Number 899 - 16th September 2017

 

The Magic Circle Awards. 15th September 2017
At a sparkling reception at Centre for The Magic Arts, The Magic Circle presented their annual awards. The winners were:

 

The David Devant Award for Services to International magic

Silvan MIMC - the top Italian illusionist, writer and television personality.


The Maskelyne Award for Services to British magic
Debbie McGee MIMC - Debbie achieved national and international fame through television appearances on the Paul Daniels Magic Show and was one of the first women to join The Magic Circle.


The Carlton Award for outstanding comedy in magic
Pete Firman - best known for his television shows including The Secret World of Magic, Dirty Tricks and his comedy circuit appearances.


The Cecil Lyle Award for Best Trick Published in The Magic Circular
Barry Cooper AIMC.


The John Neil Maskelyne Prize for noteworthy contributions to the art or literature of magic
Ricky Jay - the well known actor, author, consultant and highly acclaimed sleight of hand artist.


Silver Wands - for Service to The Magic Circle
Margaret MacLean AIMC - long serving regional representative of The Magic Circle.
David Weeks MIMC - many roles within The Magic Circle, most recently Membership Examinations Secretary.


The Gold Medal: Given for exemplary service to the Society or exceptional magical ability both. There have only been nine recipients since it was introduced in 1926 and it was last awarded in 2005


Winner of the tenth medal is Professor Edwin Dawes MIMC
Professor Dawes is a highly respected author, researcher, historian and collector and has made an invaluable contribution to the world of magic and is celebrated with the presentation of this award.


His work is highly regarded in the international magic community due to a combination of its trustworthiness, which derives from his unflagging efforts to seek and cite credible primary source material in his research and publications, and his flair for weaving facts and broad historical perspective with engaging, gracious prose. Consequently, many of Professor Dawes’ works are considered indispensable components of a complete magic reference library.


His column, A Rich Cabinet of Curiosities began in The Magic Circular in 1972 and still appears every month, making him one of the most prolific magical authors. He was also the founder of The Magic Circle’s annual History Day and recipient of many awards from societies around the world.


Scott Penrose, President of The Magic Circle, said "It is a huge honour to present Professor Dawes with our most coveted award. Our society owes Eddie a huge debt of gratitude for all that he has contributed; such considerable research and knowledge that will be studied and used by many generations to come."

 

The Magic Circle, Centre for The Magic Arts, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 16.9.17

 

How Magic Changed TV. Channel 5, Sunday 17th September. From the makers: The story of the magicians whose spellbinding skills changed the face of television. The most groundbreaking magical moments in TV history. Featuring contributions from Penn & Teller, Stephen Mulhern, Debbie McGee, David Berglas, Dick and Dom and Gloria Hunniford. See TV Magic. 16.9.17

 

The Event 2018. From the organisers: The Event, a day of mentalism at The Session, takes place on Friday January 12th in Heathrow, London. This one-day event will boast lectures from the very best mentalists in the world including Max Maven, Michael Weber, Luke Jermay, Marco Fida, Luca Volpe, Anthony Owen, Quentin Reynolds, Chris Rawlins, Steven Palmer and more. With such a strong line up it's clear why the convention sells out every year. Register for The Event for one-day, or the entire weekend to join The Session and see Paul Vigil, Johnny Thompson, Mike Close and many more. www.sessionconvention.com. 16.9.17

 

Paul Gordon's Card Capers Day of Magic, Worthing, Sunday September 24th. From the organisers: Paul Gordon's Card Capers Day of Magic is back! Sunday 24th September at The John Selden, Worthing, West Sussex BN13 2EN (Map). It's a fun fast-paced jam-packed day of magic tuition, lecturing, presentation, funnies, tricks, sleights and more. Food included. Advance booking only. Come and learn loads of new Paul Gordon Card Magic, make friends, relax and enjoy. Click Here for full details and to book. 16.9.17

 

Derren Brown: Underground - limited London run from master mind manipulator.

"Derren Brown: Underground at the Playhouse, WC2." www.thetimes.co.uk.

"Derren Brown, review: Master magician puts his twist on the classics" www.standard.co.uk.
"Derren Brown: Underground review at Playhouse Theatre, London – ‘an evening of astonishment’" www.thestage.co.uk.
"Derren Brown: Underground review" www.timeout.com.

Playhouse Theatre, London. Click Here to book. 16.9.17

 

The Alakazam Online Magic Academy. Alakazam write: The Alakazam Online Magic Academy are pleased to announce we have just added two new course dates for you to add to your diary.

On October 12th our tutor will be the master mind reader Chris Rawlins. This is your chance to learn from one of the UK’s busiest working mentalists. For more information Click Here.

This coming Thursday, 21st September, The Academy will be hosting the legend that is Michael Vincent with his Mastering The Classics Course. This is your chance to learn from one of the finest magicians and thinkers in the business. This is certainly a course not to be missed! Click Here for more information. 

On Wednesday 20th September it is the final lesson in John Carey’s ground breaking 6 week 'Zero to Hero' course. This card magic course was developed to help everyone improve their card magic, no matter what level they are at. Buy your ticket now and the first five lessons will instantly appear in your Alakazam account (that's more than twelve hours or magic tuition) Click Here.

Remember, you can watch and interact on any course while we are live and of course each lesson will be saved to your Alakazam account after it has streamed so you can watch it again and again. The Alakazam Academy Courses will not be sold after the fact as a download, so you need to book your place before the course date. Don’t miss out on the chance to elevate your magic to new exciting heights!
16.9.17

 

Magic Moments Day - tenth anniversary today! The Magic Moments concept, pioneered by Jay Fortune and Richard Leigh, with incredible support from the magic community worldwide, is evolving. From today, Magic Moments will be an ongoing magical charitable feel-good initiative, reaching out and working with the various altruistic magic projects happening around the globe. It will help support magicians and charities who wish to achieve something beyond the norm, using their magic to raise smiles and funds for good causes. No longer tied to the restriction of being one nominated day each year, Jay said "We will be working hard on support projects taking the concept into special-needs schools, producing our first ebook of magic and shining a spotlight on causes that have benefited from magicians sharing their magic. We continue to thank and work closely with MagicWeek who have supported the project from the very start." Richard said "This next chapter will see Magic Moments blossom into an easier initiative for magicians to participate in, with a schedule which fits their world." Find out more about Magic Moments, Click Here. 16.9.17

 

Edinburgh International Magic Festival Christmas Special: The Secret Gift, Traverse Theatre, 27th – 30th December. After a successful launch of their festive edition last year, MagicFest Christmas are delighted to return with ‘The Secret Gift’ Christmas Special, 27th – 30th December, featuring stars of magic from around the UK and special guest performers from Spain. Audiences of all ages are invited to enter MagicFest’s wintery world of wonder and unwrap ‘The Secret Gift’ with performances from five magicians including grand illusionist Chris de Rosa, magic vaudevillian Paul Dabek, magician-scientist hybrid Kevin Quantum, and Spanish performers David Blanco – a master of misdirection – and the legendary ‘Bubble Poet’ Señor Pérez, who will bring the show to a spectacular finish with a flurry of bubbles. Artistic Director, Kevin Quantum commented… "It is heart-warming to announce the return of MagicFest Christmas and I am thrilled that the show will take place at one of my favourite Edinburgh theatres - the Traverse". For more info and to book visit www.magicfest.co.uk. 16.9.17

 

Conjuring at the Court – Thursday 28th September. From the organisers: A show full of variety! With the witty brilliance of Tim Shoesmith; leading comedy magician Christian Lee; a feast of visual miracles from Richard Griffin; and the arch-showman, gentleman juggler Mat Ricardo. Compèred by the ebullient Roger Dunlop. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an interval. It’s in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Come early to enjoy a meal before the show! Parking is free from 6.30pm. Tickets still just £11 in advance from www.conjuringatthecourt.com ...the last two months were packed so do book early! 16.9.17

 

Andy Nyman and Jeremy Dyson's 'Ghost Stories' premieres at the London Film Festival in October. Screening on October 5th, 6th & 14th, the film will finally be unveiled. Based on their hit play, the film is written and directed by Nyman and Dyson and stars Andy Nyman, Martin Freeman, Paul Whitehouse and Alex Lawther. Lionsgate will be releasing the film to cinemas in the spring, but if you want to see it at the festival, tickets are available from the BFI, but it's nearly sold out: www.bfi.org.uk. 16.9.17

 

Michael Vincent and John Lenahan, plus new venue. Andy Clockwise writes: Well, after 4 years in the Long Room at the Half Moon Public House, The Magicians at the Half Moon are on the move to bigger premises. Yes, they simply cannot fit into the Half Moon anymore and so starting from Friday 29th September, The Magicians at the Half Moon will be performing in their new home at Bishop's Stortford Football Club, Dunmow Road, Bishop's Stortford, Herts. CM23 5RG (Map). To celebrate, Martin Cox (compere and Show Producer) has invited two of the UK's biggest names in magic along to perform... Michael Vincent and John Lenahan! Exciting, yes? As per usual, doors will open at 7.30pm and the show will run from 8pm 'til 10pm including a 20 minute interval. The best news though is that entry will remain at just £10, so if you want a great night out, if you want to see three great magicians at work then get yourself along to Bishop's Stortford Football Club on Friday 29th September and join in the fun! To reserve yourself a front row seat, call Martin on 01279 659562. For more information please visit www.halfmoonmagic.co.uk. 16.9.17

 

Secret Cellar, London’s hidden theatre of Close-up Magic. With 5 star user reviews and a string of sell-out shows, London's hidden theatre of magic is fast becoming the capital’s underground hotspot for real magical talent. Witness incredible feats of illusion closer than ever before...
Brendan Rodrigues: Intoxicated. 16th, 17th September. Winner of the 2016 Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year.
The Vienna Experiment. 27th September – 1st October. Sell-out show at the London Horror Festival 2016.
Strictly limited to 33 seats. Please note due to the nature of the cellar there is no wheelchair access.
Secret Cellar, Vaulty Towers, 34 Lower Marsh, London SE1 7RG (Map) www.secretcellarlondon.com.
16.9.17

 

International News: George Parker Master Class - The Alchemy of Presentation, Belgium. "George Parker's magic is the most elegant, poetic and theatrical magic I've ever seen!" Jeff McBride. George Parker, member of Jeff McBride's Magic & Mystery School, will be in Brussels for a Master Class for magicians on Sunday 29th October. This is the perfect opportunity to present your act or routine and receive immediate feedback that will help you advance to the next level! George will also perform in a one-man magic show and a "LectureShow©" the day before the Master Class. For more details and tickets see www.georgeparker.be/for-magicians. Seats are limited! Early-bird prices end September 30th. Also see www.facebook.com/events/315878232201808/. Sunday 29th October. 10am - 6pm. Venue: Le Trac, Avenue Albert Meunier 110, 1160 Brussels, Belgium. 16.9.17

 

Andy Clockwise's 'Clockwatching' lecture - now booking. A professional award-winning magician with over 20 years performing experience, Andy shares in great detail some of his best selling effects, as well as several new ideas, creations and twists yet to be released in his new lecture, 'Clockwatching'. Everything in the lecture is suitable for close-up and stage, for children and adults - there really is something for everyone! "He's a creative wizard, a comic genius and explosion of energy. Do not miss it!" Dov Citron - Secretary of The Watford Association of Magicians. See the Lecturers page for more info and to book. 16.9.17

 

The MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Martin Duffy appearing on talent show 'Bob Says Opportunity Knocks' in March 1988. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional 'bonus' video Click Here. 16.9.17

 

Perth Magic Circle 2017/18 season. Adrian Harris writes: Perth Magic Circle kick starts the 2017/18 season on Wednesday 20th September at 7.30pm with the opening meeting being held in the Perth & District Ex-Servicemen's Club, 5 Milne Street, Perth PH1 5QL (Map). A full syllabus has been drawn up and the focus will be on performing and presenting magic. Old and new members will be warmly welcomed to come and join the fun at what is the greatest little magic club in Scotland! www.perthmagiccircle.co.uk. 16.9.17

 

Chris Congreave Edinburgh Magic Circle lecture, Monday 2nd October. Gary James writes: Chris Congreave is one of the most commercial and sought after magicians in the UK. Not only is Chris a fantastic performer, he is also responsible for inventing many effects used by some of the top working magicians in our field. Classics such as Childsplay, The Light, iContact and Diception. Chris has co-produced, along with his good friend Gary Jones, great DVDs such as Automata and Trick Soup. Edinburgh Magic Circle are delighted and excited that Chris will be lecturing for us and will be the first guest lecturer at our new premises at The Mercat. This will be the first time Chris has lectured north of the border and if you are a working magician or an enthusiastic hobbyist this lecture is not to be missed. Visiting guests on the night £10. 7.30pm for an 8pm start on Monday 2nd October at The Mercat Bar & Kitchen, 28 West Maitland Street, Edinburgh EH12 5DX (Map). www.edinburghmagiccircle.com. 16.9.17

 

Ali Cook Principles of Deception Tour. Ali Cook is on tour from September 16th with his one-man show 'Principles of Deception' taking in Aberdeen, Norwich, Bridport, Guildford, Chipping Norton, Bangor, Hemel Hempstead, Birmingham, Didcot and Melton. Tickets via www.alicook.com/gigs. Star of the West End magic show 'Impossible', BBC's 'Now You See It', 'Penn & Teller: Fool Us', 'Dirty Tricks' and 'Monkey Magic' Ali Cook returns with his own brand of awe-inspiring magic and off-beat comedy. Expect to be genuinely amazed. Taking its name from Arthur Buckley’s influential magic collection Principles and Deceptions – the first book to categorize every magic trick – the show demonstrates Ali Cook’s skill as a historian of deception. In a masterclass of technique across a range of magic disciplines, including close-up magic, mind reading and sleight of hand, expect an evening of magical invention and re-invention. "Forget what you think you know about comedy magicians - Ali Cook is edgy, intelligent, self-referential, caustically hilarious and one of the most sought-after illusionists on the planet." GQ Magazine. See What's On for dates. 16.9.17

 

Craig Petty lecture, Cannock, Monday September 18th. Tony Dawson writes: Craig Petty will be returning to the magic circuit after 4 years away, presenting his lecture at Longford House, Watling Street, Cannock WS11 1SJ (Map). Craig has been away from the lecturing side of magic but has been working tirelessly taking 'Slightly Unusual' and 'Non Stop Kids' to new heights. He is one of the hardest workers in magic and is kindly going to share his routines, tips and advice for what makes for a good performance in the real world. Come and join us on September 18th at 8pm for an evening of real world working effects from Craig's personal repertoire. Price: £5 to visiting magicians. Get in touch via Facebook: facebook.com/3smmagic or www.3smmagic.co.uk for more info. Magicians only: This is a magic lecture, not an event open for the non magical public, but visiting magicians are very welcome. 16.9.17

 

Noel Qualter Lecture - South London Magic Society, October 3rd. Simon Rosselli writes: Noel is a professional magician and magic consultant for Objective Productions advising on shows such as 'Help My Supply Teacher is Magic', 'Now You See It' and 'Killer Magic'. In his almost 15 years as a professional magician he's performed several stints at The Magic Castle in Hollywood, at the Harry Potter wrap party and at a private show for the Saudi Royal family. He's was awarded The Magic Circle Close-up Competition Originality prize in 2014 and 2015 and placed second in The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2015. He has released several products to the magic community including Alarmed and iDeck. In this lecture he will share his inventive, quirky, close-up magic. From classic magic plots to wildly original premises there is something for all fans of close-up magic. £10 for non-members which can go towards becoming a member. Tuesday 3rd October. Doors open at 7pm, lecture 8pm-10pm, at Clock House Methodist Church Hall, Clock House Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4JP (Map). www.southlondonmagic.co.uk. 16.9.17

 

Merlins of Wakefield held a lecture at their shop last week by Blackpool Magicians' Club President Chris Stickland, and write: To a full house, Chris showed three versions of his Coin Matrix, which fooled most of the magicians present. He then did some amazing card effects, a variation on Professor's Nightmare and a Ring On/Off rope effect, and finished with a session on Topiting. Overall, a very enjoyable lecture that they would recommend for any magic society. Merlin’s will be at Kidology on Tuesday 26th September. This is a great convention for Children’s entertainers, so we take items aimed at entertaining children. If you are going (and if you are serious about entertaining children we highly recommend it) and would like something taking, contact us by Friday 22nd September merlins@btconnect.com. We are now taking bookings for our Merlins Dealer Dem/Lecture for 2018 – which has now been seen by over 30 Magic Societies. For further details contact Phil on 01924 339933 www.merlinswakefield.co.uk. 16.9.17

 

Steve Dela lecture - Derby Magic Circle. Paul Sharp writes: On Wednesday, 27th September, Derby Magic Circle is hosting Steve Dela’s lecture "Magic That I Use" at Breadsall Memorial Hall, Brookside Road, Breadsall, Derby DE21 5LR (Map). Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. This lecture is full of usable and workable material. Steve shares his wisdom from over 12 years of experience as a full time professional magician. You will learn: Always ready Mentalism; Marketed effects that everyone should know about; Steve's pro working close-up act. Also: Tips and tricks on how to get the most from your magic and mentalism; The importance of a 30 second reset; Why always having something on you is the best way to do business.... and much much more! To check out who Steve is and what he has achieved, please see www.magic.uk.com. Past members and visiting magicians are very welcome at Derby, but there is a small fee of £10 payable on the night. Please contact our President Allan Humphries on 01889 590 975 or email info@derbymagiccircle.com prior to attending. www.derbymagiccircle.com. 16.9.17

 

John Styles is back on the road with another 'Music Hall' tour. His magic and Chelsea Pensioner acts will take him to Buxton, Radlett, Lowestoft, Brighton, Peterborough, Teddington, Barking, Corby, East Grinstead, Weymouth, Poole, Bearsted, and Leatherhead, working with many professional acts featured in the BBC's 'Good Old Days' TV programme. 16.9.17

 

Tom Foolery – An intimate close-up magic performance at Bexley Magic Society. Roy Marsh writes: Bexley Magic Society Presents Tom Foolery – An intimate close-up magic performance with one of the most original and smoothest magicians hiding in the magic landscape, Tom Whitestone (introduced by John Derris). A musician and magician, whose highly trained fingers have created some of the world’s greatest music in concert halls worldwide, and have performed miracles of magic in the presence of presidents, royalty and celebrities. The man whose passion for Mozart and Vernon still fill his days and who will show you and tell of his lifetime in music and magic. One more unique evening at the Bexley Magic Society. Wednesday, 20th September at Bexley Magic Society, Barton Close, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JP (Map). www.bexleymagic.org.uk. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Visiting magicians welcome at £10 on the door. 16.9.17

 

Mel Harvey Old Tyme Music Hall. Back from cruising in the Mediterranean, Mel Harvey starts his Old Tyme Musical Hall theatre tour with his "Sophisticated Sorcerer Act"! This Sunday Mel will be appearing again at The Museum of Comedy, London and on Saturday 30th September, for the first time, with "The Good Old Days" at The City of Varieties Music Hall, Leeds." 16.9.17

 

Ian Ogilvy and Peter Diamond. Alan Horne writes: Blackpool Magicians' Club have lost one of its longest serving members. Ian Ogilvy held many positions within the club including joint convention organiser. He regularly attended club meetings and was an integral part of the happy atmosphere on so many club nights. Ian had been a prop maker, performer, comedian and professional wrestler, as well as having a successful career as a jeweller. On the evening of 1st September a 'Celebration of Ian's Life' was held at the Blackpool Magicians' Club. In attendance were many members of the club, together with Jan, Philip and other members of Ian's family and friends. The 'broken wand' ceremony was performed by President of the Club Chris Stickland and Michael Shepherd.


Peter Diamond. The club also paid their respects at the funeral of Peter Diamond. Peter was a regular supporter of the club for over 40 years. He was a well respected illusion maker and had a dealer stand at the convention for many years. At the funeral Brian Berry performed Peter's favourite magic trick. Both of these men loved magic throughout their lives and contributed so much to our world of magic. The Blackpool Magicians Club send their sincere condolences to both families.
16.9.17

 

Planning next year's programme of events for your club? Visit the MagicWeek Lecturers page! 16.9.17

 

"Paul Zerdin Introduces His Latest Puppet Character on 'This Morning'" You Tube • "Magicians conjure up night of fun in Portlethen" Click Here • "Magician Choi Hyun Woo speaks out about April Jinsol's magic trick slipup" Click Here • "Recalling a grandfather's magic tricks" Click Here • "Jarrett & Raja Move 'Magic vs. Music' to Stratosphere Las Vegas" Click Here • Dice Stacking with Steve Marshal on 'Penn & Teller Fool Us' YouTube • "‘America’s Got Talent’ Mind Reader Blows the Judges’ Minds With Tweet Trick" Click Here • "Obituary: Dani Almond, the Dagenham magician who performed for world leaders, dies aged 86" Click Here • That's it for another week. When submitting news items please remember the Friday 12 noon deadline, many thanks, Duncan. 16.9.17

 

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