Number
272 - 10th September 2005
34th
International Magic Convention. The dates for this year's
International Magic Convention have just been announced. They are Friday
25th November to Sunday 27th. Once again the venue is the excellent Shaw
Theatre Complex, 100 Euston Road, NW1 2AJ (Map)
where dealers, lectures, the Gala Show and hotel residents are all under
one roof, in Central London. This year's Convention is dedicated to the
memory of Ron MacMillan, who started the Convention in 1972, and as such
all steps have been taken to make it the most memorable ever. Many
surprise moments are promised, along with all the regular events. On the
Friday evening two full length world class lectures will take place, with
further lectures on the Saturday and Sunday, and once again the Gala Show
will be open to the public and will be repeated on the Saturday and Sunday
evenings. The Kevin Reay Close-up Competition, with a First Prize of a
magnificent trophy and £1000 cash (plus further cash prizes for the
runners-up) will be held on the Saturday daytime. Anyone interested in
competing should contact the competition organisers at
admin@internationalmagic.com.
Artistes booked so far include magic star Jerry Andrus (prolific inventor
and designer of many topological wonders, he'll be lecturing and performing),
Kostya Kimlat (a sensation at the FFFF Convention earlier this year),
Arthur Trace (highly acclaimed Gold Medal Winner of the Stage Competition
at this year's US IBM Convention in Reno), David Shiner (regular performer
with Cirque Du Soleil, last seen at this Convention in 1989 when he stole
the show), and regular MC for the Gala Show, (and MagicWeek favourite) Noel
Britten. Plus many more names to be announced in the near future. Various
Convention packages are available,
Click Here for details. Special Convention room rates at the Euston
Novotel (all part of the same complex) of £125 per room per night,
including full breakfast (2 persons) can be booked direct on 0207 666
9300.
www.internationalmagic.com. 10.9.05
The
Commercial Close-Up Forum is the title of a brand new event being
organised and sponsored by
Mark Leveridge Magic which will be taking place in Newbury, Berkshire,
on Sunday 29th January 2006.
Martin Sanderson,
Nicholas Einhorn
(photo) and
Mark Leveridge will present their close-up acts, a one hour lecture
each, and together head a Discussion Forum. The audience size is limited to just
75, with everything being geared to the type of magic required to work
commercially at private and business functions. Three separate rooms will
be used, meaning that groups of a maximum of 25 will be present at
each show and lecture, ensuring the best conditions for watching and
learning. The venue is
The Chequers Hotel in Newbury. For more information, and to register
online,
Click Here. With restricted numbers, interested parties are advised to
book early. 10.9.05
"There
was magic in the air as Paul Daniels arrived in Peterborough for the
launch of the Key Theatre Company's pantomime. A sensational cast of
well-known, seasoned performers have been lined up for the panto, which
will return for the second year to the splendour of the art deco Broadway
Theatre."
Click Here to read the full story in Peterbrough Today, and
Click Here for more information. 10.9.05
Mark
Worgan's Klub Magic at The Komedia Theatre Brighton starts up again on
Wednesday October 5th. The first show in the new season features Pete
Firman (photo), Roy Davenport and Amethyst.
www.klubmagic.co.uk.
Congratulations to Mark who was just promoted to AIMC by The Magic Circle. 10.9.05
The
Midlands Dealers Day. Leamington and Warwick Magic Society presents
The Midlands Dealers Day on Sunday 23rd October from 10am to 4pm at
Cubbington Sports and Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington
Spa, Warwickshire, CV32 7LN (Map).
Featuring top lecturers Mark Mason and Pat Page. Admission £7.50.
Refreshments and Licensed Bar. Dealers: Keith Bennett, Albion Magic
Company, Kitchen Table Magic, JB Magic, Pat Page, and Hocus Pocus Magic.
www.magicsociety.co.uk. 10.9.05
New
Terry Herbert DVD available from Practical Magic! Practical Magic are
delighted to offer a brand new DVD from Terry Herbert, rated by many as
the UK's top children's entertainer. Now you can learn from his vast
experience. His previous video/DVD (which Practical Magic also stock in
DVD format) achieved legendary status as the top teaching aid for
all performers in this field, whether beginners or seasoned performers.
His new DVD, Magic for Under 5s, produced by Practical Magic, looks
at the younger audience. You'll see Terry performing a live show, followed
by a section of explanation, followed by a discussion with another leading
children's entertainer - David Kaye, aka Silly Billy, from New York. The
DVD lasts approximately 70 minutes and includes: Silly Counting, Silver
Sceptre, Blooming Wand, Two Little Dickie Birds, Tale of a Cat, New Style
Magic Painting (watch Terry's young helper!), Banana Trick, Monkey Puppet
routine (worth the price of the DVD alone) and Three Little Pigs. Price:
£26.50 including UK postage or £27.50 including worldwide shipping.
www.practical-magic.com Email
info@practical-magic.com
Telephone 01691 690789. 10.9.05
Sean
Heydon presents his "Another plate of onion rings please!" lecture on
restaurant and close-up magic on Wednesday 14th September at the Scottish
Conjurers' Association in the Walton Suite, Southern General Hospital,
Glasgow. 7.30pm. Non-members £5. For details visit
www.scottishconjurersassociation.org.uk. Mark Farrar reviews Sean's
recent lecture at the Northamptonshire Magicians' Club,
Click Here. 10.9.05
Mark
Mason visits the Downtown Magic Club on Thursday 15th September
presenting his full lecture/dealer dem. Downtown Magic Club, Park Street,
Ashford, Kent. Contact Miki Travis 01233 620120 or 07881 781517 for more
information. Members of other magic clubs welcome.
www.downtownmagicclub.co.uk. 10.9.05
John
Field presents an evening of magic in two parts at the Myers Studio
Theatre, Epsom KT18 5AL (Map)
on Tuesday 18th October at 7.45pm. "Part One - The Legend Lives on!
Although he died almost 80 years ago his name is known throughout the
world as one of the greatest magicians who ever lived. Learn about the
sensational life of Harry Houdini in this illustrated talk by Magic Circle
Member, John Field. Part Two - Magic of the Mind. In the second half of
this one-man presentation, experience the inexplicable and astounding mind
reading skills of John Field. Witness the thoughts and actions of the
audience being predicted before they take place. This show will challenge
your understanding of the power of the human mind!" Tickets £9.00 Box
Office 01372 742555
www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk. 10.9.05
Andy
Nyman stars in Shut Up and Shoot Me to be released shortly. "When Colin Frampton's wife is accidentally
squashed by a statue during a romantic weekend in Prague, he decides that
life isn't worth living without her. Using only the remaining balance on
his credit card Colin hires a long-suffering Czech odd-job man, Pavel, to
kill him. An unlikely friendship develops as Pavel’s plans to kill Colin
spin out of control. This misfit pair soon discover that death does not
come as easily as they thought."
www.shutupandshootme.com. 10.9.05
The
Broadway Season of Magic opens in London on Tuesday 13th September:
"Three sensational shows in three weeks. Peter Wardell presents Hustle
with special guest Alex Crow from Tuesday 13th - Friday 16th September at
7.30pm. Luke Jermay presents his sensational theatre show The Man Who
Knows from Tuesday 20th - Friday 23rd and Tuesday 27th - Friday 30th
September at 7.30pm. And Magic and Illusion from Richard Leigh on
the grand scale feature at the weekends. Saturday 17th September at
7.30pm, Sunday 18th at 4pm and 7pm. Saturday 24th September at 7.30pm ,
Sunday 25th at 4pm and 7pm. Saturday 1st October at 7.30pm and Sunday 2nd
at 4.00pm and 7.00pm."
Broadway Studio Theatre, Catford Broadway, Catford, London SE6 4RU
(Map). Box Office 020 8690 0002. Book online at
www.broadwaytheatre.org.uk for more information visit:
www.falseimpressions.com. 10.9.05
Mr.
Pullman's Magic Wand Shop. In MagicWeek number
250 we featured Mr.
Pullman's Magic Wand Shop, a local history style booklet which
recounted the tale of Mr. Pullman's Shop which was based in Sheffield
between the years of 1905 and 1915. Believed to be the world's only
"bricks and mortar" shop that specialised in the manufacture and sale of
high quality magic wands it seems that it was something of an "urban myth"
in magical circles. Now a publisher has come forward who wants to publish
the book on a larger scale, but more information is needed on the shop. If
any readers have heard any rumours or hearsay about the shop, or know of
anybody who claims to have visited it (despite the fact that it closed in
1915!) then Paul at
info@themagicwandshop.co.uk would love to hear from you. Any
contributions would be fully acknowledged in the book.
www.themagicwandshop.co.uk. 10.9.05
Jay
Scott Berry's Pure Magic Lecture. Watford Association of Magicians is
hosting Jay Scott Berry's highly acclaimed Pure Magic lecture on
Wednesday 14th September at their venue in Bricket Wood, north of Watford.
Non-members welcome, admission £5. For details (including venue address),
and to reserve a place, contact secretary Frank Leonhardt:
secretary@wamclub.co.uk or
01923 888166. 10.9.05
"Roy Horn walks into Las Vegas theater; another step in recovery. Illusionist Roy Horn made a slow, unassisted stroll into a Las Vegas theater, taking another step in his recovery from a near-fatal tiger mauling 23 months ago. His longtime manager, Bernie Yuman, reports the 60-year-old entertainer 'methodically' walked about 100 yards into last night's performance of 'Avenue Q' at the Wynn Las Vegas resort. Yuman says Horn has been walking without the aid of a rolling walker after months of six-to eight-hour days in physical rehabilitation." Click Here to read the full story. 10.9.05
Merlins of Wakefield have just released their latest preview catalogue containing over 80 effects. Anyone who is not on their mailing list should email their address to merlins@btconnect.com for a free copy! They are also booking Dealer Dems for 2006, and invite club secretaries to contact them on 01924 339933 to arrange a date. Jokes Diary (see Cool Magic 1) is on Special Offer in September/October for just £15 + £1.95 p&p, a saving of £10.00. 10.9.05
Read between the lines. "Ever wondered about Psychic Readings? Think that it's all down to saying a few well selected stock lines and pretending to read some Tarot? Think again... 'Read between the lines' a new manuscript from Arcane Magick contains diverse, thought-provoking essays on giving a reading. It brings together 17 readers - John Riggs, R. Lee Davis, David Lees, Trevor McCombie, Paul Alberstat, Max Gordon, Fred Crouter, Alex Crow, Kenton Knepper, Ford Kross, Roni Shachnaey, Millard Longman, Reuben Dunn, Gene Nielsen, Tony Razzano, Marlene Clark and Ron Martin. Each give their point of view on giving readings today. Of interest to those that are thinking about getting into readings, psychic parties etc and those that already are. Don't be a shut-eye forever!" Available from Trevor McCombie arcane666@tiscali.co.uk Price £15/$27 (All proceeds will be donated to Cancer Research in the UK, US and Canada.) 10.9.05
The magician whose greatest illusion was death. "This is the story of magic and illusion, doppelgangers and death, creativity and confusion. It is the true story of a magician who died as he had lived, surrounded by mystery. Little is known about the early years of Sigmund Neuberger. He was born in 1872 in Munich and his family emigrated to America, where he first turns up in vaudeville as a crackshot with a bow and arrow. Then an outing to see the Chinese magician Ching Ling Foo opened his eyes to the spectacle of theatrical illusion. He next emerged in 1900s London, reincarnated as The Great Lafayette..." writes Diane MaClean in Scotsman.com. To read the full story Click Here. 10.9.05
"A mindreading expert has been astounding the town with his talent for trickery. The teenager Wayne Coxhead from Basingstoke Road practises his Derren Brown-style act on his parents before unleashing it on the public. The 19-year-old, who performs as Wayne Trix, said: 'my mum and dad are very proud. They see all of my tricks first. They come and see my shows and are very supportive.' Wayne's most recent show was at the World Turned Upside Down restaurant not far from his home. Now he plans to use his powers to convince more venues to start showcasing his talents. He said: 'I started doing magic when I was five and I still do card tricks in my act but I concentrate more on the mentalism. 'I love performing. I get a buzz from it. I like to show of.' Currently working in the kitchen at Bramshill Police College, Wayne is aiming for the dizzy heights of the showbiz world. 'Eventually I'd like to be on TV but there's a long way to go.'" Greg McClenaghan, in the Reading Evening Post. 10.9.05
Kidology UK 2005 is reviewed by Keith Downs and Olly Plumley this week. See Reviews. 10.9.05
David
Blaine's infamous encounter with Eamonn Holmes is being repeated on 100 Greatest TV Moments from Hell
at
9pm on Saturday 17th September on E4 • "Magician shows tricks of trade at
magic shop"
Click Here • Happy 49th Birthday to David Copperfield on Friday, 16th
September • "Magic keeps congregation spellbound"
Click Here • "Secrets & Lives: Alistair Cook"
Click Here • Penn and Teller's The Aristocrats opened in the UK
on Friday
Click Here • Your UK news and magic reviews are always welcomed. See
you next week, Duncan. 10.9.05