Number
989 - 8th June 2019
X
casts his spell over BGT. Huge congratulations to X (Marc Spelmann) on
becoming runner-up in this year's Britain's Got Talent Final. It's an incredible
achievement to have come so close last year and then to have capitalised on that
success by making such a powerful return this year, the man's a genius! And huge
congratulations too, to Ben Hart, for being placed third. Ben stood out to me 12 years
ago as being a real magic talent (MagicWeek
21st July 2007). Jonathan Goodwin, Dave & Finn and 4MG all made a real
impact with their magic in the Final as well, so many congratulations to them,
too. Britain's Got talent became a night of magic.
My other magic favourites this year? Jonathan Goodwin's crossbow stunt in his semi-final which I thought was stunning; Moretti would have been the first to applaud. Elizabeth's 'The Haunting', which had me jumping out of my seat at one point and John Archer, simply for being John Archer. Who knows what next year will bring? DT. 8.6.19
David
Blaine: Real or Magic - first ever UK and Ireland Tour.
'David Blaine Real or Magic' opened in Edinburgh on June 5th and
magician Chris Cross found himself up on stage
Click Here. The show promises to be an interactive experience
featuring death-defying stunts with no two performances being the same. Book via
www.livenation.co.uk. YouTube tour promo:
YouTube. Website:
www.davidblaine.com/live • "David Blaine tells Chris Evans’ Virgin
Radio Breakfast Show he’s lost a staggering three stone in just three
months after cutting sugar from his diet"
www.thesun.co.uk • "David Blaine comes face-to-face with Eamonn
Holmes 18 years after their famously awkward GMTV interview"
www.dailymail.co.uk • "Illusionist David Blaine Amazes Lorraine with His
Original Card Tricks"
YouTube • "David Blaine reveals why he refused to talk to Eamonn
Holmes in that agonising interview"
www.metro.co.uk.
9th June Bord Gáis Energy Theatre, Dublin
11th June 02 Apollo, Manchester
14th June Arena, Birmingham
15th June BIC, Bournemouth
18th June Eventim Apollo, London
19th June Eventim Apollo, London.
8.6.19
The Edinburgh Fringe Festival, August 2019. Over 70 magic related shows are listed this year, that's pretty amazing! Click Here to see who's doing what, where. Compiled for MagicWeek by Peter McLanachan www.thecardman.co.uk (many thanks Peter!). 8.6.19
KFC4...
now in its 4th great year! The Karl Fulves Convention, organised by Allan Brown,
is set up to honour close-up magic's greatest unsung genius and giant of
magic... Karl Fulves. This highly informal event will take place from 6pm on
Saturday 13th July at the Holiday Inn Express, Swiss Cottage, 152-156 Finchley
Road NW3 5HS (Map), opposite Finchley Road tube station. 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, Paul
Grayling, Jerry Mensfield and a special surprise guest who will not be named.
There will be items on display from Swindle and Cheat. Free entry, very
informal, no need to register, just turn up! Any questions email
abrown.kfc@gmail.com.
8.6.19
Homer
Liwag on The Magicians' Podcast. "The first of our trio of
interviews looking at the David Copperfield brand sees Richard sitting
down with Homer Liwag, David's Co-Director. Homer has worked for David
for nearly 25 years and he designs many of the stage props, lighting and
video in the show. He grew up in Cincinnati, Ohio and is the son of an
artist. Homer has an incredibly artistic eye which shines through in his
magic and cinematography. In this interview Homer shares the story of
how he went from a being a working close-up magician in a themed magic
restaurant to sitting on the stage in Las Vegas surrounded by all of
David Copperfield's props in a matter of hours. Homer also gives us an
amazing insight into one of the teams real secrets, their attention to
detail." Plus "What's Going On?" with Alan "I'm Out" Hudson. The Magicians' Podcast, listen now, via
iTunes,
Podbean
or
Spotify.
8.6.19
The
South Tyneside International Magic Festival. From the organisers: The South
Tyneside International Magic Festival are proud to announce their 12th and 13th
Acts: R Paul Wilson and Adam Black! R. Paul Wilson returns with baffling new
material for the close-up gala and a workshop for experts and beginners,
featuring killer new material and fresh insight for serious performers and
enthusiasts. Adam Black is the current Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year.
He has had a passion for magic since the age of 10. Adam has also won other
awards including the Edinburgh MagicFest Under 18s competition in 2012 (aged
just 11!), the IBM British Ring Theo Speaker Cup in 2017 and this year's SAMS
Scottish Stage Magician of the Year. Adam is performing his multi award winning
act in one of our stage gala shows! They join Mario Marchese (The Maker
Magician), Mike Pisciotta, Laura London, Xulio ML, Olivier Macia (Olmac), Maga
Giselll, Richard Jones, Mark Shortland, Steve Hewlett, Safire and Matricks.
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.
8.6.19
Nate
Staniforth 1 Day Workshop. The author of the international hit memoir 'Here
Is Real Magic' is coming to the UK to present a very special workshop on Sunday
13th October. Perhaps best-known for Breaking Magic on The Discovery
Channel, his lottery prediction illusion and the recently published Clouds
and Kingdoms, Nate Staniforth has been blowing the minds of audiences and
magicians for the past 10 years. Take a look at some of his YouTube videos (the
lottery prediction has more than 1 million views!) and you'll see why. "Nate is
one of my favourite magicians in the world." Derren Brown.
Nate writes: "My aim with this workshop is to give everyone a set of specific
tools and strategies for amplifying the impact of a routine towards the
experience of wonder and magic rather than skillful deception or trickery."
Hosted by Jez Rose and just 18 minutes from Peterborough train station, in the
comfortable and peaceful surroundings of his purpose-built training barn. From
10am to 4pm with lunch and an open Q&A session at the end. Find out more, visit
www.jezroseshop.co.uk.
8.6.19
Chris Rawlins Mentalism Workshop, MagicWorld, Stockport, Thursday 4th July. From the organisers: Chris Rawlins Private Workshop, Thursday 4th July at 7pm. Expect 3 hours of small group tuition teaching some inside secrets of mentalism and performing. Chris Rawlins is a 29 year old Mind Reader and Memory Performer, based in Manchester. Performing professionally since leaving university, Chris's approach to performing is no nonsense, direct and reliable. So far throughout his career as a performer Chris has spoken at The Session Convention, The Event, given a Penguin Live lecture, and two At The Table lectures. He has also featured in Magic and Genii magazines and released various books, manuscripts and effects to the community. His work is always very well received and highly praised. Outside of the magic world Chris earns his living performing for private and corporate clients; he is not only renowned for his surprising and remarkable demonstrations but also his very unique and charismatic character. This workshop has something for everyone, you will learn reliable, tested and workable material that Chris has performed countless times in the real world. Visit : www.magicworld.co.uk/chris-rawlins-workshop for full details and to book. Venue: MagicWorld Magic Shop, 342 Wellington Road North, Stockport SK4 5DA (Map). 8.6.19
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, the World Magic Awards - Part 1.
Jonathan Frakes introduces: The Majestix, Tony Clark, Mark Kalin & Jinger, Jeff
Hobson, Franz Harary, Thomas Solomon, Brian Gillis and Max Maven. Produced in
2000 and transmitted on 15th May 2001. Part 2 next week. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks
Click Here.
8.6.19
Phillip
Northfield - Mind-Reader? The Sitting Rooms, Ludlow, Saturday 22nd June.
From the promoters: Bigger, Balder, Better. Returning oddball Phillip Northfield
brings his one man show (Mind-Reader?) back to the Ludlow Fringe, with a few new
surprises for 2019! An evening of entertainment, mystery and laughter for those
who seek it, with manipulation and mind reading aplenty! Phil's past shows have
seen him predict human behaviour, reveal PIN codes, and influence seemingly
impossible choices. Watch as minds are read, blue and sometimes green; he puts
his money where his mouth is in a battle of wits and attempts to redefine how
predictable we all truly are in a finale that will leave you scratching your
head for weeks. For a unique fringe show experience; unlike anything else you'll
see this year, come see Phillip Northfield - Mind-Reader? this Ludlow Fringe.
Not suitable for under 15's. Tickets
www.eventbrite.co.uk. Venue: The Sitting Rooms, The Blue Boar, 52 Mill
Street, Ludlow SY8 1BB (Map).
8.6.19
John
Derris's Farewell 'KISS' lecture, Bexley Magic Society, 19th June. From the
organisers: A memorable evening packed with the method and magic of his unique
programme 'KISS' (Keep it Simple Stupid) that secured him world magic bookings
for over eight years including Athens, Istanbul, Copenhagen, Marbella, Osaka,
Paris, Rabat, St. Petersburg and Buckingham Palace. When John Derris turned
professional following retirement from his advertising agency. Plus, the launch
of his super, annotated, hard cover, best selling book on magic presentation and
routines including the goldfish bowl production, Welded Bliss, the joining of
two wedding rings in a glass of champagne, the penetration of a diva’s handbag
mirror and other commercial items of close-up and stage. Magicians who gave
nodded approval about KISS included Dai Vernon, Roy Walton, Michael Bailey and
other noted and working performers who said the new edition is set to become a
definitive work for the emerging and established magician. A most important
event at the Bexley Magic Society, Barton Hall, Barton Close, Bexleyheath, Kent
DA6 8JP (Map).
www.bexleymagic.org.uk. Visitors welcome at £10.00 on the door. 19th
June, doors open at 7.30pm.
8.6.19
Merlins
of Wakefield. Merlins write: Merlins of Wakefield latest ‘Preview’ for
June/July is now available as a download. With 20 pages of new, used and special
offers, there are over 100 items of magic. For your copy, email
merlins@btconnect.com. We have
several new exclusive items including
Colour Match Chips,
Deluxe Devils Hank,
Die Cast and
Sliced. We are also stocking a couple of items that are selling fast:
Level One and
Flat Pack, get them before they are gone! If you are interested in seeing a
great Magic Lecture, then book a place to see
Chris Stevenson at the shop on Wednesday 10th July! Also, on Sunday 10th
July, we will be holding our annual Magic Auction, for details
Click Here. As places are limited, both the Lecture and Auction must be
booked in advance! Contact us at
merlins@btconnect.com or phone on 01924 339933.
8.6.19
Steve
Dela lecture at Banished Magicians, Banbury, Oxfordshire. From the
organisers: Steve is one of the most decorated magical performers in the world
with 19 international awards to his name. These include, ‘UK Close Up Magic
Champion’ as awarded by the International Brotherhood of Magicians – a title
Steve has now held on two occasions. Steve also made magic history in 2007 by
becoming the only magician to win The Rovi Trophy – presented to the UK’s best
card magician – three years in a row. Before Steve no performer had ever won
this award more than once. Banished Magicians are incredibly excited to be able
to host a lecture by such a well respected and entertaining magician. 7.30pm on
Tuesday 25th June in Banbury, Oxfordshire. Members: Free. Non-Members: £8 (Under
18’s £5). All are welcome. Please email
banishedmagicians@gmail.com to
reserve your seat or visit
www.banishedmagicians.com for further details.
8.6.19
Colin
Skinner presents The Trick with Harrison Richards and Kevin Goodwin,
Wednesday 12th June at The Shed, Leicester City Centre. From the promoters:
Harrison has predicted the future for celebrities on TV, demonstrated direct
mind-to-mind communication on the radio and performed his unbelievable mind
magic at numerous events up and down the country. Harrison combines the ancient
and mysterious mind reading methods of the past with cutting edge magic,
psychology and a healthy dose of humour. Kevin Goodwin - What makes us think?
How do our minds work? Why do we sometimes get telepathic feelings? Are people
really that easy to Read? These are the things that have always occupied Kevin
which he has been on a life-long quest to answer.
Tickets available through
Facebook event page. Doors are at 7.30pm, with the first performance
beginning at around 8pm. Performance times will be around 40 minutes, with a
break in between for you to try and figure out how they did it and head to the
bar. Entry starts at £6 in advance, including an Agwa cocktail. Advance tickets
will come off sale at 7pm on the day of the event, and you can then get tickets
on the door for £7 - but you don't get your free cocktail, and you will not be
guaranteed a seat. 18+ Only. This event is proudly sponsored by Agwa. Venue: The
Shed, Leicester City Centre, LE1 1UT (Map).
See
facebook.com for more info.
8.6.19
Magicseen
Lite - Issue 1. From the publishers: We are delighted to announce the
release of the first edition of Magicseen Lite. This is a sampler issue of the
May regular Magicseen edition, containing some of the features from the original
publication. In issue 1 readers will be able to enjoy the major articles on
cover star Henry Harrius, and on magic personality Morgan Strebler, learn one of
the tricks from the Masterclass, benefit from the advice on avoiding magic
burnout by Dominic Reyes, and read a selection of the latest product reviews.
The download only Magicseen Lite is completely free and is available from
www.magicseen.com and
also from selected dealers such as Card Shark, Vanishing Inc, Black Artefacts,
Discount Magic and PropDog. The full regular version of the May issue is also
still available for individual purchase in printed and download versions, as
well as part of a 1 or 2 year printed or download sub directly from
www.magicseen.com. So,
download your free version of Magicseen Lite today and get a taster for what the
UK's only independent magazine is all about.
8.6.19
Special
Guest Night at the Anglian Magic Society. Kyle Sarocen writes: Our next
meeting of the Anglian Magic Society is on Tuesday the 18th of June starting at
7.30pm at the White Horse Inn in Trowse, Norwich. We have a special guest night
and this talented gentleman has much experience in stage and TV work and is
doing a talk about his career in the World of Magic, there will be a lot to
learn and you will leave on the night knowing more than you did when you
arrived. A night not to be missed.
The
Anglian Magic Society,
The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
www.theanglianmagicsociety.uk.
8.6.19
Luca Gallone on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. "Howie Mandel joins the host to talk about America's Got Talent, while Dr Dean Ornish discusses UnDo It! Plus, magician Luca Gallone from London performs a trick." Friday 14th June on ITV2. See TV Magic. 8.6.19
The Psychic Project - London, 12th-22nd June. From the producers: A mind-reading show based on the true story of the Cold War’s psychic spies. In 1972, the Cold War took an unusual turn. The CIA learnt that Russia was investing in mind-control research and achieving some remarkable results. Not wanting to be left behind, US scientists began a secret project to train civilians as psychic spies: stealing secrets, manipulating memories and finding out if thoughts can kill. Drawing on 100,000 pages of declassified documents, David Narayan attempts the CIA’s experiments, seeing if a modern audience can use the same techniques. "Fascinating" World Magic Review. "Inexplicable" Daily Info. "As disturbing as it is astonishing" The Oxford Times. Tickets £16 / £20, or 10% off with the code ‘remoteview’. Book via www.thevaults.london/the-psychic-project. 8.6.19
The
Leamington and Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic. Mike Price writes: Just 2
weeks to go, before The Leamington and Warwick Magic Society's "Day of Magic"
Wednesday 19th June. Top lectures by Jon Allen, Lee Thompson and Colonel
Custard. Quality magic dealers. The Midlands "Champion of Champions Close Up
Competition". Breakfast, Buffet Lunch and BBQ. As well as a friendly welcome.
See LWMS website for more information about pre-booking tickets (save money).
Tickets are also available on the door. See LWMS website for more information:
www.lawms.wordpress.com.
8.6.19
Mark
Chandaue lecture at the Merlin Magical Society. John Clayton writes: On the
13th June, the Merlin Magical Society is having a lecture by Mark Chandaue. Mark
Chandaue is the author of the critically acclaimed Harpacrown. This book has had
nothing but rave reviews and has pride of place in the collection of many top
pros. In addition to his own book Mark has contributed to several other books
including: Isabella’s Star 2 by Peter Turner, When In Rome by Peter Turner,
Readings by Peter Turner, Astrological Mentalism by Peter Turner, A Piece of My
Mind by Michael Murray. Mark is known for practical material that works in the
real world. His lecture includes material from Harpacrown and the upcoming
Harpacrown two. Entry is £10 for non-members Under 16’s must be accompanied by
an adult. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start at Merlin Magical Society,
Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ (Map)
www.merlinmagicclub.co.uk.
8.6.19
Marc Oberon
lecture - Manchester Circle of Magicians. William Booth writes: Award winning magician
Marc Oberon will be lecturing at the Manchester Circle of Magicians on Monday
10th June. Magic at its best; surely a night not to be missed. Visitors are
welcome with prior approval from the President and a charge of £10.00 on the
night. For more information and details visit our website
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk or email
contact@manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
8.6.19
Malcolm
Norton lecture at Plymouth Magic Circle on Thursday 13th June. From the
organisers: Malcolm Norton, professional magician for over 35 years, owner of
"Top Secret Magic" and current secretary of the Plymouth Magic Circle, will be
presenting his first ever lecture at the club on Thursday 13th June at 7pm.
Visiting magicians welcome. Plymouth Magic Circle, The Walrus, Athenaeum Street,
Plymouth PL1 2RH (Map).
www.plymouthmagiccircle.co.uk.
8.6.19
Travis
Perkins Assembly Ferrybridge Day of Magic. From the organisers: Travis
Perkins is pleased to announce the date for the 27th Ferrybridge Day of Magic,
Sunday 7th July 2019. With two Lecturettes, Dealers and Traders, and the
Showette, the day looks promising, and all for £6.00. The venue is The Community
Centre, The Square, Ferrybridge, West Yorkshire WF11 8PQ (Map).
Doors open 9.45am and the day ends at 5pm. Information can be obtained from:
gmfs.msm@gmail.com or
info@amethystmagic.com or
bri@cupsandballsmagic.com.
8.6.19
The
Mark Leveridge June E-Video Newsletter. The latest half hour online video
magazine programme is out and contains the usual interesting mix of magic,
advice and information, including: The Teach In - a stand up show
prediction effect is explained using a glass, a silk and a tube! Top Tips
- how to promote yourself all the time you are performing. The Strolling
Magician Unplugged - part 17 looks at effective offline marketing. Web
Offers - an unusual TricKlip routine and a recently released ebook on offer
are both discussed. 60 Seconds To Success - how to take the worry out of
quoting high show fees. The Review Corner - comments on Javi Benitez's
Gypsy Thread effect El Hilo. Access to the half hour video programme can
be had for as little as £2.00 with a 1 year sub, so to watch a trailer and to
get more information or to order, go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php.
8.6.19
The
Collection of Jim Rawlins Part II. This auction includes 450 lots of finely
curated apparatus, books, stage worn costumes, ephemera, and memorabilia from
Harry Houdini, Edgar Bergen, and other popular 20th century magicians and
performers. June 29th, 2019. See
www.potterauctions.com.
8.6.19
Ulster
Society of Magicians AGM. James Hobart writes: At the AGM of the Ulster
Society of Magicians last Monday Paul Gomac handed over to our new Chairman Paul
Heaney. They are joined on Committee by Peter Gunn (Vice Chairman), George
Bleeks (Secretary), James Hobart (Assistant Secretary), Craig Gill (Treasurer)
and Committee members John Donnelly, David Lillie and Trevor Price. Following
the success of Belfast MagiCon 2019 another magic-packed year is planned with
the usual mix of guest lectures, club nights and social activities, including a
return to the Park Avenue Hotel for the Annual Chairman’s Dinner on 21st March
2020. Full details on joining the society, our history and activities, can be
found on the website www.online-usm.com.
8.6.19
A Trespasser's Guide to the Classics, Friday 14th June on BBC Radio 4 Extra. In 19th-century Whitby, a magician prepares to compete with Harry Houdini at a major international magic convention. When a ship carrying a cargo of 50 coffins runs aground on the town's beach, he suspects Houdini of pulling a huge publicity stunt. He also notices strange bite marks on the neck of a woman he's just met. Comedy in which writers John Nicholson and Richard Katz join Javier Marzan to derail the plots of great works of fiction. First broadcast in 2017.See TV Magic. 8.6.19
"Masters
of Magic World Convention 2019"
YouTube • "BGT Magician 'X' Unmasked as Former Contestant Marc
Spelmann"
YouTube • "Who is Britain’s Got Talent runner-up X – aka magician
Marc Spelmann?
Click Here • "Star illusionist Hans Klok moving into Thunderland on
Las Vegas Strip"
Click Here • Simon Rosselli reviews Paul Megram's "It’s all about
the Tricks" lecture,
Click Here • "Derren Brown admits he used magic skills to steal
music from Harrods as a teen"
Click Here • "Winner of Penn & Teller Fool Us, Illusionist Ivan
Amodei Brings Secrets & Illusions To Southern California Stages"
Click Here • "The downsides of positive thinking"
Click Here • That's it for another week - see you next week, Duncan.
8.6.19