Number 823 - 2nd April 2016

James Freedman: Man of Steal to tour in June 2016. The critically acclaimed, hit West End show James Freedman: Man of Steal is taking to the road for a strictly limited run in June… catch him if you can! "Genuinely jaw-dropping" The Times. Funny and fast-fingered, this "master of the deceptive arts" exposes how the bad guys really think as the show reflects a life-time spent studying street criminals, con-men and cyber fraudsters. "A blend of riotous showmanship and thievery" Culture Whisper. You really can't afford to miss this show. After all, what have you got to lose?! I went to see the show when it first opened last year. James Freedman has created a completely original evening’s entertainment, a true 'one-off', that was non-stop fun throughout. DT.

Thur 2nd June - Leeds, Carriageworks Theatre
Fri 3rd June - Swindon, Arts Centre
Sat 4th June – Maidenhead, Norden Farm
Sun 5th June – Buxton, Buxton Opera House
Wed 8th June – Guildford G Live
Thur 9th June – Henley, Kenton Theatre
Fri 10th June – Tunbridge Wells, Trinity Theatre
Sat 11th June – Bridport, Arts Centre
Tue 14th June – Colchester, Arts Centre
Wed 15th June - Milton Keynes, The Stables
Sat 18th June - Banbury, Mill Arts
Thur 30th June - Margate, Theatre Royal
Also see: www.jamesfreedman.com/tour. 2.4.16

Belfast MagiCon 2016. Nicola Cunningham writes: Belfast MagiCon is taking place on 29th, 30th April and 1st May 2016 at the Ramada Encore Belfast. We have a stellar line up alongside a beautiful city for you all to explore. Legend Roberto Giobbi will be performing and offering his acclaimed Dai Vernon Seminar. Canada's Shane Cobalt will be performing his mind blowing classic card magic and "An Evening with Erdnase" Masterclass. Also performing that weekend, comedy genius John Lenahan, Ireland's own Shane Gillen, Sweden's Malin Nilsson and Belgium's man of mystery, Rafael. Just 10 minutes from Belfast City Airport, the Belfast Docks and Great Victoria street bus station, this convention is in the heart of Belfast. We would love to host you. Please visit www.belfastmagicconvention2016.webs.com  for more info or email belfastmagicconvention2016@googlemail.com to register. With shows every evening, masterclasses, lectures and more, including Belfast's Festival of Fools www.foolsfestival.com that same weekend, we guarantee you will have a memorable and magical time. Come and experience some Belfast Magic! 2.4.16

Edinburgh International Magic Festival 2016. From the organisers: Plans for MagicFest 2016 are well underway and, believe us, this year's festival is a showstopper! We've got lots of exciting brand-new events planned, plus our favourites like the spectacular Gala Show, the Secret Room at Lauriston Castle, Magic School and the Magic a la Carte Dinner. There will be plenty of magical surprises across the city too, but you'll have to wait a couple more weeks until the full programme is revealed on 21st April... request your free copy of the 2016 programme. 1st - 8th July 2016 - see www.magicfest.co.uk for more info and to book. 2.4.16

'The Magic History Gathering at The Magic Circle' and Book Sale. The Gathering will be held at The Magic Circle headquarters, 12 Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD (Map), on Saturday 11th June starting with coffee at 10am. There will be five talks on a variety of subjects such as the lives of Will Goldston and Prof Era, Flea circuses, Magicians who appeared in the Isle of Man and the lives of three well known card magicians from the past. Following the talks there will be a sale of hundreds of books from The David Price collection, finishing at about 7pm. The cost of the day is £40, which includes morning coffee, afternoon tea and a buffet lunch. For details of payment, which must be made prior to the event, contact Bob Loomis by email on bobloomis@themagiccircle.co.uk. 2.4.16

Ben Hanlin: Work in Progress. Cheeky magician and star of ITV2’s Tricked is performing a series of intimate work-in-progress shows at the Museum of Comedy, The Undercroft, St George Church, Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SR (Map). This show is a blend of magic that Ben has been performing for years as well as some brand new material! Running time: 60 minutes. Age recommendation: 14+. 14th April, 12th May, 19th May, 9th June, 16th June, 14th July, 21st July. Tickets: Click Here. 2.4.16

Chris Rawlins: Recalled. York, April 15th. Chris Rawlins demonstrates his super-human memory, razor sharp accuracy and concentration, showcasing the true power of the human brain, live on stage. This act is like nothing you have ever seen before. Chris will not only demonstrate the true power of his well sculpted memory and its super-human capacity, he will also make you laugh and gasp. He will even teach you a unique skill that will never be forgotten. "You could almost hear the jaws dropping just wow!" The British Library, London. "We thoroughly enjoyed hosting such an impressive, charismatic and funny man. We would be honoured to have him back." York University. "Chris is a creative, original thinker and a truly great performer. I highly recommend you all to see him in action." Uri Geller. (Age Restrictions: 14+) 15th April at 7.30pm. Venue: The Basement, Picturehouses City Screen, 13-17 Coney Street, York YO1 9QL (Map). www.thebasementyork.co.uk. 2.4.16

Wayne Goodman lectures at the Liverpool Magic Circle at 8pm on Wednesday 6th April. Entrance: £5 members, £10 non-members. Venue: Longmoor Social Club, Longmoor Lane, Liverpool L9 9EN (Map). www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk. 2.4.16

Now You See It, 5.20pm today, Saturday 2nd April, on BBC 1. Voiced by the somewhat irritating Mel Giedroyc, featuring the best and worst of magic and related visual exploits from around the world. See TV Magic. 2.4.16

Hull Magicians’ Circle Annual Dinner. Jon Marshall writes: Hull Magicians’ Circle Annual Dinner. Saturday, 9th April, 6.45pm, University of Hull, HU6 7RX. After a sell out success last year, this year the dinner promises to be even better. Hull Magicians’ Circle are, with the generous sponsorship and assistance of the University of Hull, celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the Hull Magicians’ Circle with a Dinner being held at Staff House and honouring our President Eddie Dawes’ long association with the University of Hull as Professor of Bio-Chemistry and his scientific career as well as his passion for magic and its history. There’ll be Science Magic at the reception with University scientists and direct from The One Show, Dr Tim Cockerill. Magical guests include The Magic Circle President, Scott Penrose. The after-dinner Theatre show will be truly international with Quentin Reynolds, Romany, Pippa the Ripper from Germany and Alex the Ace Magician from Vietnam. We are delighted that amongst tributes received for Eddie are those from his friends David Copperfield, Teller and Paul Kieve. www.hullmc.org.uk. 2.4.16

Monday Night Magic at Grosvenor Casino Manchester. Join host magician Carl Royle and star guest Chris Rawlins for Monday Night Magic on April 18th. Close-up magic will be followed by a stand-up mind reading show from Chris Rawlins who will read your mind plain and simple. He knows what you are thinking and when you are thinking it! At Monday Night Magic you will have the rare opportunity to sit down with Chris at the card table, followed by a stand-up performance. Call 0161 839 0467 for tickets, £10 show or £17.50 for pre-show meal and show. See facebook.com/MNMatGrosvenor. Age 18+. Showtime 8.30pm. 2.4.16

Shane Cobalt International Magic Workshop and Lecture - London. From the organisers: On Tuesday 12th April, Shane Cobalt is presenting both a workshop (from midday until 5pm) and a lecture (from 7.30pm until 10.30pm). Shane is a card expert from Canada who has been heralded by the likes of Jim Steinmeyer, the Buck Twins, Eric Anderson and Chris Kenner. Having kept his magic underground for some years, he is only now beginning to reveal his skills and is already becoming known for his work on the SWE Shift, Zarrow Shuffle and Diagonal Palm Shift. In his lecture, Shane covers some of his best kept secrets, including his solution to the legendary 51 Faces North. Other routines are a mixture of both technically demanding and extremely easy, so, whatever your skill level, there’s something for everyone and plenty to take home and practice. If you attend the workshop, you can expect personal tuition on some of the difficult but necessary moves in card handling. Including Bottom Deal, Second Deal, Diagonal Palm Shift, Top and Bottom Palm (for one or multiple cards), SWE Shift, Open Shift and much, much more. Numbers are being restricted, so please book early to avoid disappointment. Events Summary: Workshop 12noon-5pm. Lecture 7.30pm - 10.30pm. Date: Tuesday 12th April 2016. Admission: Workshop £30 (places limited), Lecture £15. Venue: Casa Italiana, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL Pre-booking is essential via www.internationalmagic.com. 2.4.16

April 2016 E-Video Newsletter. Mark Leveridge writes: The 33 minute April E-Video Newsletter is ready and awaiting your attention. In this month's edition you will learn a nice handling for a small packet card force in the Teach In; I reveal a more visual way to end The Shiner in Wrinkles; you'll be able to marvel at my unobservant nature when faced with the Mayor of Bristol in the latest true story in 'It Could Only Happen Live'; a copy of the Ganson Book is lifted from 'Mark's Bookshelf' as I give you a little background on this classic publication, and in '60 Seconds To Success' I give you a number of ways to ensure that you get applause when table hopping. You can get access to this latest online video presentation right now by going to www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php and you can select (for a tiny sum) to either purchase just this one issue, or you can take out a 1 year sub (12 issues) which brings the unit cost down still further. 2.4.16

Enterteasement: Comedy! Magic! Burlesque! Master Mentalist Colin Cloud will be performing at Glasgow's Comedy Magic Burlesque show on Saturday, April 9th at 8pm. Also on the bill: two Scottish 'Comedian of the Year' winners and Michael Redmond, an Irish comedy legend best known for his role of Father Stone in the Father Ted. Tickets £14 via www.enterteasement.com. Venue: Admiral Bar, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA (Map). 2.4.16

Merlins One Day Magic Celebration: 15th May, Wakefield. Merlins write: We have now finalised our line-up for our 21st Birthday Celebration on 15th May in Wakefield. Details and how to book can be found here: 21st Birthday. We are also having a Magical Auction at the shop on Wednesday 13th April from 7pm to 9.30pm. A great selection of items will be on offer, from our club members, so come and grab a bargain! Places are strictly limited and can only be booked by calling and reserving a place on 01924 339933. Entry fee £3.00 – no admission without a reservation. Our latest April/May Preview is also now available. Email for a PDF copy to merlins@btconnect.com or send us your postal address, and we'll send you a 16 page printed copy, free! www.merlinswakefield.com. 2.4.16

A Jumbo Magic Auction is being held by Manchester Circle of Magicians on Monday 11th April at the Salford Masonic Hall, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Details: Doors open at 5.30pm with viewing from 6pm. Auction commences at 6.30pm. Star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Hundreds of items available including books, DVDs, Kids props, Close-up Magic, Stage Magic etc. Door charge £3.00 for non-members. Members free of charge. Further information from Derek Lever email: d.lever1@sky.com. 2.4.16

Ian Rowland lectures at the Northamptonshire Magicians Club on Tuesday 5th April. Ian will present his new 2016 lecture, including the four brand new effects he presented recently at the Blackpool Convention. The emphasis will be on mentalism, but there will also be some card items and stories. Ian will also talk about his work as a corporate speaker and trainer, and how he integrates magic and mentalism into his training presentations. We kick-off earlier than usual at 7.30pm at The Yeoman of England, 31 High Street, Wootton, Northampton NN4 6LP (Map) and guest magicians are very welcome for a fee of £12. www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk. David Miller. 2.4.16

Steve Short: Packs flat and plays big! The Pentacle Club hosts Steve Short with his illustrated lecture on the history and magic of one time major force in the magic world, the Supreme Magic Company, the Devon based Magic company that sold magic to the world. Due to unforeseen circumstances we have had to re-arrange the date of this lecture and it will now take place on Tuesday, 12th April, starting at 8pm. Doors open at 7.30pm, visiting magicians are welcome, (£5 charge for non-members). We meet at St Andrew's Church Centre, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 9LR (Map). www.pentacleclub.com. Alan Maskell. 2.4.16

Mel down under. Mel Harvey writes: "On a whistle-stop tour of Australia I decided to entertain the locals. In addition to Kangaroos on Kangaroo Island, south of Adelaide, I found 'Alfie' a very friendly local Koala. Provided I had enough Eucalyptus leaves, he would sit and watch the magic all day long!" 2.4.16

The Queen's 90th Birthday Celebrations. On April 21st a wonderful afternoon tea party to celebrate the Queen's 90th birthday is being planned for 1pm at the Kilworth House Hotel. Entertainment will include live jazz and table magic performed by Ashley Turner. Tickets are selling fast. Call 01858 880058 to book or visit www.thetrixta.com to contact Ashley directly. 2.4.16

Illusionist and magician Andrew Green is joining the cast of the hit comedy 'Dirty Dusting' for its 33 date spring UK theatre tour. Andrew will be taking a break from his busy magic schedule to take on the play's male comedy role. Starring Benidorm star Crissy Rock, the play follows three elderly cleaning ladies who set up a "chat" line! facebook.com/DirtyDusting. 2.4.16

The Order of The Magi. Geoffrey Newton writes: Kay Murray, the retiring President of The Order of The Magi in Manchester, had to stand on a chair to place the chain of office on incoming 6’ 2” President Alan Johnston at the AGM last week. Alan joined the Magi some years ago when moving to the north-west from the north-east where he was well known within the Hull Magician’s Circle. The Magi, now in its 107th year continues to thrive with a dedicated membership enjoying lectures, informal nights, auctions and the well-known Christmas party. The first meeting of the new syllabus is on 12th April when there will be a lecture by Chris Wood. There is a door charge for non-members. Details of the society are on www.orderofthemagi.org.uk and membership information is available from Secretary Mike Sharples secretary@orderofthemagi.org.uk telephone 0161 287 7865. 2.4.16

Paul Daniels. "'Love you always, Debbie': Magician Paul Daniels is laid to rest with heartfelt note from his wife and a silver wand on his coffin" Click Here.

"Magician Paul Daniels to be remembered during public memorial service" Click Here.

"Night of magic will pay tribute to Paul" Click Here. 2.4.16

Roberto Forzoni's 'Influence – The Show' is reviewed by Kevin Bird this week, Click Here • "What really happened when Dynamo's magic trick went 'horribly wrong'" Click Here • "Dynamo almost kidnapped by religious cult desperate to cleanse him from 'dark arts'" Click Here • "Windsor teen magician secures place in Berkshire's Got Talent final with Paul Daniels tribute" Click Here • "Houdini manuscript 'Cancer of Superstition' divides opinion over Lovecraft, Eddy ghostwriting" Click Here • "7 cheeky office pranks to play on April Fools' Day from magician Ben Hanlin" Click Here • "Get set to be spellbound by Rosyth magician Kevin McMahon at Dunfermline's Carnegie Hall" Click Here • "Magician Cosentino escapes commission payments to former manager Ralph Carr" Click Here • "Gloucester magician stunned when parcel he ordered in 2006 arrived on doorstep - 10 years later" Click Here • "Catching up with Jeff McBride: Master workshops and Criss Angel" Click Here • "Dynamo interview:'"I enjoy rising to the challenge of having people doubt me'" Click Here • "Magician Aaron Crow cheats death nightly" Click Here • "Is a Texas Lawmaker’s Push To Make Magic a ’National Treasure' Really As Silly As It Sounds?" Click Here • "Judges spellbound by Jimmy" Click Here • Your UK magic news, views and reviews always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 2.4.16

© www.magicweek.co.uk