Number 671 - 4th May 2013
The
Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year 2013 is.... Piff the Magic
Dragon! Piff, along with Mr Piffles, “The world’s first card trick
performing Chihuahua™” fought off tough competition to win the coveted
title at The Magic Circle Headquarters last Saturday. Piff’s alter ego,
John van
der Put is only the second member in the Society’s history to win
both The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year and The Magic Circle
Close-up Magician of the Year competitions, and his rise to fame is
impressive. After dazzling Penn and Teller on the ITV series Penn and
Teller: Fool Us, which then went viral on
YouTube with more the 8,000,000 views, the grumpy green reptile
appeared with The Muppets at Radio City Music Hall, toured with
Brit and Grammy award-winning band Mumford & Sons to audiences of
more than 200,000 and performed at The Sydney Opera House. The Piff the
Magic Dragon Show can be seen in a one-off special at The Magic Circle
on 16th June (Click
Here to book), before it heads off to Edinburgh for the summer.
Runner-up was
James More. Working silently and with great style at breakneck
speed, James manipulated pool cues, cards, and jumbo cards before
finding himself being impaled on a sword by a pair of Ninja Warriors
(look out for James on Britain's Got Talent shortly). Third place
went to Oliver
Tabor for his unique music and magic themed act that included some
really excellent dove productions. Magic Circle President Jack Delvin
(photo) announced during the presentations: "The standard at this year’s
event was extraordinarily high, but the Dragon scorched the
competition!"
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
4.5.13
53rd
Bristol Day of Magic - next Sunday! The convention will have lectures and close-up,
but new this year, two great close-up masterclasses. Also, for the first time
ever, Bristol will have its own competition on the Saturday night. Sunday's evening gala show this year
includes stars from TV, as well as a FISM World Champion. Lecturing: Jimmy
Carlo - A master when it comes to children’s entertaining and magic; Joshua Jay
- all the way from the USA, a great chance to see Joshua lecture in his own
unique style; Soma from Hungary - a FISM Grand Prix Winner,
delivering a great lecture on putting your act together and performance. Masterclasses,
with: Colin McLeod – This
will be a great opportunity to explore
his take on mentalism; Eric Roumestan from France and Vittorio Belloni
from Italy – Eric and Vittorio will
be going through anything and everything "coins" - a great opportunity for you to improve your
coin magic. Close Up Magic with: Joshua Jay, Eric Roumestan, Vittorio Belloni.
The Gala Show, starring:
The Bellini Girls, Scott Wells, Oliver
Tabor, Colin McLeod, Soma, Max
Somerset, Arthur Benjamin, and Celtic Storm. For more information and to book
visit
www.bristoldayofmagic.co.uk.
4.5.13
Rare
Opportunity. Wanted: Magician in Residence. "Wanted: an adventurous
soul with an appetite for the unusual, an artistic temperament and an
affinity for geek. Suggested skills: Disappearing interfaces, conjuring
circuits, pulling robotic rabbits out of haptic hats... Watershed and
the University of Bristol are disrupting normal residency service and
inviting a magician, artist, illusionist or designer to join them for a
spell of exploration into creative ideas that blend technology,
interaction design, magic and illusion. The Magician in Residence will
receive research, development and production support, including a £3,000
fee, up to £1,000 for materials, plus travel and accommodation expenses.
The two-month residency will begin on 1 Oct 2013 and culminate in a
showcase event in early December. The residency will be co-hosted by
Watershed's
Pervasive Media Studio and
The Bristol
Interaction and Graphics Group in the Computer Science Department of
the University of Bristol. There is one residency available, open to
UK-based practitioners (individuals or groups) who are looking for the
time and space to research innovative/experimental ideas. We are
interested in exploring magic and technology in the widest possible
sense, and we are definitely hoping to be amazed. To download an
application pack, please visit:
http://wshd.to/magician. Closing Date: 9am on Monday 10th June."
4.5.13
Being
Tommy Cooper: "In Las Vegas 1954, Tommy Cooper faces the prospect of
his first big failure. As personal and professional problems collide, he
faces stark choices about the future. Packed with classic lines and
hilarious routines, Being Tommy Cooper is a celebration of Britain's
favourite comedian and an exploration of his darker side. The play also
tells the story of three other people in Tommy's life. There's his dour
Scottish manager Miff Ferrie, with whom Tommy is locked in what he calls
'a hate-hate relationship'. We meet Billy Glason, a one time vaudeville
act who has set himself the almost impossible task of selling Cooper a
huge collection of jokes. And, finally, there is Mary Kay – the woman
who Tommy fell in love with and came to rely on. There was only one
woman she couldn't compete with: Tommy's wife. This excellent cast
brings the Tommy Cooper legend vividly to life in this award-nominated
production." Starring Damian Williams as Tommy Cooper. 2 for 1 Ticket
Offer from
www.whatsonstage.com, subject to availability, promotion valid until
05.05.13:
Click Here (use code WOSTOMMY when booking). See
What's On for May/June
UK tour dates..
4.5.13
Conjuring
at the Court – Thursday 30th May: "Conjuring at the Court offers an
evening packed with entertainment. Neil Henry is back from America with
his entertaining, powerful magic. Tim Shoesmith, Magic Circle Close-Up
Magician of the Year 2013, is always a hit with his great comedy magic.
Jimmy Tamley’s ventriloquism was a hit at the Blackpool Gala Show. And
Romany returns with her wonderful, vivacious performance. Compered by
co-producer Russell Levinson. The show is in the lovely function room of
the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing W13 8PH (Map).
Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. It’s just 12 minutes from
Central London by overground rail from Paddington to West Ealing, and
the pub is 2 minutes’ walk from the station. Or take the Central or
District line to Ealing Broadway, and change to overground or a take a
short bus ride. Parking is free after 6.30pm. Come early to enjoy dinner
in one of the bars or the lovely dining room, or, if it’s sunny, what
may be the largest beer garden in London! Do book early to make sure of
a place; tickets still just £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com."
4.5.13
The
Illusionists. The Jonathan Ross Show, Saturday 11th May. Jonathan's
guests next week are Jamie and Louise Redknapp, artist and musician Yoko
Ono, and Hollywood action-man Vin Diesel. Two of the world's greatest
magicians from hit stadium show The Illusionists do something
special, and new English rock band Bastille perform live. See
TV Magic.
4.5.13
DMC
released his latest video short last week, DMC: Hong Kong Sevens,
this time shot in Hong Kong where he was filming with HSBC and rugby
legends Gavin Hastings and George Gregan at the Rugby Sevens
World Series,
Click Here. Stay tuned for DMC's next release - his first television
special with a major US channel is being released in June, more details
to follow on his Facebook page
facebook.com/DrummondMoneyCoutts.
4.5.13
More
Musical Magic. In addition to receiving the 2013 Magic Castle
Creative Fellowship Award earlier this month, Paul Kieve has been
working on two Broadway musicals that have just opened in New York.
Matilda (also currently playing in London), opened at the Schubert
Theatre on 10th April to rave reviews and received 12 Tony Award
nominations including Best Musical,
Click Here. Pippin, the first Broadway revival of the 1972
Stephen Schwartz (The Magic Show) penned production, opened 25th
April at The Music Box Theatre, and received a total of 10 Tony award
nominations and also received excellent press notices, see:
www.variety.com,
www.hollywoodreporter.com and watch the trailer,
Click Here. Meanwhile the UK tour of Ghost the Musical opened
in Cardiff on April 12th and is currently playing at The Wimbledon
Theatre before a one year tour. This features many of the illusions from
the stunning West End production. Ghost tour dates:
Click Here.
4.5.13
The Secret World of Charles Dickens, mirth, marvels and
the mysterious - London. Ian Keable, recipient of The Magic Circle's
Carlton Award in 2008 for outstanding comedy in magic, performs the favourite magic tricks of Charles Dickens and divulges the
spooky practices of Victorian psychics.
Charles Dickens, in addition to being one of the world’s greatest
writers, was an expert conjurer. He was also sceptical about
spiritualism, which was a popular pastime in the 1800s.
This humorous and mystifying show recreates, in the authentic parlour
room atmosphere of the 16th century Lauderdale House, how Dickens
deceived his audiences and why, to quote a famous contemporary,
Elizabeth Browning, he was “fond of Ghost stories so long as they were
impossible.” Venue: Lauderdale House, Waterlow Park, Highgate Hill, London N6 5HG
(Map).
28th May, 18th June and 30th July at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm and pre-show refreshments are
available.
Tickets: £15. Box Office:
www.charlesdickensmysteryshow.co.uk or telephone 020 7263 0261.
"A magical wander into Charles Dickens’ secret world"
Click Here.
4.5.13
Terry
Guyatt Lecture - International Magic, Friday 10th May: "Terry Guyatt
is one of Britain's unsung magic heroes. He last lectured for us 3 years
ago and was a huge hit, causing many to request his return. An
unassuming person who keeps his magic natural, clean and baffling
(someone out of the Vernon school of thinking), here is a rare
opportunity to learn directly from one of the UK's classic thinkers of
close-up magic. We are very pleased to announce this lecture and look
forward to seeing you there." London, 10th May. Book your place now,
email
martin@internationalmagic.com £15 per person.
4.5.13
Karnival
Deck May Day Crazy Sale: "From today, Saturday 4th May,
Bigblindmedia will be running an insane Karnival Playing Card inspired
sale. Decks from the popular Karnival range will be available at
incredibly low prices, along with some rarities and exciting packages.
But these deals will only be available while the stock lasts. We have
some positively insane packages for you, but they are in strictly
limited numbers! To take part just visit
www.bigblindmedia.com/dealoftheday.asp."
4.5.13
Giggio
- The Ultimate Booking System for Entertainers is reviewed by Paul
Roffman this week,
Click Here.
4.5.13
Justin
Higham and Joseph Barry’s West End Card Session, 28th July 2013: "If
you'd like to have sessioned with the likes of Marlo, Vernon, Elmsley,
or Jennings but never had the chance, then come and session with someone
who did, along with one of magic’s exciting new card stars. Justin
Higham and Joseph Barry are hosting a 6-hour workshop on card magic in
the heart of London’s West End on Sunday 28th July 2013. The West End
Card Session will include in-depth discussions and tutorials on card
magic and sleights, including passes, false deals, controls, false
shuffles, and improvisation, as well as some of Joe Barry's unique,
unpublished material. Registrants themselves will help create the
programme for the day by suggesting workshops on sleights and effects
they wish to master and improve on. Spaces are limited to 10 people to
be held at a public venue (to be confirmed with registrants). Price is
£150 per person (drinks/food not included) via PayPal in advance only
from
www.westendcardsession.com and
justin_higham@hotmail.com."
4.5.13
Greg
Wilson's The School of Cool DVD: "World renowned magician,
pickpocket, trickster and all-round scamp Gregory Wilson invites you to
attend The School of Cool! A Bigblindmedia DVD jam-packed with teachings
on all those crazy skills you always wanted to learn but didn’t know
how. Only £15.99 from
http://tinyurl.com/c4q7bb8. Walk a coin down your knuckles... shoot
a playing card high in the air... break a pen lid with just your little
finger... make a coin defy gravity and fall upwards... spin a pen on the
back of your fingers.. Twenty five primo-ace slabs of awesomeness await
you."
4.5.13
Merlin’s
of Wakefield are having a Mad May Sale! Every day throughout May,
new items will be added to the Sale, but when they are sold out, there
will be no more at the sale price – items are sold on a first come
basis.
Click Here to see the Mad May Sales items, and keep checking every
day to see the latest items as they are added. Call Merlin's to check on
availability on 01924 339933. Sale ends 31st May 2013.
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
4.5.13
The
Kent Magicians Guild is pleased to announce that Gary Fairplay
(photo) became the winner of their 2013 Close Up Competition last week.
In second place was Colin Perrotton and third place Ron Escott.
Congratulations to Gary and to all the competitors, it was a great
evening’s entertainment. Thanks also to Colin who compered the night and
presented Gary with a well deserved cup.
www.kentmagiciansguild.co.uk. Mike Sullivan.
4.5.13
Fly
Drive by Colin Mackenzie and Harry Robson is reviewed by David
Diamond this week: "The method like all good things is simple and
sure-fire, leaving you time to concentrate on presentation rather than
worrying about the technical aspect of the trick. One very easy basic
sleight. It is almost an instant reset, just put the keys back in your
pocket and 2 seconds later you are ready to go again..."
Click
Here to read the full review.
4.5.13
Stuart
and Jayne Loughland (Safire Illusionists) will be appearing at the
Gaiety Theatre Ayr this summer in a spectacular show – The All New
Gaiety Whirl – bringing back the tradition that started in the 30′s:
"The All New Gaiety Whirl promises a show that will be the talk
of the town with its Glamour, Glitz, West End Singers, Magic, Dancing,
Comedy, Show Girls and a spanking new variety show full of top class
entertainment for all the family to enjoy. The show is hosted by singer
Michael Courtney and accompanied by a fantastic cast and live band, and
finished off with spectacular lighting and stunning costumes. A Pure
Slice of Entertainment and definitely one not to miss!" Evening
performances from Monday 24th to 30th June and Tuesday 2nd to 7th July
at 7.30pm. Matinee performances from Thursday 27th to Sunday 30th June
and from Thursday 4th to Sunday 7th July at 2.30pm.
4.5.13
The
Card Collection Bank Holiday Sale is on right now - ending at 10am
on Tuesday 7th May. There will be a discount of 10% on all orders with a
goods value of £25.00 or more. Spend £40.00 or more and you'll get 15%
off. Free UK mainland shipping still applies, providing that the goods
total, after discount, is £50.00 or more. Don't miss out on the
bargains! www.cards4magic.co.uk.
4.5.13
Training
programmes for children's entertainers, update: "Children's
entertainers - On Monday 6th May, the prices for Mike Clarke's training
programmes for children's entertainers are increasing significantly. So,
if you've been thinking of investing in one or all of the programmes,
now might be a good weekend to do so! Full details of the programmes can
be found at
thekidsmagician.com/resources-for-entertainers."
4.5.13
Forth
Valley Magic Circle presents the 'Tricks at the Tryst' show on
Saturday 18th May at the Falkirk Town Hall, Falkirk FK1 5RS (Map).
Doors open at 6.30pm and the show starts at 7.00pm: "The show will be a
night of wonder and amazement supplied by the local Forth Valley Magic
Circle and special guest artists. Comprising dedicated amateurs and
seasoned professionals, the club has been promoting the art of magic for
the last three decades. The format of the show will be a mix of cabaret,
stage and close-up magic. The tickets are just £7.50 each and can be
booked by either emailing Mark Dunn at
info@magicmark.co.uk, calling
Mark on 07968 792134 or in-person from the Steeple Box Office in Falkirk
town centre. This event has sold out for the last 5 years, so please
contact Mark in advance if you would like tickets to avoid
disappointment."
4.5.13
The
Creative Solutions Deck - update. Phill Smith writes: "The project
is now fully funded and I've met a stretch goal that means that every
single backer to the project will receive a free ebook containing a
whole bunch of effects as well as some great tips on using the deck to
create brand new totally unique mind reading miracles from the card
tricks you already know. Some more details about the ebook are on the
Kickstarter updates page:
Click Here. Anyone interested will have to move fast to nab this
Kickstarter only offer, because the project closes on the 8th May!"
4.5.13
Gregory
Wilson's 'Latest & Greatest' UK Lecture Tour - final dates: 6th May
The Plymouth Magic Circle; 7th May The South London Magic Society; 8th
May The Sussex Magic Circle; 9th May The Surrey Society of Magicians.
See What's On for
details.
4.5.13
Simon
Sparkle Magic Show. "Simon Sparkle brings his children’s magic show
to the Barry Arts Festival, "Tricks, illusions and giggles guaranteed.
Age 3+" Barry Arts Festival 2013, Monday 27th May 3.30pm – 4:30pm at
Crossway Methodist Church, Barry. Details and Tickets:
www.barryartsfestival.org.uk.
4.5.13
Magic
1400s-1950s by Mike Caveney, Jim Steinmeyer, Ricky Jay and Noel
Daniel. 544 pages, hardbound, 7.6cm x 30.5 x 40.6 cm - smaller than the
first edition but still a real magic heavyweight; pre-order from Amazon.co.uk
for just £28.79,
Click Here • "‘Deceptive Practice’ review: Magician Ricky Jay talks mentors, card
tricks"
Click Here •
"Deceptive Practice: The Mysteries and Mentors of Ricky Jay"
Click Here •
"Street magician back to work again"
Click Here •
"The science of magic - it's not all hocus pocus"
Click Here •
"Patent trolling even p***ed off a magician back in 1903"
Click Here •
"Could this man be the new Dynamo?"
Click Here •
"'It is far more complex than just jumping off a building': TV illusionist
Ben Earl on recreating Sherlock death plunge for real"
Click Here •
"Britain's Got Talent: Ant McPartlin has close call with silent magician
Aaron Crow"
Click Here •
"The authentic illusionist"
Click Here •
"7-year-old magician 'has performed 400 shows'"
Click Here •
"Illusionist David Meade returning to Irish tour following his baby son’s
illness"
Click Here •
The 'Magic Marketing Masterclass' Resource Pack, 'Module 3: Increasing
Show Conversions with Mark Leveridge' is reviewed by Jay Fortune this
week,
Click Here •
"Review: Derren Brown Infamous, Sunderland Empire, until Saturday May 4"
Click Here •
That's it for another week, enjoy the long bank holiday weekend,
Duncan.
4.5.13