Number 503 - 13th February 2010

 

Patrick Page 17th March 1929 – 11th February 2010. The great magician, historian, raconteur and author Patrick Page, passed away on Thursday at 80 years of age. A native of Scotland, for many years he was a performer in working men's clubs. He married (his late wife, Margaret) and moved to London where he worked in a succession of magic shops, including a long stint at Davenports. He was the author of Bell's Book of Magic, Magic by Gosh (Al Goshman),and The Big Book of Magic, among others, as well as dozens of booklets on topics from the Topit to the purse frame. He partnered in the 1970s with Vic Pinto to produce the Trik-a-Tape series of audio and video cassettes. Pat authored the Pageboy Speaks column for Pabular and contributed items and musings to most of the magic magazines. He passed away in hospital after a long illness, and leaves two children, Janette and Jeremy, and a grandson. At his death he was working on a massive, final book comprising new material as well as effects from his small, hard-to-find booklets. No publication date is set as yet. Pat continued performing and manning a dealer table until last year. Matthew Field. (Photo: Pat at the IBM British Ring Convention, Eastbourne, in September 2008 by Duncan Trillo) 13.2.10

 

International Illusionist Franz Harary has been booked by Blackpool Magicians' Club to vanish the famous Blackpool Tower. Franz previously vanished Tower Bridge in London for the BBC. This spectacular event is being recorded on video and will be used to publicise the 2011 F.I.S.M. European Magic Championships being hosted by Blackpool Magicians' Club. The vanish will be shown on the Blackpool website www.blackpoolmagic.com in two weeks time. A full programme of events is now listed on the website for the 2010 Blackpool Convention which has attracted a record number of registrants this year. Registration Officer Arthur Casson is still trying to find new ways for magicians to enjoy at least part of the convention but basically it is a complete sell-out. The World's Biggest Convention just got even bigger - see you there! 13.2.10

 

Derren Brown Enigma. This is the second leg of the sold out tour that started in 2009. Derren is in Swansea this evening - see What's On for complete tour dates. "Brilliant... there was nothing for it but to surrender to his control" Mail on Sunday. "Mind-blowing" London Lite. "A Spectacular night of entertainment. Derren Brown is, without a shadow of a doubt, this country's greatest illusionist. His latest show sees him climb to artistic heights rarely, if ever, achieved by any other legends of the magical arts" Time Out. Visit: www.derrenbrown.co.uk/blog/tour-dates for updates. 13.2.10

 

A Magical Variety Show - Nottingham. The Nottingham Guild of Magicians are staging A Magical Variety Show at 7pm on Sunday 28th February at the Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street, Nottingham NG1 3BE (Map). The show stars Jimmy Cricket, Paul Dabek, Martyn James, John Kimmons and Su Jayne, with further acts to be announced. Tickets are £13.50 each and can be booked online via www.nottingham-theatre.co.uk or from the box office on 01159 476096. In the daytime there will be two lectures from John Kimmons and Su Jayne, starting at 2pm. Tickets are just £5.00 to see both lectures. Lecture tickets are available from Andrew Morrison on 07966 494095. www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

Magic Show visits Blackpool, following a highly successful inaugural showing at Quad, in Derby. This Hayward Gallery Touring exhibition can be seen free at The Grundy Art Gallery, just a short walk from The Winter Gardens from Saturday 13th February - Saturday 10th April (10am -5pm, closed Sundays). The exhibition brings together 24 visual artists for whom theatrical magic is an important form, intellectually and performatively. Highlights include art-world bad-boys Jake & Dinos Chapman working in collaboration with Derren Brown, and a monumental sculptural illusion by German artist Sinta Werner. In addition, an archival section explores magic's sometimes surprising connections to the world of politics, warfare, marketing and religion, with loans from Eddie Dawes, Paul Kieve, Scott Penrose, Peter Lane, John Fisher, and The Magic Circle Collection. A richly illustrated catalogue contains essays on art and magic by the curators, Jonathan Allen (aka the fictitious gospel magician Tommy Angel) and writer Sally O'Reilly, as well as new writing from Simon During, Brigitte Felderer, Peter Lamont, Pierre Taillefer, Helen Varola and Marina Warner. After Blackpool, 'Magic Show' tours to Tullie House Museum and Art Gallery, Carlisle (15 May – 4 July); Chapter, Cardiff (30 July – 12 September) and Pump House Gallery, London (6 October – 19 December). For a review of 'Magic Show' Click Here. More information is available on the South Bank Centre www.southbankcentre.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

Beat the Wand! Last call for any entrants for this year's Beat the Wand, Blackpool Magic Convention's only Interactive Magical Variety Show... "We have a nice mixture of performers, styles and a few surprises along the way, but would like a couple of extra acts to balance the show out. We've also included a couple of sections in the first and second half for some exciting 'audience participation record breaking attempts' so you may end up being the star of the show without even planning it! If you have something quirky/alternative to offer then get in touch or if you know someone who can give the audience 5 minutes of something they have never seen before then we would love to hear from them. Remember a sub-genre or branch of magic will have a better chance of winning than an ambitious card or Professor's Nightmare routine for this crowd and venue. So get in touch and be part of the madness!" This competition is for convention attendees only. Email Andy beatthewand@hotmail.co.uk for more info. 13.2.10

 

Magicseen will be having a stand for the first time at the Blackpool Convention next weekend and will be positioned right next to the Mark Leveridge Magic stand in one of the corners of the main dealer hall. As well as offering customers the chance to take out a subscription to the magazine, or to renew an expiring one, there will also be some very special offers on back issues bought at the convention and also on the Magicseen range of books. Plus, copies of the new Magicseen publication 'David Copperfield - A Magic Life' will be available for the first time on the stand too as the book is being launched at the convention. Magicseen Design Manager Phil Shaw and Deputy Editor Graham Hey will be there on the stand to meet and chat with you and Editor Mark Leveridge will be just 'next door' keeping an eye on things too! www.magicseen.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

The boys are back in town – Matt Parro, Stuart Harley, Geoff Hunt, and Max Curd will be back in Blackpool this year to review the convention as it happens (well, more or less). They'll be posting news, reviews, photos, audio, video and even tweets! They want you to add your comments, making it the most interactive convention yet. Head over to www.magicbloggers.co.uk to add your thoughts. 13.2.10

 

Black Cat Magic & Escapology will be attending the Blackpool Magic Convention on 19th - 21st February and have several new products for magicians and escape artists, including Escape Volume 1 & 2 by Danny Hunt and, from the creator of Supalok, Master Locksmith Mick Hanzlik's Supalok 'Mini', 'Midi' and 'Numba-Lok' - all brand new for 2010. Black Cat began trading in 2006, with an aim to create high quality, long lasting and affordable magic and escape effects for professional and amateur performers alike. With over 15 years experience as a professional escapology and illusion act, their products are tried and tested in a live environment and include magic tricks, escapes, illusions, large scale escapes, close-up effects, books and DVDs, many of which have been precision made and hand crafted by a qualified locksmith and engineer. Black Cat supply to many professional magicians and escapologists around the world, and also provide escapology design and consultancy for TV, Film and Theatre. For more details visit www.blackcatmagicuk.com. 13.2.10

 

Champion of Magic. "The effects invented by Argentinian magician Henry Evans are strong, visual, and incredibly deceptive so any lecture by him is worthy of attention. Members and Associates of the Blackpool Magicians’ Club will be in for a treat when he lectures at the club headquarters on Thursday, 25th February at 8pm (doors open 7pm). Henry Evans is a FISM World Champion (Cards, 2000), a fact that becomes self evident when you see him perform and yet the methods he uses are within the reach of most magicians. If you seek outstanding and powerful magic then this is one lecture you should not miss." Lectures are free to all members and associates of the Blackpool Magicians’ Club so if you are not a member or an associate you should consider joining. Details of membership and associate membership (which is only £25 a year) can be obtained from the club website www.blackpoolmagic.com. 13.2.10

 

Stephen Barry is pictured here with Alesha Dixon for the launch of the Variety Club of Great Britain's 2010 Gold Hearts Campaign. "The Variety Club is a fantastic charity helping so many thousands of children and young people every year regardless of whether they are sick, have mobility problems, are disabled or come from disadvantaged backgrounds. I'm so happy to be involved in this Gold Heart campaign, where every badge you buy will make a real difference to someone's life. And remember just three badges will pay for an unforgettable day out for one of our young people. Have a heart, help a child." Alesha Dixon. Stephen Barry is the 'resident magician' for the Variety Club of Great Britain www.stephenbarry.co.uk . 13.2.10

 

Phoenix and Alchemist Playing Cards - in stock! MagicNevin.com is pleased to announce the arrival of the Phoenix and Alchemist playing card decks. Printed in metallic ink these stunning limited edition decks were created by Stephen Rooks and printed on Bicycle stock by the United States Playing Card Company. Also, just in, the new Ellusionist deck, The Arcane (available in both black and white editions) and a stunning 125th Anniversary Edition Bicycle Deck. MagicNevin.com is continually expanding its wide range of Magic Tricks, Accessories and Playing Cards with the majority of items being in stock for immediate delivery. Visit www.magicnevin.com! 13.2.10

 

South Downs Magicians are staging a fund-raising show to pay for a new community centre. Club secretary Paul Bromley explained: "We currently meet in a lovely Edwardian hall with a stage and lighting and dressing rooms. It's been a marvellous venue enabling us to learn more about the art of stagecraft and attracting some great cabaret acts but the lease on the building is due to run out in four year's time." The 'Magic, Mystery and Illusion' show will take place on Friday February 26th at 7.30pm and the proceeds will be split between the Handcross parish fund to build a new community centre and the magic club. Close-up performers will entertain the audience before the stage show and there will be refreshments and a raffle during the interval. Tickets cost £5 and are available from Paul Bromley on 01444 871161. For further details and directions visit www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

House of Illusion Auditions. Last year, Rodney James Piper's House of Illusion magical dinner show in Salou, Spain, enjoyed audiences totaling twenty five thousand over the Summer. They are now recruiting for Summer 2010. All types of magicians and mystery entertainers are needed to join the team for the season. Their final auditions will be held in Blackpool on Monday 22nd February at the Ruskin Hotel. To apply email recruitment@rjpentertainment.com or phone 01212 883542 or +34 977 380940. www.houseofillusion.net. 13.2.10

 

Numba-Lok. Master Locksmith Mick Hanzlik's latest effect is Numba-Lok: "The code of a brass 4 number combination padlock is 'cracked' whilst in the spectator's hand, in an impossible way. Ideal for mentalists or close-up workers. A regular looking lock, expertly gimmicked by a Master Locksmith. Very easy to do." Numba-Lok will be on demonstration for the first time at the Black Cat Magic and Escapology stand at the Blackpool Convention; it is also available now directly from Mick Hanzlik: www.loxandkeys.com/numbalok.html. 13.2.10

 

The Jack the Ripper Séance, hosted by Paul Voodini and Chris Carter, is taking place once again at Treadwells bookshop in Covent Garden, London on Sunday 21st February. Fast becoming established as one of London's "must attend" events, this evening attracts huge interest from magicians, mentalists and members of the public alike. Expect intrigue, mystery and a few frights along the way as guests hold hands in the dark and utter the immortal line "is anybody there?" Tickets and information from www.seancenights.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

20 Tips For Séance Workers. Thomas Baxter has written a new ebook for those interested in presenting theatrical séances, entitled 20 Tips For Séance Workers. Previous publications include the Nail Writer Anthology (which H&R books will be publishing in hard cover in May) and A Card Merely Thought Of, both in ebook format. Thomas kindly sent through a copy. This is a well produced ebook that very much achieves what it sets out to do, offering 20 mostly very useful tips for the séance worker. Thomas Baxter was one of the lucky few invited to attend the last Houdini Séance officiated by Joseph Dunninger, shortly before Dunninger passed away. Recommended. 20 Tips For Séance Workers is priced at $25.00. To order visit www.thoughtcontrol.ca. 13.2.10

 

Extreme Clowning will be at the Blackpool convention again this February. JJ (Jonathan Lucia-Wright) will be enabling Jimmy O'Hare (photo) to access the world of magic through sign and props. Jimmy was born deaf and became blind at the age of 17. He discovered the world of magic over the last 8 years and is looking forward to meeting more people again this year and to discover more tricks. JJ and Jimmy research and adapt tricks which can be appreciated by touch alone and can then be used with other Deafblind people. They would especially like to thank their sponsors this year, The David Berglas Foundation, Beard Juggling, James Hallam and Arthur Casson and all at the Blackpool Magicians' Club for all their help. Without them this trip would not be possible. 13.2.10

 

Jon Gresham’s 1964 Monster Sideshow has been restored by Jon Marshall and the Sideshow Illusions team and will be presented for the first time at Showzam 2010 at the Winter Garden’s Olympia in Blackpool opening today, Saturday 13th February. Also displayed are The Headless Lady and Girl in the Goldfish Bowl. The Sideshows fronts are on display throughout the Showzam festival but will be operating on the 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st February from 11am to 6pm. The Monster Show features the original show fronts and artefacts including a 1960s wax Wolfman and an the original animated Frankenstein’s monster, made by Jimmy Tattersall for Jon Gresham, Tattersall was well known in the 50s and 60s for his performances with life size vent dolls.

 

The feature illusion in the Monster Show is Robert Harbin’s Invisible Ray or Out of the World which has been constructed for the show. Harbin’s Invisible Ray illusion has a sideshow pedigree being shown for some years on Blackpool’s Golden Mile by Murray and presented by Maskar. Alan Shaxon, Derek Lever, Michael Diamond and Max Blake were all generous with advice said Jon Marshall. The sideshow illusions are part of the Barnum exhibition curated by Professor Toulmin from the National Fairground Archive, University of Sheffield which also features Tom Norman’s original show booth with performances by Andrew Van Buren and Tim Cockerill in the style of The Great Carmo and Dr Walford Bodie. Admission to the Barnum exhibition is free of charge. www.sideshowillusions.com. 13.2.10

 

Van Buren presents The Temple of Illusions at Showzam, Blackpool. "A specially commissioned magic show which pays tribute to the famous magicians who appeared in the Tom Norman show and fairgrounds of the last 100 years. This fast paced one hour variety show, produced by and featuring Andrew Van Buren & Company recreates magic from the past featuring magicians & showmen such as the Great Carmo, Professor Anderton and The Amazing Yoxanis. The exotic Marawa will be playing the part of Koringa the world’s first female fakir and Tim Cockerill will be making sparks fly as the infamous Dr Walford Bodie. The emphasis of the show is showmanship and entertainment." Three shows per day on 13th, 14th, 20th and 21st February. The performances will be followed by displays of rare vintage Blackpool cine footage. www.showzam.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

Kockov In Cardiff. Monrokvian master magician and mind-reader, Kockov, aka Jasper Blakeley, is appearing at the prestigious Wales Millennium Centre in Cardiff Bay on Saturday March 6th. This one-man 'adults only' mind show, will feature some never before seen mental effects plus his famous 'Real Live Russian Roulette'. For more information see www.wmc.org.uk and to book Jasper/Kockov for his current lecture tour, visit www.jasperblakeley.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

Roy Davenport will be lecturing at Bolton Magicians' Club on Wednesday 17th February at the Doffcocker Inn, Bolton at 8.30 pm. Roy, a fourth generation magician from the famous Davenport family, will be lecturing on aspects of manipulation and stage presentation. Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome. There will be an entrance fee of £5.00. Roy's website is www.roydavenport.co.uk. Visit www.bolton-magic.co.uk for directions to the Doffcocker Inn or telephone Jim Hodgkiss on 01204 522651. 13.2.10

 

The Van Buren Story, 3pm on Thursday 18th February at the Olympia, Winter Gardens, part of the Showzam Festival in Blackpool. "The Van Buren story marks the rise of illusionists Fred & Greta and their son Andrew who over the years have performed for audiences ranging from The British Royal Family to Sultans in the Middle East, always with an original twist and emphasis on performing surrounded by the audience and with showmanship. The film produced by Professor Ray Johnson from Staffordshire University is a real insight into the world of variety, theatre, circus, TV, fairground and the corporate world. The DVD features early cine footage of Fred Van Buren & Greta, other performers of the time, anecdotes, the workshops and store rooms, vehicles, effects and inventions, Van Buren illusions, and footage of their recent illusion spectaculars around the world. Also bonus poster galleries, hundreds of photographs and appearances by Roy Hudd and Robbie Williams. A mammoth project and an epic story. With a preview showing of the completed project in the Tom Norman - Cine Variety show." The film will also be available to buy on DVD during the Showzam Festival. www.showzam.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

The Syndicate Night Club Blackpool (The largest night club in the UK) is offering free entry to magicians all night on the 18th February (before 12pm) and 19th (before 11pm). You will need to prove you are a magician on entry by showing either a magic club membership card/badge, or a trick, or a special flyer. Normal admission is £10.00. More information can be found at www.thesyndicate.com. 13.2.10

 

Young Magician required for new illusion show. Illusion X is looking for a young, dynamic magician/illusionist for a new touring show: "We are looking for someone between 18 and 25 with previous performing experience. If you already have your own routines then they would be included in the show. If you are looking for a way to get into performing illusions without all the expense of paying out for your own show, then this would be a perfect opportunity." For more information contact Scott Pepper mail@revillusion.co.uk or 07980 253372. 13.2.10

 

Paul Gordon will be presenting his new card magic lecture for The Leicester Magic Circle on Monday March 1st. Paul will be featuring magic from his new 3-DVD set Card Startlers, together with some never-before-published card magic. 13.2.10

 

Matt Grindley the comedy stage magician from the TV shows Streetmagic and Britain's Biggest Heists, has been asked by MTV to film a number of indent magic segments to be played on a giant screens in Oldham town centre. The indents will also be shown on information stations around the town, featuring close-up magic to catch people's attention. 13.2.10

 

Stage magic duo Amazing Norvil & Josephine will appear in the line up at Yes, Yes, Yes! Club on Saturday 13th February. "Four floors of love and romance-themed music, other live acts, cabaret and burlesque, with stage shows from the likes of magician Amazing Norvil & Josephine, Bunny Warren, mime artist Matt Hennem, Dead Cirkus Cabaret and Natural Addiction, plus B-Boy dancers and vintage erotica on the decks until late. Dress Code: Burlesque, vintage or fetish. No sportswear or real fur." Venue: Scala, 275-277 Pentonville Road, London N1 9NL (Map). Telephone 020 7833 2022. Tickets can be bought in advance for £15 - £25 from Scala Box Office (no booking fee) or for £25+ via www.ticketweb.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

Oliver Meech Lecture. Thursday, March 4th at 8pm. "Liverpool Magic Circle are proud to announce The Oliver Meech Lecture. The first ever lecture by Oliver Meech a.k.a. The Creative Conjuror. Described by Genii Online as wildly creative, Oliver loves developing tricks with new plots. His first book, The Plot Thickens, was a critical and commercial success, and his work has been compared to Paul Harris and Jay Sankey. In this fun and informative lecture you'll learn a range of tricks, designed to be original yet practical. There will also be a mini-workshop teaching a powerful creativity technique that makes it easy to come up with new tricks of your own." Members £4.00, Non Members £10. For more information contact Secretary Richie Smith rtsmagic@blueyonder.co.uk 07979 804823. Venue: The Crown Inn, Leyfield Road, Liverpool L12 9HA (Map) www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

John Kimmons 'Talk To The Hand' lecture. Portsmouth & District Magic Circle will be hosting John Kimmons' Talk To The Hand lecture at Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Buckland, Portsmouth PO2 7BL (Map) on Monday 15th February at 7.45pm. Non-members are welcome, £5 admission. www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk www.kimmo.co.uk. Organised by Sean Lobban PDMC secretary secretary@portsmouthmagic.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

More Magic Moments. "Two of Northamptonshire’s leading children’s entertainers have joined forces to run a fantastic children’s show this half-term. Royston and Steve Dimmer are both members of The Magic Circle and have both previously won the title 'Northamptonshire Magicians Club Children’s Entertainer of the Year'. Last year they organised a show entitled Magic Moments to entertain local children – this year they have a brand new show called More Magic Moments – featuring magic, illusions, comedy, music, puppets and audience participation." The show is on at Forum Cinema, Lings Forum, Weston Favell, Northampton on Wednesday 17th and Thursday 18th February at 11am. Tickets are priced at £5.75 and further details can be obtained from the Box Office on 01604 409010. Credit Card Bookings via Ticket Web 08444 77 1000 or www.ticketweb.co.uk. 13.2.10

 

Zane's Magic Shop will be at the Blackpool Convention, in the same spot as last year. Their first 10 customers will receive a free magic gift worth over £10.00 with any purchase over £25.00. Customers can now pay by credit or debit card over the phone or in person at conventions. www.zanesmagicshop.com. 13.2.10

 

Reviewed this week: Lecture: Anthony Jacquin, Lecture Jasper Blakely, Tricks: Mark Leveridge: New Products 2010, Book: Magic 1400s - 1950s, Show: Pete Firman & The Gilded Balloon Tour • "My crash course as a children's party clown" Click Here • "Review: Magic Night @ Madame JoJos" Click Here • "Britain's got cruelty: Exploitation is what this talent show is about" Click Here • "Sydney’s new magic scene no illusion" Click Here • "Renowned illusionist hails Marshall museum as the ‘Smithsonian of magic museums’" Click Here • Pat Page is going to be greatly missed. He was a brilliant magician with an encyclopedic knowledge of magic which he freely shared. I was lucky to have worked with him many times over the years and always enjoyed his sharp wit and outspoken no-nonsense attitude to magic and life. His contribution to the world of magic will certainly live on. Duncan. 13.2.10

 

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