Number 761 - 24th January 2015
Beat
the Wand - late night at the Blackpool Convention 2015! From the organisers:
You know the score by now. But if you don't...
Beat the Wand is an interactive magical variety talent show. You have 3-5
minutes to blow the audience away with your act.
Non-magic 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 audiences 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 place their wand in the air. If five wands are in the air the act will stop but 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. The top 3 acts will receive a trophy with the winner being awarded a free gold registration for Blackpool 2016. If you are interested, or know someone who would love to be involved or need any further info then please email beatthewand@hotmail.co.uk. www.blackpoolmagic.com. 24.1.15
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival Convention returns with a weekend of lectures,
workshops and performances in March. Event organisers, South Tyneside Council
and magician John Archer, have just released a full itinerary for the popular
event (www.southtynesidemagic.com), which annually attracts professional performers from around the globe.
This year’s convention, which is expected to be a sell-out, begins with a
children’s show and lecture by family magician Russ Brown and lectures by multi award-winning mentalist Satori and
card expert John Carey.
At the end of the day attendees will be given free entry to a public Gala Show,
featuring performances by six acts, including illusionists Diamond and Jade and
mind-reader Luke Jermay, as well as access to an exclusive Midnight Show.
Day two will begin with lectures by eccentric and theatrical performer Kieron
Lefever and dynamic mind-reader, Atlas, followed later by comedy magician The
Great Nardini and mentalist Luke Jermay.
Saturday’s afternoon session will offer visitors the chance to enjoy a special
close-up workshop with Luke, along with card masterminds John Carey and Gordon
Bruce, followed by a second public Gala Show featuring comedy magician
Michael Finney (photo), children’s entertainer Dave Andrews, illusionists High Jinx and
many more.
The Festival will close on Sunday March 15th, with lectures by card manipulator Gordon Bruce and multi-award winning Michael Finney, and master-classes available with Atlas and Looch and Satori at 3pm, although these must be pre-booked at an additional cost. A variety of magic dealers will also be exhibiting throughout the convention. Tickets for the convention, which runs from Friday March 13th to Sunday March 15th, are available now priced at £65 per person. For more information, or to book, call 0191 4247986 or email events@southtyneside.gov.uk. Further details can also be found at www.southtynesidemagic.com. 24.1.15
Crafted
With Carey - a major new book release from Magicseen Publications: Magicseen is
delighted to announce the impending publication of a brand new hard backed book
from well known and respected UK magician John Carey. The 200 page photo
illustrated book features a fine collection of about 70 routines from John as
well as contributions from magical friends such as John Bannon and Peter Duffie.
John Carey has a marvellous facility for creating practical methods to achieve a
wide variety of plots, and this book mixes together the best from his previous
DVDs and publications, together with some new material. The magic is mostly with
cards (although there is a little coin magic too), and all of the material is
suitable for magicians of intermediate ability and above. Crafted With Carey
will be officially published on 20th February 2015 at the Blackpool Convention,
but you can pre-order it now. Place your order by 14th February and you will
also receive a link to download a free ebook version of Best of British,
another of Magicseen Publications' fine book titles. If you are going to the
Blackpool Convention you can also pre-order and collect the book at the
convention, saving on postage. Crafted With Carey can be pre-ordered
right now from
www.magic.forgecom.info/craftedwcpreorderform.htm.
24.1.15
Mind
reader Kennedy and Illusionist Andrew Green are the first artistes and
lecturers to be announced for this year's Northern Magic Circle Convention in
April. From the organisers: Kennedy (aka Ken Dyne) has been one of the UK's most
prolific creators and performers of mentalism for over 12 years. He performs at
corporate events the world over and on luxury 6* cruise ships across the globe,
entertaining people with his ability to figure out and manipulate their
thoughts. In his lecture, Ken will share his real-world working routines from
his highly acclaimed book, 'Bairn' plus some never-before revealed material
exclusively for our convention attendees. Andrew Green is recognised as one of
Britain's best illusionists. Upon leaving college he went straight into working
in professional theatre and during the following years toured with several
production companies developing his unique brand of magic. Andrew is a much
sought after commodity when it comes to booking top class entertainment for
prestigious events. The Northern Magic Circle Convention takes place on
11th-12th April 2015 at Harrogate Theatre, Oxford Street, Harrogate, North
Yorkshire HG1 1QF (Map).
Tickets available from
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk or email
sujayne@live.co.uk.
24.1.15
The
Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2015 takes place on Monday, 26th
January. The current holder, James Freedman, will be defending his title against
strong competition from Andi Gladwin, Will Houstoun, Matthew LeMottee, Noel
Qualter, Brendan Rodrigues and Henri White. The winner will be become The Magic
Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2015 and will receive the Devano Trophy.
The competition begins at 7.30pm at The Magic Circle Headquarters and is open to
Members only. For membership details visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
24.1.15
The
Magicians' Podcast features Ben Hanlin this week. Listen to this Podcast and
catch up with previous ones at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast and iTunes,
Click Here.
24.1.15
Rare
Opportunity! ITV write: We’re making the next series of Tricked for ITV 2
and we’re looking for a magician/runner for the production, to support our magic
producers Nigel Mead and Martyn Rowland. The job entails helping devise and
prepare tricks and gimmicks for Ben Hanlin, and gaining experience on the hidden
camera shoots. It would suit a young magician looking to gain experience in TV.
Starts in early/mid Feb, for 15 weeks. Pay is slightly above a TV runners wage.
Contact Andy Scott Andy.Scott@ITV.com.
24.1.15
An
Evening of Close-up Magic with Tom Crosbie, Coventry Magic Circle. James
Cannon writes: The Coventry Magic Circle are delighted to welcome Tom Crosbie, a
brilliant young magician, to our society. It's easy to see when you watch Tom's
entertaining style why he has been voted York's Magician of the Year four times
in a row. Even just a few inches away from you he will leave you asking "do
that again." He takes magic into the 21st-century. The focus of this
lecture will be on everyday
objects. Tom creates magic at the fingertips
with almost anything. This promises to be a great evening of magic. Visiting
magicians welcome, £10 door charge. 8pm-10pm on
Tuesday 27th January.
Venue: Bentley Road Social Club, Bentley Road. Nuneaton CV11 5LR (Map).
24.1.15
Geraint
Clarke 'Polymath' lecture now booking. Steve Gore writes: Creative
magician Geraint Clarke from Wales is touring with his brand new lecture
"Polymath" in November 2015. His unique style of impromptu
miracles using everything from borrowed phones, playing cards and even chewing
gum has taken the magic world by storm lately, with some of his miracles being
used by TV magicians all over the globe.
Polymath is a lecture packed with Geraint's original take on impromptu magic for
magicians or hobbyists of any skill level, and contains some exclusive new
effects that are yet unpublished. "That's Awesome" Chris Kenner;
"...a creative rising star in magic" Daniel Madison; "...Great Stuff!" David Copperfield.
"Magicians, take note! Geraint Clarke is very good!" Ben
Hanlin.
Please email to book your preferred date:
tours@stevegore.co.uk.
24.1.15
Dundalk Day of Magic. J Hobart writes: The
Dundalk Day of Magic (3rd May 2015) website:
www.dundalkdayofmagic.webs.com contains full details of how to register
at €50 and €35 for non-magician partners - including a three course meal, all lectures, dealers and the
Gala Show. In addition four names have been added to the bill - Pat Fallon, Rodd
Hogg, Murray The Magician and Liam O'Neill.
24.1.15
Damian
Jennings (www.sussexmagician.com)
is performing a new one man show on Valentine’s Day, in Arundel, West Sussex. It
will feature Damian performing card and parlour magic, a new alter ego doing a
cups and balls routine in really bad French, and headlining again, after
performing and lecturing at last year’s International Magic Convention, will be
Tony Sagittarius (www.facebook.com/TonySagittarius),
the sexiest mind reader in the world. Last year the show sold out, so book
tickets in advance at
www.dripaction.co.uk.
24.1.15
Alan
Shaxon The Sophisticated Sorcerer - The Lecture, at Merlins of Wakefield.
Steve Short presents his 'Alan Shaxon The Sophisticated Sorcerer' lecture for
Merlins of Wakefield on Wednesday, 11th February. Cost £7.50 to include
refreshments.
Steve starts the evening in an entertaining way with details from Alan's life,
influences, and performances, and illustrates his talk with a number of
photographs and film clips, telling how Alan became interested in magic; his
friendships with other performers, particularly Robert Harbin. Following a short
break, Steve will present and explain a number of Alan's effects, including the
classic 'Confabulation', Alan's take on Robert Harbin's 'Captain's card trick',
and many more. This promises to be a great evening of entertainment and magic, so
please book early as spaces are strictly limited.
Click Here to book.
24.1.15
Become a modern day magician with Marvin's
i-Magic for iPhone and Android. "Marvin's Magic has won the hearts of
trainee magicians for numerous years, offering sets to create illusions of
varying complexity. From the basic cup and ball tricks to intricate card magic,
the company has provided the tools needed..."
Click Here.
24.1.15
Pre-Convention
Magic Auction, Blackpool. From the organisers: "Blackpool Magicians' Club are holding a Jumbo Magic Auction on Thursday
19th February (the day before the Convention) at 1pm in the Pavilion Theater,
Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Star Auctioneers Derek Lever and Mike Shepherd will
preside over a vast array of bargains including books, DVDs, Stage Magic, Kids
Magic, Close-up etc. Hundreds of items available. If you have registered for the
Convention entry is free of charge otherwise £3.00 on the door. Persons
who are banned from the Convention are also banned from this event.
Further details from Derek Lever email: d.lever1@sky.com."
24.1.15
The
Black Project by Looch: "Over a decade in the making, 2015 will be the year
of ‘The Black Project”, the definitive work from Award Winning Mind Reader &
Mentalist, Looch. Already being heralded as the Mentalism release of the year,
this enormous project will consist of two hardback books covering material from
Looch’s close-up and stand-up shows over the last ten years. In addition to the
books, The Black Project will also include Performance Footage, Audio
Interviews, Mind Reading Memoirs, Professional Business Advice for Mentalists
and other Downloadable Content. Looch is giving away a sample chapter from the
forthcoming project, which can be found here:
www.theblackproject.co.uk."
24.1.15
Paul
Pickford 'House of Magic' Lecture, West Midlands. Stuart Millward, House of
Magic UK, writes: "Paul Pickford lectures at House of Magic UK, 80 Brook
Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 3XB (Map)
7pm-9pm on Monday, 26th January. Paul
Pickford released a DVD with Alakazam at the end of last year and has been a professional magician
and card expert for over 20 years.
His dedication to improving forgotten sleights, as well as creating sleights of
his own, has earned him a reputation in the magic underground. Paul has decided
for the first time to show and explain some of the methods that he has developed
over the years in his first ever lecture. Paul's DVD, 'The V S Project' was a
big seller at Alakazam: 'The VS Project showcases some of Paul's
outstanding card creations, his approach to sleight of hand, the psychology of
timing and misdirection as well as his interpretation of some classic effects.
Paramount on these DVDs is Paul's use and handling of a superb, and often overlooked, Marlo sleight including all of his finesses, subtleties and timing, in
exacting detail.'
People can book a seat (£10.00) by contacting the shop at
houseofmagic@yahoo.co.uk or
ringing the shop on 01384 373209."
24.1.15
Get Your Act Together, 7pm on Sunday 25th January on ITV.
"Stephen Mulhern hosts a new series in which some of our best-loved stars
join forces with top variety acts to put on a special performance. Each
week, five different celebrities get to learn brand new skills, from
contortion to fire dancing, ventriloquism to acrobatics, juggling to
plate spinning to magic. The celebrities and their mentors then take to
the stage together to perform in front of a studio audience, who decide
which celebrity - along with their mentor - has entertained them the
most and will go through to the live final." This week's show feature
illusionist Jamie Allan. See
TV Magic.
24.1.15
Manchester
Circle of Magicians:
Monday 26th January. Mike Hinde writes: At 7.30pm, Danny Hunt, Carl Royle and Philip Partridge
will take questions
and discuss 'The Business of Magic' followed at 8pm by Danny Hunt's lecture 'The Secrets of Escapology and Spirit
Mediums'.
For more details visit
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk or email
mike.hinde@ntlworld.com.
24.1.15
Be
A Purple Banana by Jez Rose. From the publishers: In his second book, due to
be released at the end of March 2015, behaviourist Jez Rose reveals the Purple
Banana Principles. Be A Purple Banana is an honest, uplifting, personal journey
where science and psychology meet emotional intelligence: what makes ordinary
people able to do extraordinary things? With effective, real-world strategies to
achieve extraordinary results from ordinary people, Be A Purple Banana is
poignant, practical, funny and so much more than any other ‘self-help’ or
‘how-to’ book available. Why are some able to achieve so much more than others?
Is it possible to learn to be extraordinary? The foundations to becoming a more
effective salesperson; a better parent; a more effective teacher; a more
efficient leader and a happier person are all here. If you want to drive higher
performance, this is the book you'll need. Be A Purple Banana: getting
extraordinary results from ordinary people. Jez comments: "I’ve worked with many
thousands of people to help them understand and change their behaviour over the
last ten years and I began to ask myself ‘What makes some people extraordinary?
What makes them stand out?’ and ultimately, ‘How, exactly, do you become
extra-ordinary?’. This exploration into why we do what we do – and how to change
our behaviour for the better, forms the basis of Be A Purple Banana." 238 pages.
Hardback with illustrations. Foreword by Sir Ranulph Fiennes. Preface by David
Berglas. Afterword by Claire Lomas. For more information and to pre-order with a
£5.00 saving visit
www.beapurplebanana.com.
24.1.15
Dr
Roger Woods AIMC was installed as President of The Modern Mystic League
(Blackburn & District Society of Magicians) for the third time on 11th January,
2015. He is a lawyer, magician, musician, author, lecturer and publisher. His
interest in conjuring began with a David Nixon magic set when he was ten years
old. Roger was a Solicitor and then Barrister with the Crown Prosecution Service
for over twenty five years, but since his retirement has been able to spend more
time with magic. He is an Associate of the Inner Magic Circle, previously
Chairman of The Modern Mystic League, and a member of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians (Order of Merlin Shield), the Northern Magic Circle
(President 2013 - 2014) and the Cavendish Knights of Close up Magic. Roger, who
has five degrees in law and the arts, has lectured extensively on law and magic
since the 1980s. He offers magic talks suitable for all kinds of clubs and
societies. He has written a number of books on magic history (several
co-authored with Brian Lead MIMC) and won many awards. Details appear on his
website
www.rogerwoodsmagic.co.uk. Apart from magic history and biography, Roger’s
main interest lies in close-up magic, although he strongly believes that a wide
curiosity in all aspects of magic is the most fruitful. Roger has recently
published two new books; details below. (Photo: Trevor Dawson AIMC, right,
Centenary President 2014, passes the MML Presidential Chain to Dr Roger Woods
for 2015).
24.1.15
Chris
Van Bern: The Busy ‘B’; The original British magician and Variety Performer
by Roger Woods is a biography of Chris Van Bern (1872? - 1950) christened The
Busy 'B' by The Magician Monthly in 1911 because of his versatility as a variety
performer. His presentations were original and he was something of a
'character'. He became a member of so many local magic clubs throughout the UK
that it is believed his record has never been surpassed by anyone. A generous
man to all magicians he co-authored A Whirlwind of Wizardry with De Vega.
His career lasted over 40 years. There is a particular interest for The Magic
Circle as in 1946 he donated all his magic society medals and jewels to the
Society’s museum. This paperback book is available on
www.lulu.com and the ebook version on
www.lybrary.com.
24.1.15
The
Centenary History of The Modern Mystic League (Blackburn and District Society of
Magicians) 1914 – 2014 by Roger Woods. Available on
www.lulu.com. This book of 189 pages tells the story of Roger’s local
society from the founding by nine Blackburn gentlemen in February, 1914 to the
present day. Fully illustrated in colour, eleven chapters set out the ups and
downs of the MML with the final chapter detailing the events of the Centenary
year, 2014.
24.1.15
Extreme
Clowning are in need of new magic equipment to enable them to continue their
work with people with dual sensory loss, so that they may enjoy entertainment
and popular culture. To help, email JJ at
extremeclowning@hotmail.co.uk
or visit
www.extremeclowning.co.uk for more information.
24.1.15
Professional Comedian and Magician, Mowgli, has kicked off 2015 with the release of two brand new products for the magic community on his all-new website. One is a routine direct from his professional act, and another which is the secret to his creative writing process which he uses to create his own shows and write material for others. See: createmagic.bigcartel.com. 24.1.15
Correction. In my 'Magicians Podcast' interview with Richard Young last week I stated that I was the 'first magician' to street perform in Covent Garden following the market's transformation into a tourist destination in the early 80's. My memory/knowledge got this one all wrong. There were in fact a number of magicians and magic related acts who had worked there before me. I was the first magician to perform a 'silent manipulation' magic act, but not the first 'magician' and the Podcast has now been edited to correct this (thanks Richard). Funnily enough, I did try busking before my Covent Garden days, as a teenager back in 1978 in Leicester Square, with just one trick, a balsa wood Dancing Cane that I'd re-modeled into a Star Wars lightsaber! I'd painted it with yellow fluorescent paint, added a hilt, and even wore a homemade cardboard Darth Vader mask, just to finish things off... Needless to say this was not the start of a new career and I only ventured out with it twice; once with my older brother Richard lending moral support, and once with Russ (Stevens), much to his amusement. I lasted about an hour on both occasions, just about making enough for a cup of coffee and a tube fare home. I've still got that dancing lightsaber. It's on stand-by, if all else in life fails. Duncan Trillo. 24.1.15
"Copperfield conjures new tricks from
tech"
Click Here • "Review: The Illusionists 2.0, Arts Centre Melbourne"
Click Here • "Meet conjurer who writes poems for top magicians"
Click Here • "Review: Magician Criss Angel gives only illusion of
his best work at Easton's State Theatre"
Click Here • "Criss Angel's 'Mindfreak' mesmerizes sold-out State
Theatre crowd"
Click Here • "Illusionist, Darcy Oake entertains to sold out Painted
Hand Casino"
Click Here • "Huddersfield magician Michael Jordan back on stage in
home town"
Click Here • "First Look: 'Now You See Me 2'
Adds Daniel Radcliffe and Lizzy Caplan to a Stacked Deck"
Click Here • "Illusionist keeps magic alive"
Click Here • "Criss Angel delights fans during Bethlehem appearance"
Click Here • "Interviewing Criss Angel: Illusionist tells how he
came to magically appear on Easton's State Theatre stage"
Click Here • "Daniel Radcliffe Returns to Magic With Now You See Me
2"
Click Here • "Learning will be magic for pupils"
Click Here • "Mistress of mind games"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next
week, Duncan.
24.1.15