Number 805 - 28th November 2015

 

Magic shows cast spell over London's West End. "With hit shows including Derren Brown, Impossible and The Illusionists, the capital’s theatreland has some new tricks with which to lure audiences. Walking through the West End of London and glancing up at the performances on offer, you may notice that theatreland has welcomed a new type of show. For alongside the opulent musicals and earnest drama, magic acts are defying the impossible by luring thousands of theatregoers..." To read the full article by Hannah Ellis-Petersen in The Guardian Click Here.

"Review of The Illusionists at London’s Shaftesbury Theatre" Click Here.

"Is this the most mind-blowing illusion show ever? Jane Fryer on Derren Brown's mass hysteria-inducing new show" Click Here. 28.11.15

 

The Opus Reunion. We are getting closer to the Opus Reunion (London, December 13th) and Chris Power has sent the following, concerning a certain American conjuror scheduled to appear, namely David Williamson. Chris' opening gambit to Dave was... "I want you to do everything for our reunion day! Perform, lecture, handle the catering, be the doorman and, while your at it write me some copy" so he sent Chris the following: "What kind of men decide to jump in a camper van and drive all over Europe attending magic conventions, along the way collecting a rag tag group of like minded fanatics, making life long friends, jump starting fledgling careers, and publishing an occasional magazine, spreading their 'laid back' Ninja style of magic far and wide, culminating in an improbable get-together on the Isle of Man where one could witness the rare horror of a drunken Guy Hollingworth? Come find out!" The day is being dedicated to Ron MacMillan. JJ, Chris' partner in crime, said: "Without Ron we never would have been wandering around Europe in the first place". For more information email: opusreunion2015@gmail.com or see www.opusreunion2015.blogspot.co.uk. 28.11.15

 

Steve Allen's New Year's Day at The Magic Circle. Join MagicWeek favourite, LBC’s Steve Allen, for a New Year's Day treat - an afternoon of magic and illusion with some of The Magic Circle’s top magicians, from all around the world, live on stage at The Magic Circle in London. Book early to avoid disappointment via www.themagiccircle.co.uk. "Steve Allen in conversation with Derren Brown" Click Here. 28.11.15

 

Kockov at Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol, tonight. "Vladimir Dimitri Kockov is a heavy accented, tight leather trousered, mullet hairdoed master magician. With a highly polished mental magic cabaret show, Kockov progressively reveals more and more of people’s inner thoughts. From card predictions and psychological influencing, to mindreading, Kockov always adds his own comic spin. Kockov keeps them laughing right up to the last insane stunt! Please note all shows are for over 18's and strong language could be used throughout the show." The House Magicians present Jasper Blakeley aka Kockov, Saturday November 28th at 7pm. Smoke & Mirrors, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol BS1 5DQ (Map). www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk. 28.11.15

 

Derren Brown: Something Wicked This Way Comes is being repeated on Sunday 6th December on Watch. One of Derren's very best. See TV Magic for details. 28.11.15

 

Mark Elsdon’s Tequila Hustler -the 'coin in hand' game changer: No electronics, no gimmicks, no prep. Any currency, any language, anywhere, anytime. Perform in person, over the phone or even on Skype. 100% accuracy guaranteed! Mark initially shared this with only three other performers: Colin McLeod, Michael Murray and Peter Turner. Not only did they love it, all three immediately developed their own handlings and presentations, which are all fully explained in the Tequila Hustler booklet. 'I just read 'Tequila Hustler'. It is by far the very best method using the liar/truth theme. Very, very clever!!' Jean-Jaques Sanvert. 'I very rarely praise anything... as I think too many times things are hyped, over priced and many times add nothing to move a plot forward, but thankfully, to me TH was well worth it and I'm glad I purchased it. As someone else said... I will use this for the rest of my life.' Steve Haynes. For more info and to order visit www.mindfx.co.uk. 28.11.15

 

Black Friday Weekend Deals From Magicseen: Good news! If you failed to spot the fact that Magicseen had a Black Friday of printed book deals offering up to 40% off a selected range of Magicseen Publication titles, fear not, because the special prices are valid until midnight on Sunday 29th November. So if you fancy getting a copy of Crafted With Carey, the Wayne Dobson Definitive Collection, Best Of British, Masterclass Volumes 1 and 2 or The Man Who Would Be King at great prices, now is the moment to jump in and do it. Whether you encourage a family member to use this offer to get you a Christmas present you will really enjoy, or you just want to treat yourself, Magicseen's Black Friday Weekend Deals are the perfect way to get top titles at great prices. Click on the Black Friday Order Page now to access the special prices before midnight on the 29th November. 28.11.15

 

50 Greatest Magic Tricks is being repeated this evening on Channel 5. "Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish present fifty of the most startling, dangerous and downright unbelievable magic tricks ever seen. Every trick is shown and there are illuminating commentaries on each trick from comedians and the magicians themselves. Featuring David Copperfield, Penn and Teller, Derren Brown, David Blaine, the Amazing Johnathon, Lance Burton, Paul Daniels, and many others." You can take the show's title with a pinch of salt of course, but there are some classic clips on this near three-hour compilation. DT. See TV Magic. 28.11.15

 

Fifty Shades of Gold, Wayne Dobson. Is this the best magic stocking filler ever?! Fifty Shades of Gold, Wayne Dobson's pocket sized booklet containing 50 stagecraft secrets that will take your stage performance to the next level and beyond! "Wayne shares the real secrets to performing. Simply excellent" Andy Nyman. "Pure Gold!" Michael Vine. Order today via www.waynedobson.co.uk. 28.11.15

 

Disney's Aladdin: The New Musical. Brought to theatrical life by a legendary creative team, Disney's new Broadway musical Aladdin will sweep you into a world filled with beauty, comedy and breath-taking spectacle. Disney's Aladdin the Musical is directed and choreographed by Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon) with music by Alan Menken (Beauty and the Beast), Aladdin features lyrics by Howard Ashman (Beauty and the Beast), Tim Rice (The Lion King) and Chad Beguelin (Elf), who also wrote the book. Featuring the timeless Disney songs from the classic film including A Whole New World, Friend Like Me and Arabian Nights, along with new music written for the production, Aladdin is an extraordinary theatrical event you will want to be amongst the first to experience. Broadway cast member Trevor Dion Nicholas will make his London stage debut as Genie. Of special interest to magic fans is, what we have heard, a stunning flying carpet, produced Jim Steinmeyer (see YouTube). Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London W1D 4HS (Map). ​Opens 27th May 2016. Box office Monday – Saturday 10am to 7.45pm. Performances: Monday to Saturday evenings at 7.30pm. Thursday and Saturday matinees at 2.30pm. Now booking until 1st October 2016. www.aladdinthemusical.co.uk. "Full cast announced for Disney's Aladdin" Click Here. 28.11.15

 

Enterteasement: Comedy Magic Burlesque - Glasgow, Saturday, December 12th at 8pm. Enterteasement, the Comedy Magic Burlesque show. This month's show features Master Magician Ian Kendall together with TV comedians and international burlesque acts. Tickets £14 via www.enterteasement.com. Venue: Admiral Bar, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA (Map). 28.11.15

 

Christmas Magic at the Barn, Rochford. Saturday 5th December at 7:30pm and Sunday 6th December at 3pm. The family festive event offering close-up wizardry presented by local Southend Sorcerers Society members, at tables, followed by a stage show featuring magic, mystery and comedy from Richard Graham, Martin Cox, 2 Minds Combined and Oliver Tabor. All held within the warm, intimate and enchanting atmosphere of a 17th century barn theatre. The ticket price includes a free glass of mulled wine for adults and soft drink for children plus mince pies, drinks are served on admission and other refreshments are available to purchase including wine and beer. Tickets £12.50 adult, £7.50 children. Tickets 01702 543242 or via www.eventbrite.co.uk. Red Brick Barn, Sutton Hall, Shopland Road, Rochford, Essex SS4 1LH (Map). www.magicatthebarn.co.uk. 28.11.15

 

Nottingham Guild of Magicians Stage and Close-up competition. Dean Grimshaw writes: On Thursday 3rd December The Nottingham Guild of Magicians host the Stage and Close-up competition. Who will take the coveted trophies this year? Everybody is welcome; doors open at 7.15pm. Pond Hills Lane Community Centre, Pond Hills Lane, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8DR (Map). For more information please contact us on Facebook or call Dawn May on 07772 513007. Tickets cost £5. Pay on the door. www.thenottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk. 28.11.15

 

Jack Bedell-Pearce was placed first in the Surrey Society of Magicians stage competition on Thursday 26th November. Adam Mosley reports: There was a great turn out of competitors and audience members alike for this annual event. Our magical judge for the evening was Noel Qualter seen here on the left presenting the award to Jack. Congratulations also to Terry Lambert for winning the comedy award. www.surreymagic.org.uk. 28.11.15

 

"Paul Zerdin: ‘If you’re not funny, you’re just a bloke talking to yourself on stage’" Click Here • "Stephen Frayne, a one man Dynamo" Click Here • "Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival 2016" Click Here • "A little Unusual magic" Click Here • "Dynamo backs Bradford campaigner's bid to help teenagers - and throws in some magic as well" Click Here "Magician Dynamo adds an extra Birmingham date to his first live tour" Click Here • "Comedy Studios That Filmed Tommy Cooper And The Office Are Flattened" Click Here • "Magic-Trick Apps to Unleash Your Inner David Blaine" Click Here • "Spend Your Afternoon Desperately Trying to Figure Out How a Magician Did These Office Magic Tricks" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan. 28.11.15

 

Back

 

© www.magicweek.co.uk