Number
972 - 9th February 2019
Blackpool's
Got Talent! Friday Night Gala Show: Matt Edwards, Colin Cloud, Issy
Simpson, Charlie Frye, Patrick Lehnen, Lee Thompson, Mikael Szanyiel.
Saturday Night Gals Show: Eric Chien, Mandy Muden, David Stone, Rudy
Coby, Tom Noddy, Hector Mancha, Derek Scott. Sunday Night Gala Show:
Hans Klok, Paul Zerdin, Miguel Minoz, Jack Beavis, Kris Kremo, Fielding
West, Marc Spelmann, Hector Mancha. Friday 15th February, Saturday 16th
February, Sunday 17th February. Book Now! www.blackpoolmagic.com.
9.2.19
Damon
Conlan: Jocular Prestidigitator, Upstairs At The Western, Leicester,
Sunday 10th February: Mortals! Come seek refuge from the political
fallout of the modern age and witness miracles* of a scientific nature.
In this post-apocalyptic sanctuary observe a new world of mutant showbiz
raccoons, cocoa-based gluttony, and spectacular telepathy†. *Miracles
aren't real, fools. †Telepathy isn't real, fools. Part of the Leicester
Comedy Festival. Sunday, 10th February at 7.30pm. Tickets £8.00. Venue:
Upstairs At The Western, 70 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GA (Map).
More info:
www.comedy-festival.co.uk.
9.2.19
Luke Jermay: Intuition - tonight, 9th February, London. Intuition is a strange thing and Luke Jermay is even stranger. Building on his acclaimed debut show Sixth Sense, entertainer Luke Jermay is back and better than ever with a brand new interactive stage show. Intuition is jam-packed with phenomenal jaw-dropping demonstrations of telepathy and prediction. Your mind will be read, your choices will be predicted and your future will be revealed. Join Luke Jermay for a funny, entertaining, emotional, controversial, uplifting, unique experience, that you will never forget! Saturday 9th February 2019, at 7.30pm. Tickets from £12. Book online: www.artsdepot.co.uk. Artsdepot, 5 Nether Street, Tally Ho Corner, North Finchley, London N12 0GA (Map). 9.2.19
The Craft - Performance Craft and
Business Craft Workshops, Brussels, Belgium, 25th-26th May.
For the first time, Ken Dyne is peeling back the curtain on character,
stagecraft, routine selection and show structure, based on his
professional training as an actor and now more than 16 years of
experience as a full time performer.
This day will immediately be followed by a day working on your
business, marketing, and branding strategies, and how to get more of the gigs you want.
Book either day, or grab a 2-day pass. Full details here:
www.kendynemasterclass.com.
Tickets are limited to just 35 spaces and are, understandably, selling
fast.
9.2.19
Cirque
du Soleil Entertainment Group acquires the makers of ‘The Illusionists’
franchise. Cirque du Soleil Entertainment Group announced on
Wednesday the acquisition of The Works Entertainment, the world-class
creative and production company known for The Illusionists franchise and
other variety shows. The addition of well-known brands to Cirque du
Soleil Entertainment Group’s portfolio allows the global leader in live
entertainment to continue its diversification of content offering and
consolidate its presence in soft-seat theatres.
“This transaction is a perfect example of how our group is diversifying
through acquisitions, while always investing in our core activities,”
said Daniel Lamarre, president and CEO of Cirque du Soleil Entertainment
Group. “The Works productions have natural affinities with our own, in
that they are high-quality universal live experiences that appeal to
different audiences from different cultures around the world without
having to adapt the show to each market. Magic, a genre of live
entertainment that The Works has successfully mastered through their
hugely successful Illusionists franchise, has been performed for
centuries and continues to enjoy a steadfast popularity among audiences
worldwide. I’m honoured to have their creative minds and theatrical
expertise join our ranks.”
Established by Creative Producer Simon Painter and Executive Producer
Tim Lawson, The Works Entertainment creates, produces and presents
first-class entertainment since 2012. The Works Entertainment has a
proven track record in mid-size theatrical productions with live magic
shows like The Illusionists, and content developed from the big screen
like Now You See Me Live. The Works’ portfolio also includes circus arts
shows like Circus 1903 – The Golden Age of Circus, cabaret-style shows
and musical theatre productions. The Illusionists are in the UK from
July 6th to September 1st at Shaftsbury Theatre, Shaftesbury Avenue,
London. Tickets from
www.theillusionistslive.com.
9.2.19
Jez
Rose: We Are All Absolutely Beside Ourselves. Lecture now booking.
An Associate Member of The Inner Magic Circle with Silver Star (London)
and Member of the Academy of Magical Arts (Hollywood), Jez Rose is a
highly respected lecturer, presenter and performer. His reputation is
built on his ability to explore complicated topics with tremendous
honesty, clarity, warmth and humour. Presented in Jez's well-known relaxed and professional style, what is We
Are All Absolutely Beside Ourselves?
• It is a lecture about taking effects you already perform and
creatively making them different, more appealing, more theatrically
interesting, entertaining and more magical.
• It is a lecture that will show how 3 seconds can instantly improve
your performance.
• It is a lecture about differentiating yourself as a performer and what
that means with your existing routines and how it can result in you
earning more.
• It is a lecture that will explain how 7 seconds can instantly boost
your confidence.
• It is a lecture that teaches some of Jez’s favourite routines,
dissecting how to start with a moment, whether a purchased routine or a
selection of items, and create something that audiences care about,
which immediately makes you - and your magic - more fascinating, in turn
creating a ‘category of one’.
• It is a lecture like no other. Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page for more
information and to make contact.
9.2.19
Mandy Muden's first-ever tour is now underway across the UK. From the promoters: Mandy Muden, direct from her sensational appearances on 'Britain's Got Talent' takes to the road with her brand new hilarious show 'Cunning Stunts'. Cunning Stunts will be packed with Mandy's razor sharp wit, magic tricks and plenty of mind reading! A member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, Mandy is the premier female comedian and magician, and in fact in 2007 was the recipient of The Magic Circle Carlton Award for Comedy in Magic. On TV Mandy has appeared on Dick and Dom’s Funny Business and as a mentor on Channel 4’s Faking It. Starting out life as an actress, having trained in Guildford, Mandy has been honing her magic skills for many years. Her initial foray into the world of magic was working in a Circus as a magician’s assistant but somewhat accident prone she managed to set fire to her caravan and had a run in with a boxing kangaroo! Mandy has performed all over the world from Comedy Clubs to the most prestigious venues ranging from The Magic Castle in Hollywood to Buckingham Palace. See What's On for dates. 9.2.19
Tom
Noddy Lecture, The Magic Circle, London, 19th February. The
Magic Circle write: Tom Noddy created a new kind of act when, in the
early 1980s, he took his performance of Bubble Magic onto America’s
Tonight Show and the UK’s Paul Daniels Magic Show. The hosts marvelled
at the fact that this was something that no one had ever seen before.
But maybe his follow-up, finding places to present this new form of
entertainment, is just as impressive: nightclubs, Varieté theatres, math
and physics conferences, science centres, magic and juggling venues...
Tom will perform, answer questions and tell all. Children over 14 are
permitted if accompanied by an adult. Magic Circle Members are free and
guests are £15 each payable on the door. 3pm to 4.45pm on Tuesday 19th
February at its London headquarters. Email
guestlist@themagiccircle.co.uk to reserve a guest ticket.
9.2.19
Tom
Noddy Lecture, Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, 20th February.
Sue Oakley writes: On Wednesday 20th February, Wolverhampton Circle of
Magicians will welcome Tom Noddy, following his appearance at Blackpool
Convention. Tom will be performing a show and giving a talk on how he
developed his act, that has taken him to over 50 countries. Visiting
magicians are welcome for a fee of £5. Lecture starts at 8pm. Contact
sueoakley61@gmail.com. Before
first bringing his performance to television in the early 80s, Tom Noddy
spent over a decade developing a new kind of performance piece. Sitting
alone with dime store bubble solution, a childlike sense of wonder and
an adult sense of humor, he brought a new thing into being: Bubble
Magic. Tom has taken his uniquely warm charm and intellectual interest
in soap bubbles to audiences around the world. The bubbles are truly
exquisite and Tom’s lively humor and engaging sense of fun leave his
audiences both delighted and intrigued.
9.2.19
The
World's Number One Magic Podcast, The Magicians' Podcast.
Richard Young writes: This week's guest is an international
award-winning magician. Greg Frewin sits down with Richard to discuss
his amazing nightly magic show near Niagara Falls, which features the
largest illusions, spectacular dancers and also incredible tigers. He
tells us what it's like to have the pressure of 70 employees and 700
seats to fill every night. He also talks about competing at FISM and how
he prepared for it, performing on The Paul Daniels TV series Secrets,
NBC's The World's Greatest Magic and Penn & Teller: Fool Us.
Greg also talks frankly about the way the world is changing and how
having tigers in the show is becoming harder for the public to accept
and how he is dealing with that change.
Plus 'What's Going On' with co-host Alan
Hudson. The Magicians' Podcast, listen now, via
iTunes,
Podbean
or
Spotify.
9.2.19
Morgan & West
are back on tour, with two different shows: 'Utterly Spiffing
Spectacular Magic Show' (for kids) and 'Parlour Tricks' (for adults). Why not peruse the live dates and see when that
couple of crafty conjurers is headed to a town near you. Time travelling
magic duo Morgan & West present a brand new show chock full of jaw
dropping, brain bursting, gasp eliciting feats of magic. The dashing
chaps offer up a plateful of illusion and impossibility, all served with
wit, charm and no small amount of panache. Be sure to wear a hat –
Morgan & West might just blow your mind. See
What's On for more info and dates.
9.2.19
Shawn
Farquhar 'Powerful but Justified' Lecture, Thursday, February 28th, Bath
Circle of Magicians. Roger Nicot writes: After his first Bread & Butter lecture in 2010, Shawn is
coming to Bath, UK with his PB & J Lecture! (Powerful but Justified).
Shawn's lecture is filled with great lessons, fun stories, and of course
a multitude of amazing magic tricks, including: RSVP/Resealed Deck; The Jealous King; Torn 2 Pieces; Card 2 Wallet; NetTriks; Omni Deck; Switch; H.G.Effect; Easy Memorized Deck; Invisible Stack; Oh, Sh*t The Card Trick; Toxico; Classic Force.
£15.00 for non-members of the Bath Circle of Magicians. Email: Roger
Nicot roger@card-shark.de. 8pm
on Thursday, February 28th at The Bath Circle of Magicians, St Mary's Church,
Queen Square,
Saltford, Bristol
BS31 3EL (Map)
www.bathcircleofmagicians.co.uk.
9.2.19
How
to be a wedding magician and score a BBC show on Talking Tricks.
Kane & Abel write: BBC Social star and wedding crasher Elliot Bibby
talks tricks. If you’ve ever considered performing at a wedding you need
to listen to this. Joining us on Talking Tricks is professional magician
and professional wedding crasher Elliott Bibby. Bibby discusses
performing at an average of two weddings a week, the different packages
he offers, the best and worst time to perform magic at a wedding,
bridezillas, and how to secure more bookings. He also talks about being
the star of his own BBC Social series, missing his university graduation
to work on a Las Vegas show, the Edinburgh Fringe, Perth World Fringe,
inspirations and much more. Listen to Talking Tricks with Kane & Abel
via
Podbean or
iTunes.
9.2.19
Magicseen
at Blackpool 2019. If you are attending the Blackpool Convention this coming
week, don't forget to visit the Magicseen stand where we will have: the
brand new issue for March, which is jam packed with great features, top
magical personalities, on-the-money advice and honest reviews; the
release of Gary Jones' new book Life's A Beach, which is full of
brilliant magic and helpful performance tips; a selection of our best
E-Books available on CD just for the convention, including some great
value compilation discs, and all at brilliant prices ; a wide range of
printed copy back issues from our collection of 85 editions stretching
back to 2005 when it all started; plus, other special offers, free gifts
and the chance to hang out with other big names in magic who simply
can't keep away from the Magicseen aura! Graham and Phil from the
Magicseen team will be handcuffed to the stand for most of the
convention, and if you are really unlucky, you may even catch Mark there
from time to time too. We look forward to seeing you one and all!
9.2.19
Zane's
Magic Shop at Blackpool 2019. Zane writes: "Zane's Magic Shop will be
trading at The Blackpool Magic Convention next week, and Zane (Shane
Robinson) will be doing a book signing for his new book 'The Amazing
Fartzini: An incredible story about a boy who found magic!' at his stand
located in The Arena. The book is an ideal gift for children aged
between 9-15 years old. As well as being an entertaining novel about
magic and magicians, the book also teaches over two dozen amazing magic
tricks with everyday objects. Plus, it is filled with advice for
aspiring wizards, not only about performing magic, but in dealing with
confidence issues. Paperback, 384 pages, beautifully illustrated, £9.99."
See:
www.zanesmagicshop.com.
9.2.19
Anglian
Magic Society news. Kyle Sarocen writes: The Anglian Magic Society is
pleased to announce that Jamie Raven has accepted the position of our
Patron, and has stated he is willing to attend a meeting of the said
Society on a once a year basis on a mutually agreed date. The members
where informed of this news at a special meeting that was held at the
Norwich Snow Sports Centre on Tuesday 29th of January where a fantastic
lecture was put on by Jon Allen. A change of venue is being discussed
with the members as we are looking to reinvent and make the Society more
modern and forward thinking, and an inviting place for those that are
professional, semi-professional and for those that are hobbyists, from
teens to 90s and regardless of gender, as all are welcome.
www.theanglianmagicsociety.uk.
9.2.19
- Advertisement Feature -
The Riversvale welcomes all guests and
magicians over the Blackpool Magicians Weekend
Special Rates for Blackpool Magicians Weekend
Located conveniently and a leisurely amble from The Winter Gardens at
79-81 Lord Street, Blackpool FY1 2DG
For the 3 days, Friday 15th February, Saturday 16th February and
Sunday 17th February we are offering very special accommodation prices.
Please look us up on booking.com but do not use booking.com to book.
Contact us direct to take advantage of the special rates.
Ring us on 07791 201821 or 01253 626981 and mention MagicWeek when
booking.
Double Room Ensuite, booking.com price £59.90 a night, our offer for
Magicians £49.00 a night
Twin Room Ensuite booking.com price £62.50 a night our offer for
Magicians £52.00
Family Room Ensuite booking.com price £79.90 a night our offer for
Magicians £65.00
Single Room Ensuite booking.com price £44.90 a night our offer for
Magicians £38.00
Single Room share bathroom booking.com price £39.90 our offer for
Magicians £34.00
Small Double Ensuite booking.com price £54.90 our offer for Magicians
£45.00
ALL PRICES INCLUDE OUR HIGHLY PRAISED BREAKFAST WHICH IS SERVED FROM
8.30am TO 10am
(EARLIER IF REQUIRED)
We look forward to meeting and greeting magicians and guests.
BOOK EARLY, CALL 07791 201821 or 01253 626981 BEFORE THESE PRICES "DISAPPEAR"!
Trevor and Walter.
The
Mark Leveridge February Podcast. How Mark comes up with a different
variety of topics for discussion every month on his podcast is one of
magic's biggest kept secrets, but manage it he does, and here is the
line up for February. Mark reflects on The Event and The Session
conventions from last month: do mentalists have a more difficult job
than magicians presenting their effects as strolling entertainers? : if
you want to work your magic for local businesses, get involved in your
local business community : why face-to-face conversation will stimulate
and progress your magic quicker than anything else : when creating new
magic, should you start with the effect or the method? : the biggest
challenge for busy performers is maintaining a freshness and spontaneity
of presentation. All the above is crammed into just half an hour,
which is the perfect amount of time for even busy people to devote to
their magic entertainment and education. You can listen for free at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php, where you can also catch any/all of
the previous 73 episodes, or
www.markleveridge.podbean.com, where you can also sign up as a follower
and receive each new podcast automatically when it is released on the
1st of each month.
9.2.19
Unquestionably
Magic. This
Saturday, 9th February at 7pm, Lee Tuffin presents the next show of "Unquestionably Magic" at The Entertainment Shed, 118 Castle Road, Bedford MK40
3QY (Map).
The show features Lee Tuffin "The Bird Man of Bedford", Illusionists Jay
&
Joss and Mel Harvey (photo).
Tickets £10, VIP Tickets £20 via
www.magiceventslive.co.uk.
9.2.19
The Gentleman Cheater
is an intimate magic performance, presented on the last
Friday of every month at 7.30pm at Nadler Soho Hotel, 10 Carlisle Street, London W1D
3BR (Map).
From the promoters: "When the cards start burning his hands, every trick becomes a new
challenge. Do you like close-up magic? You will love playing against him! The
Gentleman Cheater, an enriching experience, but he never loses.
Christian Gambin, award-winning magician, World FISM and French
Magic Champion, has been performing for three years in London's West End. Expert in
close-up magic and cards cheating. The nearer you are, the less you can
see! Come and see his sleight of hand and let the dream come true... a
stunning magician." To book visit
www.magicentertainmentlondon.co.uk.
9.2.19
The MagicWeek Video Archive.
This week, Jeremy Beadle's Magic Shop, from 31st August 1996. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
9.2.19
Houdini's Last Secrets: To Catch a Bullet. "The bullet catch is one of the deadliest tricks in magic history. A team of experts recreate the famed trick to uncover how Houdini could have accomplished it." Wednesday 13th February on Discovery, see TV Magic. 9.2.19
James
Gregory ('Jim') - 06/05/1936 - 23/01/2019. Jim began doing magic at
the end of WW2, a fascinated child aged just 9 years old. He joined The
Magic Circle and, along with Graham Kendall, began having weekly magic
lessons from Leo Burns. Jim was a natural entertainer. In the heyday of
the Variety circuit, he worked with all sorts of big names – singers,
bands, comedians, dancers, novelty acts… touring the UK, first with his
skilled manipulation act and then moving on to comedy magic, at which he
excelled. He appeared on ‘Opportunity Knocks’ in the 1970s, was a member
and President of numerous Magic Societies, as well as a member of The
Inner Magic Circle. He also met and learnt from fellow magicians in Hong
Kong whilst on National Service in the RAF, acquiring specialist tricks
there that he brought back with him - including a three foot high
painted wooden dragon that he had made and shipped back to the UK!
In his latter professional years, Jim continued to perform at corporate
events, as well as doing participatory children's magic shows and so
many, many people across Coventry and Warwickshire knew him. He
continued attending Magic Conventions every year, managing to still get
to Blackpool with his daughter last year. Magic was his true passion,
which he performed for over 70 years. Even towards the end of his life,
when he was in Myton Hospice, Jim would do magic for the doctors and
nurses, offering moments of ridiculousness and fun, in the midst of the
seriousness of the living and dying been done by those in the hospice.
Details of Jim's funeral can be found on the website below. Jim touched
many many lives in the magic industry and this is also a place where his
family would love for you to share memories and photos of Jim, as you
remember him:
www.funeralzone.co.uk/obituaries/57852. Jenny Gregory.
9.2.19
"Coming
soon to Saudi: Michael Jackson's 'Thriller' and magician Dynamo"
Click Here • "Limerick magician The Great Padini shows age no
barrier to talent"
Click Here • "Magician Shin Lim Is Even More Mind-Blowing On
'America's Got Talent: The Champions'"
Click Here • "Michael Grandinetti is bringing magic into the modern
era"
Click Here • "Joe Diamond’s ‘Mystic’ a real pleasure"
Click Here • "Do AGT: The Champions fans already know finale
results? ‘Spoilers’ are being left on Shin Lim’s Instagram"
Click Here • "Chris
North's Amazing Mysteries" is reviewed by Mike Wallis this week,
Click Here
• "A Deadly Way to Make a Living: The Lamentable Fate of Chung Ling Soo,
Marvellous Chinese Conjuror", a talk by Brian Lead at the Bradford Magic
Circle, is reviewed by Ray Roberts
Click Here
• "Melbourne Magician Richard Vegas Presents No Smoke No Mirrors At The
Butterfly Club"
Click Here • "Who's that girl? Calgary magician Carisa Hendrix and
the rise of Lucy Darling"
Click Here • Have a great time if you are heading off to the
Blackpool Convention; it's got "best ever" written all over it. Your UK
magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
9.2.19