MagicWeek UK Magic News

Blackpool Magicians Convention latest news! America's sensational mindreading act "The Evasons" (photo) have just been booked for the Saturday Gala Show... Meir Yedid is performing close-up and lecturing... Amethyst have an incredible new illusion lined-up... Christian Farla will present "The Scorpion" illusion for the very first time... many of the 120 dealers have exciting new releases to launch... Competing in the Children's Entertainer National Championships: VirrVarr, Craig Petty, Andy Clockwise, David Ginn, Mark Gray and Stu-Di-Doo, with Terry Herbert as compere. Performing with Wayne Dobson in "Wayne Dobson and Friends" Brian Sefton, Michael J. Fitch, Duncan Trillo, John Archer, Russ Stevens and Joe Pasquale. And the performers entering The British Magical Close-Up Championships are Steve Faulkner, Sam Fitton, Jason Rea, Will Gray, Chris Stevenson, Shaun McCree and Stephen Ablett, with compere Harry Robson. Programme Click Here. Full details on www.blackpoolmagic.com. 4.2.12

Andi Gladwin Lecture Tour 2012. Andi Gladwin sets off across the UK on February 8th, lecturing at various clubs up and down the country. For some evenings he'll be joined by friend and Vanishing Inc business partner Joshua Jay. See What's On for more details, and Magic Societies for individual club details.
8th February – The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians (with Joshua Jay)
9th February – Edinburgh Magic Circle (with Joshua Jay)
10th February – Forth Valley Magic Circle, Larbert (with Joshua Jay)
11th February – Aberdeen Magic Society (with Joshua Jay)
12th February – Scottish Conjurers Association, Glasgow (with Joshua Jay)
17th – 20th February – Blackpool convention (dealer stand, with Joshua Jay)
29th February – Devon Magic Circle, Torbay
15th March – Reading Magic Circle
5th April – Hull Magicians' Circle
6th April – Newcastle Magic Circle
10th April – Leeds Magic Circle
11th April – Blackpool Magicians' Club
14th – 16th – CPH Close-up Magic Convention, Denmark
3rd May – Mid Essex Magical Society, Essex (Bickenacre)
22nd May – British Magic Society, Birmingham. 4.2.12

As if by Magic - Westcliff. After a complete sell out last year, Southend’s own Magic Club, Southend Sorcerers, are back by popular demand with ‘As if by Magic’, running from 7th – 11th February at the Dixon Studio in Westcliff, part of the Palace Theatre complex. It'll be a whole week of amazing magic, illusion and fun for the whole family, featuring the talented members of Southend Sorcerers Society. Expect incredible sleight of hand, unbelievable mind reading and hilarious magic suitable for all ages. With five full evenings for the whole family, and a special Saturday children’s matinee, the show has something for everyone. And with a different show every time, variety is guaranteed, so expect the unexpected! Arrive early and experience close-up magic in the theatre foyer from 7pm each evening before the main show. Tickets are nearly gone, but the few remaining can be obtained at the box office, telephone 01702 351135. Prices are £10 and £8 for concessions. For more information contact the Sorcerers’ president, Adrian Fox on 07711 982890. www.southendsorcerers.co.uk. 4.2.12

Sideshow Illusions at Showzam. The International Monster Show and Yvette The Headless Lady are two original sideshows from the 1950s that Jon Marshall’s Sideshow Illusions will be exhibiting at Blackpool’s Showzam festival this month. The Monster Show features Robert Harbin’s Invisible Ray Illusion that was a popular sideshow in the 1950s and 60s, including its appearance at Olympia in Blackpool, the current site of Showzam Central. The Headless Lady has a long association with Blackpool from her first appearance in Egon Heinemann’s show in 1936 at Luna Park to her latest reincarnation in Showzam. New for this year is Dr Phantasma’s Ten in One Show a recreation of a traditional American sideshow attraction. A brand new, forty-foot long, banner line with a bally stage has been created with banners painted by Mark Copeland of the Insect Circus, also appearing in the Festival. Dr Phantasma presents four shows daily and acts “alive on the inside” will be Tim Cockerill, Bendini and Michael Diamond presenting, among others, sword swallowing, contortion, Princess Arachnia, The Girl with the Invisible Middle and Miss Elastina. The Monster Show and Headless Lady sideshows are open daily at Showzam Central, Winter Gardens, Blackpool from Friday 10th February until Sunday 19th February. Sideshow times are: 11am to 1pm, 1.45pm to 3.45pm and 4.30pm to 6pm, last admission 5.45pm. Admission is free. Also appearing daily is Andrew van Buren and Company. And there is more magic during the Showzam Festival with Steve Faulkner, Alan Hudson and John Archer in Magic Monday, 13th February and Paul Dabek in the play Star of Wonder. www.sideshowillusions.com www.showzam.co.uk. 4.2.12

Italian Mentalist Luca Volpe will be performing at the Phenomenon Magic Cabaret on Sunday March 4th with an excerpt from his full show In My Mind. Luca will present a series of mindblowing routines with the collaboration of his assistant Rebecca Lea. Doors open 8pm, tickets are £8.00 in advance or £9.00 on the door. Phenomenon Magic Cabaret is one of the UK’s only regular magic cabaret night outside London, taking place in one of the most haunted rooms in Shropshire; The Loft in the Old Post Office, 1 Milk Street, Shrewsbury, Shropshire SY1 1SZ (Map). "Phenomenon's aim is to create a regular performance platform for professional magicians to reach a new audience, have fun and educate the audience about just how incredible live magic can be." Starring Phil Knoxville, Luca Volpe and Paul Ray. www.facebook.com/events/227487017335389 or www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=250657745839. 4.2.12

Magical entertainment for the whole family. A former child magician will be headlining a special North East event later this spring. As part of the South Tyneside International Magic Festival 2012, the Customs House, South Shields will be hosting a Family Magic Extravaganza on Wednesday, March 7th. The two-hour show, sponsored by MagicBox, has been designed to cater for all the family and will include performances from some of the North East’s best magicians, compèred by pantomime star Tommy the Trumpeter. Leading the line-up is multi-award winner Graeme Shaw (photo), partner at MagicBox and the youngest person ever to be elected president of the Newcastle upon Tyne Magic Circle – one of the oldest and most successful magic societies in the UK. He will be joined by leading children’s entertainer and balloon modeller Mr Twister, and versatile performer Tony Junior, who has clocked up more than 25,000 mesmerising performances across the UK. Magical-double act Michael Jordan and Tamsyn Sear, better known as High Jinx, will also be taking to the Customs House stage, performing a thrilling mix of magic, illusion, escapology and circus skills. In 2011 the multi-award winning duo were runners-up in the European FISM (International Federation of Magic Societies) championships in Blackpool and will go on to represent the UK in the FISM world championships in July 2012. For more information visit www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival. 4.2.12

BigBlindMedia Facebook Page: "The new look Bigblindmedia facebook page launched this week. It features a 'Cool Thing' every day of the week and a great community of magic fans. Anyone who clicks 'like' at www.facebook.com/bigblindmedia gets instant access to a video download of Cameron Francis' Cagey trick. It's a fabulous card routine that's easy to do and mega visual. Bigblindmedia also give away routines from BBM DVDs to fans on the page - so members can expect to get free material from the likes of John Bannon, Jon Racherbaumer, George McBride and Joshua Jay!" 4.2.12

Matthew Wright is lecturing at the Leicester Magic Circle this Monday, 6th February. Matthew will be performing some strong magic in his new "If Carlsberg Made Magic Tricks" lecture. I've heard this is a superb lecture so come down or up to the LMC and enjoy some great magic. £10 for non members, all visitors welcome. How to get to the LMC HQ can be found here: www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk Will Gray. 4.2.12

Party Magic. "Boxer Amir Khan introduces his knockout fiancée Faryal at £150,000 engagement party... held at Bolton Wanderers Reebok stadium" Click Here. Magician Prince Abdul was delighted to be hired to entertain guests at the lavish party last Sunday, where he performed his magic for many celebrity guests including Former boxer Ricky Hatton. www.princeabdul.com. 4.2.12

The Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians have booked Duane Laflin for their annual dinner on Friday 9th November. Duane plans to be in this country until 19th November and will be available for a short lecture tour. Contact Reg Heasley for available dates on 01642 278896 mob 07758 844475 www.grandmagicshow.com. 4.2.12

Paul Gordon: Commercial Card Magic Lecture. "Paul Gordon presents his all-new card magic lecture, jam-packed with worker tricks you can and will do and use!" Thursday 20th September at 7.30pm at the Home Counties Magical Society, Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield, Reading RG2 9EH (Map). www.paulgordon.net/lectures.html. 4.2.12

International News: CPH Close-up Magic Convention 2012. Claus Liljeberg writes: "It is a first for Copenhagen to host a close-up convention. With professional magicians as organizers, the CPH Magic Club as the official body, and with well known domestic and international magicians, it looks like a success already. The convention is commencing 14-15 April in Copenhagen, Denmark. From the USA the close-up specialist Joshua Jay is coming. From the UK there is the renowned Andi Gladwin. From Sweden the magnificent Lennart Green. From Spain there is Felix. And from Denmark you can experience Rune Klan, Thomas Krantz and Anders Moller. With 2 full days of lectures and a gala dinner show the participants gets a lot for their money. Read more on the website: www.cphmagic.com." 4.2.12

Amazing Norvil & Josephine appearing at Salon Rouge, Cambridge. Salon Rouge takes place monthly at The Junction in Cambridge. This month, the award-winning magic cabaret duo The Amazing Norvil & Josephine will appear on stage along with foot juggler and burlesque star Amelia Wood as well as Salon Rouge's very own Cherry & Ruby. Music will be an electric mix from the 40's, 50's and present day by Vintage de Luxe and DJ Crash & Burn. Saturday 18th February. £12.50 in advance. To book and for more information, Click Here. 4.2.12

Andy Nyman is starring alongside Jill Halfpenny in a major revival of Mike Leigh's classic play 'Abigail's Party'. The play will run from March 2nd - April 21st at London's Menier Chocolate Factory theatre - to book tickets visit www.menierchocolatefactory.com. "Nyman joins Halfpenny for Menier party" Click Here. 4.2.12

Paul Anthony of Magic Supreme, owner of the entire stock of the former Supreme Magic Company, will be bringing a selection of brand new Supreme Magic items to the Magic Car Boot Sale in West Bromwich this Sunday, 5th February, together with a selection of second-hand goods. The sale is at The Masonic Hall, Edward Street, West Bromwich B70 8NT (Map). Admission £4, from 9.30am. All visitors may bring up to three items to sell on a dedicated stall free of charge; the only requirement is that the item is complete and has instructions. Further details from Alec Powell on 07831 115448. 4.2.12

Etienne Pradier South London Magic Society Lecture. Mike Sullivan writes: "South London Magic Society is proud to host Etienne Pradier for this month’s lecture. Etienne has just returned from his performance in Las Vegas at the Penn & Teller Show so I am sure he has some great stories to share. If you haven’t seen this man lecture, then you are in for a treat. Etienne is one of our top elite workers and the content of his lecture will not disappoint. We will meet at the United Reform Church Hall, Cobden Road, South Norwood, London SE25 5NX (Map). Thursday 9th February 2012, 7.30pm for an 8.00pm start. As always guests from other clubs are welcome at a small fee of £10. See you there!" www.slmagic.co.uk. 4.2.12

International News: Suomen Taikapiiri's Honorary Member Lennart Green. "Finnish Magic Circle has awarded honorary membership to World Champion Card Magician Lennart Green. Lennart's unique magic and skill has been seen and witnessed several times in Finland during the last twenty years. As a lecturer and performer he is a top professional and his personality and friendship is much beyond average. He has been the favorite artist at 'Kouvola Magic Days' as well as 'Varieté Magica' shows, both magicians and audiences always admire Lennart Green very much. It is the great honor for Finnish Magic Circle to give the Honorary Membership to Lennart Green." Timo Kulmakko. 4.2.12

Festival of Magic and Mentalism in Manchester. Zena Barrie emails: "I'm organising a festival of Magic and Mentalism in Manchester from March 26th - 1st April 2012. If you're a magician, mentalist, or have a psychic stage show of some kind and you'd like to take part in this new annual festival I'd love you to get in touch with us. The email address is kingsarmssalford@gmail.com." 4.2.12

The Southend Sorcerers' Wayne Dobson Lecture, Update. Wayne Dobson's lecture, which was due to take place on Sunday 5th February, has had to be postponed at the last minute due to unforseen circumstances. Wayne and the club committee apologise for the mix-up; hopefully the lecture will be re-arranged for later in the year. Adrian Fox. 4.2.12

'An Evening with Franklin at the Merlin Magical Society' 3rd February 2012, reported by Martin Peirce. A lecture entitled Beyond The Veil impressed and enthralled all members and guests who attended. The mind magician performed some amazing effects then thoroughly explained how to achieve them with maximum impact. Franklin impressed the attendees with his original blend of magic and also his enthusiasm for the art he enjoys. His lecture is highly recommended and is a must for all magicians who want to perform strong, powerful magic that will literally stay in people's minds. Thank you Franklin for a great evening. Martin Peirce, Merlin Magical Society Editor. 4.2.12

The Pendle Witch Seance. "400 years ago on the 30th of March 1612 Alizon Device confessed to witchcraft and also incriminated Demdike and Chattox. The following trials ended with 9 people being put to death. Were they innocent or were they really witches? On the 400th anniversary night of Alizon's confession we will be using the wonderful Whittington Castle and the mysteries of the parlour seance to see if those that suffered can reveal the truth. 30th March at 8pm at Whittington Castle. Tickets £15. Limited places. Contact Whittington Castle on 01691 662500. Whittington Castle, Castle Street, Whittington, Shropshire SY11 4DF (Map). Organised by Whittington Castle & Rob Chapman www.walkwithwonder.co.uk. 4.2.12

Facebook group just for secretaries of magic societies. Ozzy Dee emails: "have started a Facebook group just for secretaries of magic societies, to advertise lectures , events and chat about general meeting nights. If you wish to be invited please contact me ozzydee@themagiccircle.co.uk. Please note no detrimental content will be allowed, it is just for ideas for meetings, upcoming events and general news and reviews." 4.2.12

The Ollie Mealing online store is now open... Click Here • "Masterchef hosts have a recipe for magic" Click Here • "Mystery and humor mingle in 'Elephant Room'" Click Here • "President of Magic Circle, Jack Delvin, passes on wisdom to young magicians" Click Here • "UKTV orders two more series of Dynamo: Magician Impossible" Click Here • "'Dynamo: Magician Impossible' renewed for two more series by Watch" Click Here • "Computer Used To Decode Brain Activity" Click Here • "Derren who? Doug Segal messing with minds in Norfolk" Click Here • That's it for another week, see you next week, Duncan. 4.2.12

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Last week: Number 605 - 28th January 2012

German performers conjured up for UK magic festival... Organisers of the South Tyneside International Magic Festival, which returns to the North East in March, have added mentalist Markus Beldig (photo) and card-expert Christian Schenk to the event’s increasingly bumper line-up. ‘Mind-reader’ Markus, who quit studying law to become a professional performer, is considered the master of the sixth sense and was the first mentalist to perform a full evening show at the Vienna Concert House in Austria since 1918. Markus will be bewitching audiences at the festival’s first Gala Show at the Customs House, South Shields on Friday, March 9th. Fellow German magician and card expert Christian Schenk will be appearing as part of the three-day convention, which offers professional magicians and the most dedicated magic fans the opportunity to attend a variety of workshops, lectures and masterclasses featuring leading magicians from around the globe. Tickets for the international Gala Show featuring Markus Beldig are now on sale from the Customs House box office priced at £13 each or £12 concessions. More details can be found online at www.customshouse.co.uk or by calling the venue direct on 0191 454 1234. Tickets for the magic convention featuring Christian Schenk are also available priced at £65, which includes entry to both Galas Shows, along with a series of lectures, close-up sessions, dealer events and an exclusive Midnight Show. Places are strictly limited, visit www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival to book. 28.1.12

Pete Firman - Jiggery Pokery Tour 2012. Star of BBC1's The Magicians and ITV1's Comedy Rocks with Jason Manford... "Funnier than most comedians and more magical than Dumbledore on a good day... a complete star" Time Out. See Pete Firman live in 2012:
Friday, February 17 The Junction Cambridge
Saturday, February 18 West End Centre Aldershot
Sunday, February 19 Darwin Suite Derby
Thursday, February 23 Artrix Bromsgrove
Friday, February 24 King Georges Hall Blackburn
Wednesday, February 29 The Anvil Basingstoke
Thursday, March 01 Ashcroft Arts Centre Fareham
Friday, March 02 The Corn Exchange Newbury
Saturday, March 03 Playhouse Norwich
Friday, March 09 The Civic Barnsley
Saturday, March 10 The Met Stafford
Sunday, March 11 City Varieties Leeds
Wednesday, March 14 Aberystwyth Arts Centre Aberystwyth
Thursday, March 15 Pontardawe Arts Centre Pontardawe
Friday, March 16 The Castle Wellingborough
Saturday, March 17 The Point Eastleigh
Wednesday, March 21 Komedia Brighton
Thursday, March 22 The Arc Stockton
Tuesday, March 27 LBT Huddersfield
Wednesday, March 28 Slade Rooms Wolverhampton
Friday, March 30 Colchester Arts Centre Colchester
Tuesday, April 10 The Lowry Salford
Thursday, April 12 The Bloomsbury Theatre London

To book Click Here. 28.1.12

Paul Daniels ‘will carry on conjuring’ TV magician Paul Daniels is recovering after mangling his hand in a circular saw while doing some DIY at his Wargrave home. And he hopes to regain full use of his magical sleight of hand. The accident happened on New Year’s Day while Mr Daniels’s wife Debbie was working at Radio Berkshire in Caversham. To read the full story by Linda Fort in GetReading Click Here. "Magician feared career was over" Click Here. "Paul Daniels describes how he cut his finger off" Click Here. Spring Tour dates, Click Here. 28.1.12

Blackpool Magicians Convention - Eight new dealers just announced! Blackpool Magicians Convention will have eight new Magic Dealers amongst the 120 Dealers exhibiting in the Empress Ballroom, Empress Ballroom Balcony and the Arena next month. The Dealers Fair opens from 11am on Friday 17th February until 8pm and 9am to 5.30pm on Saturday 18th and Sunday 19th. A Dealer Demonstration will take place at 11am in the Pavilion Theatre - this is a new event. Note that there are no "Dealers Only" registrations available. The only way to see the Dealers is by purchasing either a full 3 day registration at £85.00 or a day registration which costs £50.00 for Saturday and £60.00 for Sunday. Visit www.blackpoolmagic.com for details. 28.1.12

Marc Paul Lecture - International Magic London, Wednesday 8th February: "Our February lecture welcomes Marc Paul; mind-reader, psychological magician and corporate event speaker who has entertained and amazed audiences both in the UK and worldwide with his award winning mind-reading performances. Marc has been a professional entertainer for over 15 years and promises to share some of his closely guarded secrets with us including several routines which 'pack small, but play big!' To see why Marc was voted 'World's Greatest Mind-Reader' by his peers at the prestigious World Magic Awards in Los Angeles, be sure to book your place for this lecture very soon. Venue - Casa Italiana; 2nd floor, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map). Start time 7.30pm (be there by 7.15pm latest). Pay on door at £15 per lecture but you must reserve a place in advance, please email martin@internationalmagic.com by return to book." Martin MacMillan. www.internationalmagic.com. 28.1.12

'Funny Tricks' with Ian Keable... Heard the one about the accountant who went into showbiz – combining mind-boggling magic and top-class comedy? The good news is that this remarkable entertainer is coming to Otley – for one night only. The date for your diary is Saturday, 4th February – when the irrepressible Ian Keable brings Funny Tricks to the Otley Courthouse. His aim, he says, is a show where the laughs are as memorable as the magic. And he seems to be getting it right! He has been voted the British Magical Champion of Comedy and also received The Magic Circle Comedy Award. In Funny Tricks, Ian Keable will be demonstrating some of the techniques he uses to mystify his audience. These will feature mind-reading, bewildering sleight of hand, and, above all, his “trademark, laugh-out loud comedy magic”. One reviewer described Ian’s show as ideal for anybody who enjoys non-stop laughter, while simultaneously being totally bamboozled; another simply said it was “mind boggling.” Otley Courthouse, Courthouse Street, Otley LS21 3AN (Map). 7.30 pm, Saturday, 4th February. To book tickets (£10 / £8 concs) call the Box Office: 01943 467 466 or visit www.otleycourthouse.org.uk. 28.1.12

Magic Night, Madame JoJo's - London. Spoon bending, psychic phenomena, tap dancing, poker cheats, silver screen trickery and renegade magic... it can only be Magic Night, Madame JoJo's. "The hilarious John Lenahan, Sex Pistol of the magic world is back, with some subversive mind reading; Pete Antoniou sneaks into your head and makes psychic phenomena look entirely plausible; Tom Devoe controls you enough to enable you bend physical objects and Miss Josephine Shaker kicks up dust with some hot footing tap routines. Lee Hathaway shows you how easy it is to cheat at poker – and we’ll film it close up and project it on a screen so you don’t miss a trick! Hosted expertly by Tommy Cooperesque Christian Lee, who will be presenting some silver screen tricks." Friday 17th February. Doors open 7pm show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to 'Good Foot'. Show ticket plus dinner: £22.00. Tickets: www.ticketweb.co.uk www.lastminute.com or Ticket Web on 08444 77 1000. Madame JoJo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SE (Map) 020 734 3040 www.magicnight.co.uk. 28.1.12

If you're an entertainer, then Giggio was made for you... "Whether you’re a magician, musician, caricaturist or comedian Giggio will make your life easier. From the initial enquiry to receiving payment Giggio will streamline your workflow and do the hard work for you. Stay organised with all your client and gig information in one place. See all your upcoming jobs and outstanding invoices at a glance. Keep a professional appearance with clear, well designed PDF contracts and invoices. Save time calculating mileage and looking up maps – Giggio does it all for you. Try all the features for yourself with the free 30 day trial. Sign up now, and we’ll get you set up with your own database on our secure server – you’ll be up and running in no time on your Mac or PC. You’ll soon wonder how you managed without it." www.giggio.co.uk [Giggio is a very impressive, easy to use, complete booking management system - do watch the demonstration video to see exactly what it could do for you, Click Here. DT] 28.1.12

Kirkstall Hotel, Blackpool. 3 star guest house 2 minutes from the Wintergardens, fully central heated and recently refurbished. Good food, warm atmosphere, single rooms available, all rooms ensuite. Special offer B&B Friday and Saturday for £40 per person. Evening meals available on request. Late check-out. Flexible breakfast times. Please try us you will notice the difference. 25 Hull Road, Blackpool, FY14QB. Website: www.kirkstallhotel.co.uk Tel: 01253 623077. 28.1.12

Congratulations to Joe Pasquale - the new 'King Rat'. "The Grand Order of Water Rats" is the show-business charity formed over 120 years ago. Past Kings include such names as Frankie Vaughan, Les Dawson, Danny la Rue and Sir Henry Cooper. It is a coveted honour to be voted into this top office by fellow Water Rats and marks the respect in which Joe is held. Magicians' David Nixon, Paul Daniels, Keith Simmons and David Berglas, have also been so honoured. At his initiation last week, Joe also congratulated John Styles, on being elected to office. 28.1.12

Magicseen 'Taster' Issue No.12 is now available for free download from the Magicseen website. Editor Mark Leveridge writes: In this sampler we offer you the full exclusive interview with Cyril Takayama, plus the articles on Annabel de Vetten, It Ain't All Magic and a couple of the reviews, all of which come from the current full main issue (no.42 Jan.12). Then from our back catalogue of issues we include the feature we did on escapologist Jonathan Goodwin, whose mad exploits are always worth hearing about. So, if you want to get a feel for what Magicseen has to offer, download your free PDF Taster Issue now. Also, you have just two weeks left to take advantage of our special pre-order offer on the brand new Best of British Book which Magicseen is releasing at the Blackpool Convention. Order a copy before 15th February and you will receive a complimentary gift of a CD containing the David Copperfield book 'A Magic Life' and Andrew Normansell's 'The Man Who Would Be King'. These have not been offered previously as E-Books so this is a great opportunity to receive them for free if you order Best of British soon from www.magicseen.co.uk. 28.1.12

Morgan & West: Time Travelling Magicians. "Great Scott! Victorian magicians Morgan and West bring a magical extravaganza to a millennium near you! The plucky prestidigitators present dazzling deceptions, unparalleled precognitive powers and a totally genuine ability to travel through time. "I can't recall the last time my awe was so thoroughly struck" The Scotsman. Book on-line or call: 0207 289 6054. Friday 3rd February, 7.30pm, Canal Cafe Theare, Delamere Terrace, Little Venice, London W2 6ND (Map) www.canalcafetheatre.com. 28.1.12

Matthew Wright, Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2008 and International Champion of Close-up Magic 2010, will be lecturing at Winchester Magical Society on Thursday February 2nd, starting at 8pm. The society meets at Badger Farm Community Centre just outside Winchester, SO22 4QB (Map). Visiting magicians are very welcome to attend for a small fee of £5. www.winchestermagic.com. 28.1.12

Franklin Lecture - Merlin Magical Society: "On Thursday 2nd February we are having a lecture by Franklin. Franklin has been entertaining with mentalism and hypnotism now for almost 40 years in all manner of venues. With the launch of his forthcoming book ‘Beyond the Veil’ and in his lecture by the same name, Franklin demonstrates how mentalism can be performed with the most minimal number of props in all environments. The mentalism routines in the lecture and book have been specially chosen for their impact and commercial appeal. They are the result of many years of painstaking trial and error and many methods will be revealed for the first time." John Clayton (Secretary) Merlin Magical Society. Visit www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk www.themindmagician.co.uk. 28.1.12

Get Real by Roslyn Walker. "Learn how to add realism and believability to your escapes. This is my first ebook that I've made available to the escape community and is something I've wanted to do for quite some time. I don't teach any methods of escape, the purpose of this little publication is to help those who perform escapes to Get Real..." Find out more, visit www.roslynwalker.com/forsale. 28.1.12

The Magic Car Boot Sale - West Bromwich. The next West Bromwich 'Magic Car Boot Sale' will take place on Sunday 5th February 2012 at The Masonic Hall, Edward Street, West Bromwich B70 8NT (Map). It starts at 9.30am and admission is £4. All visitors may bring up to three items to sell on a dedicated stall free of charge, the only requirement is that the item is complete and has instructions. New stall holders this time include John Hotowka, Andi Gladwin, Jimmy Carlo and Russ Stokes and amongst the dealers, Kaymar Magic. For any details contact Alec Powell 07831 115448.

Darlington Magic Circle are pleased to be hosting a lecture by magical ventriloquist John Kimmons on Thursday 2nd February. In 2008 John won the title of Children’s Entertainer World Champion and also received the Ken Dodd Award for Comedy at the Blackpool Magic Convention. Since then he has lectured and performed at some of the most prestigious venues including the Magic Castle in Hollywood and The Magic Circle in London. He has worked in almost every conceivable type of venue from village halls to theatres, and luxury cruise liners to television. The lecture will be held at The Railway Institute, 93 North Road, Darlington DL1 2PP (Map). Doors open at 7.30pm with a prompt 8pm start. For visiting magicians entry is just £5 although please could you contact the Secretary, Stuart Hodgson on magic@stu-di-doo.com to confirm your attendance as numbers may be limited. Stuart "Stu Di Doo" Hodgson, Secretary, Darlington Magic Circle. 28.1.12

Is There Anybody There? Seance Night. "A night of mesmerism, regression, psychic experiments and seance. Mystery entertainment in one of the town's oldest pubs. The pub will be closed to the public so you will need to contact them to book a place. 8pm on 7th February. Admission £10. Contact the venue on: 01746 764804." The New Inn, 4 St. Mary's Street, Bridgnorth, Shropshire WV16 4DW (Map). Website: www.walkwithwonder.co.uk and YouTube. 28.1.12

An Everlasting Love a night of seance and mystery entertainment. "The power of love it is said can hold a soul within the earthly realms. A true story of a life of love, hardship and tragedy. A Haunting! The excitement of the parlor seance. A night not to be missed!" February 12th at 8pm at The Lord Hill Hotel and Restaurant, Abbey Foregate, Shrewsbury SY2 6AX (Map). Tickets (£10) available in advance from Lizz: 07868 524738 or on the door (best to book in advance to avoid disappointment). See: www.walkwithwonder.co.uk and You Tube. 28.1.12

Way off topic... In 2009, Casey Pugh asked thousands of internet users to remake Star Wars into a fan film, 15 seconds at a time. Here it is: Click Here. 28.1.12

"TV psychic Sally Morgan sues Daily Mail for defamation" Click Here • "Magician claims mass hypnosis" Click Here • "The Magician. Chris Pilsworth used to wonder how to get a cactus inside a balloon. Once he solved that, his goal was to make it matter" Click Here • "Magicians gather at Downtown convention" Click Here • "Malton magician Chris Cassells takes show to Edinburgh Fringe" Click Here • How to deal with a mobile phone interruption during your performance! Click Here • "Okay, here goes..." Wayne Dobson on 'The Magicians', Click Here • "Sean's amazing adventure" Click Here • "Houdini on Chicago Stages" Click Here • "The Ballyragget illusionist who wowed Paul Daniels" Click Here • Many thanks for your news contributions this week - always welcomed! See you nest week, Duncan. 28.1.12