Number
933 - 12th May 2018
Spun Into Gold - ‘The Secret life of
a Female Magician’ by
Romany Romany is reviewed by Jay Fortune this week: "The meat, which is very
often missing from celebrity biographies, is here in spades. By ‘meat’ I
refer to the challenges of simply keeping afloat in a tough world where
payment is often low, and even non-existent, especially in the early
days of one’s performing career. And, perhaps, even more so for a female
performer, especially one who is entering the male-dominated world of
magic. This book is vital reading for those who are thinking of
following their dreams to being a professional magician or performer of
(almost) any discipline..." To read the full review,
Click Here.
12.5.18
"Danger
Alert: Blindfolded magician throws a knife at Dec! Andrew Lee has
travelled all the way from Malaysia to treat us to one of the most
dangerous acts we’ve ever seen on our stage."
YouTube
"Who is Andrew Lee? Britain’s Got Talent
2018 contestant and magician from Malaysia."
www.thesun.co.uk.
"Declan Donnelly has a knife thrown at him in nail-biting Britain’s Got
Talent stunt."
www.metro.co.uk.
"Dec says he’s 'never been so nervous' as he volunteers for deadly
Britain’s Got Talent magic trick."
www.radiotimes.com.
12.5.18
"Wardrobe
wizards! Are these the quickest costume changes of all time?! Ellie
and Jeki, possibly the world’s cutest couple, have jetted in all the way
from South Korea to treat us to an amazing quick-change act."
YouTube.
"Who are Ellie and Jeki? Britain’s Got Talent 2018 acting and magic duo hailing from South Korea." www.thesun.co.uk. 12.5.18
Tonight
on BGT. "First look: Magic Maddox has the Judges under his spell.
Magician Maddox Dixon can do incredible things with a Rubik's cube.
Whether this is sleight of hand or straight up wizardry we can't get
enough of this captivating act!"
YouTube.
12.5.18
KFC3...
now in it's 3rd great year! The Karl Fulves Convention, organised by
Allan Brown, is set up to honour one of the greatest unsung geniuses and
giants of close up magic...Karl Fulves. As ever, this highly informal
event will take place at the Holiday Inn Express, 30 Jamestown Road,
Camden Town, London NW1 7BY (Map).
Saturday 21st July 6pm. All attendees must come with at least one magic
trick from any Fulves publication that they can share with others. This
year, we hope to be joined by Thomas Ellis, Andrew Hockney, and Jerry
Mensfield who will be demonstrating a number of items from Rigmarole#5.
Free entry, very informal, no need to register... just turn up. Any
questions email
abrown.kfc@gmail.com.
12.5.18
"Live
magic offers audiences an instant hit" As the
Edinburgh
International Magic Festival casts its spell on the city this week,
artistic director Kevin Quantum looks at the spooky legacy of the
capital:
www.scotsman.com.
12.5.18
Merlins
Magic Festival, A Magic Geek’s Haven, tomorrow, Sunday 13th May at
The Academy Theatre, Birdwell, Barnsley S70 5TU (Map)
Click Here. "Merlins Magic Festival returns for a 3rd year, and
they're moving to a great new venue. Read all about it and the previous
successes of this one-day convention from Matthew Cope, one of the
attendees,
Click Here. For more info on the day
Click Here.
12.5.18
Magic
Lectures UK present four exclusive lecturers: An underground sensation,
A Vegas magician, A genius thinker and a television consultant.
Appearing over the next few months, as well as hosting some rare
masterclasses.
Think Nguyen: 14th - 30th June
Think is known to make his cards “come to life”, he is now currently
lecturing in Europe with his next stop being the UK. The lecture focuses
on card magic and the theories underlying magic in general. Besides
sharing his favourite routines, Think will briefly cover some of his
main work on the concept of Estimation and Jazz Magic.
Paul Vigil: 16th - 30th June
A student of the great Johnny Thompson, considered one of the most
influential thinkers in the world of magic. In his lecture he shares
unpublished secrets of the technical construction, presentation, and
creativity involved in his performances.
Jared Kopf: 1st - 12th August
A magician you've most likely never heard of, but undoubtedly seen much
of his work through film, TV and magic. A regular writer for Magic
magazine and the author of several books and pamphlets. The lecture
covers a variety of topics: sleight-of-hand card magic, classic magic
(Cups & Balls, Linking Rings), mentalism, and readings with the Tarot de
Marseille.
James Went: 2nd - 16th November
One of the men behind Derren Brown's recently toured shows and the BAFTA
winning show 'Help my Supply Teacher is Magic!' presents a brand new
lecture that takes a look into working in television and theatre, as
both a consultant and performer, as well as examining the material
published on his DVD 'Meditations'. Plus a collection of unreleased
material, exclusive to the lecture.
To book any of these lecturers for your club or event email
magiclecturesuk@gmail.com
for more information.
12.5.18
Jamy
Ian Swiss Cups & Balls Masterclass. Magic Lectures UK write:
Magic Lectures UK are proud to present a masterclass on the Cups &
Balls, by one of magic's greatest teachers. Very few people get the
opportunity to study with Jamy Ian Swiss. This masterclass gives you the
opportunity learn about a subject in which he is an undisputed master:
the Cups & Balls. The day will comprise of: His routine (which is based
on Dai Vernon’s classic routine), but also highlights moments and ideas
from other influential past masters and Jamy’s final load sequence,
which includes a terrific and detailed discussion on liquid loads, as
well as timing, misdirection, and routine construction. You will learn
the Cups & Balls along with Jamy, and on a more fundamental level, you
get a chance to observe a master at work, learn hands-on and ask
questions. Don’t miss this opportunity to spend a day with one of the
living greats, as he entertains, instructs and informs you with his
distinctive and expert handling of the Cups & Balls. £60 Per Person.
Limited spaces available. Locations: Leeds 2nd June, London 16th June.
Venues TBC. See
www.facebook.com/pg/MagicLecturesUK for updates. To reserve your
place email:
magiclecturesuk@gmail.com.
12.5.18
John
Guastaferro Lecture, Friday 18th May, at the Ramada Encore, Belfast.
George Bleeks writes: The Ulster Society of Magicians is delighted to
let you know that we have secured an exclusive Belfast lecture from the
one-and-only John
Guastaferro on Friday 18th May commencing at 7.30pm in the Oscar
Wilde Suite, Ramada Encore Belfast, Saint Anne's Square, Belfast BT1
2LD. John Guastaferro is a world-renowned magician, creator, author, and
columnist for Genii magazine. John has appeared in over 50 cities and 8
countries. In this 2-hour lecture, John will perform material from his
best-selling book One Degree and his newest book, En Route. The lecture
will focus predominantly on cards, plus a few non-card effects using a
straw, a ring and string. John will share how small changes can make an
extraordinary impact in your magic. John will also share how to
strengthen your magic and your personal brand. Learn a visual opener, a
hands-off Ace production, a three-phase Card to Pocket routine, and many
other amazing effects. The charge will be £10 for USM members and £20
for visiting magicians. This is an opportunity not to be missed. For
further information contact George Bleeks on 07860 115611 or email
george.bleeks@ntlworld.com.
12.5.18
Nick
Einhorn and Craig Squires have just released the Android version of
Digital Force Bag (DFB). Originally released in January for iOS
users, it has been receiving rave reviews. This amazingly powerful, yet
invisible, app allows you to force any one of 100 items listed in your
Notes app. Force: a celebrity, shopping list item, colour, place,
product, literally anything! This app is fully customisable so you can
create bespoke magic for your audiences and clients in minutes. (You can
also customise your language for non-English speakers). For android
users,
Click Here for iOS users
Click Here. Some of the world’s top magicians are using this
already. Find out why!
12.5.18
Bexley
Magic Society will be hosting James Brown on Wednesday 16th May. In
this lecture James will share some of his favourite close-up effects,
old and new, along with his views on the psychology of performing. Plus,
James will share some of the principles behind the art of suggestion and
how we can use it to enhance our magic. Bexley Magic Society can be
found at Barton Hall, Barton Close, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JP (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Visiting magicians are very
welcome at £10 on the door. Roy Marsh.
www.bexleymagic.org.uk.
12.5.18
The
Expert At The Chard Table by Daniel Chard. Daniel Chard writes: I’m
excited to announce my latest project “The Expert At The Chard Table by
Daniel Chard” from Flat Cap Productions and Murphy's Magic is now
available. Commercial, practical and achievable card material designed
with laymen in mind. Truly something for everyone, available at your
local deal or direct from Daniel at
bristolchard@gmail.com.
www.danielchardmagic.com.
12.5.18
Does your website
pass Google's 'mobile-friendly' test? Take Google's test via
www.trilltec.com
to see if your website makes the grade. Recent mobile-friendly
makeovers from Trilltec include
www.corporatemagicians.com - The UK Directory of Magicians. Trilltec
specialise in producing affordable, engaging, mobile-friendly websites
for magicians. All sites include a year's free business class web hosting, together
with a free domain name registration to get you started. See
www.trilltec.com. DT.
28.4.18
The
Mark Leveridge May Podcast. This month Mark offers some Podcast
Gold! Looking back over the previous 12 Podcasts, Mark has selected six
of his favourite topics and put them together in this special
compilation. Whether you heard them when originally broadcast, or
whether this is the first time you've come across them, you are bound to
find this selection of interest and hopefully some use. The topics are:
Fee negotiation - do you allow your rates to be a subject of
discussion with a potential booker? Mark offers a theory about when you
should hand write a prediction and when it is OK to have it pre-printed.
Mark explains why he thinks going back to tables more than once is not a
good idea. Comedy is as much about consistently selecting appropriate
lines to suit our performing personality as it is about the lines
themselves. Your credibility as a magician is important for potential
bookers, so Mark offers a way to ensure you get some. Card to wallet -
is it better to go down the palm-and-load route, or are the no-palm
versions just as valid? You can listen to this Podcast Gold edition
for free by going to either
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php or
www.markleveridge.podbean.com from where you can also sign up as a
'follower' so that you receive each new Podcast when it is released at
the start of each month.
12.5.18
Hoffman
Memorial Lecture winner 2018. The Magic Circle has announced Dr Matt
Pritchard as the winner of the Hoffman Memorial Lecture competition. The
award celebrates original research into magical history and how that
affects contemporary magic performance. This year's topic was on the
compatibility of science and magic. Matt's essay focused on how both
scientists and magicians share a sense of wonder even if their methods
differed. With particular emphasis on the developments of the 19th
Century, case studies included IK Brunel, Robert-Houdin, Walford Bodie
and Nikola Tesla. Matt is now touring this demo packed lecture alongside
his existing Science Magic Shows. For more info visit
www.sciencemagicshows.co.uk.
12.5.18
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Simon Darnley on 'The
Warehouse' from August 1997. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
12.5.18
Amy judges strippers, lands a plum movie role, and gets intimate with a magician... Inside Amy Schumer on Comedy Central, Late night May 15th, see TV Magic. 12.5.18
"And
for my next trick..."
Click Here • "From fantasy to reality"
Click Here • "Magician from the old school"
Click Here • "Magician Xavier Mortimer performs at LVN"
Click Here • "Seeing is believing: Dynamo is in town"
Click Here • "Legendary magician Teller masterfully combines magic,
horror, humor and beauty to tell the story of 'Macbeth'"
Click Here • "Penrith magician Stu Di Doo appears on Channel 4's
First Dates"
Click Here • "Dynamo's Crohn's disease battle: Magician performs
card tricks backstage at boxing match... after putting his career on
hold amid health battle"
Click Here • "Pamela Anderson sizzles in sexy black leotard and
fishnets as she joins illusionist Hans Klok on tour"
Click Here • "Illusionist offers magic for the millennial
generation"
Click Here • Judge in Las Vegas calls off MGM Grand visit for
Copperfield jury"
Click Here • That's it for another week... your UK magic news is
always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan.
12.5.18