Number 355 - 14th April 2007

 

Dynamo continues to generate media interest wherever he goes. Currently featured in RWD magazine and lads mag Zoo, Dynamo appeared on Friday Night with Jonathan Ross last night and the show will be repeated late night Saturday (tonight) at 1.20am, see TV Magic. From the RWD interview: "You’ve been on MTV, Ch. 4, had your own DVD; what’s next? I can’t say too much but we are working on other TV projects. I’m off to Miami for the Music Conference, which we’re filming for a mini documentary called Dynamo’s Five Nights In Miami. I’m also working on a stage show that I’m looking to take to theatres. I’m also director of my own film company, Inner Circle and I’m in a film too that’s out next year. It’s called The Grind and I am the face of the adidas ZX trainer. Check the ads at www.sneaker-magic.com. You’ve got to put your heart and soul into this; I’ve done a lot while I’ve been here but I haven’t touched where I want to go." To read the full story in RWD Click Here. 14.4.07

 

The Leamington & Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic - this Sunday! From 10am to 4pm with lecturers from FISM award winner, Gregory Wilson (photo), and Alain the Storyteller (current holder of the BMS Close-up Magician of the Year title). Plus mini dealer dems from Merlins of Wakefield, Andrew Normansell, Keith Bennett, Kaymar Magic and Made to Measure Magic. With compere Paul Kybert. Refreshments available throughout. Venue: Cubbington Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire CV32 7LN (Map). Tickets £15, available on the door. More information: 024 7646 2701 www.magicsociety.co.uk. 14.4.07

 

Youngest ever Stage Magic winner. On April 4th Megan Knowles-Bacon (pictured here with club chairman Kevin Doig) became the youngest ever winner of the Bexleyheath Society of Magicians coveted George Trophy for stage magic, an award normally won by the adult members. Megan's act combined ballet and magic with a hint of humour. Not yet 15, she is also the current holder of the Young Magicians Club, J-Day Stage Competition award and recently appeared on Tricky TV. "I never realised when I performed for Megan on her 8th birthday that I would be triggering a series of events that would lead to her current success," said Roy Marsh, vice chairman of the Society. "I have seen her enthusiasm take her from a very insecure start at age 10 to one of growing confidence and a genuine love and understanding of how magic needs to be performed." Roy added. www.bexleymagic.org.uk www.theyoungmagiciansclub.com. 14.4.07

 

The Worst Audience in Britain? Harry Houdini described the Blackburn as a "wretched hoodlum town" and one of his worst audiences. Last week BBC North West Tonight featured this story with contributions from Blackburn's magical historian Brian Lead, and the Radio presenter and comedian Ted Robbins gave an incite into modern Blackburn audiences. Did he agree with Houdini? To recreate one of Houdini's favourite illusions Andrew Green (photo) performed a modern adaptation of a the Sub Trunk. www.modernmysteries.co.uk Click Here and enter 'Houdini' into the search to watch a clip. 14.4.07

 

Chris Dugdale and Phil Jay have been delighted by the feedback from members of "Close Up Success". Their goal was to write the finest ever course on close-up magic and they report that: "Members have achieved fantastic monetary gains since joining the course and the course has been receiving rave reviews in the USA." Here's a quote from Bob Sheets: "Awesome... Just about the most intelligent piece I've ever read... The duo has gone right to the performance jugular and will save years to someone who would have to do all of this work, study, and research on their own. The methods discussed for making your magic real world is so well organized that it makes the course worth the price alone." Chris and Phil have prepared an additional website Click Here featuring new video clips together with samples of the complimentary DVDs, for MagicWeek readers interested in the course. (Note: Places are now running out for the complimentary live seminar to be held in Jan 2008 - hurry!) Also visit the main website: www.closeupsuccess.com. Meanwhile Phil and Chris have just been booked for their third gig with Bryan Adams, with Chris will flying in from the US to join Phil here. Chris then heads off to Switzerland for Dell and then Las Vegas, where he is performing close-up magic at a special event with guests Penn and Teller. 14.4.07

 

Congratulations to Darren Wray, winner of not only Leicester Magic Circle's Alan Brook Holme's Trophy for 'Children's Entertainer of the Year', but also the Annual Stage Competition's 'People's Choice Award'. Darren, who runs 'Wonky Rabbit Magic, said afterwards "this is the first competition I have ever entered, and to have won means the world to me." Darren, with the help of his beloved assistant Bonkers the Rabbit, is looking forward to participating in more competitions in the future. www.wonkyrabbitmagic.com. 14.4.07

 

Manchester Circle of Magicians Jumbo Auction. Monday 23rd April at 6.30 pm at Salford Masonic Hall, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Manchester with star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever hosting the event. Hundreds of items have already been submitted including children's effects, books, videos, DVDs, stage and close-up magic. The door charge is £3.00 for non-members but free for members. Members recently enjoyed Lectures by Geoffrey Durham and Greg Wilson who both played to full houses of 150. Membership costs just £10.00 per year which includes the bi-monthly magazine The Magic Times. Details from Derek Lever email: deriko@webaplomb.com or visit www.taurusmagic.net or phone 01253 810113. 14.4.07

 

Edinburgh Magic Circle Sale & Exchange. Edinburgh Magic Circle are holding a Sale & Exchange evening on Monday 16th April at 7.30pm at the Edinburgh City Football Club, 7 Baxter Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AF (Just down from the Edinburgh Playhouse Theatre). Open to all members of magical societies. Contact Gary James g.james@blueyonder.co.uk for further details www.edinburghmagiccircle.co.uk. 14.4.07

 

Dobson's Choice TV Stuff Volume 1 is back in (very limited) stock at www.waynedobson.co.uk. This is not a new production run but a very limited supply from the original batch. Professionally produced, we featured this disc in our Magic DVDs section when it first came out. Highly recommended! 14.4.07

 

Hancock's Half Hour - The Conjurer. First broadcast in 1956, BBC 7 are transmitting this edition of Hancock's Half Hour on Tuesday 24th April. "Hancock becomes a magician but when he gets a booking at Dartmoor Prison his act does not go according to plan." Listen online via www.bbc.co.uk/bbc7. 14.4.07

 

Iain Moran: Covert Magic. Available from ModusMagic.co.uk by return: "On DVD for the very first time, acclaimed UK magician Iain Moran unleashes the very best material from his professional repertoire on this exclusive DVD. Moran has won the Order of the Magi's 'Close-Up Magician of the Year' award twice, and he is one of the only non-Italian's ever to be given a close-up magic award at Club Magico Italiano. Watch with mouth agape as a selected card eerily moves on its own accord from a spread deck! Marvel at the unbelievably visual 'Snap, Crackle & Pop!' Shake your head in disbelief at Iain's multi phase '3 Fly' routine - 'Coin-ageddon!' Bonus: Includes free gaff cards inside the box! It also comes with a number of gaffs necessary for some of the tricks." For more information and to order visit: www.modusmagic.co.uk. 14.4.07

 

Oliver Tabor is currently appearing in 'The Magical World of Variety' at the Royal Hippodrome Theatre, Eastbourne. The show's doors opened in March for an 8 month run through to the end of October. Call the box office on 01323 412000 for times and prices. 14.4.07

 

Lee Alex emails: At the beginning of this month I performed at the launch of British company Vodafone's launch in Turkey. The show started with an aerial appearance in a smoke chamber followed by a dance show (with dancers' being produced from a clear Plexiglas casket on the stage). The show was followed by the production of a McClaren Mercedes Formula One car in the same casket. Vodafone was the sponsor and the illusion was designed by British illusion designer Mark Parker and built in Turkey. 8,800 spectators watched in a huge tent which was also specially constructed for the party. Seven television channels broadcast the party live on television. I was able to perform at this event after an operation to my spine just a few days before the performance and Italian magician and illusionist Erix Logan was waiting in the wings as a substitute in case anything went amiss. The show with great success. British Vodafone is now the second largest mobile operator in Turkey. Vodafone Party. 14.4.07

 

Leicester Magic Circle Open Evening. The Leicester Magic Circle is holding an open evening at 7.30pm on Monday May 14th at their Headquarters, the Ramada Jarvis, Leicester. The evening promises to be a night of excellent magic presented by some of Leicester Magic Circles' top magicians, and is an event not to be missed. If you are interested in attending and would like to book a place, or would simply like more information, contact the Leicester Magic Circle's secretary Barry Martin on 01509 843066 or email lmcircle@hotmail.com. 14.4.07

 

All it takes is will power... Congratulations to Will Gray - winner of five awards at this year's 51st Northern Magic Circle Easter Parade. Will took two trophies in the Close-up competition; The Jim Lumley Challenge Cup for first place overall and the Vice President's trophy for representing Leicester Magic Circle, together with three additional trophies in the Stage Competition; the Frank Baumforth cup for second place overall, the Vice President's trophy for representing Leicester Magic Circle and the Clem Bailey cup for Best Comedy Magic! www.willgray.co.uk. 14.4.07

 

Congratulations to Chris Dinwoodie, winner of the Scottish Conjurers Association's recent annual Close-up Contest. Eight competed in front of an audience of 40. Brendan Kirk, SCA Secretary, reports: Chris (Woody) Dinwoodie, with a lot of confidence and a bright personality breezed through a David Stone bottle production using a silk as cover, followed by an Ambitious Card routine and an excellent 3-fly routine with poker chips instead of the usual coins. Chips moved from hand to hand, appeared, and disappeared with apparent ease although he was using some pretty impressive sleight-of-hand. This included some of the David Stone sleights seen in his recent lecture. Chris complemented his competitors, one of whom, Paul McAtear, selflessly provided Woody with a replacement wine bottle when a last minute rehearsal went wrong and bottle met floor! Jim Kelly and Scott Cuthbertson were placed 2nd and 3rd. 14.4.07

 

IBM British Ring Presidential Dinner. President John Styles and his lady Barbara are delighted to announce that they have booked the services of international ventriloquist John Bouchier for their Presidential Dinner. He has played the London Palladium and No.1 theatres around the country, supporting Norman Wisdom, Morecambe and Wise and Ken Dodd and is rarely seen at magical events. Also booked: Solid Feet (a three-man dynamic tap dancing act), Mark Walsh (from London's Brick Lane Music Hall and The City Varieties Leeds), and Martyn James & Company (comedy illusionists). The venue is the Thistle Hotel, Brands Hatch, Dartford, Kent DA3 8PE (Map) and the date is 12th May. Send an SAE together, with a cheque for £45 (per person) made payable to "Brian Miller", to Brian Miller, Springate Cottage, Radleys End, Duton Hill, Gt. Dunmow, Essex CM6 3PT to book. John Styles appeared on television twice last week. He was featured on BBC 2's Do Something Different, on Tuesday with his collection of ventriloquist's dolls, along with Keith Harris and Orville, tutoring a young presenter for an appearance at The Grand Theatre, Blackpool, and he was also seen, together with his Punch and Judy puppets, in Disney's 102 Dalmatians, on Good Friday 14.4.07

 

Now You See It 11am and 12 noon on Saturday 14th April on Disney. "Danny Sinclair is one of three finalists in a TV contest to find the best young magician. Producer Allyson Miller is determined he will win, and will stop at nothing to achieve her aim. But when she discovers Danny's powers are real she has another challenge - to protect him from those who want to destroy him. Gabriel Sunday, a real-life young magician, plays Danny, with Alyson Michalka as his mentor Allsyon. There's magic and adventure in this great family film." See TV Magic for listings. 14.4.07

 

ASBO by Wayne Goodman. "The magician's insurance policy has had its day! Welcome to Wayne Goodman's ASBO! After being unable to find the chosen card the magician finally confesses that he has to learn to control his temper, because last week he was issued with an ASBO, to prove it he brings out an official looking envelope and opens it to reveal an ASBO inside. As the ASBO is read it reveals the accusations against the performer and at the end the name of the chosen card. You even get a choice of two comical endings, which allow you to either predict the position of the card in the deck or produce the selected card from the card case. With huge potential for comic byplay, this is bound to be a hit with modern day audiences." Available from www.magicbox.uk.com and www.waynegoodman.co.uk. 14.4.07

 

International award-winning magician Gregory Wilson is currently lecturing across the UK. See What's On for dates. 14.4.07

 

Marc Spelmann and Collin Clause have just returned from a very successful event performing for Gartner in Monaco. CEO Alan Bowman said "Marc and Collin were without question the hit of the launch night; what they achieved was simply unbelievable. I have never seen anything like it and we have seen a hell of a lot over the years. With a function catering for over 600 business people it was no easy task - but their originality and talent was quite simply astonishing. They should be burnt at the stake!" www.marcspelmann.co.uk www.streetmagic.org.uk. What's New? No Chance by Peter Nardi and Marc Spelmann. "No Chance is a principle that has been used by a select few mentalists for many years. Peter Nardi and Marc Spelmann now bring you this hard to find prop together with a DVD featuring routines, tips and ideas on the use of this great little utility." Click Here and scroll. 14.4.07

 

Children's entertainer Hall dies. "Terry Hall, who was one of the earliest children's television entertainers, along with his sidekick Lenny the Lion, has died after a long illness, aged 80." To read the full story from the BBC Click Here. It transpired that the idea of Lenny came from a visit to Blackpool Zoo. BBC North West Tonight featured this on Last Thursday's Programme and Keith Harris and Orville took part. Click Here and enter 'Terry Hall' into the search to watch the clip. 14.4.07

 

Creating the Worlds of Star Wars: 365 Days - John Knoll. John Knoll was 14 years old when the first Star Wars film came out in 1977, and it changed his life. By the time the first prequel, The Phantom Menace, was released in 1999, he was its visual effects supervisor - in charge of all special effects. With Knoll as tour guide, this deluxe addition to Abrams' 365 Days series provides the single most comprehensive collection of Star Wars images ever, including breathtaking 360-degree panoramic shots of sets and models, as well as concept art, props, film stills, and memorabilia. The only book that covers all six films, Star Wars: 365 Days is Knoll's spectacular survey of the visual world created by those films. It shows us George Lucas and his crew creating their universe on location and in the studio - in pages dense with imagery and information, documenting a remarkable sustained creative effort by hundreds of devoted filmmakers and craftsmen. A CD-ROM, with nearly 100 QuickTime panoramas of the sets, adds to the beauty of this edition. 744 pages, over 3½lbs in weight, 9½" x 6½" x 2½" (thick!) and currently on offer from Amazon.co.uk for just £13.16. (Not 'magic' - but I know that there are a lots of Star Wars fans in the magic community, and this book, and the wealth of never before seen behind-the-scenes photos, especially from the early movies, meant that I just had to feature it!) Order from Amazon.co.uk. 14.4.07

 

BAFTA Nominations Announced. In the entertainment program category, the nominees are Dancing on Ice, The X Factor, Derren Brown: The Heist and How Do You Solve a Problem Like Maria? Click Here • "I didn't take any trances. Exclusive 'We put this girl to sleep, and when she wakes up she's stuck to the road witnessing her death in front of her' Illusionist Derren Brown is relaxed about taking man in trance on 1400-mile air trip" To read the full story in The Daily Record Click Here • "And that's renaissance magic ... Compendium of card tricks, number puzzles and illusions was written by Leonardo Da Vinci's best friend" Click Here • "Fraudsters' vanishing trick with magicians' money" Click Here • Thanks to Colin Peters for letting us know that an extra date has just been added to Derren Brown's tour on May 25th at the Dorking Halls - see What's On • Jonathan Lucia-Wright emailed to say he had donations from Uri Geller, Derren Brown, Kaymar Magic and Beard Juggling and will now be able to take a Deafblind man to next year's Blackpool Convention, so many thanks www.deafblind.org.uk • Congratulations to Michael and Helen Fitch on the birth of Scarlett Rose Fitch on April 3rd • "Playing mind games with Kreskin" Click Here • "New Cirque show dips into the mainstream" Click Here • Thanks for your news, always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 14.4.07

 

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