Number
897 - 2nd September 2017
Introducing
the Alakazam Online Magic Academy. Alakazam Magic are pleased to be
offering the chance to enrol in their Live (online) Magic Academy. Each
course consists of one lesson per week, for six weeks. Each lesson has
been formulated to deliver information to you in an easy, fun and
interactive manner. They are offering many courses covering all magic
genres and skill levels. Alakazam have personally handpicked each tutor
based on their outstanding knowledge and teaching skills. All of their
tutors are recognised within the magic community as being amongst the
very best, so you can rest assured the teaching you will be receiving
will be second to none.
What Makes The Alakazam Academy Unique? Their online lessons are broadcast live, directly in to your Alakazam account, so you will be able to ask questions and interact during the lesson itself. These are not lectures. You will not just be learning a bunch of tricks. Yes of course you will learn new effects in each lesson, but the purpose of each lesson is to teach you the moves, performing tips, misdirection and theory that make the tricks more impossible, more deceptive and far more magical... which in turn will make you a better magician!
Once a class has ended it will be uploaded
to your account so that there is no need to worry if you can’t make the
date or time. You won't miss out. Alakazam have invested in the very
latest Live Streaming technology and every lesson is hosted by one of
the Alakazam team, to ensure things run smoothly.
Spaces on each course are limited to make sure as many questions as
possible are answered during the live lesson, via their integrated chat
feature.
Alakazam are offering a very special early bird price for the first 50
students to enrol and joining a course is easy. Just choose the course
and date range that you wish to book, purchase the event, and at the
designated time and date of each lesson you can take part live through
your Alakazam account. Book your course today and they will help you
become the best you can be!
www.alakazam.co.uk/category-Magic-Academy-.html. The current course
is 'Zero To Hero with John Carey' and purchasers of the 'Zero To Hero'
course will have all live lessons which have already aired placed
directly in to their accounts for instant viewing and will be able to
join in with the remaining lessons in the course, live, from Wednesday
6th September. Visit
www.alakazam.co.uk for more info and to join.
2.9.17
Magic
Bar owner is celebrating 10 magical years in Bristol’s Clifton Triangle. The
owner of Illusions Magic Bar, the UK’s only dedicated magic venue, is
celebrating being in business for 10 years this September, and is also hoping to
win a coveted award at the same time.
Magician and entrepreneur Mark Bennett opened Illusions in 2007 after spending
many years travelling the country performing magic. His aim was to bring magic
to the public in a unique setting, so he settled in Bristol and opened his bar
in the city’s popular Clifton Triangle area. Every Wednesday, Thursday, Friday
and Saturday night, members of the public can enjoy regular magic shows at
Illusions, all with free entry. Since the magic bar first opened its doors, many
world famous magicians have performed there, and the bar itself has become well
known for its magic wand cocktails.
Following the success of Illusions, Mark went on to open sister venue Smoke &
Mirrors in Denmark Street in Bristol in 2012. The magic theatre pub is home to
The House Magicians comedy magic show, which entertains audiences for two hours
on Friday and Saturday nights and has received many five star reviews on Trip
Advisor. Mark said: “I am so excited to celebrate Illusions 10th birthday this
September. In the last decade, my business has gone from strength to strength,
thanks to the support of my fantastic team, our House Magicians and of course
the people of Bristol. In celebration of this, we are throwing a huge party at
Illusions on Thursday 14th September from 8pm until late – we look forward to
seeing everyone for what promises to be a great night! In addition, I am really
excited that Smoke & Mirrors has been nominated as one of six finalists in the
Best Entertainment Pub category at the Great British Pub Awards in London on
Thursday 7th September. Illusions has previously won this national award, so we
have our fingers crossed for another win – it would be a lovely birthday present
if we do.” See
www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk and
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk.
2.9.17
Ian
Cards - The most amazing, intriguing and beautiful playing cards in the world!
Ian writes: Although the cards aren't primarily intended to be used for magic
tricks, they can be. For example look at the
Initial Card.
Force a card, then use a colour change to transform it into one bearing your own
initials or the initials of the host / client / VIP guest. Or look at the
Eagle design; have
someone choose from a list of birds and animals and force an Eagle. Have someone
else choose a card and force the Five of Spades. Now you produce a Five of
Spades with an Eagle design folded into it. It's a stunning and beautiful
reveal! Visit www.iancards.com.
2.9.17
NMP
Live Meets Ben Hanlin - Magician and TV Presenter, and write: We’ve just
gone live with our latest interview with Ben Hanlin discussing his first ever
paid gig, how got started in TV, the weirdest gig he’s performed at, corporate
bookings and more. See
You Tube.
2.9.17
The MagicWeek Video Archive.
This week, former Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Dominic Wood, on
CBBC's 'Steps to the Stars' from March 2000. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks
Click Here.
2.9.17
Mark
Leveridge Cotswold Magical Society lecture, September 6th. Peter Kidd
writes: The Cotswold Magical Society welcomes Mark Leveridge on Wednesday 6th
September. Mark presents selected elements from E-Club Pro, his online club and
information resource. During the evening he will perform and fully explain a
selection of routines and ideas extracted from the 'Vintage Vault' and
'Teach-In' sections of the E-Club Pro web pages. There will be magic for
close-up shows, walkabout work, stand-up and mentalism, and everything shown
will be practical and within the skill range of everyone except the total
beginner. He will also share a couple of the hilarious tales from the 'It Could
Only Happen Live' section, which show that even full-time pros have moments of
totally unexpected surprise! £10 on the door to guests. Doors open at 7.30pm.
www.cotswoldmagic.co.uk.
2.9.17
Carl
Royle's new lecture "How I Feed My Children!" at The Surrey Society of Magicians.
Adam Mosley writes: After making a living from performing magic for the
last fifteen years Carl will share his approach to many of his highly
commercial routines straight from his working repertoire. The lecture
includes Carl’s now famous Micro Cup and Ball Routine (The Gold Cup Con)
magic with Cards, Coins, Elastic Bands, Business Cards, and fun mental
magic including his thoughts and work on using indexes. All delivered
with the good humour you would expect from a working professional
magician. In the lecture Carl will also discuss his approach to adding
humour to your magic routines and making effects more magical. Members
are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee. The lecture
takes place on Thursday September 7th in East Horsley, Surrey, at 8pm. For full
details please email Adam Mosley
info@surreymagic.org.uk.
2.9.17
Magicseen
Issue 76 September 2017. From the publishers: the latest edition of the UK's
only independent magic magazine is now out featuring Jamie Raven on the cover,
the 2015 BGT runner up. Ever wondered if doing well in these competitions has
any lasting benefits? Well read our feature and you'll find out! Also in this
edition we chat with creative magic dealer Paul Richards and with highly popular
quirky entertainer Kieron Johnson. Children's entertainers are also in for a
treat as we start a three part mini series entitled Ask Christopher, in which
top US kid show worker Christopher T. Magician gives his knowledgeable opinion
on a range of issues facing those who entertain youngsters. We are also
delighted to have an interesting and insightful article by Ken Dyne on how to
transition from working adult social functions to performing at important
corporate events. All this plus advice from 11 of the world's top performers on
how to avoid mistakes with the business side of magic, a behind-the-scenes
feature on how the Magicseen review team actually do their product reviews, the
Masterclass with two close-up routines to learn, and much more. The September
Magicseen is available now as part of a 1 or 2 year printed copy or download
sub, or as a pay-as-you-go arrangement where you have an open ended subscription
period in which you only pay for each issue as it is published, or just as an
individual printed or download copy. Go to
www.magicseen.co.uk for
more information and to order.
2.9.17
Merlins
of Wakefield are hosting a lecture by the President of Blackpool Magicians Club,
Chris Stickland, and write: Chris Stickland's “The Stuff I Actually Use” has
something for everyone. Most of the material he either does or has used in the
past. He also has some interesting ideas using a Topit for the more adventurous.
The lecture will cover coins, cards, rope and thumb tips, he also has some
interesting ideas for Ambitious Card routines, to make them more magical. It is
on Wednesday 13th September from 7pm-9.15pm at the shop. You must book a place
in advance. For more details and to book
Click Here. We also have some more 3D Magic available, including:
Coin Thru,
Hop Skip and Jump,
Colorwise,
Framed and
Seren-Snipity. All available exclusively in the UK through Merlins, printed
using the latest 3D technology in the USA. For more details call 01924 339933.
You can still get a free copy or our latest 'Magic Preview' containing over 70
great effects by emailing your address to:
merlins@btconnect.com.
2.9.17
The
Science of Magic: Medway Magical Society. Neil Colley writes: How and why
does magic fool us? A question often asked but never really explored. Join us
for an evening with Jon Billet MMC for a fascinating lecture on the science of
magic, originally compiled for the students of the University of West England.
It will be interspersed with several effects to demonstrate the principles
behind how we are fooled from a childhood through to adulthood. This is a free
event, all welcome. Tuesday, 5th September, at 8pm at Medway Magical Society, St
George Hotel, New Road Avenue, Chatham, Kent ME4 6BB (Map).
www.medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk.
2.9.17
The
September 2017 E-Video Newsletter from Mark Leveridge Magic is now
available, featuring: The Teach In - a selected card magically turns over
inside a card box. Top Tips - some good advice about microphones. It
Could Only Happen Live - a true story about how Mark tries to do the Finger
Chopper on someone totally unsuitable! Web Offers - background info on a
major E-Book and a feature card routine. 60 Seconds To Success - are show
deposits worth bothering with? The Review Corner - Mark takes a look at
Eric Leclerc's Everlasting Sponge Balls routine. Access to the complete 33
minute online video presentation can be purchased for a small sum on its own, or
if you take out a 1 year subscription, the cost per edition is even less! One of
magic's best bargains can be ordered from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php.
2.9.17
IBM
British Ring Convention 7th-10th September 2017 in Greenock, Scotland. From
the organisers: Only a few days left before the 81st IBM British Ring No 25
Convention at Greenock. President Clive Moore is looking forward to welcoming
delegates and International IBM President Bob Patterson to Scotland.
Registration is now only available at the Registration Desk in Greenock. Every
full convention registration will receive a Special Magical Souvenir Booklet of
unique effects and articles which has been produced in a limited edition of 250
numbered copies especially for Greenock. Follow our Facebook page for
photographs of the Convention.
www.magicconvention.co.uk.
2.9.17
Chris
Dugdale: Up Close! Wins the EdFest Bouquet! From the promoters: Chris
Dugdale: Up Close achieved record breaking ticket sales this Edinburgh Festival
with rave reviews and an occupancy rate of over 97% for the entire Edinburgh
Season. Every show at the Assembly Rooms sold out completely bar 2 nights. This
is the show that demonstrates closer than ever why Dugdale has an unparalleled
résumé in the World of Magic with 14 Royal Command Performances and 2 United
Nations Command Performances to his name. His private audiences have ranged from
HM The Queen, Beyoncé and Jay Z to Kings, Prime Ministers and Presidents around
the World. "Up Close! is fast-moving
entertainment roughly split between sleight of hand and thought transference,
and if the former is mind-boggling, the latter is beyond belief." ★★★★ The
Herald. "There’s no other explanation: Chris Dugdale is actually a sorcerer"
★★★★★
www.bouquetsbrickbatsreviews.com. See
www.thinkofacard.com
Twitter: @chrisdugdale Facebook:
www.facebook.com/tvmagician.
2.9.17
Northern
Sleights: North East Magicians Conjure Up Night of Family Fun. From the
organisers: The north east’s top magicians have banded together for a one-off
night of unforgettable wizardry in aid of an Aberdeenshire primary school.
Members of Aberdeen Magical Society will appear at Portlethen Academy Theatre on
14th September in Northern Sleights, a fundraising show packed full of magic,
mind reading, escapology and illusion, in support of Fishermoss School.
Aberdeen Magical Society president Garry Seagraves will lead a cast of seven of
Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire’s best-known conjurors, who will present an evening
of family-friendly magical entertainment like no other. Alongside Garry’s
classical magic act, comedy magician Carl Howse – also known as The Great
Hootini – and family entertainer Paul Rae will take to the stage at Portlethen
Academy Theatre. Vice-president Dave Goulding will demonstrate his skills as an
expert escapologist, while creative magical inventor James Dickson – current
holder of the society’s Ulster Cup for Close-Up Magic and Ron Gordon Cup for
Card Magic – will defy all expectation. The line-up is completed by stand-up
magician Eoin Smith, who currently holds the Jocky Scott Trophy for
Entertainment, and compere Jeff Burns, one half of popular double act Fifth
Dimension.
Thursday 14th September at 7pm. Tickets are £7 and are available from Portlethen Library or Fishermoss School office. Venue: Portlethen Academy Theatre, Bruntland Road, Portlethen AB12 4QL (Map). www.aberdeenmagic.com www.facebook.com/aberdeenmagicalsociety. 2.9.17
Magicians'
Advice Podcast: "Underground Magic with Pasteboard Master Paul Pickford.
Phil Taylor and Ian Brennan are joined by Paul Pickford. Paul is known as an
amazing underground card magician and can entertain with just a genuine deck of
cards and his skill alone. Paul talks about his history with card magic and
about his previous release with Alakazam Magic, why cards are his passion but
why he still brings out the sponge balls when he performs at a wedding. Paul is
a genuinely nice guy who is well known on the underground circuit and becoming
more and more known around the UK. Please join the conversation on Facebook and
let us know your thoughts and ideas about magic." See
www.magicianscorner.co.uk.
2.9.17
Northern
Magic Circle 'North East Section' evening. Rob J Temple writes: The Northern
Magic Circle North East Section is holding its next meeting on Wednesday 6th
September in Newcastle and you're invited (it's free). The theme is 'Naked
Magic'. Scenario: You are relaxing at a house party when someone says, "I heard
you are a magician, show us something then." You have no props, nothing, your
pockets are empty. Two or more teams will compete against each other by taking
items from a big box of things that you might find around a house, like pens,
string, post-it notes, envelopes, a book, kitchen items, etc. (but no playing
cards!). Each team works together to prepare and then present their best
impromptu magic show. The best team wins a whole pile of Kudos. The venue is The
Three Mile Inn, Gosforth, Newcastle Upon Tyne (upstairs function room). Meet at
7.30pm for an 8pm start. For details or any questions, contact Gordon Wardle
gordon@magic4charity.co.uk.
2.9.17
Christian Gambin: The Gentleman Cheater, London. From the organisers: His life: the game! His passion: winning! His pleasure: cheating! When the cards start burning his hands, every trick becomes a new challenge. Do you enjoy close-up magic? You will love playing against him! Come and have fun in an interactive show. Christian Gambin, a stunning magician, award winning magician, World FISM and French Magic Champion, plays for the first time in London's West End. An expert in close-up magic and a stunning magician. The nearer you are, the less you can see! Come and see his sleight of hand and let dreams come true... Last Friday of every month. Next show: Friday 29th September at 7.30pm. Courthouse Hotel, 19-21 Great Marlborough Street, London W1F 7HL. For more information and to book visit www.magicentertainmentlondon.co.uk. 2.9.17
Pete Firman: 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. (Repeat) Friday 8th September on ITV, see TV Magic. 2.9.17
Hans Klok: Sunday Night at the Palladium. Jimmy Carr hosts tonight's show which features the cast of the multiple Olivier award-winning Beautiful - The Carole King Musical, who perform a medley of hits from the show. The world's fastest illusionist, Hans Klok, flies in to wow the Palladium audience - and to teach Jimmy a few tricks. Comedy comes from Rob Beckett, while dancers Vincent Simone and Flavia Cacace perform a stunning routine. Also featuring Westlife's Markus Feehily, Rebecca Ferguson and the legendary Deacon Blue. (Repeat) Sunday 3rd September on ITV3, see TV Magic. 2.9.17
The Ipswich Magical Society present 'Beyond Belief'. At the Wickhambrook Memorial Social Centre on Saturday 2nd September. Tickets are £7.50 and the doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. There is a bar, a raffle and a whole evening of stage and close-up magic performed by the members of the Ipswich Magical Society! An evening not to be missed. Gemma Raymond. Memorial Social Centre, Cemetery Road, Wickhambrook, Newmarket, Suffolk CB8 8XR (Map). For more information call Gemma Raymond on 07825 561670. 2.9.17
The Magic Hour - The Park Lane Hotel, London. Every Friday. Sit back and enjoy the plush surroundings of London's first ever luxury hotel, The Park Lane Hotel, Piccadilly, Mayfair, London W1J 7BX (Map). The show room itself enjoyed visits from Winston Churchill, and many others, who can be seen on its walls. We hope to welcome you for what will be a very special evening of magic, in an exclusive location! For information and to book visit www.magichourshow.com. 2.9.17
North Wales Magic Circle 'Magic In The Park'. Christopher O'Brien writes: The North Wales Magic Circle is pleased to invite you to our Magic In The Park event, which is part of our 75th birthday celebrations. We will be providing a variety of magic and fun events throughout the afternoon. Admission is free, and this will include our Children's Entertainer competition, which begins at 1pm. We will be collecting donations for 3 children's charities: Happy Faces, Chernobyl Children and Ty Gobaith. Refreshments will be available. All are welcome and we look forward to seeing you! Sunday 3rd September 2017 noon till 4pm at The Botanical Gardens, Grange Road, Rhyl LL18 4DA (Map). www.nwalesmagic.co.uk. Christopher O'Brien. 2.9.17
Stewart
Williams. Mel Harvey writes: It is with heavy heart I report the passing of
Stewart Williams of Leamington Spa, aged 96, known to many local children as "Mr
Magic". Originally from South Wales, Stewart moved to the Midlands to train as a
plant layout draughtsman, retiring from Jaguar at Browns Lane Coventry in 1983.
He then took up magic full-time and his rich broad Welsh tones endeared him to
many audiences in the Warwickshire area.
Back when I lived in Leamington we would often go together to "The Home for
Incurables" as it was then called on the Tachbrook Road, where together with
other members of The Leamington and Warwick Magic Society we would entertain the
residents. Stewart was also a leading light in the Society's 50/50 shows, one of
which was staged at the Loft Theatre in Leamington.
Stewart was not only a very dear friend but also my mentor, giving me good
advice when back in 1969 I made the leap to full time entertainment. Stewart
even managed to get me full TV coverage to start my career.
Stewart was one of life's gentlemen and never had a bad word to say about
anyone, always there to encourage the youngsters of the Leamington and Warwick
Magic Society, of which he was the only remaining founder member.
The funeral will take place at St. Mary's Church, Church Lane, Cubbington CV32
7JT at 2.30 pm on Thursday 14th September and on to Oakley Wood Crematorium,
South Chapel for the cremation at 3.30pm.
Stewart will be sadly missed by the magic community and our thoughts go out to
his daughter Gaynor, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Mel Harvey.
2.9.17
"‘America’s
Got Talent’: Colin Cloud didn’t cross line with Simon Cowell murder
stunt, say 71% of readers"
Click Here • "America’s Got Talent: Final Top Seven Revealed. Past
Magicians Dazzle."
Click Here • "Derren Brown talks to Katherine MacAlister about the pressure and
the highs and lows"
Click Here • Great Yarmouth's Family Festival of Magic 2017 is
reviewed by Steve Majes, Daniel Forde-Pogson and Rick Martyn this week,
Click Here • "David Copperfiel lets us inside his Museum of Magic"
Click Here • "Harry Houdini was ready to hang up his handcuffs.
Then, San Francisco helped save his career"
Click Here • "Magician baffles air hostess by making a napkin
levitate between his hands on flight from London to Dubai"
Click Here • "'They saved my life' - Magician says he'll never give
up entertaining ill children after hitting milestone"
Click Here • "Magician Captures Hilarious Reactions Drunk People
Have to Magic Tricks"
Click Here • "Criss Angel’s Disappearing Act?"
Click Here • "Woolwich's own modern Houdini performs his stunts
because extreme marathons didn't give him enough adrenaline"
Click Here • "Illusionist bringing message of faith to Columbus"
Click Here • "Make-up artist and optical illusionist Mimi Choi"
Click Here • "Sneak Peek at The Illusionists, coming to Broward
Center next summer"
Click Here • "It’s magic! Magician to host business awards"
Click Here • That's it for this week, your news and reviews are
always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
2.9.17