Number
877 - 15th April 2017
Dean
Leavy is 'The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year 2017'. Silent
Magic was back in vogue at The Magic Circle last Sunday as seven
magicians, from an initial fifteen entrants, competed head to head in
the live Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year final. Dean Leavy's act
featured great use of music from his torn and restored newspaper routine
to his floating table sequence. The magic included skillful billiard
ball work and a nice colour-changing silk segment; all presented with
style and charm. I had him down as my 'winner', and so did judges
Romany, Will Houstoun and David Wood. Dean's staging, lighting and sound
stood out, as did some of his subtleties, such as the fact that it was one of his two side tables that happened to be levitated. A nice touch.
We'll be seeing loads more from Dean in the future. Dean was awarded the
Derrick Speight Trophy, four years membership of The Magic Circle (at
18) and a trip to the States to Jeff McBride’s Magic and Mystery School.
Many congratulations Dean! Cameron Glenwright was placed second and 15
year old Ryan Jackson third, so congratulations to them as well, and
indeed to all seven finalists. Elizabeth Rogan compèred and Michael
Colley headed the organising committee. DT. Photo: President Scott Penrose
making the presentation. See
www.deanleavy.com
and
www.youngmagiciansclub.co.uk and
www.themagiccircle.co.uk. "Dean is Young Magician of the Year"
Click Here.
15.4.17
Richard
Jones stars in his own one-hour magic special, this evening at 6pm on
ITV. From the producers: "Lance Corporal Richard Jones - Operation: Magic. Lance Corporal Richard Jones, winner of
Britain's Got Talent 2016, stars in this one-off TV special: "Magician
Richard gives back to his army colleagues as he performs some
morale-boosting and mind-blowing military magic, entertaining and
amazing everyone from new recruits to decorated veterans - and even a
few celebrities - in the process."
6pm on Saturday 15th April on ITV, see TV
Magic. "Magician Richard Jones says going backstage on BGT was
‘really bizarre’"
Click Here. "Britain's Got Talent inundated with magicians after
Richard Jones' win - but are they any good?"
Click Here.
15.4.17
Northern
Magic Summit 2017 - next weekend. From the organisers: The 'Northern Magic
Summit' (the 2017 Convention of the Northern Magic Circle) takes place
next weekend, Friday
21st, Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April 2017, at The County Hotel,
Newcastle-upon-Tyne.
The weekend includes lectures from David Penn, Kieron Johnson, Ken Dyne,
Darren Mac, Martin Duffy and Walt Lees, along with the first ever
Northern Close-up Magic Championships and a stunning Gala show,
featuring Kennedy, Graeme Shaw, The Mimic Men, Kieron Johnson, Chris
Cross, Lorenzo Carcione & Michael Jordan's High Jinx.
Book online today, before it's too late:
www.northernmagicsummit.co.uk.
15.4.17
The
Scottish Association for Magical Societies Convention 2017. From the
organisers:
The 2017 convention takes place in just three weeks’ time at The
Park Hotel, Montrose on 5th, 6th & 7th May. Highlights:
Scottish Young Magician of the Year Competition, Close-up Competition,
Children's Entertainers Competition, Gala Show,
Close-Up Workshop and Magic Dealers. For full convention/hotel details
and to book, visit
www.scottishassociationofmagicalsocieties.co.uk.
15.4.17
Edinburgh
International Magic Festival 2017. From the organisers: We are
delighted to reveal our biggest ever programme for the 8th year of
MagicFest - join us and 'let your imagination fly' 30th June - 8th July.
Discover the colourful history and untold stories of Edinburgh's
historic buildings with captivating magic tours and sell-out event 'The
Secret Room' expands to Riddle's Court, The Writers' Museum and
Lauriston Castle. Be completely bamboozled with misdirection from David
Stone, let cult magician Dave Alnwick brainwash you with devastatingly
dangerous mind reading and sleight of hand, try not to jump out of your
seat at Luke Eaton's 'Horrible Magic Show' (truly gruesome), travel
through time and celebrate Morgan & West's 10th birthday with all their
best tricks, and succumb to conjuring and cons from the renowned R Paul
Wilson, then learn how he does it in 'Scams and Fantasies'. For more
information and to book tickets visit
www.magicfest.co.uk.
15.4.17
Don
Allan's Chop Cup routine, from John Fisher's 'The Best of Magic',
5th September 1990. Watch this clip from
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with previous videos
Click Here.
15.4.17
Tonight at the London Palladium. Bradley Walsh returns to the famous London Palladium stage for an new series of the variety show. Featuring music from multiple BRIT Award-winner Emeli Sande, the amazing skills of the Chinese State Circus, a beautiful performance from Phantom of the Opera, magic from Pete Firman, and the very first TV performance of the brand new single from Steps. Wednesday 19th April (1 hour) on ITV. See TV Magic. 15.4.17
Magic
Design Hub. If you are a magician or magic company looking for the
perfect logo, packaging design for your new product, banner or poster
for your show or maybe a custom designed deck of cards then The Magic
Design Hub is here for you. With 10 years of experience designing for
entertainers and magicians.
www.magicdesignhub.com.
15.4.17
Britain's Got Talent. "Ant and Dec host the eleventh series of Britain's biggest talent competition that has seen a number of magicians break through in recent years. The judging panel of Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden, Alesha Dixon and David Walliams return to pass judgment. The lucky act who is crowned winner in the live grand final will secure a cash prize of £250,000 and the opportunity to perform at this year's Royal Variety Performance." 8pm on Saturday 15th April on ITV, see TV Magic. 15.4.17
Britain's Got More Talent. "Stephen Mulhern hosts the eleventh series of the fun-packed companion show. As the first round of auditions gets under way, Stephen presents exclusive extra audition footage and goes behind the scenes to uncover all the latest news, views and gossip from the judges, contestants and main show hosts Ant and Dec." 9.25pm on Saturday 15th April on ITV2, see TV Magic. 15.4.17
The
Mark Leveridge April Podcast. If you have half an hour to spare this
Easter weekend, you can treat yourself to the latest magic podcast from
Mark Leveridge. Here are the topics that Mark is chatting about this
time: Putting yourself in the shoes of your close-up spectators can
be revealing. The Magic Circle ups the ante with its Dealers' Day.
Protecting your website from the 'bad guys' is an ongoing problem. Lay
people often have misconceptions about the magic world. MLM has now
officially become a digital magic hub. What does it mean if you claim to
be a 'professional' magician? Long experience can be a double edged
sword. The unique attribute that magic has. You can listen to this
latest edition for free either online or you can download it to listen
to at your leisure on any mp3 player. Find the April podcast at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php or at
www.markleveridge.podbean.com.
15.4.17
Mike
Sullivan will be presenting a dealer demonstration, 'The Magic of Wayne
Dobson', at South London Magic Society at 8pm on May 9th. From the
organisers: This is a free event, visiting magicians welcome. The
evening will showcase the finest magical products available through
DTrik. Mike will demonstrate: AFW "a show in a wallet";
Metamorphosis XL, a close-up effect that gets the best reactions,
which is pretty much self working but with maximum entertainment. The
Key, regarded by all the top magicians as one of the all-time best
close-up effects, with handling from Magick Baley and Mike's Ring Flight
routine. Spectrumalist, a fantastic stage routine that either
makes the magician or a spectator of choice the star! This routine
affords the performer six natural applause cues. Paul's Balls, a
stage routine that adds a twist to the old favourite Tossed Deck.
Also, for the first time in a lecture, Wayne's new and improved effect
Echo Reverberated. An update of a routine that guarantees laugh
after laugh. And of course Wayne's signature routine Lucky Card
with emphasis on a new approach named Lucky Card: The Definitive
Guide. There will be discounts galore to entice you to buy! Not to
be missed! Free to attend. 7pm-8pm Hands on. 8pm-10pm Dealer Dem.
South London Magic Society, Clock House Methodist Church Hall, Clock
House Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4JP (Map).
www.southlondonmagic.co.uk.
15.4.17
Chris Randall UK Lecture Tour. "Born and raised in Las Vegas, Chris Randall has appeared on The Masters of Illusion TV show in the States and is a regular at the famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. Awards include the coveted Silver Medal of Excellence from the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Chris has performed worldwide and also travels throughout the USA performing at comedy clubs such as The Sapphire Comedy Hour in Las Vegas and The Laugh Factory." In this lecture you will learn: Fly by Night - Chris' handling of the hummer card. This has been his opener for over 15 years; Swoosh - A simple and natural deck switch; Scandal Switch - The ultimate solution for your linking ring routine (only two rings are used and both are examined); Heavens Aces - 4 jokers are produced at the finger tips and then instantly change to 4 aces in a very visual way, and many more routines. "Chris isn't just teaching some tricks, he's sharing a honed act, and a damn good one at that." Justin Willman
17/04/2017 Leicester Magic Circle
18/04/2017 British Magical Society, Selly Oak Ex Servicemen's' Club, 8
Selly Hill Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map). Doors 7pm. Lecture
7.30pm.
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk - guests £10.00, payable on the door.
19/04/2017 Shropshire Magical Society
20/04/2017 Home Counties Magical Society
24/04/2017 The Magic Circle (members only)
25/04/2017 Watford Association of Magicians
26/04/2017 Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians
27/04/2017 Ashley Turner comedy night, Northampton.
15.4.17
The Peterborough Society of Magicians 29th Annual Sale, Exchange and Lecture Day - 11th June 2017. John Learoyd writes: The Society is pleased to announce Quentin Reynolds has been booked for the morning lecture, Andi Gladwin for the afternoon lecture, and Paul Gordon will be teaching his mini workshop, so bring your cards! Traders will have access at approx 8.45am to set up. Doors open for all at 9.45am. The official opening is at 10am. There is free on-site parking. Refreshments available all day at very reasonable prices. For further details please go to: www.psmagicians.org.uk or contact Keith Downs on 01778 343167 or the220@btinternet.com. The venue is The Millfield Community Centre, Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map). For maps of the venue email: johnlearoyd@homail.com. 15.4.17
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. The Secret Cellar is located at:
Vaulty Towers, 34 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG (Map)
www.secretcellarlondon.com.
19th - 23rd April Dr. Houstoun's Conjuring
26th - 30th April Brendan Rodrigues: Intoxicated
10th - 14th May Elliot Bibby: Magic Man
24th - 28th May Billy Kidd: Copious
"The Secrets of Magic" Click Here. 15.4.17
Tom Elderfield lecture, Merlin Magical Society, Potters Bar. John Clayton writes: On Thursday 20th April, The Merlin Magical Society are having a lecture by Tom Elderfield. Tom is one of the leading creatives within the industry, having created tricks for Shin Lim, Troy, Ben Hanlin and Dynamo, to name just a few. Merlin Magical Society, Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ (Map). Visiting magicians £10.00. Doors open at 7.30pm for 8pm start. We finish at 10pm. See www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk for full details. 15.4.17
The
Magicians Advice Podcast. Phil Taylor writes: "Episode 24: How To Market Yourself with guest Craig Petty. Phil Taylor
and Ian Brennan are once again joined by guest Craig Petty. The
magicians talk about Craig’s experience in marketing and discuss where
to put your effort if you are starting out in magic.
The conversation touches on SEO, working for free for exposure,
establishing yourself as a premium brand, and creating a three step plan
to dominate your market place.
Craig also gives away his secret to getting photos and video footage of
your magic from the next event you are booked at.
www.magicianscorner.co.uk."
15.4.17
John Carey
lectures for the
Anglian Magic Society on Tuesday 18th April at 7.30pm. Steve Majes
writes: John has the
amazing skill to take away all the fluff and hard sleights from a card
trick, and in its place create a masterpiece that’s amazing, practical
and workable - this is why John’s lectures and products are so much in
demand! John will be hot-footing it over to us just after finishing an
American lecture tour and will have new material and some fantastic
routines and stories to share. We are delighted to have John back
lecturing for the society as the last time he visited us back in 2011
and he went down a storm. Members £3.00 - Visitors £10.00 - All
magicians and magic enthusiasts are welcome.
The
Anglian Magic Society,
The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
15.4.17
Sean Heydon
lecture at Peterborough Society of Magicians. John Learoyd writes: Sean Heydon
'The Alternative Magician' will be entertaining members
and visitors with a lecture at Peterborough Society of Magicians on
Tuesday 16th May 2017 at 7.30 pm (doors 7pm). £10 for
non-members (members free). Price includes light refreshments. Sean is a
great comedy magician, so come and
join us for a superb evening of magic at The Millfield Community Centre,
Lincoln Road, Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map). To help us calculate for
catering numbers please let us know if you intend coming. Contact
John Learoyd on 01778 422952 or Keith Downs on 01778 343167.
15.4.17
Enterteasement: Comedy Magic Burlesque - Glasgow. Saturday, May 13th, 8pm - 10.30pm. "Glasgow's monthly variety night proudly boasts Alan Rorrison the MSC World Close-up Magic Champion 2014 and 2015 and one of the UK's top magic creators." Tickets £14 via www.enterteasement.com. Venue: Admiral Bar, 72 Waterloo Street, Glasgow G2 7DA (Map). 15.4.17
The
Surrey Society of Magicians Close-up Competition. Adam Mosley
writes: The Surrey Society of Magicians close-up competition took place
on the 13th April 2017. It was a great evening with a very high standard
of magic from all competitors. Congratulations to Terry Lambert who won
and to Nathan Jones and Grant Cox who came joint second. A big thank you
to the two "lay" judges and our magical judge Mike Sullivan who together
had the very hard job of choosing the winner. Also thank you to the
large audience that came and thoroughly enjoyed the evening. Terry said
when presented with the trophy "it has only taken me 25 years to win
this!" Congratulations to everyone.
15.4.17
Kidology,
UK Children’s Entertainer of the Year Competition. Alec Powell
writes:
Following the announcement made in MagicWeek recently, Kidology, the convention for children’s entertainers, have set the
closing date for potential entries for the UK Children’s Entertainer of
the Year Competition as Monday 24th April. Full details for anyone
wishing to be considered can be found on the Kidology UK Facebook group
or by contacting Alec Powell on 07831 115448.
15.4.17
Magician
links. If you're a magician and would like to have your website listed under
Magicians simply email us
the details; we are happy to add you!
15.4.17
"Half
term treat for children as their favourite bear comes to town"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels: This Is Your Life"
YouTube • "Was British magician Dynamo behind Barcelona’s 6-1 win
over PSG?"
Click Here • Chris North's recent 'ACES' magic lecture is reviewed
by Rick Martyn this week,
Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent's past stars talk about their
transformed lives"
Click Here • "A Tommy Cooper festival is taking place at a Welsh
castle in honour of the late entertainer"
Click Here • "Q&A: Magician Xavier Mortimer"
Click Here • "Hampshire's Houdini! Magician escapes from
straightjacket while dangling 300 feet above the ground - and it takes
him less than five minutes"
Click Here • "Stokesley man swaps science for magic after realising
childhood dream"
Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent "crazy" magician ropes nervous
Ant into guillotine audition trick"
Click Here • "Cue the music — Broadway’s The Illusionists have come
to Boston"
Click Here • "Street performer does a real Houdini act in Huntington
Beach"
Click Here • "Meet Milt Larsen, The Man Behind Hollywood's Magic
Castle"
Click Here • "Former Vegas illusionist brings his magic to Newton
Theatre"
Click Here • I hope you all have a good Easter Bank Holiday weekend,
see you next week, Duncan.
15.4.17