Number 785 - 11th July 2015
James More's 'Britain's Got Talent' clip
exceeds 50 million views writes Markos Papadatos in Digital Journal:
"British magician James More has a major digital milestone to celebrate. His
"Britain's Got Talent" audition surpassed 50 million views. More was a true
pioneer on the reality competition, Britain's Got Talent. He was the first major
magician to make it all the way to the semi-finals, paving the way for such
magicians as Darcy Oake and Jamie Raven, the latter of which was the runner-up
of last season of Britain's Got Talent." To read the full article
Click Here.
11.7.15
Breakfast
at Piffany's on the Southbank and America's Got Talent, round 2.
Piff's next round of AGT airs on Tuesday 14th July in the States on NBC: In the
new Judge Cuts round, Howard Stern invites stage and screen star Neil Patrick
Harris to join the judging panel. Harris will have the advantage of using the
Golden Buzzer, which sends his favorite act to the live performance shows at
Radio City Music Hall. In this round, it’s the last chance for auditioning acts
to impress the judges before voting is turned over to AGT viewers. Also starring
Howie Mandel, Mel B, Heidi Klum and Nick Cannon. Breakfast at Piffany's: On
Monday 13th and Tuesday 14th July at 7pm at London Wonderground we have the UK
premiere of Breakfast at Piffany's. What do Shania Twain, David
Copperfield and Penn & Teller have in common? They've all had Breakfast at
Piffany's, and this year you can too. Direct from Las Vegas, Piff the Magic
Dragon and Mr Piffles come to London Wonderground with new tricks, old snacks
and sweet, sweet prizes. Tickets:
www.londonwonderground.co.uk also see
www.breakfastatpiffanys.com.
11.7.15
Paul
Daniels & Debbie McGee: The Intimate Magic Tour. "Our last shows have
featured large illusions and we wanted to show the audiences a much more close
up and interactive kind of magic. Via Twitter, we asked the public which effects
they wanted to see and this show has been decided by them. I promise you this
event will both baffle you and make you laugh. It’ll be a party!" Paul Daniels.
Tour dates:
July 21st The Fisher Theatre, Bungay
Aug 30th Upton Festival, near Malvern
Sept 5th The Gladstone Theatre, Merseyside
Sept 19th The Corn Exchange, Wallingford
Oct 3rd The Junction, Goole
Oct 15th The Brunton Theatre, Musselburgh
Oct 16th Howden Park Arts Centre, Livingston
Oct 30th Mill Arts Centre, Banbury
Nov 5th Hoxton Hall London
Nov 6th Hoxton Hall London
Nov 7th Hoxton Hall London
Nov 13th The Festival Drayton, Market Drayton
Nov 21st Evesham Arts Centre, Evesham
www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk
Nov 26th Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Southampton
Dec 17th Public Hall, Beccles.
11.7.15
Pete Firman's World of
Magic - three hours on BBC Radio 4 Extra today! (9am - 12 noon and
again from 7pm - 10pm). Comedian and magician Pete Firman enters the world of
illusion to bring together a compilation of archive programmes exploring the
fascinating and secretive world of professional magic. From the early
illusionists of the Victorian age right up to the modern masters David Blaine
and Derren Brown, Pete explores the amazing range and breadth of conjuring.
Joining Pete is the President of the Magic Circle, Scott Penrose, who gives him
a tour of the hallowed building, revealing tales of great magicians like Harry
Houdini, Tommy Cooper and Paul Daniels. Pete also goes behind the scenes of the
world of illusion to discover the role magic shops play in the art, the skill of
the street performer and the science behind why magic plays tricks on our mind.
Featuring BBC archive programmes: The History of Magic (Radio 4, 1997), Houdini
– Great Lives (Radio 4, 2009), Debbie McGee – Magician’s Assistants (Radio 4,
2004), Spoon, Jar, Jar, Spoon – The Two Sides of Tommy Cooper (Radio 4 - 2009),
Magic Shops – The Backstreet Business (Radio 4, 2008), Magic in Theatre – Front
Row (Radio 4, 2010), Street Magic – Passing the Hat (Radio 4, 2009), David
Blaine – Steve Wright in the Afternoon (Radio 2, 2003), The Science of Magic –
All in the Mind (Radio 2, 2011) and Derren Brown – Chain Reaction (Radio 4,
2012). See TV Magic.
11.7.15
Conjuring
at the Court, London. From the organisers: Conjuring at the Court on
Thursday 30th July has an international line-up with a Britain’s Got Talent
star, magic and variety! BGT Finalist Steve Hewlett returns with his hilarious
vent act (check out his Simon Cowell puppet!). There’s the uncanny magician,
pickpocket and hypnotist, “professional opportunist” James Brown. Sophisticated
mentalism from Italy with Luca Volpe. And the brilliant American comedy magician
Thom Peterson. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an interval. It’s in
the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London
W13 8PH (Map).
Enjoy a drink from the bar while enjoying a great night of entertainment and
mystery. Tickets £11 in advance, or £12 on the night from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
11.7.15
Joe
Porper Magic at Merlins! Merlins of Wakefield are now UK stockists of the
Joe Porper range of magic. They have just received the latest ‘Porper Card
Clips’ in Black, Gold and Silver. These are made from a solid block of metal,
and are the best card clips in the world.
Click Here to see the full Porper range that's in stock at the moment.
Merlins write: The June winner of the Magic Competition we had is Roger Woods
from Blackburn. He won a £75 bundle of great magic tricks and DVDs. To enter our
July competition, just register on our website, and you will be entered
automatically into the draw – and it's free! There will be another £75 worth of
magic at the end of July for one lucky winner so register now! There are still a
few spaces left for our Adult Magic Workshop on Sunday 19th July; for details
Click Here.
www.merlinswakefield.com 01924 339933.
11.7.15
Christian
Farla, Horseshoe Bar, Pleasure Beach, Blackpool. "It may have been his
opening night, but Christian Farla was already right at home in the Horseshoe
Bar at Blackpool Pleasure Beach. Proclaiming his base for the summer season ‘the
home of magic’, the charismatic Dutchman, who wowed Simon Cowell in the audition
rounds of Britain’s Got Talent last year, kept the audience guessing throughout
his show..." To read the full review in The Blackpool Gazette,
Click Here.
11.7.15
Magic,
Illusion & Martial Arts - Netherton. "Jason Steele and Joanne combine a
variety of magic, grand Illusion, sophisticated oriental magic, skilful sleight
of hand and martial arts - creating a performance of wonder, mystery and
excitement." Saturday 15th August at 7.30pm in aid of
Twinkle Trust Animal Aid.
Tickets: £11.00 adults, £5.50 concessions from
www.midlandboxoffice.co.uk telephone: 0870 320 7000. Venue: Netherton Arts
Centre, Northfield Road, Netherton, Dudley DY2 9ER (Map).
11.7.15
Time
travelling magicians Morgan and West lecture this Thursday, 16th July, at
8pm for The Home Counties Magical Society at Maiden Place Community Centre,
Maiden Place, Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley, Reading RG6 3HE (Map).
Visiting magicians welcome for a door charge of £10. More info:
www.hcms.org.uk. Andrew
Lewis.
11.7.15
Scott
Creasey Derby Magic Circle Lecture. Paul Sharp writes: Scott Creasey will be
lecturing for the Derby Magic Circle on Wednesday, 22nd July, at Breadsall
Village Hall, Derby DE21 5LF (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm, ready to start at 8pm. The brand new Mentalism lecture by
Scott Creasey. What do you do when your luggage containing your props goes to
Madrid as you arrive for an important show in Barcelona? How would you cope if
you arrived at a venue and the client, who booked you for a close-up strolling
performance, suddenly changed his mind and asked you to perform a full
stand-up/cabaret set? Learn how seven years of performances for unforgiving
holidaymakers on the Spanish Costa del Sol club circuit have shaped Scott’s
mentalism performances to ensure all his routines are interactive, fast paced
and personal, and can be performed in almost any environment. In this brand new
lecture Scott performs and dissects his "Act in a Paper Bag", a full
stand-up/cabaret/close-up act, the props for which can be purchased for a few
pounds on any high street. A 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. For more information about our programme for the remainder of the
year please visit
www.derbymagiccircle.com.
11.7.15
The
Magicians' Podcast this week features Magic Circle Vice President Richard Pinner. Listen to this Podcast
and catch up with previous ones at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast.
11.7.15
An
Evening of Mystery Presents: Magic & Mayhem - A Night of Magic at The Full
Moon, Newcastle-Under-Lyme at 8pm on Thursday 6th August: "Bringing you some the
UK’s most exciting magic acts, ‘Magic & Mayhem’ promises to be the best new
magic and comedy night in the country! The Detective’ Ben Cardall (Sherlockian)
will reveal your inner thoughts and the contents of your pocket. ‘The Empathist’
Ian Harvey-Stone (The Devil Without) will read your mind and ‘The Comedian’ Phil
Knoxville, promises to make you laugh one minute, then wince and grimace at his
tricks the next. Come join us for a night of Amazing Stunts, Mind Reading, Stand
up Comedy and Magic." For more info visit:
facebook.com/aneveningofmysteryuk. Tickets £6. Suitable for ages 16+. ‘Magic
& Mayhem’, The Full Moon, 5 Liverpool Road, Newcastle-Under-Lyme ST5 2AU (Map).
11.7.15
Nottingham
Guild of Magicians Annual Close-up and Stage Competition. Dean Grimshaw
writes: Nottingham Guild of Magicians proudly present their Annual Close-up and
Stage Competition on Sunday 20th September. Nottingham's top magicians will perform for the coveted
trophies. We invite you to join us, top quality entertainment with food
provided. This is a hugely successful event which will sell out. Please contact
Dawn May on 07772 513007 for details and tickets. £12 per ticket, all welcome. Doors open at
6.30pm with the entertainment commencing at 7pm.
www.thenottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk.
11.7.15
Magic
Live - Kidderminster: "A night of live mind bending magic from Jay Adkins -
mentalist and psychic entertainer, Eugene Matthias - President of The Magic Club
of Great Britain and one of the UK's top comedy magicians and Rodan
International Escape Artist and Illusionist." Friday August 21st. Doors 7pm.
Show 7.30pm - 10pm. Suitable for all ages. Tickets £5.00. Kidderminster Town
Hall, Vicar Street, Kidderminster, Worcestershire DY10 1DB (Map).
11.7.15
The
Order of the Magi (Manchester) presents a lecture by Andrew Normansell on
Tuesday 14th July 2015 at 8pm. Andrew created Club Sandwich, Xpresso, and is the
author of “The Man Who Would Be King” “Twilight Lounge” “Tempest” and “10 Below
Zero”. This new and informative lecture includes all aspects of commercial
close-up, walk around and stand-up magic. He has an extensive background in
corporate and hospitality magic and stand-up comedy. Andrew offers something
unique in real world entertainment. Door charge for non-members. It’s at the
usual venue: The Irish World Heritage Centre, Irish Town Way, Manchester.
Further details on www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
11.7.15
Riley's
Escape Attempt: On August 15th 2015 at 12:00, UK Escape Artist Riley will
attempt to escape cell no.1 at Ripon Prison. In 1983 UK Escape Artist David
De-Val was also challenged to escape from this cell after declaring that he had
worked out Houdini's method of escaping from jail cells. On 26th July of 1983,
De-Val was successful and proved that he really had worked out Houdini's secret.
This brings us to the present challenge. Rebecca Taylor who is the daughter of
the late David De-Val put up a challenge to “Riley” to escape the very cell her
father managed to emancipate himself from. She chose Riley as he was a lifelong
friend of her fathers and also the illustrator of many of his books. Riley is a
world renowned escape artist and member of United Kingdom Escape Artists.
When asked about the challenge Riley said, “David De-Val performed his fastest escape at Ripon - 11 minutes. I'm not trying to beat any records, but I will enjoy the challenge of an older style cell. My previous escapes have been from modern cells, with modern locks, but the older style cells and cuffs fascinate me." The cell will be thoroughly searched, he will have a full strip search by a medic to make sure he has nothing concealed that could aid his escape, be locked in restraints of the period and the cell door will be locked and checked by a master locksmith. Other activities on the day will include straitjacket escapes, prisoner chain and padlock escapes, a Houdini talk and some special outdoor escapes. There will be a chance for the public to get involved at this family event. Will Riley manage to free himself? www.riponmuseums.co.uk. 11.7.15
"The
Carbonaro Effect Season 2 Supertease: Magician Michael Carbonaro Leaves
People Asking, 'What in the World?'"
Click Here •
"Penn & Teller aim to work their magic on Broadway"
Click Here • "Michael J Fitch performs at launch of Life and Home in
Essex Magazine"
Click Here •
"Magician Michael Grandinetti stars in Masters of Illusion"
Click Here •
"Penn & Teller: Fool Us Season 2 news, Season 3 renewal? Amazed audience
with premiere, but is it enough for a third season?"
Click Here •
"Melbourne Magic Festival review: A mixed bag of trusty card tricks"
Click Here •
"Paul Zerdin: Funny Ventriloquist and Puppet Share the Language of Love"
Click Here • "Modern Magician Turns To Tech For New Age Of
Illusions"
Click Here •
"Revealing the tricks of the magician trade"
Click Here •
"Nothing magic about success of Penn & Teller"
Click Here •
"Review: Derren Brown's new show Miracle is his best yet"
Click Here •
"Animal illusionist Dirk Arthur: Preserving wildlife every day is
important"
Click Here •
"Poole magician Clive Greenaway breaks Guinness World Record for most
magic tricks in a minute"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome; thank you to
everyone who contributes. See you next week, Duncan.
11.7.15