Number 987 - 25th May 2019

 

The Magic Bar Live opens in Llandudno. Chris Williams writes: On the 4th May I opened The Magic Bar Live in Llandudno. As far as I know it's North Wales' first and only bar dedicated to magic. We are in the centre of town at The New Alexandra Hotel, where we have redecorated an old function room. The venue is intimate, only seating 40 people. Our aim is to provide a great place for magicians to perform and anyone who enjoys magic to visit for a great night out. The opening weekend saw Max Francis, Mario Morris, Alex Fisher, Paul Roberts and local magician Dean Raymond all take to the stage to entertain a packed audience that thoroughly enjoyed themselves. This weekend, 25th and 26th May, we have Mario Morris return to perform his new show. I would like to extend an invitation to any magicians wanting to perform or visit to get in touch: info@htcevents.co.uk. Our website is www.themagicbarlive.co.uk and we are on Facebook facebook.com/themagicbarlive. The Magic Bar Live, Alexandra Hotel, 11 Clonmel Street, Llandudno, Gwynedd LL30 2LE (Map). "The only magic and illusion bar in Wales is set to open in Llandudno" Click Here. 25.5.19

 

Derren Brown on Desert Island Discs. Derren Brown chats to Lauren Laverene and selects eight records to take to the mythical island. 11.15am on Sunday 26th May on BBC Radio 4, see TV Magic. 25.5.19

 

Paul Zenon: Trust Me! Edinburgh Fringe Festival 2019 Preview. Thursday 18th July at 8.30pm at Smoke & Mirrors Theatre Bar, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol BS1 5DQ (Map). From Comedy conman to cutting-edge conjurer, Hollywood to Bollywood and Countdown to La Clique - for almost 30 years Paul Zenon has brought his unique combination of contemporary trickery and streetwise stand-up to the stages and screens of around 40 countries worldwide. Now its time for Paul Zenon to perform at Smoke & Mirrors! "He has the wonderful talent of being very funny and has the brilliant skill of his magic, so he's quite unique - there isn't another performer like him" Don Ward, The Comedy Store. To book visit www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk/tickets. 25.5.19

 

Uri Geller's got the largest bent spoon in the world! Jeff Burns writes: Uri Geller has just installed an 11 ton spoon outside his new museum which is scheduled to open next year in the heart of Jaffa, Israel. At 18.5 metres long, the bent spoon, is sure to create a lot of interest and of course reflects the object Uri is most famous for! He was kind enough to give me a personal tour of the museum last year when I was over delivering some educational programs using magic as a learning tool. Further info about the museum can be found here: www.urigeller.com/uri-geller-museum. "Uri Geller, the illusionist known for his spoon-bending stunts, unveils an 11 ton spoon in Jaffa, Tel Aviv, next to the site where he plans to open his museum next year." YouTube. 25.5.19

 

A new monthly evening of magic is appearing in Birmingham! From the organisers: Run by professional magicians and friends Ed Sumner and Paul Longhurst, the show opens on the 6th June at 7pm and 9pm at The Grosvenor Casino, Broad Street, Birmingham B15 1AY (Map). To celebrate there is a voucher for £7 off any ticket - just use this code: 7poundsoff. Tickets start from £13 and there are deals available that include food and gaming chips. For an unforgettable night out, why not join us for a thrilling evening of mystery, mischief, and magic you have to see to believe! Arrive as strangers, experience the impossible, leave as friends. More information: facebook.com/magicwithfriends. Tickets: Click Here. 25.5.19

 

The auditions are almost over. The final BGT audition shows will air tonight, with MagicWeek favourite John Archer, followed by a week of live semi-final shows starting on Monday evening featuring plenty of magicians. Best of luck to everyone! See TV Magic for details. 25.5.19

 

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival updates. From the organisers: The South Tyneside International Magic Festival are proud to announce that their 10th and 11th Acts are illusionists! One for each of the gala shows. On the Friday night we have the Magic of Safire! Safire have worked in theatres all over the world, including The Tropicana Hotel in Las Vegas. They have worked with many of the top names in show business including Joe Pasquale, Peter Kay, Ken Dodd, Richard Branson, Danny La Rue, Jimmy Tarbuck, Bradley Walsh and Joanna Lumley to name but a few. For the Saturday gala show we have 'Matricks Illusions'. In 2004, Alex Jesson and his sister began to create the show Matricks and have come a long way since, as seen on ITV’s ‘Keep It In The Family’ with Bradley Walsh, where Alex & Emily perplexed millions with their original set pieces. Matricks has not only baffled the nation but even the likes of celebrity judge Simon Cowell. They join Laura London, Xulio ML , Olivier (Olmac), Mario Marchese (The Maker Magician), Mike Pisciotta, Maga Gisell, Richard Jones, Mark Shortland and Steve Hewlett. There are three more stellar names to announce! 11th-13th October 2019. To book, please go to our website www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival. Only £65 for the full 3 days of magic! Book now as it's limited to 150 people! 25.5.19

 

Magical Bones 'Black Magic' at the Edinburgh Fringe and on 'Talking Tricks' with Kane & Abel. From ‘Bones’ to Magical Bones! The pro-dancer combines his rhythm with magic and will be performing at the Edinburgh Fringe from July 31st to August 25th. Having created a fantastic reputation for himself on the UK hip-hop scene - from working with Madonna, Alicia Keys and Plan B to last year closing BBC 1’s BAFTA Awards ceremony – Magical Bones now takes us on an awe-inspiring journey in his debut show, Black Magic. The show features his unique blend of break-dancing, street magic and card tricks in tribute to the 19th century mesmerist and abolitionist, Henry Box Brown, who made his escape from slavery by mailing himself in a crate to Philadelphia – which he later used in his performances!

 

Talking Tricks with Magical Bones. Magical Bones joins us on Talking Tricks to discuss his incredible magic career including a worldwide tour with Impossible and his own TV series Around the World in 80 Tricks. He talks about starting his performance career as a hip-hip B-boy dancer on the streets in London, on stage, and in music videos for Madonna and other global mega popstars; how renting his local theatre helped springboard him into all his success, performing at the Underbelly on the Southbank and his upcoming Edinburgh Fringe debut solo magic show 'Black Magic' (above). He discusses the history and culture of black magicians and the influence it has on his live show and much more. Listen via Podbean, iTunes and Acast. 25.5.19

 

Mac King on The Magicians' Podcast. Richard Young writes: Mac King's contract at Harrah's on The Strip in Las Vegas began in January 2000, his show is the longest running magic show in a single venue in Las Vegas history. In this episode Mac tells us why he thinks he has had such a long uninterrupted run and shares the techniques he uses to stay in the moment in every show despite the relentless repetition. He also talks about his friendship with Lance Burton and how two Las Vegas headliners came out of the same magic club in Louisville, Kentucky. Mac also talks about his deal with Harrah's and how his show survived the recession in 2008. Plus "What's Going On?" with Alan "Top Tips" Hudson. The Magicians' Podcast, listen now, via iTunes, Podbean or Spotify. [Enjoy Mac King in a rare appearance on British television from 1989, from The MagicWeek Video Archive, Click Here. DT]. 25.5.19

 

The MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Lance Burton's dove act and sword fight sequence, from John Fisher's 'The Best of Magic' from 5th September 1990. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks Click Here. 25.5.19

 

Bursary of £1,000 to benefit magicians under the age of 25 in the advancement of playing card magic. The Magic Circle write: The Magic Circle Foundation is delighted to announce a new bursary initiative proposed by The Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards. The Makers of Playing Cards Charity, the Charitable arm of the Worshipful Company of Makers of Playing Cards, has received a £5,000 legacy from our Past Master Chris Latham MMC, and it has been agreed that this be spent over the next five years on an annual bursary of £1,000 to benefit magicians under the age of 25 in the advancement of playing card magic.

 

We are inviting applications for the bursary, known as The Makers of Playing Cards Chris Latham Card Magic Award. The bursary has a wide remit: The award need not be made for the benefit of an individual magician under the age of 25, but could be for a group of young magicians, say by running a masterclass for which those under 25 shall have free admission. Similarly, the advancement in card magic need not relate only to performance, but might include archival research undertaken by a young person preparatory to a thesis. The beneficiary of the bursary will be determined each year by a panel of five, of whom two will be nominated by the Makers of Playing Cards and three by The Magic Circle.

 

The Makers of Playing Cards will normally be represented by the Master for that year and by the Charity Liaison Partner. If you would like to apply for the prize, or know of a suitable recipient of the bursary, please send a statement outlining how it advances the art of card magic, in 500 words or fewer, and email it to cma@themagiccircle.co.uk by 30th June 2019. The recipient does not need to be a Member of The Magic Circle or the Young Magicians Club. The winner of the bursary will be announced at The Magic Circle’s annual Awards Ceremony on Sunday 1st September 2019. 25.5.19

 

Tommy Cooper Limited Edition Fine Art Print. Magical artist Jay Fortune releases his new print today as voted for by magicians online. The print is A2 size (23.4 x 16.5 inches), printed on premium archival paper. Each edition is hand-signed, titled and numbered and comes with a Certificate of Authenticity. There are two options; unframed at £30 plus shipping or framed at £55 with free shipping. To order yours visit www.jayfortune.co.uk/product-category/prints-products/. Due to high shipping costs, the framed option is only available for UK orders. 25.5.19

 

Magic History Gathering at The Magic Circle. From the organisers: This friendly event takes place on Saturday 8th June, at The Magic Circle headquarters, 12 Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD (Map). There will be 8 speakers including John Gaughan, Richard Kaufman and Dick Koornwinder. There will also be a table sale of hundreds of collectable books at reasonable prices. Please bring your own carrier bags or suitcases. The event costs £45 and includes an excellent buffet lunch, morning coffee and afternoon tea. To purchase tickets go to The Magic Circle website: www.themagiccircle.co.uk. The Gathering is open to non-members of The Magic Circle. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Doors open at 9.30am and the event finishes at about 6.30pm. 25.5.19

 

Paul Megram lecture at the South London Magic Society. Simon Rosselli writes: On the 4th June Paul Megram (Colonel Custard) brings his all-new lecture on family entertainment to South London Magic Society. Last time it was all about the 'business', now it’s time for the 'show'. Paul performs every routine on a regular basis, showing trick handling and performance techniques. Doors open at 7pm with a 'Hands On' at 7.30pm. Lecture starts at 8pm. £10 for non-members, but this can go towards membership which is £30 for the year if you like it. South London Magic Society, Clock House Methodist Church Hall, Clock House Road, Beckenham, Kent BR3 4JP (Map). www.southlondonmagic.co.uk. 25.5.19

 

In the Psychiatrist's Chair. "TV illusionist Uri Geller reflects on his unusual life with Professor Anthony Clare. From 1996." See TV Magic for details. 25.5.19

 

Antiques Roadshow, Sunday 2nd June, BBC 1. Fiona Bruce presents the show from MediaCityUK on the former Manchester Docks, where items brought in include an early animation machine and a magician's box of tricks. See TV Magic for details. 25.5.19

 

Charlie Cairoli 39 Years Under The Tower. Charlie Cairoli Appreciation Society write: The official booking form for pre-orders and bookings for "Charlie Cairoli 39 Years Under The Tower", book launch and Gala Dinner event weekend is now online. Tram journey limited to the first 50 to book. Limited edition books are 250 maximum, so it really is first come, first served. See www.39yearsunderthetower.co.uk. 25.5.19

 

News Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT. 25.5.19

 

"Dynamo on the past, present and future of magic" Click Here • "How Your Brain Perceives Magicians Cutting Their Assistants in Half" Click Here • "Britain’s Got Talent hopefuls have even tricked Derren Brown with their mind-reading act" Click Here • "Young Manchester magician 'saws' Amanda Holden in half on Britain's Got Talent" Click Here • "'America's Got Talent' star Murray The Magician on being Dennis the Menace of Comedy Magic" Click Here "Here's All The Answers To Your Questions About Magicians" Click Here • "Want to go to the Secret Magic Garage? It takes more than an abracadabra" Click Here • "David Blaine's Dublin show moved to Bord Gáis Energy Theatre on new date" Click Here • "Magician Robert Tarry teams up with Salvation Army" Click Here • "Theater review: 'Illusionists' bring an entertaining bag of tricks and shtick" Click Here • "'Invisible Tango': Theater Review" Click Here • Many thanks to everyone who contributed news to MagicWeek this week, it's always welcome. See you next week, Duncan. 25.5.19

 

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