Number
867 - 4th February 2017
Matthew
Le Mottée is The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2017.
Matthew's easy manner and well constructed routine clicked with both
the audience of magicians and judges alike on Monday 30th January at The
Magic Circle in London. Matthew took three classics of magic and really
made them 'his' - the highlight for me being his excellent
close-up (Ninja) Linking Rings routine. Eight magicians competed, with Andrei
Isfan being placed second and Sean Heydon third. This evening is now one
of the most popular events in the Circle's annual calendar, and on
Monday evening the clubroom and theatre were packed to capacity. Well
done to all eight competitors. Not yet a member of the finest magic club in the
world? Visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us. Photo: President Scott Penrose making the
presentation. DT.
4.2.17
Secret
Cellar - London's hidden theatre of close-up magic. Hidden in the heart of
London is a lair of mystery and deception. Descend the stairs to London's newest
venue for close-up magic, you will discover a world of intrigue and illusion. In
this exclusive and evocative setting get ready to come face to face with the
finest close-up magicians in the world. Performances last 1 hour. Strictly
limited to 40 seats. Please note due to the nature of the cellar there is no
wheelchair access. Opening Late March 2017. The Secret Cellar is located at:
Vaulty Towers, 34 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG (Map).
www.secretcellarlondon.com.
4.2.17
Mr
Swallow - Houdini. Just a few performances left to go for Nick
Mohammed's 5 star hit show Mr Swallow - Houdini. This week Ian
Keable reviews it for MagicWeek and yes, it gets yet another 5 stars! To
read Ian's review
Click Here. To book visit
www.sohotheatre.com. "Nick Mohammed: ‘I secretly write down my
wife’s jokes’"
Click Here.
4.2.17
Congreave's
Curiosities - new from Magicseen Publications: We are pleased to announce
the imminent release of a brand new book by well known professional close-up
magician, Chris Congreave. Entitled Congreave's Curiosities, the 100+ page soft
back book will be officially published on Thursday 16th February 2017 at the
Blackpool Convention, and contains 40 of Chris's commercial close-up routines
and ideas as well as three useful and thought provoking essays. Those who have
come across any of Chris's other releases will know that his magic is direct and
designed with 'lay people entertainment' in mind, and we are delighted that he
has chosen Magicseen as his publishers. We are currently offering the book as a
pre-order. Purchase a copy no later than Monday 13th February 2017 and we will
send you right now completely free a download copy of the new Masterclass Vol.3
- Years 9-12 book (worth £12.00), which is a compilation of all 51 of the tricks
which were published in the Masterclass section of Magicseen issues 49-72. Also,
current Magicseen subscribers can purchase their copy of Congreave's Curiosities
at the usual 20% discount rate, thus making the book even better value.
Pre-ordered copies will be mailed out in the week commencing 20th February, but
if you prefer to save the P&P costs, you can opt to collect your pre-ordered
copy at the Blackpool Convention itself, thus ensuring that you still receive
the free Masterclass download book at the time of ordering. To place your
pre-order now go to
www.magicseen.co.uk.
4.2.17
Magic at the Angles
- the new bi-monthly magic show at The Angles Theatre in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire,
on Saturday 11th February features the classic magic of Oliver Tabor,
the laser magic of Richard Griffin, the comedy juggling of Goronwy Thom
and the illusions of Jason Steele & Joanne. Shows are 2.30pm and 7.30pm,
tickets available from £10.00.
www.anglestheatre.co.uk.
4.2.17
Morgan
& West tour dates. Morgan & West set off on another UK tour this month
(spread over six months), with two different shows, first: 'Morgan & West's
Utterly Spiffing Spectacular Magic Show For Kids (and Childish Grown-ups!)' -
Fresh from their appearance on ITV 1’s The Next Great Magician, and sell-out
seasons in 2015 and 2016 at the Edinburgh Fringe and on the London Southbank the
time-travelling magicians Morgan & West are off on a tour of the country with
their critically acclaimed magic show for kids (and childish grown-ups!) and
'Morgan & West: Parlour Tricks' - Time travelling magic duo Morgan & West
present a brand new show chock full of jaw dropping, brain bursting, gasp
eliciting feats of magic. The dashing chaps offer up a plateful of illusion and
impossibility, all served with wit, charm and no small amount of panache. Be
sure to wear a hat – Morgan & West might just blow your mind. See
What's On for tour dates and venues.
4.2.17
14th
South Tyneside International Magic Festival. From the organisers:
Some of the greatest minds in modern magic are getting ready to share some of
their top secret skills and expertise at one of the UK’s leading magic events.
The 14th South Tyneside International Magic Festival returns from March
16th-19th 2017 at The Customs House, South Shields.
This year, booker Steve Gore has secured several huge international acts who
will be jetting in from Canada, the USA and Asia to share their secrets.
Following a Family Magic Extravaganza open to the public on Thursday 16th March,
the convention will open its doors to delegates at 9am on Friday 17th March.
After a children’s lecture and show by Simon Hannah, America’s Adam Wilber will
get the afternoon started as he takes centre stage. One of the world’s greatest
sleight of hand artists, the Boston magician has won dozens of awards and has
created some of the best-selling magic tricks of all time.
The afternoon will also feature lectures from Canadian Mahdi Gilbert who will be
talking about how he manages to perform magic without hands, as well as
American-based Asi Wind (photo), who will be making a very rare appearance on the
convention scene.
Saturday’s lectures and talks will include US magician Rob Zabrecky, more from
Mahdi Gilbert plus a sharing session from Ning: Mind Magic Mistress.
Sunday will feature a lecture by highly respected magic and mentalism creator Michael Murray, as well as a screening of R Paul Wilson’s movie Our Magic which will be followed by a question and answer session with several of the convention’s big acts including Ning, Rob Zabrecky and Mahdi Gilbert. “This has been my first year as booker and I wanted to cover as many disciplines as possible so there was something for everyone in the lectures this year,” said Steve Gore. For more info and to book visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk. 4.2.17
Magic
Course with BGT winner Richard Jones. From the organisers: UK Magic Course
with the 2016 winner of 'Britain's Got Talent' Richard Jones in Windsor, UK. It
was a hard job, but we have finally found someone to fill the late great Paul
Daniels' shoes! Welcome to our newest tutor Richard Jones - Winner of BGT 2016.
Intimate course for Magicians and suitable for beginners young or old. Sunday
3rd September 2017. From just £109. A full day with the winner of Britain's Got
Talent!
Indulge the magician in you! Join us for this ultimate weekend of pampering and luxury with a whole day of Magic tuition from the UK's newest face of magic, and winner of Britain's Got Talent 2016 - Rich Jones. Your (optional) stay in the 4-Star Millennium Copthorne Hotel Slough (Windsor) includes either one or two nights Bed & Breakfast and a whole day in the company of Rich Jones, being taught how to perform magic tricks that will amaze your friends when you return. When the day of magic is over, retire to the bar with Rich for a drink and chat, take photos and get an autograph.
When you are not pulling rabbits from hats or making cards appear and disappear, take advantage of the Swimming Pool, Sauna, Steam Room, Whirlpool and Gym (included in price if you are staying) or get some Spa Treatments (additional fees are payable directly at the hotel). Non participating partners are also welcome, as are families who can take advantage of the hotel facilities whilst you learn, or can take a short drive into the town of Windsor, Legoland, Eton College, Ascot or even into Central London, and they are welcome to join us in the bar with Rich immediately after the course.
Rooms are available as a Single room or a Double room with either one or two participants in the magic day with Rich Jones. Family rooms can be arranged usually at little or no additional cost. Also included in the price is Morning coffee, a light lunch and afternoon tea during the Sunday with Rich. Entry to the Swimming pool, sauna, steam room, whirlpool and Gym is also included in the price, however some treatments and fitness classes will be charged by the Spa directly. A full and detailed list of what is included will be given to you on booking. Payment in instalments can be arranged without any additional fees, interest or charges. Partners / Friends can join you for free and join us in the bar afterwards with Rich. Full details: www.learninthesun.com. 4.2.17
The
Young Magicians and The Thieves' Almanac Paperback by Nick Mohammed (aka Mr
Swallow). On a London street, four unlikely friends stand before the
astonishingly ordinary-looking blue door of The Magic Circle... Alex doesn't say
much, and once jumped when handed a Satsuma, but, wow, is he amazing with a deck
of cards. Zack is undoubtedly one of the best pickpockets in the country (but
always puts things back). Sophie once convinced her Brown Owl that all the other
Brownies were jellyfish thanks to her nifty hypnosis skills - and then never
returned. Jonny - who is quite possibly the tallest boy in the universe - mixes
science and magic with spectacular consequences (mostly explosions). Join these
young magicians as they step inside the world-famous conjuring club in an
adventure that may or may not involve the search for a secret book, a set of
impossible crimes and... oh, yes - a flock of very confused pigeons. Nick
Mohammed has been a member of Bradford Magic Circle for 18 years and in 2012 was
made an Associate of The Inner Magic Circle. He is also a rising star in the
comedy world, and increasingly in demand as an actor and comedian. To order via
Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
4.2.17
Salvano on The Good Old Days, 10th February, on BBC 4. Leonard Sachs chairs the old-time music hall programme, first broadcast on 17th January 1978. With John Inman, Lyn Kennington, Ray C Davis, Tudor Davies, Keith Harris, Norma Lunbar, Salvano, Jenny Kenna and members of the Players' Theatre, London. See TV Magic for details. 4.2.17
The
Mark Leveridge E-Video Newsletter, February 2017: The February E-Video
Newsletter is out! Mark Leveridge is pleased to alert you to the fact that his
latest 30 minute online video presentation is ready for your attention and it
contains the following: The Teach In - a novel, baffling blank card
effect based on a poker deal idea. Wrinkles - Paul Heaney suggests four
new ways to use the El Duco Wallet. It Could Only Happen Live - soaked
cyclists don't make the best audience! Web Offer Bundle - details of a
package of two E-Books on CD with a £9.00 discount. 60 Seconds To Success
- why QR codes could be useful to you. The Review Corner - a look at
Kosmo's versatile prop, The Jar. Always fun and interesting, the monthly E-Video
Newsletter is amazingly good value at the modest price charged, and the price
per edition reduces even further if you take out a 1 year (12 issue) sub. For
more information see
www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php.
4.2.17
Conjuring
at the Court, London.
Another terrific night of entertainment is all set for Conjuring at the Court,
on Thursday 23rd February. There’s comedy magic from Mandy Muden and Andy Clockwise, miracles from Fay
Presto, and manic juggling from Steve Rawlings, who brought the house down at his last
outing. With compere Russell Levinson. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm
with an interval. The Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Come early to enjoy a meal before the show!
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
4.2.17
Steve
Gore opens the Christian Magicians UK conference on Monday 13th February
with a show and a lecture. The conference runs from Monday 13th to
Friday 17th. Other lecturers during the week include Andi Gladwin, Joshua Jay, Dave Allen
and Nathan Ward. Details can be found on
www.christianmagiciansuk.org also see
www.stevegore.co.uk.
4.2.17
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, illusion act 'Labyrinth' on 'The Big Big
Talent Show' which was hosted by Jonathan Ross 20 years ago. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
4.2.17
The
Golden Age of Magic Posters - Part II. Potter & Potter Auctions, today. "We
are proud to announce the greatly anticipated follow up to last years highly
successful June auction. The Golden Age of Magic Posters - The Nielsen
Collection Part II is taking place on Saturday, February 4, 2017. Don't miss out
on your second chance to own a piece of this significant magic collection." This
poster caught my eye: "London, 1934. Five-color broadside for a variety bill
featuring nine acts, among them Cardini, billed as 'The Ace' of Conjurors -
Royal Performance 1933. Other acts include Claude Dampier 'the professional
idiot.' 16" x 22" Slight fold lines visible, otherwise excellent"
www.potterauctions.com.
4.2.17
Mathew
Wright Lecture at the Cambridge Pentacle Club. Monday 13th February at 8pm.
Hugh Newsam writes: Multi FISM award winning magician Mathew Wright will be
lecturing on magic theory, comedy, stage magic and close-up... it's going to be
an incredible night. Visitors welcome. Venue: St Andrew's Church Centre, Cherry
Hinton, Cambridge CB1 9LR (Map).
www.pentacleclub.com.
4.2.17
Magicians
Advice Podcast: "Episode 21. Join Phil Taylor and Ian Brennan as
they discuss the use of narration (storytelling) in magic performances. Ian and
Phil talk about the importance of plots in performance and how a simple plot can
make a huge difference to the way your spectators perceive an effect. The two
magicians give examples of good use of story and plots and provide points of
reference so that you can see these examples live in action."
www.magicianscorner.co.uk.
4.2.17
Blackpool Magicians'
Club and the Murray Award. Alan
Horne writes: Blackpool Magicians' Club presents the Murray Award
at their annual convention. It honoura a recipient for outstanding services to
the Blackpool Magicians Club or for distinguished dedication to the art of
magic.
With the final commissioned piece of the Murray, that was created over 30 years,
ago being presented in 2015 it was time for a new, more modern award
to be designed.
There was one name in magic that stood out for creating beautiful, contemporary
pieces of magic art with unsurpassed quality: Brian Watson.
Brian was commissioned by Blackpool Magicians' Club in 2016 to design and create
a new Murray Award that featured a likeness of Murray, had a more contemporary look
and feel and yet still had a timeless, classic look. A brief which we honestly
believe Brian has not only met but exceeded.
www.brianwatsonmagic.com.
4.2.17
In
the world of magic, things aren’t always what they seem, for the woman on
the front page of the current edition of 'Key Ring' magazine is in fact
headless! The lead article is all about fairground sideshows, with a short
history, their demise and restoration. This monthly 32 page publication is the
house magazine of The International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring. It
has a number of well-known regular writers covering a variety of subjects.
Individual articles are also part of this journal, together with Presidential,
Secretarial and Editorial comment. The annual subscription to the Ring is £45
(no increase from last year) and the joining fee (formerly £25) has currently
been suspended. Membership details can be found on
www.britishring.org.uk.
The annual convention 7th – 10th September 2017, is in Greenock and information
can be found on
www.magicconvention.co.uk. All events take place at The Beacon Centre, a
state-of-the-art new building right on the banks of the Clyde. The convention
hotel is the Holiday Inn Express but there are plenty of other places to stay in
the area, including self-catering facilities right next to the convention
centre. Come and see for yourself. Geoffrey Newton - Key Ring Editor.
4.2.17
An
Evening with Alakazam's Andrew Smith, Medway Magical Society,
Rochester. Neil Colley writes: An evening with Alakazam's very own Andrew Smith, with
a magic
performance and a Q&A session.
This promises to be an exciting and insightful look into the mind of the man
himself!
Andrew may also be showing some material from his upcoming joint show with Dave
Loosely "The Unexpected"
The event is open to all magicians and is free of charge, so come along early
and enjoy an evening of fun and entertainment. Space is limited! Tuesday 7th
February at 8pm.
Venue: Medway Magical Society,
St Georges Hotel,
8 New Road,
Rochester ME4 6BB (Map)
www.medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk.
4.2.17
Celebrity
Carry on Barging. Leisurely-paced reality series. Lorraine Chase, Nigel
Havers, Debbie McGee and Simon Callow try their hand at narrow boating. Setting
off from Bath, the stars struggle to find their canal legs, but once they do,
visits to local vineyards and a performance from the Avoncliff singers await.
Weekly at 8pm on Channel 5, from Friday 10th February.
4.2.17
The Cruise continues on Thursday 9th February. "The ship is heading for Gibraltar, where the local monkeys are running riot on the famous rock. With some of their unfriendly antics revealed, a few passengers find themselves in the medical centre with some vicious bites. The ship's magicians - Jonny and Tricia Hawley - have been preparing a dangerous new act, first performed by the great Houdini. Up on the bridge, junior officer Lauren has been signed off by the captain as competent to take charge of the ship's navigation - and this is her first shift. With engineer husband Mike working in the engine control room, Lauren is keen to let him know just who is in charge. At the front desk, things are a bit more of a challenge. A luggage trolley of suitcases has taken a dip in the ocean, and the unenviable task of letting the passengers know what has happened to their soggy belongings falls to Emma." See TV Magic for details. 4.2.17
"Talking
with crazy magician The Amazing Jonathan on living on borrowed time"
Click Here (Amazing Jonathan on British TV 20 years ago
YouTube) • "PS: Dear audience member in the background. We see your sneaky
thumb trick"
Click Here • "Famous escape relived in play"
Click Here • "Tricks of the trade from a professional magician"
Click Here • "Jamie’s magical visit to school pupils"
Click Here • "Wargrave magician Paul Daniels remembered with unique
charity badge"
Click Here • "From Kate Bosworth's Boho Couture Look To Dynamo's
Tricks, Go Inside InStyle EE Rising Star Party"
Click Here • "New mind-bending illusion exhibit Liberty Science
Center opens February 4"
Click Here • Not another one... "Toddler is ultimate Houdini as he
scales two safety gates"
Click Here • "Out magician Michael Carbonaro pranks new victims on
the latest season of ‘The Carbonaro Effect’"
Click Here • "Illusionist Jason Bishop to dazzle Burley"
Click Here • And finally "BBC reporter baffles viewers with weird 'magic' hands"
Click Here - and here's how he did it
Click
Here (how's that for sleight of hand!) • That's all for this week,
your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
4.2.1.7