Number
1000 - 24th August 2019
The
King of Magic, Dynamo, returns to TV screens in an explosive new Sky original.
After five years away from TV due to a career-threatening illness, award-winning
magician Dynamo returns to screens next year with a new, jaw-dropping three part
special, Project 7 [working title], for Sky One and NOW TV, that promises to
change the face of magic on television. The show will take viewers on a journey
across the globe to watch Dynamo perform close-up miracles, impossible
predictions and unbelievable feats of magic that will have a lasting effect both
on him and the people he interacts with.
The ambitious, visually stunning special co-produced by Phil McIntyre
Television, Inner Circle Films and Motion Content Group will air on Sky One and
streaming service NOW TV in the UK and Ireland in 2020. Dynamo says: "This show
has been a passion project of mine for almost 3 years and represents a whole new
approach to the genre. I believe that now more than ever people need a sense of
magic in their lives so I can’t wait for everyone to see what I’ve been working
on." Dynamo’s ascent from the poverty
stricken Delph Hill estate on the outskirts of Bradford, to multi award-winning, global star, has been nothing short of
miraculous.
His critically acclaimed live tour ‘Seeing is Believing’ quickly erupted from a
10-date run into a three year-long behemoth, selling out across the world, and
with two Sunday Times best-selling books and the only non-American in Forbes
magazine’s ‘top 5 magicians’ list... it’s a far cry from his humble roots as the
eldest son of a local Bradford hairdresser. A recipient of the prestigious
‘Magician of The Year’ award from the Academy of Magical Arts and The Magic
Circle’s Maskelyne Award for services to British Magic, Dynamo has redefined the
shape of modern magic for the millennial generation.
24.8.19
The Illusionists.
Last chance to see The World’s Biggest-Selling Magic Show!
Audiences have just two weeks left to catch the world’s biggest selling
magic spectacular, The Illusionists – Direct From Broadway, which
returned to London’s West End this summer with a brand new show. The
strictly limited season runs until Sunday 1st September at the
Shaftesbury Theatre, London. The all-star lineup includes: The Showman
James More, The Unforgettable Enzo Weyne, The Manipulator Yu Ho-Jin, The
Futurist Adam Trent, The Mentalist Chris Cox, The Trickster Paul Dabek
and The Daredevil Jonathan Goodwin. Tickets on sale via
www.theillusionistslive.com. Last seen in the West End in 2015 and
having just recently broken its fourth box office record on Broadway,
The Illusionists is a mind-blowing spectacular showcasing the jaw
dropping talents of seven of the most incredible illusionists on earth.
Collectively these performers have been seen by millions across the
world and this production showcases their talents on stage together for
the very first time. (Do see the show if you haven't already - I loved
it! DT).
24.8.19
David Berglas:
This is Your Life.
After a short break, the David Berglas Digital Scrapbooks are back, with
a three-part 'David Berglas: This is Your Life' video produced by Martin T
Hart and presented by David Berglas, using the original 'David Berglas:
This is Your Life' TV footage from 1991:
Part One,
Part Two,
Part Three.
See www.davidberglasscrapbooks.com for previous videos.
(The website is sponsored by
www.martinhartfilms.com.)
24.8.19
MagicWeek's
1000th edition! Don't know what happened there, but
whatever it was it was quick. It's funny, when I launched MagicWeek some readers
at that time knew me as a
silent magician, as that's what I'd been doing for the previous 20 years. Today,
nearly 20 years on, and most now know me as "the guy that does MagicWeek". So here's
a video clip of my card routine, in a guest appearance on Wayne Dobson A Kind of
Magic from 23rd May, 1992:
YouTube.
(I still do the act, but really just a few performances a year for The Magic
Circle.)
Here's another funny thing... I kind of fell into MagicWeek. It was just an idea that seemed right at the time (Google had only just launched two years earlier) but I'm not really a writer. In fact I find writing quite difficult. So what to write to mark 1,000 editions of MagicWeek? My wife, Keiko, suggested I look through some back issues and do a "highlights" piece, but I'd done that for a MagicWeek 10 years on article. So here I am. A little bit stuck as to what to write, even though I've had 999 issues to plan for it.
Perhaps the best option is to simply say a heartfelt "thank you" to you, as a MagicWeek reader or MagicWeek Backer, and to you, if you have ever submitted a news item to MagicWeek. That's really what MagicWeek is all about, that's what makes it tick, your UK magic news and events, both major and minor. Keep it coming and we'll see how this wonderful hobby and profession develops over the next 1,000 issues, by which time let's hope I've worked out what to write. Duncan. 24.8.19
The Session 2020.
The Session is now a three-day event! Starting on Friday
lunchtime, and finishing Sunday night, you'll be blown away by the lineup we
have arranged for our first ever three-day convention! See David Regal, Laura
London, Mike Pisciotta, Michael Vincent, Denis Behr, Peter Clifford, David
Williamson, Andrew Goldenhersh, Gustav Kuhn, Harrison Greenbaum, Henry Harrius,
Andi Gladwin, Howard Hamburg, Dominic Twose, Will Houstoun, Rory Adams and Paul
Wilson (with more names to be announced).
• Never seen before lectures, talks and workshops – we persuade our amazing
performers to share their brand new material with you.
• The very best magicians in the world sharing their thoughts and ideas with an
eager and appreciative audience.
• Amazing opportunities to session with the stars as well as your friends – we
have exclusive use of the hotel bar and conference room.
• Handpicked dealers – just like the products we sell on Vanishing Inc. – we
make sure you only get the best of the best in our dealers’ room
• A schedule that is packed with astonishing magic, but also makes time for you to catch up over a beer or coffee with old friends – and make new ones. Click Here for more information and to book! 24.8.19
'Meditations
on Magic' - An Evening with Michael Vincent in Southampton on Tuesday, 3rd
September. The Associated Wizards of the South write: This is your chance to
spend the evening with a living legend in magic. Michael Vincent is an
internationally renowned magician and has won the title The Magic Circle
Close-up Magician of the Year three times, in three consecutive decades: 1983,
1991 and 2003, and was awarded the title of International Magician of the Year
in 1993. This exclusive evening promises to be a night to remember... You will
discover the powerful secrets behind this world renowned magician as Michael
presents "Meditations on Magic". There are a limited number of guest tickets, so
act now before they all vanish! Tuesday, 3rd September, from 8pm to 10pm at The
Associated Wizards of the South, The Conservative Club, Hill Lodge, Upper
Northam Lodge, Hedge End, Southampton SO30 4BB (Map)
Book via:
www.eventbrite.co.uk. Also see
www.wizardsofthesouth.com.
24.8.19
The
1-Page Business Plan In A Day (For Entertainers) - 22nd September, London.
On 22nd September, Ken Dyne will be hosting his annual London event for
entertainers, focusing on business, marketing and how to book more of the gigs
you want. "I want to do something different this year," says Ken, "as well as
giving people tricks and methods for booking gigs (whatever kind of entertainer
you are), I want everyone to build their one-page business plan and strategy so
they have a roadmap of what they need to do, when they need to do it, and why
they’re doing it - so you can keep motivated and focused on only the things that
will actually book you the gigs you want". There are only a small number of
tickets left. For more info see
www.mentalunderground.com/lp/conference.
24.8.19
IBM
British Convention Ring Stage & Close-up Competitions. From the organisers:
The prestigious annual competitions have regained popularity over the past few
years with entrants and standards increasing. This year’s contests take place
during the IBM British Ring Convention in Eastbourne. With over £1500 in prize
money on offer and awards for originality, card skills, manipulation and comedy,
plus a chance to perform in a London West End show for the winner of the British
Ring Shield, they’re rapidly becoming the highlights of the convention. Plus,
there’s the annual Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon, a close-up competition in
real world conditions. See
www.britishring.org.uk.
24.8.19
A
Day for Creatives who care about The Art of Magic. From the organisers: On
Sunday 13th October, the American author of 'Here Is Real Magic' and the
sensational 'Clouds & Kingdoms’ will be running his first UK workshop. No dealer
items and no sales, this is a day for the creatives; the thinkers; the
performers who want to stand out with memorable magic that does more for our
audiences. Many people know Nate Staniforth for his incredible routines and for
being quoted as one of Derren Brown’s "favourite magicians in the world" - Nate
is a remarkable, creative thinker who believes magic should be more magical and
filled with more wonder. This intimate workshop... well, read for yourself the
note from Nate to see exactly what he plans on doing and why:
Click Here. Last few places remaining.
24.8.19
A look at the Evolution of Magic Show at Blackpool Pleasure Beach.
"Magician and illusionist Craig Christian and Elizabeth Best return to Blackpool
for their fourth season..." To read the full story in the Blackpool Gazette.
Click Here.
24.8.19
What's
on at Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol, tonight? Fancy a night out with a
difference? Visit Smoke & Mirrors on a Saturday night and let our magicians
entertain you! Missed out on booking a show - don't worry we have it covered
with Free Magic in the bar area all night from 6.30pm till midnight. Smoke &
Mirrors opens at 3pm and our House Magicians start at 6.30pm. One of our amazing
magicians will be in the bar performing magic at your table for you and your
friends – you won’t believe your eyes! Live Music 10pm - midnight in the bar
with our House Musicians playing all the classics. Enjoy 2 Cocktails for £10 all
night long!
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk/whats-on.
24.8.19
Is Anybody There? Bittersweet tale of an unusual friendship, starring Michael Caine as retired magician Clarence. Edward hates living in the old people's home run by his parents. His only interest is an obsession with ghosts, death and the afterlife. Until, that is, the arrival of reluctant new resident, Clarence - a retired magician with a liberating streak of anarchy. Together the odd couple overcome their personal drawbacks. Magic consultant Scott Penrose. See TV Magic for details. 24.8.19
Joshua
Jay lecture, Cornish Magical Society, Sunday September 1st. Jon Martin
writes: Joshua Jay will be lecturing for the Cornish Magical Society on Sunday
September 1st at Carnon Downs Village Hall, Tregye Road, Carnon Downs, Truro TR3
6GH (Map).
The lecture will begin at 2pm, doors open at 1.30pm. Non members of the CMS are
very welcome, if you are in Cornwall on holiday please come along, we would love
to meet you. The cost is £15 for adults, £10 for under 18's. If you require any
further info please contact club secretary Jon Martin:
jonmartinmagician@gmail.com.
www.cornishmagicalsociety.com.
24.8.19
Northern
Magic Summit, 1st to 3rd May 2020. Secretary Brian Lead writes: "When we’re
sixty-four" may sound like a Beatles song title, but the NMC, founded 1956, will
be celebrating another momentous birthday with a Northern Summit over the
weekend of 1st to 3rd May next year. You can look forward to the well
established blend of shows, lectures, workshops, dealers and an auction. So far
we have lined up the Patrick Page Experience, President Roy Field’s ‘Magic by
the Seaside’, an ‘All-Winners’ gala show and public children’s show, a
celebrity interview and even a non-magical event to cater all tastes. The
convention will open with a welcoming meal and cabaret and close with the now
traditional ‘fringe’ session. Last year, the Northern returned to its spiritual
home in Harrogate, and will once more be in residence at the Crown Hotel. The
Northern Summit has earned the reputation of the friendliest convention in the
calendar, so put those dates in your diary now and look out for further details
on the website and in our Northern Lights magazine.
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
24.8.19
Ben
Cardall lectures at the Mercian Mystics Magic Society. Chris Stokes, Secretary, Mercian Mystics Magic Society writes: One of the
busiest workers in underground mentalism, Ben Cardall, will be bringing his
unique take on hypnotism, deduction and the endless potential of the human mind
to the Mystics' October meeting. The lecture will spotlight and explore the
skills that have made Ben one of the most respected names in UK underground
mentalism. Tuesday October 1st. Just £5.00 for visiting magicians. For details email:
mercianmysticsmagicsociety@gmail.com. The Mercian Mystics, Smallthorne
Victory Club, 300 Hanley Road, Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire ST6 1RE (Map).
www.wixsite.com/mercianmystics.
24.8.19
It’s
here! Curious Tales & Unusual Phenomena: The 4th in the series of Victorian
themed shows by master illusionist Chris North and co-written by Paul Henri.
Experience the tension and heightened expectations of a Victorian parlour show;
darker, eerie and more atmospheric, this production is well suited to smaller
theatres and intimate venues. The innovation of ‘live video’ enhances the visual
experience and fully immerses the audience into the ‘unworldly’ phenomena of the
era. More information here:
www.victoriantheatre.co.uk.
24.8.19
Jay
Adkins A State of Mind, The Blue Orange Theatre, Birmingham. From
the promoters: A State of Mind will see award-winning Mentalist and
Magician Jay Adkins return to the stage once more with two hours of mind
splitting mentalism and a generous helping of comedy. Jay is sure to
amaze and delight. This year's show is all about the audience, what they
are thinking and what they experience. The audience will be involved
every step of the way. The State of Mind show has been built from the
ground up with brand new material never before seen on the stage. Based
around audience participation it'll leave you thinking one thing if
anything... "How did he do it?". With over 20 years of performance
experience under his belt, Jay Adkins brings you a powerhouse
performance of entertainment and mind-blowing psychological illusions,
including never before seen effects designed and built just for this
show! A State of Mind is presented by Jay Adkins, directed by Mark Evans
and written by Mark Evans and Jay Adkins. Friday October 4th at 7.30pm.
The Blue Orange Theatre, 18 Great Hampton Street, Birmingham, West
Midlands B18 6AD (Map).
Bookings
Click Here.
24.8.19
Derek Hughes on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. Guest host Jason Sudeikis talks to Olivia Wilde about new film Booksmart, while stand-up magician Derek Hughes performs a trick and John Mayer faces Ellen's Burning Questions. Thursday 29th August (repeat) on ITV2. See TV Magic. 24.8.19
Mel
Harvey writes that he is looking forward to performing his comedy magic and
music cabaret at the IBM British Ring Convention in Eastbourne in September. Mel
can be seen at The Devonshire Park Theatre on Thursday 5th September after the
Stage Competition. Mel will feature part of his cruise show with the assistance
of "Cecil the Siberian Serpent" (a mind reading snake!). During the convention
Mel looks forward to meeting friends old and new at his dealer stand where there
will be a selection of books, children's magic and puppets, and even the odd
card trick!
24.8.19
Legends of Stand-Up and Bernard Righton. Club comedian Bernard Righton (John Thomson) celebrates the world's greatest comedians, using archive footage to explore and explain their greatest routines. Clips in this instalment feature Les Dawson, Frankie Howerd, Victoria Wood, Jim Carrey, Rik Mayall, Mike Yarwood, Bob Blackman, Woody Allen and Tommy Cooper. Tuesday 3rd September on Gold (repeat). See TV Magic for details. 24.8.19
Book
a magic lecturer for your club today. Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page.
24.8.19
Anca
& Lucca's premiere on US TV
YouTube
• "Harry Houdini musical The Impossible Man in development"
Click Here • "Listen to ‘Your Special Son’ From Upcoming Harry Houdini
Musical"
Click Here • "Derren Brown Reveals the Subtle Science Behind His Secret"
Click Here •
"Watch Derren Brown: Secret Broadway Marquee Go Up"
Click Here •
"Magic night out with magicians at Luton’s Old Moat House"
Click Here •
"Rocker Magician Rob Zabrecky Reveals His Wild Coming-of-Age Story in New
Memoir"
Click Here •
"Magician emulates Harry Houdini’s Aberdeen harbour escape to raise funds for
RNLI lifeboat station"
Click Here •
"Researchers attempt to fool AI with magic tricks"
Click Here •
"10 magical acts to see at South Shields' festival of international magic 2019"
Click Here •
"Comedian and magician Mandy Muden from Britain's Got Talent to perform at The
Shambles in Bourne"
Click Here •
"Magic Monday Extended Through September 30 At Santa Monica Playhouse"
Click Here •
"Where is The Amazing Johnathan Now? The Magician with a Year to Live, Five
Years Later"
Click Here • "Award Winning Illusionist Comes To Charlotte This Fall"
Click Here • "Win tickets for Piff the Magic Dragon"
Click Here • "Murray on the ‘Special Effect Called Magic’"
Click Here • "Mac King is the sharpest card in the deck"
Click Here • That's it for the first thousand weeks, see you next week,
Duncan.
24.8.19