Number 745 - 4th October 2014
Concept
Central and RIP productions proudly present James More Theatre of Illusion.
Monday 27th October Harrogate Royal Hall and Wednesday 29th October Newbury Corn
Exchange. "World-class master illusionist James More is bringing his magic and
charm to the UK for a limited two shows, in Harrogate on the 27th October and
Newbury on the 29th October. Unlike the magic you’ll often see on TV, James
prides himself on being the guy that can actually ‘do it live’. No camera tricks
or special edits here! With James More, what you see is what you get. Fantastic
illusions from a charismatic performer - taking the art of illusion to new
heights. James is travelling the world with his illusions but is now bringing
them home, to amaze and shock audiences in Harrogate and Newbury. Since
appearing on ITV’s Britain’s Got Talent, James has also appeared as the Special
Guest on Diversity’s Limitless Tour and is travelling the world in one of
the largest and one most successful touring magic shows ever, The Illusionists
2.0 (twitter.com/JamesMore)."
Also see www.jamesmoremagic.com and YouTube.
Harrogate Royal Hall - Monday 27th October, 7.30pm
www.harrogatetheatre.co.uk
Newbury Corn Exchange – Wednesday 29th October, 7.45pm
www.cornexchangenew.com.
4.10.14
Derren
Brown Miracle 2015. Derren Brown's brand new touring theatre show for 2015
is 'Miracle' and tickets are likely to sell quickly so book as soon as possible.
The performance will not be suitable for under 12’s (or magicians who just can't
hack how good Derren's live shows are!). The show will tour for a second leg in
2016 – see What's On for 2015
dates.
4.10.14
Guy
Hollingworth and Tony Montana added to FISM Italy 2015 lineup. From the
organisers: "Guy Hollingworth: A full time barrister, among the greatest
close-up magicians of our century. Awarded Magician of the Year by Hollywood
Academy of Magical Arts. Tony Montana: A renowned performer who combines
talent and humour. One of the best mentalists in South America." Visit the
official FISM 2015 website and find out more!
www.fismitaly2015.com.
4.10.14
Magic
is more than just a trick... Beyond Magic with DMC. Beyond Magic with DMC
will air on National Geographic International to over 170 countries worldwide in
November 2014. DMC spent 9 months filming in London, Mexico, Paris, Barcelona
and Singapore - and the first episode of seven will premiere in the UK at 8pm,
on 6th November on National Geographic. The show is a fusion of cultural
exploration with some beautiful classical magic, with each episode ending in a
large-scale stunt or illusion. Teaser:
Click Here.
4.10.14
More
Names Announced for The International Magic Convention (Mermaid Theatre,
London, November 14th-16th). Xavier Mortimer is undoubtedly one of France's
rising stars. A Finalist in "La France a un Incroyable Talent", a front cover
feature in August's Magic' Magazine and one of the stars of Cirque Du Soleil's
multi-million dollar Las Vegas show 'One' based on the music of Michael Jackson,
Xavier is an inspired artist who mixes magic, music, mime and dance in stunning
theatrical vignettes of magic. In the Convention Gala Show he will be presenting
excerpts from his one man show 'L'Ombre Ochestre', which has been a hit at many
of Europe's top art festivals including both Edinburgh and Avignon and has
received such praise as "The surprises are never ending, and the audience lets
itself be carried away, in large part thanks to the charm and candour of the
performer and the mastery of his craft" in France's leading paper Le Parisien.
Alongside Xavier and other named acts Mike Caveney, Tina Lenert, Master Payne and Double Fantasy are two surprise speciality acts. Convention organiser Noel Britten explains, "Traditionally it's the speciality acts that score very heavily during a magic show. Whilst magicians may have seen the magic acts before or have heard of what they do, one of the great joys of booking the acts for the Gala Show is looking for those unusual, quirky and downright amazing speciality acts to complement the magical performers. I know if we release the names, many people will look the acts up on YouTube, so wherever possible we try and keep the spesh acts a surprise so you get to see them for the first time live and let them register even more strongly. What I can promise you, though, are two acts this year who are both appearing in the UK for the first time. One is superbly skilful, with a style unique in his genre, and the other is a belly-laugh inducing "Clown Prince" following in the steps of other great clowns such as Tommy Cooper and George Carl. The show has sold out for the last few years hence us extending to the Friday performance this year. Already the Saturday night is getting close to capacity so if you want tickets for your family, friends or work colleagues I suggest booking as soon as possible. It really will be a show with something for everyone this year." Tickets available at www.internationalmagic.com. 4.10.14
Ghost
Stories by Jeremy Dyson and Andy Nyman is back in the West End at The Arts
Theatre; now booking to 18th January 2015. The emotion that live shock and
fright (followed by an inner glow and laughter at being ‘got’) is one that is
rarely experienced, but it's all here in the brilliant Ghost Stories, and
yes, there's magic too in this finely crafted theatrical ghost train of a ride
(DT). Ghost Stories was written and directed by The League of Gentlemen's master
of the macabre, Jeremy Dyson, and Andy Nyman, co-creator and director of Derren
Brown's ground breaking television and stage shows.
www.artstheatrewestend.co.uk.
4.10.14
The
Magic Circle Awards Ceremony, Saturday 18th October 2014. From the
organisers: What have Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee, Derren Brown, Simon Drake,
Luis DeMatos, Paul Kieve, John van der Put, Marc Almond, Johnny Ball, Steve
Allen, and Harvey Goldsmith to name just a few, all got in common? They have all
been to the recent The Magic Circle Awards Ceremonies. Make sure you’re there
this year! Champagne reception with stunning close-up magic followed by a star
studded stage show and the awards announcements and presentations. Doors open:
6.30pm, Show Starts: 7.30pm. The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD
(Map).
Ticket price: £30 (inc VAT). Tickets available online
Click Here or call the box office 0871 220 0260.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/public-events.
4.10.14
Ed
Hilsum wins British Ring Shield Competition 2014. Geoffrey Newton PRO
writes: The IBM British Ring Convention took place in Bournemouth last week
where Edward Hilsum (photo) won the British Ring Shield. In second place and
also taking the Dittia Shield for Manipulation was Dave Andrews and third,
Matthew Blackwell, who was also awarded the Tom Harris Cup for Comedy. Propdog
(Dave Bonsall) took the Craig Trophy for the most attractive dealer stand and
Bernard Jones walked away with the Ali Bongo Micro Marathon trophy. A fuller
report on the convention appears under
Reviews. Mike Danata reviews the Gala show,
Click Here.
4.10.14
Argentinean
Mentalist Tony Montana is now taking lecture date bookings in the UK between
9th and 29th March 2015. Tony studied in the National Acting School in Argentina
(1990), and started to practice magic in 1992. In the 2009 he competed in
Beijing FISM wining the third prize in the Mental Magic category. Since then he
has lectured in the USA (Magic Castle), Spain (National Convention of Madrid),
Canada and in Latin America (Flasoma Guatemala). Awards: 2007 - 3rd Prize in
Abano Terme Convention (Mental Magic), 2009 - 3rd Prize FISM Beijing (Mental
Magic), 2010 - Magic Award as The Most Important Mentalist of Argentina. In the
lecture he will explain effects from his FISM act and more. He will also talk
about the magician as a performer, applying acting to mentalism or other kinds
of magic, from the actor's point of view. If you are interested in booking this
lecture for your society contact Mark Traversoni on 01788 860433.
4.10.14
Mel
Harvey is seen here on the steps of The Pavilion Theatre, Bournemouth
following his musical contribution to Sooty's Magic Show. Mel appeared alongside
Jeton, Terry Herbert and of course Sooty and Richard Cadell. Mel is no stranger
to The Sooty Show having been the guest artiste on several tours with the
originator, Harry Corbett, and also having appeared on TV with his son Matthew.
Mel also took out a one man show "Sooty's Magic Rocket" for an eighteen month
theatre tour, prior to Richard taking the reins. This wasn't Mel's only
appearance on the Pavilion stage as he compered the After Banquet Show and even
appeared as a Funky Chicken for Simmons & Simmons in the Gala Show. A busy week
but great fun!
www.melharvey.com.
4.10.14
Warped
Magic are releasing two great new effects: "The first,
FireFly by Joel Dickinson is a super cool signed card to matchbox routine.
This is available now and if you order before midnight Wednesday and use the
code 'FireFly2' at the PayPal checkout you will receive free worldwide shipping!
The second effect is
iTD by Sam Fitton. Visually change an iPhone into a deck of cards! Modern
visual magic! This will be available mid October.
www.warpedmagic.co.uk.
4.10.14
Tricked,
the hidden camera 'gotcha' magic show is half-way through the new series
as magician Ben Hanlin goes undercover to astonish unsuspecting members
of the public with amazing magic. 9pm on Tuesday 7th October (1 hour) on
ITV2, see TV Magic.
4.10.14
Introducing
ToppMagic.com: "ToppMagic is an online magic shop. We stock magic tricks and
items from respected suppliers and all the items listed on our website are in
stock. If we run short of an item, it is temporarily removed from the site
listing. Our aim is to supply all magicians worldwide with quality props and
magic tricks at fair prices and to ship within 48 hours of a cleared payment.
If you want to take a look at our other Magic Tricks, select from the different
categories, Suppliers or for quick navigation the A/Z list. You can also use our
search function at the upper right. Enter a single word or part of a word
without any quotes and click on search (our search function is not the same as
Google; if you enter several words you will not get any results). We also offer
free shipping worldwide!" Visit
www.toppmagic.com today!
4.10.14
Newcastle
Magic Circle News: We are all deeply saddened as our esteemed and
multi-talented member Dennis Dillon passed away last month. His funeral was very
well-attended, showing how popular this larger than life character was. Our
thoughts are with his wife, Maria, and his family during this very difficult
time. "Popular North Tyneside magician Dennis Dillon dies after cancer battle"
Click Here.
On October 27th, we proudly present the Steve Gore lecture at Nevilles Hall
Newcastle, specialising in Close-Up, Cabaret and Children's Magic. All members
of other magic clubs and guests welcome, entrance fee £10 - Non-Members -
£15.00. We will also be continuing with the Magic Sale theme following last
month's auction success – Glenn and Tony Junior will both have some quality
items up for perusal and purchase throughout the evening. On November 22nd, we
present our 80th Annual Dinner at the Newcastle Civic Hall complete with Host &
Compere Tony Junior, performances by Illusionists Amethyst, and the Star Cabaret
of the night 'Kokov'. Additional attractions include B 4 (a 7 foot tall robot),
Dancing Show Girls, Groovy Heads (a popular video feature), 10 Close-Up
Magicians with Disco to end - and of course the 3 Course Meal. Tickets are
£35.00 per person. Please Contact Tony Junior,
nmcsecretary@outlook.com, for all
information.
4.10.14
Manchester
Circle of Magicians. Mike Hinde writes: Monday 6th October at Salford
Masonic Hall. Axel Hecklau is a brilliant German magician known to everybody for
his amazing torn and restored newspaper which is considered "the best" by so
many who use the effect. It is not the only thing he will explain in the talk
but, believe me, it will be worth your journey if that is the only thing you
see!
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
4.10.14
Grand
Centenary Banquet of the Modern Mystic League. Brian Lead writes:
Paul Daniels and the lovely Debbie McGee (along with the equally lovely
Brian Sefton) will be performing at the Grand Centenary Banquet of the
Modern Mystic League on 11th October. Although all tickets are now taken
for the Banquet, Debbie will be talking the following afternoon (Sunday,
October 12th at 2pm) at the Headquarters of the MML: The St. Silas
Parish Centre, Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 6PS (Map).
All are invited to come along and find out just what it takes to be a
top magician’s assistant. There will be a nominal admission charge of
just £5, which includes refreshments. What is there to dislike about
that? Not a lot! Further details from Concert Secretary Brian Lead:
01254 52070 or
brianlead@themagiccircle.co.uk.
4.10.14
Escape
Attempt, Ghost Hunt and Séance. Allan Taylor writes: The connection between
Houdini and Halloween is well known, however the connection between arguably the
greatest magician and performer of the twentieth century and Dick Turpin and York
Castle is less so. Following a formal challenge from Rebecca Taylor, the
daughter of Escapologist David De-Val, with the support of Pontefract
Paranormal, and in collaboration with the United Kingdom Escape Artists group,
Halloween night at York Castle will see World Record Holding Escapologist Weasel
Dandaw attempt to recreate the escape performed by De-Val from a prison cell in
the Castle which once allegedly held Dick Turpin, a challenge that Harry Houdini
is reported to have declined. The escape will be held on the same evening as a
Ghost Hunt and also a Séance at the Castle to try and contact the legendary
escapologist Houdini himself. This event is in support of the Sophies Appeal
Charity. Tickets are available online,
Click Here.
4.10.14
WOW
Smoke! Produce smoke from your mouth at anytime! Available now from
www.magic-voitko.com/mini-smoke.
4.10.14
Merlins
of Wakefield latest: "Merlins of Wakefield are pleased to announce that they
are sponsoring Magicseen
magazine for another 12 months. It is the only regular full colour magic
magazine in the UK and circulation continues to grow. If you have not tried it,
give it a go. Merlins also have their latest magic ‘Preview’ for Oct/Nov
available, which contains over 70 great magic effect. For a free printed copy,
contact them with your postal address on
merlins@btconnect.com. If you would prefer a PDF download, just
Click Here. Merlins will be performing a Dealer Demonstration at the
North Wales Magic Circle
this Tuesday, 7th October. If you are booking Demonstrations for your club or
society for 2015 please get in touch for details, call 01924 339933
www.magicseen.co.uk.
4.10.14
Conjuring
at the Court - Thursday 30th October.
"Witness the impossible as top magicians take to the stage. With Alan Hudson
(photo), Sean Heydon, Hugh Nightingale, Oliver Tabor and compere Alan Green, it
will be an entertaining night of magic to remember. The show is in the lovely
function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing W13 8PH. Doors
open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. It’s just 12 minutes from Central London
by train 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, change to the
train 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." Tickets still just
£10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
4.10.14
Catch
up with Katherine. Katherine Mills: Mind Games 5pm and 10pm
on Sunday 5th October on Watch. "Combining psychology, illusion,
mentalism and magic, Katherine crosses the line between the possible and
the truly amazing." See
TV
Magic.
4.10.14
Matt
Grindleys "Spooktacular" can be seen on 25th October at The Wave Theatre,
Maryport and on 31st October at Thornton Little Theatre, Blackpool. The night
promises a fast and funny show with stage illusions and special guest Thomas
Bounce from Britain's Got Talent. As well as Matt's Assistants the Karen Hunter
Dancers. Tickets are available for the Blackpool show at
www.wyre.gov.uk and for
Maryport at
www.thewavemaryport.co.uk.
4.10.14
The
free E-Club Pro taster eBook. "Available now from Mark Leveridge Magic, this
interesting E-Book contains examples of all 10 sections of the E-Club Pro
website pages. With your copy you'll get linked through to video instruction for
a classic coin move from The Tool Box and a nice close up routine from The
Vintage Vault. You'll be able to read an extract from The Strolling Magician
taken from The Book Corner, and see the replies to two of the 100+ questions
that are currently in The Advice Centre. This E-Book will also allow you to
watch video instruction for the Cigarette Through Chip taken from The
Instruction Locker, and see a live bite size extract from the Going Walkabout
lecture which is housed in The Lecture Room. You'll be able to save £14 if you
purchase the product shown on the E-Club Pro Shop page of the E-Book, and you'll
be able to watch and learn video instruction for a commercial walkabout trick
through The TricKlip Viewer as well as download a pdf detailing a bank note
effect using The Download Portal. And if that isn't enough, you'll even be able
to watch a complete Mark's Monthly Message video extracted from The Archive
section. All this comes to you completely free, so go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk
now and sign up for your copy of the E-Club Pro Taster E-Book and see what it's
all about."
4.10.14
Beautiful
Magicians’ Club – Fright Night. Saturday 1st November. The Beautiful Magicians’ Club cordially
invite you to board its ghost train on a voyage to its annual ‘Fright Night’,
taking place at Satan’s Circus within the realms of Wenlock & Essex, London.
Expect a smorgasbord of tricks, treats and teases from the UK’s wildest
magicians, fire artists, outrageous variety acts and hottest bands. Having
outgrown its previously residency in Dalston, BMC is delighted to welcome you to
its new home in Angel, central London. Joining comedy country conjurors Kane &
Abel (photo), Northern trickster Magic Sam and ‘the world’s most dangerous
women’ Missy Phillips at the ‘Fright Night’ will be a band so cool it’s scary –
The Coolness. Don’t miss this show in which the acts will amputate limbs, read
minds, recreate their births and put a magical twist on Halloween party games. A
select number of tickets are available for the next week at just £5, so book
them now before they disappear:
Click Here.
4.10.14
BMS
Fund raiser, Higham, Kent. Roy Marsh writes: Following a sell-out success
last year, Bexley Magic Society were invited back to Higham Village Club on
Saturday 27th September to perform a full evening of magic and to raise funds
for their society and Kent Air Ambulance. The evening started with members David
Klass, Gary Lawrence, Ken Francis, Steve White, Adrian Sels, Roberto Forzoni and
Jason Deverell performing close-up magic for the full house, sitting at tables
around the room. This was immediately followed by stage performances from Ian
Thom, Roy Marsh, David Klass and Roberto Forzoni, all ably compered by BMS Club
chairman, Kevin Doig. Society member Steve Bacon, provided the technical
support, looking after the sound system. The whole event was again organised by
BMS member and resident of Higham, John Horn (photo), creator of "Smudged". The
Mayor of Gravesham, John Caller, was in attendance with his lovely wife Sue and
they both found themselves on stage as part of the proceedings. Performers and
audience agreed it was an excellent evening of fun and magic. Here's to next
year?
4.10.14
Robert
Temple: The Hypnotist - Live. Comedy Hypnotist, Robert Temple will be taking
to the stage at the York Barbican Theatre on Thursday 9th October 2014 with his
all-new show: Robert Temple: The Hypnotist - Live. “The new show is
packed with original comedy sketches, and really innovative multimedia which
makes it a fully immersive, modern hypnosis experience.” says Robert. The show,
which is co-written and produced by mentalist Kennedy, is totally family
friendly. Tickets are available from
www.thehypnotistlive.com priced at £15 (£12 Conc/NUS).
4.10.14
Choccywoccydoodah:
Starstruck. A show all about
the ultimate chocolate shop. Derren Brown requests a taxidermy-inspired
birthday cake with a trick inside and gets a demonic creation. 8pm on
Thursday 9th October (1 hour) on Watch, see
TV Magic.
4.10.14
Portsmouth
Jumbo Day Fast Track... "It’s the last chance to save on Fast Track
bookings for Portsmouth Jumbo Day on Sunday November 2nd. To give everyone a
last weekend to do their pre-booking we have extended the deadline to Sunday 5th
October. This year's event includes lectures and performances from Andi Gladwin,
Jon Armstrong, Ben Hart (photo), Martin Cox, David Gemmell, James Piper and Dave
Loosley. With the largest second-hand magic sale in the country, Merv Cole’s
magic auction, Bob Hamilton’s magic videos and the Southern Magician of the Year
competition it is an absolute bargain at only £18 Fast Track (£22 on the door).
Fast Track also gives you access to the best bargains, allowing entrance 10
minutes earlier than on-the-day tickets! Book your tickets at
www.jumboday.co.uk."
Phil Smith.
4.10.14
The
Pentacle Club offers all magicians an early chance to see 'The Life
and Career of Alan Shaxon' presented by Steve Short and Scott Penrose on
Tuesday 14th October starting at 8pm at St Laurence's School, Arbury
Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map).
The evening is in two parts, Steve Short will cover Alan's life and
career in a biography illustrated with pictures and clips and Scott
Penrose will show several of Alan's classic magical effects. There will
also be an opportunity to buy their book 'Alan Shaxon - The
Sophisticated Sorcerer', released at the Bournemouth convention and
already well on the way to becoming a magical best seller. Pentacle Club
members admitted free, non-members £10.
www.pentacleclub.com.
4.10.14
Rod
Bourne presents his ESP (Easily Simply Performed) lecture for the Merlin Magical
Society on Thursday October 9th. The lecture features a selection of easy to
perform mentalism miracles. Doors open at 7.30pm, and the lecture is from 8pm to
10pm. £8 entry for non members:
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk/lecture.html. John Clayton.
4.10.14
Henry
Evans starts his 'Magic As A Composition' UK lecture tour later this
month. "Henry is a world famous lecturer who has travelled the globe
since being placed first in Close-up Card Magic at FISM in 2000. He has
amazed both laymen and magicians with his devious mind, producing
miracles with cards, silks and coins, all with his own particular twist.
If you have already attended one of his previous lectures you'll know
why he has achieved such success. If you have never seen him lecturing
before, you are invited to peek into his original world of magic. From
clever uses of gaffes, to effects with nothing other than a borrowed
deck of cards, Henry’s approach to magic is something not to miss." See
What's On for tour
dates.
4.10.14
"Watch:
Dynamo Magician dazzles MEN staff with illusions as he reveals six more
Manchester gigs to go on sale"
Click Here • "Dynamo will return to television but only after he's
reinvented himself: 'I'm the Madonna of magic'"
Click Here • "Ben Earl: magician"
Click Here • "Retired Magician Goes Beyond Smoke And Mirrors In New
Documentary"
Click Here and
Click Here • "Mobile street magician aims to move to permanent shop"
Click Here • "Magician hopes to conjure up success in the world's
largest magic convention"
Click Here • "'Susanna Reid with Kim Kardashian's bottom!': ITV's
Ben Hanlin discusses his ideal woman"
Click Here • "Pete Firman: ‘In broad terms, I’m defying scientific
law’"
Click Here • And finally, it's not magic, but it is the Magic
Circle..."Is this the end of the ‘Magic Circle’ brand?"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome. Many thanks for
all your contributions and see you next week, Duncan.
4.10.14