Number 410 - 3rd May 2008
Pete
Firman has been invited to perform at the world famous 'Just For
Laughs' Comedy Festival in Montreal in July. Pete is one of a handful of
British comedians performing there, others include Russell Brand and Omid
Djalili. Pete will follow this up with a return visit to the Edinburgh
Festival in August, where he will be performing his all-new show,
Flim-Flam, and if that wasn't enough, he'll be touring the show nationally
after Edinburgh.
Click Here for tour dates.
www.petefirman.co.uk.
3.5.08
How
David Blaine Held His Breath. "For most non-medical people, the term
'apnea' is most familiar when coupled with the word "sleep," and refers to
a dangerous condition in which people inadvertently stop breathing while
asleep. But the word literally means a temporary cessation of breathing
and it is practiced (on purpose) around the world by an international
community of extreme athletes — a brotherhood that now includes magician
and stuntman David Blaine. On the set of The Oprah Winfrey Show on April
30, Blaine broke the world record by holding his breath for 17 minutes and
4 seconds — proving that just how temporary apnea can be is a question of
training, endurance and will..." To read the full story from Tiffany
Sharples in Time,
Click Here. Q&A: Time talks to David Blaine,
Click Here. YouTube:
Click
Here.
3.5.08
Magical
comedian and ex-accountant, Ian Keable, is appearing at the Komedia
Studio at the Brighton Festival in his show Conjuring up Comedy at 9pm on
Monday May 5t,h 9pm on Tuesday May 6th and 7pm on Tuesday May 20th. “There
is no better place to see magic than in a theatre,” says Ian, “it’s only
live that you can be absolutely certain there are no camera tricks
involved.” It’s for that reason Ian has taken his acclaimed one man show
all over the country - from Cornwall and Devon to Lancashire and Cheshire;
and now to Brighton! Visit
www.festivalpreviews.com for more information and a video clip.
Komedia Box Office: 01273 647100 or via
www.komedia.co.uk/brighton.
3.5.08
Magi
- The only assistant you’ll ever need! Established in 1995 and with
over 12 years experience in designing and building bespoke applications
and products, MAT Systems is pleased to be advertising their magical new
product Magi on MagicWeek. Magi - the magicians (office) assistant - is
designed to save magicians valuable time and money by integrating
everything you need into one straightforward program. Owner Mark Tait
says: "Because we are a small company ourselves, we understand the demands
and constraints faced by all small businesses. This helps us to produce
professional products and solutions that really meet the requirements of
our customers at prices they can afford." Visit their website for more
information:
www.matsystemsltd.co.uk/magi.html.
3.5.08
Sav
has just returned from an interesting show, having been invited to perform
onborad Royal Caribbean International’s Independence of the Seas
maiden voyage. This is the largest cruise ship in the world. Sav is seen
here with Steve Rider and Sir Steve Redgrave. (I know a lot of magicians
working on ships read MagicWeek, so here's a link that includes a video
clip: "Woman names largest cruise ship"
Click Here).
3.5.08
An
Evening of Card Magic with John Carey. 8pm, Wednesday 30th July, at
the Riviera Circle of Magicians, Wilsons Inn, 63 Babbacombe Road.
Babbacombe, Torquay TQ1 3LP (Map).
John will be presenting a lecture on card magic covering some of the
classics. The lecture will include something for all levels of card
workers, finishing with a "hands-on" workshop for anyone wishing to
participate. £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.
3.5.08
Professional
illusionist Chris North has been presenting his own brand of
commercial magic and illusion for 40 years. However, he now feels it is
time for a new challenge. Although the illusions have been passed down to
a new generation of performers, Chris recently premiered his brand new
show 'MindForce' at a charity event in Norfolk. The show is available in
two formats, either as a one hour cabaret performance or a full evening
theatre show. "The goal was to present mentalism with the same kind of
thinking and attention to presentation as an experienced illusionist. One
of the main features is the recreation of a Victorian Spirit Cabinet."
said Chris.
www.thementalist.co.uk.
3.5.08
Go
Text Yourself... is the name of KranzoMagic.com's short range
teleportation device using a 'Hip Pocket Mullica' - watch the video demo
at
www.kranzomagic.com. KarnzoMagic.com have also just released the Ultra
Versatile Shell for coin workers,
Click Here. In fact their website has had a complete makeover - visit
the Products page to see what's new:
www.kranzomagic.com.
3.5.08
Max
Somerset lectures at the AWS in Southampton on May 6th. Non members £5.00, all magicians
welcome - contact Phil Wedgbrow on 07739 407147 for details.
www.awsmagic.co.uk.
3.5.08
Magicseen
issue 20 for May 2008 is out now and features up-and-coming magician
Magic Singh on its cover. Magic Singh is making a real name for himself,
both here in the UK and abroad. David and Dania, Joshua Jay and
Singapore's Ning all talk to Magicseen, there's a major piece on the
classic 'Any Card At Any Number' plot, Jay Fortune returns with the Think
Tank, Smith and Quick talk about corporate sponsorship, the magazine goes
behind the scenes with master prop maker Ali Azfa... and it's all topped
off with the usual selection of reviews, news, letters and dealers.
Magicseen is available either as a single issue, by subscription, or as an
instant download from
www.magicseen.co.uk. Magic Singh has just been added to the lineup of
talent appearing at next year's Southern England Magic Convention at the
Lakeside Country Club:
www.semagicconvention.com.
3.5.08
Norwich
Magicians present 'A Big Night Out' featuring illusionist Nick
Chapman, magician Danny Marino, singer Alicia King, and Harry Doroba's
tribute to Tommy Cooper, at Ramada Hotel Norwich at 7.30pm on June 6th.
The evening includes a three course meal, close-up table magic from two
local magicians, a grand raffle and a disco to finish, with proceeds going
to the Quidenham Hospice. Tickets are £30 each, and tables are for 12. For
more information contact Harry Doroba: 07990 935894
harrydoroba@yahoo.com. A Big
Night Out, Ramada Hotel Norwich, City Suite, Boundary Road, Norwich NR3
2BA (Map).
3.5.08
Andrew
Murray was seen last Friday night (BBC1, 9pm) playing the role of a
card sharp in the BBC comedy 'My Family' starring Robert Lindsay and Zoe
Wanamaker. Filmed at Pinewood Studios last year, Andrew is pictured here
on set with Ben (Robert Lindsay) and Roger (Kieron Self).
www.andrewmurray.biz.
3.5.08
Steve
Evans lectures for the Devon Magic Circle at Collaton St Mary's
Primary School, Paignton TQ3 3YA (Map),
on Wednesday 21st May. The lecture will include Steve's commercial
material and creative theming. Visiting magicians welcome (£8 fee). For
further information contact Secretary Brian Hodge 01626 862445
bhodgedawlish@aol.com.
www.devonmagiccircle.co.uk.
3.5.08
Romany
- Diva of Magic, is interviewed in a fascinating documentary being
aired by CBC (Canadian Broadcasting Corp) this month called the 'Invisible
Women of Magic'. You can listen to this 30 minute programme via
www.romanymagic.com/interviews.htm.
3.5.08
Last
weekend's 57th SAMS convention, held in Greenock, was judged a great
success by both attendees and participants. One of the highlights of the
weekend was the performance of Gary James, who seemed to pop up all over
the convention. Gary received his just reward when he was awarded the
Murray Wand for Showmanship. Gary is pictured with the trophy along with
newly elected SAMS president Ricky McLeod.
www.magicincorporate.co.uk. "Gary's 'best in Scotland' award feels
just magic"
Click Here.
3.5.08
British
Ring Convention News - Bob Hayden has sent us more news of events at
the upcoming British Ring Convention in Eastbourne,
Click Here. Visit
www.britishring.org.uk for convention information and to book.
3.5.08
Kane
and Abel's Free For All! Belmont Arts Centre, Shrewsbury, on Friday
9th May at 8pm (doors open 7.15pm). Tickets £3.00. To book email
kaneandabel@live.co.uk. Kane
and Abel blend magic with comedy.
3.5.08
Claude
Perry 1922- 2008. John Davenport remembers Claude Perry,
Click
Here. Claude Perry's funeral takes place at 3pm on Thursday 8th May at
Cambridge Crematorium (on the A14, just north of the city).
3.5.08
The 2008 Beijing International Magic Dealer Exhibition. The exhibition promises: "Good facilities, excellent cross-continent exchange platforms, many distribution channels and lots of buyers. Plus, the official trade-talk room arrangement will be worked on. We intend to avoid language barriers. Dealers and buyers should find it much easier to find the right distribution channels and business opportunities!" October 18th-20th, Beijing. For more information (in the form of a Word doc.) contact Wayne Wang, Dealer/Exhibits Vice Chairman, BIMDE Committee – Beijing Acrobatic Association, No.7 West ChangAn Street, Beijing, China 100031. Email: wayne_z_wang@sina.com. 3.5.08
Magician/Illusionist wanted for Summer. Magician and illusionist Scott Pepper is looking for a magician/illusionist to perform in a brand new show this Summer: "Applicants need to be enthusiastic, dedicated to their art, good on a microphone and born entertainers. Illusion experience is handy but not essential, applicants must be able to perform confidently in front of large crowds. If you would like to be considered for this exciting opportunity phone 07980 253372 or email info@revillusion.co.uk". 3.5.08
Bob Rickard. Nicky Moon emails: Dreadfully sad news this week that another of our older gentlemen of magic has passed away. Bob was someone who supported everyone, made most of his own props and guided the less experienced of our club to awards and competition wins throughout Sussex. Bob was great friends with recently departed Reg Maskell and in fact they died within 2½ weeks of each other. He was a very active member of the club and won many accolades with us. He helped Zac, our youngest member, and our secretary John with their performance skills and was always a true gentleman. He will be solely missed by his wife Peggy and daughter Sarah - who often visited the society - and his whole family and by his magical friends here at ACES (Associated Conjurers of East Sussex). 3.5.08
Stars
of Magic 2008 - Lee Alex reports on the week's events in Istanbul,
Click
Here • Congratulations to Steve and Victoria Gore on the birth of
Jenna Elizabeth Gore on Wednesday April 30th • 'Legend: An anecdotal
tribute to Ken Brooke' - due to overwhelming demand Steve Cook's book is
temporarily out of stock for a few weeks. Contact Steve directly for more
details:
steve.cook243@ntlworld.com • Your UK magic news is always welcomed -
see you next week, Duncan.
3.5.08