Number 709 - 25th January 2014

Star Illusionist Victor Voitko added to Blackpool lineup! Due to technical and contractual problems Attraction have been replaced by Star Illusionist Victor Voitko from the Ukraine who will perform his new Super Floating Rings on the Friday Gala Show and his sensational Floating Lady illusion on the Sunday Gala Show. This illusion is widely recognised as the greatest levitation in the world. Derek Lever www.blackpoolmagic.com. 25.1.14

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is returning for its 11th year from Friday March 14th to Sunday March 16th. This year’s event, which will be held primarily at the Customs House arts centre, South Shields (close to Newcastle upon Tyne), will feature a series of lectures, shows and masterclasses, targeted specifically at professional magicians. Among those set to share their expertise are BAFTA award-winning producer Anthony Owen, children’s entertainer John Kimmons, magician Andi Gladwin, magic veteran Mark Setteducat, award-winning mentalists The Evasons, American star Handsome Jack and Victorian-style double act Morgan and West (photo). The three-day convention, organised by South Tyneside Council and magician Martin Duffy, will also feature a dealer’s hall, with stands offering the latest gadgets and props, as well a special midnight performance by Simon Donald, co-founder of British comic magazine Viz. Delegates will receive exclusive access to both of these events, as well as complimentary tickets to two International Gala Shows, which are also open to the general public.

Martin Duffy said: “The South Tyneside International Magic Festival has attracted thousands of professional magicians and dedicated magic fans since its launch in 2004, with many returning year after year thanks to its elite line-up and friendly atmosphere. This year we look forward to welcoming some new faces, as well as our regulars and hope to make the 11th annual convention our best yet.” Tickets for the South Tyneside International Magic Festival are priced at £65 and include full admission to all lectures, gala shows and the midnight show, with masterclasses incurring an additional charge. For more info and to book visit www.southtynesidemagic.com. 25.1.14

West End Magic, Leicester Square Theatre, London, 29th March 2014. "West End Magic returns to the Leicester Square Theatre on Saturday 29th March with a family friendly show, featuring illusion, a reinvented box trick, crazy props, balloon heads, comedy magic and some very Tommy Cooperesque compering. Young and Strange will join the West End Magic Troupe this spring, performing their incredible illusions and tricks whilst attempting to conceal a mutual hatred, that results in them using magic to punish each other. Wes Zaharuk, the anarchic and hilarious prop meister, will use whips, Hoovers and bananas in unusual ways and with hilarious results. Meanwhile multi award winning magician Oliver Tabor performs his extraordinary illusions, where objects change form and shape in his hands that might leave you wondering whether reality really can be bent and manipulated. The very Tommy Cooperesque Christian Lee comperes all proceedings." March 29th, The Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (Map). Doors 3pm. Show 3.30pm. Tickets: £15 full price, £10 children, £40 family ticket for four.

West End Magic launched in 2007 at the Albany Theatre in Deptford. Born from the Demon young magicians' club whose members met weekly at Davenports for 15 years. The club disbanded in 1997. Ten years later some of the original members reformed for 'A Night of Magic' in 2007. Changing its name to 'West End Magic' it now has a permanent home at the Leicester Square Theatre, a stone's throw from the theatres which used to house Houdini and Chung Ling Soo in the early 1900’s during magic’s golden heyday. 25.1.14

Beat the Wand is back! The 'Beat the Wand' team write: The greatest show on earth returns to Blackpool Magicians' Convention... Beat the Wand! Last year was our best show yet with George Warhorse and his Monkey of Truth taking a well deserved first place. For any newbies to Blackpool Magicians' Convention let me fill you in... Beat the Wand is an interactive magical variety talent show. You have 3 - 5 minutes to blow the audience away with your act. Non-magical acts have proved to be more popular with the audience so we would love to continue the variety aspect this year. Juggling, Escapology, Contortion, Geek Magic, Bizarre, Occult, Mind Reading, Ventriloquism, Mouth Juggling, World record attempts... Of course magic is welcome in the show but remember the audience is 99.9% magicians so whatever the act, it will need a novel twist or presentation to capture the audience's interest. There were some fantastic spoof magic acts last year which also went down very well.

If you are interested in performing, here are the rules: Your act must last a minimum of three and a maximum of five minutes; Five giant wands will be thrown into the audience. After an act has performed for one minute the "voting" begins. Once a wand holder has seen enough of your act they will hold their wand in the air. If five wands are in the air the act will stop; If an act reaches three minutes they are safe and will be allowed to finish their act; Of all the acts who reached the three minute mark and "beat the wand" the audience will decide the winner by Clap-o-Meter; Performers will be supplied with a hand mic, a table and two chairs. There are no cameras or screens in the bar so close-up/table magic will not be suitable. If you are interested, or know someone who would love to be involved or need any further info email beatthewand@hotmail.co.uk. 25.1.14

Doug Segal: I Can Make You a Mentalist. Award winning entertainer Doug Segal is embarking on a brand new comedy mind reading tour that turns the audience into mind reading mentalists. Beginning in Leicester on 8th February, expect comedy, animation and interaction as well as mind blowing miracles performed by you, the audience. Pushing the boundaries of comedy mind reading, Doug will find a random audience member and turn them into a mind reading mentalist (via the Brainmatiser 3000™). The audience member will perform all the mind reading in the show, with Doug simply acting as guide, a feat that has never been attempted before. There is absolutely nothing spooky or supernatural in what Doug is doing. Everything is achieved using one or more of the following skills from Doug's background in psychology and advertising: persuasion techniques, statistics, reading body language, subliminal influence and two key advertising skills: 'Cheating and Lying', all done with laughs, rakish charm and a rock and roll attitude.

Doug has been described by TimeOut magazine as “the UK’s best kept entertainment secret”. The Metro newspaper said “one of the funnier more entertaining mental illusionists”. He has won awards for the Best Cabaret Brighton Fringe 2012, and the Three Weeks Editors Award for being one of the ten best things (out of 2,700) at Edinburgh Fringe 2012. Tour Dates:
8th February Leicester: Heroes@Hansom Hall www.hansomhall.co.uk 07500 900 737
21st March Glasgow: The Tron www.tron.co.uk 0141 552 4267
16th May Sheffield: The Leadmill www.leadmill.co.uk 0114 221 2828
17th May Kendal: Brewery Arts Centre www.breweryarts.co.uk 01539 722 833
23rd May Doncaster: Cast www.castindoncaster.com 01302 303 959
24th May Berwick Upon Tweed: The Maltings www.maltingsberwick.co.uk 01289 330 999
30th May Bromsgrove: The Artrix www.artrix.co.uk 01527 577 330
31st May – 1st June Brighton: The Warren www.warrenvenue.com 07800 983 290
4th June Colchester: Arts Centre www.colchesterartscentre.com 01206 500 900
5th June Tunbridge Wells: Trinity Theatre www.trinitytheatre.net 01892 678 678
6th June Cambridge: The Junction www.junction.co.uk 01223 511 511
7th June Norwich: Norwich Playhouse www.norwichplayhouse.co.uk 01603 612 580
8th June Derby: Assembley Rooms www.derbylive.co.uk 01332 255 800
10th June Exeter: Phoenix Arts Centre www.exeterphoenix.org.uk 01392 667 080
11th June East Grinstead: Chequer Mead Community Arts Centre www.chequermead.org.uk 01342 302 000
12th June Cranleigh: Arts Centre www.cranleighartscentre.org 01483 278 000
13th – 14th June London: Leicester Square Theatre www.leicestersquaretheatre.com 0844 873 3433. 25.1.14

Matthew Wright's February/March UK lecture tour announced. Steve Gore writes: Matthew Wright, two-time FISM award winner and Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year, is back in the UK in February/March for a brand new lecture tour packed full of magic, philosophy and humour. Anyone who has seen Matthew lecture knows that the passion he has for performing and practising is transferred into his teaching effortlessly. He will leave your club members with not only some new skills and tricks, but also with the inspiration to go away and practice what they already have. Matthew has been the Director of Magic at The House of Illusion in Spain for five years and during that time he has helped many magicians turn their promise and ideas into fully routined professional performance pieces. He uses this experience to teach you and your members how to develop and create your own original pieces, with simple formulas and lessons on character building, routining and rehearsals. This is not a boring “theory only” lecture though. Everyone from the 'new to magic' to the 'seasoned professional' will find something to excite and inspire them, including brand new effects never lectured before. Here is the full tour list.
07/02/2014 Smoke & Mirrors bar - performance only www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk
08/02/2014 Smoke & Mirrors bar - performance only www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk
10/02/2014 Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers www.fame-magic.co.uk
11/02/2014 Newcastle Magic Circle www.newcastle-magic-circle.org
12/02/2014 Scottish Conjurors Association www.scamagic.org
13/02/2014 Nottingham Guild of Magicians www.thenottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk
17/02/2014 Leicester www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk
18/02/2014 Northamptonshire Magicians www.northamptonshiremagicians.com
19/02/2014 Leamington & Warwick Magic Society www.lawms.wordpress.com
25/02/2014 Hull Magic Circle www.hullmc.org.uk
26/02/2014 Zodiac Magical Society www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk
27/02/2014 Surrey Society of Magicians www.surreymagic.co.uk
04/03/2014 Mid Essex Magical Society www.midessexmagicalsociety.co.uk. 25.1.14

Peterborough Society of Magicians 26th Annual Sale, Exchange and Lecture Day. John Learoyd writes: Peterborough Society of Magicians are pleased to invite magicians from everywhere to their 26th Annual Sale, Exchange and Lecture Day on Sunday 6th April. From 10am to 5pm at The Millfield Community Centre, New England Complex, Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map). Doors Open for the dealers at 8.30am and for non dealers at 9.30am. Lectures from Mark Shortland and Alan Mcintyre. Workshop with Al Smith. Dealers Hall. Sell-off old unwanted props. Obviously there will be plenty of magic to buy. Refreshments available all day. 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. If you would like to book a table, please phone Keith Downs on 01778 343167, or write to him at 77 Eastgate, Deeping St. James, Peterborough PE6 8HH. Cheques payable to Peterborough Society of Magicians. Or email Ian Tanner iantanner@gmail.com. www.psmagicians.org.uk. 25.1.14

Merlins of Wakefield are looking forward to the Blackpool Magic Convention in February where they will have lots of new items. To make room they are having a Mad DVD Sale offering lots of brand new DVDs for incredible prices!. Buy one for £10, two for £16 or 3 for £20 + £2.95 postage on any order. If you would like a list of the DVDs, just email merlins@btconnect.com or call them on 01924 339933. www.merlinswakefield.com. 25.1.14

'Paul's Balls' – The Tossed Out Lottery Book Test by Paul Martin was released by PropDog two weeks ago and has already been snapped up by some of the biggest names in magic from all around the world - the feedback has been incredible! The effect is so simple and easy to perform, it packs small, but plays really big! How many times have we, as magicians, been asked if we can predict the lottery numbers? Well now we can! Paul Martin, one of the UK's busiest working performers, has come up with an absolute corker of an idea with Paul's Balls! Created with Parlour and Stage in mind, it's perfect as an opener, a filler or a big finale. But it's surprising popularity has been with the close-up performer because it's perfect for that situation when you're asked to show one last trick before you leave the room. Simply toss it out to each table and get everyone involved. For more information on Paul's Balls, see www.propdog.co.uk/mentalism/pauls-balls-by-paul-martin or visit the Paul's Balls Facebook page - www.facebook.com/PaulsBalls. 25.1.14

Blackpool Convention Giant Magic Auction. "1pm on Thursday 20th February in the Pavilion Theatre, Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool. Hundreds of items will be sold at bargain prices with star auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. If you wish to enter goods into the auction email d.lever1@sky.com or ring 01253 810113. We can accept illusions as well as books, apparatus and close-up etc." 25.1.14

Magicians Workshop. Following on from the success of last year's workshop and great feedback, Chris Congreave and Gary Jones will be presenting two more Magicians Workshops this year. The first to be announced will take place on April 27th, in Edinburgh. It is a lovely venue and places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. Full details of the venue and what you can expect can be found at www.magicians-workshop.co.uk. 25.1.14

‘Houdini: A History of Escapology, Stuart Burrell. "When a Seven Times verified World Record Holding and an award winning Escapologist chooses to talk about and look into the history of his craft, there will be something there for everyone. With his new show/lecture ‘Houdini: A History of Escapology, Historian Stuart Burrell set out on an historical journey from the beginnings of Escapology in ancient times, through the Tudor and Stuart period, onto the 1800's and then emergence of Harry Houdini and his many British tours, including the visit to Southend in 1911 and finally onto the 21st Century. Taking elements from his ‘magician only’ lecture series “Now Get Out Of That” and introducing demonstrations and observations for a public audience, this is a unique interactive lecture experience for all the family. The lecture takes place at The Forum, Elmer Square, Southend on Sea, Essex on May 9th at 7.30pm. Tickets can be purchased online via www.eventbrite.co.uk or for more information and booking for either Houdini: A History of Escapology or Now Get Out Of That, contact Stuart Burrell directly: stuart.burrell@gmail.com. 25.1.14

Ravi Mayar Lecture, Southend Sorcerers. On 2nd February Southend Sorcerers hosts its first lecture for 2014. Ravi Mayar's lecture will be packed with effects and is sure to include something for everyone. Ravi bills himself as a celebrity magician, pickpocket and hypnotist and will be presenting material from an intensive one-day workshop that he also runs. For more information or to check out Ravi's work ahead of the lecture, visit www.ravimayar.com. As always, our lectures are open to visiting magicians who can simply pay £5.00 on the door. Venue: Ekco Club, Thornford Gardens, Southend on Sea, Essex SS2 6PU (Map). www.southendsorcerers.co.uk. Adrian Fox. 25.1.14

Le Grand David Magic Sale. Kaminski Auctions is pleased to announce the auction of magic props, memorabilia, artwork and several significant bronzes from Le Grand Spectacular Magic Company Click Here on Sunday, February 23rd at 10am at Cabot Street Theatre, 286 Cabot Street, Beverly, MA and online via www.kaminskiauctions.com. 25.1.14

Variety @ UCL presents Luke Jermay: Sixth Sense. "Less than a week to go until the show! Tickets have very nearly sold out. Once they’re gone, they’re gone, so if you’re thinking of coming book now! Join us for an unforgettable evening. 'Luke puts the rest of us to shame.' - Derren Brown. Thursday 30th January at 7.30pm. Venue: Mully’s Basement Bar, 136 Gower Street, London WC1E 6BP (Map). Tickets and full details: www.uclvariety.com. 25.1.14

Champions of Magic: February Tour Dates: 7th February Hall For Cornwall, Truro, featuring David Penn, Fay Presto, Alex McAleer and Edward Hilsum www.hallforcornwall.co.uk 01872 262466; 14th February Harrogate Theatre, Harrogate, featuring Young & Strange, Fay Presto, Ben Hart and Edward Hilsum www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk 01423 502116; 21st February Artrix, Bromsgrove, featuring Young & Strange, Fay Presto, Alex McAleer and Edward Hilsum www.artrix.co.uk 01527 577330. 25.1.14

Steve Faulkner lectures at the Cotswold Magical Society (7.30pm for 8pm) on February 5th. Barry Woods writes: Steve Faulkner, Close-up and Stage Magician and winner of the 2013 IBM Close up Competition; British Street Performing Champion 2005 and 2009; runner up in The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year competition; one of the most entertaining magicians you will ever see. Members of other magic clubs invited for the modest fee of £5 at the door, which will include coffee and biscuits. Venue: Hucclecote Community Centre, Hucclecote Road, Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map) www.cotswoldmagic.org. 25.1.14

Streamlined. The commercial close up magic of John Carey. The Session Notes January 2014: "In my new 2014 notes, 19 items are offered for your consideration. There are 3 utility card moves with wide application and 16 solid, practical effects that can be used in a wide variety of situations. Many plots are covered, including ace productions, do as I do and mental discoveries to name just three. Two versions of my favourite card plot, the mystery card are included. The Teleport card has been well received by some of the finest practitioners of our craft. Fans of Oil and Water I believe will make use of my slow motion finale. I've also included my approach to the classic wild coin, which uses simple moves to create a most satisfying piece of magic. If you are familiar with my DVDs I produced with RSVP you will know that I have no time for angle ridden pipe dreams. All of the material is doable and strong..." For a full contents listing, more info, and to order via instant download visit www.johncareymagic.co.uk/#streamlined. 25.1.14

Paul Martin was the winner of the Arthur Culpin Challenge Cup on 17th January, when the Magicians of Mann competed in front of a capacity audience in a show held in conjunction with the Rotary Club of Douglas at the Palace Hotel. Also competing were Keith Greenland, Mike Clague, Chris Burns, Michael Daniels, Bev Michelson, Lexi Watterson and John Cain. The silver cup, given to the club in 1959 by Arthur Culpin, was presented to Paul (right) by Mike Priest, the Rotary Club President. Mike Clague, Secretary, Magicians of Mann. "Paul is Magician of Mann" Click Here. 25.1.14

The TwinsFX planned and manufactured special effects for over 30 pantomimes and musicals last year, helping break box office records in Christmas productions across the UK. Their record breaking season will finally finish on February 2nd, in Birmingham. "For this season we produced even more wow effects, including a real R22 helicopter that takes off, hovers on stage and then flies out into the theatre’s auditorium over an astonished, ducking audience! New effects include a 13m tall beanstalk and a monster sized animatronic crocodile (photo) - the biggest in a UK theatre to date, who will be causing sheer terror! "...creating a helicopter flight for Jack which takes him out over the audience – well who needs to climb beanstalks in 2013? Amazing" The Northern Echo; “a collection of ‘wow’ moments from TheTwinsFX” The Journal; “Spectacular effects from The TwinsFX” The Stage; “the most incredible crocodile you will ever seen” Edinburgh News. www.thetwinsfx.com. 25.1.14

Martin Peirce lectures for the Merlin Magical Society on Thursday the 30th January. Martin has been a professional magician for many years and all his routines are tried and tested. This Lecture is guaranteed to offer something for everyone. Doors Open at 7.30pm. Lecture 8pm to 10pm. Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ (Map). Entry £8 for non members. Children must be accompanied by an adult. John Clayton, Secretary. www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk. 25.1.14

Should Zach King's 'Magic' be renamed 'Street Magic 2.0'? Zach King's 'Magic' Vine Compilation. David Blaine's 'Street Magic' shows reinvented magic for a new generation and were, I think, the best thing to have happened to televised magic for years. Blaine presented his material in a natural no-frills way, allowing the magic to speak for itself, and the camera to capture the moment, as the audience tried to comprehend the impossible. It opened up magic to a younger generation, igniting their imagination. The UK was fast to catch on with a number of 'street magic' shows and Britain's 'Dynamo' has risen to the top. All in all it has been a fantastic run for magic. Simply put, magic in the UK has never been more popular.

The downside is that at lot of what we are seeing as 'street magic' on TV in reality often relies on what's not seen, pre-show work, judicious editing, compromised timelines, post production tweaks and so on. Sometimes we are watching magic that could never actually be performed live on the street or anywhere else for that matter. It's 'made for TV magic', and we all know it. There are strong arguments from both sides as to the rights and wrongs of it all.

So, my rhetorical question is, is Zach King's 'magic' in effect 'Street Magic 2.0'? Is this what the current street magic shows will eventually have to evolve into to keep up? Zach King's work is brilliant and honest. It's great fun and very entertaining. But it's not magic. Duncan Trillo. 25.1.14

Steve Evans. Arrangements have now been made for Steve Evans' funeral. It has been arranged as an open event for Monday the 3rd of February at the Civic Hall, North Street, Wolverhampton, WV1 1RQ. Please aim to arrive at 12-00 noon as the service will start at 12:30pm. The family will join you in the Wulfrun Hall after a private committal. It was Steve's wishes that the dress code is formal black and white and that no children under the age of 16 attend. Thanks to everyone who has donated to the Just Giving page, set up in memory of Steve. To date we have raised £8120 + Gift Aid www.justgiving.com/sue-oakley2. Sue Oakley. 25.1.14

"Comedy magician Pete Firman to conjure up a night of fun at Harlow Playhouse" Click Here • "More than just an illusion" Click Here • "Just when you thought all the magic was gone…" Click Here • "Is Troy The Magician The New Dynamo, And How On Earth Did He Do This?" Click Here • "The Illusionists: Old-fashioned entertainment reigns" Click Here • "Meet the Illusionists and their meatspace" Click Here • "Illusionist talks club history" Click Here • "Magician from TV's Mr Selfridge is coming to Brentford" Click Here • "Spellbinding tale of a teenage magician" Click Here • "You Are The Judge" Click Here • That's all for another week. Your UK magic news and reviews always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 25.1.14

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