Number 715 - 8th March 2014
Blackpool
was Magic! "Blackpool Magicians’ Club, with Derek Lever at
the helm, once again pulled off a spectacular success. Still packing
them in after 62 years, this annual mega convention opened its doors to
3,600 registrants on Friday 21st February, with 130 or so dealers
exhibiting their wares. While buying on line is increasingly becoming
the norm, there is no substitute for actually seeing the products live,
feeling the quality and watching unedited demonstrations, free of
cutaways or carefully-selected camera angles. Judging by the
constantly-packed aisles in the three dealer rooms, many magic
enthusiasts are of that opinion..." To read Walt Lee's full review of the world's
biggest magic convention,
Click Here.
8.3.14
Michael
Vincent: The Lecture, at The Nine of Diamonds, Edinburgh. Saturday
5th April from 4pm-7.30pm. From the organisers: "What? Ladies and
Gentlemen, The Nine of Diamonds are extremely excited to host a lecture
from none other than master sleight of hand artist, Mr Michael Vincent!
This will be Michael's only lecture in Scotland and we're very
incredibly privileged to bring him to our home town of Edinburgh. Why?
If you've seen Michael perform you will know that not only does he
handle coins and cards beautifully, his knowledge of the history of
magic is vast and is an excellent teacher to cap things off. We are
offering the chance to see Michael in an intimate setting where he will
share not only his effects, but also the thinking behind the structure
of his routines, demonstrating why he has been named the Best Close-Up
Magician three times by The Magic Circle and why he is considered the
"gold-standard" of close-up magic. Cost? £15 per person - book online
here:
www.nineofdiamonds.weebly.com. Venue: The Police
Club, 28 York Place, Edinburgh EH1 3EP (Map).
www.thepoliceclub.com.
8.3.14
Nottingham
Magic Society Charity Gala Show 2014. From the organisers: On
Saturday 15th March at the University of Nottingham Magic Society is
proud to present our annual award-winning Gala Show, in aid of Cancer
Research Nottingham. This year we are taking the event to new heights
with three internationally acclaimed acts:
1) Lee Hathaway: 'One of the UK's top
magicians' The Times. A fast paced and dynamic performer who has won
multiple awards including the highly coveted Davenport trophy of
excellence. He also appeared on "Penn and Teller, Fool Us" in which he
managed to fool Penn and Teller with his act, which he will be
performing at our Gala show.
2) James Brown: 'The Master of Misdirection and Magic' Luke
Jermay. James has been performing his unique mixture of sleight of hand,
pickpocketing and hypnotic suggestion for 20 years, in which time he has
become one of the most sought after magical entertainers in the UK. If
that wasn't enough, he is also winner of the Close-up Magician of the
Year award in 2006. James Brown Professional Opportunist.
3) Marc Oberon: A Nottingham local himself, Marc has won many awards
including European Close-up Championship in 2008. His unique and modern
adaptations of timeless stage acts has won him critical acclaim, and
recently won him the USA People's Trophy for close-up magic.
Teaser Trailer 2014:
Click Here. The event will take place in the Great Hall, Trent
Building, University Park, The University of Nottingham. The show will
start at 8pm and will finish at 10.30pm. Refreshments will be served,
and close-up magicians will be available from 7pm before the show
starts. Event Page:
www.su.nottingham.ac.uk Ticket Price: £10 (Advance). £12 (At the
door) Tickets are very limited. Facebook Page:
www.facebook.com/numagicsoc.
8.3.14
MagicFest
Programme Launch Announced. The Edinburgh International Magic
Festival will launch its full programme of events on the 22nd April:
"We're delighted to host Scottish Premières and wonders from the
furthest corners of the globe at the fifth anniversary festival, running
from 27th June - 4th July. You can book tickets online at
www.magicfest.co.uk
by phone on 0131 473 2000 or in person at Hub Tickets, Edinburgh."
8.3.14
Shenanigans,
the Irish Magic Convention are thrilled to announce that underground
legend Ramón Riobóo will be making a rare convention appearance this May
in Dublin. Also added to the line up are Paul Wilson and John Carey.
They join John Archer, Morgan & West, Bruno Copin, Quentin Reynolds, Joe
Barry and Juan Tamariz. There are only 20 spaces left for this amazing
weekend. Registration is an unbelievable €99 (around £80) and includes
10 sessions, the Juan Tamariz one man show, Banquet Show, Gala Show,
Friday Finger Food and Sunday Lunch. To book visit:
www.irishmagicconvention.com.
8.3.14
Beautiful
Magicians’ Club: "From the dirtiest depths of Dalston comes London’s
sexiest new club night. Beautiful people, beautiful music, beautiful
magicians. The Beautiful Magicians' Club takes place at Maneros,
Dalston, London on Thursday April 3rd. More than your traditional club
night, the Beautiful Magicians’ Club features a live stage show
combining the sexiest strippers and the wildest magicians. The bar will
stay open late, with close-up magicians on hand to keep attendees
entertained all night. Performers this month include: Northern funny man
Magic Sam will be performing his brand of hilarious comedy teamed with
heart-stopping stunts and jaw-dropping magic. Comedy country conjurors
Kane & Abel have washed down their wellies and are making their way to
the big city with their brand of high-octane comedy magic. Bringing the
real glamour and sex appeal to the night, Missy Phillips’s act is
guaranteed to tease and please any red-blooded male out there. Special
guests to be announced soon." Doors 8pm. Show time 9pm. Tickets £8 in
advance:
www.eventbrite.co.uk. Facebook
www.facebook.com/events/1458003047763736/#.
8.3.14
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. In addition this year
Michael Murray and John Lovick will both present individual
masterclasses on the Sunday afternoon. These sessions are in addition to
the standard registration and are limited to just 20 people. For full
details of the masterclasses visit
www.southtynesidemagic.com and scroll down.
8.3.14
Conjuring
at the Court, London. Thursday 27th March. From the organisers: This
month, the show features top mind-reader Marc Paul, the marvellous
entertainer John Styles, the clever and witty Rob James, co-producer
Russell Levinson, and the amusing and magical Peter Scarlett as MC. It’s
at the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map),
less than 15 minutes from Central London. Doors open at 7.30pm and the
show starts at 8pm. Come early to enjoy a pre-show dinner in the huge
pub. Tickets from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
8.3.14
The
Colour Ham can be seen at the Glasgow Comedy Festival on 5th April
www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com. The surprise hit and most tweeted
about sketch act of 2012/13, bring their critically acclaimed sell-out
show to the Glasgow International Comedy Festival. "Magic,
Mindreading and Comedy all wrapped up together in a big ball of rock 'n'
roll silliness, The Colour Ham will take your breath away, hide it and
then make it appear in someone else's pocket" **** BroadwayBaby.com.
8.3.14
Introducing
Kavanaghs, Chartered Accountants and Tax Specialists. Kavanaghs are
a firm of Chartered Accountants and Tax Specialists, who have been
supporting the Music, Media and Entertainment Industries for over 30
years. As specialist accountants to these industries, we understand that
this is an area where professional advisors need specialist knowledge
and understanding. Without the right expertise, the unwary can burn
their fingers. Read what our clients say about us: “I always thought
all accountants were the same...but how wrong can you be! My brief to
them was that I wanted to pay as little tax as possible and get the best
advice when I needed it. In fact their great proactive approach to tax
planning produced a big tax refund. They have given me expert, high
quality, timely advice and amazing customer service and what’s really
great is they understand the entertainment industry. If only I had found
them years ago, I would have saved a fortune. If you do just one thing,
talk to them. I could not recommend them more highly.” Paul Martin (www.paulmartinmagic.com).
Visit www.kavanaghco.com and
also see
"What our clients say about us".
8.3.14
An
Evening of Deception - Cheltenham. Cheltenham's sell out magic show,
An Evening of Deception, is back for a fifth year! Headlining this year
are the spiffing and jolly time-travelling magicians, Morgan and West,
with support from award winning magicians Darren Campbell, Andi Gladwin
and Alex Robertson. The show has been a real success for the team who
have been proud to bring live magic back to the birthplace of John Nevil
Maskelyne. An Evening of Deception runs from 2nd-5th April at
Cheltenham's Everyman Theatre. To book
Click Here, and for updates visit their Facebook page:
www.facebook.com/aneveningofdeception. Steve Knibbs.
8.3.14
Magic Night at Madame
JoJo's - London Friday, April 4th: "Magic Night is fast paced and furious
with flying knife tricks, balancing objects, bread, hypnotic weasels and
cocktail soaked Uke songs. Magic Night has some great tricks up its
sleeve in this show, with Lee Hathaway making your objects disappear and
reappear using a walnut and some flames. Comedy trickster, Pete Heat,
mixes bread, tricks, hypnotic weasels and prophetic dreams to read your
mind. Meanwhile Mat Ricardo balances and juggles objects that absolutely
should not be balanced or juggled. Glamour puss Tricity Vogue graces the
stage with her Uke soaked songs about drinking and other loves. All
expertly compered by mighty sorcerer Neil Henry. Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Doors open 7.00pm.
Show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to Good Foot. Show
ticket plus dinner: £25.
Madame JoJo’s,
8-10 Brewer Street,
London W1F 0SE (Map).
Tickets and more info:
www.magicnight.co.uk.
8.3.14
Joe
Barry East Coast Magic Collective Lecture. Paul Reid writes: This
month we have professional close-up sleight of hand artist Joe Barry
lecturing. Premiere members get in free, standard members (& visitors)
£10 on the night. The bar will be open for discussion, sharing ideas and
socialising before, during and after! 7pm on March 12th, meeting in a
new venue, Bloaters Bar at Wellesley Stadium, Great Yarmouth. Join us.
Any questions email
ecmagiccollective@live.com or see
Facebook. See you there!
8.3.14
Objective
Productions' Head of Magic Anthony Owen recently participated in a
live
video interview with Murphy's Magic. He talked about TV Magic, his
work for the past 15 years with Derren Brown, his recent BAFTA win for
creating and Executive Producing the BBC's 'Help! My Supply Teacher is
Magic' and performed his latest new trick for the magic community
'Psycho Quiz Prediction'.
8.3.14
The
British Magical Society presents a Magical Entertainment with Andy
Clockwise & Tim Shoesmith. Showtime! Not a lecture, not a dealer
dem, not a history lesson. This is a full evening show of comedy and
magic to which your family and friends are invited, the bigger the
audience the better. Andy is a past winner of the UK Children’s
Entertainer of the Year and Tim is the 2013 Magic Circle Close-up
Magician of the Year. Both are experienced in all fields of magic and
promise a great evening of fun and mystery. Remember, a show not a
lecture! All visitors welcome – there is no charge – bring your family
and friends. Tuesday 11th March at 7.30pm at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s
Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map)
See
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details. Paul Cadley.
8.3.14
Magicseen
Issue 55, March 2014, out now: With his new book now published it is
perhaps no surprise that Wayne Dobson is on the cover of the latest copy
of Magicseen, which is sponsored by Merlins of Wakefield. We chat to
Wayne about the book and he tips us off about his plans for the future.
Want to be a mentalist? Well, in the 7 Deadly Sins Of Mentalism top pro
Marc Paul helps you to avoid the worst of the pitfalls that can beset
the wannabe mindreader. John Styles is one of the UK's best known and
most respected performers, his work with Punch and Judy making him the
go-to authority in the country. In the first of a two part article we
find out more about this remarkable man. Ever thought about trying to
get work on cruise ships? Luca Volpe has a huge amount of experience in
this field and he reveals in this issue what it is really like working
on the ocean waves. What else? Well, Chris Payne explains how to make
best use of your magic practice time, Bobby and Jeramy Neugin reveal the
difficulties of combining their Cherokee Indian roots with performing
magic, we learn how Trevor and Lorena Watters experienced the
opportunity of a lifetime when they received 5 days of full on
mentorship from the legendary Johnny Thompson, and Michael Vine explains
much about the current TV magic scene in Jay Fortune's Secret Agent
article. All this plus the Masterclass with ideas from Tony Griffith and
John Derris, the Dealer's Booth featuring PropDog, performance and
product reviews, news, letters and more. It's a packed issue and it
makes a great start to Magicseen's 10th year of publication. Order your
copy now from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
8.3.14
Rubik's
Rod by Andy Clockwise. What do you get if you cross a Rubik's Cube
with a Hot Rod ? The Answer is "Rubik's Rod" by Andy Clockwise: "A mixed
up Rubik's Rod is shown consisting of 6 coloured cubes, orange, white,
blue, red, yellow and green. A colour is chosen by a spectator and with
a quick shake, one side of the Rubik's Rod is now solved with the chosen
colour. Rubik's Rod can now be mixed up and the effect repeated - with a
different colour. Easy to do. Great for children or adults. Quick reset.
Takes up very little pocket space. Twistable, repeatable, magical fun!
For more information, and to order Rubik's Rod, visit
www.rubiksrod.com. Dealer
enquiries to Murphy's Magic."
8.3.14
The
Mark Leveridge Podcast for March will get you thinking. The latest
free 30 minute downloadable audio podcast gives you a chance to listen
in on the thoughts of Mark Leveridge who this month ponders on topics
such as, "what on earth do balloon modellers find to talk about for so
long?!", "whether you should change the tricks in your act on a regular
basis", and why one agent commented that he felt that many magicians
were "scruffy, smelly and untrustworthy". He also reflects on one-trick
DVDs, gives a personal view on Aldo Colombini, and makes a plea to some
younger magicians regarding their attitude to watching dealer dems. All
this, plus more, can be listened to online or downloaded to any MP3
player now from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php.
8.3.14
Vegas
Scarf. Lex Schoppi writes: "I have made a new edition of
VegasScarf, our self colour changing scarf, from very finest and
antistatic silk. The scarf changes with gravity alone, from black to
red. It's handmade by me in my own costume workshop. We have only very
limited stock and now offer this to interested magicians, assistants or
dancers. I have made a video online:
www.lexschoppimagic.com."
8.3.14
The
Order of The Magi Annual Dinner and Cabaret. Geoffrey Newton PRO
writes: There are only two tickets left for The Order of The Magi Annual
Dinner and Cabaret to be held on Saturday 22nd March 2014. The 4 course
meal, with entertainment by Vocalist Cooper, Ventriloquist Dave Andrews
and The Magic of Elemental is being held at the New Irish World Heritage
Centre in Manchester with reception at 7.30pm for 8.00pm. President Max
Townsend looks forward to meeting guests at this themed night based on
“The Magic of The Movies” where you are invited to attend dressed as
your favourite movie character or star, with prizes for the best (there
is no obligation though as you are equally welcome in normal evening
wear). Up for auction will be a limited edition of a collectors’
presentation box from the film “Fantasia” with a certificate of
authentication signed by Roy Disney (nephew of co-founder Walt). There
is no reserve on this, whatever the gavel goes down on, that’s it. You
could win your table centre for free and there are some themed raffle
prizes. There will also be a Magi Movies booklet on each table full of
puzzles and quizzes for you to join in and talk about. Further details:
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk.
8.3.14
Wayne
Fox Bexley Magic Society lecture. Bexley Magic Society is delighted
to host a lecture by Wayne Fox on 19th March. This lecture is his 'no
holds barred thinking' on his brand of close-up magic: "Wayne is an
Associate of The Inner Magic Circle and with his award winning technical
abilities, there is a chance here to learn original sleights and
cleverly thought out misdirection, for visual card tricks, coin magic
and mindreading." Venue: Bexley Club for the Disabled, Barton Close,
Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JP (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Visiting magicians are very
welcome, for a minimal £10 fee.
www.bexleymagic.org.uk.
8.3.14
Ozzy
Dee Lecture - Anglian Magical Society: "Ozzy Dee will present his
lecture 'Thinking Outside The Magic Box' at the Anglian Magical Society
on 18th June at The White Horse Pub, The Street, Trowse, Norwich,
Norfolk NR14 8ST (Map).
This is a lecture with a difference. It will show how you can gain extra
income from the same booking, look at different avenues to get work from
and also include some of new effects. Ozzy has performed this lecture at
The Magic Circle, Kidology and other clubs around the country. Ozzy is
looking for other clubs to fill in some dates around that time on route
from Devon. For more information email
ozzydee@themagiccircle.co.uk."
8.3.14
Mark
James lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on 13th March. The
first half of the lecture will focus on stand-up comedy magic and the
second will concentrate on close-up magic. The lecture will also feature
a 20 minute cabaret spot, from Mark’s act (not explained). During the
evening there will be a question and answer box for attendees to
anonymously ask any questions they may have. There will also be a fully
stocked dealers stand from Darren of Warped Magic. Members are free and
visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee, the lecture takes
place in Bookham, Surrey at 8pm. For full details contact Adam Mosley:
info@surreymagic.org.uk.
8.3.14
Dissected:
The Incredible Human Hand. Kevin McMahon talks about digital
dexterity and the magician (17 minutes 45 seconds in) in this look at
the human hand. (What isn't mentioned is that just 4 weeks earlier he'd
broken his wrist)
Click Here.
8.3.14
Creepy
Carmarthen - The Spooky Town Tour. Nick Brunger's back with his
award-winning walking tour around Carmarthen starting on
Thursday 13th March and continuing
(almost) every Thursday and Saturday night until the end of October.
Walkers get a "Horrible Histories-style" account of the town's past -
including burning a bishop, the bungled last public execution and the
hangman who wore a fez! That's not to mention a handful of ghost
stories, getting banged up in the cells of the town's old police
station, fun-and-games on the gallows - and the weird part that cheese
has played in Carmarthen's past. And, of course, there's lots of magical
experiments for the public to take part in. Thursdays at 7, Saturdays at
8; tickets £7.50 for adults, £5 for children and pensioners. Booking
advised on 01267 231557. Meet on the steps of Carmarthen Guildhall. More
at
www.thespookymagiccompany.co.uk.
8.3.14
Jon
Armstrong November Lecture Tour now booking. UK Tour Manager, Steve
Gore writes: American magician Jon Armstrong is coming back to the UK
in November and is looking for a few select clubs to lecture for. Jon is
the current Chairman of the Magic Castle and was the AMA Close-Up
Magician of the Year 2006. So if you can rearrange a club night or
squeeze in an extra night please get in touch as he will be in demand
and only a small handful of clubs will get to see him. Email me at
tours@stevegore.co.uk. When
Jon was just 20 years old he became resident magician at Walt Disney
World, Florida. He now lives in Los Angeles and is a frequent performer
at the world famous Magic Castle. His TV appearances as a talk show
guest, featured performer or actor, include shows like "Magic Castle
After Dark" on A&E, USA's "Ready For The Weekend", Fox's "Masters of
Illusion.", NBC’s Today Show and ABC's "Bachelorette". In December 2004
Jon appeared on the cover of Genii Magazine in a issue dedicated to his
magic. In April 2007 Jon Armstrong was named Close up Magician of the
Year by The Academy of Magical Arts. He has been nominated a total of seven times as of 2012.
8.3.14
Ollie
Mealing: Wonder,
Click Here.
8.3.14
100
Days of Magic. Aldymo, Gaz Neal, Wiz Spencer and Zackwashere have
teamed up to create 100 Days of Magic, every day, for the next 100 days:
Click Here.
8.3.14
Morritt
by Christopher Brinson. John Alexander writes: It
is surprising that, until now, no book has been written about the
Victorian magician, Charles Morritt. He was the man who made the use
of mirrors in illusions a fine art. He worked for Maskelyne at the
Egyptian Hall, was a close collaborator of David Devant and provided
Houdini with illusions for his Broadway magic show. Although he had
success in the top London theatres, he preferred touring the provinces
with his own show.
The gap has now been filled. Chris Brinson, author of the acclaimed
biography of Owen Clarke, has turned his attention to Morritt and the
result is a fascinating account of Morritt and his many magical
inventions.
The book of 130 pages and full of illustrations, is available at £17.50
from Arcady Press, 53 Surbiton Road, Southchurch, Essex SS2 4NR. For the time
being postage is free in the UK, but this will change in May. Postage to
Europe is £3 and elsewhere £3.50. Send a cheque made out
to J. Alexander or email
john@arcadypress.co.uk for PayPal details.
8.3.14
Magic Show opportunity in London's West End. Tom Bradley writes: A Leicester Square Nightclub are looking to start a weekly Monday Magic Show. The premises comfortably seats 145. They are looking for someone to take on the show as their own, being responsible for booking and paying the acts and promoting the night, all door receipts will belong to the promoter. The venue will supply the room, the bar and security. Experience in this field is essential. Please make contact at tom@stormlondon.co.uk. 8.3.14
Magic
1400s-1950s by Mike Caveney, Jim Steinmeyer, Ricky Jay and Noel
Daniel. 544 pages, hardbound, 40.6cm x 30.5cm x 7.6cm - smaller than the
first edition but still a real magic heavyweight this book deals with
the world's greatest magicians from the Middle Ages through the 1950s.
Magic has enchanted humankind for millennia, evoking terror, laughter,
shock, and amazement. Once persecuted as heretics and sorcerers,
magicians have always been conduits to a parallel universe of limitless
possibility - whether invoking spirits, reading minds, or inverting the
laws of nature by sleight of hand. Long before science fiction, virtual
realities, video games and the internet, the craft of magic was the most
powerful fantasy world man had ever known. As the pioneers of special
effects throughout history, magicians have never ceased to mystify us by
making the impossible possible. This book celebrates more than 500 years
of the dazzling visual culture of the world's greatest magicians.
Featuring more than 1,000 rarely seen vintage posters, photographs,
handbills, and engravings as well as paintings by Hieronymus Bosch and
Caravaggio among others, "Magic" traces the history of magic as a
performing art from the 1400s to the 1950s. Combining sensational images
with incisive text, the book explores the evolution of the magician's
craft, from medieval street performers to the brilliant stage magicians
who gave rise to cinematic special effects; from the 19th century's
Golden Age of Magic to groundbreaking daredevils like Houdini and the
early 20th century's vaudevillians. Available from Amazon.co.uk
for just £27.89 post free,
Click Here.
8.3.14
"Review:
Derren Brown, Infamous, the Ipswich Regent"
Click Here • "Doug Segal will blow your mind"
Click Here • "TV Troy – Does he stand out against the other magician
heavyweights?"
Click Here • "Aaron's show is just what doctor ordered"
Click Here • "Luca Gallone amazes Derby shoppers with his incredible street
magic"
Click Here • "Derby Magic Circle celebrates 40th anniversary - with video of
magic tricks!"
Click Here • "1st Night Photos: Jonathan Ross hears Nyman's Ghost Stories at
Arts"
Click Here • And finally, "The Future Has Arrived"
Click Here • Many thanks for
all your magic news this week - see you next week, Duncan.
8.314