Number 808 - 19th December 2015
MagicNevin Fatal Fire.
MagicNevin regret to announce that they are temporarily closing the business due to the devastating fire which happened at their premises on Mon 21st Dec. They will keep you updated on any news but thank everybody for their support and concern during this very difficult and sad time. 23.12.15
Awful news to report this morning (Tuesday December 22nd) that there was a fatal fire yesterday afternoon at the premises of online magic dealer MagicNevin in Lincoln. 22.12.15
The Lincolnshire Echo is updating this story as news comes in:
21.12.15: "One person missing and two being treated by paramedics at the scene
of explosion and fire in Lincoln"
www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk.
22.12.15: "Neighbours in shock after fatal fire rips through property in Lincoln
street"
www.lincolnshireecho.co.uk.
22.12.15: "Teenage boy dies and three people are injured when fire tears through magic shop and sets off series of explosions 'like bombs going off'" www.dailymail.co.uk
The
13th South Tyneside International Magic Festival Convention, March 2016. One
of the UK’s most intimate magic conventions is making a welcome return for 2016.
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival, renowned for offering direct
access to some of the industry’s most experienced stars, will mark its 13th year
with three days of activities starting Friday March 11th 2016. Highlights will
include a series of lectures covering everything from children’s magic to
close-up, as well as a dealers' showcase, interactive workshops and discussion
sessions designed to share best practice in comedy magic and more.
Aimed at professional performers and the most ardent magic fans, the event will also boast exclusive performances and offer access to two International Gala Shows featuring magicians and illusionists from around the world. Former Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year, John Archer, will appear at both shows and is working alongside organisers, South Tyneside Council, to run this year’s event. “I have been involved with the South Tyneside International Magic Festival Convention since the very beginning,” he said. “Over the years I’ve taken part as a delegate and as a performer; this will be the second time I've helped South Tyneside Council to bring everything together behind the scenes.” Tickets for S.T.I.M.F 2016 have been frozen at this year’s rate of £65 and are available now by contacting Karri Prinn on 0191 4554031 or emailing karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk. 11th - 13th March 2016. For more information visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival. 19.12.15
The
7th Edinburgh International Magic Festival, July 2016. Back for the 7th
year, MagicFest Gala brings the best magic and variety talent from around the
world to Edinburgh, many making their Scottish debuts. Enjoy a selection of the
most mind-blowing illusionists and adventurous variety acts. Sometimes funny,
sometimes heart-warming, sometimes shocking/thrilling/chilling. Always amazing
and skilful, and always with forensic attention to detail. "Lifetimes are
spent creating magic acts that are so fantastic the performer will spend years
touring this ‘perfect show’ globally. MagicFest Gala taps into this underground
market and offers the only opportunity to experience these innovative magic and
variety acts in Scotland. This is our second year at the Festival Theatre with
this show and we’re so happy to be back. One of the city of Edinburgh’s most
amazing stories is around illusionist ‘The Great Lafayette’ who performed his
last ever show here." Kevin McMahon, Artistic Director. 1st - 8th July 2016.
For more information visit www.magicfest.co.uk.
19.12.15
America’s
Got Talent 2015 winner Paul Zerdin is appearing on Michael McIntyre’s Big
Christmas Show on Christmas Day (see
TV Magic). Paul will then take
his own all-new show, 'Paul Zerdin - Spongefinger', on a nationwide tour,
starting in April 2016 (Tour
Dates). Join Paul, cheeky pre-adolescent Sam, belligerent OAP Albert and the
precocious Baby for an evening of hilarious ventriloquism and high jinks. Paul has
been invited to perform at The Royal Variety performance a record three times,
as well as racking up millions of views on YouTube.
“Paul Zerdin is in a league of his own. Pure audience gratifying magic”
Time Out.
“A ventriloquist for the South Park generation” The Stage.
“A real master at work” Howard Stern.
"America's Got Talent winner Paul Zerdin plays Buttons in Plymouth Panto" Click Here.
"UK ventriloquist Paul Zerdin says he 'never ever ever' thought he'd win America's Got Talent" Click Here. 19.12.15
Champions
of Magic - back on tour in 2016. Starring: Young & Strange, Fay Presto, Alex
the Mind Reader and Edward Hilsum. From the producers: Join 5 of the World’s top
illusionists for a spectacular night of mystery that’ll keep you guessing for a
long time to come. With over 16 million online views between them, the cast
includes international award winners presenting incredible mind reading,
stunning close-up magic and daring large-scale illusions. Witness the
impossible, including disappearances, teleportation and a heart stopping finale
that sees one performer walk through the spinning steel blades of a giant
industrial fan, all presented with lighting and pyrotechnics to rival the
biggest arena productions.
“World-class illusionists... you will have to go to see what happens” Jersey Evening Post.
“Spectacular family show... take a seat and prepare to be astounded, astonished and amazed” Heart FM.
Tour Dates: www.championsofmagic.co.uk. 19.12.15
Matt
Johnson - The Urban Deception Lecture. Steve Gore writes: The UK's own Matt
Johnson, who now lives in Canada, is back to tour the UK from October 7th 2016,
for 3-4 weeks. Matt Johnson has experience in spades and has been performing all
over the world for more than 20 years! As a performer he has done it all. From
cruise ships and International hotels to corporate events for fortune 500
companies and theaters throughout the world. He has appeared in movies, TV shows
and most recently appeared as a contestant on the hit TV show Wizard Wars filmed
in Los Angeles, California. As one of Canada's busiest entertainers he performs
his unique brand of thought provoking magic with over 300 live performances a
year!
As a creator of original magic and mentalism effects Matt has released countless
effects, books, DVDs and instant downloads over the past 25 years. He has also
been a featured performer and teacher for other creators and can be seen on the
TA box set and in the marketed effect "Freedom Writer" both by Paul Harris
Presents. As a lecturer Matt has lectured at FISM, The Magic Circle in London,
the Magic Castle in Hollywood, IBM in the UK, the Adelaide Magic Convention in
Australia and at countless other Magic Clubs and conventions around the world!
Matt always has something new up his sleeve, so even if you have seen Matt
lecture before you are guaranteed to learn some brand new unpublished, mind
blowing magic and mentalism. All of Matt's creations are very commercial and
most of the effects instantly reset! Email
tours@stevegore.co.uk for further
details and to book. Also see
www.urbandeception.com.
19.12.15
David
Meade: Fake Believe "In this, his most ambitious live show yet, TV’s fastest
rising star is returning to the stage following a sell out 2015 Tour, with a
show that is as hilarious as it is jaw dropping! He reveals private PIN numbers,
detects lies, reveals secret thoughts, and influences those around him with
seemingly inexplicable results! With three new cities and seven new dates added
for the 2016 schedule this is set to be the biggest and best tour to date! Last
year’s tour sold out months in advance, so book your tickets now to avoid
disappointment from
www.davidmeade.co.uk." January - March 2016.
19.12.15
The
Card Collection Christmas Sale starts at 10am on Wednesday 23rd December and
runs until 10am on Monday, 4th January 2016! Up to 20% discount available on our
full range of amazing items. Don't miss out on some real bargains!
www.cards4magic.co.uk.
19.12.15
Celebrity Mastermind. John Humphrys puts the questions to some
of the UK's cleverest celebrities. Chef and Food and Drink presenter Tom
Kerridge, England football captain Steph Houghton, actor and comedian
Rob Delaney and Dominic Wood from Dick and Dom answer questions on
Oasis, The Only Way Is Essex, John Belushi and Harry Houdini. 7pm on
Monday 28th December on BBC 1. See
TV Magic.
19.12.15
Phil
Hitchcock is making a rare UK appearance in the production of Dick
Whittington with Shane Richie and an all star cast at the
Orchard Theatre in Kent (to January 3rd). The show has opened to rave
reviews and has already broken box office records. Phil has developed several
exciting new illusions for the production and he even manages to feature his
multi award winning bird routine. What the press say:
"The cheerful character of Alderman (Phil Hitchcock) is a star of the show, providing remarkable magic throughout."
"Hitchcock delivers a stand-out performance with awe-inspiring magic."
"Phil Hitchcock’s is a showstopper."
Phil also runs www.thesecretworkshop.co.uk. 19.12.15
Take
a break with the December 2015 Mark Leveridge Podcast. Mark says: "You may
be frantically dashing around doing shows, but hopefully soon things will become
a bit calmer and you'll be looking for something to relax with. May I suggest
that you spend 30 minutes in the company of my latest free podcast in which I
cover the following: cancelled bookings - how do you deal with them? : I comment
on Craig Petty's interesting LinkedIn article regarding what he suggests bookers
should look for in a good close up worker : I contend that there is a lot of
value in getting stimulus and ideas from outside the magic world : physical
printed books can often have a 'history' that E-Books simply can't match : does
being an older magician mean you are less likely to get bookings for young
peoples' events? : why having a mike and amplifier should be seen as essential
for many types of show." With a fresh edition released on the 1st of each month,
the Mark Leveridge Podcast provides a varied and interesting listen, and you can
find the December edition as well as all the back issues at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php.
19.12.15
Andrew
Melia has recently finished working with Just Productions on an exciting new
street and close-up magic themed show called 'Seven Magic in the City',
involving seven magicians travelling in each episode to a different location in
Holland, demonstrating their magic and illusion to the public. To see Andrew's
spooky section
Click Here.
19.12.15
Merlins
of Wakefield have just released their latest December/January 2016 Preview
catalogue: "Containing over 70 great magic effects, it's available now,
free. Either download a PDF copy
Click Here, or email your home address and we will send you a printed copy
merlins@btconnect.com. We would like
to wish all our customers a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. Also, a big
thank you to Duncan for continuing this great site, it's one of the best magic
sites on the net! (in our humble opinion). Phil, Mark & Craig, Merlins of
Wakefield."
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk.
19.12.15
Newcastle
Magic Circle Lectures. Tony Junior, NMC Secretary writes: Newcastle Magic
Circle proudly present two fantastic lectures to kick the New Year off:
Argentinian magician Luis Otero and the UK's very own Daniel Chard.
Monday 18th January 2016: Luis Otero. Joshua Jay wrote about Luis: "Venezuela's Luis Otero
is one of the best and cleverest magicians from Latin America. With numerous
national and international television credits to his name, Luis is renowned for
his elegant, unusual card work. He is a FISM Jury member, a Magic Castle
favorite, a Fechter's Invitee, and he has been published in every major magic
magazine. Luis is rarely seen outside Latin America, and this is his first tour
of the UK." Luis Otero's lecture is a treasure trove of magic, moves, and
philosophy for the close-up magician. What's exciting about hosting a lecturer
from this part of the world is that he brings with him a new style of magic and
presentation, and an entirely original philosophy of card magic. The magic is
beautiful, intelligent and unusual in construction. Tricks that appeal to the
beginner will be taught, as well as more advanced and challenging material.
Monday 29th February 2016: Daniel Chard. Daniel is a professional magician from Bristol.
He has been a resident of the UK ́s premier magic bar 'Illusions Magic Bar' and
performed two seasons at the 'House of Illusion' in Salou, Spain. When he ́s not
rocking the bar, you'll find Daniel performing at weddings, corporate events and
at private parties. His debut sell out release 'Chardshark' (RSVP Magic)
received great reviews and helped spread word of Daniel'́s work. He released
some of his pet sleights on a project called 'Violin' (Magical Sleight), then
followed a series of downloads with Ellusionist. Maturing as a creator and a performer, his latest project 'Chardistry'
is quickly gaining recognition amongst his peers.
Meeting address: Neville Hall, Westgate Road, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1SE (Map). Doors open at 7pm, lecture starts at 7.45pm. Email Tony Junior for details and visiting fees: nmcsecretary@outlook.com. 19.12.15
Tommy Cooper: Not Like
That, Like This is being repeated on Christmas Day on ITV Encore: "Drama telling the story of one of
Britain's best-loved comedians - a giant of a man with a delicate soul,
a man who was in love with two women and was unable to choose between
them. Tommy Cooper was a magician, a comedian, an entertainer and a
celebrity adored by the public. But he was a troubled man who drank too
much and slept too little, and who spent the last 17 years of his life
loving both his wife Dove and his assistant Mary. Tommy was unable to
live without either, and his shocking death from a heart attack in front
of millions of television viewers in April 1984 meant that he never had
to make that impossible choice." See
TV Magic.
19.12.15
Shipping
Wars.
"After Jarrett books a load of monkeys, he learns why they say 'never
work with children or animals'. Marc delivers a load for a Vegas
magician and more than his patience disappears." Sounds ominous...
'Shipping Wars', Monday 21st December on More4. See
TV Magic.
19.12.15
The
Paul Ormonde Magic Show in aid of The Mary Peters Trust. The Paul Ormonde
Magic Show was chosen by The Mayor of Lisburn & Castlereagh City Council to
entertain his guests at his Charity Christmas dinner on December 15th. The
Mayoral Charity chosen by Mayor Thomas Beckett is The Mary Peters Trust. Mary
Peters, the famous Olympic athlete, is from Lisburn. Paul Ormonde and his
assistant Perri Porter concluded their 45 minute performance by sawing the Mayor
in half to the delight of the council members present. This was Paul & Perri's
second performance at The Island Centre this year. They made a return visit to
New Bridge College, Northern Ireland on December 18th for an Illusion Show.
19.12.15
Holiday News
deadlines. Please let us have all News/What's On submissions by Wednesday
23rd (for Saturday 26th) and Wednesday 30th (for Saturday 2nd).
19.12.15
Dynamo,
behind the scenes. BBC Look North. "Here's a behind the scenes look
at Dynamo wowing our crew with an amazing trick when he came in earlier.
Filmed on our camera woman Jaimini's phone..."
Click Here • "Dynamo takes to the stage with ease, warmth and
control in a remarkable and touching show"
Click Here • "Dynamo the magician leaves Christine in a daze"
Click Here • "Guy Henderson: Riffling, shuffling and flim-flam"
Click Here • "Is Taylor Swift closing in on Uri Geller's Sonning
home?"
Click Here • "They'll Be No Escape: Book About Houdini's Quest to
Debunk Mystics to be Made Into a New Film by Mamá Director"
Click Here
• "Criss Angel, Supernaturalists kick off 5-night stay at Foxwoods"
Click Here.
19.12.15
Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers, worldwide!
As a friend emailed just yesterday: "it's a great time to be a
magician", and it certainly is. 2015 has been another outstanding year
for magic here in the UK. This evening you have a choice of seeing three
major hit magic shows:
Dynamo
playing the huge Leeds First Direct Arena,
Derren
Brown Miracle at the Palace Theatre on Shaftesbury Avenue, and
The Illusionists, just a few hundred yards along, at the Shaftesbury
Theatre in the heart of London's West End. The success of these full
scale productions has a really positive knock on effect for magic in
general; it's never been so popular, at least in my lifetime. Magic
conventions are doing really well too; there was the excellent
mini-Ron's get-together a few weeks ago, the Opus reunion (great day!)
last weekend, and The Session is just around the corner... and of course
Blackpool is now only weeks away too. Your magic news, big and small, is
always welcomed, so thank you to everyone who contributed throughout the
year. And big thanks once again to Chris North for spotting my
typos and sorting me out! Finally, thank you for reading
MagicWeek every week, it wouldn't be here without you, and big thanks to our
magic dealer advertisers
(the best on the web!).
Merry Christmas and very best wishes for a happy 2016 to you, from all the MagicWeek team,
Duncan, Keiko, Amelia and Louis.
19.12.15