Number
865 - 21st January 2017
Going
for Gold! Gold Card registrations for the 65th Annual Blackpool Magic
Convention have now sold out. From the organisers: A Silver Card
registration is available via
www.blackpoolmagic.com at £100 for Adults and £65 for Juniors. A
Silver Card registration includes all events apart from the Opera House
Theatre shows. It includes: Dealers, Lectures, Pavilion & Spanish Hall
shows, the Auction on Thursday and all FISM European Championships
Close-up competitions, daytime heats and the late night shows* Thursday:
Paul Zenon, Friday: The Comedy Show, Saturday: Beat the Wand, Sunday:
Not the After Gala Show. (* subject to rooms legal capacity). The FISM
European Championships stage competition and presentations are not
included. We can only apologise for our success and changes will be made
to allow everyone to see all of the shows in 2018. We will then be
presenting 2 shows per evening on Saturday and Sunday at 6pm and 8.45pm
You will have a choice on the 2018 booking form. There will be no
increase in prices for the 2018 Convention. See
www.blackpoolmagic.com to book.
21.1.17
Magic
Manor 2017 - Outdoor Camping Weekend Magic Festival. Organiser Lee
Hathaway writes: We are going to be hosting a weekend magic extravaganza
at a secret location in Berkhamsted, about 30 minutes outside London.
There is parking on the grounds and all registrations will include
campsite pitches. We'll be organising events throughout the weekend. In
addition to lectures and performances from Hayashi, Simon Lovell and Fay
Presto we will be having a 'Gong Show' with prizes, a magic themed 'pub
quiz' and maybe even some late night Karaoke in the sound-proofed
cellar, if that takes your fancy! The brilliant Neil Henry (5 star
Edinburgh Sold Out shows) will also be hosting a 'Best of UK Cabaret
Magic' night on the Sunday on the main stage in our Grand Marquee
featuring Young & Strange! There will be an outdoor BBQ included for
everyone on the Friday and Sunday nights, and an outdoor Paella night on
the Saturday - all included! Veggie options will be provided. Bring your
own drink. Just added: Ian Rowland lecture and Tom Crosbie - Magic
Nerd! 19th, 20th, 21st May 2017. For more info and to book visit
www.indiegogo.com/projects.
21.1.17
The
Vanishing Man - theatre tour: This is a show about magic. But
not a magic show. “I’ve been able to work out, deconstruct and rebuild
every trick I’ve ever seen. Except this one.” Hugo Cedar was an
Edwardian magician known as 'The Vanishing Man'; he created the perfect
trick and then disappeared forever, but his story lives on... Directors
and performers Simon Evans (magical consultant to the NT, Old Vic and
Donmar Warehouse, and two-time recipient of the Close Up Magician of the
Year award) and David Aula (‘The Cement Garden’, ‘Personal Enemy’, and
‘MEAT’), team up to create a time-hopping, misdirection-abusing,
mind-bending examination of what really happens when a man, in full
sight of his audience, simply ceases to be. This is the story of a magic
trick: the greatest one ever performed. Produced with generous support
from the Unicorn Theatre. Suitable for age 12+. The Vanishing Man is
reviewed by Joshua Pickering this week,
Click Here. See What's On for
tour dates.
21.1.17
Mind
Magic Mistress Ning confirmed for South Tyneside International
Magic Festival. From the organisers: Leading Asian magician Ning,
Mind Magic Mistress, is to give a glimpse of her brand new show when she
appears at this year’s South Tyneside International Magic Festival. The
Singapore star is set to dazzle the public and magic professionals alike
when she heads to South Shields for the event, which will take place
from 16th-19th March. Widely regarded as one of the top magicians in
South East Asia, Ning will be taking part in a sharing session for
delegates at the 14th annual convention, which is taking place at The
Customs House. She will also take part in a question and answer session
with film maker R Paul Wilson, following a screening of his documentary
film ‘Our Magic’, as well appearing in a show for the general public.
“I am very excited to be coming to the South Tyneside International
Magic Festival as it looks to be a fantastic event,” she said.
“It will be a new experience for me, and one I am very much looking
forward to.” "Asian magician Ning is set to wow audiences during the
South Tyneside International Magic Festival"
Click Here. For more info and to book
Click Here.
21.1.17
Wessex
Magical Association 2017 Convention, Sunday 2nd April, The Hub, Dorset:
From the organisers: The line up is now taking shape! Lectures include
Chris Randall from Las Vegas, Marc Oberon and Dave Loosley. The Evening
Gala Show, which is included in the convention ticket price, features
Noel Britten, Amethyst, Marc Paul, Des & Cherry, Chris Randall, Marc
Oberon and Dave Loosley. Convention Tickets are strictly limited to 150,
so book now at
www.wmagic.uk. Sunday 2nd April: The Hub, Brock Way, Verwood,
Dorset BH31 7QE (Map).
21.1.17
Physical
Grand Illusion from The Pendragons in The MagicWeek Video Archive this week,
as they prove that the body is quicker than the eye. From November 9th, 1988. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
21.1.17
Mr
Swallow - Houdini: receiving 5 star reviews. At the Soho Theatre to
Saturday 18th February, Evenings 7pm, Matinees 3.30pm. Mr Swallow is the
comedic creation of 2015 Chortle Award nominee Nick Mohammed, who is a
comedy writer, performer and established actor with recent roles in
Ridley Scott’s The Martian, Absolutely Fabulous: The
Movie, Bridget Jones’s Baby and upcoming features The Sense of an Ending
and Disney’s The Nutcracker and the Four Realms due out in
2017/18.
www.sohotheatre.com.
"Nick Mohammed: ‘Magic in Vegas? I’d rather write a West End musical’" Click Here
Mr Swallow Houdini - to ‘Split-your-sides
hilarious’ ★★★★★ Evening Standard
‘Pure escapism’ ★★★★★ Metro
‘One of the most incontrovertibly hilarious hours in town.’ ★★★★★
Guardian
‘A spellbinding feat of comic perfection.’ ★★★★★ Stage
"Mr Swallow - Houdini, comedy review: Enjoy the thrill of this escapist
jollity"
www.standard.co.uk
"Mr Swallow: Houdini five-star review – a giddy feat of comedic derring-do" www.theguardian.com. 21.1.17
Merlins
Magic Day - Sunday 14th May, 2017. Merlins of Wakefield are holding
a Magic Day on Sunday 14th May 2017 (see
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk). With all the regular attractions such
as dealers, lecturers and performances, the day is aimed at anyone who
has an interest in magic. There will be some special events, goody bags,
and a great Gala Show in the evening. Details of all events and artists
will be announced at the end of February, but if you would like to
register an interest, send an email to
merlins@btconnect.com. To
book now
Click Here. For more info call Merlins on 01924 339933.
21.1.17
Johnny Hart can be seen on The Good Old Days on Friday 27th January: "Leonard Sachs presents the old-time music hall programme, first broadcast on 7 June 1977. With Max Bygraves, Jessie Matthews, Millicent Martin, Julia McKenzie, Sheila Steafel, Ray C Davis, Tudor Davis, and Johnny Hart and the Hot Dogs." See TV Magic. Photo: Johnny Hart in his teens. 21.1.17
Ben Earl: Trick Artist
is being repeated on W from Tuesday 31st January.
"Ben Earl is a master of sleight of hand and deception - he is the
ultimate trick artist. Ben has spent the last few months in an old
warehouse in London devising four special programmes based on themes
that fuse deception and mind-blowing stunts. This first show is all
about crime. Ben invites a select group of people to join him as he
attempts to catch a speeding bullet, goes to prison to perform
astonishing sleight-of-hand tricks with ex-convicts, teaches an audience
member how to pickpocket, and finds himself leaping from the top of a
moving car..." Writers: Ben Earl and Mark Elsdon. Magic Consultant: Ben
Hart. See TV Magic.
21.1.17
Magic Car Boot Sale - 9am tomorrow in Birmingham featuring 36 magic stalls! Alec Powell writes: We now have a record 36 stalls booked and the start time has been revised to 9am. It will also be possible to register for Kidology 2017 and Ventarama at the Sale. 9am on 22nd January at The Austin Sports and Social Club, 30 Tessall Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B31 2SF (Map). This venue is right next door to Longbridge Railway Station and less than 10 minutes from Junction 4 on the M5. There is plenty of free parking with barriers on the car park. There is a Premier Inn and Beefeater just across the road. Email any questions to alec@alecpowell.co.uk. 21.1.17
Nick Einhorn lectures at The Surrey Society
of Magicians on Thursday January 26th. Adam Mosley writes: Winner of ITV's hit show
Penn & Teller: Fool
Us Nick was successful in fooling two of the most revered and respected
magicians in the world. Following his win he was flown to Las Vegas to
perform with the duo in their theatre at The Rio, Las Vegas. A
Gold Star Member of The Inner Magic Circle, Nick was the winner of 'The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year' three times,
in
1996, 2002 and in 2005, the winner of an ‘All Winners’ Special
Competition’ celebrating the 100th Birthday of the society in 2005, thus
becoming the first ever Magic Circle Centenary Close-up Magician. His
magic books have sold over
one million copies worldwide and have been translated in to many languages.
Titles include: ‘The Art of Magic & Sleight of Hand’, ‘Magical
Illusions’ and many more.
Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance
fee. The lecture takes place in East Horsley, Surrey at 8pm. For full
details email Adam Mosley
info@surreymagic.org.uk.
21.1.17
Etienne
Pradier lectures for Coventry Magic Circle on Tuesday.
James Cannon writes: Coventry
Magic Circle are delighted to welcome Etienne
Pradier to our society. Etienne was on the 'Penn and Teller Fool Us'
where he fooled Penn and Teller to go to Las Vegas. This promises to be a brilliant night of entertainment. £10
entrance fee for visiting magicians. Starts at 8pm Tuesday 24th January
at
Saunders Hall Working Men's Club, Saunders Avenue, Bedworth CV12 8RJ (Map).
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk.
21.1.17
The
Mark Leveridge January Podcast. With Christmas and New Year celebrations
well behind us, now may be a good time to catch up on those monthly
tasks which perhaps so far have been ignored. Such as listening to the
latest Mark Leveridge Podcast. In the January edition you will find
the following interesting topics: Being a performer means we
work when others aren't and prevents us from enjoying our own social
lives. Having the confidence to change your performing environment can
be important to the success of your show. Mark reflects on the number
of magical podcasts that are now available. Where will the hand crafted
wooden magic props come from in the future? Sometimes we can be
unaware of how loud our music or voice amp needs to be. Audio books
provide an interesting way to learn. Are the days of the general
theatrical agent numbered as the internet provides bookers with all the
info they need? The full 30 minute audio podcast is available for free
to either listen to online or to download for playback on any mp3 player
from either
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php or
www.markleveridge.podbean.com.
21.1.17
Book
News from Paul Hallas. The Chris Wardle Trilogy: 'Investigating the
Mene Tekel Deck', 'Beyond Svengali' and 'Ten Mysteries' are finally back
in print, now as one complete volume titled Investigations: The Chris
Wardle Trilogy. These titles were published individually by Paul (PH
Marketing) over a 6-year period, the first one written by Chris in 2002.
They have now been edited and compiled under one cover here for a new
generation of magicians. The bulk of this compilation revolves around
two easy to make gaffed decks, the lesser known Mene Tekel deck and its
big brother the Svengali. If you ever wondered what to do with a Mene
Tekel deck – there is plenty here. As for the Svengali, you are taken
beyond normal Svengali deck tricks. Apart from turning the principle on
its head and combining it with other devious methods, several of these
routines don't even use playing cards! To round things off, Chris's
first booklet "Ten Mysteries" completes this collection, a mix of easy
to do close-up and stand-up routines, which received a 5-star rating on
Lybrary.com. ‘Investigations: The Chris Wardle Trilogy’ includes guest
contributions from Paul Hallas, Mark Elsdon, Arun Bonerjee and Tom
Johnston. All in all, thirty-eight routines are included. Chris's
investigations into these principles will inspire you. Perfect bound,
132 pages, now available from
www.thebookpatch.com. Also, several of Paul’s own highly regarded
titles are now being re-released, including ‘Across the Void’,
‘Mentalism with Cards’, ‘Still Small, Still Deadly’, ‘Oops Just Cards’
and ‘The Best of Alchemy Card Magic’.
21.1.17
Bertie
Pearce lectures for the Kent Magicians' Guild at 8pm on Tuesday 31st
January at Kent Magicians' Guild, CIU Dunton Green Social Club, 159
London Road, Dunton Green, Kent TN13 2TA (Map).
Well known for his work at IBM Conventions, this lecture is titled
'Wonder Workers and the Art of Illusion', a whistle-stop tour of the
history of mystery from 3000 BC to the 21st Century. You will be amazed
and amused! The admission price is just £5.00, with free car parking.
Visiting magicians very welcome.
www.kentmagiciansguild.co.uk.
21.1.17
Ozzy
D Pentacle Club lecture, Cambridge. Ozzy D will be presenting his
brand new lecture, consisting of: Ways to increase your income with
different types of shows and games for the children's entertainer, and
combining commercial close-up and stage routines. All of the routines in
the lecture are used in his working repertoire. Something for everyone
at all levels. Tuesday 24th January at 8pm at The Pentacle Club, St
Andrew's Church Centre, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 9LR (Map).
www.pentacleclub.com. Visiting magicians welcome - £10 for
non-Pentacle members. Hugh Newam.
21.1.17
Alex
Michael Cahill lecture, British Magical Society, Birmingham. Jay
Adkins writes: Alex has been actively performing all over the UK for
well over fifteen years; at weddings, corporate events and children’s
parties. He has won many local close-up competitions as well as a few
industry specific awards and now performs at over 300 events per year.
He is the ‘go to’ magician for many large blue chip companies and some
of the biggest event organisers and wedding planners in the UK and as
such has a great reputation. The lecture will feature mainly close-up
magic, but there will be some cabaret magic too. Part of the lecture
will include some top advice from Alex’s notebook. The content will be
aimed at beginners as well as experts and there will be material for
everyone to benefit from. It will be fully interactive and a lot of fun.
Visiting magicians from other societies very welcome, £10.00 charge. 7pm
for a 7.30pm start. Tuesday 24th January. The British Magical Society,
Selly Oak Ex Servicemens' Club, 8 Selly Hill Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham
B29 7DL (Map).
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk.
21.1.17
Marco
Pusterla - An Evening of Wonder, Moyse's Hall Museum, Cornhill, Bury St.
Edmunds, Suffolk. Marco Pusterla will perform his unique brand of
magic in the Undercroft of Moyse's Hall Museum as an event part of the
'Magic: the Entertainment of Deception' exhibition. The evening starts
with refreshments in the Great Hall and a unique opportunity to explore
the museum and the Magic Exhibition at night, followed by an intimate
performance of magic by Marco himself in the Undercroft. Marco Pusterla,
a member of The Magic Circle and former magic award winner, is one of
the most respected historians on the art of magic worldwide, author of
books on magic and the publisher of a magazine dedicated to the history
of magic and the business of magic collecting. This event is suitable
for ages 12+. There will be a licensed bar. 7pm on Friday 27th January
at Moyse's Hall Museum, Cornhill, Bury St. Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1DX (Map).
Ticket Office: 01284 758000. See
www.whatsonwestsuffolk.co.uk and
Click Here for details of the exhibition.
21.1.17
The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam and Kyle Sarocen write: Our next gathering will be
at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7th February, at The Nelson Hotel, Marine Parade, Great
Yarmouth NR30 3AG (Map),
opposite the Sea Life Centre. The aim of the
evenings is to allow magicians to meet and socialise, and exchange ideas, in a
relaxed atmosphere. Our social evenings are free of charge and there will be a
free buffet, and you will be able to buy drinks from the bar.
The evening starts at 7.30pm and
enjoy the atmosphere.
This is a temporary venue for our January and February meetings. We will be back
to our regular venue (St. George Hotel) in March.
If anyone wants go come along, please email
thegathering@mail.com or you can
Phone Kyle on 07982 819727 for further information. (Note: We will be back to
our regular venue of the St. George Hotel Great in March).
21.1.17
Planning
this year's programme of events for your club? Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page!
21.1.17
"David Copperfield by Judd Apatow"
Click Here • "Debbie McGee unveils charity badge after Paul Daniels'
death"
Click Here (purchase and support via this official eBay page:
www.ebay.co.uk) • "Debbie McGee loves playing with late husband Paul
Daniels' rabbits as 'they make me think of him'"
Click Here • "Adam Trent at Van Wezel"
Click Here • "Jamie Raven for Celebrity Big Brother? 'Britain's Got
Talent' 2015 runner-up wants to enter the 'Celebrity Big Brother' house
and play tricks on the contestants"
Click Here • "Magician Mike Super to pull more than a rabbit out of
his hat at Symphony Hall"
Click Here • "Thorpe Park releases teaser trailer for Derren Brown's
Ghost Train: Rise Of The Demon"
Click Here • "Teesside magician again named UK wedding entertainer
of the year - and here's why"
Click Here • "Paul Lamond teams with magician Jamie Raven for new
magic sets"
Click Here •
"The trick to being a magician’s assistant"
Click Here • "Have You Seen This 'Magician' Performing Truly
Terrible Tricks On Dublin's Streets?"
Click Here • "Saint-Sauveur street magician finds YouTube stardom"
Click Here • "Pa.'s Houdini Museum plans to release a Monopoly-style
game based on the magician"
Click Here • "World's leading magicians to perform sensational magic
show at Plume Academy, Maldon"
Click Here • "Magicians’ social-media numbers explode beyond their
live appeal"
Click Here • "Greg Berlanti sells ABC on a procedural where a
magician joins the FBI"
Click Here • "Magician’s Horsham show is like Mr Bean meets Charlie
Chaplin"
Click Here • "Magicians gather to share secrets of their mysterious
trade"
Click Here • "Exclusive Podcast: Half Hour Call with Chris King
Welcomes Magician Dan White"
Click Here • And finally, "Spoon-ky! Declassified files
reveal CIA carried out secret psychic experiments on Uri Geller and got
him to predict an agent’s drawings from the next room – and the
results will bend your mind"
Click Here • Thanks as always for all your UK magic news - see you
next week, Duncan.
21.1.17