Number 722 - 26th April 2014
Canada's
Got Talent... Canadian Darcy Oake's dove act
went viral last week, clocking up over 12 million
YouTube views in its first 6 days, following great success on
Saturday's Britain's Got Talent. "Britain's Got Talent 2014 auditions: Top
5 acts from second show"
Click Here, "'Britain’s Got Talent's' Darcy Oake Stuns Audience with
Magic"
Click Here, "'Darcy Oake on ‘Britain’s Got Talent’ controversy:
‘It’s never been pitched as a show for amateurs’"
Click Here, "From magician Darcy Oake to singing sensation James
Smith: The only five acts you need to see from the latest Britain’s Got
Talent"
Click Here, "Canadian magician hitting it big thanks to Britain’s
Got Talent"
Click Here.
26.4.14
Magic
History Day at The Magic Circle. On Saturday 10th May another Magic
History Day at The Magic Circle will take place. This is open to both
members and non members of The Magic Circle. One of the highlights will
undoubtedly be Bill Kalush from the USA speaking about fascinating
information contained in the recently discovered Houdini diaries. Pietro
Michele from Italy will present his research into Jonas the card
conjuror who flourished during the 18th century. This will be followed
by Richard Evans speaking on Isaac Fawkes and Thomas Yeates who both
performed in the same period. Michael Symes will explain the magic of
Zuleika Dobson the magicienne in Sir Max Beerbohm's novel. Eddie Dawes
will pay tribute to Brian McCullagh, Australia's leading magic historian
who died earlier this year and the Day will conclude with a performance
by Scott Penrose and John Davenport of some wonderful magic from the
past. Coffee will be served from 10am. Admission is £40 which includes
coffee, tea and lunch. To register email
cma@themagiccircle.co.uk
or send payment to The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD.
Visa/MasterCard accepted, cheques payable to 'The Magic Circle'.
26.4.14
The
Fifth Edinburgh International Magic Festival - Eight days of outstanding
performances from the world’s best magicians. The Fifth Edinburgh
International Magic Festival will once again bring the most innovative
and talented performers from all over the world to Edinburgh from 27th
June - 4th July 2014. This year magic collides with theatre, science,
comedy, history, sideshow, technology and psychology as performers from
the widest fields of interest come together in Edinburgh to give
festival goers the most magical experience possible.
In the Year of Homecoming Scotland, local magicians feature prominently
in the main programme. Glasgow magician Michael Neto, who represented
Scotland at FISM in 2012, brings his new theatre and magic production,
in collaboration with Sonic Boom Theatre Company, to MagicFest.
Harthill’s Colin Cloud is a master of deduction; he explores the snap
judgements we all make about other people and life’s scenarios in his
new show Forensic Mind Reader. Actor and magician Scott Smith from
Edinburgh makes his MagicFest debut in the main programme. After a sell
show at the Fringe last year, Scott performs at new venue MagicFest
venue Adam House Theatre. London Magic Circle Competition finalist Billy
Reid from Glasgow is one of the UK's most devilishly brilliant close-up
magicians and an expert sleight of hand artist.
Kevin McMahon, Edinburgh International Magic Festival Director, said:
“Five years ago we waded into the busy Edinburgh festival market aiming
to get live magic in front of public and to find acts that didn’t just
amaze but also excited and inspired. Now over 5000 people come to
MagicFest each summer. In the last few years there’s been a groundswell
in the Scottish magic community of performers willing and able to create
innovative shows and I’m delighted to programme so many quality Scottish
acts this year.”
Each year a wide array of international artists also feature in the
programme. This year the award winning line-up includes Lukas from South
Korea who brings a sense of poetic artistry and visual manipulation
techniques to Scotland for the first time, USA’s Rob Zabrecky a Magic
Castle illusionist and character actor who has been twice voted ‘Stage
Magician of the Year’ by the Academy of Magical Arts and Xavier Tapias
from Spain, whose amazing animatronics act evokes the story of Pinocchio
as he magically builds a boy from household rubbish.
Magician and psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman makes his MagicFest
debut. An international bestselling author, Richard’s
YouTube channel has over 1 million subscribers and 200 million
views. Join him as he takes you backstage to discover the secret science
of sorcery. MagicFest are delighted to welcome German artist Johan
Lorbeer to Edinburgh for the first time. He is famous for his public
"Still-Life" performances, which feature Lorbeer in an apparently
impossible position, standing in mid-air 'leaning' against a wall with
one hand.
The Secret Room at Lauriston Castle is back with three of Scotland’s
finest magicians who animate the castle's intriguing past with stories,
performances and illusions. Magic Dinner at The Royal Scots Club also
returns with an evening of fine dining and immersive magical
entertainment. Magic School wizardry workshops offer 7-10 year olds the
choice of either a 2.5 hour workshop or 5-day course with a fun show for
parents. Street Magic Masterclass gives 11-15 year olds the chance to
learn some mind-blowing techniques and the secrets behind
sleight-of-hand. Brand new show Tower of Illusion at Camera Obscura
takes you on a magical journey where you must work together to defy
illusion, solve riddles, challenge mystery and confront the unknown in a
unique treasure hunt.
Since its conception in 2010, MagicFest now produces one of the UK’s largest
magic events, has consulted for the National Theatre of Scotland, broken
a Guinness World Record and put together a series of shows and workshops
as part of the celebration of Shakespeare’s birthday at the Globe
Theatre in London. The Edinburgh International Magic Festival is leading
the charge in the newly developing market of Magic Festivals appearing
around the world, and aims to be the world leader in programming and
producing innovative, cutting edge magic.
MagicFest works with various organisations that have supported the
festival development and collaborated on some exciting projects and
events. Among them are Point Hotel Edinburgh (now Double Tree by
Hilton), IDEAS,
MagicDirect.com, Lothian Buses, Krispy Kreme, Jenners and Tree of
Knowledge.
Find out more. Visit www.magicfest.co.uk. 26.4.14
Multi-award
winning magician Richard Griffin continues to tour with Britain's
Got Talent Finalist, ventriloquist Steve Hewlett, on his 'Thinking
Inside The Box' tour. See
www.thestevehewlettshow.com and
www.theunspeakablemagician.co.uk.
27th April Marina Theatre, Lowestoft
www.marinatheatre.co.uk
6th May Wycombe Swan, High Wycombe
www.wycombeswan.co.uk
8th May The Playhouse, Harlow
www.playhouseharlow.com
14th May Palace Theatre, Redditch
www.redditchpalacetheatre.co.uk
15th May Mansfield Palace Theatre
www.mansfield.gov.uk/palacetheatre
18th May Playhouse Theatre, Weston-Super-Mare
www.theplayhouse.co.uk
22nd May Dorking Halls, Dorking
www.dorkinghalls.co.uk
31st May Embassy Theatre, Skegness
www.embassytheatre.co.uk
1st June Cromer Pier
www.cromer-pier.com
5th June Assembly Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells
www.assemblyhalltheatre.co.uk
6th June White Rock Theatre, Hastings
www.whiterocktheatre.org.uk
14th June Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay
www.babbacombe-theatre.com
19th June The Pomegranate Theatre, Chesterfield
www.chesterfieldtheatres.co.uk
21st June The Haymarket, Basingstoke
www.anvilarts.org.uk
22nd June Assembly Rooms, Derby
www.derbylive.co.uk
25th June Gordon Craig Theatre, Stevenage
www.gordon-craig.co.uk
26th June Civic Theatre, Darlington
www.darlingtoncivic.co.uk
27th June Pavilion Theatre, Rhyl
www.rhylpavilion.co.uk
28th June Lighthouse Theatre, Kettering
www.lighthousetheatre.co.uk
4th July Leeds City Varieties
www.cityvarieties.co.uk
6th July Shanklin Theatre, IOW
www.shanklintheatre.com
8th July Grand Theatre, Swansea
www.swanseagrand.co.uk
11th July Lyceum Theatre, Crewe
www.crewelyceum.co.uk
16th July Truro, Hall For Cornwall
www.hallforcornwall.co.uk
19th July West Cliff Theatre, Clacton-on-Sea
www.westcliffclacton.co.uk
20th July Fairfield Halls, Croydon
www.fairfield.co.uk
28th July Buxton Opera House
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk
3rd August Britannia Pier, Great Yarmouth
www.britannia-pier.co.uk.
26.4.14
Magic
Night at Madame
JoJo's - London, Friday, May 16th: "This show has all the tricks, with
Michael Vadini's breathtaking water producing, coin appearing tricks
(photo), whilst Pete Heats shuffles bread with hilarious results and the
brilliant Rob James trifles with birds and human puppets. Ms Tricity
Vogue would like to sing to you about love and other bad habits with her
booze soaked Ukelele. James Pritchard will also be with us and will be
concocting and drinking the most dangerous drinks' shot, this side of a
bar. All expertly emceed by ultra tall trickster Pete Heat." Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Doors open 7pm.
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.
26.4.14
Chris
Cox: Fatal Distraction, Udderbelly Festival, London.
Chris Cox
is the geeky multi award winning mind-reader who can’t read minds, he’s
also 'stunning' according to The Times, and The Guardian says he’s 'one
of the most exciting entertainers in Britain', although Chris is far too
modest to make that the first thing people read about him. Due to
popular demand he returns to the cow with Fatal Distraction, an
award-winning, hilarious, mind-blowing and multi-5-star magical
theatrical experience. Marvel as Chris does things no human should be
able to do, reads minds, controls coincidence and wonders whether love
is the only real bit of magic in this world. ‘Genuinely baffling... very
impressive’ ***** The Sunday Express. 12 yrs+. 3rd May at 7.45pm £15.50
(or use the code ILOVECOX when booking for £10 tickets).
Udderbelly Festival at Southbank Centre and London Wonderground. Jubilee
Gardens, off Belvedere Road, London SE1 8XX (Map)
www.underbelly.co.uk
www.magiccox.com.
26.4.14
Julian
James: Extreme Mind Magician returns to Jermyn Street, on Friday 2nd
May, to present his interactive Mind Magic theatre show: An Evening of
Mysteries! "Combining dynamic audience participation with wondrous
moments of astonishment that will mesmerise and delight you, this show
will take you on a fascinating journey into the domain of the deeply
mysterious... a journey you’re bound to remember for a very long time!
Look forward to an exciting array of incredible psychic coincidences,
astounding feats of direct mind control and audacious mental marvels, to
leave your mouth hanging wide open in disbelief! Julian’s special guest
will be award-wining sleight of hand expert Michael Vincent, who will
charm and amaze with his special world-class brand of 'classical
conjuring'. A true master of the craft, his stylish and sophisticated
performances take sleight of hand magic to a new level. You will
experience all of this within the beautiful and intimate setting of the
Jermyn Street Theatre, in the very heart of London's Piccadilly Circus.
Doors open at 10.30pm. Show finishes just before midnight. Tickets are
£12, available from
www.wegottickets.com."
26.4.14
Mark
Shortland Fylde Mystics lecture. The Fylde Mystics will be hosting a
lecture with Comedy Magic Champion Mark Shortland on Tuesday 6th May at
8pm at the South Shore Lawn Tennis Club, Midgeland Road, Blackpool.
Visiting magicians are welcome with a £5 door charge for non-members.
Further details at
www.fyldemystics.co.uk. Alan Mylecraine.
26.4.14
The
Magic Cavern: 1,000th Performance. This May Richard Leigh celebrates
a few milestones with a number of his long-running London shows. The
Magic Cavern, London's weekly magic show created and presented by
Richard, has its 1,000th performance on Sunday 4th May 2014. Richard has
presented this show every Sunday since 2012 with additional shows during
holiday periods. This show has never moved from the intimate and
atmospheric Barons Court Theatre, a hidden gem in London's theatre land.
Also this May Richard will celebrate 10 years of producing and
scheduling magic at The Jermyn Street Theatre in London's West End.
Late Night Magic features Richard's cabaret act interspersed with
guest acts. During the last 14 years Richard has built up a strong
London based business and schedules 150-200 theatre magic shows per
year. A dedicated, quiet man, he hand crafts every single prop, illusion
and scenic element in every production, which currently stands at 12
different themed hour-long theatrical magic shows.
This year Richard is delighted that the highlight of the Spring/Summer
season of magic at the Barons Court Theatre will feature an amazing
project called 'The Dobson Experience'. Wayne Dobson has been tutoring
and directing Mike J Sullivan for the last three years to present a
repertoire of past and present routines by Wayne and is currently
recreating these in a live theatre format. See
What's On for booking
details.
The Spring/Summer season includes the one man shows by Oliver Meech and
Dee Riley, the full evening show by Julian James and Michael Vincent, a
new show called 'After Dark at The Magic Theatre' and from Richard's
stable of shows, 'Late Night Magic' has a celebration on Friday 13th
June with a superstitious theme. The Side Show of Wonders remains a firm
fun family magic favourite and The Magic Cavern is currently booking
Every Sunday to August 31st, heading into its 12th year at the Barons
Court Theatre. A warm welcome awaits all who go and support any of his
magic productions. Full details on all shows created, produced or
instigated by Richard Leigh can be found at
www.falseimpressions.co.uk.
26.4.14
Luke
Jermay Sheffield Circle of Magicians lecture. Secretary Andy Cooper
writes: Sheffield Circle of Magicians is very proud to host Luke Jermay
for a very special lecture on Thursday the 1st of May. Luke has
performed his unique mind reading shows in more than 20 countries,
written over 30 books and consulted for many performers around the world.
For one night only he will be lecturing for us at Magick Enterprises in
Sheffield, doors open at 7pm and we start at 7.30pm. Admission is free
for Sheffield Circle members and £10 for visiting magicians. For more
details about the lecture visit our website
www.sheffieldcircleofmagicians.org.
26.4.14
David
Williamson, up to his old (and new) shenanigans... David Williamson
has been announced as the 'not so little' surprise for registrants of
the now sold out Shenanigans Irish Magic Convention taking place next
weekend in Dublin. Organisers are thrilled that David is making a return
visit. He joins Bruno Copin, Quentin Reynolds, Andi Gladwin, Morgan &
West, Ramón Riobóo, John Archer, Paul Wilson, Joe Barry, John Carey, a
host of local talent and of course Juan Tamariz.
www.irishmagicconvention.com.
26.4.14
Mark
Shortland lectures for the Home Counties Magical Society on 1st May
at Woodley Baptist Church Centre, Hurricane Way, Woodley, Reading RG5
4UX (Map).
Visiting magicians welcome for a £10 door charge. For more details visit
www.hcms.org.uk.
26.4.14
Calling
all Magicians. MagicMonday Organiser Andy Reay writes: Calling all
Magicians. With the final lineup announced for the first MagicMonday on
28th April 2014, we would now like to make an open offer to all
magicians interested in gaining some performance experience. Maybe you
would like to perform stand up comedy magic but have never had the
opportunity. Well now you have! As a regular platform for the best in
magic 'MagicMonday' are now offering you the chance to try out your
material in front of a real live audience. If you've got five minutes of
magic, why not video it and upload it on YouTube and let us see it? If
we like it we will arrange for you to come and take part in one of our
weekly shows. If you are really good and the audience likes you, we
might even offer you your own 20 minute set. It's a great way to find
out if this style of performance is for you. If you don't try, you'll
never know. Please note, this is not an open mic night. All artists are
invited to perform. Kindly email any video links to
andy@magicmonday.co.uk.
Tickets for MagicMonday London's Premier Weekly Magic Show are available
from
www.magicmondaylondon.eventbrite.com.
26.4.14
Dan
Hauss Lecture. Mike Hinde writes: Monday 28th April, Manchester
Circle of Magicians welcome Dan Hauss, the creator of Flow, Rattled,
Sleeping Queens, Lit and the newly released Rubber Band Thru Hand.
Non-members must contact President David Hutchinson in advance -
david@beyondbelief.org.uk
or 07808 549 031.
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk. [See
What's On for other
Dan Hauss lecture tour dates].
26.4.14
Dennis
Patten will be giving a talk on his career in magic and
ventriloquism at the Mystic Ring on Thursday, May 1st. All visiting
magicians welcome. Admission £5. The talk starts at 8pm and will be held
at the usual club venue The Dunstable Conservative Club, 49 High Street
North, Dunstable LU6 1JE (Map).
For further details contact the club secretary
themysticring@hotmail.com
or visit
www.mysticring.co.uk.
26.4.14
Bristol
Balloon Fun Day, Monday 12th May. Graham Lee writes: Bristol Balloon
Fun Day, Monday 12th May. The day after the Bristol day of Magic. There
will be 3 lectures during the day and a fun competition to join in with
if you wish. Gabrielle Hodge will be running two workshops during the
day; see her Facebook page to look at some of her balloon work
www.facebook.com/gabrielle.hodge.1/photos. Graham Lee will run a
basic class for anyone needing some extra tuition. The day costs £25 to
attend but includes a £25 balloon voucher to spend on the day so making
it a free event. Booking details:
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk.
26.4.14
Swarovski®
Elements, creating a kaleidoscope of colour... "Wayne Slater aka El
Loco has been officially recognised by Swarovski Crystal to incorporate
Swarovski® Elements in stage sets, stage wear and stage props worldwide.
Wayne has already created a unique stage set for a Royal Caribbean
liner, a violin incrusted with over 5,000 Swarovski® Elements and many
individual pieces of framed art and pop art. To fully appreciate how
Swarovski® Elements create a kaleidoscope of colours and can give you or
your stage set the 'wow factor' please take a moment to watch the short
DVD at
www.wayneslaterdesigns.com.".
26.4.14
The
Balloon Artistes Guild. "This is your last chance to join the Guild
at the early bird special reduced rate. Membership allows you to attend
all ten balloon days around the country with lecture/workshops at every
event. There are also three international star lecture days that are
filmed and club members receive a DVD from the days. There is an easy
monthly payment scheme and also just a DVD membership if you are an
international member or unable to attend the mid-week workshops. See
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk/pages/uk_twister_club.html and contact
Graham Lee for more details
26.4.14
The
Fylde Mystics recently held their annual Close-Up Competition with 8
strong competitors. This year saw Brian Taylor (pictured with Northern
Magic Circle President Dr Roger Woods) named Close-Up Champion with Ken
Ashburn winning the award for Best Card Trick. A full review of the
competition can be found at
www.fyldemystics.co.uk. Alan Mylecraine.
26.4.14
"Review:
Derren Brown Infamous, The Hippodrome, by Mike Norton, 5/5"
Click Here [see What's
On for tour dates, it's a brilliant show] • "The fateful day Tommy
Cooper's widow opened her door and her heart to me"
Click Here • "Tommy Cooper - Not Like That, Like This" is reviewed
by Geoffrey Newton this week,
Click Here • "Magician rides 4km blindfolded on busy road"
Click Here • "Magician Rudy Coby's Magic vs. Science week at Magic
Castle in LA"
Click Here • "Local magician tries to break bubble world record"
Click Here • "Claire Sweeney and Mandy Muden talk Sex and the
Suburbs"
Click Here • "Derren Brown dines at old student haunt Renato's
following show at Bristol Hippodrome"
Click Here • "Spoon-bending psychic Geller to help Israelis defy
disasters"
Click Here • "Basingstoke magician Alex Lodge fails to impress Simon
Cowell and Britain's Got Talent judging panel"
Click Here • "Stardom just an illusion for magician Jay on Britain's
Got Talent"
Click Here • "Magician’s floating trick may be halted by council"
Click Here • "Now you see me, now you don’t. 55 year old comic
veteran and Vegas mainstay to hold his last show ever in Toledo"
Click Here • "'The Immigrant' Has Oscars Written All Over It
[Trailer + Pictures]"
Click Here • "Six famous faces celebrate Tommy Cooper"
Click Here • "What Magicians Can Teach Us About How Our Brains Work"
Click Here • "Magic in church? Top magician Steve Price aims to
spellbind Derby congregation"
Click Here • "Watch: Magician Ricky Jay performs an amazing card
trick that'll blow your mind"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next
week, Duncan.
26.4.14