Number 501 - 30th January 2010
7th
South Tyneside International Magic Festival, 8th - 14th March. The
climax of the week-long festival, which runs in South Shields from
Monday, March 8th, will be the return of the popular three-day magic
convention featuring a mixture of master classes, lectures and close-up
magic, running from Friday March 12th until Sunday March 14th.
Performers set to lead masterclasses during the event include Swedish
magician Lennart Green, humourist Tim Sonefelt and American mentalist
Joshua Quinn, who will be appearing in the UK for the very first time.
There will also be a very special appearance by Simon Drake, star of
The Secret Cabaret and creator of the London-based
House of Magic,
who will be appearing via video link to talk about his experiences and
answer questions from the audience. Ticket holders for the convention at
the South Tyneside International Magic Festival can also attend both of
the festival’s main Gala Shows, which will be held at the Customs House
on Friday March 12th and Saturday March 13th, as well as being given
admission and transportation to a special Midnight Show, which will be
held at the Sea Hotel on Friday, March 12th. The line-up for these shows
includes all three of the convention’s masterclass leaders, as well as
illusionist and world-record breaking escapologist Shahid Malik (photo),
and comedian Brad Manuel, who is making his first ever visit to the UK
in order to compere Friday’s Gala Show.
Award-winning British magician Richard McDougall will also be taking to
the Customs House stage on March 13th for a short talk on the
international magic industry, while Michael J Fitch, star of Channel 4’s
Freaky Magic and the BBC show Sorcerer’s Apprentice, will
present an audience with legendary magician Wayne Dobson. The South
Tyneside International Magic Festival is organised by South Tyneside
Council with help from former President of the Newcastle Magic Circle,
Martin Duffy. Councillor Tracey Dixon, Lead Member Culture and Wellbeing
said: "It is a real coup for the Borough to once again host
entertainment from these top international performers and magic
enthusiasts from all over the world. I'm certain that this will be a
brilliant event with many delegates returning year after year to enjoy
the great location, friendly atmosphere and professionalism of the
convention here in South Tyneside."
Tickets for the convention, which is supported by The Customs House
theatre and sponsored by Newcastle-based magic dealer
MagicBox, are
priced at £65 per person, with an additional charge for anyone wishing
to attend a master class session. For more information, including a full
list of events and how to book, visit
www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival. 30.1.10
Blackpool
2010. VIP and Gold registrations - sold out! All
VIP and Gold registrations for the
Blackpool
Magicians’ Club Convention (February 19th - 21st) have now been sold. If
you are lucky, you may still be able to buy a Silver Card. This includes entry to all the events on Friday and Saturday as
well as daytime events
on Sunday (but not the Sunday Gala Show). A Silver Card costs just £50
for adults and £30 for juniors which represents excellent value for
money. Email Registration Officer, Arthur Casson,
arthurcasson@aol.com, or
telephone + 44 (0) 1253 393688, to check availability. Photo: David
Williamson! 30.1.10
Queens
of Magic! If you're going to the Blackpool Magic Convention this
year, why not take in the Queens of Magic featuring Fay Presto, Mandy
Muden, Romany Diva of Magic (photo), and a host of glamorous male
assistants. The show runs from Wednesday 17th February to the matinee on
Saturday 20th, which means you could squeeze it in on the Thursday night
before the convention starts. Visit
www.visitblackpool.com for more info. 30.1.10
The
Innovention, Las Vegas. News just in from Paul Stone: Some more news
about The Innovention which will be of particular interest to UK
based magicians. In response to several requests, we have decided to put
together a fabulous 'Magical Trip of a Lifetime' from 3rd - 11th October
to attend The Innovention. It includes Direct flights, Transfers,
8 Nights at the superb Suncoast Hotel & Casino, Full Registration for
The Innovention, an exclusive VIP Reception with the 'Stars', Best
Tickets to 'World Stars of Magic' and also to the Mac King Show. Full
details are on the website
www.innovention2010.com/vegastrip
Latest Hot News is that we've booked Joanie Spina (photo) the renowned
Choreographer and Lead Dancer from David Copperfield's first ten TV
Specials for a 'hands-on' Workshop and an extra 'ground breaking'
session. Joanie is without doubt one of the top experts in her field,
and it is a real coup to have her involved. Anyone who attended either
the 'Ultimate Performers Workshop' in Las Vegas or the British Ring
Convention in Southport in 2007, will know just how valuable Joanie's
sessions are to a performer. David Hemingway wrote after seeing her
Lecture at Southport "In fifty years of attending Conventions, I've
never seen anyone who came even close to being as inspirational. What
Joanie gave us was worth the price of the Convention, and moreover she
did it with enormous grace, kindness and humanity as well as authority." 30.1.10
Derren Brown - Something
Wicked This Way Comes is being repeated at 10.50pm on Thursday 11th
February. A specially televised version of Derren Brown's award-winning live show,
fusing magic, suggestion and psychology. Filmed in front of a packed
audience at the Old Vic in London. 30.1.10
Merlins
of Wakefield announce that on the Wednesday 10th February they will
be staging a special event. Edwin A. Dawes and Steven Short will be
presenting a lecture on the life of David Nixon, including special
events, and clips from his many TV appearances. The new book, David Nixon - Entertainer
With the Magic Touch, will be available to buy, signed by the
authors. Edwin and Steven
interviewed David's many friends and loved ones to present a full
portrait of his life. Lavishly illustrated using family photographs,
publicity posters and television stills, this is a truly enchanting
book.
This is a reservation-only event. For more details and to reserve a
space telephone 01924 339933. Spaces are strictly on a first come basis. 30.1.10
JB
Magic - New UK and US websites. JB Magic have redesigned their
websites: www.jbtv.co.uk
and www.jbtvusa.com -
have a look and see what's new! 30.1.10
Houdini
artefacts now on display. "Locks and handcuffs used by famous
escapologist Harry Houdini are about to go on display at Buxton Museum
and Art Gallery. The amazing artefacts are on show as part of the BBC’s
'History of the World in 100 Objects' project. They were once owned by
Sheffield-born Randolph Douglas, an expert lock picker and magician who
performed in the early 1900s as Randini. Douglas was a friend and
adviser to Houdini and helped devise one of his most famous escapes –
from a straitjacket while hung upside down..." Read the full story on
the Derbyshire County Council website
Click Here. 30.1.10
Magic's
Most Amazing Stories... "Reports from the road, at the airport,
technical problems, hecklers, lost props, fire, animal mishaps and
anything else you can think of is all here! Get an inside look to what
happens to the pros while they travel and work in this exciting
profession. With tales from Houdini, Doug Henning, Dai Vernon, Larry
Jennings, Charlie Miller, Tony Slydini, Tommy Cooper, Jimmy Grippo,
Martin Nash, Harry & Gay Blackstone, Billy McComb, Jeff Hobson, Mac
King, Mike Finney, Dana Daniels, Tom Burgoon, Tom Ogden, Gazzo and many
more." Visit
www.magicsmostamazingstories.com for more info and to order. 30.1.10
Mel
Harvey is off to Dubai as part of a cultural exchange organised by
The Stratford upon Avon Tourist office next week. For nearly a year now
Mel has been one of the official guides for the Stratford Town Ghost
Walks, showing visitors the more haunted Shakespearean houses in the
Town. In addition to the ghostly goings on Mel has been presenting some
spooky magic on the tour, culminating in the levitation of the "close
up" table. The Burj Tower in Dubai is now officially the highest tower
block in the World and Mel is hoping that his table will float at least
some of the way up! This will be Mel's second visit to The United Arab
Emerites as it was one of the destinations on a cruising contract last
year. The idea caught on that it would be a good opportunity to
publicise the new high rise Burj Tower in Dubai and "The Magic of Dubai"
with some magic with a high rise table. Mel promises to bring back some
interesting photos when the event takes place around the 8th February.
Mel will be back in time for The Blackpool Convention and looks forward
to meeting friends and customers, old and new. 30.1.10
Magic
Venue for Camden Crwal Music Festival, London. Because of the
growing popularity of magic among younger crowds,
Camden Crawl
Music Festival has decided to host a magic venue for the first time
ever this year, alongside the 40 other music and comedy venues. It will
be organised by
Pete Hathway, and will feature a range of different magic from
different people, including comedy/mentalism/cabaret and possibly even
small illusions, interspersed with music from top bands. Pete is open to
submissions from people looking to perform (anything from 5 to 45
minutes). Fees are available for the right acts, plus expenses, food and
drink and VIP access to the rest of the festival... The biggest
incentive, however, would be the massive exposure that would come with
playing what is one of the biggest and most popular festivals in
England, including massive coverage in all the London press, on MTV
(official sponsors of the Crawl), and online. The date is Saturday the
1st of May, and there are slots available all afternoon, into the early
evening. Anyone interested in getting involved and opening up their
magic to a new crowd should email Pete, regardless of genre, with their
details and any relevant links (showreel/CV/website etc) to
pete@peteismagic.com (Pete
emails: "Listing deadlines are looming, so the sooner they get in touch,
the more publicity they will get!). 30.1.10
Dobson's
Choice, Special Effects is reviewed by Ian Keable this week. "For me, though, the ‘pièce de résistance’ are two effects direct from Wayne’s
cabaret act. A great re-working on the Invisible Deck (incorporating a superb
way of doing the magician’s force), where the chosen card is found folded in a
purse; and his five card repeat. The latter is one of the best opening tricks I
have seen from any magician: when Wayne did it, fast paced and with a drum beat
highlighting his words and actions, it was a joy to watch. And here you have not
only the exact method used but also the patter..." To read the full review,
Click Here. 30.1.10
Andy
Nyman and Jeremy Dyson aim to terrify audiences with their new stage
production Ghost Stories. They combine their passion for the macabre
from their work on Derren Brown's stage shows and The League of
Gentlemen. Kirsty Lang talks to them about the lack of thrillers in
theatre... 'listen again' via the Radio 4 website:
Click Here (at 1.34 min). "Ghost Stories co-creator Nyman in
Playhouse role"
Click Here. Book now:
Liverpool,
London. 30.1.10
Adrian
Sullivan lecture - Merlin Magical Society. On Thursday 4th February
Adrian Sullivan will lecture for The Merlin Magical Society. Doors open
at 7.30pm and the lecture runs from 8pm to 10pm. Entry for non members
is £5. Visit
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk/contact.html for more information and
a map. 30.1.10
Steve
Dela has just launched his 2010 Lecture and Two Disc DVD set,
entitled "Work and Play", which is being released in conjunction with
The Magic Cave.
The first run sold out at Steve's Magic Circle lecture two weeks ago.
This is the world's first magic DVD to include a revolutionary "screen
flip" option, which reverses the view for both left and right handed
magicians. Steve Dela is a two-time British Ring IBM Close-up winner and
a former Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year winner. Both the DVD
and lecture include his full award winning professional repertoire, his
views on the current magic scene and lots of hints, tips and suggestions
on how to effectively market yourself. For 2010, so far, Steve has been
invited to 4Fs in New York, and to headline at the Irish IBM Convention
in May. If you would like to book Steve to lecture at your Magic Club or
Society email
management@stevedela.com. 30.1.10
Mister
Meech's Merged Mail-Outs by Oliver Meech. Year One. All 26 issues of
Oliver's newsletter in one place. 13 effects, 13 ideas, 13 links. Magic
with playing cards, photos, pizza and more. Plus bonus card trick
'Walking Fingers'. With new layout and index. 95 pages. The ebook costs
£9.99 and is available from
http://stores.lulu.com/olivermeech. Ian Keable reviews Mister
Meech's Merged Mail-Outs this week,
Click Here. 30.1.10
The
Order of the Magi is holding a Jumbo Auction on Tuesday 9th February
at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map)
commencing at 7.30pm, with viewing from 6.30pm. Lot numbers are now
available so if you need one please contact Max Townsend Entertainments
Officer on 07800 618218 or email
max.townsend@stockport.gov.uk. Details are on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. "Door charge £3 so do come along as there
might be there the very thing you are looking for!" 30.1.10
Last
week Andrew Green took first place in the Blackpool Magicians’ Club
- Close Up Magician of The Year 2010 competition. He also managed to
scoop the award for the best card trick on the night as well, which was
an added surprise. Andrew has recently been consulting on a magic
feature for Channel 5’s Gadget Show and has a busy year lined up with
the Blackpool/ FISM Convention team together with a calendar full of UK
and international performances of his own to fit in.
www.modernmysteries.co.uk. 30.1.10
Chris
Cox UK tour. "The UK’s most exciting mind-reader who can’t read
minds, Chris Cox is renowned for his incredible ability to predict the
unpredictable. He will bring his award-winning five-star Edinburgh 2009
show to the Pleasance theatre Islington for a short run. Unleashing the
dormant mind-reader in every audience member, Chris envisions a perfect
world where the mundane can be magical, getting a seat on the train is
always assured, the objects of your desire always find you irresistible
– and even winning the lottery could be a possibility."
Click Here for
venues and dates. 30.1.10
From
Yateley, Hampshire
to Blackpool - assistance required. If any reader is travelling up to
the Blackpool Convention by car and could help transport a number of
boxes containing copies of the newly published book 'Beating a Dead
Horse: The Life and Times of Jay Marshall' written by his son, Sandy
(Sandy will be lecturing at the convention), please email the MagicWeek
office so that we can pass on the relevant details. There are 12 boxes
in all, weighing 25 lbs each. Any assistance with any number of boxes
would be gratefully received. 30.1.10
Mysticals Top Hat Family Magic Bar. The opening of the 'Mysticals Top Hat Family Magic Bar' in Blackpool has been set for Wednesday 10th February. Some tickets are still available by contacting Alan Chesteron 01253 408893 (Alan is also offering help with arranging B&B accommodation nearby at £20 per person, per night). 30.1.10
Magic in Chester. Barnaby emails: "On Wednesday 24th February, a magic meeting (we hesitate to call it a club) will be starting at The Bridge Inn, Chester on Tarvin Road. The inaugural meeting will start at 7.30pm, with a short lecture/dealer dem by Barnaby at 8pm. The emphasis of the meeting is on the amateur/hobbyist magician, although anyone of any skill level will be made welcome. We would like to point out that there is already a Magic Society in Chester called Chester Guild of Magicians and that our meetings are certainly not intended to compete with their evenings. Members of Chester Guild, or any other societies, will, of course, be welcome to come along. We currently intend to hold our meetings on the last Wednesday of the month. If you require any information, please email Barnaby at barnabymagic@live.co.uk" www.barnabymagic.com. 30.1.10
Magic Sale. Mark Worgan is selling his complete stock from his magic store. Close-up Magic, Children's Magic, Cabaret Magic... "I need to sell it all so any reasonable offer invited, visit www.markworgan.co.uk/magicstore to see what's there. Prices are retail on the site, negotiation on wholesale." Email info@markworgan.co.uk. 30.1.10
Magic,
1400s-1950s by Caveney & Steinmeyer - this is the one that they are
all talking about. Hardcover, 670 pages, 50.6cm x 32.8cm x 7.6
cm and available from Amazon.co.uk right now for
just £86.75 (saving 36%) with free delivery
Click Here • "Steve Wyrick Theatre a dark monument to struggling
Vegas showrooms"
Click Here • "Authorities: David Copperfield's accuser charged
with lying to police"
Click Here • "OMG! Did you see that? Young illusionist's slick,
stunt-based show is magic for the Jackass generation"
Click Here • Your UK news is always welcome. Please remember
the strict Friday 12 noon deadline, and try to include a photo to bring
your story to life. See you next week, Duncan.
30.1.10