he returns to the road with an all-new box of tricks. Fresh from BBC1's 'The Magicians', with his own trademark blend of comedy and jaw-dropping magic, this is a show not to be missed! Dates: www.petefirman.co.uk/live. 16.3.13
A
Tall Tale. This is a book for working Children’s Entertainers and Magicians
or for people starting out in this line of business. Written by Sean Lobban, a
children’s entertainer who has the experience of over 1,600 bookings behind him.
It is written in the form of a lecture – the kind of thing you might see at your
local magic club or at a convention. You can read these ‘Lecture Notes Without
The Lecture’ anywhere you like. In this book, Sean shares his experiences of
performing at parties, on television and overseas. He gives suggestions on how
to gain repeat bookings and recommendations. And explains his theory on how
making small changes can make a big difference to the number of bookings you
get. There is also a short piece on how to develop a ‘Character’ and the book
finishes with a selection of tricks and routines which have been part of Sean’s
repertoire. A Tall Tale – Lecture Notes Without The Lecture has 28,000
words. For more information and to order the Kindle edition visit
Amazon.co.uk.
16.3.13
Stephen
Leathwaite lectures at the British Magical Society in Birmingham on Tuesday,
and you are invited. Stephen has been performing and studying magic and
psychology for around 30 years and has come to incorporate both art forms that
have baffled and amazed audiences around the world. With his unusual style of
performance and skill with sleight of hand, mixed with psychology skills, you
are guaranteed a night of magic and mystery that should not be missed. Stephen
has performed for audiences around the world including. Tuesday 19th March at
7.30pm at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map).
Non-members are invited to attend for a modest £5 fee. See
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk
for details.
16.3.13
Home
Counties Magical Society. Robin Maddy emails: We have a great fun night
lined up at the Home Counties Magical Society on Thursday, 21st March. Graham
Lee will be presenting a Balloon Modelling evening which will include
demonstrations and hands-on workshops. This skill is just as popular with adults
as well as children and is an excellent (and lucrative!) addition to your
programme. The meeting starts at 8pm, but the doors will be open by 7.30pm.
Guests very welcome at a fee of £10. Meetings are held Shinfield Parish Hall,
School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH (Map).
Look forward to seeing you there."
www.hcms.org.uk.
16.3.13
Matthew
Wright will present two different acts in The Bradford Magic Circle's Hey
Presto Show at 7.30pm on Saturday 23rd March at Bingley Arts Centre, Main
Street, Bingley BD16 2LZ (Map)
alongside Russell Brown, Sebastian Walton and High Jinx Illusions together with a
few surprise guests. Tickets are available from
www.bingleyartscentre.co.uk. On the preceding evening, Friday 22nd March,
Matthew will lecture for the club at 8pm at The Harold Club, Huddersfield Road,
Low Moor, Bradford BD12 0UD (Map).
For more information visit
www.bradfordmagiccircle.co.uk.
16.3.13
Chris
Stevenson, British Close-up Champion 2012, lectures at the Cotswold Magical
Society on Wednesday March 20th at 7.30pm: "Chris is a fantastic working
professional with years of experience. Members from other clubs would be welcome
for a modest fee of £5 at the door. Cotswold Magical Society, Hucclecoe
Community Centre, Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map)."
Also see:
www.cotswoldmagic.org.
16.3.13
Peterborough Society of Magicians Annual Convention, Sale, Exchange and Lecture Day. John Learoyd writes: "Peterborough Society of Magicians annual convention 2013 is now less than a month away and will be held on Sunday 7th April 2013 at the usual venue of the Millfield Community Centre, Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map). Events are from 10am - 5pm and include: Lectures from Adrian Sullivan & Steve Dimmer; Dealers Hall; Wow Competition - Do you have a Stand-Up or Close-Up trick with the Wow factor?! Cash prize for best close-up trick and best stand-up trick. £10 to enter, competition open to all attendees. All competition entrants must pay in advance. Meet old friends and make new ones. Sell off surplus props. Dealers welcome! Refreshments available all day. Ample free parking. Admission £12 and £6 concessions (partners and under 16s). If not selling, you may pay at the door. All tables are £5 extra each and must be booked in advance, see psmagicians.org.uk/seal.html to download an application form." More info: www.psmagicians.org.uk. 16.3.13
Masterclass
Volume 2 - New
from Magicseen Publications! From the publishers: Each issue of Magicseen
features a couple of great tricks for our readers to learn, and every once in a
while we like to bring all those effects together in a book compilation. So that
is why we are pleased to announce the arrival of Masterclass Volume 2 which
features every routine published in issues 25 - 48 of Magicseen. Altogether
there are 56 tricks contributed by 40 top performers with magic for close up,
stand up, mentalism, children's shows and even plans for a portable illusion!
With contributions from names such as Wayne Dobson, JC Sum, Jon Allen, John
Bannon, Marc Spelmann, Andy Clockwise, Magic Dave, Ian Adair, Wayne Fox, Peter
Duffie, Ian Kendal and more, you are bound to find something of interest and
use. 116 x A4 comb bound pages with many colour illustrations, the Masterclass
Volume 2 is available now from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
16.3.13
The
IBM British Ring Presidential Dinner and Cabaret is being held at the Palace
Hotel in Buxton on Saturday April 20th. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: "Here you
will be able to enjoy a ‘Bucks Fizz’ reception and a five course meal.
Entertainment afterwards in is the very capable hands of compeer Mike O’Brien
who will introduce Steve Gore and Deanna, comedy Ventriloquist Dave Andrews
(photo), the hilariously funny juggling skills of Steve Royle and the amazing
illusions of Andrew Green and Company. All this for only £45 and special hotel
rates for overnight accommodation too! Further information is available from
President John ‘Sly’ Smith on 0161-485 3243 or email at
johnsly@uwclub.net. The convention this
year is also in Buxton (4th – 8th September) so you will be able to see what a
lovely Derbyshire spa town this is. Sounds like a good weekend away to me."
16.3.13
Tabula
Mentis XIII: Geomantic Mentalism from the Fringe. April 20th, 10am to 6pm.
Hitchin Priory, Hitchin, Hertfordshire. Line up for the day: Les Cross –
Astrogem Geomancy, Doug Segal – Life on the Fringe, Brian Barnes – The Power of
Influences. Plus special guest lectures from Christian Bischof (FISM award
winning mentalist), and Guy Bavli. To book visit
www.psycrets.org.uk.
16.3.13
Greg
Wilson Lecture, Nottingham Guild of Magicians. Dean Grimshaw writes: "Greg
Wilson is a two-time FISM Winner and specialises in close-up magic, regularly
performing at the magic theatre in Hollywood. Working alongside an espionage
theme this 007 wannabe will be showing some truly magnificent magic. His magic
is cool, clever and cutting edge, whilst using natural props, direct methods and
a compelling presentation. He will be at the Nottingham Guild of Magicians
'Headquarters' on Sunday 21st April for a 7pm start. All magicians welcome at a
cost of £12 on the door, or £10 in advance, to book your place contact Dawn May
on 07772 513 007. Venue: The Arts Centre, Pondhills Lane, Arnold, Nottingham NG5
8DR (Map)
www.thenottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk.
16.3.13
Electric
Touch+ DVD and Gimmick by Yigal Mesika. Electric Touch+ gives you the
extraordinary ability to deliver an electrostatic shock that will not only surge
through your fingertips, but through your entire body as well - and that's just
for starters! Watch your audience gasp in astonishment as you charge everyday
objects like keys, coins, rings and spoons. They will actually see, hear, and
feel the immense power at your command! "...Yigal's products are incredibly
innovative, clever and a must have for those who want to create miracles
anywhere, at any time." Criss Angel. To find out more, watch an electrifying
video and pre-order visit
www.magicnevin.com.
16.3.13
Forensic
Identification Assistant - new from Alakazam. "Welcome to the Forensic
Identification Assistant, the most amazing piece of finger print locating
technology ever created (or so it will seem). Your spectator selects a card,
signs it (signing optional) and returns it to the deck. The cards are cut in to
4-5 piles and the piles are mixed by your spectator. The FIA app is launched and
your spectator's fingerprint is logged-in. The app now scans every pile and not
only identifies which pile contains the selected card but also at what position
in that pile it is located! Ok so how does this miracle actually happen? Well as
you can guess the app does not find the card but the clever design and
programming allows it to appear that way..." Find out more!
Click Here.
16.3.13
Greg
Wilson Lecture, Liverpool Magic Circle, on Thursday 4th April. The lecture
starts at 8pm. For more information visit
www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk.
16.3.13
Specialist
Prop Maker. Andy Van der Graaf writes: "I currently build scenery and make
props for Film, TV and Theatre, and it has been suggested that my skills could
be put to good use in the field of Magic. With a background in Engineering, and
over 20 years experience of working in Theatre, I now specialise in metalwork. I
have built cages, large and small, single person lifts, swords for swallowing,
revolves, and all manner of things. So, if you have a design, or even just an
idea, give me a call. If I can't help you, I won't waste your time. But if I
can, you will not be disappointed. Thank you. Andy Van der Graaf. Email:
chameleonandy@yahoo.com. The sword
shown was a prototype for the one now used by Amy Saunders (aka Miss Behave) in
her sword swallowing routine.
16.3.13
Extradimensional
Space - Appearing Baguette: "This is one of the most visual effects you will
ever perform! Everyone who sees this thinks Extra-Dimensional Space is a camera
trick! Make no mistake! You will be performing this within minutes after
receiving it! With No Camera trick, No assistants, and No sleeves, You can
produce a Baguette from your bare hands" For more info and to pre-order visit
www.magicnevin.com. MagicNevin moved into new warehouse a couple of weeks
ago and have unearthed some forgotten treasures which they are currently adding
to their website over the next few weeks. Keep an eye on the
New Arrivals
page.
16.3.13
A
balloon model a day. Rob Driscoll has challenged himself to produce a
balloon model a day, for his daily blog. He started on January 1st, and plans to
keep it going for the whole year; see
www.mydailyballoon.co.uk. Picture: Calvin and Hobbes cartoon strip
characters, from February 28th:
Click Here.
16.3.13
Frankly
Disillusioned: A True Saga of Mystery, Magic & Mayhem by Dean Metcalfe.
Now available in paperback. From
the publisher: "Frankly Disillusioned is the crazy, 'rats an’ all' tale of
master magician, Dean Metcalfe and his sometimes hilarious, often chaotic,
globetrotting adventures with his glamorous assistant and wife, Claudine. Dean
explains with honestly and humour, how his and Claudine’s lives turned from a
world of dazzling illusions to a world of bitter disillusionment. He candidly
tells how their glamorous (?) lifestyle took them at times, to the edge of their
endurance and had them sleeping with rats, dropping through the skies and
plunging over ravines. This must-read book also offers a revealing insight into
the secret world of magic and raises a colossal question mark over the curious
and intriguing issue of life after death." Frankly Disillusioned,
Paperback edition:
Amazon.co.uk,
Kindle edition:
Amazon.co.uk.
16.3.13
Merlins
of Wakefield played host to a lecture by Harry Robson last week and write:
"There was a full house in anticipation of a great evening ahead, and no one was
disappointed. Harry has been in the magic business for many years, and
demonstrated the effects that have kept him in constant demand all over the
country. His laid-back style made everyone feel at ease, as he worked his way
through many effects and entertaining stories from his career. His latest
effect, the HOW wallet, is a real winner, and he sold-out along with many other
items. If your club ever wanted a humorous and professional lecture, then you
should get in touch with
Harry Robson."
Merlins of Wakefield.
16.3.13
Michael
Gee performed close-up magic for the stars of Dancing on Ice last
weekend at the grand finale after-show party. He's seen here with the show's
presenters, Phillip Schofield and Christine Bleakley. To keep up to date with
Michael's news, and to see more photos, visit
www.facebook.com/michaelgeemagic.
16.3.13
He's
off again... Reality Illusionist Alex Lodge Part II
Click Here.
16.3.13
Magicians Wanted. Tony Middleton writes: "Opportunity for magicians based in London. Middleton Enterprises UK is looking for 2 actor/magicians to assist on a new magic show. This is a paid opportunity. Desirable: experience of performing magic, and some experience with stage management or acting. Please send a headshot and CV to anthonyjjmiddleton@gmail.com". 16.3.13
Sam Gupta MIMC. Sam Gupta MIMC sadly died in Barnet Hospital Thursday morning, 14th March. Sam was the Magic Circle Treasurer from 1987 - 1991 and was a regular Close-Up performer at 'Meet The Magic Circle' evenings for many years. No further details at present. Jill Pratt. 16.3.13
Hans Moretti. The incredible Hans Moretti has died, aged 84. "A professional artist of the very first guard," writes the Magic Circle of Germany. "Magier Hans Moretti im Alter von 84 Jahren gestorben" Click Here (use translate.google.co.uk to read this article). 16.3.13
"My
greatest trick ever - conquering Crohn's disease: TV magician Dynamo tells of
his fight with chronic illness"
Click Here • "Retired Hucclecote magician will revisit old tricks to make
maths fun for pupils"
Click Here • "Watford man TJ Shoesmith named best close-up magician by Magic
Circle"
Click Here • "The GP magician and his mental magic"
Click Here • "Magician's calls
for Carmarthen ghost stories for spooky town tour"
Click Here • "Magician and Phd student Hugo Caffaratti to analyse magic
moments"
Click Here • "Icelandic Magician saws himself in half for a World Record"
Click Here • "David Copperfield: Biography of the Magician and Illusionist"
Click Here • "The Incredible Burt Wonderstone – review"
Click Here • "Film review: The Incredible Burt Wonderstone (15)"
Click Here • "Ingmar Bergman’s overlooked The Magician proved he was a
master illusionist"
Click Here • That's it for another week... your UK magic news is always
welcome - see you next week, Duncan.
16.3.13