MagicWeek - Magic News in the UK - Magic Shop Tricks

<body>MagicWeek - A magic magazine news website focusing on Magic in the UK. News, TV Magic, What's On, Articles, Mail Box, Magic Show Reviews, Product Reviews, Tricks, For Sale, Wanted, Magic Tricks and Magic Shops, A comprehensive directory of UK Magicians' and Magic Societies' websites (incliding links to The Magic Circle, The British Magical Society, and top magic clubs), links to other UK magic sites and magicians, links to UK magic conventions, a magic book shop, magic dealers and shops in the UK and USA, and Magic Profile. MagicWeek is designed and produced by Duncan Trillo and updated every Saturday. RECENT NEWS: Many congratulations to Paul Dabek winner of this year's Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition (seen here being presented with the Derrick Speight winner's trophy by Magic Circle president Michael Bailey). News: Eight competitors made it through to the finals last Sunday in a competition that was solid throughout. Ed Crafer placed 2nd and Joe Tracini 3rd. Expect to see much more of all the competitors in the future - they did a great job. 19.7.03 International Magic once again present an informal weekend of close-up magic at the Holiday Inn, Kings Cross, London on Saturday and Sunday, 6th and 7th December 2003. Their close-up competition reaches its 20th year this December and they've renamed the trophy "The Kevin Reay Close-up Award" as a tribute to, and in memory of, Kevin, who was their first ever winner back in 1984 and who died tragically last month. The competition is now open for entries, Telephone 020 7405 7324 or visit: www.internationalmagic.com. Jeff Sheridan lectures for International today - see last week's news. 19.7.03 The Scandinavian Magic Circle have just emailed with news of their bid to stage FISM 2006, and already have a website up and running at www.fism.com "The website contains the presentation and budget for the next FISM in Stockholm 2006. A lot of support is coming from the City of Stockholm who is giving a support of 50,000 euro and so far SAS and Volvo will be official sponsors. If Scandinavia is trusted to arrange the event in Stockholm 2006 there is a rumour Volvo will raffle off a car among the participants of the Stockholm FISM World Championship. A lot of events are being planed and the City of Stockholm wants to open up the event and make it a week of magic and street performances all over Stockholm. A lot of performers will probably be contracted." There are a number of other countries in the running. FISM 2003 starts on Monday: www.fism2003.com. 19.7.03 Two top Illusionists are banking on getting it right with their prediction predicting the winner of this year's Big Brother - or they'll pay £10,000 to charity. David and Angelique Diamond of North-East based 'Corporate Illusion' handed over their prediction in a sealed envelope on July 10th to the HSBC Gateshead branch... never to be touched by them again! The signed and sealed envelope is now securely locked in the bank's safe and will not be opened until the day after Davina has announced the winner live on Channel 4. The prediction not only includes the winner's name but also the number of votes that he or she has received - plus the order in which the final housemates will leave. "We are confident that the prediction will be correct and if we're wrong we'll pay £10,000 to a charity of the winning house-mate's choice," said David. 19.7.03 A new deck of cards specifically designed for card productions and measuring just 10mm thick (that's the thickness as a standard CD case!) is now available exclusively from www.manipulationcards.com. The "www.manipulationcards.com" deck has been produced using a very fine, yet strong, card stock and handle beautifully. For more information visit www.manipulationcards.com. 19.7.03 Uri Geller showed the power of positive thought by making a radish seed germinate in the palm of his hand during a visit to a prison near Newton Abbot on Thursday. To read the full story in the Herald Express Click Here. 19.7.03 MagicBox are holding a Video Sale featuring titles from Ed Marlo, Dia Vernon, Daryl, Michael Ammar, Michael Close, Henry Evans, Dan Harlan, Brad Burt, James Swain, Martin Nash and others. All the tapes are brand new. With DVD's becoming more popular the company have decided to offer magicians some real bargains. To see what's on offer Click Here. 19.7.03 The Magic Circle Annual Dealers' Day will be held this year on Saturday 1st November at the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Square, London (Map). Car parking is available both at the hotel and in the street. Entrance is free for Magic Circle members on production of a current membership card and just £5 for non-members (£3 for under 18s). The doors open at 10am and close at 5pm. Around 40 dealers will be there, including a number of online dealers that until now you may have only known via the internet. 19.7.03 Tony Griffith's Creative Magic Teach-In Day held on July 6th is reviewed by Grant Willcox this week: Click Here. Adrian Burholt, President of The Bath Circle of Magicians said "A first class day of highly useable and practical material. The definitive course on corporate magic." Tony plans to hold another day in November. Telephone 01275 837017 for details. 19.7.03 Breaking the Magician's Code... Magic's Biggest Secrets Finally Revealed is being repeated yet again on ITV, on Sunday 27th July: TV Magic • Good luck to all the magicians from the UK entering FISM this year - we'll bring you the results next Saturday • Your magic news is always welcomed. That's it for this week, see you next week, Duncan. mail@magicweek.co.uk. 19.7.03 MagicWeek - designed and produced by Duncan Trillo © 2000-2003 Hosted by v1tec.com Last Week: Number 159 - 12th July 2003 Max Maven heads the line-up at the second Escape from the Asylum day on Sunday, November 16th (10am to 7pm). Once again a full day of mental magic is promised at the Waterfall Studios, 2 Silver Road, London W12 7SG. We'll bring you full registration details and more news when it comes in (make a note of the date in your diary now though!). Last year's event was a great success. 12.7.03 Mandy Muden is organising two all-star shows at The Magic Circle on September 6th to raise money for DreamFlight - the charity that takes terminally ill children to Disneyland, Florida. The first show at 3pm is a family magic show (children welcome!) which will also feature close-up magic and pre-show entertainment. Tickets are £6 for children and £12 for adults. The second show at 8pm is an adults only show that includes pre-show close-up magic as well. Tickets £12. Email Mandy Muden directly for tickets: mandy.muden@virgin.net. 12.7.03 Mel Harvey's new "Mafia" magic act joins Jimmy Cricket and Don Maclean in The Funny Guys at The Princes Theatre, Hunstanton, on Saturday 19th July and at the Marina Theatre, Lowestoft on Sunday 20th July. Mel takes over from Bernie Clifton in the show. If you're in the area then this is magic to die for! 12.7.03 Nicholas Einhorn's Spooked - The Ultimate Haunted Deck is now out on video. "From a borrowed deck, a card is freely chosen and returned. The deck is isolated on the floor, away from the magician. Under complete control, the deck eerily begins to cut itself to a card in the centre. The card 'jumps' out and away from the deck and is revealed to be the chosen card. Everything can be handed out for immediate examination." Available from www.alakazam.co.uk who have just given their website a new look. 12.7.03 Scott Penrose is currently researching the magic of Joseph Michael Hartz, well known in the mid to late nineteenth century for his trick The Devil of a Hat, and would like to hear from anyone that has any information on him. In particular he'd like to track down the whereabouts of Hartz's magic shop catalogues or books (such as Hartz’s New Book of Magic or Tricks and Diversions with Cards). Rather like Scott's recently recreated 'Devant Educated Fish' seen at The Magic Circle a few weeks ago (photo) he is now hoping to recreate some of Hartz’s forgotten miracles. Email Scott Penrose: enquiry@stagemagician.com. 12.7.03 False Impressions present 'The Magic Cavern' at London's Barons Court Theatre starting in August with a two week run featuring magic and illusions from Richard Leigh. The Magic Cavern, Barons Court Theatre, 28A Comeragh Road, West Kensington, London W14 9RH. Just two minutes walk from Barons Court Tube or West Kensington Tube. Thursday 21st to Monday 25th August at 8.00pm (matinee on Saturday 23rd at 4.00pm). And Thursday 28th to Sunday 31st August at 8.00pm (matinee on Saturday 30th at 4.00pm). Tickets £10.00 (Concessions £8.50). Box Office 020 89932 4747 or baronstheatre@hotmail.com. If you are interested in presenting/showcasing your magic or close-up act at The Magic Cavern on one of the above dates email: richard@falseimpressions.com for more information. 12.7.03 Paul Gordon's latest book, Card Magic Companion, together with his other books, is now available from www.countrybookshop.co.uk. The new hardback features 50 tricks, 45 tips and hints and 156 illustrations in its 208 pages. For more information visit: www.natzler.com/cmc. 12.7.03 Top Secret Magic now have The New Encyclopedia Of Stage Hypnotism by Ormond McGill in stock. "The most extensive book ever to be published on stage hypnotism. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone contemplating a career in the field. Truly a goldmine of knowledge." Paul McKenna. "The most comprehensive text ever to be published on stage hypnotism, this book also has widespread therapeutic applications and contains work never previously published, providing new skills for even the most experienced practitioner of hypnosis. The book's structure ensures that the reader fully understands each aspect before progressing on to the next area. Ormond McGill totally demystifies hypnotism, dispels many of the myths associated with it, and, in his own inimitable style leads us into his spellbinding world of hypnotism." Available now from: www.topsecretmagic.co.uk (under 'New In' on their website). 12.7.03 Andy Charlton is back for a fourth consecutive year at the Party in the Park in Boston, Lincolnshire this weekend. Andy will be entertaining the crowd with walkabout magic for all ages on Saturday and Sunday. There will also be bands, fairground rides, a Beer Festival, catering and Radio Lincolnshire broadcasting live from the event. For more details Click Here. 12.7.03 Here's a quick reminder - Jeff Sheridan lectures for International Magic on Saturday afternoon, July 19th, at the Cittie of Yorke Pub, 22 High Holborn, London WC1. (See Map). Sheridan was one of the highlights at last year's International Magic Convention. To be sure of your ticket call International Magic on 020 7405 7324 a.s.a.p. or email: enquiries@internationalmagic.com - they are nearly sold out (£10 each). Photo (1977) by William Bigart, from Street Magic now published by Kaufman and Company in the States. 12.7.03 Sean Heydon will be performing his comedy magic on stage at a poetry festival at Northamptonshire's Wicksteed Park on Sunday July 13th and will then perform mix 'n' mingle magic (with a touch of poetry) throughout the day. 12.7.03 TV show Stars In Their Eyes goes live on tour this year and launches with a Gala premiere at 7pm on Sunday 27th July 2003 at Her Majesty's Theatre in the heart of London's West End. Magician Daren Rotherham will be performing his close-up magic at both the pre-show party and during the interval. The Gala Show, supporting the NSPCC, will feature past winners together with some of the best contestants ever to have appeared on series. For tickets call: 020 7494 5051. For more information from Daren email: tr006d4190@blueyonder.co.uk. 12.7.03 David Copperfield is interviewed in The Houdini Myth on Wednesday, July 23rd, on the UK History channel in a documentary that explores the huge impact that Houdini made in his time (and since). Featuring interviews with historians and newly restored archive footage of Houdini's escapes: TV Magic • This week there's another is the series of articles from Kevin Galagher, this time discussing "making contact" Click Here • "Harry Potter Fan's Magic Attempt Sets House Ablaze" to read the full story from Reuters Click Here • Best of luck to all the competitors in The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition on Sunday - we'll bring you the results next week • Your magic news is always welcomed. That's it for this week - have a magic week, Duncan. mail@magicweek.co.uk. 12.7.03 The Save Watersmeet Action Group are presenting a "Magic Spectacular" on Friday July 4th at 8pm at the Watersmeet Theatre, High Street, Rickmansworth. Monkey Magic's Jonathan Goodwin and Alfonso Rios head a line up that will feature seven magicians and Carlton TV Child Prodigy Award Winner Jessica Cornish. Tickets are £15 each from the Box Office: 01928 771542. Visit the SWAG website for more information: Click Here. 14.6.03 "The Black Country's Ian Saville is a rising star in the world of magic and is soon to appear in a major new TV show. He talks to Rob Davies." To read the full story in the Express & Star Click Here. Sav can be seen in ITV's Astounding Celebrities from Sunday June 22nd. 14.6.03 B-Magic are now advertising with MagicWeek. They are currently offering two versions of the "Magic Square" one for stage work and the other for cabaret and close-up. For more information visit: www.322.info/b-magic today! 14.6.03 Shoot Ogawa has been booked to perform at the British Ring Convention in September, but for those who can't wait a video of his International lecture (recorded live in December) is now available from International Magic. Shoot really does perform state of the art close-up magic and this tape comes highly recommended. 14.6.03 The Order of the Magi, Manchester, held their Close-up Magic Competition on Tuesday evening. Philip Partridge and Harold Cataquet were the joint winners and Neil Drennan was the runner up. Ian Ball (photo) won the Sly Smith Shield for the best card trick. 14.6.03 The Oxford Stage Company presents The Cherry Orchard by Anton Chekhov at the Riverside Studios, London and later at the Oxford Playhouse, Oxford. The Cherry Orchard contains some magic and Richard Leigh was the Magical Advisor - see What's On for details. 14.6.03 Become an instant street magician! With this street magic set that includes a set of Cups and Balls and a Street Magic back pack. Sacrilege! Whatever next? Produced by Hanky Panky Toys Click Here. 14.6.03 A campaign is underway to erect a huge bronze statue of Tommy Cooper to mark his links with his birth place, Caerphilly. The project has his daughters full support and is featured in an article from the BBC, Click Here. Meanwhile in London, Chiswick councilor Adrian Lee said "any monument deserved to be in the place that he chose to live" ... for that story visit Chortle. Jerome Flynn discusses his role in the West End Show Jus' Like That! on Blue Peter on BBC2 on Monday June 23rd. 14.6.03 Alex Crow, one of the stars of ITV's upcoming series Astounding Celebrities can also be seen on Kerrang and Sky's Scuzz channel. Alex is featured in the new single by Fallen To - Smoke & Mirrors, and can be seen smashing light bulbs, glasses and looking mean and moody. 14.6.03 Kovari Magic Productions have asked us to pass on their new address, phone and fax details: Kovari Magic Productions Limited, 27 St. Andrews Street, Leighton Buzzard, Bedfordshire LU7 1DS, England. Telephone: 01525 852852 Fax: 01525 852600. www.kovarimagic.co.uk. 14.6.03 Paul Daniels' long time manager and agent, Mervyn O'Horan, passed away last Sunday. Paul said, "Sadly my time with Mervyn has come to a close. He passed away on Sunday morning and he will be sadly missed." Paul Daniels will now be managed and represented by Andrew Lock, who has been working with Paul for several years. Andrew can be emailed at: management@pauldaniels.co.uk. 14.6.03 Yesterday was Friday 13th - but that didn't bother Dr. Richard Wiseman, a psychologist at the University of Hertfordshire, and associate of The Inner The Magic Circle, Click Here to find out why. The Luck Factor: A Scientific Study of the Lucky Mind by Dr. Richard Wiseman is now available in paperback from Amazon.co.uk • "Reality magic is becoming increasingly fashionable, but television executives need to be honest about what they are actually delivering" writes Simon Singh in the Daily Telegraph, Click Here • "Members of the exclusive Magic Circle gathered in Hampstead on Monday [2nd] to unveil a blue plaque commemorating their first president: 'the greatest British magician'". To read the report in the Hampstead & Highgate Express Click Here (Note: Michael Bailey is the president, and not the chairman as reported in the article) • That's it for this week, your magic news and reviews are always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan mail@magicweek.co.uk. 14.6.03 MagicWeek - designed and produced by Duncan Trillo © 2000-2003 Hosted by v1tec.com Last Week: Number 154 - 7th June 2003 The unstoppable Paul Daniels will present two different shows at this year's Edinburgh Fringe Festival. The first his one man show, An Audience with Paul Daniels, and the second, a new show, The Magic of Max Malini "In Casablanca and Shanghai Max would entertain and hustle more than a living. Paul Daniels tells his story and reconstructs the magic that entertained presidents and kings, and anyone else who happened to be passing!" Keith Fields presents two different shows at the festival as well: m@gic.comedy and Not Another Kids Show? Steve Rawlings and Dave Brown are running a one hour Circus and Magic School workshop and will also be performing in the evenings and close-up magic returns to the Café Royal in Magic@CaféRoyal featuring Tim Saiet in week one, Rob Cox in week two and Steven Dick in week three. Full details with relevant links under What's On, or visit the official website www.edfringe.com. 7.6.03 "Television presenter-turned programme producer Andrew O'Connor has a lot on his mind. The one-time Young Magician of the Year now heads up one of the UK's fastest-growing independent production companies thanks to the success of his Channel 4 show featuring 'mind control' expert Derren Brown, who scooped a Silver at last month's Montreux television festival." To read the full story in The Guardian Click Here. 7.6.03 Geoffrey Durham's Little Miracles takes to the stage tonight at the Lawrence Batley Theatre in Huddersfield. The new show is bigger and more mind-boggling than ever before and features everything from stunning close-up magic to the levitation of a member of the audience! 7.6.03 Jamie Allan has just been awarded the contract for the new Cunard liner Queen Mary 2 which makes her maiden voyage on January 12th, 2004. Jamie plans a high-tech show featuring many custom made illusions including the vanish and reappearance of an R22 helicopter. 7.6.03 More Monkey Magic is in the pipeline - a second series has just been commissioned by five with plans for transmission early next year. Pete McCahon (aka Papa) also has another new role - as editor of The Magic Circular, The Magic Circle's house magazine. 7.6.03 Card College Volume 5 by Roberto Giobbi is now available from www.alakazam.co.uk. Everything is taught with the same clarity and attention to detail that has made the rest of the series so popular and this volume is the largest to date with 334 pages and hundreds of illustrations. Also in stock and available from Alakazam Mastering the Art of Pickpocketing on DVD with James Coats "An exclusive step-by-step guide to pickpocketing! This DVD will reveal for the first time anywhere the real secrets of street pickpockets and how they can be used to entertain." 7.6.03 Mike Austin lectures at the DownTown Magic Club in Ashford, Kent on June 12th. This promises to be a great evening and will include coins, cards, and sleights. As always visiting magicians are welcome and on presentation of another club's membership card will be admitted at special rates. For more details contact Miki Travis on 01233 620120 or e-mail mikitravis@ntlworld.com. 7.6.03 Four different magic events will be staged at this year's Inverurie Festival, just outside Aberdeen. The magic begins next Saturday morning with a family magic show by award winning magician Bill Duncan at 10.30am in the Town Hall. Between 2pm and 4pm the "Comagi Bunco Booth" will feature close-up and street magic for all ages. At 7.45pm you can sit back and enjoy an "Extreme Close-Up Magic Show" and this will be followed by walk-about magic at a number of local hotels. With the exception of the morning show, which is only £2.00, all the other events are free. So go along and enjoy the talents of Derry Bongo, Gareth Edwards, James Pell, Ewen McLean and Alan Innes (photo). For further information contact Alan Innes alan@comagi.co.uk website: www.comagi.co.uk. 7.6.03 Kent based magician Marc Lemezma helped make history this week at celebrations to mark the 50th anniversary of the Queen's coronation. His nimble fingers created literally hundreds of balloon animals for children attending a garden party at Buckingham Palace. "I don't think I've ever blown up so many balloons so fast, but the kids loved them. I was very honoured to be asked to take part and although I was thrilled when Her Majesty told me she was impressed with my balloons, what really mattered was that the children were too." More in The Sun. 7.6.03 Step by Step to Stand-up Comedy. "Essential for the aspiring comic or the working comedian interested in updating his or her comedy routine, Step by Step to Stand-up Comedy is the most comprehensive and useful book ever written on the art of the stand-up comedian." To order from MagicWeek in association with Amazon.co.uk Click Here. 7.6.03 Derren Brown's show at the Palace Theatre on Sunday evening (tomorrow) in the heart of London's West End is now sold out • Pat Page's recent workshop at the Five of Hearts Magic Studio is reviewed this week by Ian Brodie, Click Here • "A stage show featuring Paul Daniels during the forthcoming Merlin, Magic and Mystery Festival in Carmarthen has been moved to a bigger venue for the second time." To read the full story from the BBC Click Here • Ali Bongo and Jack Delvin were involved in a car accident on Monday evening and Ali had to be cut out of the car - both were badly bruised with Ali suffering from a broken nose and black eyes and Jack torn ligaments. After an overnight stay in hospital the two are now in their respective homes, resting • There's another article in the Kevin Gallagher series this week, this time looking at originality Click Here • Granada Television are currently making a new series called "The Test" that will feature (amongst others) a magician as he strives to turn professional. The show follows people with an ambition from their early beginnings to their final "Test." Martyn Moore is the magician. Good luck. Transmission dates when we have them • International News: "Other teenagers hang pictures of rock stars on their bedroom walls, but Alex Gonzalez proudly displays posters of Houdini and Shimada." To read the full story in the Contra Costa Times Click Here • That's it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan mail@magicweek.co.uk. 7.6.03 Box Jumpers: Pick of the Week. Radio 4's Box Jumpers, a two-part look at the world of the magician's assistant presented by Debbie McGee, has been selected as the radio "Pick of the Week" in the current edition of Radio Times. Written and researched by Ian Keable and David Britland and produced by Karl Phillips the programme looks at how assistants become 'magician's assistants' in the first place, what makes a good assistant, 'character' assistants, what is actually involved in the role (both on and off stage), sexism, ageism, attempts at role reversal, performing as magicians in their own right and lots more. And includes interviews with Gay Blackstone, Linda Lusardi, Jinger Lee (of Mark Kalin & Jinger), Teller (from Penn & Teller), Kinga (from Nicholas Night & Kinga), Joannie Spina (used to work with David Copperfield), Nancy Hammond (used to work with Doug Henning), Mandy Muden, Stacey Jones (from the Majestix), Moi-Yo Miller (assistant to Dante), Nani Darnell Wilson (Mark Wilson's wife), Pam Thompson (partner in The Great Tomsoni act) and Psychic Tanya (works with The Amazing Jonathan). Radio 4, 11.30 am part one on 23rd March part two on March 30th. 20.3.04 Graham P. Jolley, Safire and Martin Cox are all on the bill at this year's Surrey Society of Magicians Annual Dinner next Saturday, 27th March, at the Reigate Manor Hotel, Reigate. 7pm for 7:30pm, black tie preferred but not obligatory. Tickets are £35.00 each from Stephen Barney stephen@ashv.demon.co.uk telephone 07966 202121 or James Fortune james@magicfun.co.uk telephone 020 8763 1995. It's a great line up and is already virtually sold out... so hurry! 20.3.04 Late Night Magic in the West End. Richard Leigh in association with The Jermyn Street Theatre is presenting a season of magic and illusion cabaret shows at the theatre entitled Late Night Magic in the West End every Friday and Saturday evening from March 26th to June 12th. The evening includes a three course meal in the Getti restaurant above the theatre, with close-up magicians visiting the tables. Enjoy a pre show drink before taking your seats downstairs in the theatre for Late Night Magic. This opening season will feature the classic magic of Oliver Tabor and the visual comedy magic of Matt Edwards. The meal is served from 9.15pm with the magic and illusion cabaret at 11pm. Three course meal, coffee, close-up magic and Late Night Magic cabaret £30 inc. pre-booked only (24 hours notice). Cabaret only, doors open at 10.45pm, £12.50, tickets available on the door (subject to availability). Box Office 020 7287 2875 or www.falseimpressions.com for more information. 20.3.04 Practical-Magic.com are now advertising with MagicWeek. Jeremy and Cheryl Le Poidevin purchased Practical Magic in 1996 and now specialise in quality magic for Children's Entertainers, close-up magic and general magic supplies such as rope and silks. The company has won the British Ring IBM Dealers' Trophy three times and are constantly adding to their own range of magic, as well as sourcing interesting magic from around the world. Practical Magic regularly produce a large A4 catalogue - the current edition has 64 pages and over 200 photographs... and it's free! Email info@practical-magic.com and visit the website today: www.practical-magic.com. 20.3.04 James Freedman's recent Magic Circle lecture is reviewed this week by Matt Edmondson "James, immaculately dressed and clearly spoken introduced himself and then proceeded to return watches, phones, packs of playing cards, sponge balls (only magicians…), wallets and other assorted items that he had stolen from unsuspecting Magic Circle members prior to the lecture..." to read the full review Click Here. (Photo courtesy of Gordon Drayson). 20.3.04 Subtle Miracles by Peter Duffie. Peter Duffie is one of the world's most creative card men and Subtle Miracles gathers together some of his most inventive work. Seventeen ingenious routines are featured in this collection many of which were originally marketed as exclusive manuscripts - now brought together. There is also a selection of brand new material using equally clever methods. Price £22.50 available from www.martinbreese.com. 20.3.04 For a second year running Vizage will present their unique blend of magic, illusion, dance and live vocals at The Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne. This year's show is called The Magic of Variety and will run from March to the end of October. Stalls & Dress Circle £12, Upper Circle £11, £1 reduction for senior citizens, children £6. Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Seaside Road, Eastbourne. Box Office telephone 01323 412000. For more information and to book Click Here. 20.3.04 The Leeds Magical Association present their 8th Convention on May 15th and 16th and have moved to an excellent new venue: the Ramada Leeds Parkway Hotel. The hotel has a self contained conference and banqueting suite in which all the activities will take place and overnight guests will have use of the extensive leisure facilities and pool. The events begin on the Saturday evening with the President's Dinner and International Cabaret. Shirley Ray is President this year and diners can look forward to a top notch meal and five-act cabaret. The Sunday Convention features 17 dealers, a dealer demonstration, two star lectures, all star close-up, 'Learn with the Experts' and a closing cabaret show. The artistes lined-up for the weekend are: Jay Scott Berry (photo), Richard Pinner, Luke Jermay, Mark Mason, CoSMiK, Fred Corvenieo, Martin Cox, Kerry Scorah and John Hotowka. Full details and a registration form are available from the website www.leedsmagic.co.uk and the booking office is now open! 20.3.04 The Great Nardini, Brian Sefton and Martyn James & Company (photo) have all just been added to the line up at this year's IBM Irish Ring Convention following on from their "Best of British" performances at the Blackpool Convention. Special registration rates apply until the end of March, visit www.online-usm.com for more information. 20.3.04 Hull Magicians' Circle are holding their 70th Anniversary Dinner at the University of Hull on Friday, April 23rd. With close-up magic, a competition for the Jasper Maskelyne Silver Ward for Originality and a full show featuring Fluke, John Archer, Roy Davenport and Martyn James & Company. Reception 7.00pm for 7.30pm. Dress: dinner jacket or dark lounge suit. Tickets £25.00 each from Rex Stott, Hon. Secretary, telephone 01482 869232. 20.3.04 The North Wales Magic Circle Show takes place at The Little Theatre in Rhyl at 7pm on April 15th. Staring: Safire Illusionists, Robert John, Mark Thorold, Terry Jones, Magico, Howard Faye and compere Noel Massey. Tickets are £4 for adults and £2 for children under 16, family tickets (2+2) are £10. The box office number is 01745342229. 20.3.04 John Styles is Jonathan Witchell's guest on BBC Radio Kent (96.7 - 97.6 - 104.2 Fm - 1602 MW) this Sunday afternoon between 3pm and 4pm in a "Desert Island Discs" type programme, reviewing John's life as a Magician and Punch & Judy "Professor". John has recently been providing magical advice on a new episode of "Misdomer Murders" and his balloon modeling TV commercial for "Purple Loans" is back on air. Also, his Regency puppets and booth should be seen in a forthcoming episode on "The Regency House Party" on Channel 4. (Photo by Charles Green, Edgeware). 20.3.04 Magic Spells, the children's classic, is back, in stock and available by return from www.topsecretmagic.co.uk together with another classic Bongo's Giant Hat! Visit their site for more information and click on "New In." Also coming soon from Top Secret Magic the exclusive range of Joe Porper originals. Visit the website to see what's new. 20.3.04 Philip Partridge will be appearing at Europe's largest informatics event - Healthcare Computing at Harrogate International Centre this week drawing crowds onto the PC World Business stand from 22nd - 24th March inclusive www.philippartridge.co.uk. 20.3.04 "Channel 4's psychological illusionist, Derren Brown will be driving a Nissan Primera for the duration of his forthcoming UK tour." Click Here • A new Magic Forum has been added to the 'forum links' this week Click Here • Max the Magician www.maxthemagician.co.uk will be performing Magic and Mindreading at the Out & Out Restaurant, Crossbush, Arundel on Saturday 3rd April 5.30pm till 7.30pm. For further details ring Kim Fleming on 01903 884381 • That's it for this week - thanks to everyone who sent in news last week, Duncan mail@magicweek.co.uk. 20.3.04 MagicWeek - Designed and produced by Duncan Trillo © 2000-2004 Hosted by Trilltec.com Last Week: Number 194 - 13th March 2004 Mind Master Derren Brown sets off across the UK this week as he embarks on a 43 date nationwide tour. This is the same show that sold out in theatres last year (and that was before he tried not to blow his brains out on national television for our amusement!), so if you want to see the show this time around, book now. Here are the dates for March: 15th Aberystwyth: Arts Centre (01970 623232), 16th Llandudno: North Wales Theatre (01492 872000), 17th Telford: Oakengates Theatre (01952 619020), 21st Norwich: Theatre Royal (01603 630000), 22nd Oxford: New Theatre (0870 606 3500), 25th Croydon: Ashcroft Theatre (0208 688 9291), 26th Croydon: Ashcroft Theatre (0208 688 9291), 27th Reading: Hexagon (0118 960 6060), 29th Portsmouth: Guildhall (02392 824355). Derren's live work is even stronger than his televised shows... absolutely not to be missed! Updates on: www.derrenbrown.co.uk. Derren's new show Derren Brown: Trick of the Mind will air in April with guests Stephen Fry and Martin Kemp. 13.3.04 South Tyneside International Magic Week starts this Monday (15th), with the 'Magic Convention' element starting on Friday, March 19th. Banachek, Sylvester the Jester, Christian, Greg Wilson, Luke Jermay, Boris Wild and Marc Paul will all perform and most will lecture as well. Organised by South Tyneside Council's Events and Operations Unit, in conjunction with Martin Duffy (President of the Newcastle Magic Circle) this is going to be a great event. The week will consist of performances in schools, residential homes and libraries, concluding with the main convention, at the Little Haven Hotel, Sea Road, South Shields from Friday 19th to Sunday 21st March. The two Gala performances, which are open to convention delegates and members of the public, will be held in Jarrow CA on Friday 19th March and Saturday 20th March. For more information, and registration details, visit: www.southtyneside.info and icTeesside. 13.3.04 News from John Derris re the Jack Avis estate. "I am in the process of assessing the extent of the late Jack Avis's library of magic books and publications. So far I have listed 1100 hard back books covering cards (every serious book for the last 60 years and beyond), close-up magic, coin magic, gambling (extensive), biography, general magical, mentalism and history. Included are many old books dating from 1887 on both technique and history (some autographed) also books published in the early part of the 20th century and contemporary books, again with some being autographed. This is before I have started investigating a similar number of manuscripts, lecture notes, documents, historical tear sheets and several private notebooks containing Avis ideas and routines over the last half century. There is also a collection of 30 years private correspondence with Ed Marlo and also Dai Vernon and Stewart James. A listing is in preparation but I would be pleased to hear from anyone who has a serious interest in the acquisition of this important library of one of Britain's most renowned and knowledgeable amateur magicians." Contact John Derris, telephone 020 8467 7856 fax 020 8467 9997 email europro@tiscali.co.uk. 13.3.04 EM-Magic.com are now advertising with MagicWeek. Founded by professional magician Erez Moshe the company offers a unique range of products. Visit www.em-magic.com today! 13.3.04 Available from Stanley Gibbons Investment Department: A skeleton key from the personal collection of escapologist Harry Houdini. The key was obtained from the estate of famous key and lock collector Paul Harter who originally purchased Houdini's locks and keys from Houdini's brother Hardeen. Mounted, framed and glazed together with a photograph of Houdini and a gold plaque which reads "Authentic key from the personal collection of the great Harry Houdini (1874 - 1926)" £2,750.00 www.stanleygibbons.com. 13.3.04 Leamington and Warwick Magic Society present The Midlands Dealers Day on Sunday 4th April, from 10am to 4pm at Cubbington Sports and Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 7LN (Map) www.magicword.com/lawms. With easy access from: M6, M69, M42, M40. Refreshments and Licensed Bar. Lecture at 12 noon by John Derris MIMC. Workshops at 3pm with Frank Allen. Admission £5. Dealers: Practical Magic, Keith Bennett, Albion Magic Company, Stephen Tucker and Gary Young. 13.3.04 Get Nyman - the new Andy Nyman DVD triple set is reviewed by Chris Jones this week, Click Here. Meanwhile Andy is currently in Prague shooting the lead in a new movie Shut Up and Shoot Me starring opposite Karel Roden (Blade 2 and Bulletproof Monk). The movie is a dark comedy about a man (Nyman) who visits Prague only to have his wife die in an accident. He then employs a hapless taxi driver to kill him as he cannot bring himself to commit suicide! Due for release next year. 13.3.04 Seventh Heaven by Lewis Jones is reviewed in MagicWeek today. "Compiled from the best of seven previously published softback booklets, Seventh Heaven has given Lewis the opportunity to revisit, refine and tweak his routines... It's a great collection of magic, that will delight I am sure." Click Here. 13.3.04 The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians website has been updated and moved to www.wcm-magic.co.uk. Although sections of the site are restricted to WCM members, well over 60 pages are available to visitors (a few pages in) allowing them to gain an insight into what is one of the most active magic societies in the country. 13.3.04 Last week's Klub Magic show in Brighton is reviewed this week by Martin Breese, Click Here. The next show is on April 5th and features Terry Seabrook, Mark Stafford (photo) and Chris North & Belinda and then a month later there's a 'May Special' which is forming part of the Brighton Festival and featuring Fay Presto, Duncan Trillo and Safire. Book early for all these shows as audience numbers are growing all the time. Visit Klub Magic at The Komedia Theatre: www.klubmagic.co.uk for more information. 13.3.04 The Mysti Show, a new BBC1 Saturday morning show, starts on Saturday 17th April running for 21 weeks. Jez Rose is the show's resident mentalist, reading the minds of celebrities and creating psychological chaos on the streets of the UK; filming has already started. Jez's new CD ROM for businesses on the applications of psychology has already sold over 300 copies in its first month. The CD will be turned into book and sold through the Government-run Business Link Solutions. Also this week Jez reviews the Virtual Soundman, a clever gizmo that's ideal for magicians, Click Here. Jez Rose: www.jezrose.co.uk. 13.3.04 Brekk Sarney was featured in the Royal Mail's house magazine last month in an article that talked about his life long passion for magic. "Brekk has been performing tricks since he was a small child, and has just been accepted as a full member of The Magic Circle - establishing him as one of the country's elite magicians. It was a huge test of his skill, but Brekk claims putting on a show for the country's top magicians was not as daunting as playing for his work colleagues. 'The toughest crowd I get is at the delivery office because if I mess up in front of them they would never let me forget it!'" www.brekksmagic.co.uk. 13.3.04 The 29th Magic Circle Collectors' Day will be held at The Magic Circle's HQ, The Centre for the Magic Arts, on Saturday, May 29th. Arthur Emerson (USA) will talk about Chandu, Blackstone, Mandrake and Thurston. Nelson Nicholson (USA) talks about famous magic makers Mysto Magic. Jacques Voignier (France) lectures on Le Commandeur Cazeneuve and Scott Penrose presents 'Recollections of Michael Hartz' www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 13.3.04 Mr Lolly, one of London's top children's entertainers, has a brand new website Click Here • Lord of the Rings magician Saruman takes on David Blaine in 2DTV on Sunday 21st March on ITV1, see TV Magic • "Five months after being attacked by a white tiger during a Las Vegas magic act, Roy Horn is doing well. In his first interview since the near-death experience, the animal tamer said he was focusing on recovery." www.dw-world.de • "Revealing tricks can intrigue the curious or spoil the mystique" Click Here • From The Times: (spotted by Dale Shrimpton) • That's it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. mail@magicweek.co.uk. 13.3.04 © www.magicweek.co.uk 2000-20004 </body>