Number 665 - 23rd March 2013
Breaking
Magic, new from Discovery Channel: "Is science the secret sorcery to
creating a successful magic trick? We're going on a worldwide tour with today's
most innovative magicians, who transform pure science into mind-boggling magic
tricks. Get ready to learn the chemistry, physics and biology powering the
world's greatest illusions. Breaking Magic fuses the showmanship and mystery of
street magic with the raw power of science. Watch as each trick surprises
unsuspecting bystanders with mystifying results. We've recruited today's
freshest and most creative magicians to show you how science works with shocking
tricks, including knocking down a wall with the power of one's voice, turning a
silver bracelet into gold, slowing the speed of a dropping cannonball and many
more. Hidden cameras on the streets of London, Warsaw and New York City capture
bystanders completely baffled by these magicians' unexpected tricks. Immediately
following these demonstrations, each magician explains the scientific reality
behind each illusion." Breaking Magic stars James Galea, Ben Hanlin, Wayne
Houchin and Billy Kid. See TV
Magic for listings. "New Discovery Channel show for Magic Boy Ben Hanlin"
Click Here.
23.3.13
"'True
self-improvement relies on being kinder': Derren Brown on why he no longer
wants to control your mind - but improve it. The magician who calls himself a
'Spandau Ballet gay leisure pirate' talks candidly about his troubled youth, his
sexuality, but is cagey about his forthcoming stage show..." To read the full
article by Simon Lewis in the Mail online
Click Here.
23.3.13
Northern
Magic Circle Annual Convention, Saturday 6th and Sunday 7th April.
John Russell P.R.O. writes: Join us for a weekend full of magical entertainment,
including two close-up shows, Gala Show, Children's Show and a cluster of star
lecturers including Greg Wilson from the USA, and to round it off, a celebration
show for the 40th Anniversary of the Northern Magic Circle Juniors. Register at
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk for a really magical weekend. Postal
applications can be downloaded from the website too. If you have any
difficulties with the website, email Su Jayne at
sujayne@live.co.uk. Venue: Whitby
Pavilion, West Cliff, Whitby, North Yorkshire YO21 3EN (Map)
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
23.3.13
Gregory
Wilson's 'Latest & Greatest' UK Lecture Tour. Steve Gore, UK Tour Manager
for Gregory Wilson writes: Gregory Wilson is a two-time FISM award-winner with a
number of best-selling instructional DVDs on the market. 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 over a
1,000 cities, and now yours! Here’s is the Schedule for Gregory’s upcoming UK
lecture tour, which is entitled “Latest & Greatest” and features his latest
killer effects, peppered with a few of his classic effects. The tour starts on
March 28th in Hull, and ends on May 9th in Surrey. See
What's On for listings.
23.3.13
The
Leamington and Warwick Magic Society’s Day of Magic, June 2013. Mark
Traversoni writes: The Leamington and Warwick Magic Society’s Day of Magic
(Tuesday 18th – Wednesday 19th June) at Cubbington Sports & Social Club,
Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa, CV32 7LN (Map)
is the main event of our year. This year we are starting on the Tuesday evening
to cater for those that travel up the day before with lectures from James Brown,
Luke Jermay (including an evening show), Jamie Allan (photo), Shane West
(Zoobee) and Mike Gancia. 20 dealers are also confirmed. The site has free
parking and food is provided free of charge through the day, all for the bargain
price of £25! Spaces are limited so please book early, for more information go
to
www.magicsociety.co.uk.
23.3.13
Blackpool
Magicians Club are pleased to announce that Steve Evans has been elected as
a full member of the Blackpool Magicians Club for his hard work at the Blackpool
Conventions. The President, Derek Lever, the Officers, Committee and all the
members congratulate Steve on his appointment and wish him well for the future.
Manchester Circle of Magicians enjoyed a superb lecture last week by Steve
Evans. Excellent magic combined with Steve's infectious humour created a
wonderful 2 hours of entertainment. He received a standing ovation at the end
from all the 100 attendees. Derek Lever.
23.3.13
Mark
James Edinburgh Lecture. Mark will be performing his only date in Scotland
tomorrow, Sunday 24th March. Mark will perform 30 minutes of his cabaret act
followed by a two-hour lecture, rounded off with a Q&A session. Mark will have
some effects for sale as will G Playing Card Company and Daren Robinson. For
more information contact Gary James on 0793 272 8695.
23.3.13
Alex
Lodge joins entertainments team at Flamingo Land, Yorkshire. This week Alex
moves up to Yorkshire to join the entertainments team at Flamingo Land in
Yorkshire. Flamingo Land is a theme park, zoo, and resort, attracting about 1.8
million visitors per year and is also the 12th most visited theme park in
Europe. Alex will be a general entertainments host and will also perform his
magic on stage and throughout the park. Alex will also be playing Abanazar in
Aladdin and also perform in the Comedy Circus show staring comedian Sue
Sweeney and The Bongo Warriors show. Alex said: "I've always wanted to do
my magic at a theme park, so this is a dream come true because not only is it a
theme park, but a zoo and live entertainment venue, all wrapped into one great
day out or holiday for all the family."
www.flamingoland.co.uk.
23.3.13
Michael
Gee had the pleasure of performing magic backstage at The BBC Television
Centre for the Comic Relief after-show party last week. This was a particularly
special occasion being the 25th year of Red Nose Day and the last transmission
from Television Centre. To keep up to date with Michael's news, and to see more
photos, visit
www.facebook.com/michaelgeemagic.
23.3.13
Morgan
& West's Magical Menagerie with Chris Cox & Andi Gladwin. "Morgan & West's
Magical Menagerie is back! Returning for another four dates on the first Tuesday
of each month at the Old Fire Station, Oxford. Morgan & West have travelled to
the four corners of the empire to bring back the greatest specimens the magical
world has to offer. Each show sees two new dabblers in the dark arts unleashed
upon the audience, presided over by conjurer-collecting duo Morgan and West.
Minds will be read, impossibilities realised and thoroughly good times had by
all. The April line-up features Chris Cox, the mindreader who can't read minds
and world-class close-up magician Andi Gladwin." Tuesday 2nd April at 7.30pm.
Tickets £8.50, book via
www.wegottickets.com. Venue: Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford OX1
2AQ (Map)
www.oldfirestation.org.uk.
23.3.13
Paul
Gordon Lecture - Northamptonshire Magicians Club. Paul Gordon lectures at
8pm on Tuesday 2nd April at The Northamptonshire Magicians Club, Yeoman of
England, High Street, Wootton, Northants NN4 6LP (Map).
Paul will be presenting an evening of entertaining 'worker' card magic that you
can really use. Visiting magicians welcome £8 for non-members. David Miller,
President.
www.northamptonshiremagicians.com.
23.3.13
Fifth
Dimension are delighted to once again be swapping the cold weather of
Scotland for the 30 degree heat of sunny Singapore. This is the second of three
events that the duo, Jeff Burns and Ivor Smith, are delivering for an oil
company with their magically enhanced safety presentations. The sessions combine
magic and key behavioural safety messages to both engage and energise their
audiences. Jeff commented "Our first trip to Singapore was only two weeks ago
and we had simultaneous translation going on as most of the audience is from
Thailand. It was an interesting challenge and meant we had to slightly change
the timing of our routines." Ivor added "Feedback from the first event was
tremendous and we were delighted to be invited back to deliver another two
events." The duo will arrive back in the UK on Saturday 30th March.
www.fifthdimension.biz.
23.3.13
'Paul
Harris Presents UK' morphs into 'Saturn Magic'. Mark Traversoni writes:
"Paul Harris Presents UK has evolved to become Saturn Magic. Our success during
2012 has seen an increase in the range that we stock and the Paul Harris items
are now a small part of our offering. Evolution to “Saturn Magic” reflects the
fact that we are now a global magic shop with an ever increasing stock range. We
will still be working closely with Paul Harris and supporting the PHP brand.
Visit Saturn Magic at
www.saturnmagic.co.uk."
23.3.13
Happy
to announce that Kevin McMahon came first in the Edinburgh Magic Circle
Sonny Day Close Up Magic competition last Monday evening, 18th March. Kevin
said: "I'm delighted to have my name on the trophy alongside so many other
amazing, revered magicians, such as Paul Wilson, Professor Richard Wiseman and
Peter Lamont, it really means so much to me. It was also an absolute honour and
surprise to have a relative of the late great Scottish magician John Ramsey in
the audience, especially as I performed some of his magic as part of the coin
routine I used."
www.kevinmcmahonmagic.com.
23.3.13
The
Order of the Magi (Manchester) present a lecture from their member, the
well known magical historian, author and performer Trevor Dawson on Tuesday 26th
March at 8pm. This will take placed at their headquarters, the New Irish World
Heritage Centre, M8 0AE. Trevor’s lecture will include many items and attendees
are requested to bring a pack of cards with them for the ‘teach as you go’ part
of the lecture. During the evening, signed copies of Trevor’s new book “Charles
Dickens Conjurer, Mesmerist and Showman” will be available at a special discount
price. Door charge for non members. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk.
23.3.13
Zee's
Magic Collection For Sale. Andrew James writes: "Once again the power of
advertising on MagicWeek is outstanding. My close friend Zee has been visiting
from Bangkok, here in Manchester, giving me the most wonderful opportunity of
selling for him in the UK, his fabulous collection of remaining smaller props,
framed posters from all his shows internationally, and a collection of magic
books and illusion plans still in mint condition. However, I am delighted to be
selling for him, his close friend and mentor The Late Robert Harbin's Original
Magic Box, on which Zee had made as his huge Dice Box production, and The Magic
Circle Maskelyne Award presented to Robert Harbin in 1970. Both these items are
a great and rare addition to a serious collector. We now have photographs for
those interested. Thank you to all who have been in touch with enquiries and
sales already, the number of enquiries has been amazing. Thanks MagicWeek for
all you do for the magic fraternity week in week out! With Best Wishes, Andrew
James. Manchester. Mobile: 07925 825 136." [Andrew's ad for Zee's items can be
seen in our For Sale section. DT].
23.3.13
Mark Leveridge's Magic Marketing Masterclass.
Jay Fortune reviews the first three DVDs from this new release: "In October 2012, Mark Leveridge hosted a one-day 'Magic Marketing Masterclass'
for magicians to learn more about the business-side of being a magician. Three
expert speakers offered seminars, the first for review being Julia Bramble.
Julia is the media expert for a large national organisation devoted to helping
business move forward by embracing social media platforms such as Linked-In,
Facebook, Twitter and YouTube..."
Click Here to read the full review.
23.3.13
Maltese
magicians were very fortunate to have an evening of superb magic presented
by British Magic champion Marc Oberon. Marc, who won prizes in FISM, IBM and
other competitions, combined his lecture with some new ideas, parts of his
performances and incisive tips on presentation which members of I.B.M. Ring 202,
young and old, relished and absorbed. Vanni Pule`.
23.3.13
The
FUNtastic Magic Show. "Simon Sparkles and The Magnificent Johno are proud to
present The FUNtastic Magic Show, a fun-packed family show featuring Wacky
Inventions, Silly Games, 'Ozzy' The Naughty Puppet and of course plenty Amazing
Funny Magic. Will Simon and Johno's amazing magic work? Will the wacky magical
inventions cause mayhem? Is 'Ozzy' the naughty Emu going to behave himself and
will the Marvellous Magical Wishing Box make a special surprise for the entire
audience?" Wednesday 27th March at 2pm at Metropole Cultural and Conference
Centre, Mitre Street, Abertillery, Blaenau Gwent NP13 1AL (Map).
More info: Simon
Sparkles, The
Magnificent Johno and
www.the-met.co.uk.
23.3.13
Ashley
Turner aka The Table Top Trixta will now be performing each and every Friday
night at La Dolce Vita, Luton, from 8pm to 10pm. The restaurant is a fantastic
family run business, which was a former 17th Century coach house! Great food,
great prices, great entertainment! See
www.thetabletoptrixta.co.uk and visit
www.ladolcevitaluton.co.uk. To book quote 'magic' and call 01582 611029.
23.3.13
Scottish
Conjurers Association Close-Up Competition 2013. Nine entrants competed in
this year's competition on Wednesday March 19th, with the cup being awarded to
Club President Jim Kelly for the second year running. In a closely fought
competition second placed was awarded to Paul McAtear and third to Junior Member
Luke Cunningham . The photo shows Jim Kelly being awarded the trophy by
competition organiser Harry Gallacher. Brendan Kirk, Secretary to the SCA.
23.3.13
The
MagicWeek team went to see The Incredible Burt Wonderstone last week.
Here's our review of Burt Wonderstone in a nutshell (inside an egg, in a lemon).
First what they got right: About 15 minutes... there are some really
funny moments and some great throwaway lines, and they got the casting of
the two young magicians, the agent, the old magician, and the assistant right.
What they got wrong: The other 85 minutes, the 'goes nowhere' story that
offered few twists or turns, the use of CGI which should be an absolute no-no in a 'magic' movie
of this nature, the casting of Jim Carrey (best performance, but
the character really needed an actor 20 years younger), Steve Carell (very
funny in places, however although we 'believed' in him in
The 40 Year Old
Virgin we don't believe in him as, an albeit naff, Las Vegas illusionist),
and Steve Buscemi (an excellent actor, but totally miscast here), and finally,
the oh so weak ending. Real shame. Some wonderful moments though. DT.
23.3.13
"New
Poster for 'Now You See Me' Integrates Entire Ensemble Cast"
Click Here • "Film Visits David Copperfield’s Secret
Warehouse/Museum to Learn The Magic History Behind ‘Burt Wonderstone’"
Click Here • "Who'd have thought David Copperfield could do comedy? Piff The
Magic Dragon chooses his favourite clips"
Click Here • "A Magician's Library Full of Secrets"
Click Here • "Magician Dynamo shows support for Luca"
Click Here • "Ask a Magician: How Hard Is It to Make It in the Illusion Game
These Days?"
Click Here • "Math + magic = ‘mathe-magician’?"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - please remember our
'Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions,'
submission policy. See you next week, Duncan.
23.3.13