Number 777 - 16th May 2015
James
Freedman: Man of Steal transfers to London's West End for a limited season.
Following a sell-out run at the Menier Chocolate Factory Theatre, Chocolate
Factory Productions and Ambassador Theatre Group present James Freedman: Man
of Steal at Trafalgar Studio 1, from 26th May – 20th June 2015. "It blew my
mind" Dynamo. Persuader, showman, thief... James Freedman will steal a whole
lot more than you might expect and one member of the audience will lose the most
valuable thing possible... "One of the ultimate all-stars in his field today"
Edward Norton. He’s even caught the eye of Prime Minister David Cameron, who was
recently heard being flummoxed by his skills...
YouTube.
Funny and fast-fingered, Freedman exposes how the bad guys really work, the show
reflecting a life-time spent studying hustlers, street criminals and con-men.
Fuelled at an early age after falling victim to muggers and further inspired by
watching child pickpockets on the streets of Paris, he began a lifelong study of
stealth crime and the psychology of thieves. Man of Steal is directed and
co-written by Edward Hilsum, the founder of production company Love Variety.
James Freedman: Man of Steal. Trafalgar Studios (Trafalgar Studio 1), 14 Whitehall, London SW1A 2DY (Map). 26th May – 20th June 2015. 8pm Monday to Saturday, plus matinees at 2.30pm on Thursday and Saturday. Box Office: 0844 871 7632 www.atgtickets.com/venues/trafalgar-studios. Tickets: £15.00 - £39.50 (+£3 transaction fee). Premium tickets also available. Group rate of £25 for groups of 6+* Students rate £19.50* *Subject to availability. www.manofstealwestend.com. 16.5.15
Breakfast at Piffany's. Direct from Las Vegas, Piff returns to the
Ed Fringe with an hour of new tricks,
old snacks and sweet, sweet prizes. And yes, he’s bringing the dog too.
Part magic show, part game show, part cry for help, Breakfast at Piffany’s sees
Piff split the audience into teams to fight for points and prizes, and along the
way witness incredible magic tricks, delicious snacks, surprise special guests
and epic thumb wars.
A smash hit on the Las Vegas Strip, Piff has dished up desserts to Shania Twain,
sold Hollywood star Brad Garrett a croissant for $1,000, and dazzled David
Copperfield himself with sleight of paw dragony miracles. Piff and Mr Piffles
(the World’s First Magic Performing Chihuahua) fly into Edinburgh for sixteen
nights only to give UK audiences a taste of what they’ve been missing.
Venue: Beauty – Underbelly, The Meadows at 10.40pm from 14th - 29th August.
Tickets: www.underbelly.co.uk Age
restriction 12+.
16.5.15
Illusionist
James More talks 'The Magic Circle' and Jamie Raven: "British illusionist
James More chatted with Digital Journal about his recent promotion to Member of
the Inner Magic Circle (MIMC), as well as fellow magician Jamie Raven." To read
the full story by Markos Papadatos in Digital Journal,
Click Here. (Look out for Jamie in Tuesday's OK! magazine.)
16.5.15
An
Audience with Paul Daniels - live via Ginicam. Ginicam write: Bring a bit of
magic to your day and join Paul Daniels on Sunday 24th of May for an intimate
afternoon of food, fun and Paul talking about his life in the limelight.
Presented at the prestigious Hippodrome Casino in London’s Leicester Square.
Head to
www.hippodromecasino.com for tickets and more information. This event is on
behalf of The Grand Order of Water Rats and profits from this event will benefit
The Water Rats. King Rat Rick Wakeman told us, “This is the first in a series of
events at the Hippodrome planned for this year, featuring some legendary names
from the world of entertainment, talking about their lives and raising money for
good causes supported by The Water Rats at the same time. We offer our thanks to
Paul who is launching the series”. Can’t make it to Leicester Square? You can
view the event live from the comfort of your own home through video broadcasting
platform Ginicam, ensuring you don’t miss any of the magic of the afternoon.
Tickets are £5 for a Premium Plus ticket allowing you to text chat questions and
feedback throughout the live broadcast. You can secure your online interactive
ticket at
www.ginicam.com (currently available on Google Chrome only).
16.5.15
Just
50 days to go to FISM 2015. Lu Chen has just been added to an already
incredible line-up. See
www.fismitaly2015.com.
16.5.15
Professor
Stephen Hawking and Dynamo to appear at Glastonbury 2015: "Glastonbury’s Kidz
Field has been a magical place for children over the past last 20 years and to
celebrate their 21st anniversary, renowned physicist Professor Stephen Hawking
and Dynamo The Magician will both appear there at this year’s festival."
Click Here.
16.5.15
Jonathan Strange & Mr Norrell. Set at the
beginning of the 19th century, England no longer believes in practical magic,
until the reclusive Mr Norrell vows to prove himself England's greatest
magician... Based on the bestselling novel by Susanna Clarke (MagicWeek issue
221), Eddie Marsan
and Bertie Carvel take on the roles of Jonathan Strange and Mr Norrell in this
seven-part BBC One drama series. Starting at 9pm on Sunday 17th May.
16.5.15
Doc
Eason - Three hour Magic Circle Masterclass, London. From the organisers:
The Magic Circle is opening its doors for a very special event on Friday 29th
May 2015 for the one and only Doc Eason, voted Lecturer of the Year by the Magic
Castle. Doc will host a Master Class for members and non-members that
afternoon featuring his signature routine ‘Card Under Glass’ (38 years in
development) at the Magic Circle HQ for a small limited group. This workshop
runs about 3 hours and has been enthusiastically received, both here in the UK
and in the US. Time: 3pm-6pm. The price is £65 and it includes the Card under
Glass DVD set (a £35 value in itself). Spaces are limited so please put your
name down as soon as possible if you would like to be part of this MasterClass
from the world best Bar Magician. For more information please contact
michaeljfitch@themagiccircle.co.uk.
16.5.15
Doc
Eason - Magic Circle Lecture, London. At 7pm on Friday 29th May 2015 Doc
Eason will be presenting his 2 hour lecture at The Magic Circle in London. The
Magic Circle will open at 6.15pm. 1st half 7pm - 8pm, 30 minute break, 2nd half
8.30pm - 9.30pm. Entrance is free for members or £20 for non-members.
Non-members wishing to attend should email
guestlist@themagiccircle.co.uk
to have their names added to the guest list for the evening.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
16.5.15
Doc
Eason - British Magical Society Lecture, Birmingham. Paul Cadley writes:
Magic convention goers will have come across Doc Eason on more than one
occasion. ‘Doc’ specializes in bar magic. For 27 years he was featured
entertainer at John Denver's world famous Tower Comedy Magic Bar, and recently
was involved in the Fox TV show ‘Masters of Illusion’. Widely recognized as one
of the world’s premier bar magicians he has lectured in many countries. This
promises to be a great night of magic and entertainment. Chairperson: Jay
Adkins. Non-members are invited to attend for a modest £10 fee. Tuesday 26th May
at 7.30pm at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map).
See
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details.
16.5.15
Doc
Eason - Manchester Circle of Magicians Lecture. Mike Hinde writes: Magic
convention goers will have come across Doc Eason on more than one occasion.
‘Doc’ specializes in bar magic. For 27 years he was featured entertainer at John
Denver's world famous Tower Comedy Magic Bar, and recently was involved in the
Fox TV show ‘Masters of Illusion’. Widely recognized as one of the world’s
premier bar magicians he has lectured in many countries. This promises to be a
great night of magic and entertainment. May 18th. See
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk for details.
16.5.15
The Magic History Gathering
at The Magic Circle takes place on Saturday
13th June and is open to both members and non-members. There is a full day of talks
and performance. For details of the six speakers and performers see
What's On.
Admission is £40 for the day including lunch and coffees and must be paid in
advance.
For details of admission contact Bob Loomis on
bobloomis@themagiccircle.co.uk.
16.5.15
John Carey's 'Crafted with Carey' lecture
- Medway Magical Society. Rob Glendinning writes: Sleight of hand expert John Carey will be lecturing some of his
finest creations with a deck of cards. Internationally renowned for his
streamlined approach to close-up, workable magic, John promises a lecture loaded
with powerful, practical and doable material.
Having lectured throughout Europe over the past 12 months, we are delighted to
welcome John to Kent and the Medway Magical Society. 8pm on Tuesday 2nd June. Non members welcome - £10 entry on the night. Medway Magical Society,
St George Hotel,
New Road Avenue,
Chatham,
Kent ME4 6BB (Map).
www.medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk.
16.5.15
Ian Harvey Stone's 'The Devil Without' comes to the Brighton Fringe for a
limited run of six performances in May starting on the 16th at The Dukebox
Theatre.
'The Devil Without' is an interactive and immersive one-man show, based on
Marlowe's Faust and inspired by the works of Neil Gaiman and Alan Moore, and
features a unique blend of magic, mentalism and theatre. "If you have any interest at all in magic as an art form, then you must find
time to see 'The Devil Without'" Fringe Guru. "Highly Original" The Stage.
"It truly is an all-consuming experience. Despite my determination to be
sceptical I found myself
constantly surprised and impressed by Stone's brilliant magical escapades." Broadway Baby.
Tickets:
www.brightonfringe.org.
16.5.15
Andy Leach Lecture - The Anglian Magic Society.
Steve Majes writes: Andy has traveled the world with his comedy and magic, performing at
the Royal Variety Performance, Montreal Comedy Festival, Tokyo
International Comedy Festival and the Laugh Factory (LA), along with
numerous worldwide television appearances. Andy has also toured the
UK and performed at many of the top theatres and cabaret venues. So
you can imagine the wealth of experience and stories Andy has to share. Come along
for a fun filled and informative night from a true pro! Tuesday 19th May at
7.30pm.
Members £2.00 Visitors £10.00 - all are welcome, payment on the door.
The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
More details:
www.facebook.com/TheAnglianMagicSociety.
16.5.15
Introducing
Magic Books Online: "Hello! Welcome to
Magic Books Online,
an online only business, based up t’North (near Preston) in the UK. We LOVE
magic books. In an age of the one-trick DVD and YouTube tutorials we feel that
it is important to extol the virtues of real life, physical books. Remember the
first time you received a magic book through the post? Excitedly ripping open
the parcel to get to what’s inside (no, not the polystyrene chips and bubble
wrap!). Carefully tearing off the cellophane wrapper to gain access to your
investment. Riffling through the as yet un-fingered leaves. Letting them riffle
off your thumb like a new deck of Bikes just under your nostrils as you breathe
in deeply, inhaling the knowledge within! Just us then?
If you have never had the pleasure of owning a magic book you are in for a
treat. We have made every effort to make our online bookshop as easy to use as
possible. If you know what you’re looking for then our intelligent search
facility will help you locate it quickly and accurately. If you are looking for
inspiration then why not browse a category that interests you? What’s that? 'How
much is it going to cost to get my book delivered?' Not a sausage (if you live
in the UK) and for everywhere else in the world it’s just £20. No minimum order,
no voucher codes, nice and easy. So get yourself a brew and some biccies, get
settled in your favourite chair and start mooching!" Michael Palin, Magic Books
Online.
www.magicbooksonline.com.
16.5.15
Magicians
at the Half Moon - Bishop's Stortford. "Wow! ... 'French Champion of Magic', International
performer, author, creator and lecturer Boris Wild will be joining the Magicians
at the Half Moon this month, alongside World IBM and Magic Circle Close-Up
Champion Jon Allen, with your host for the evening, comedy magician (and
professional Shrek lookalike) Martin Cox. Friday 29th May is going to be one
amazing night of magic that you really do not want to miss. Tickets are £15 on
the door but if you reserve your tickets by calling Martin on 01279 659562
you'll get them for £10 each. Doors open at 7.30pm and the fun and amazement
kicks off at 8pm 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." Andy Clockwise.
16.5.15
A
comedy magic special at Conjuring at the Court on Thursday 28th May.
Starring: Michael Dardant (photo) from New Orleans, who recently starred at the
Bristol convention, a very funny performer and a real FISM prospect; Carl
Pettman – dry wit in a very British style; Wes Zaharuk – zany, hilarious magical
madness! Graham P Jolley – rapier wit and extraordinary mentalism and compere is
Roger Dunlop, Conjuring at the Court’s answer to the Reverend Richard Coles! The
show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an interval. Drayton Court, 2 The
Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
There’s a bar at the back of the room so you can have a drink while enjoying the
magic. Seats are comfortable and all have a good view of the stage. Just 12
minutes from Central London: take the West Ealing train from Paddington and the
pub is 2 minutes walk from the station. Parking free from 6.30pm. Come early and
enjoy a dinner from the pub’s varied menu. Tickets £11 in advance, £12 on the
night from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
16.5.15
Chris Congreave Lecture - South Staffordshire Society of Magicians.
Ian Brennan writes:
South Staffordshire Society of Magicians are proud to be hosting a lecture by 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.
16.5.15
Cheeky
Dog Entertainment Lecture, Coventry. James Cannon writes: The Coventry Magic
Circle are delighted to welcome Dave Tomkins. Dave is a master magician and
ventriloquist. He was recently a UK prize winner at the Intercontinental
Children's Entertainer Championships in Blackpool. For all children's
entertainers this is one not to be missed. £10 entrance fee for visiting
magicians. 8pm on Tuesday 19th May. The Coventry Magic Circle, Bentley Road
Social Club, Bentley Road, Nuneaton CV11 5LR (Map).
16.5.15
World Record holding Escapologist Stuart Burrell
will be performing a short series of escapes dubbed 'The Dark Origins of
Escapology' at Doomsday VI in Whitby this weekend.
He, and fellow Southend Sorcerers member, the award winning Tracy Wise, are
performing on Saturday. Stuart became a member of The Magic Circle last week
having successfully completed the audition process and said "May is a very magical month for me already, but to have joined
The Magic Circle and have the privilege to be considered as a member, on top of
the honour to be able to perform at an event as prestigious as Doomsday, well,
it is still taking some time to sink in."
Stuart is now taking bookings for his lectures on Escapology for late 2015 and
early 2016 (see the MagicWeek Lecturers
page for booking details).
16.5.15
The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam writes: Our next gathering will be
on 2nd June, at the St. George Hotel, Great Yarmouth. The aim of the social
evenings is to allow magicians to meet and socialise, and exchange ideas, in a
relaxed atmosphere. Entrance is free. If anyone wants go come along, please email
thegathering@mail.com or phone Kyle
on 07510933734 for further information.
16.5.15
Toast
of London. Not magic, but by chance I featured thespian rooted comedy Toast of London
back in issue 764, so
I was really pleased to see Matt Berry (Toast) picking up a BAFTA last week. If
you like Curb, early Partridge, Peep Show, then try a slice of
Toast. Series 1 and 2 is out now on DVD, with series 3 on the way. Available from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here. DT.
16.5.15
Jack
Stephens. Very sad to report that Jack Stephens died on Thursday, May
14th, of Pancreatic Cancer. Jack was a very popular magician specialising in
children's parties and close-up magic. Although we never met, he was also a keen
contributor to MagicWeek. No more details at this time. DT.
16.5.15
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