Number 773 - 18th April 2015

Britain's Got Magic Talent, this evening, at 8pm, on ITV. And this year it's close-up/stand-up magician Jamie Raven who's about to shake things up a little. No dancing dogs in this act. Don't miss it. See TV Magic. DT. 18.4.15

James Freedman 'Man of Steal' - extra show just added, at 6pm on Sunday 26th April at the Menier Chocolate Factory, London (other dates now sold out). Persuader, showman, thief… Freedman will steal a whole lot more than you might expect. One member of the audience will lose the most valuable thing possible – it could be you! Funny and fast-fingered, his unique and extraordinary show exposes how the bad guys really work, sharing a life-time spent studying hustlers, street criminals and con-men. Hailed a genius in his field by Derren Brown, stealth-crime expert James Freedman is the only man to have picked the pockets of the Mayor of London, the Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England. No wonder then that his hands have been insured for £1 million. Tickets for Sunday 26th April: Click Here.

Quest Means Business (photo), Richard Quest's guest Click Here.

Jo Good's guest on BBC London 94.9 (from 1'09") Click Here.

Midweek's guest on BBC Radio 4 Click Here.

"James Freedman: Man of Steal (Menier Chocolate Factory)" Click Here.

"James Freedman – Man of Steal review" Click Here.

"Review of Man of Steal at Menier Chocolate Factory" Click Here.

Also see www.facebook.com/manofsteal. 18.4.15

Das Spiel. Are you part of the game? I'm an illusionist with a background in physical theatre and theology/philosophy. For my new show I have teamed up with people that are experts in their fields (writing, directing, producing), but know nothing about magic. Together we have created a show that follows a strong narrative, lifts the experience of magic to a different level and ventures to areas that neither live theatre nor live magic/mentalism have explored yet. At least to my knowledge. Das Spiel, Ovalhouse London, May 12th -16th. I'm excited to share this creation with fellow magicians. Please leave your playing cards at home and stick around afterwards so I can hear your thoughts. www.das-spiel.org www.philippoberlohr.com. 18.4.15

Edinburgh International Magic Festival 2015. The full MagicFest 2015 programme will be launched on Wednesday 22nd April. Magicians are great at keeping secrets and the programme will be under wraps till then... all except the Gala line-up that we're announcing right now! The Festival Theatre will welcome Cirque du Soleil stars alongside international illusionists at our Grand Finale on the 4th July. 2015 Gala Line-Up: There are now only five days left to take advantage of the advance sales and choose the best seats for the Gala Show before the big rush next week. This year we are delighted to welcome Rafael (Belgium), Xavier Mortimer (France), Colin Cloud (Scotland), Mike Chao (Taiwan), Men In Coats (England), John Archer (England), and Sos & Victoria (Germany). To book your tickets Click Here. The sixth Edinburgh International Magic Festival will run from 26th June - 4th July and the tickets will be available online at www.magicfest.co.uk, by phone on 0131 226 0006, or in person at the Fringe Box office. 18.4.15

Champions of Magic - new dates added: 2nd & 3rd May in Winchester. "Champions of Magic is heading back on the road from February to April 2015, including an extended tour of Scotland, the first time the show has headed North of the border. Witness stunning illusions including disappearances, teleportation, levitation and a heart stopping finale that sees one performer walk through the spinning steel blades of a giant industrial fan, all presented with lighting and pyrotechnics to rival the biggest arena productions."
'World-class illusionists... you will have to go to see what happens' Jersey Evening Post.
'Spectacular family show... take a seat and prepare to be astounded, astonished and amazed' Heart FM.
Starring: Young and Strange, Fay Presto, Alex McAleer and Edward Hilsum.
Friday 24th Clacton-on-Sea - Princes Theatre - Tel 01255 686633
Saturday 25th Reading - Hexagon - Tel 01189 606060

May 2nd, 3rd Winchester Theatre Royal - Tel 01962 840440

For more information and to book visit www.championsofmagic.co.uk. 18.4.15

Magic Night at The Shadow Lounge, London. Friday, May 1st "This show is all about tricks of the mind. Have you ever wanted to know how to influence people, conjure your favourite food from thin air or watch objects change places before your eyes? Then this is the show for you! Starring Chris Cox (the mind reader who doesn't read minds), Oliver Meech (stopping water in its tracks and defying the laws of gravity), Jack Beavis (impossibly clever and ridiculous clown like magic with props that don't do quite what they should) and compere Neil Henry. Doors open 6.45pm; Show starts at 7.30pm; Tickets £13.20; Show ticket plus dinner £27.50; Tickets: www.magicnight.co.uk. The Shadow Lounge, 5 Brewer Street, London W1F 0RF (Map). 18.4.15

Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol, is pleased to announce a new night starting in July. Every Thursday evening Smoke & Mirrors and The House Magicians present 'Let me try this...' a night all about trying out new material in which each act will be given up to 20 minutes to perform to a live audience (who will know that this is a 'testing' night). If anyone is interested in booking a slot or would like more information contact Mark Bennett mark@smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk and if you fancy popping in to Illusions afterwards, to have a sing song, it's our great night of Karaoke and Magic called MagiOke! www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk. 18.4.15

Zero to Ninety - now shipping. New, from Michael Murray's MindFX: "The Heart of the System: Many years of research have shown that there is no single system that will guarantee a 100% hit rate from each and every sitter, each and every time. In this regard my system is no different, however my system does offer several advantages over many of the commercial systems which are available today. Firstly my system requires zero memory work which allows you to devote your full attention to the sitter. The 'Oracle' that you will be using allows you to deliver convincing readings within minutes of learning the system. Your readings will be different for each and every person you meet, yet should you meet that same person again you will be able to give them a very similar reading a second time round. The delivery of your readings will come across as one of knowing rather than thinking..." Orders are now being taken for the physical booklet, which is limited to just 150 copies. For more info and to order visit www.mindfx.co.uk or www.magicbox.uk.com. 18.4.15

South Staffordshire Society of Magicians. Ian Brennan writes: South Staffordshire Society of Magicians are proud to be hosting lectures by Wayne Fox on April 20th and Chris Congreave on May 18th. Visiting magicians are most welcome to come and join us for these events. Cost for non-members is £5 for each night. On June 1st The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians will be holding our annual Close-up Competition. Free entry to visiting magicians and to non-magician spectators. More details for all of the above can be found at www.3sm.org.uk or by emailing brennan@3sm.org.uk. 18.4.15

Wayne Dobson & DTrik Present Instant Video Downloads: "Mike and I have worked tirelessly, well Mike has, to offer our customers the service of downloading their favourite tricks from our self published DVDs. We are fully aware that sometimes you may not want all the tricks offered on a DVD or perhaps you just want the trick(s) to learn right now! So please have a look at what we have to offer and buy only the tricks you want to learn." See www.waynedobson.co.uk. 18.4.15

West End Magic - Leicester Square Theatre, London. West End Magic returns in May at its regular residency at The Leicester Square Theatre, with some of the most exciting names in magic and variety: Oliver Tabor, Sean Heydon, Mat Ricardo, and compere Christian Lee.  The Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (Map).  Saturday 9th May. Doors 3pm; Show 3.30pm; Tickets: £15 full price, £10 children, £40 family ticket for four. Recommended ages: 8 upwards. www.westendmagic.com. 18.4.15

Dundalk Day of Magic. From the organisers: Just a week left to register your attendance at the Dundalk Day of Magic on Sunday 3rd May 2015. As registration includes a three course dinner numbers must be confirmed a week before the event for catering purposes. Registration opens at 10am in the Bernish Suite of the Carrickdale Hotel. Costs are just €50 for magicians and €35 for partners. Dealers awaiting your trade will be Kaymar Magic, Emerald Magic and Banshee Magic as well as a second hand stall by Sean Kielty. Stands will be open throughout the day with more than three hours of uninterrupted 'dealer time', when no other events are happening. First session of the day is a close-up show at 10.45am, featuring the day’s lecturers. Forty-five minute 'lecturettes' will be presented by Ireland's own George Bleeks and John Bowden and a full two hour lecture by guest Wayne Goodman. All conventioneers will join together for a three-course dinner at 7pm before enjoying our Stage Show. Pat Fallon will introduce three acts who have never appeared before on an Irish Convention Gala Show: Liam O’Neill, Rodd Hogg and Wayne Goodman. Exact timings for the day, further information and contact details can be found on www.dundalkdayofmagic.webs.com. 18.4.15

Magic Singh Playing Cards. Celebrating Indian culture with a Western twist, Magic Singh playing cards are a delightful treat for both magicians and fans. The US Playing Card Company has manufactured these beautiful, intricately designed playing cards, highlighting regal Indian heritage and identity. Visit www.magicsingh.com for more information and to order. Also see www.youtube.com. 18.4.15

Michael Vincent Lecture, The Magic Triangle, Colchester. Keith Norman writes: On Sunday 10th May, starting at 7pm at Straws, 21 Osborne Street, Colchester CO2 7DA (Map), The Magic Triangle have a lecture by Michael Vincent. Anyone serious about performing Magic, will surely not want to miss the this opportunity to learn from a Master Craftsman. Visitors admission £5.00. www.themagictriangle.co.uk. 18.4.15

Leamington and Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic. Mark Traversoni writes: The Leamington and Warwick Magic Society are pleased to announce the line up for their next Day of Magic on 16th and 17th of June. Starting on the Tuesday evening with a lecture from Harry Robson for those traveling the day before and for local attendees. The 17th is the main day and this year features lectures from Morgan & West, Liam Montier, Wayne Fox and Stuart "Stu Di Doo" Hodgson. As well as the lectures there are around 20 dealers confirmed and in the evening we have the annual contest to find the Midlands Champion of Champions in the close-up competition. Admission includes free parking and food throughout the day, all for the bargain price of £25! Please see the club website for details lawms.wordpress.com/day-of-magic. 18.4.15

Hull Magicians' Circle tribute to Eddie Dawes 50 years as President. At the, sold-out, Hull Magicians’ Circle’s Annual Dinner on Saturday 25th April around 300 members and guests will honour the fifty years that Eddie Dawes has been President. Eddie, eminent magical historian and distinguished scientist has been voted President every year since 1965, just three years after he came to the University of Hull as Professor of Biochemistry, a new department that he founded. Members and guests will toast Eddie’s great achievement and enjoy a night of fine dining and magic featuring Paul Daniels and Debbie and the illusions of Andrew Green, in the after dinner theatre show. All attending will be welcomed at a reception with a Bunco Booth/Beat the Cheat theme where they can wager their Hull Magicians’ Circle Fun Money on such scams as Find The Lady, Cover the Spot, the Three Shell Game, Fast and Loose and more, with interval close-up magic too, it all promises a great night. Jon Marshall. 18.4.15

Paul Gordon will be presenting his new 'Gold Dust' lecture next Tuesday, 21st April, at The Associated Wizards of The South. See www.awsmagic.co.uk and www.paulgordon.net/lectures.html for more information. Paul promises a fun, fast-paced lecture, full of 'worker' commercial card magic. 18.4.15

Jack Delvin's The Real Secrets of Magic: "Now that Jack Delvin’s five year reign as President of The Magic Circle has come to an end, he is in a position to offer all his magical experience to you, in the form of an ebook called The Real Secrets of Magic. 230 pages, 100 tricks, £20. This tells you everything you need to know in order to improve your knowledge and enable you to entertain your friends, become a popular character as an accomplished amateur, or even make a fascinating living as a full time professional – the next Dynamo. You can learn the knowledge gained by this extremely successful performer after 70 years as a top-flight magician who started in the old time music halls, progressed through appearances on radio and television, and is now, even in his eighties, still table hopping in leading restaurants." Visit www.jackdelvin.co.uk for details. 18.4.15

Bexley Magic Society Stage Competition. Roy Marsh writes: On Wednesday 15th April, Bexley Magic Society held its annual stage magic competition, for the George Trophy. The seven entrants were, in order of appearance: Megan Knowles Bacon, Roberto Forzoni, Gary Jones, Ian Thom, Angeline Mystique, Bernard Pinnock and Terry Herbert. The packed audience were treated to an evening of great variety, ranging from Russian Roulette, played with water pistols, to dove productions and card manipulation. Other acts included mind reading and escapology with puppets. The competition was a close run thing, with the three independent judges from a local amateur dramatic society deciding that the eventual winner was only two points ahead of the joint runners-up. The George Trophy was awarded to Terry Herbert (pictured here with club President, Chris Latham). His set included a card revelation involving his trademark humour and a set of false teeth. The evening was ably compèred by last year's winner, Jason Deverell. Congratulations Terry and thanks to the other acts for giving us an entertaining evening. 18.4.15

Magicians at the Half Moon - Bishop's Stortford. Andy Clockwise writes: Can you believe that we're steaming towards the end of April already and what better way to celebrate than with a trip to see the 'Magicians at the Half Moon' on Friday 24th April. Last month was again another sell out show with Wayne Fox, Lee Hathaway and Hugh Nightingale and this month promises to deliver great magic again, with the very brilliant Paul Gordon (author of many successful magic books including the "Gold Dust" series) and the always bold Alec Schulz; with the evening being held together by the very entertaining Tim Shoesmith. Entry is £15 on the door, or you can save yourself £5 by reserving your seat now by calling Martin on 01279 659562. Doors open at 7.30pm at the Half Moon, 31 North Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD (Map) and the show kicks off at 8pm. More information at www.halfmoonmagic.co.uk. 18.4.15

Northern Magic Circle Convention. IBM British Ring President Alan Astra (left) was an invited guest at the Northern Magic Circle convention held in Harrogate last weekend. At the opening ceremony he presented their president John Russell with a clock emblazoned with the two society logos. Alan and his Lady Barbara mixed and mingled with the delegates and very much enjoyed the warm hospitality offered by the NMC. Alan said “I feel everyone appreciated the all-under-one-roof convention, which is what the British Ring has achieved for their event in September.” Alan and Barbara are busy representatives of the British Ring as the day after their visit to the north they returned back to the south to attend the Magigals lunch. Their own dinner is on the horizon being in Stevenage on 25th April. Details on www.britishring.org.uk. Geoffrey Newton PR British Ring. 18.4.15

Danny Hunt of Amethyst magic and illusion was installed as the new president of the Northern Magic Circle on Sunday 12th April and is pictured here with partner and President's Lady Stephanie Clarke, at the recent Northern Magic Circle Convention. Throughout his year of office, Danny will be hosting various events for members and non-members including the Northern Magic Circle's President's Dinner, which is being held on Halloween, Saturday 31st October, at The George, Piercebridge DL2 3SW (Map). To book tickets and for more information contact Stephanie at info@amethystmagic.com. 18.4.15

Morgan and West lecture for the Derby Magic Circle on Wednesday, 22nd April, at Breadsall Village Hall, Derby DE21 5LF (Map). Paul Sharp writes: Doors open at 7.30pm, lecture starts at 8pm. Morgan & West are the world's finest time travelling Victorian magic act. They were educated at Oxford and when they met in an amusing set of circumstances involving a trifle, the two formed, among other things: a firm friendship, a magical double act and the Oxford University Sartorial Appreciation Society and Waistcoat Owners Club! So here we have two magicians, time travellers and all-round spiffing chaps! A rare and unique lecture, not to be missed! Visiting magicians are very welcome at Derby. There is a small fee of £10 payable on the night. Please contact our secretary Allan Humphries on 01889 590 975 prior to attending. 18.4.15

Aries Close-up Magic Competition: "Coventry Magic Circle are delighted to be holding their Aries Close-up Magic competition on Tuesday 21st April. This promises to be a brilliant evening of magic. On the evening there will be six contestants battling it out to become the Coventry Magic Circle Close-up Champion. There will be food laid out on the evening. Entrance is absolutely free for everyone. It would be a great evening for families to bring along their young would-be magicians. Venue: Bentley Road Social Club, Bentley Road, Nuneaton CV11 5LR (Map) www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk. More information: Jim Cannon 02476 545704." 18.4.15

David Ginn Lecture. Bob Pamplin writes: Next Monday 20th April is your last chance to see David Ginn on his final lecture tour in the UK. He will be at Davenports Magic Studio in London at 7pm. It will include comedy warm ups, information, musical magic, magic with helpers, and he will also have lots of items for sale. Info from Bob Pamplin on 07831 274263. 18.4.15

Bunny Neill documentary film: "Oscar and Jessica Neill, children of the late Magician and Escapologist Bunny Neill are making a documentary film called 'Pick Me Up & Turn Me Round'. The film will see them return to Jamaica, Bunny's home country and the country of their birth, for the first time in 23 years. The siblings are working with independent filmmakers Ren Forrest and Stephanie Tasker (aka Peg Productions) who are on the hunt for any archive video footage or photographs of Bunny that they can include in the film. Have you got any archive footage of Bunny you would be happy to share? Contact: jessicaolivia82@gmail.com". 18.4.15

Oops - it's no illusion after all! Adrian Harris writes: MagicWeek had Perth Magic Circle members jumping for joy last week when they read: "Perth to host the masters of magic as The Illusionists 2.0 comes to town" Click Here. Joy soon turned to despair however, when they realised the show is going to Perth, Western Australia, and not Perth, Scotland! Maybe one day though, we can all live and dream. 18.4.15

"Derren Brown heads back to Dorset for his new Miracle tour" Click Here • "Derren Brown on his Miracle tour as he prepares for 6-night run in Hanley" Click Here • "Derren Brown at Plymouth's Theatre Royal" Click Here • "Five minutes with magician and illusionist Derren Brown" Click Here • Ben Hart: Lifestyle, Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent 2015: RSPCA investigating Marc Metral's miming dog after cruelty complaints" Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent's Darcy Oake performs incredible magic trick" Click Here • "Mentalist Keith Barry hits out at claims his tricks are staged" Click Here • "Meet the Westhoughton woman whose job is to be chopped in half on stage" Click Here • "Local entertainer Pete Matthews is juggling on the high seas" Click Here • "The Illusionists 2.0 offer a fresh take on old tricks" Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 18.4.15

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