Number 409 - 26th April 2008
Derren
Brown's critically-acclaimed Trick or Treat returns for a second
series, but this time the game is raised for all involved. As before
members of the public make a blind choice of a Trick or Treat card. If
they pick "Treat", Derren will use his skills to ensure something pleasant
happens to them; if they pick "Trick", the result will be something quite
dark. Fridays, Channel 4, 10pm, see
TV Magic. "It must be hell
being a comedian, and people expecting you to be continually funny."
Benjie Goodhart talks to Derren Brown in MagicWeek this week,
Click Here.
26.4.08
A
Tribute to Siegfried & Roy. We have just received information from
Paul Stone that he will be producing A Tribute to Siegfried & Roy -
Magicians of the Century, at the London Palladium on Sunday, 28th
September, 2008. This show will raise funds for the SARMOTI Foundation and
will feature international stars from the world of magic, music and the
movies. Already definitely confirmed to appear, Luis de Matos from
Portugal. Full details about this 'one time only' event, including how to buy
tickets, will appear shortly.
26.4.08
Bristol
Day of Magic - Sunday May 4th. Final preparations are being made for
the 48th Bristol Day of Magic in Weston Super Mare on the Bank holiday
weekend. A late announcement is that of John Lenahan as compere for the
evening show 'Spellbound'. This year the Bristol Society of Magic present
their largest ever international line-up including Lennart Green, Juliana
Chen and Stephen Bargatze. Argentinean gala show act Brando & Silvana will
present their unique cameo of a street act on stage, featuring costume
changes together with a complete set change! Mark Leveridge
lectures on increasing children's show profits, there'll be close-up
sessions, lectures, Marc Paul's one-man show and 20+ dealers. On of the
very best magic days in the UK. Andy Mac is currently on hand to take last
minute reservations 0117 9422449, or visit
www.bristolmagic.co.uk.
26.4.08
John
Carney lectures in the UK in June. Expect to see stage and close-up
magic using cards, coins, cigars and a variety of everyday objects. Each
routine is a lesson in itself, containing insights and ingenious touches
that have made John one of the premier teachers of magic. Topics
include presentation, routining, misdirection and creativity. See
What's On for venues and
dates. For updated schedule information and lecture details
Click Here. See John Carney on YouTube
Click Here. MagicWeek DVD reviews
Click Here
and Click Here.
26.4.08
MagicianSurvey.com
- the results!
Over 400 performers took part in Professor Richard Wiseman's survey that
looked at magician's beliefs regarding the paranormal (see MagicWeek No
404).
Basically, about three quarters of respondents were skeptical about the
paranormal, but the rest thought that psychic ability was a reality and,
interestingly, about a third of those claimed to have had an experience
that they thought was paranormal, whilst performing! (That would be applause. DT). The main findings can be seen in an article on the
Oskepchic
Magicians and the Paranormal: A survey Prof Richard Wiseman and
Richard has also provided more information about the survey, and related
research, on his own website:
www.richardwiseman.com/magicsurvey.
26.4.08
IllusionCraft
present The Mark Southworth Magic Range. Illusioncraft have just added
a number of new effects from Mark Southworth to their range of magic and
The Changer caught my eye: "A box of blue bicycle cards is freely
shown. With the wave of the hand the box unbelievably changes to red.
Blink and you will miss it! The best bit of all is that the box can
immediately be given out for examination. From here you are ready to go
into your favourite card routine. The Changer is easy to do and one of the
most visual changes you will ever witness. With absolutely certainty it
will become part of your card repertoire forever." I can see this making
it into a number of professional close-up routines,
Click Here.
26.4.08
Joshua
Jay Workshop. Joshua Jay presents a 2 hour workshop at 10.30am on
Saturday 17th May at the Badger Farm Community Centre, Winchester,
Hampshire SO22 4QB (Map
- parking in Sainsbury's Car Park). Price: £25 per person. Note that the
contents of this workshop is completely different to the contents of his
lecture. This is entirely separate material and is just as direct and
commercial as that taught in his lecture. It will include Joshua's
favorite bits that couldn't be covered in the lecture format. For more
information and to book your place contact Kerry Scorah by email
kerry@kerryscorah.co.uk or
call 07876 332933. Places are limited! (For Joshua's other current dates
see What's On.
26.4.08
The
Jimmy Tamley Show, with special guest El Loco. Babbacombe Theatre,
Sunday 27th April at 7.30pm. To book: 01803 328385.
26.4.08
The
Zodiac Magical Society recently held its Birthday Cup Competition for
Stage Magic. First competed for in 1947 this is now held every other year
and this year's winner was Peter Pinner, winning for a 10th time - his
first win being in 1964! Stephen Barry was the very entertaining
runner-up. In the absence of President Richard Pinner, who is currently
entertaining on the maiden voyage of P&O's new cruise liner MV Ventura,
the trophy was presented by Past President Jean Purdy.
www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk.
26.4.08
Paul
Gordon lectures in Gloucester at
The
Cotswold Magic Society on May 7th. This is Paul's new lecture which he
is currently giving in New York, culminating at 'Fechter's
Finger-Flicking Frolic'. Paul's own event Card Capers takes place
in Worthing on May 11th. Visit
www.paulgordon.net for details.
26.4.08
By
Royal Command - Showtime at the Barn. "A very special variety show
took place at Little Easton's Barn Theatre, Essex on Saturday 19th April
before a surprise 'royal guest': HM The Queen (aka Jeannette Charles) who
arrived in full regalia to a standing ovation. This 16th century medieval
barn having been converted to a small theatre, seating 150 people provided
a splendid venue for the entertainment that followed. The audience were
entertained with music, magic, dance and comedy for the delectation,
delight and diversion of 'Her Majesty' and the appreciative audience who
packed the theatre. Comedy juggling was provided by Michael Pearse with
Brian Miller and Audrey topping the bill with their classical dove act."
26.4.08
Mark
Shortland lecture. South Downs Magicians present a lecture by Mark
Shortland on Wednesday, May 7th at 8pm at The Ark, Mount Lane, Turners
Hill, West Sussex RH10 4RA (Map).
There will be a £5.00 charge for non-members. To book contact Paul Bromley
paul.bromley@macdream.net
01444 871161
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk.
26.4.08
James
Anthony is about to accomplish one of his dreams
to work for 5 months
onboard a top cruise ship. James joins the Sea Princess
(Princess Cruises) today. James tells us that his act has undergone some rebranding and
'Latin-Magic' has been dropped in favour of 'The Illusions of James
Anthony'. James will be presenting his all-new and professionally produced
show from April 26th to May 23rd onboard the Sea Princess, and will
then switch ships for the remainder of the contract.
www.jamesanthony.co.uk.
26.4.08
An
Evening of Coin Magic with Keith Bennett. Keith will be presenting a
lecture on the art of coin magic at 8pm on Wednesday 28th May at Wilsons
Inn, 63 Babbacombe Downs Road, Babbacombe, Torquay TQ1 3LP (Map).
The lecture will offer a sound introduction to the newcomer (covering many
sleights, subtle moves and routines) - progressing to more advanced
material later on. £5.00 entrance fee, payable on the door for visiting
magicians. Contact Nigel Hocking (Secretary, The Riviera Circle of
Magicians) on 01803 520283 for more information. The venue opens at 6pm,
has good food, on-street parking, and a car park just two minutes away as
well.
26.4.08
Alex
Ward - Magician to the Stars! Alex recently performed live on NUTS TV,
talking about his magic and performing a couple of tricks,
Click
Here. Photo: Alex with super model Jacquetta Wheeler in New York.
26.4.08
The Skipton Factor 2008. Magician Mark Waddington joins a variety line up for this one-off show which will raise money for Sue Ryder Care Manorlands Hospice at 7pm on October 17th at Skipton Town Hall, High Street, Skipton. Call 07754 671340 for more information and to reserve tickets (£7 each, £4 for under 12's). 26.4.08
Steven and Natasha are the parents of seven-year-old Maya and they are making an emotional plea for money to save Maya's life. They have been told that their beautiful daughter now has just months to live after developing a brain tumour two years ago. Maya's only hope is life-saving treatment in Houston, Texas. The couple urgently need to raise £50,000. This story was brought to my attention by Freckles, a children's entertainer. Please visit the website www.mayaperrinskippen.com - it only takes a few seconds to make a donation and really help. 26.4.08
Ron Gilbert. "Tribute to the magical life of Ron Gilbert" by Hilary Porter, Click Here. 26.4.08
"David Blaine To Attempt Breath-Holding Record On 'Oprah'" Click Here "Sugababes, Paul Daniels and Lesley Garrett set for Spa" Click Here www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk - open all day today 8am - 7pm! Plus they have tickets for nest year's The Southern England Magic Convention "I Hate Rabbits" Click Here "Magician set for Spanish success" Click Here If you have a magic website and would like to place a link to MagicWeek Click Here for details "Illusionist in running for TV talent prize" Click Here "Protest lands magician behind bars" Click Here "Tricks and Treats - Magicians Nathan Burton, Brett Daniels embrace creativity in effort to compete" Click Here "An Evening With James Randi And Friends" Click Here Your UK magic news is always very welcome, but please remember the 12 noon Friday deadline for all news submissions - see you next week, Duncan. 26.4.08