Number 288 - 31st December 2005

 

Davenport's Christmas Wonder Show in Norfolk runs through to Tuesday, 3rd January. Andy Nyman reports: "Last week, whilst Christmasing in Norfolk, I took my whole family to see the Davenport's Wonder Show. In short it was wonderful. The show was truly an old fashioned variety show that delighted from start to finish. Roy Davenport (photo) danced through his illusions with such energy it was impossible not to admire his gusto, Ali Bongo was gentle and charming as ever, Richard Griffin was classy and so effortlessly good it's astonishing. There was great support from the 6 piece band, a great singer and dancers and as if that wasn't enough the final act was The Conways, harmonica players extraordinaire! Truly one of the oddest but most wonderful acts I've ever seen. Well done to the Davenports for putting together a wonderfully Christmassy magical night." Auden Theatre, Gresham's School, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EA (Map) Tickets £8.00 - £13.00. To book contact the Auden Theatre Box Office: 01263 713444 or Click Here for more information. To read a review in the Norwich Evening News Click Here. 31.12.05

 

Merlin's Secret is reviewed by Nick Ralls this week. "Combine the real magic associated with the mythical character Merlin and the modern day theatrical showmanship of illusionist and conjurer Dr Bondini and you have a formula for an enchanting and truly magical stage show. The touring Merlin's Secret features many of Bondini's grand stage illusions and other magical effects which bring a unique flavour to a favourite fantasy tale. It's a theatrical experience that is a delight to behold and will surely attract rave reviews up and down the country." To read the full review Click Here. For tour dates see What's On or for more information see www.bondini.co.uk. 31.12.05

 

Broadcaster slammed for glamourising crime. "Channel Four were accused yesterday of sinking to an astonishing new low after it was revealed they will screen a programme featuring a group of hypnotised businessmen carrying out what they believe to be a real armed robbery. The programme, The Heist, will be shown on Channel Four on January 4th and has been labelled illusionist Derren Brown's most outrageous stunt yet." To read the full story in The Daily Record Click Here. 31.12.05

 

Etienne Pradier lectures at Magical Mayhem, The Sun Hotel, Sun Street, Hitchin SG5 1AF (Map) on 12th January at 8pm. There will be a £10.00 admission fee to non Magical Mayhem members. For more details email magicalmayhem@ntlworld.com or call Martin Daubney on 07904 114 778. 31.12.05

 

"We don't do miracles... we do holy tricks - Duo replicate virgin birth - and are crucified by critics" wrote Rick Fulton in The Daily Record... "The two Scots magicians who have replicated the miracles of Jesus deny they are out to prove he was a fraud. Tomorrow night, viewers will see Barry Jones and Stuart MacLeod perform eight New Testament miracles in Channel 4's The Magic of Jesus. And, with less than a week since millions of Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus, the controversy is already raging." To read the full story in The Daily Record Click Here. 31.12.05

 

The Order of the Magi are holding a Giant Auction on Tuesday 24th January 2006 at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map) starting at 7.30pm (viewing from 6.30pm). A catalogue listing lots will be available at the reception and it is hoped to include all items, as long a relevant information is in the hands of Entertainments Officer Ian Ball (telephone 01457 835990) no later than 12th January. For more information, and to see some of the lots on offer, or to submit your own items visit www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Admission is £4, which includes the catalogue and entry into a prize draw. 31.12.05

 

Nathan Kranzo's Burning Up DVD is reviewed by Andi Gladwin this week... "His latest DVD, Burning Up follows the trend of his other fantastic DVD releases, in that it contains some excellent original magic. Nathan isn't one to create a worthless variation of a card trick, but instead provides fresh methods for different, visual effects. The simplicity in effect and method in most magic that Nathan creates shows that the tricks have been developed by a working pro, which in turn makes much of the material perfect for walk around and table magic situations." To read the full review, Click Here. To order visit www.hismagic.com/burningup. 31.12.05

 

International News: Mazma, the first National Festival of Indian Street Magicians and brainchild of Gopinath Muthukad, is reported it MagicWeek this week. "Indian street magicians are guardians to several unexplored and uncommon routines in magical art that have been passed on through vagrant generations. The state of street magicians in India is highly deplorable. They live in slums and street sides deprived of all basic elements of dignity including shelter, food or education." To read the full report, Click Here. 31.12.05

 

World Magic Awards DVD. Released 20th June 2005, 1 hour 40 minutes, PAL DVD. "The biggest magic special in television history! Shot on location in Hollywood, England and Russia, world-renowned illusionists redefine reality through a stupendous display of magic and manipulation. Travel to Russia, where surrounded by soldiers of the Russian Army, a 70,000 pound military tank vanishes into thin air! Tigers suddenly materialise on stage, escape artists tempt fate and all laws of logic are suspended in the event that is known as the Academy Awards of the magic industry!" To order from Amazon.co.uk Click Here. 31.12.05

 

Joe Tracini stars as the Drummer Boy in the Qdos production of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-sea. Joe weaves some magic into his role. The show runs until January 8th. www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk. 31.12.05

 

Craig Kidd, well know to many readers, was recently diagnosed with cancer of the lymphatic system and is currently undergoing extensive chemotherapy at Pinderfields Hospital. The outlook is promising but he's had to give up work due to the illness and the effects of the treatment which include numbness in the fingers. Not much fun for a close-up worker. Craig hopes to be fighting fit by 2008 but would love to hear from readers, and 'talk magic'. You can email Craig at cskidd@btinternet.com. (I know Craig via his many 'For Sale' and 'Wanted' ads in MagicWeek over the years... very best wishes for 2006 Craig). 31.12.05

 

Children's entertainer John Curtis, of St Helen's Road, Leamington, is remembered by Samantha Clarke in iccoventry.co.uk Click Here. 31.12.05

 

Cirque Du Soleil - Midnight Sun. "On July 11th 2004, over 200,000 spectators filled the downtown streets of Montreal to take part in a unique celebration, an incredible one-night-only special event. With over 250 artists, Midnight Sun is a brilliant combination of music and circus - the perfect chemistry of sight and sound. An unforgettable viewing experience filmed live in high definition! Bonus features include: Encore, Photo Gallery, A look at Cirque du Soleil, in Dolby Digital 5.1" To order from Amazon.co.uk Click Here • "Double Inverted" straight jacket escape, Click Here • "My dad's magic - and so am I!" Click Here • "Some make a living just clowning around" Click Here • "Seeing is believing" Click Here • That's it for this week, and indeed for the year. Hope 2005 was a good one for you, and very best wishes for 2006. Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 31.12.05

 

Back

 

© www.magicweek.co.uk