Number
969 - 19th January 2019
Blackpool Magic Convention - 15th, 16th & 17th February 2019. David Stone has just been
booked to appear at this year's convention. David will be performing a
brand new act for the very first time at any major convention on the
Saturday Night Gala. Add to this his Star Lecture slot for the Sunday
afternoon, and that's another reason to register for the 2019
Convention, which takes place in just a few weeks time. DT
From the organisers: The convention has expanded and morphed into an event that no one could have possibly imagined only a few years ago and it's all thanks to you! This year we've booked more acts and shows than ever before, expanding the fringe event with a series of one-man shows, including the UK Convention debut of Amazing Johnathan. A show that will be a very special one-off performance on the Saturday Night in The Spanish Hall. Yet again, we've invested heavily in the technical aspect of the whole event, with upgraded video and lighting systems in all of the lecture theatres and rooms. The tech that we're installing in The Opera House is bigger and better than ever before and we're sure this will make the shows an even more spectacular and fun experience. If you haven't already registered, check out who we've booked and see just what you're missing. Numbers are already up on last year (which was a record), so come and join over 4,000 other like-minded people for a weekend of mind-blowing magic and fun... book here! www.blackpoolmagic.com.
STAGE SHOW PERFORMERS
The shows in the Opera House Theatre will feature some of the most
outstanding talents in the world of magic.
We've booked both of the current FISM World Champions to appear on the
gala shows over the weekend. Miguel Munoz and Eric Chien will blow
your minds with their unique and creative acts (Eric Chien will also be
lecturing for the first time in the UK).
The full stage show line up is:
Hans Klok, Eric Chien, Colin Cloud, Matt Edwards, Charlie Frye & Co,
Patrick Lenahan, Lee Thompson, Michael Szanyieni, Derek Scott, Winston
Fuenmayor, Mandy Muden, Rudy Coby, Tom Noddy, Hector Mancha, Issy
Simpson, Miguel Munoz, Kris Kremo, Fielding West, Marc Spelmann, Paul
Zerdin and Jack Beavis.
ONE-MAN HEADLINER SHOWS
Our one-man headliner shows were a huge hit last year and this year
looks like being no exception:
Amazing Johnathan - Las Vegas Comedy legend Johnathan, will perform his
hilarious stand-up show that has taken him around the world. This will
be on Saturday Night in The Spanish Hall and seating is on a first come, first served, basis.
His first ever UK Convention appearance
Paul Zerdin - Winner of America's Got Talent, Paul will show just why
he's one of the very best in the world at what he does. The show debuts
on Friday Night in The Pavilion Theatre.
Paul Zenon - Back by popular demand. Paul will perform his brilliant and
touching "Linking Rings" Show in The Pavilion on the Saturday Night.
Nick Diffatte - Nick is a headliner from Las Vegas and will perform 2
comedy shows on Sunday Night in The Pavilion Theatre. This is someone
that you won't want to miss!
His first ever UK Convention appearance.
Tom Crosbie - Tom will present his one-man show that was such a hit at
last year's Edinburgh Fringe in The Spanish Hall on Sunday Night.
Morgan and West - The Time Travelling magicians perform their show in The
Spanish Hall on Friday Night.
Mel Mellers - See Mel Mellers in his natural habitat, performing in The
Spanish Hall on Saturday Night in this hilarious comedy show, performed
in his own unique style.
LECTURES, TALKS & FRINGE
We've lined up more lectures and talks than ever before and included in
this are a series of 'TED' style talks, featuring some of the most
successful young magicians in the world. The talks will cover TV Magic,
Stage Illusions, Street Magic, TV Consultancy and Social Media.
Add to this our ever-popular Children's Lectures and Children's
Entertainer of the Year Competition and we think you'll agree that
there's something for everyone.
Names include:
Danny Garcia, Tom Elderfield, Rory Adams, Charlie Fry, Rudy Coby, Matt
Wright, Carl Royle, Bill Abbott, Paul Taz Marlow, The Great Zucchini,
Rob Ramirez, Morgan Strebler, Luke Dancy, Dave Loosley, Morgan and West,
Mickael Chatlain, Eric Chien, Josh Jay, Miguel Munoz, Amazing Johnathan,
CBBC, Michael Diamond, Faye Presto, Wayne Dobson, Steve Short, Fielding
West, Lee Thompson, Rodney James Piper, Bill Smith, Anastasia, Hans Klok,
Hector Mancha, Marc Spelmann, Derek Scott, Tom Noddy, Martin Duffy,
Martin Gardiner, Gerry Cottle & Richard Cadell, Chris Chelko, and Diobo.
The Fringe will feature:
Beat the Wand with Magic Sam & Aaron Wez.
Paul Zenon's Pub Quiz.
Not the Gala Show with George Firehorse, John Kimmons, Tamar Kimmons, Ryan
Gleeson, Gary Dunn and The Slaughter House Team. (Note: show not
suitable if you're easily offended)
To find out more and to register visit
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
19.1.19
Marc
Spelmann:
Real Magic Beyond Trickery & Illusion. Millfield Theatre,
Edmonton, London, 1st and 5th February. From the promoters:
Direct from Britain’s Got Talent, Golden Buzzer magician and mind reader
Marc Spelmann who amazed not only the UK but the entire world with his
incredible heartfelt audition, dedicated to his wife and daughter. In
this 2 hour show Marc will first take you behind the scenes of his
globally recognised Britain’s Got Talent experience. See first-hand how
his audition was created, how he conceived it all and what he chose to
leave out. You’ll learn what the whole experience was like from the
other side of the television screen.
The second half will feature some of the most incredible mind reading
and magic from Marc Spelmann’s 20 year career prior to Britain’s Got
Talent and a conclusion that will absolutely astonish you. It’s not what
you’ve seen, it’s what you haven’t seen that will absolutely amaze you.
Simon Cowell said that ‘Magic’ was too small a word to describe Marc’s
incredible performances, whilst David Walliam’s said Marc and what he
creates on stage is extraordinary.
Marc has performed for heads of state, celebrities and on television
multiple times around the world.
See him live, up close and in person.
Friday 1st February at 7.45pm
Click Here and Friday 5th April at 7.45pm
Click Here.
Millfield Theatre, Silver Street, Edmonton, London N18 1PJ (Map).
Also see
YouTube.
19.1.19
'Staging
Magic - The Story Behind The Illusion' opens on January 21st at the
University of London: Our new exhibition Staging Magic - The Story
Behind The Illusion opens in January, celebrating the history of magical
literature and revealing the world’s most loved magic tricks and stage
illusions from 16th century to early 20th century. It’s free and open to
the public from Monday 21st January until Saturday 15th June 2019 at
Senate House Library, 4th floor of Senate House, part of the University
of London.
The exhibition takes people on a journey of
the world’s greatest magicians, such as Houdini, David Devant and
psychic researcher Harry Price, and the magic books that influenced
them. The exhibition explores the staging of classic tricks such as
pulling rabbits out of hats, sawing women in half and dismembered
talking heads, right through to cigarette box magic tricks and parlour
magic. Discover how sleight of hand and illusions staged in top theatres
have been used to create mystery and entertainment in society and how it
transferred to the home, and even to the Tommies fighting in the
trenches of WWI.
Through five interconnected themes ('Magic’s Spell on Society', 'Magic
and innovation', 'Masters of Magic and their Influence', 'Harry Price
and his Magical Library', 'Magic for All'), the exhibition explores how
magic has remained a mainstay of popular culture in the western world,
how its secrets have been kept and revealed, and how magicians have
innovated to continue to surprise and enchant their audiences. Each
theme features some of the most important books in the history of magic,
alongside lesser-known works celebrating a range of genres in magic
publishing.
The exhibition displays 60 items in Senate House Library’s ‘Harry Price
Library of Magical Literature’, gifted by Harry Price himself, former
Vice-President of the Magic Circle (and first Chair of the BFI), to the
Library in 1936. See:
www.senatehouselibrary.ac.uk.
19.1.19
To commemorate David Berglas
being awarded an MBE, magical artist Jay Fortune is
gifting an original portrait of David Berglas to just one lucky magician...
For your chance of winning, simply visit
www.jayfortune.co.uk and
subscribe to Jay’s free newsletter. A subscriber will be picked at
random on February 1st and will receive this original 17"x24" charcoal portrait.
Jay writes: "I’ve known David for many years and have had the
absolute pleasure of spending time with him, hearing of his incredible
career, including a private performance of his ACAAN. David has one of
my pencil portraits in his collection and I know that this latest work
will become a collector's piece."
19.1.19
Tim
Clothier on Richard Young's The
Magicians’ Podcast. Tim Clothier is the CEO of
Illusion Projects
Inc., a Las Vegas based company that specialises in the design and
construction of theatrical stage illusions. They build props for some of
the most famous names in magic including David Copperfield and Criss
Angel. Tim's journey in magic actually began in the UK. He is in fact
from the West Country and in this interview he shares his incredible
journey from being a competing young magician in the UK to setting up shop a
stone's throw from the Las Vegas Strip. Also in this episode, Richard
talks to Andreas Sucker who takes care of the PR for German superstars
of magic, The Ehrlich Brothers, and gets a sneak peak of what an
audience can expect at their first UK supershow at Wembley Arena on
April 6th. Plus, Alan 'art of the freebie' Hudson, on lift
installations and all things magical. The Magicians' Podcast, listen now, via
iTunes,
Podbean
or
Spotify.
19.1.19
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, David Blaine's Vertigo,
discussed on Channel 4's RI:SE with studio guests Jon Allen, Tim Saiet and Jason
Hunjan. From 23rd May 2002. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
19.1.19
Steve
Dela on Talking Tricks with Kane & Abel. Steve Dela joins Talking
Tricks to discuss winning more magic competitions than any other UK
magician and the doors that these awards have opened for him. The
Shropshire-born magician talks about his move to London which resulted
in him working five residencies a week, getting fewer tips than Dynamo,
his top advice for entering competitions, his inspirations, the ins and
outs of running a monthly magic night, creating original material and
selling it to fellow magicians, and his transition into a mentalist. All
this and much more on Talking Tricks. Listen via
iTunes or
Podbean. [Steve - you did win the Geoff Ray Stage Cup at the
Shropshire Magical Society's annual stage competition when you were 14.
Your win was featured in MagicWeek number 92, back in 2002,
Click Here. DT].
19.1.19
‘Smoke
and Mirrors’ Exhibition to open in London in April, 2019. From the
organisers: Opening in April 2019, our free exhibition ‘Smoke and
Mirrors’ will be the first-ever to focus on the relationship between
magic and psychology. ‘Smoke and Mirrors’ will seek the truth about
deception, ask how bias and suggestion affect our senses and decisions,
and consider what it is about the human condition that means many of us
believe in magic and the supernatural, even in the face of logical
explanations. Artefacts from the world of magic will include those from
Derren Brown, Tommy Cooper, Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee and Harry
Houdini. Explore spirit photography, magic props, psychology experiments
and more to see how magic works on – and in – your mind. 11th April -
15th September 2019. Wellcome Collection, 183 Euston Road, London NW1 2BE
(Map)
www.wellcomecollection.org. (Just a 2 minute walk from
The Magic
Circle.)
19.1.19
Become
a MagicWeek Backer. As MagicWeek heads towards its 1,000th edition,
and as I'd like it to continue from there to the 2,000th edition, I
recently introduced a 'MagicWeek Backer' scheme.
Click Here to find out
what it's all about. DT.
19.1.19
Conjuring
at the Court, Thursday 24th January, London. Enjoy a magical start
to the New Year at Conjuring at the Court! With the hilarious John
Lenahan, the sparky Claire Lenahan, BBC Radio magician James Phelan, and
London’s king of comedy magic Christian Lee. Compère Russell Levinson.
Tickets still only £11 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
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.
19.1.19
Christian
Magicians UK Conference - 18th to 21st February 2019. From the
organisers: Chris Wood, Derek Scott and Kieron Johnson, three star
lecturers at Christian Magicians UK Conference, 18th to 21st February
2019 at High Leigh Conference Centre, Lord Street, Hoddesdon,
Hertfordshire EN11 8SG (Map).
Chris Wood has been performing exceptional magic for over 30 years. He
is a Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. Chris can be found
most Mondays at the Magic Circle helping others, sharing his knowledge.
He can show you how to make the simplest of things truly magical.
Derek Scott has performed his unique brand of physical comedy in over 40
countries worldwide. His humour is understood and enjoyed by people of
every different language, every different culture, every different
ethnicity. He can perform in English, German, French, Spanish, a little
Chinese and a few words of Russian.
Kieron Johnson (photo) is an award winning magician and a member of the
prestigious Magic Circle. He is based in Taunton, performing Close-up
Table Magic and Stage Magic across the country at Weddings, Corporate
Events and Private Parties for Celebrities, Rockstars, TV Stars & Blue
Chip Companies. He is also an acting magical consultant for TV, Film and
Theatre and a creator of many original effects for magicians and is
highly revered by his peers.
Full Board Accommodation from Monday Lunch until and including evening
meal on Thursday for only £340. Conference includes Lectures, Workshops,
TED-type Talks, Close-up Competition, Open-Mic, specialist Christian
based Magic - with evening shows to finish the day, comfortable
accommodation and good food all on site, there’s no need to travel to
and fro the venue each day. All this is why so many delegates return
year after year, meeting with friends old and new. With a little over 4
weeks to go, act now, check out the conference page on our website
www.christianmagiciansuk.org/conference. Don’t leave it too late and
miss this opportunity to share in a great programme.
19.1.19
Tweedy's
Illusion Confusion - A Show of Magic & Mayhem. From the promoters: Tweedy -
the comedy and slapstick legend and star of Gifford s Circus, Cirque Berserk and
the Everyman Theatre pantomime returns with an all new show of magic & mayhem...
Over the years Tweedy has assisted some of the world's top magicians, resulting
in him being sawn in half, disappeared and even turned into a tiger. Tweedy has
had enough of being the magician's assistant and has decided it's time to be the
magician instead. Unfortunately, all does not go to plan... and his blundering
attempts lead to more mayhem than magic in this fantastically funny, family
friendly show. "The brilliant Tweedy, a circus clown and true genius had the
audience crying with laughter" The Sunday Telegraph. "Tweedy is a
marvellous comic" Time Out. "Tweedy's act was timed to perfection,
innovative, wonderfully visual and very, very funny" The Stage. See
What's On (February) for dates.
19.1.19
NMP
Live Meets Alexis Conran. Celebrity booking agency NMP Live has just
dropped the latest in their ongoing series of exclusive “NMP Live
Meets…” celebrity interviews. Scam expert and star of Objective
Productions’ The Real Hustle, Alexis Conran, popped into NMP's office to
discuss the psychology of why people still fall for scams, every day,
and how his background as an actor and magician helped him realise that
scams, magic and acting, are fundamentally the same as what salespeople
do - 'storytelling', and getting people to 'buy in' to your story. Other
'NMP Live Meets' interviewees include: Dynamo, Jamie Raven, Ben Hanlin,
Fay Presto, Darcy Oake and Troy. Watch the interview or read the full
transcript here:
www.nmplive.co.uk.
19.1.19
The
Mark Leveridge January Podcast. It's time to enjoy half an hour of
magic chat, advice and opinion brought to you via Mark Leveridge's
latest free monthly audio podcast. As usual there are a range of topics
covered; here's a summary: The launch of the new Mark Leveridge Magic
website is getting closer and Mark gives an update about what it will be
like. Mark reflects on the latest Magic Clips get together and compares
it to the traditional magic convention. Why do some spectators think it
is OK to rummage through the magician's clothing if they want to find
out how a trick is done? The sophistication of some modern dealers is
amazing when compared to 30 years ago. If a spectator can come up with
even a simplistic and inaccurate explanation for your magic, it
diminishes the impact of it in their eyes. Mark shares the funny true
story of the lady spectator who found a way to get maximum value for
money. This edition marks the start of the 7th year of these monthly
podcasts, and you can catch any of the previous 72 releases by going to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php. You can also download the
podcasts from
www.markleveridge.podbean.com and even sign up to be a follower so
that you receive each new one as soon as it is released.
19.1.19
David Copperfield on American Restoration. World-renowned illusionist David Copperfield calls on Rick and the team to restore two items from his magic museum's collection. Friday 25th January, on Blaze (repeat). See TV Magic for details. 19.1.19
Matthew
Wright / Harry Robson double-bill lecture, Wednesday 23rd January, Derby
Magic Circle. Paul Sharp writes: Matthew Wright, two-time FISM
award-winner and Harry Robson "Godfather of British Magic", have teamed
up to present this unique lecture. Matthew and Harry have over 50 years
of experience between them, performing at literally thousands of real
world gigs. They will share with us their very best insights as we are
entertained for the evening by two of the best magicians around. A
lecture not to be missed. Past members of Derby Magic Circle and
visiting magicians are always welcome at our meetings, but there is a
small fee of £10 payable on the night. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm
start. Derby Magic Circle, Breadsall Memorial Hall, Brookside Road,
Breadsall, Derby DE21 5LR (Map).
www.derbymagiccircle.com.
19.1.19
Ed Doolan Interviews... Paul Daniels and Leonard Nimoy, 3pm today, on BBC Radio 4 Extra. Conversation double-bill: Star Trek's Mr Spock, Leonard Nimoy jets in from 1980 - and magician Paul Daniels pops in from 2009. Ed Doolan was one of Britain's best-known BBC local radio presenters, broadcasting to the West Midlands for over 40 years. Ed died aged 76 in 2018. Excerpts from interviews originally broadcast on BBC WM. See TV Magic for more times. 19.1.19
Chris
Stevenson lecture, The Order of The Magi (Manchester). Geoffrey
Newton PRO writes: Award winning magician, Chris Stevenson makes a
welcome return to The Order of The Magi this Tuesday, 22nd January. His
dedication to the art of magic makes him outstanding and unforgettable.
He has a talented blend of close-up magic with humour and putting these
together, leaves his audiences surprised, baffled and always
entertained. His new lecture to be presented on this occasion will have
plenty to enjoy and guests are welcome for a fee of £5 with the usual
prior arrangement with either the president or secretary. Further
details:
www.orderofthemagi.co.uk.
19.1.19
Penn & Teller on Late Night with Seth Meyers. Chat show hosted by Seth Meyers. Guests include Good Morning America host and former football star Michael Strahan, and stage magicians and Fool Us hosts Penn & Teller. 8pm on Saturday 19th January on CNBC. See TV Magic. 19.1.19
Scottish Magic Convention (SAMS) 26th, 27th, & 28th April in Glasgow's city centre. See facebook.com/SAMSConvention for details. 19.1.19
"Shin
Lim of ‘AGT’ prepares for next move: the Las Vegas Strip"
Click Here • "Obituary: Johnny Hart – ‘Magician who worked with the
Beatles, Ken Dodd and Bruce Forsyth’"
Click Here • "3 Funny Guys & a Pack of Cards comes to The Drama
Factory"
Click Here • Olly Graham's The "F" Word lecture is reviewed by Simon
Rosselli this week,
Click Here • "Magician Michael Carbonaro Brings His Live Show To The
Town Hall Theatre"
Click Here • "Illusionist Brings Paintings to Life"
Click Here • "Illusionist Andrew Lee is first Malaysian to perform
at London’s New Year’s Day Parade"
Click Here • "BWW Review: The Illusionists Sparks Magic in
Vancouver!"
Click Here • "The Illusionists’ Darcy Oake Reveals What It Takes To
Become A Magician"
Click Here • "Magicians showcase their time travelling tricks at
Romford theatre"
Click Here • Busy week. Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see
you next week, Duncan.
19.1.19