Number 774 - 25th April 2015

Britain's Got Talent 2015: Magician Jamie Raven is top act from Week 2 reports TellyMix: "Magician Jamie Raven has topped our poll to become this week’s top Britain’s Got Talent contestant" Click Here. Over 3.5 Million views on YouTube in the last six days, Click Here (making this the highest viewed magic clip in its opening week in Got Talent history, worldwide). "Jamie Raven - Here's how he did it..." Click Here. Over 12 Million views on the Vibe FM website! The British media fell under Jamie's spell last week, resulting in pages and pages of publicity. Jamie drew a spontaneous standing ovation on Saturday night, not just from the theatre audience, but from all four judges as well, with a performance that initially left Simon Cowell completely speechless as he tried to process the brilliant magic he'd just witnessed. Channel 4's Gogglebox used Jamie's clip - and the reactions that it generated - to close the show on Friday night. DT. 25.4.15

Christian Farla: Magic & Illusions, Blackpool. Blackpool Pleasure Beach is bringing the magic back for the 2015 season with award-winning illusionist Christian Farla at the Home of Magic, the Horseshoe, Blackpool. The Dutch magician will take over the Horseshoe from July 3rd until August 30th in a family show which is described as spectacular and original. Christian has established himself as one of the world’s best illusionists. He has travelled the globe with his unique brand of magic and is known in the USA as a “rock & roll guy with a Las Vegas attitude!” Christian will follow in the footsteps of Russ Stevens who starred himself in the Mystique show. Russ Stevens will also be directing and acting as magic consultant. Amanda Thompson OBE, Managing Director of Blackpool Pleasure Beach, said: "We are delighted to welcome the talented Christian Farla to the Horseshoe this summer and we are certain he will be a hit with the audience. His unique brand of magic has stunned audiences across the planet and now he is to take Blackpool Pleasure Beach by storm. He was a big hit in front of the judges on Britain’s Got Talent and I’m sure he will get some big reactions with his amazing show." www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.com. 25.4.15

London Presents... Asi Wind on Tuesday 5th May at the Hippodrome Casino 5.30pm - 10.30pm. An evening seminar by world renowned magician and mentalist Asi Wind. "This is a really unique opportunity to spend time with one of David Blaine's favourite magicians, his mind is one of the most creative in the industry. Asi will cover most of his creations, like Time is Money, Switcher, AACAAN, to his newest creations such as Catch 23 and Double Exposure. The material is suitable for close-up, parlor, and mentalism. Asi’s known for his generosity with his knowledge. Besides teaching magic Asi will share his creative process and the thinking behind his creations and will have an in-depth discussion on how to get more out of your magic through showmanship. The purpose of Asi's workshop is 'how to turn tricks into miracles'. The workshop is a dialogue that’s only possible in an intimate setup, where everybody takes part. Asi will thoroughly teach techniques and methods and clarify anything requested. For further details and to purchase tickets see laura.london/LondonPresents. 25.4.15

John Carey: Lecture and Workshop appearances for May. John can be seen at the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians on Tuesday May 5th (workshop) and Wednesday May 6th (lecture), in Edinburgh on Monday May 11th (lecture); at Hull Magicians' Circle on Thursday May 14th (lecture) and Friday May 15th (workshop), and in  Manchester on Tuesday May 26th (workshop). John writes: "I truly love all forms of magic, but sleight of hand with regular ungaffed objects is closest to my heart. I love working on card and coin problems and try to find ways to streamline the handling, without diluting the impact of the effect. Practicality is a key word with my work. I no longer have time for effects that involve long set ups and dead time. Audience attention-spans are getting shorter and shorter. Material that is direct, visual and interactive are my goals. Confusion isn't magic as Vernon once said." See What's On (May) for details.

Stealth crime expert James Freedman was on ITV's This Morning on Wednesday, talking about pickpockets and other cyber crime. While James was seen picking some pockets, the previous guest, Prime Minister David Cameron, made an off-camera remark, comparing James to Alex Salmond, Click Here, which was then picked up on, and shown on, "Have I Got News For You". James Freedman's 'Man of Steal' one-man show, which can currently be seen at the Menier Chocolate Factory in London is once again virtually sold out, despite even more dates being added. There are now just a handful of tickets left, Click Here. (I went to see the show last week and really enjoyed it. James has created a very original evening’s entertainment, a true 'one-off' that was non-stop fun throughout. DT). "This man really steals the show" Click Here. 25.4.15

Kidology 2015. From the organisers: Kidology 2015 takes place on 7th and 8th September 2015, once again at The Civic Hall, Wolverhampton. A great line up includes contributions from Dave Allen, Gordon Astley, Michael Diamond, Foghorn Improv Theatre Co., John Kimmons, Mark Leveridge, Jon Marshall, Paul Megram, Nick Nolan, PJ the Showman, Scott Thatcher and David Tomkins. With lectures, a debate, a stage show and the popular Children's Entertainer of the Year competition, plus a great selection of specialised dealers, this will once again be a great opportunity for children's entertainers to get together. The price is £45 (including lunch) the same as last year, even though the convention now runs over two days starting at 6pm on Monday and ending at 6pm on Tuesday. You can save £5 by registering by 30th April. To book visit www.albionmagiccompany.co.uk  or phone organiser Alec Powell on 07831 115448. The convention for Ventriloquists, Ventarama will be at the same venue on the following day 9th September and can be booked at the same time. Ventarama is £35. To keep up to date with details join our facebook groups - kidology.uk or ventarama. 25.4.15

The Ehrlich Brothers were recently awarded Member of the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. The brothers, Chris & Andreas, were delighted to accept, and now join the ranks of some of the greatest names in magic who have previously been bestowed this honour. Lee Hathaway (pictured) travelled to their stadium show in Essen, Germany to present the award. www.ehrlich-brothers.com. 25.4.15

The Bristol Day of Magic. Ozzy Dee writes: Only a few weeks left now to The Bristol Day of Magic. Two names to profile this week are Sweden's Tom Stone and the UK's Russell Brown. Tom is an award winning performer and writer, who has also co-written original books with many top magic stars including Lennart Green. Russell Brown will be presenting his children' lecture. Russell was the resident entertainer at Blackpool Circus for many years and his lecture is a 'must see' for any children's entertainer. So don't delay, book the 10th of May! All the acts appearing at the convention this year can be seen at www.bristoldayofmagic.com. Registration form: Click Here. 25.4.15

Andi Gladwin International Magic lecture, London: Martin MacMillan writes: We are really pleased to welcome Andi Gladwin as our next lecturer on 6th May. This will be an excellent night and definitely something to take your mind off election fever week! Andi has performed and lectured all over the UK, Europe and North America. He has been featured in almost every English-language magic magazine (including cover features in the Magic Circular and Magicseen) and his DVD The Master Pushoff is a modern best seller that received rave reviews in the magic press. He is the "Magicana" columnist for Genii magazine; a position held by some of the world's most respected magicians over the past fifty years. Please let me know if you'd like to reserve a place as soon as you can. It will be at our usual venue of Casa Italiana (details below) and payment will be taken on the door but it is essential to reserve your place first. Wednesday 6th May, 7.30pm to 10pm. Venue: Casa Italiana, 2nd Floor, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (just opposite our Magic Shop). £15 per person. As usual, tickets are on the door but advance reservation is essential. Email martin@internationalmagic.com. www.internationalmagic.com. 25.4.15

From The Card Collection: Are your silks and Tarot decks looking tired and tatty? Add some crisp new silks to your routines or a vibrant new Tarot deck for that special reading. The Card Collection, www.cards4magic.co.uk has discounted by 15% all silks and Tarot decks until 9am on Friday May 1st. Go on treat yourself, because you're worth it! 25.4.15

Dave Bonsall 'Prop Dog Magic' Blackpool Lecture: Blackpool Magicians' Club are pleased to announce that Dave Bonsall from Prop Dog Magic will be presenting his lecture at 8pm on Thursday 30th April at Blackpool Magicians' Theatre Club. Members and Associate Members are very welcome to attend what will be a really interesting evening. www.blackpoolmagic.com. Derek Lever. 25.4.15

Noel Qualter's '180' lecture - now booking. Noel is a professional magician and magic consultant for Objective Productions, advising on shows such as Help My Supply Teacher is Magic and Killer Magic. He was awarded The Magic Circle's Originality prize for close-up magic in 2014 and 2015 and placed second in The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year Competition 2015. He has also released several products for the magic community, including Alarmed and iDeck. In this lecture he will share his inventive close-up magic, which has a strong focus on the more quirky side of magic. From classic magic plots to wildly original premises, there is something for all fans of close-up magic in this lecture. For contact info visit www.noelqualter.com or see the MagicWeek Lecturers page. (One of Noel's original creations, not marketed, that I first saw him perform a number of years ago, remains one of my all-time favourite magic tricks! I wouldn't hesitate in booking Noel's lecture. DT.) 25.4.15

The 2015 SAMS Convention - next weekend! Kenny Kerr writes: The 2015 SAMS Convention is less than a week away, taking place at The Salutation Hotel in Perth on 1st, 2nd and 3rd May. SAMS are delighted to announce that Doc Eason will be lecturing at the convention, taking part in the close-up show and dealing. Other lecturers are: Alan Astra (in his official capacity as IBM British Ring President) and Ricky McLeod & Gary James presenting a joint lecture. As well as lecturing, Ricky & Gary will be there as dealers, as will Alan Duncan, Adrian Harris and Jimmy Craig. The Saturday night Dinner / Cabaret will feature Gary Dunn (compere and performing), Aziz (winner of 2014 Harold McMillan Shield Competition), Jango Starr (Juggler) and Garry & Jenny Seagraves (Magic & Illusion). Hotel rooms should be booked through our secretary Elizabeth McNamara: elizabethmcnamara@btinternet.com, tel 01563 821241, rather than through the hotel, as it makes it easier to monitor the room allocation. Please register by Tuesday 28th April if you are attending the Dinner / Cabaret, to allow us to finalise numbers with the hotel. Registration details www.scottishassociationofmagicalsocieties.co.uk. 25.4.15

The Magic History Gathering at The Magic Circle this year will be held on Saturday 13th June. Peter Lane writes: Coffee will be served from 10am and the official opening by President Scott Penrose will take place at 10.45am. The first speaker, Michael Colley, will talk about The Young Magician of The Year competition - Where are they now? Paul Freeman will follow with 'Twice Nightly' explaining the magic of the Music Halls. Then Jonathan Allen will discuss an amazing find in The Magic Circle museum. After lunch Peter Rawert's subject will be 'Magic in the Age of Enlightenment.' Forty years of Shooting Through a Woman will be the subject of George Kovari's talk and after a break for tea there will be a demonstration of some gems from The Magic Circle museum. Admission including coffee, lunch and afternoon tea is £40. For details of payment, which must be made prior to the event, please contact Bob Loomis by email on bobloomis@themagiccircle.co.uk. 25.4.15

Beautiful Magicians' Club. Sunday May 3rd at 4pm: "The Beautiful Magicians’ Club combines the world's wildest magic, breathtaking juggling, angle grinding, sideshow stunts, comedy and fire artistry into one night not to be missed. Following sell out nights throughout London, the anarchic club returns to Satan’s Circus at Wenlock and Essex for it's free-for-all. The 'People's Magician' Magic Sam will hold the show together with crazy stunts and lines drier than the Sahara desert. Comedy country conjurors Kane & Abel will be opening up their box of tricks that has previously included them amputating limbs, reading minds, producing real live animals and wowing audiences with a whole cavalcade of feats and stunts that you have to see to believe. Expect very special guests and lots of free giveaways. Make the most of exclusive free tickets whilst they last: www.eventbrite.co.uk." 25.4.15

Surrey Society of Magicians held their annual close-up competition on Thursday 23rd April. A wonderful evening of magic with great acts from each of the competitors. Special thanks to Wayne Dobson for being magical judge on the evening. Winner of the trophy was Craig Longhurst, second place Nathan Jones, third place Paul Dickson. 25.4.15

NOC V3S Playing Cards manufactured by The Blue Crown in stock. AJT Playing Cards write: AJT Playing Cards are pleased to announce they are one of the few to have in stock the much anticipated NOC V3S Playing Cards manufactured by The Blue Crown. Available in Red, Blue, Purple, Yellow and Green these are sure to sell out fast. We are also pleased to announce that we have received our latest stock of Phoenix decks and have The Devils Staircase book by Greg Chapman available off the shelf. Please visit www.ajtplayingcards.co.uk for all your latest deck requirements. 25.4.15

Dr Will Houstoun to lecture at the Winchester Magical Society. Bob Yelland writes: On Thursday 7th May at 8pm, the Magic Circle’s Close-up Magician of the Year, Dr Will Houstoun, presents his new lecture, Modern Magic, in Winchester. The lecture features a selection of his baffling and flawless card and coin magic that is suitable for close-up and parlour and ranges from easy to intermediate in difficulty; but all is taught thoroughly, with a view to explaining the details that really make the effects work. Visitors admitted for just £10. Please note our new venue at Weeke Community Centre, Taplings Road, Winchester SO22 6HG (Map). www.winchestermagic.com. 25.4.15

The Next Fez Lecture at The Half Moon Pub, Bishop's Stortford, will be given by Michael Dardant, the "Magic Mike" of New Orleans and the perfect entertainer on any stage. Whether he's opening for jazz bands in Europe or emceeing the Sugar Bowl pep rally, Michael always turns on the magic! As a comedian he brings a genuine Southern flair with a Cajun accent that catches you completely off guard. As a magician, he presents a completely original act involving stunning sleight of hand, pickpocketing and a stuffed tiger! In 2012 the world of magic witnessed a strive for stardom as Michael claimed 13 championship awards, making him the most decorated magician in North America in 2012! Michael has been featured as a magician, comedian, and juggler on over 20 different TV networks and in music videos for artists such as Juvenile and Sheryl Crow. He's planned illusions for theatre performances such as Cats, Merlin, and Once Upon a Mattress and choreographed sleight of hand routines for films including The Last Exorcism and The Lucky One. Michael will lecture on Tuesday 12th May at The Half Moon Pub, 31 North Street, Bishop's Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD (Map). Doors: 7.30pm. Lecture 8pm. Book now, ticket’s £10 on the door or in advance, telephone 01279 659562 or email martin@comedyofmagic.co.uk. 25.4.15

Travis Perkins Assembly - Ferrybridge Day of Magic. Travis Perkins is pleased to announce the date for the 23rd Ferrybridge Day of Magic: Sunday 5th July 2015. With two Lecturettes, the Showette and Dealers and traders, the day looks very promising, and all for £5.00. More news as we approach the day! The venue is the Community Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire WF11 8PQ (Map). Doors open at 9.45am and the day ends at 5pm. Further details will be announced in the coming weeks. Information can be obtained from Michael Shepherd on 01904 709500 or admin@castlemagicalservices.co.uk. 25.4.15

The Order of The Magi (Manchester) presents a lecture from Alan Astra on Tuesday 28th April at 8pm. Alan is the President of the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring and a well known children’s entertainer and close-up magician. He is also known as “The man who prints on playing cards”. Alan has put together a number of routines, some his own and some adaptations. These will all be totally practical and very entertaining; from the Miser’s Dream to his own version of the Luna Trick (or Man in the Moon as it is sometimes called) and other brightly illustrated children’s tricks. He has close-up items too, packet tricks and the items he can manufacture as a bespoke item to suit your particular needs. It has the making of a really good night of pure fun. Door charge for non-members. Directions on www.orderofthemagi.org.uk Geoffrey Newton PRO. 25.4.15

Enterteasement: Comedy Magic Burlesque, Glasgow. From the organisers: Enterteasement is Glasgow's Comedy Magic Burlesque show, featuring some of the best performers from around the Globe. This month, we're proud to have Alan Rorrison performing magic. Saturday, 9th May at 8pm. Venue: Admiral Bar, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA (Map) www.enterteasement.com. 25.4.15

Classic Houdini film to be shown at Southend Film Festival. This summer will see The Avengers: Age of Ultron opening across the UK. One of the leading heroes in this blockbuster from Marvel Studios is Captain America, a character who was frozen in ice and now uses his skills to escape from impossible situations. Yet Captain America was not the first to thaw and then escape. On Saturday the 23rd of May, as part of the Southend Film Festival, Stuart Burrell, 10 time world record holding escapologist and stamina strongman, will profile the celluloid work of the remarkable Harry Houdini. The presentation will include some live escapology and a clip from the Houdini film "The Grim Game" and the full length movie "The Man from Beyond". Stuart Burrell said "The clip from The Grim Game was, until very recently, all that survived of the actual film. Then we have the main feature in "The Man from Beyond", in which Houdini, who wrote the story, starred and was executive producer. He plays a man who, frozen in Arctic ice for 100 years, returns to civilisation to find his lost love. It was released in the UK shortly after his untimely death in 1926, and unlike his other films, this showcases Houdini the actor, a skill often overlooked. It also represents a unique opportunity to see the genesis of filmmaking techniques and a story retold on many occasions by many other storytellers. The Gala Opening of the Festival is on Friday 22nd of May and the Houdini presentation starts at 6pm on Saturday the 23rd of May. Tickets are available from the Park Inn by Radisson Palace Hotel, Church Road, Southend-on-Sea SS1 2AL online at www.parkinn.co.uk/hotel-southendonsea or by telephone 01702 455100. Also see www.southendfilmfestival.com. 25.4.15

The recent Northern Magic Circle Convention is reviewed by Donald Bevan this week. "A buzz of excitement in Harrogate. The reason? The Northern Magic Circle produced, for the fourth time in a row, the winner(s) of The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year in London. Not only that, but Leah Mae Devine and sister Sarah Jade created magical history by being the first ever female winners of the title. Their mum Su Jayne, herself steeped in magic from a very early age was visibly proud and delighted..." To read the full review Click Here. 25.4.15

Manchester Circle of Magicians are delighted to welcome Steve Short and Scott Penrose on Monday 27th April in Salford with a presentation and lecture based on their book “Alan Shaxon – The Sophisticated Sorcerer”. Steve will start the evening with details from Alan's life, influences, and performances, and will illustrate 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; and how Anne, and later daughter Julia, became part of the act. Scott will present and explain a number of Alan's effects, including the classic aerial fishing, die-box and rabbit production, 'Confabulation', Alan's take on Robert Harbin's 'Captain's card trick', finally finishing with the ingenious card in whiskey bottle. Of course the book will be available to buy, as are some of the packaged effects, including Confabulation from the Ken Brooke range. An excellent evening's magic, entertainment and, like the book, a fine tribute to a modest but true great of British magic. www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk. Mike Hinde. 25.4.15

Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians winner. On Wednesday 22nd April, the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians held their annual Tony Shelley Cup competition for stage magic. This year's worthy winner was Dave Pitt. Sue Oakley. 25.4.15

"Diss-Illusioned! Magic and the Supernatural" Click Here • "BGT 2015: 'It's time a magician won Britain's Got Talent' says Killer Magic's Jasz Vegas" Click Here • "Cosentino reveals childhood daredevilry ahead of Brisbane show" Click Here • "Cosentino: Illusionist and escape artist says failing to fulfil potential more frightening than magic tricks" Click Here • "Meet Zach King, the Illusionist Behind the Greatest Vine Mash-Up You’ve Ever Seen" Click Here • "Globe-trotting comedy magician Paul Dabek returns to Chester" Click Here • "A Magician’s Remodeling Tricks" Click Here • "Penn Jillette’s Big Dumb American Crush on Howard Johnson’s" Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 25.4.15

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