Number 269 - 20th August 2005
Next
year's Blackpool Convention will feature two International Gala Shows
(the British Magical Stage Championships is taking a break). Mick Miller
will compere the Saturday night and Johnny Casson the Sunday. Performers
booked to date include the ever inventive Peter Marvey from Switzerland
(photo), Victor Voitko from Russia, Jerome Murat from France with his
sensational statue act, Billy McComb, Aaron Crow (FISM award
winner), Marc & Alex (a seven person illusion act) from Germany, Men in
Coats and Ken Dodd, with more names still to be announced.
International close-up performers and lecturers already booked include:
Martin A. Nash from Canada (known as The Charming Cheat), Jean Pierre
Vallarino from France (FISM Prize Winner), Paul Green from the USA (Magic
Castle Lecturer of the Year 2002), Chris Capehart from the USA (aka The
Ringmaster), Chase Curtis from the USA (18 year old winner of the coveted
Gold Cups at the American IBM convention), Rick Merrill from the USA
(another young star who won both the SAM and IBM close-up competitions),
and Billy McComb.
On the Friday afternoon a new addition will be a Star Lecture and an
International Forum featuring Stan Allen, Hank Moorehouse, Billy McComb
and Terry Seabrooke. 104 magic dealers from all over the world will
exhibit in the Dealers Fair, which will be spread over two spacious halls,
and the Sunday After Show Party will be held in both The Spanish Hall with
star cabaret, and in the Theatre Bar, with close-up magic. This year
everyone who registers for a Gold Card Registration (£68.00) before 31st
December 2005 will receive a free DVD. The Convention Brochure will be
published within the next two weeks, but a Priority Registration Form is
now available online at
www.blackpoolmagic.com (or call Arthur Casson on 01253 393688) book
early! 20.8.05
Mark
Raffles, Andy Nyman, Dazzling Darren, Viva and compere Nick Keys all
appear on the Gala Show at the Portsmouth and District Magic Circle
Jumbo Day on Sunday, October 30th. With close-up magic from David
Bonsall, Joe Tooley, Sean Heydon and James Brown, an auction, a lecture
from Andy Nyman, and a video session with Bob Hamilton. Visit
www.jumboday.co.uk
for more information and registration details. 20.8.05
International
News: Die Zauber Schule is a newly released DVD from Austrian
magicians Andreas Swatosch and Slotini
www.zaubertheater.at.
Although it is produced in German it has been dubbed into both English and
French. The disc features a broad selection of beginners magic aimed at
7-12 year olds and can be ordered direct from Andreas (email
office@zaubertheater.at) for
just €9,90 plus postage. (I've had a quick look - it would make a perfect
gift for any budding magician and features a number of young magicians
both learning and performing magic.) 20.8.05
New
from www.speakinschools.com: "Magicians and Mentalists. If you're
looking for a new and different presentation that's perfect for both
junior and secondary schools, as well as libraries, then this could well
be up your alley. Packed with in-built educational content, it is much
easier to sell than any themed magic show. Best of all there are no props.
With minor adaptation it's also ideal for anything from senior citizen
groups to an extra programme for the cruise ship entertainer. As the new
school year will be starting shortly be sure to visit soon!" See
www.speakinschools.com from Quentin Reynolds for more information. Now
advertising with MagicWeek. 20.8.05
Sean
Heydon presents his lecture "Onion Rings" at the Scottish Conjurors
Association on Wednesday 14th September. The lecture focuses on the art
and business side of Restaurant Magic and Corporate Entertainment. Sean
Heydon, telephone 01604 740 111. 20.8.05
Magic
Live arrives in Weston-Super-Mare on 8th September. Fun, laughter and
excitement for all the family, plus lots of audience participation is
promised. Starring Eugene Matthias, Rodan and Andy Rice. Tickets: Adults
£10.00, Children £7.50, Booking Line: 01934 654 554. 20.8.05
Children's
entertainer Phil Michaelz has made it through to the finals of a
national talent search and now has two weeks to wait to see if he will
appear in front of an audience of 1,800 at the Blackpool Tower Circus.
Phil's ten minute performance combined comedy, juggling, magic and
illusion and Circus Director Laci Endresz Snr. said "Phil's act was very
well presented and very entertaining to watch. He looks the part and
obviously has a natural talent for magic and clowning."
www.philmichaelz.co.uk. 20.8.05
Andy
Nyman's Dead of Night is now available from
www.alakazam.co.uk
"The most amazing 3 phase card routine you will ever perform. Simple and
direct this is a genuine reputation maker." 20.8.05
Paul
Daniels is the special guest on Radio Magic on Monday 22nd August.
He'll be talking about the recent Magic Circle Centenary Celebrations and
the ongoing debate on Radio Magic about politically correct illusions. 8pm
www.radiomagic.co.uk. 20.8.05
Hypnotist
Hugh Lennon & HypnoDog appear every Thursday at
Twisters Comedy Club, Albert Road, Bournemouth BH1 1BZ (Map)
in a two-hour comedy show featuring the World's only hypnotic dog (as seen
on Discovery Channel and live every year at the Reading Music Festival on
the comedy stage). Tickets £8. Student concession £6.50 (with NUS card)
Telephone 01 202 789400
www.hypnodog.co.uk. 20.8.05
New
from Black Artefacts - Telltale Tarot. "One of the things I planned
for, following our move to the Scottish Highlands, was more time to
develop new effects, and Telltale Tarot is the latest." Says Keith Hart of
Black Artefacts. This special deck comes with extra cards and instructions
by The Black Hart himself... find out what's so special, visit
www.blackhart.co.uk
and select Black Artefacts/Tarot Card Packs. 20.8.05
The
John Derris lecture/presentation 'KISS' (Keep it Simple Stupid!), now
entering its third year, opens in Exeter at The Exonian Magical Society on
Thursday 22nd September, at Wat Tyler House, King William Street, Exeter.
Details from Brian Marr 01823 665998. The lecture is also being presented
for the Bath Circle of Magicians on Thursday 20th October in Saltford,
details from Tony Griffith 01275 837017, and then on Friday 21st October
for The Weston Wizards in Weston-super-Mare, details from Steve Taylor
01934 622440. For further information contact John Derris 020 8467 7856. 20.8.05
Making
Money From Magic - The definitive, step-by-step guide to making
good money from magic and mentalism by Drew McAdam is reviewed this
week,
Click Here • "Is there anybody there?"
Click Here - to order from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here • The 8th London Juggling Convention takes place on
Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd October,
Click Here • This autumn look out for 'Dirty Tricks' from the makers
of 'Derren Brown Mind Control' it's another magic show with a
difference... Episode one features Stephen Fry as an owl and will include
"extreme escapes and magicians." • Drew McAdam reviews Ian Kendall's
Edinburgh show this week,
Click Here •
"Vegas Magician Keith Stickley 'Unplugs' for Boulder 'Fringe' Festival"
Click Here • Next week we'll bring you the latest news on the upcoming
International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring Convention in
Southport, in September, but that's it for this week. Your UK magic news and reviews
are always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 20.8.05