Number 691 - 21st September 2013

More Magic! Following illusionist James More's huge success on Britain's Got Talent in May, Diversity (previous BGT winners) have announced that James will be their Special Guest Star on their next arena tour which starts at the O2 Arena, Dublin in November and finishes at the O2 Arena, London on December 16th. This is the first time that a British illusionist has been featured in an arena tour on this scale. James is currently having some new illusions custom built in Las Vegas and promises they'll be extra special! "I told my manager Russ Stevens six months ago that one of my ambitions was to work with Diversity and now it's happening! We're going to be the perfect fit and you'll see my magic presented in a new and refreshing way, both on my own and with Diversity." See What's On for November and December tour dates.

And there's more... James' next big announcement is that he will also be one of the stars of the brand new "Illusionists 2.0" which opens at The Sydney Opera House on January 9th, prior to a world tour. "This is a huge deal to me because James is the first large-scale stage illusionist from the UK to star in this, the world's largest touring magic show. I'm very proud of all that James has achieved in less than 12 weeks since his appearance on BGT. It's amazing just what an impact that two minutes has had", said James' manager Russ Stevens. To see the first show trailer featuring two of James' illusions, and for more detailed information about the show and the magicians starring in it, see www.qpac.com.au/illusionists. 21.9.13

A Matchless Evening of Magic. Two nights of mesmerising sensational magic and variety acts means a show that you can happily bring your whole family and friends to see. Featuring international artists from seven different countries, and covering the gamut of magic from mentalism to comedy, spectacular stage filling wizardry to intimate sleight of hand skills, all taking place in one of London's most striking theatres. Join Mike Chao (Taiwan, photo), Christian Bischof (Switzerland), Paul Zenon (UK), Sos and Victoria (Russia), Rob Zabrecky (USA), Charlie Frye and Company (USA) and other surprise guests on the evenings of November 16th and 17th at The Mermaid Theatre, London. Tickets for this fast moving and well balanced show of surprises and skill are available via www.internationalmagic.com/category-convention-tickets.html under the Gala Show Ticket banner. 21.9.13

Blackpool Magicians' Convention latest news: "Current Britain's Got Talent winners 'Attraction' will be performing on two of the Gala Shows featuring their Shadow act and sensational Black Light act. Since their win on Britain's Got Talent they have been travelling from Hungary to many, many different countries. Derek Lever has pulled off a major scoop in booking them for the Blackpool Convention which is on 21st, 22nd and 23rd February, 2014." Visit www.blackpoolmagic.com. 21.9.13

Jamie Allan's iMagician - The most technologically engaging live magic show in the UK today! "After 10 years performing around the world, Jamie Allan is set to astound you in his first UK tour of a brand new show, iMagician. Working alongside BAFTA award-winning director Anthony Owen (Derren Brown) and never seen in the UK before, iMagician blends technology with incredible magic and illusion; all enhanced through cutting-edge projection technology and world-class sleight of hand. We welcome fellow magicians to our show and we look forward to meeting you." See What's On for October and November tour dates. Also see www.imagicianlive.com. 21.9.13

Champions of Magic - Autumn tour dates. "Join our award winning team of liars, swindlers and cheats for a spectacular night of trickery you'll be trying to work out for a long time to come. Audiences will witness mastery of card manipulation, death defying stunts, mind boggling sleight of hand and spectacular illusions from some of the foremost performers in magic. Champions Of Magic is a brand new show which includes 4 of the country's top magicians as seen on ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us', Sky 1's ‘Secret World Of Magic' and Channel 4's ‘Dirty Tricks'." Tour dates: 16th October Reading Hexagon, featuring Pete Firman, Ali Cook, David Penn and Edward Hilsum www.readingarts.com/thehexagon; 19th October York Theatre Royal, featuring John Archer, Fay Presto, Alex McAleer and Edward Hilsum www.yorktheatreroyal.co.uk; 15th November Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering, featuring Ali Cook, Edward Hilsum, Michael Vincent and Young & Strange www.lighthousetheatre.co.uk; 20th November Epsom Playhouse, featuring Ali Cook, Edward Hilsum, Michael Vincent and Young & Strange www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk. Discounted group rates are available to magic societies and clubs. Contact Alex@RIP-Productions.co.uk for further information. 21.9.13

Houdini the Play. Neil Bonner writes: The creative team behind the new stage play Houdini are hopeful of securing a West End run for the magical drama. Currently on a tour of the UK and Ireland [see What's On], it seems there's a good chance the show, which boasts a number of classic Houdini illusions, including his Metamorphosis routine, will eventually be extended beyond its initial tour, which ends in Dublin on October 12. There's talk of overseas tours and even Broadway, says a delighted Stuart Brennan, who wrote the play and stars in it as Houdini's little-known brother Theo. These are very exciting times. If it really takes off, he might even have to postpone work on another of his creations a movie called Tomorrow, which will be produced by legendary film-maker Martin Scorsese. Meanwhile, Jamie Nichols, who plays Harry Houdini himself, is continuing to perfect his illusions, with the help of the play's magic consultant Andrew Van Buren. "It's been a little frustrating because, for the first part of the tour we couldn't use water in our Chinese Water Torture routine, for practical, staging reasons," explains Jamie. "We had to simulate Harry's escape from the tank. But it was always the plan to use water and that will happen. I am working with an amazing dietician/personal trainer, James Farmer, on reducing my body fat down to 8% while at the same time hugely increasing my flexibility. Harry Houdini began training with weights when he was a mere 15 year old lad to build the body required for his future stunts. So I'm very committed to getting my physical state exactly right in order to really support presenting some of his routines immaculately. They deserve nothing less." See www.houdinitheplay.com. 21.9.13

Portsmouth Jumbo Day's 50th Anniversary Offer! There is just a week left to take advantage of Portsmouth Jumbo Day's 50th Anniversary Offer! Everyone who registers early for this year's Jumbo Day, on Sunday 3rd November, will receive £5.00 off the price of a 2014 Jumbo Day ticket. This offer ends on Monday 30th September, so don't miss it. At £17.50 for a Fast Track Ticket, this is really great value! For full details of the day and the registration form visit www.jumboday.co.uk. Sean Lobban. 21.9.13

Morgan & West's Magical Menagerie with Andi Gladwin and Oliver Meech. Roll up, roll up! On Tuesday October 1st at 7.30pm Morgan & West have another two very special guests appearing at their monthly Magical Menagerie. They will be joined by Oliver Meech (who will make magic and science collide) and Andi Gladwin (the only British magician to perform at President Obama's 2013 inauguration). Tickets are £8.50 and available through We Got Tickets: www.wegottickets.com/event/230357. Venue: Arts at the Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AQ (Map). www.morganandwest.co.uk. 21.9.13

German magician, Axel Hecklau, creator of 'Newsflash', 'Just A Cup' and 'Spoonaround' will be touring the UK for the first time in March 2014. He will be presenting his lecture entitled 'Details' which features high-impact, practical, strong magic with effects including 'Twist', 'Fusion' and 'Out Of This World Extreme'. Axel has over thirty years experience in magic and regularly performs at Berlin's Close Up Club. Axel's website is www.axelhecklau.com. If you would like Axel to lecture at your club, email tour organiser, Sean Lobban: mistertall@mistertall.co.uk. 21.9.13

Lex Schoppi is an FX-specialist, producing show costumes and special wear for Quick Change artistes. As a coach and consultant Lex Schoppi advises magicians, television and show productions. His customer list reads like a "Who's Who" from the international magic scene. Lex Schoppi's FX-Costumes are high quality quick change wear. Lex can tailor the impossible. Just back from a summer season and costume design work for opera Bayreuth, Lex is now 'back at work'.  LexSchoppiMagic.com have a new web shop featuring their publications, products and services, with more new products to follow. Visit www.lexschoppimagic.com today! 21.9.13

Ali Cook's Principles and Deceptions will be playing The Ark Theatre, Borehamwood, this Saturday, 21st September. The tour has been receiving glowing reviews: Salford online review 5 stars: Click Here. The Public Reviews 4.5 stars Click Here. If you're London based then this evening's performance at The Ark will be your nearest tour date. For tickets visit www.thearktheatre.co.uk/whats-on.htm. 21.9.13

The sixth annual Magic Moments Day takes place today! Events are taking place with many magicians and other artists supporting good causes and raising smiles and money. Once the donations have been counted we'll add an update here on our dedicated Magic Moments page, hosted by MagicWeek. Thanks to everyone for their kind support and giving their time to give the gift of magic. Jay Fortune. 21.9.13

The Magic Cavern show at Barons Court Theatre, London has now completed 10 years and heads into its 11th year tomorrow (Sunday 22nd September). The show plays every Sunday at 3pm, 52 weeks of the year and even on Christmas Day, when dates coincide. The proceeds from tomorrow's celebration performance www.falseimpressions.co.uk/baronscourttheatre will be donated to producer Richard Leigh's chosen charity; www.moment-um.org as part of this year's Magic Moments Day (21st September). 21.9.13

Charity Magic Show to reveal Prince Charles' favourite trick? Perhaps the most celebrated member of The Magic Circle, H.R.H. Prince Charles joined the society in 1975. Like their other members he had to give a demonstration of his magic ability before a panel of magicians which he successfully did by performing the Cups & Balls. One of the items in the forthcoming Charity Magic Show 'Say Abracadabra to Cancer' on behalf of Cancer Research UK at the Churchill Theatre, Bromley on 4th October, is a presentation of what is believed to be Prince Charles' favourite trick, to be performed by one of the two magicians presenting the show – John Derris and John Styles. The show will include a feature 'Behind The Doors of The Magic Circle' covering the last 100 years of magic revealing tales and tricks about Houdini, Tommy Cooper, Paul Daniels, David Nixon, Chung Ling Soo and other famous magicians; also the wit and wizardry of John Styles who has entertained royalty and many international stars of stage and screen worldwide from James Bond to Derek Trotter! The show takes place on 4th October 8pm. Tickets are £21.00 and all profits being donated to Cancer Research UK. Churchill Theatre Box Office: 0844 871 7620 or www.atgtickets.com/bromley. 21.9.13

International Performer and Producer of New York's Monday Night Magic, Peter Samelson is visiting the UK in June 2014. Peter's lecture, 'Small Changes Make A Big Difference' is based on his book Theatrical Close Up, and contains material from his working repertoire, paying attention to the small details that can have a huge impact and the theoretical underpinnings of why those changes matter and why they work. He is the creator of 'Heartstrings' and 'Phoenix', which are available from Bill Abbott. His website is www.samelsonmagic.com. The lecture tour is organised by Sean Lobban. To check availability and for more details email Sean at mistertall@mistertall.co.uk. 21.9.13

The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians recently installed Dave Taylor as their new President. Dave has been a member for 22 years and this will be his third time he has held this office. As well as a new president, we also have a new venue for our meetings, The ECC Sports & Social Club, Showell Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9LU. For more details of our club and our lectures, please visit our website www.wcm-magic.co.uk. Sue Oakley. 21.9.13

British Magical Society Roy Johnson tribute. The British Magical Society is pleased to present a Tribute to Roy Johnson on Tuesday 24th September. In 1966 Ken Brooke’s Magic Place opened in London’s Wardour Street. Customers were invited to benefit from 'The Roy Johnson Experience' and Roy rapidly became the first choice for magic society shows and dinners and the most in-demand lecturer all around the country. In addition to the many dealer effects he created, Roy penned four best-selling books for Goodliffe Publications and even a weekly series in Abra for over a year. Later a further two books were published, as well as other booklets, lecture notes and articles in magic magazines around the world. All six of Roy’s books are in the BMS library; on these titles Paul Cadley will base this evening, performing a personal selection of stand-up, close-up and mental effects, all with that magical ‘Johnson Touch'. Plus a little background info on Roy and his career. Non-members are invited to attend for a modest £5 fee. Time and venue: 7.30pm on Tuesday 24th September. Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map). See www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details. 21.9.13

Magic lecture tours, now booking. Steve Gore writes: I am arranging the following UK tours for these top magicians and have a few spaces left for lectures. Jan Logemann - 18th & 31st October 2013; Matthew Wright - 13th, 14th, 24th & 28th February 2014; Danny Cole - All dates booked; Dan Hauss - 10 dates left in April 2014; Danny Orleans - 8th May 2014; Bruno Copin - Quite a few left for June 2014 (also available for masterclasses!); Jon Allen - Not a set date tour, flexible to fit in with you; Steve Gore - Not a set date tour, flexible to fit in with you. Please email tours@stevegore.co.uk for details or to book. 21.9.13

Darryl Rose performed for the celebrity cast and crew at Big Brother's wrap party in central London last week. Darryl Rose MIMC, has performed at the party for the last 12 years, and made plenty of housemates gasp at his cool magic. The parties tend to get bigger and bigger each year, as does Darryl's stunts, which this year included making one of the housemates disappear! www.darrylrose.com. 21.9.13

Young Magicians Wanted! Help! My Supply Teacher Is Magic is back. Objective Productions write: Are you a talented young magician, card flourisher or juggler? If you’re aged between 7-15 and have a wonderful, exciting talent we want to hear from you! If you can do anything that makes your mates go wow, we want to see it. Is this your moment to shine? Show us what you are made of, by sending us a video! Also if you applied last year we want to hear from you again! To get involved please apply through the official website and click on 'Are you a Wannabe Wizard', or follow this link to the CBBC 'be on a show' page: www.bbc.co.uk/cbbc/help/tvhelp/help-my-supply-teacher-is-magic.shtml. Objective Productions are the company behind Derren Brown, The Real Hustle and The Cube. 21.9.13

New World Record set: "The usual Monday morning blues did not apply for Stuart Burrell as he celebrated setting a new World Record for the Most Handcuffs unlocked in one minute as part of an evening of entertainment at the Adventure Island Fun Park in Southend on Sea on Saturday the 14th of September. In addition, Stuart became the first British Escapologist in over a quarter of a century to escape from handcuffs whilst riding a rollercoaster which featured a full loop! He also, for good measure, escaped from a strait jacket in less time then it took for the big wheel at the park to complete one rotation. Not only that, but over £250 was raised for Help for Heroes through donations on the night and in the run up to the event. 'I really cannot believe it.' Said Stuart 'To raise funds for such a worthwhile cause and also to be able to claim a World Record, well, it is almost unbelievable.' Stuart, an amateur Escapologist with over a decade of experience, also paid tribute to the staff at the park. 'It was a wonderful evening and if it was not for the professionalism and hard work of the staff, I would not have done it.' www.adventureisland.co.uk". 21.9.13

Zane performed his 'The Joe Swing Act 'The Singer with the Magic Touch', in the Friday Night Gala Show at the recent British Ring Buxton Convention and really enjoyed it; receiving lots of very nice feedback. If anyone would like to book the Joe Swing Act to perform at either a convention or club dinner contact Zane directly via www.joeswing.co.uk. 21.9.13

Extreme Clowning. JJ of Extreme Clowning writes: Extreme Clowning are now working along with Sense using their magic show for training purposes. This is the first act of its kind, where the magician's assistant is totally both deaf and blind. Jimmy was born deaf and went blind at the age of 18; he is now 44. Jimmy discovered magic in 2003 when I showed him the vanishing silk which I adapted - until then he had no knowledge of magic at all. This has taken over 10 years of research and adapting tricks so that they can be appreciated by touch. JJ and Jimmy worked together with Ali Bongo, Steve Majes and Paul Henri as their magic consultants. Sorting tricks that would and could work, and could be delivered to people without any sight or hearing, allowing them to discover, or access, magic again. Extreme Clowning has recently become a community interest company and will be bringing magic workshops to the disabled and visually impaired later on in the year. Anyone who wishes to support this project or even offer us a discount on magic, or any unused magic trick donations please contact JJ at extremeclowning@hotmail.co.uk. A huge thank you to Qualatex, Beard Juggling and Kaymar Magic for their support. www.extremeclowning.co.uk. 21.9.13

Klass act! Roy Marsh writes: On Wednesday 18th September, David Klass successfully defended his title as the holder of the Bexley Magic Society’s Challenge Medal. He received the challenge from Jason Deverell who, by his own admission, has not been a member for a full year yet. Nevertheless, he acquitted himself well in front of a full house of members who marked the acts and family and friends who lent their support to both contestants. The five categories used in the challenge were, Rope, Mental, Card, Silk and Close-up. The standard of effect and presentation were of the highest order, with the experience of more years performing to real audiences telling out for David in the end (seen here receiving the medal from club President Chris Latham). Congratulations to David on retaining the title and to Jason for giving us a great evening’s entertainment. www.bexleymagic.org.uk. 21.9.13

Training day for children's entertainers - price rises on Monday 23rd September: Mike Clarke is running a training day in Bristol on Saturday 16th November for people interested in learning how to entertain children with a Magic Fun Show. The price for the training increases on Monday 23rd September, so if you're planning to come, book now and save £50! Full details can be found at www.thekidsmagician.com/products-for-childrens-entertainers/training-workshop. 21.9.13

Magic Act wanted for charity evening. "Wanted, a magic act for a charity event in aid of cancer research in the Worthing area in a small pub, hoping to have a guest list of 30+. However based on the fact it's a charity event my budget is low. The event is on the 5th October. If anyone feels they can help please contact me with a quote." Trisha Harrison studiotwentysevenworthing@gmail.com. 21.9.13

Magician Damien O'Brien stars in the new Party Poker advert along with some of Manchester's finest, Click Here • "Emmy host is magic ambassador" Click Here • "The Illusionists 2.0 Set for QPAC's Concert Hall, 19-25 Jan" Click Here • "Get ready for world class tricks from Illusionists" Click Here • "Photograph of Dynamo to feature in charity exhibition" Click Here • "Ricky Jay really hates the book 'Fooling Houdini'" Click Here (order via Amazon Click Here) • "Magician Penn Jillette Takes Stab at Feature-Length Thriller Director's Cut" Click Here • "Illusionist to perform at Barn Theater" Click Here • "Magician Theo from Sutton scoops two top awards" Click Here • "Video: Magician’s levitation stunt outside Leeds restaurant" Click Here • "Magical moment for Rochford's Oliver as he wins national competition" Click Here • "Moorpark teen magician comes in 5th place on 'America's Got Talent' [Video]" Click Here • And another week vanishes forever... see you next week, Duncan. 21.9.13

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