Number
1214 - Saturday 30th September 2023
Save
Covent Garden Street Performers Petition - MagicWeek readers: please
sign this online petition, it'll take just seconds,
Click Here. Petition organiser Gareth Forest writes: Save Covent
Garden Street Performers: Westminster Council is threatening to stamp
out affordable family entertainment in the West End, by imposing
expensive, heavy handed and unnecessary licenses on Covent Garden Street
Performers. A vote for licensing will see the colour and vibrancy of
magicians, musicians, jugglers, clowns, artists and players swept away, replaced by empty gentrified, sanitised high streets in Covent
Garden. Please read and sign this petition here:
www.megaphone.org.uk/petitions/save-covent-garden-street-performers
[Keeping street performers free of bureaucracy is so important and part of their
very being. Please sign this petition. DT.]
30.9.23
Unbelievable
arrives in London's West End!
YouTube.
Derren Brown on Friday's Newsnight (21min 30secs in) iPlayer.
"Unbelievable review – Derren Brown
presents an evening of magic by proxy"
www.theguardian.com.
"TV mentalist Derren Brown's new 'Unbelievable' show dubbed
'mind-blowing' by fans"
www.dailystar.co.uk.
"Derren Brown presents Unbelievable at the Criterion Theatre – review"
www.whatsonstage.com.
"Unbelievable review"
www.thestage.co.uk.
"Derren Brown’s Unbelievable"
www.timeout.com.
"Unbelievable, Criterion Theatre review - Derren Brown-directed show misses his otherworldly danger" www.theartsdesk.com
"Unbelievable review — Derren Brown goes missing in his own magic show"
[subscription]
www.thetimes.co.uk.
"Derren Brown Unbelievable review: Good ideas in a show that needs work"
www.cityam.com.
"Illusionist Derren Brown admits he got ‘burnouty’ before new show" www.msn.com.
Now booking to April 2024: www.unbelievablelive.com. 30.9.23
The
Magic of London - Fergus Flanagan's exceptional new showreel. Fergus
Flanagan has just released a brand new showreel, produced in
collaboration with Videographer Tim Burgess and Mitch Nieuwenhuizen,
titled 'The Magic of London'. The video perfectly showcases Fergus's
natural performing style set against a vibrant London backdrop, and in
doing so captures the very essence of magic and what being a performing
magician is all about. And all in a succinct 4 minutes. DT.
YouTube.
30.9.23
Martin Cox Tribute Show
- Abbots Langley, 21st November.
Andy Clockwise writes:
Martin Cox was one of the UK's funniest Magicians who not only
entertained audiences throughout the country, but also on Cruise Ships
travelling the world. Sadly Martin passed away in November 2022 and
although Martin is no longer with us in person, he is never far away
from the Watford Association of Magicians in spirit. Martin was a well
respected member of the Watford Association of Magicians (WAM), who hold
their monthly meetings at the Henderson Hub, and won every award that
they had to offer - Close-Up Magician of the Year, Stage Magician of the
Year, Comedy Magician of the Year, Technical Magician of the Year... and
some of these awards on more than one occasion.
Martin was very generous with his time and his knowledge, and shared many secrets of magic with his fellow WAM members. To remember the great man, the WAM committee wanted to put on an evening in tribute to him. All of the performers in the show were good friends of Martin, and shared a stage with him many times and they want to share their love of magic and Martin with you. So, bring the family and come along for a night not to be missed and join in the fun, and the laughter, as the Watford Association of Magicians present a Night of Magic in tribute to Martin Cox. Martin Cox Tribute Night, The Henderson Hub, Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire WD5 0AR on Tuesday 21st November at 8pm. Tickets are now on sale via www.ticketsource.co.uk. 30.9.23
Oliver
Tabor Lecture - South Downs Magicians, 4th October. Des King writes: On Wednesday 4th October South Downs Magicians will be having a
lecture by Oliver Tabor. Oliver is a multi-award-winning member of The
Magic Circle and International Brotherhood of Magicians; he is a British
Magical Champion and had his most recent accolade in the stage category
at the International FISM Championships of Magic. He has performed all
around the world from the US to Australia and is one of the few UK
magicians invited to lecture in Beijing. He was described by The Stage
as "brilliantly different".
Visiting magicians are welcome to come along at a fee of £8. The meeting will be in the Handcross Parish Hall, High Street, Handcross, Haywards Heath RH17 6BJ. Anyone wishing to come along please contact Jonathan Cann jcann27@gmail.com 01444 230409 or 07850 917126 in advance. www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 30.9.23
Etienne
Pradier Lecture - Ulster Society of Magicians, 2nd October. James Hobart writes: The next meeting of the Ulster Society
of Magicians
will be held on Monday 2nd October in the Marble Cedar Lounge at the
Errigle Inn, Belfast at 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. It will be the
first lecture of the season and we are delighted to have secured Etienne
Pradier to visit the club.
Born in France, Etienne became fascinated by magic at an early age and
rapidly made a name for himself as a truly gifted close-up magician, assured to be "going somewhere",
and he did ... twice!
He moved to England and achieved international recognition as one of the
world's finest close-up table magicians. After only 3 years as a member
of the elite Magic Circle, he was invited to take membership of The
Inner Magic Circle, with Gold Star in recognition of his excellence as
a professional magician.
Uniquely skilled, creative, charismatic, and immensely entertaining,
Etienne Pradier is now one of the UK's most successful London UK based
magicians.
Etienne has been performing his lecture all round the world for the last
20 years. the lecture is based around his professional experiences performing for
top-end companies and clients. He teaches not only the routines, but how
to deliver them, with a lot of personal and handy tips. You will see his
famous "signed card in bottle", "bottle through table", "card to
pocket", "barking dog", "finger snap", "broken glass", "wedding test"
and many more effects which can be found on his DVDs and books.
www.frenchmagician.co.uk.
The lecture is free to paid up members and £20 for visitors. This can be
paid in cash at the door or contact us to organise electronic transfer
to the Society account.
For further information please contact James Hobart
j.hobart@btinternet.com.
30.9.23
John
Carey Lecture - York Magic Circle. 2nd October. Gren Dowson writes: York Magic
Circle will be holding by lecture with John Carey. John has a brand new
lecture which is a must-see. The lecture has pretty much something for
every magician from cards to coins, dice and mentalism. John's material
is very simple yet very effective and something which almost anyone can
perform. Doors will open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. There will be a cash
door charge of £5 for non-members. The venue has a cheap bar with soft
drinks and hot drinks available. Monday 2nd October at York &
District Indoor Bowls Club (opposite Lidl), 302 Thanet Road, York YO24
2NW.
30.9.23
Britain's
Chris Cox can be seen once again touring with The Illusionists in
'Magic of the Holidays' tour across the US in November and December.
This is Chris's 8th year touring this hugely successful production.
www.magiccox.com.
30.9.23
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
John Wade on 'Five Magic Minutes' from 1980. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
30.9.23
Jamie
Allan on Craig Petty's Magic TV: 'Talk Magic'.
Every week Craig Petty sits down and chats with a well known magician; a
creator, a performer, or someone who has had a positive impact on the Magic
Community. This week: "Jamie Allan: The iMagician, touring, and his extremely
fulfilling career"
YouTube.
30.9.23
Albert's
Sponges - in stock at DiscountMagic.co.uk. For the first time in the
UK DiscountMagic.co.uk has the full range of Albert's Super Soft
Sponges. Albert's are high-quality super soft sponge balls manufactured
especially for magicians in 1.5", 2" & 3" sizes, with strong vibrant
colours including Red, Blue, Green, Pink, Purple, Yellow, Black and now
White and Turquoise. These sponges have a good spring and really pop
visually. Sold individually from 80p each you don't have to buy boxes of
sponges to get just what you need.
www.discountmagic.co.uk.
30.9.23
Samuel
Hurst: Magical AF! The Questors Theatre, London. From the promoter:
Straight off the stage of the Edinburgh Fringe, Sam Hurst 'the people's
magician', invites you into his world of machine-gun delivery,
infectious charisma and what can only be described as real magic. Sam is
a master of close-up magic, and his show is a non-stop thrill ride of
mind-boggling illusions and jaw-dropping stunts.
But what really sets Sam apart is his connection with his audience. He
has a way of making everyone feel like they're part of the show and his
genuine love of magic is infectious. Please note: Pay £3 to reserve your
space - then pay as you feel on the night to support the people's
magician! 5th & 6th October at 8pm at The Questors Theatre, 12 Mattock
Lane, London W5 5BQ
www.questors.org.uk.
30.9.23
Improve
Your Magic and Theatre Skills with a new online course. In
collaboration with the Royal Lyceum Theatre and Edinburgh International
Magic Festival, Kevin Quantum is developing a new digital course, using
cutting edge “choose your own adventure” technology, delivering content
focusing on the areas of theatre considered most valid for magicians:
presence, character and direction.
We now need your help. Sign up
www.magicfest.co.uk/magicandtheatre to be first to trial the new
course for free when it launches in October. Recommended for Ages 12+.
(For courses for younger children 7-10 year old check out
www.magicfest.co.uk/vms).
30.9.23
James
Ward, Lecture - The Modern Mystic League (Blackburn), 8th October.
Events Secretary Brian Lead writes: One of the stand-out events in our
2023 calendar is a lecture by James Ward, to be held on Sunday 8th
October, commencing at 2pm. All magicians are invited to join us, for a
voluntary donation – refreshments included.
James is a prolific inventor of magic, with several books to his name
and a regular column, 'Collaborative Conjuring', in the Key Ring
magazine, compiled with Chris Wardle. He has received The Magic Circle’s
Lyle Award for' Trick of the Year' in The Magic Circular, and the
prestigious Hoffmann Award. His skill lies in taking simple-to-perform
effects and making them entertaining.
James has also written for children, teenagers and adults and created
comedy scripts for TV and radio, both in the UK and Europe. His gags
have been used by the likes of Freddie Starr, Roy Hudd, June Whitfield,
Radios 2 and 4 and the World Service. In addition, James has performed
stand-up comedy across the country and at the Edinburgh Fringe. This is
one session you really won’t want to miss. We hope to see you here, at
2pm on 8th October: Woodlands United Reform Church Hall, 457 Preston Old
Road, Cherry Tree, Blackburn, Lancashire BB2 5ND. There is ample parking
space at the hall, which is situated behind the church.
30.9.23
Ian
Thom's Clown Lecture - Bexley Magic Society, 4th October. Andy
Lettington writes: Bexley Magic Society President Ian Thom will be
holding an evening on Wednesday 4th October entitled 'Clown - from
history to today'. Providing a brief history of clowning as we know it -
from Caveman to Clown. Doors open 7.30pm, evening starts 8pm at Bexley
Magic Society, Barton Close, Bexleyheath DA6 8JP. All Welcome.
30.9.23
Manchester
Circle of Magicians Magic Table Top Sale, Monday 16th October. From
the organisers: Free to attend and free to sell, for both members and
non-members. We might only have the small room at the back. Sellers do
not need to book; just turn up on the night. Each seller will be
allocated one table to display their goods. Larger goods can be
displayed to the side of the table if available. Both new and
second-hand goods are allowed. There is a large free car park. It is a
Carvery restaurant with 241 on all burger meals. There is a Lidl next
door. Monday 16th October at 7pm at The Mickerbrook, Councillor Lane,
Stockport SK8 5NU
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
30.9.23
Ben
Hart Jadoo A Tale of Indian Magic - tonight in Inverness. World-renowned, multi award-winning
magician and West End star Ben Hart returns to the stage in his most
personal show yet. Drawn from his experience of travelling India to
discover lost, real magic, Hart sheds his usual sleight of hand trickery
and lies in favour of stunning displays of wonderment, mysticism,
extra-sensory power, and a search for the truth...
Rooted in his family heritage in India, this mind-popping show is rich
in colour, infectious passion, and wicked humour. Ben Hart has an
unparalleled reputation for making extraordinary works of magic. A
member of The Inner Magic Circle, Ben has collaborated with and designed
magic for the RSC, Penn & Teller, Mission Impossible 7, and Mischief
Theatre to name a few. His work has been seen on television including
hosting his own series for the BBC and as a finalist on Britain’s Got
Talent as well as AGT The Champions, The One Show, and hundreds of other
TV appearances around the world.
Don’t miss this chance to catch the world’s foremost magic storyteller
in this all-new show. See What's On
for more dates.
30.9.23
Liam A Black opens The Haunting at The Kingsgate.
The Haunting is a state of the
art Halloween Haunted House attraction, featuring special effects, live
actors, illusion, sets and costumes, covering 9000+ square feet. See
www.hauntedevents.co.uk.
30.9.23
Mervyn Cole's Lymington Magic Sale Day, tomorrow in Lymington, Hampshire. Pennington Scouts Hut, Lodge Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 8HH. 9am for traders to set up for a 10am start on Sunday October 1st. "A day to catch up with friends and colleagues in the magic world, and to buy and sell your magic wares. Light refreshments available." For more details call Mervyn Cole on 01590 719497. 30.9.23
The Motion Show. Graeme Garden chairs the debating game with Gyles Brandreth, Scott Capurro, Arthur Smith and Paul Daniels. From June 2001. Tuesday 10th October, on BBC Radio 4 Extra. See TV Magic for details. 30.9.23
Clive
Leewarden 1932 – 2023. I am sad to report that Clive Leewarden
passed away on 1 September 2023. Clive, his late wife Ann and later son
Jamie ran two very successful businesses called Bond Agency & The Card
Collection. Bond Agency supplied gift items to souvenir shops in
castles, stately homes, and many other tourist attractions. The Card
Collection established in 1969 was best known for its large range of
playing card decks including specially printed gimmicked ones and also
many different types of magician’s accessories. I would like to send my
deepest sympathy to Clive’s son Jamie, his sister Karen and their
families. Tony Curtis.
30.9.23
"The
London Houdini who has performed for Margaret Thatcher and Tony Blair"
Click Here • "I did card tricks to impress girls and
wow nightclub bouncers"
Click Here • "Spread a Smile awarded ‘for significant contribution
to magic’"
Click Here • "Could ‘NHS Magicians’ Stop Doctors From Striking?"
YouTube • "The Magician Who Helped Defeat the Nazis"
Click Here • "Young Magician & Mentalist Suhani Shah On Business
Today"
Click Here • "Cocktail magician: GN Chan has numerous tricks up his
well-designed sleeve"
Click Here • "Popular Branson magician makes two-show stop Sept. 29
in Van Buren"
Click Here • "Magician Asi Wind's Inner Circle Sets Closing
Off-Broadway"
Click Here • "Alakazam! Why a Salem magicians society needs to
conjure new recruits"
Click Here • Many thanks for your UK magic news, always welcomed.
See you next week, Duncan.
23.9.23