Number 481 - 12th September 2009

Derren Brown's Wednesday night lottery prediction was a great piece of TV that captured the imagination of not just the British public, but the British Press as well...

"How DID he do that? All of Britain guessing how Derren Brown stunned the world by predicting the lottery results. Derren Brown is a man who has appeared to play Russian Roulette on live television, using a revolver filled with genuine ammunition. But even by his standards, his latest stunt was a real jaw-dropper. On Wednesday at 10.35pm, having boasted for days that he would predict the six main ball numbers in the midweek National Lottery draw, Brown went on-air, live across all Channel 4's terrestrial and satellite channels. At exactly the same time, BBC1 broadcast the draw, also live. On the stage of the studio from which Brown was broadcasting stood a television, to show the BBC draw. A few feet away, to the left as the viewer saw it, stood a clear plastic stand. On top of the stand were six white, lottery-sized balls. Brown claimed the winning numbers, as predicted by him, had already been written on the balls. They would, he said, be revealed after the draw had been made. The six main numbers drawn by the lottery machine were, in numerical order, 2, 11, 23, 28, 35, 39. And the numbers written on the balls in Brown's studio were, yes, 2, 11, 23, 28, 35, 39...." To read the full story by David Thomas in the Mail Click Here. You Tube: Click Here  "Does it add up? Derren Brown explains lottery stunt" Click Here. "TV ratings: Derren Brown's lottery stunt draws 3m viewers. Derren Brown's attempt to predict midweek lottery draw on Channel 4 pulls in more viewers than lottery itself" Click Here (Google 'Derren Brown' for hundreds more!). 12.9.09

Jack Delvin - newly elected President of The Magic Circle. On Monday, 7th September, Jack Delvin MIMC, was elected President of The Magic Circle, following the society's recent postal ballot. Jack Delvin has spent a lifetime in magic and is as passionate about magic and its future today as he was when he first started out. A popular and regular 'Monday nighter' Jack's professional magic career has seen him perform all over the world, both live and on television, from private parties for the Sultan of Brunei, to appearances on 'Noel’s House Party'. Former Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year winner and full-time magic consultant and performer Scott Penrose was elected Vice President, and former Young Magician of the Year winner Steve Dela joins the newly elected council of 14, together with a number of other new names. www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 12.9.09

FISM World Championships of Magic - Blackpool 9th-14th July 2012. The countdown has begun! International President of FISM Eric Eswin and International Vice President Domenico Dante have been visiting the resort of Blackpool this week to put in place plans for the 2012 World Championships of Magic. Click Here to listen to their interview on BBC Radio Lancashire at 48 minutes 18 seconds in (broadcasting restrictions may apply). Blackpool Magicians' Club are already hard at work to ensure that FISM 2012 will be the biggest and best yet. With over 450 registrations taken already it will truly be the 'Olympics' of Magic in the UK's Olympic year. Click Here to visit the FISM registration webpage. www.blackpoolmagic.com. 12.9.09

Great Lives: Houdini. Matthew Parris presents the biographical series in which his guests choose someone who has inspired their lives. Paul Daniels explores the life of Harry Houdini. They are joined by Houdini biographer William Kalush, who argues that the master escapologist may have been murdered by spiritualist. 4.30pm on Tuesday 22nd September on BBC Radio Four, See TV Magic. 12.9.09

The International Magic Convention may have a new home at The Mermaid Theatre but the regular high standard of artists from around the world have been booked as usual. As already reported the Guest of Honour will be Argentinean Living Legend Rene Lavand who in addition to lecturing and performing a short spot in the Close Up Gala will be presenting his one man show as an extra pay event, on the Sunday evening. This will be held in the 130 seater Bridewell Theatre, where the intimate space will allow everyone attending a perfect view of this Magical Maestro at work. Only a few tickets remain for this once in a lifetime experience. If you plan on attending you should contact Martin MacMillan as soon as possible. More names will be released in the near future, but already booked are numerous performers new to England, top Award winners direct from FISM in Beijing and a couple of old favourites at Ron’s. The Close Up Competition has just two gaps left due to a couple of recent dropouts, so anyone wishing to compete for the £1,000 First Prize and one of the most coveted titles in the Close Up World should apply at admin@internationalmagic.com. The Convention runs from November 27th-29th and registrations are available at www.internationalmagic.com. 12.9.09

The Lincolnshire Day of Magic, Sunday June 20th, 2010. The South Lincs Magic Society in association with Magic Books by Post are organising the Lincolnshire Day of Magic next year on Sunday June 20th at the Washingborough Community Centre, Washingborough, Lincoln LN4 1AB (Map). 9am: Pre-event lecture/workshop (1st 40 tickets only will be eligible, you will be notified when you purchase your ticket), 10am Main Doors open, 6pm the day ends. Already booked to lecture: Adrian Sullivan - Pre Event Workshop/lecture, Michael Vincent and Paul Gordon, and provisionally Dynamo, with more names to come including a star name. Dealers: Magic Books by Post, Merlin's, Magic Tao, Gifts4magicians, Razzmatazz, Annabel de Vetten, Master of Mystery (Adrian Sullivan), and Discount Magic. For more info visit www.lincsdayofmagic.com. 12.9.09

An Evening of Magic with John Milner, Member of The Inner Magic Circle. Bridgnorth Theatre on the Steps, Saturday October 10th at 7.30pm. Tickets £10.00 (concessions £7.50). Box Office 01746 763257. Also appearing on the bill, Saxon Tylney, James Milner and Al Rudge. For more information visit www.house-of-magic-shop.co.uk. 12.9.09

Scoop and Friends - Magic and Variety Show. The jesters and magicians of Camelot Theme Park are staging a night of 'Magic and Variety' at Chorley Little Theatre on Saturday, September 19th. "'Scoop and Friends' features Mark James who produced the 'Supercharged Classics' DVDs, Paul Roberts from JB Magic, Martin Pemberton who is a comedian and stunt-man and performs regularly with 'Slaughterhouse Live' and Paul Dawson, the aforementioned Scoop and magician, juggler, fire-eater and all round performer. It will be an incredible night of magic, comedy, juggling' fire eating and so much more, suitable for all the family and featuring a never-before-seen, world first, death defying feat of skill!" The show starts at 7.30pm. Tickets: £10 entry for adults and £5 for concessions. 12.9.09

Etienne Pradier, Sunday evening, London. "Tomorrow evening from 7pm Etienne Pradier lectures at The Phoenix Artist Bar. Admission is just £10.00 and the lecture includes new material. From 9pm the evening changes into an open 'one-trick' competition for anyone who wants to enter, with a great prize. The bar will be open until late, so bring some friends! If you can't make it in person then you can always watch the lecture live via the internet instead on The Academy. Tickets can be purchased between now and 7pm on Sunday evening via www.academyofmagic.com. 12.9.09

Kidology UK 2009. Jeremy Le Poidevin of Practical Magic emails: "Alec from Albion Magic and Cheryl and Jeremy from Practical Magic would like to thank all lecturers and conventioneers at this year's Kidology, held this past week in Wolverhampton. We had another bumper crowd and four terrific and varied lectures from Ali Cardabra, Derek Lever, Michael Diamond and Michael J. Fitch (pictured). You can have great lectures and great dealers (we had both) but what really makes a convention is the registrants themselves, so a huge thank you to all for making the day what appears to have been the most successful yet. That was our 6th Kidology and we now start immediately planning next year's. Please note the date now: Tuesday, September 7th 2010. 12.9.09

Kidsalabim, Belgium. The Belgians are staging Kidsalabim this week, a European Convention for Children's Entertainers. This takes place in Wilrijk (Antwerp) next Saturday, September 19th. There are 3 lectures from Pat Fallon, Quentin Reynolds (both pictured) and Jeremy Le Poidevin of Practical Magic (who was lucky enough to be behind the camera he tells us!). There's a packed programme, including a full children's show. The weary travellers will then hotfoot it back to the UK just in time for the British Ring Convention in Southport. www.kidsalabim.com. 12.9.09

The Merlin Magical Society is having a lecture on Thursday September 17th from David Baxter (Made To Measure Magic). The lecture will consist of a mixture of effects in the first half and then children's magic in the second. David also has a variety of children's props for sale, so bring lots of dosh! The Club address is: Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar EN6 1JJ (Map). The doors open at 7.30pm and the lecture will run from 8pm to 10pm. Entry is £5 for non members. For more information contact John Clayton (Secretary) on 07931 525399. 12.9.09

The Order of the Magi (Manchester) held their Annual Cabaret and Comedy Competition on Tuesday 8th September. There were six competitors battling it out for the awards. Taking the first prize and the comedy trophy was Patrix (David Hutchinson) and second place went to Stephen Ablett. The runner up was Ian Ball. The standard of performance was high with unusual adaptations and twists incorporated into the routines. This competition attracted many visitors to the society who were made most welcome by the organiser, Entertainments Officer Max Townsend. The Magi’s North West Dealers Day this year is on 21st November and details will be on www.orderofthemagi.org.uk in the near future. Geoffrey Newton PRO. 12.9.09

Magician and actor John Danbury has been working alongside Nestle UK for the last few months as the company 're brand' their entire Nescafe range, aiming to recapture the iconic branding they enjoyed in the 80's, when everyone knew 'the Gold Blend couple'. John's been working on the new "Coffee at its Brightest" campaign that is now in store and on TV, and has also been involved in all the internal launches for months, creating the 'spark' and adding some magic www.johndanbury.com. 12.9.09

The Gory Guillotine - perfect for Halloween! New from Magicians Cave Productions: "This professional arm guillotine is a high quality metal and wood construction, with brass fittings, sprayed to a very high standard with 5 coats of hard wearing lacquer. We are able to custom spray these guillotines to your specifications at an extra cost - please send us an email with your requirements and we shall send you a quote. Full instructions included. Please don’t be put off by the low price of this fantastic prop. We were able to do a job lot and offer the savings to our customers - once these are gone there gone!" For more information and to order (£45.00 includes free delivery) visit: www.magicianscave.co.uk. 12.9.09

Merlins of Wakefield have just released their latest exclusive effect from Ali Cardabra entitled 'Bend O Pen'. "You display an everyday ballpoint pen at your fingertips. The pen is covered by an handkerchief and held onto by a spectator. Your hands are shown clearly empty. After a few moments concentration the handkerchief is lifted away and the spectator discovers that the pen has now become bent into a right angle! All can be examined. You will love the clever method as much as the effect." Available exclusively from www.merlinswakefield.com £12.00 + postage. 12.9.09

1st Birthday - The Secret Castle of Magic. Next show - Friday 25th September at 7.30pm - booking essential. "Come along and share our magic birthday. For a Unique and Entertaining Experience, the Secret Castle is the magical evening for you, your family, friends and work collogues. The ‘Secret Castle of Magic’ opened its doors in November 2008 and the next show, on Friday 25th September features, Eamonn Murphy (Winner 'Irish Close-up Magician of the Year 2009), Nevin Cody and Ronan MacGabhann. All three shows cost just €12 (€10 concessions) Call 01 851 2151 to book (children under 10 are not permitted). Reviews: Click Here. 12.9.09

James Prince Menu of Miracles - Sheffield lecture. Sheffield Circle of Magicians are hosting James Prince's 'Menu of Miracles' lecture at 7.30pm on Thursday 17th September at Magick Enterprises, 82 Broad Street, Sheffield S2 5TG (Map). There will be a small door charge of £8.00 for non members. All welcome for this not to be missed evening! For more information contact Craig Frith (Entertainment Secretary) 07816 989946 or Andy Cooper (Secretary) secretary@sheffieldcircleofmagicians.org www.sheffieldcircleofmagicians.org. 12.9.09

Dan Garrett Blackpool lecture. Popular American magician Dan Garrett will lecture at the Blackpool Magicians’ Club headquarters on 13th October. Dan is famous as a performer, inventor, author and lecturer and is the winner of a prodigious number of awards. There can be very few in magic who do not know of Dan’s work - so members and associates are in for a real treat. Lectures are free to all members and associates of the Blackpool Magicians’ Club. Details of membership and associate membership (which is only £25 a year) can be obtained from the club website www.blackpoolmagic.com. 12.9.09

Magician Damien was seen performing at the Mayfair hotel last week where he had the chance to perform to X Factor winner Alexandra Burke. Damien emails: "Alex was amazing to perform to, she was really laid-back and loved everything I did and we even exchanged numbers!" "Alexandra's Freebie Fest" Click Here, "Tricky business for Alexandra" Click Here. 12.9.09

Former Lawyer and Magic Circle member Ivor Cole - the Legal Eagle with the Magic Mind - hit the headlines during his three week season at the recent Edinburgh Festival. Challenged by "The Scotsman" he successfully predicted the headlines of Scotland's national newspaper days before publication. Seasoned journalists of the paper described his feat as "spookily accurate". Further publicity followed with other reports including a whole page feature article in the Daily Mail where he was described as "The Legal Wizard". The publicity and P.R. campaign was designed and produced by John Derris. 12.9.09

Shahid Malik's: Instant Radio. Steve Cook emails: "I recently purchased Shahid Malik's 'Instant Radio' from his new online site www.magigadgets.com. This item is a really novel effect. The performer, whilst bare-handed, turns any object he/she touches, presses, squeezes etc into a radio! Al Cohen marketed a similar item many years ago, but Shahid has vastly updated his product due to the advances in micro technology. The effects are limitless! This is a great 'ice-breaker' and an effect which your audience will remember for years to come! Two years in development and definitely worth the wait. An excellent and meticulously detailed booklet accompanies the effect, detailing all you need to know. This is the first item released by 'Magigadgets'; I greatly look forward to the second! 'Instant Radio' comes very highly recommended!" www.magigadgets.com. 12.9.09

The Mid-Ulster Magic Circle which was founded in 1996 was featured on The Seven Thirty Show, Ulster Television on Thursday 10th September. Presenter Marc Mallett was amazed by the prowess of the club's junior members who performed a number of effects. President Jim Rush and Chairman Alex Moore are delighted with the enthusiasm and dedication of the juniors' whose ages range from 7 to 13 years, and would like to take this opportunity to thank the seniors for the time and energy spent tutoring the younger members. The Club meets every Wednesday in Lurgan Town Hall at 8pm. New members are always welcome. www.midulstermagiccircle.co.uk. 12.9.09

The David Bolton Hypnosis Show - live at Vue Cinemas. David Bolton is presenting his stage show at the Vue Cinema, Meadowhall, Sheffield on October the 5th and at the Vue Cinema, The Light Shopping Centre, Leeds on October the 6th. Both shows commence at 8pm. "The David Bolton hypnosis show is one of the most awesome audience participation shows around. Let David take you on a magical journey into your imagination using the power of suggestion to enlighten and entertain. David Bolton has been using hypnosis to entertain audiences both in the UK and abroad for over 20 years. He has hit the headlines many times as one of Britain's top hypnotists and has recently been seen on primetime TV." Tickets available direct from Vue Cinemas: www.myvue.com www.hypnomagic.co.uk. 12.9.09

James Anthony and Joy are currently performing their illusion show aboard the SeaBourne Odyssey which was launched just two months ago, as the newest 6 star ship in the fleet. James is set to perform until the end of September, and then possibly for a residency. For more information, or to follow The Magic of James Anthony visit www.jamesanthony.co.uk. 12.9.09

Chris Philpott has just returned from a successful four week engagement in Nova Scotia, Canada, where he worked with Canadian magician Tim Vallillee ('The Great Tim Beanie'). Together they entertained at many summer camps in the province, with performances in front of nearly 200 children per show. Chris hopes to perform in Canada again, and possibly even take his illusion act out with him next time too. www.chrisillusions.com. 12.9.09

Congratulations to Pat Fallon seen here receiving the Merlin Award for 'Family Magic Show of the Year' from 'The International Magicians Society' founder Tony Hassini. Pat can be seen on the Fringe show at the 73rd British Ring Convention later this month here in the UK, see www.britishring.org.uk. 12.9.09

Sunday Night at the Palace Theatre. Mansfield Palace Theatre, Leeming Street, Mansfield, Nottingham NG18 1NG. Sunday 13th September at 7pm. Tickets (all seats) £7.00. "Do you remember 'Sunday Night at The London Palladium', a good old fashioned Variety Show? Well Masque Productions are bringing the same format to The Palace Theatre Mansfield with a fantastic mixture of singing, dancing, comedy and magic with our special guest Freddie Wilkinson." Masque Productions is a theatre group based in Mansfield, performing musicals and variety shows. They have produced over 70 major musicals ranging from West Side Story to the Witches of Eastwick and numerous music hall and variety shows. Tickets available via the box office on 01623 633133 or Click Here. 12.9.09

Northern Magic Circle Convention - update. "Due to unprecedented demand for registrations for the Northern Magic Circle Convention which will be held on Saturday 27th & Sunday 28th March 2010 we are pleased to announce that the registration desk is now open for postal registrations, with the online facility being available in the next few weeks. The registration form is available to download from www.northernmagic.co.uk. The convention will be held at the Marine Hall in Fleetwood, Lancashire, and acts booked to date include Nathan Kranzo, Chris Priest, John Hotowka and Stephen Williams with more international names to be announced soon." Alan Mylecraine. 12.9.09

The Fylde Mystics. "The Fylde Mystics are pleased to announce that due to the continued growth of the society we are moving to a new headquarters. We will now be meeting at South Shore Lawn Tennis Club, Midgeland Road, Blackpool, Lancashire, FY4 5HZ (Map) which is located off the M55 heading into Blackpool, with meetings continuing to be held on the first Tuesday of each month commencing Tuesday 6th October. For all the latest news and reviews visit www.fyldemystics.co.uk" Alan Mylecraine. 12.9.09

The Order of the Magi annual cabaret and comedy competition took place last Tuesday in front of good crowd. Congratulations to Patrix (Dave Hutchinson) who won both the cabaret and the comedy trophies for his act, which included a baffling Russian roulette routine using eggs! Stephen Ablett was the runner-up with his Sherlock Homes act and third place went to Ian Ball. www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. 12.9.09

Boris Nicoli. X- KGB Mind Reader... "An Award winning Comedy Mind Reading Act... since the cold war has finished, Boris has had to go into showbiz instead. Everything from psycho-tronic generators to a KGB stress test. A very funny and original presentation. This show is part of the Birmingham Arts Festival and admission is free." Sunday,13th September 8.30pm. Venue: Flapper & Firkin, Camadarian Wharf, Kingston Row, Birmingham B1 2NU (Map). www.quirkymagician.co.uk. 12.9.09

Congratulations to Tommy Moss, winner of the Ilford Magical Society's 'Most Baffling Trick' competition last week. www.ilfordmagic.com . 12.9.09

Alan Russell (Snagger) presents his new Balloon Modelling lecture 'Lets's Twist Again' for The Chester Guild of Magicians on Monday 14th September. The evening commences at 8pm at The Bull & Stirrup, Northgate Street, Chester. Visitors welcome (£5 door charge). For further information contact Steve Cooil 01244 881462 stevecooil@mac.com. 12.9.09

The Magic Open Mic Night - Portsmouth. Sunday 27th September at The Raglan Room's, The Alma, 193 Highland Road, Eastney, Portsmouth. Doors open at 7pm. Admission: £3.00 (anyone performing will get 4 free tickets), 80 seated - plus standing room for 20. Contact: darren@themagicattic.co.uk for more info. www.events.themagicattic.co.uk or Facebook. 12.9.09

Thought Thief. "Both criminals and the government are controlling you. Join underground mind-reading sensation, Peter Antoniou, as through laughter and amazement he reveals how your mind has been compromised. Fresh from his critically acclaimed run at the Edinburgh Fringe Peter Antoniou presents his one-man mind reading show, 'Thought Thief' at the Leicester Square Theatre. Friday 25th September at 8.30pm. Tickets are only £10 and can be bought via Ticketweb Venue: The Basement at Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (Map). 12.9.09

Parapsychological Ruminations with Dr Todd and Evie Harris. "Dr Todd blends magic, science and the esoteric to create coincidence, suggestion and synchronicity as well as exploring freewill, predictability and intuition. Evie is a researcher for paralabs. She is a parapsychological researcher who makes no ESP or psychic claims. She tests willing members of the audience for telepathy, clairvoyance and 'pre cog' abilities." Saturday 19th September, Quex Park, Birchington, Kent. Tickets £10 from harris@paralabs.org. 12.9.09

"Magician Daniels snubs ‘tasteless, sad’ Blackpool" Click Here • "TV magician slams Blackpool" Click Here • "Paul Daniels - as you've never seen him before" Click Here • "Russell shatters the illusionist" Click Here (Includes TV FISM interview) • "Jack Delvin named new president of The Magic Circle" Click Here • "Keith Barry in Kells this weekend" Click Here • "Heroes: Dynamo" Click Here • "Paul Daniels urges Derren Brown to get one wrong in lottery trick" Click Here • "Pass notes 2,644: Derren Brown" Click Here • Andy Stone lists 20 reasons why you should attend the British Ring Convention (23rd - 27th September) in Bob Hayden's latest convention update Click Here • "Magic Night at Madame Jojos" Click Here • "Criss Angel's exercise and diet routine" Click Here • "The Power of the Mind: Lior Suchard Is a Living, Breathing & Entertaining Example" Click Here • What was all the fuss about with Derren's Lottery stunt on Wednesday night? Am I the only one who spotted the guy in the gorilla suit come on and switch the balls? That's it - see you next week, Duncan. 12.9.09

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