Number 786 - 18th July 2015
Impossible - set to thrill audiences in London's
West End from next Saturday! From the producers: Impossible, the biggest
magic show in decades, is set to thrill audiences in London's West End this
summer at the Noël Coward Theatre. The show will feature the very best magicians
and tricksters from around the world, fusing dazzling grand stage illusions,
up close and personal magic, cutting edge technological tricks and death defying
escapology in a fast paced, breathtaking spectacular for every generation.
Starring: Jamie Allan, Ali Cook, Chris Cox, Jonathan Goodwin, Ben Hart, Luis de
Matos, Katherine Mills and Damien O'Brien. Featuring a stunning range of magical
artistry, from astonishing acts of epic proportions to dumbfounding up-close
sleight of hand, be ready to be mesmerised and baffled by these incredible
illusionists. 25th July - 29th August. Book via
www.impossiblelive.com.
18.7.15
Piff
the Magic Dragon and the tale of the Golden Buzzer...
www.youtube.com. "Neil Patrick Harris Gives Magician The 'AGT' Golden
Buzzer"
Click Here.
"Piff's on fire!"
Click Here. "Vegas’ favorite magic dragon is on the menu at Kuma Snow Cream"
Click Here.
18.7.15
The
Magicians' Podcast this week features magic maker Andy Nyman. Listen to this Podcast
and catch up with previous ones at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast.
18.7.15
Master
of The Macabre, The Vaults Theatre, Waterloo. From the producers: The
most terrifying magic show you will ever see... Master of The Macabre. 7th
October - 1st November.
Benedict Barber is a magician with a taste for the ghoulish and grisly.
In Master of the Macabre, he will take the audience on a dark autobiographical
journey – from his introduction to magic at the age of just five through the
trickery he employed at school to alarm his fellow pupils and terrorize his
teachers to a shocking experience as a young adult that has shaped his life both
on and off the stage.
This fully engrossing theatrical experience will leave you wide-eyed with
astonishment and bring you to the edge of your seat with fear. If you're
prepared to have your prejudices challenged, your assumptions questioned, your
beliefs shaken and your nerves shredded then this is the show for you.
Master of the Macabre is - quite simply - the most terrifying magic show you
will ever see...
Warning - the show is only suitable for ages 15 and up. The Vaults Theatre,
Launcelot Street, London SE1 7AD.
Performed by Benedict Barber.
Directed by Tony Middleton.
Written by Benedict Barber and Matthew Stradling.
Additional Magic consultancy by Chris Dugdale.
www.the-vaults.org.
18.7.15
Sinister:
A Murder Mystery & Magic Show. A tale of dark deeds with your host, magician
Dave Reubens. Uncover a crime, a motive and twisted secrets hidden within the
clues left behind by a killer. A unique magic experience where you can choose to
play detective or simply enjoy the ride. The show is at the Velveteen Music Bar
and lasts 1 hour. It is part of the PBH Free Fringe so just turn up and watch!
August 8th to 18th at 7.10pm. Velveteen Music Bar, 93 Lothian Road, Edinburgh
EH3 9AW.
www.freefringe.org.uk.
18.7.15
2Minds Mentalism
Conference - Newcastle upon Tyne - this weekend. Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th of
July. This two-day event features lectures from some of the greatest
minds in mentalism, including Marc Paul, Looch, Luca Volpe, Ken Dyne,
Marc Spelmann, Ian Rowland and Peter Clifford. For further information
and booking details visit
www.mindfx.co.uk.
18.7.15
'Oliver
Meech's Improvised Magic Show' hits Buxton Fringe: After sell-out shows in
2014, Oliver returns to Buxton with a comedy magic show created at the drop of a
(top) hat, from your suggestions. Experience the incredible life story of a
fictional magician, illustrated with amazing tricks. You shape the show - the
characters, the music, even the tricks themselves. Discover what happens when
spontaneity and impossibility collide.
"My jaw hit the floor" BBC.
"Could rival Derren Brown" TheatreWales.
"Hilarious" Buxton Fringe.
Total Sell Out: Edinburgh Fringe 2013 & 2014.
Showreel (previous show)
Click Here
www.buxtonfringe.org.uk. 18.7.15
Introducing
Piff the Magic Dragon Playing Cards. "...a completely custom totally badass
deck of playing cards designed from the ground up to fulfill all your magical
dragon desires. Features you'll find in this unique deck of playing cards
include: Brand new pips and indices; Custom back design; Custom court cards;
Redesigned tuck box; Die-Cut Harbin Table Playing Cards; Custom Joker and 3 Gaff
Cards for a special Piff magic trick." Find out more,
Click Here.
18.7.15
Chris
Wardle Lecture - The Pentacle Club, Cambridge. Alan Maskell writes: Chris
Wardle makes a welcome return to The Pentacle Club on Tuesday 21st July, to
present his latest lecture of new ideas and crafty conjuring. This is a
collection of material covering close-up, stand up, children’s magic and
mentalism with the emphasis on cunning, streamlined methods which produce
baffling effects. Anyone who has seen Chris previously will know that they are
in for an evening of practical material that they can use. Chris is an
award winning member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. His ideas have
appeared in books, magazines and have been used on TV, radio and the stage. The
Club meets at St Laurence's Primary School, Arbury Road, Cambridge, and doors
open at 7.40pm with the lecture starting at 8pm. Visitors are welcome and there
is a £5 charge for non-members.
www.pentacleclub.com.
18.7.15
Derren Brown - Something
Wicked This Way Comes is being repeated at 10pm on Tuesday 28th July on Watch.
A specially televised version of Derren Brown's award-winning live show,
fusing magic, suggestion and psychology. Filmed in front of a packed
audience at the Old Vic in London. See
TV Magic.
18.7.15
Magicians
at the Half Moon - Bishop's Stortford. Andy Clockwise writes: "I'll
be back" were the words uttered by comedy magic genius Al Prendo after his first
appearance at The Magicians at the Half Moon last year, and true to his word he
will be back on Friday 31st July for another helping of mayhem and madness. Al
has been viewed over 1,500,000 times (yes, that's over one and a half million)
on YouTube but you can get to see him in person joined by our Half Moon virgin
and family favourite, the very tall Sean Lobban. As if these two performers were
not enough, adding to the mix is your host and compere for the evening, show
producer Martin Cox. As always, 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. Tickets are available to purchase on the door
(subject to availability) for £15 each but if you call 01279 659562 and reserve
your ticket you'll save yourself £5. The Magicians at the Half Moon grows in
strength month by month with more and more people sharing their experiences on
Trip Advisor. Don't sit at home and read the reviews, instead come and enjoy the
night for yourself... you'll love it.
18.7.15
"Captain"
Mel Harvey is seen here aboard his new narrowboat with the stars of his
show. When not on bigger boats Mel will be cruising the waterways with his Punch
and Judy Show. Mel is a full member of the Punch and Judy fellowship and will
also be using the boat as a novel venue for his course, Improving your Punch
and Judy Show. Mel writes: "This is a course which teaches the full
traditional show. As it is the traditional show it is not watered down (no pun
intended!) to appease the P.C. Brigade! The boat is based in a Marina just two
miles from junction 16 on the M1 in Northamptonshire. For booking details
telephone 07860 485578 or email
mel@melharvey.com - beginners and improvers welcome." Mel looks forward to
meeting friends old and new at the IBM British Ring Convention in Eastbourne in
September when he will be joining Sooty's Magic Show for the third year running
with his guitar/ vocal act.
18.7.15
The
July Podcast from Mark Leveridge Magic. Have you caught up with the latest
Podcast yet? The topics that Mark covers this time in his 30 minute chat include
observations on Paul Daniels' latest live show, comments on whether it is right
that BGT can award their top prize to a dog (!), how it seems that most of the
magic that we do really takes place more in the heads of our spectators than
anywhere else, and that understanding what your real value is can help hugely
when quoting for shows. All this plus an update on the preparations for the
launch of the MLM Academy and more makes the latest issue an interesting and
absorbing listen. You can download or listen now at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php or at
markleveridge.podbean.com. And if you enjoy this type of thing, why not take
a look at Mark's monthly Chatter column too? This blog was started back in
September 1992 and has appeared every month without fail since then, covering in
that time a simply huge range of fascinating topics and points of view. You can
read the latest one at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/news.php and you can access all the previous columns
in the Chatter Archive to be found at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/chatterarchive.php.
18.7.15
Magicseen
Issue 63 for July 2015. From the publishers: Magicseen Issue 63 for July
2015 wants to come on holiday with you! The latest copy of the UK's only
independent magic magazine has so much to recommend it including great
interviews with people such as our cover star Alan Rorrison and gothic TV
performer Dee Christopher. Then we ask four top performers (Keith Fields, Terry
Herbert, Peter Clifford and Matthew Dowden) to provide some top tips to help you
improve your act, the Grumpy Old Magician is back with his own brand of magical
rant, and we are delighted to welcome Jez Rose to our pages with the first of a
short, entertaining series of articles on magic history entitled From Devant To
Dynamo. The Masterclass comes up with a handling for the Chinese Sticks and a
simple mental idea with an iPhone, the reviews section is full of honest comment
and opinion from our panel of performing experts on a whole range of the latest
marketed goodies, and there are loads of other fun bits and pieces to keep you
amused while on the beach or in your holiday hotel. You can get your summer
issue right now either as part of a 1 or 2 year printed copy or download sub, or
you can sign up to our Pay-As-You-Go system where you simply pay on a regular
basis for one issue at a time, or if you simply want to get the latest copy,
then we can supply it individually through the mail or as an instant download.
For all the info and ordering please go to
www.magicseen.co.uk.
18.7.15
Pete Firman's World of
Magic - iPlayer. Made for 4 Extra. From Ancient Egypt to the modern
day, the act of conjuring has captivated audiences for centuries. It's a world
of secrecy and intrigue that deals in incredible acts of wonder and stunning
feats of deception. For magician and comedian Pete Firman, it's a world that has
enchanted him since he was an 8 year old child watching Paul Daniels on TV. In
this compilation Pete makes a pilgrimage to the Magic Circle in London to dig
deeper into the history of the art's colourful past. Assisted by president Scott
Penrose they trace the roots of modern day illusionism from Harry Houdini, The
Maskelynes and Chung Ling Soo through to contemporary kings such as Derren Brown
and David Blaine. They also delve into the world of trick inventors, go behind
the scenes with theatrical illusionists and get a crash course in performing
street magic. Available on
iPlayer
for the next three weeks.
18.7.15
The
Magic Hour - Internship opportunity: Established over two years ago, The Magic
Hour has received 5 star reviews and the 2015 Certificate of Excellence from
TripAdvisor. Performed by magician and director Tony Middleton (author of
Performing Magic) it is London's most exclusive magic show, in the style of
the Victorian Masters. Each season, we offer an up an coming magician the
opportunity to shadow our production and gain valuable insights into
professional magic and theatre practice. The internship lasts a minimum of 1
month. For further information please visit
www.magichourshow.com.
To apply for the position, email
magichourlondon@gmail.com marking the subject with 'internship'. Please
provide a covering letter stating your intent to pursue magic professionally,
and your current CV. Links to websites and video may also be included.
18.7.15
An Evening of Deception - Cheltenham Playhouse,
Sunday.
Cheltenham
Playhouse presents An Evening of Deception: One Night Stand! The team behind
Gloucestershire's premier magic show, which has been wowing sell-out audiences
in Cheltenham for the past six years, are proud to present two stunning
magicians who have amazed audiences worldwide with their unique talents.
Rob James performs elegant
sleight of hand and inexplicable illusions with humour and flair and has
appeared everywhere from the Edinburgh Fringe to Hollywood's Magic Castle and
multi-award winning comedy magician John Archer was the first magician to fool
Penn & Teller on their ITV "Fool Us" show and also stars in and writes for the
BBC's "Help! My Supply Teacher is still Magic". Sunday, 19th July 2015 at 7.30pm Tickets £12.
www.cheltplayhouse.org.uk.
18.7.15
Dave
Jones Lecture - Bolton Magicians Club. Paul Goodman writes: Dave Jones is a
professional magician with over 15 years experience! A versatile performer, his
unique blend of baffling magic and hilarious comedy has been on display at
literally thousands of events all over the UK, Europe and the USA. He is a past
National Champion of Magic, having won the prestigious "International
Brotherhood of Magicians" Close Up Trophy and also is a Gold Star Member of The
Inner Magic Circle - an honour given to only a select few performers! Doors open
at 8.30pm on Wednesday 22nd July 2015 at The Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road,
Bolton BL1 5QD (Map).
Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome. There will be an
entrance fee of £5.00 for non-members. For directions to the Doffcocker Inn
visit
www.boltonmagic.co.uk or telephone 07889 676003.
www.davejonesmagic.com.
18.7.15
Matt
Grindley's Magique. Matt Grindley launches his all-new comedy and illusion
show "Magique" running between July 26th and 30th October 2015 at the
Philharmonic Hall in Blackpool. It promises to be full of fast paced comedy and
jaw dropping illusions. The show features Matt's regular dance crew the
Diamonette Show Girls. Tickets are available now from
www.bigoneproductions.com or Box Office 0844 477 1000. Kids go free!
18.7.15
The
Black Project. From the publishers: A decade in the making, 2015 is the year
of 'The Black Project'. The masterwork of award winning mentalist Looch. Two
books totalling nearly 600 pages, with online performance videos, audio
interviews and downloadable additional content, The Black Project sets new
standards in quality mentalism. Fore more information, and to take advantage of
the exclusive 'Hangar-18' offer visit:
www.theblackproject.co.uk.
18.7.15
John
Carey British Magical Society lecture, Birmingham: "I have been interested
in magic for about 35 years. I wasted the first 8 years of my life. 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, 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. I had a great teacher and friend in the late Kevin
Reay who taught me to respect our craft. He would take me through the classic
texts and work on one item at a time until he gave me his approval. I will never
forget how patient, friendly and inspirational he was." Chairperson: Russell
Leeds. Non-members are invited to attend for a modest £10 fee. Tuesday 21st July
at 7.30pm at Selly Oak Ex Serviceman’s Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map)
see www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk for details.
18.7.15
Chris
Wood Manchester Circle of Magicians lecture. Mike Hinde writes: "You will
invariably find Chris in session at The Magic Circle on a Monday night in the
club room, sharing and refining presentations for effects. This led to requests
for him to lecture and share at local magic clubs as well. His subsequent
lecture shares some of his ideas and attention to detail, that help transform
effects from being 'tricks' into 'magic'. Examples provided cover coins, cards
and mental effects. Chris' main influences are Dai Vernon, Slydini, John Ramsey
and Fred Kaps. His mentor in his youth, (alongside Michael Vincent) was Alan
Alan. Chris is a regular close-up performer at various events at The Magic
Circle and organises their Close-up shows. He believes from experience, that
thoughtful, intelligent magic still appeals to a modern audience, all the more
perhaps because it treats them with respect" Monday 20th July. Full details at
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
18.7.15
Northern
Magic Circle President's Dinner: Northern Magic Circle president Danny Hunt
invites you to his President's Dinner on Saturday 31st October 2015 at the
George Hotel, Piercebridge. An evening of Halloween entertainment. Adult tickets
£35 and children's tickets £20. For more information contact Stephanie on 07824
707207 or email info@amethystmagic.com.
Tickets only available until the 31st August, on a first come first served basis
due to limited availability.
18.7.15
Kids
Club Comedy: Morgan and West, Windsor. Time travelling Victorian magic duo,
Morgan & West, unload another boxful of bafflement and impossibility. Mixing
brain busting illusion and good old-fashioned tomfoolery, Morgan & West present
a show for all the family, where magic and silliness abound! 2pm, on Saturday
25th July at The Firestation Centre for Arts & Culture, The Old Court, St
Leonards Road, Windsor SL4 3BL (Map).
£9.00 - £15.00, Concs £6.75 - £11.25, Family £28.50 - £47.50. Tickets:
www.firestationartscentre.com.
18.7.15
The John Salisse Luncheon Club. Chris Woodward writes: The John Salisse Luncheon Club was formed in February 2002 by John so that a group of his friends and like-minded collectors, historians and those interested in the preservation of magical heritage could gather. The Luncheon Club has met four times a year in various locations with, from time to time over the years, a variety of different excellent speakers from all corners of the magical world. On 13th July an extraordinary surprise luncheon took place at the historic Liberal Club in Westminster London to honour Dr Eddie Dawes’ 90th birthday. 28 friends sat down to a sumptuous meal with a key speaker Mike Caveney who gave an illustrated history of the America’s Egyptian Hall. Ably organised by Trevor Dawson, the lunch was hosted by Michael Bailey and other attendees who spoke were Wittus Witt, Magic Christian, John Gaughan, Paul Kieve, John Davenport, and Jon Marshall long time friend of Eddie's. A special presentation of an inlaid Puzzle Box was made by Peter Lane containing a collection of three decks of cards signed by all those present and well wishers from all corners of the globe. As a finale, a cake in the shape of a giant book was produced and together with a glass of champagne we all toasted Eddie on this very special occasion. It was a truly memorable day and I know Meg and John Salisse were there with us in spirit! 18.7.15
"Why magician David Blaine decided to show up for the Pluto mission" Click Here • "Magic touch - Ben Hart on his new career as a magician" Click Here • "'Every day I'm shufflin'... US magician does amazing card trick to top hit lyrics" Click Here • "Burnley-born magician launches his own Spanish theatre of tricks" Click Here • "The Enchanting Story Of Nigeria’s Most Famous Magician, Professor Peller" Click Here • "Viral Video Magician Fools Penn & Teller: Rubik’s Cube Magician Teaches Illusionist Duo Lesson On CW!" Click Here • "Donald Trump blasts comedian who called him 'nutty' and mocked his ties" Click Here • "The Cult of Dave Ready to Take Over 81 Renshaw Street" Click Here • "Cosentino brings Twisted Reality show to NZ" Click Here • "Saddleworth magicians impress to clinch top prizes at Order of The Magi event" Click Here • "There's nothing James Freedman doesn't know about fraud ... so why won't HE use contactless cards?" Click Here • "Penn & Teller on Broadway review – still magical after all these years" Click Here • "'Penn & Teller on Broadway' review: The meh-gic show" Click Here • "Watch Audience Member Get Levitated by Penn & Teller on 'Wendy Williams'" Click Here [Penn and Teller eh... the silent one that you wish would just occasionally talk, and the shouty one, that you really wish didn't] • "Dynamo adds his magic touch to help Crohn’s charity" Click Here • FISM 2015 results: Click Here • "Young man ends Taiwan's drought at world magic contest" Click Here • That's it for this week, see you next week, Duncan. 18.7.15