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Number 864 - 14th January 2017
Magic
on the Mersey Convention. Organiser Paul Stone writes:
The new 'Magic on the Mersey' Convention taking place in Liverpool from
12th - 15th September will be different to most other magic conventions
and there are many reasons why it will be an event not to be missed.
Several of the sessions, masterclasses and the Gala Show will take place
in the intimate and beautifully restored Epstein Theatre. The line-up of
talent is very strong and mainly includes performers who have either
never appeared at a British convention before or haven't done so for
several years. Performers booked so far include Mike Close, Nick Lewin
(first UK appearance for 40 years!), Armando Lucero, Bob Kohler,
Sos & Victoria, Seth Kramer, Marc Paul, Trevor Liley, Kris Kremo,
Natalie Enterline and Freddie Davies with more names to follow.
Included in the registration fee are not one but two parties: a Welcome
Party on the first night and a Farewell Party on the final evening. |
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2017 Magic Lectures
at Smoke & Mirrors. From the organisers: As you may know Smoke & Mirrors &
Illusions Magic Bar are the leading Magic Bars in the UK and we are
making 2017 even more magical by adding lectures from our guest
performing magicians
coming up at Smoke & Mirrors. Spaces are limited so we
suggest booking your seat now. Lectures will be held in our theatre,
offering a real close-up and personal feel.
Lectures are priced at £7.50 per delegate and are held on a Sunday so
there's Free Parking!
Lectures start at 1pm. Bar opens at 12 noon and the bar will remain open for
2 hours after the lecture has finished.
22nd October 2017
Jasper Blakeley (aka Kockov) -
The emphasis will strongly be on the importance of performance in all
aspects of magic. Plus creating laughter. Looking at the core values of
Jasper's ethos - Control, Flexibility & Change, he will use these themes
to discuss his approach and tips on working close-up private & corporate
events, concentrating mainly on working tables and overcoming all
problems and eventualities.
Book Here. |
Brain Tumour Research in Memory of Paul Daniels. Brain Tumour Research write: As a tribute to the great magician Paul Daniels, we are delighted to announce a special and unique Rabbit in a Hat badge. Produced in collaboration with Debbie McGee, Paul’s widow, the badge is symbolic of his enduring popularity as an entertainer, television personality and of course a hugely talented magician. Paul died in March 2016, shortly after announcing his diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumour. Debbie says: “He died four weeks and five days after the diagnosis. I still miss him every day. I still love spending time with our rabbits – they make me think of him. I am really proud to be able to work with Brain Tumour Research in this way and I think Paul would have been too. I hope everyone will buy at least one of these badges – by wearing one, you’ll be remembering Paul and supporting vital brain tumour research.” www.braintumourresearch.org. Purchase and support via this official eBay page: www.ebay.co.uk. 14.1.17 |
XV Magic Congress in Saint-Vincent, Italy. May 11th-14th 2017. From the organisers: Celebrate with us the 15th anniversary of our Congress: Be part of our magic commitment in 2017 in Saint-Vincent, Vallée d'Aoste! The Masters of Magic aim is to rediscover live magic with the top performers in their fields, and to have a great time all together. During the years, the Congress has earned a reputation as the "place to be" for magic lovers, performers and dealers. Since its foundation, the Magic Congress in Saint Vincent has been hosted in the splendid Grand Hotel Billia, surrounded by the Alps. This year join: Paul Harris, Shin Lim, Richard Sanders, Hun Lee, Christian Farla, Dani DaOrtiz, Peter Turner, Christian Chelman, Chris Ramsay, Captain Frodo, Doble Mandoble, Martin Mall, Tony Chapek, Raul Cremona, Jabba, Richard Kaufman, Bruno Copin, Marco Pusterla, and many more. Visit www.congressomagicodisaintvincent.com/en/ for more information and to book. 14.1.17 |
The House of Q presents "Champagne Cabaret" an all-new cabaret and variety show in the West End's famous Crazy Coqs, featuring magic, burlesque, music, mime and more. The House of Q comprises The Magic Circle's Neil Kelso, Cwtch Cabaret Award Winner Alexander Luttley, and listed in the UK's 'Top 20 Burlesque Artists 2016', Felicity Furore. They will be presenting their most spellbinding acts as showcased around the globe. Step into their enchanting world for an unforgettable evening like no other. "An extraordinary evening of cabaret... this trio are the perfect form of escapism." Access London. Wednesday, 18th January 2017, 9pm. Price: £12.50 - to book: Click Here Venue: The Crazy Coqs at Brasserie Zédel, 20 Sherwood Street, London W1F 7ED (Map). 14.1.17 |
The South Tyneside International Magic Festival. From the organisers: Leading lights in the world of magic will be sharing some of the secrets of their success at one of the UK’s most popular events this spring. The South Tyneside International Magic Festival will return to South Shields for the 14th time from 16th-19th March 2017, offering a packed programme of lectures, masterclasses and performances aimed at magic professionals and enthusiasts, plus three public shows. This year’s event will have a distinct American flavour, with the stars of the Our Magic documentary, created and directed by R Paul Wilson, among the headline acts.
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This week from The MagicWeek Video Archive, David Copperfield making his first-ever live British television appearance on Pebble Mill for the BBC, back in 1994. (I was out of the country when this went out, so what you are seeing is a slightly fuzzy copy of a tape that Russ Stevens must have lent me back then - thanks Russ! DT). See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional 'bonus' video Click Here. 14.1.17 |
Magic at the Angles is a new bi-monthly magic show that Richard Griffin will be presenting at The Angles Theatre in Wisbech, Cambridgeshire. The first show is on 11th February and will feature the classic magic of Oliver Tabor, the laser magic of Richard Griffin, the comedy juggling of Goronwy Thom and the illusions of Jason Steele and Joanne. Shows are at 2.30pm and 7.30pm and tickets start at just £10.00, available via www.anglestheatre.co.uk. 14.1.17 |
Mr Swallow – Houdini. Having only just touched back down to earth following the success of his spectacular run at the 2016 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, Mr Swallow returns to Soho Theatre for 6 weeks from 10th January 2017 with Mr Swallow – Houdini the self-proclaimed first-ever entirely true auto-biopic of legendary magician Harry Houdini. From the 10th January 2017 to 18th February 2017 Mr. Swallow – Houdini will be at Soho Theatre at 7pm. There will be no show on Sundays and an additional matinee performance on Saturdays. Mr. Swallow – Houdini will also bear witness to a Soho Theatre first, as he presents a Houdini style underwater escape. Mr Swallow will attempt to free himself from the iron-grip like shackles and escape the tank before it’s too late (or that’ll be another first!). The shows Escapology and magic consultants Danny Hunt and Stephanie Clarke (Amethyst), spent many months with Nick Mohammed developing Mr Swallows escape artist skills.
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Vanishing Inc. Lectures with Andi Gladwin and Joshua Jay Austin Siviter writes: Hosted by Christian Magicians UK Conference at High Leigh Conference Centre, Hoddesdon, Hertfordshire EN11 8SG (Map) on Tuesday 14th February from 2.30pm to 6pm. £24.95 including refreshments. Joshua Jay has been called magic's Renaissance man by Magic magazine. It's not hard to see why: he is a performer, lecturer, author and photographer of all things mysterious. Josh has performed in over fifty countries, appears regularly on national television in America and routinely performs for distinguished politicians and major celebrities. He has been performing from the age of eight and at the age of seventeen was crowned World Champion of Close-up Magic at the World Magic Seminar. Andi Gladwin is a world-class close-up sleight of hand magician who has performed all over the world. He is a UK based entrepreneur, publisher and lecturer, and is also the tricks editor at Genii magazine. “The best magic creates a story,” Andi says, “My aim is for everyone to walk away with a new experience that they will talk about for the rest of their lives.” Those stories have been told by guests at thousands of events over the past decade. Don’t miss this unique opportunity to see and meet the co-founders of Vanishing Inc. Apply online at www.members.christianmagicians.org. 14.1.17 |
Magic on 'The Cruise' Thursday 19th January on ITV: Series following life aboard one of the world's largest luxury cruise liners on a summer season in the Mediterranean. The weather takes a turn for the worse, causing an emergency at sea and threatening to make one young British couple's wedding a washout. It is the first time new officer Lauren has to deal with an emergency on board and she must keep constant watch on a semi-submerged boat close to the liner. Concerned there may be lives at stake, the rescue team are poised for action. Despite choppy seas, the show must go on in the ship's theatre, where the magicians are attempting to pull off a gravity-defying illusion that sees ex-dancer Trish balance on the tip of a metal sword. It is a heartstopping performance for passengers as the unpredictable weather ramps up the danger of their daring headline act. See TV Magic. 14.1.17 |
Merlin 'Magician of the Year' competition. Nick Brunger writes: Carmarthen - birthplace of Merlin, "patron saint" of magic - is inviting magicians from all over the UK to enter their first Magician of the Year competition. Open to established street performers, or any UK-based magician who fancies their chances, five short-listed entrants will be invited to parade their talents by performing in public at venues around the town on Saturday 25th March. It is all part of Carmarthen's annual Merlin Festival which is helping to celebrate Wales' "Year of Legends". Those magicians taking part will receive generous expenses plus a cash prize and Merlin trophy for the winner. Anyone wishing to enter should post a five minute video of their act on the Merlin Festival Facebook page at www.facebook.com/events/1370440562997010/ no later than Tuesday 28th February. For a copy of the rules and more details please email nick@thespookymagiccompany.co.uk. 14.1.17 |
London Society of Magicians presents... "This year, Jamie Daws returns with his highly anticipated debut lecture Opening Daws! Jamie has been releasing his creations to the magic community for over 10 years and his effects have been praised the world over by some of magic's most respected performers! His unique and offbeat effects are honed through countless performances, tailoring each effect for the real world. From visual card magic to some of the darkest bizarre effects you’re likely to witness! This lecture promises to open your mind to new possibilities enabling you to cater to a wider audience and venture to areas you might not have visited before! In this lecture Jamie takes you on an autobiographical journey through some of his creations. Not only explaining how each came about, but more importantly, why? In this journey, you will see a natural evolution in his approach to creating magic and uncover his thoughts on performance. Welcome to Opening Daws. Location: Davenport's Magic Studios (www.davenportsmagic.co.uk) Tuesday 24th of January at 7pm (doors 6.30pm). £10 for non-members (welcome). Members: free. 14.1.17 |
Simon Sparkles "Sparkly-Warkly-Woo" lecture. Steve Majes writes: The Anglian Magic Society has the Multi-Award Winning Magical Entertainer Simon Sparkles presenting his "Sparkly-Warkly-Woo" lecture this Tuesday 17th January at The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map). During this lecture Simon will present magic tricks and comedy routines, all peppered with lots of practical tips and ideas, along with the vital ingredients for successful family entertainment. He will introduce you to a full entertainment system: everything from magic, fun, games, and simple puppetry, through to control, both in and out of the performance arena. This is a must-see lecture for the working children’s entertainer. Members £3.00 - Visitors (welcome) £10.00 - 7.30pm start time. For more details visit: www.theanglianmagicsociety.uk. 14.1.17 |
Manchester Circle of Magicians Auction. From the organisers: A Jumbo Magic Auction is being held on Monday 16th January by Manchester Circle of Magicians at Salford Masonic Hall, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Doors open at 5.30pm with viewing from 6pm. Auction commences at 6.30pm. Star auctioneers Derek Lever and Quentin Reynolds. Non-members £3.00 door charge. Members free of charge. Hundreds of bargains - many without reserve. Stage magic, kids tricks, books, DVDs etc. Further information from Derek Lever: d.lever1@sky.com. 14.1.17 |
Northamptonshire Magicians Club Stage Competition. The competition takes place on Tuesday, January 17th, at Parsons Hall, High Street, Irchester NN29 7AB (Map). Free to NMC Members, £5.00 charge for guests (very welcome). You are welcome to bring your own drinks and nibbles. Competition entry open to NMC members, acts are 8-12 minutes in length. The evening starts at 8pm prompt. www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk. Matthew Garrett. 14.1.17 |
Dave Loosely Home Counties Magical Society lecture. Andrew Lewis writes: On Thursday 19th January at 8pm Dave Loosely will lecture for Home Counties Magical Society at Maiden Place Community Centre, Maiden Place, Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley RG6 3HE (Map). Visiting magicians very welcome - door charge £15 www.hcms.org.uk. 14.1.17 |
Ring And String Deluxe - new format. Mark Leveridge's work on magic with a borrowed ring and length of unprepared cord is well known amongst close-up magicians. For many years Mark has been supplying a DVD package (now sold out) which features careful explanations of all 6 of Mark's natural looking moves, and now this video footage has been made available to customers as a download. As a prelude to a borrowed-ring-into-impossible-place effect or as a complete sequence in its own right, this set of 6 moves will delight and amaze your audiences, and all you need to carry with you is a length of cord or shoelace! To purchase the video download, or to buy the same routine as a text and colour photo Premier E-Routine PDF download, visit www.markleveridge.co.uk/rsd.php. 14.1.17 |
Magicians Advice Podcast: "Join Phil Taylor and Ian Brennan as they talk about ‘outs’ in magic. Phil and Ian discuss what happens when things have gone wrong for them in the past and what this can look like. They talk about the importance of buying yourself time and gaining control of the situation. They talk about how to deal with ‘Alpha Male’ characters and offer advice on when to rise to the challenge and when to softly diffuse the situation. The conversation also touches briefly on how to avoid getting caught while pick-pocketing!" www.magicianscorner.co.uk. 14.1.17 |
Alec Powell's legendary Magic Car Boot Sale is back! Alec writes: Due to many requests the Magic Car Boot Sale will return on 22nd January 2017 at a new venue in Birmingham: The Austin Sports and Social Club, 30 Tessall Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B31 2SF (Map). This venue is right next door to Longbridge Railway Station and less than 10 minutes from Junction 4 on the M5. There is plenty of free parking with barriers on the car park. There is a Premier Inn and Beefeater just across the road. Stalls remain at £15 and can be booked by calling 07831 115448, or by email alec@alecpowell.co.uk. 14.1.17 |
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Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers. Last Monday saw a somewhat reduced gathering of the Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers battling it out for the Well Trophy for the 'Most Entertaining Close-up routine'. The competition was very close, but Phil Sweeting just pipped the others to the post with his routine based on fate and free will. He is pictured here having received his trophy from vice-president Dave O’Connor. Wayne Fox will be lecturing on 13th February. Visiting magicians welcome (£5 on the door). See www.fame-magic.co.uk. 14.1.17 |
David Narayan: The Psychic Project. 26th, 27th, 29th January, Birmingham, Oxford and London. A mind-reading show based on the true story of The Cold War's psychic spies. In 1975, 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. "The Psychic Project was a festival highlight. A very very smart and engaging show." @strongmisgiving.
26th January - Old Joint Stock Theatre, Birmingham B2 5NY
(Map). |
Etienne Pradier Coventry Magic Circle lecture. James Cannon writes: Coventry Magic Circle are delighted to welcome Etienne Pradier to our society. Etienne was on the 'Penn and Teller Fool Us' where he fooled Penn and Teller to go to Las Vegas. This promises to be a brilliant night of entertainment. £10 entrance fee for travelling magicians. Starts at 8pm Tuesday 24th January at Saunders Hall Working Men's Club, Saunders Avenue, Bedworth CV12 8RJ (Map). www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk. 14.1.17 |
Carl Royle's recent 'How I Feed My Children' lecture at The Order of the Magi is reviewed by Jonathan Royle this week. "His Gold Cup Con is a micro Chop Cup routine that is performed with the cup rested on his own flat palm at all times, thus eliminating the need to invade anyone's table space and of course making this practical for those environments where there simply are no tables! It was a fast paced routine with a patter theme that made the whole thing logical and entertaining, whilst also having numerous moments of magical surprise..." To read the full 5 star review, Click Here. 14.1.17 |
Brendan Rodrigues lectured for the South London Magic Society on Tuesday: "We wanted to start 2017 with a bang and we certainly did, when we had Brendan Rodrigues come and lecture for us at South London Magical Society. It was probably the best lecture we’ve ever had at our club and certainly the most popular – the room was full and we had about 10 guests that came from as faraway as Harrow to watch this lecture. Our eldest member who has been at the club for 38 years commented afterwards 'out of this world'". To read the full 5 star review by the club's president Simon Rosselli Click Here. 14.1.17 |
"David Copperfield: 'I come to CES to get inspired'" Click Here • "Escape Artist Harry Houdini Was an Ingenious Inventor, He Just Didn't Want Anybody to Know" Click Here • "Paul Daniels’ magic comes to The Hawth in Don’t Dribble on the Dragon" Click Here • "Heineken poster featuring Paul Daniels magically reappears in Lockwood" Click Here • "Comedian Mike McClean talks family, the future and returning to the Ipswich Regent" Click Here • "Israeli-born mentalist stars in 'Master of the Mind'" Click Here • "50 Best Documentaries on Netflix: David Blaine: Street Magic joins the rankings" Click Here • "The fantastical magicians' posters that hypnotized turn of the century audiences" Click Here • "BWW Interview: Colin Cloud, of The Illusionists - Live from Broadway, Coming to Riverside's Fox Performing Arts Center" Click Here • "Adam Trent: The Next Generation of Magic to take the Perot stage Jan. 20" Click Here • "‘Sleight’ Trailer: A Street Magician’s Indie Superhero Origin Story" Click Here • "Meet Steve Cohen, the Magician Who Wowed David Letterman, Warren Buffett and Many Others" Click Here • "Britain’s Got Talent magician star brings tour to Lancaster" Click Here • And another week disappears. Your news and reviews are always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 14.1.17 |