Number 562 - 2nd April 2011

 

John van der Put is The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year 2011. John gave a perfect performance on Monday evening in front of a packed house at the home of magic in the heart of London. Eight finalists (from an initial 16 entries) competed and were judged by three lay judges and three magic judges, Alan Shaxon, Rajan and Geoffrey Durham. John's close-up magic is innovative, engaging and fun; free of the tired 'magic patter' that holds back so many. He's not afraid to take risks and 'play' with both his helpers and audience, never forgetting to perform super-strong magic in the process. I've seen a lot of winners (and losers!) over the years; John's close-up work ranks with the very best. In second place Marc Spelmann's eerie routine with some treasured items from his distant past was excellent, also winning him The Magic Circle's Originality Prize, and James Freedman's superb handling of the classic Ring and Rope routine, with many original touches, meant he had no trouble in securing third place. Also competing were Tim Sutton, Jon Allen, Joe Stone, Chris Wood and Andrew Murray. Michael Vincent chaired the panel of judges (DT). www.vanderput.com. 2.4.11

 

Steve Allen’s Magic Circle Mysteries. LBC 97.3FM early breakfast show presenter Steve Allen has announced he is hosting a fund-raiser at The Magic Circle in London on Saturday 25th June. Steve says "I’ve been talking about The Magic Circle on my show for more than two decades and I thought it was about time that my listeners got a chance to see some fantastic magic, visit our wonderful museum and help raise much needed funds for The Magic Circle’s charity." Steve’s Allen’s Magic Circle Mysteries includes a stage show featuring the man who fooled Penn and Teller, John Archer, the always amazing Graham P Jolley, former Stage Magician of the Year Duncan Trillo, former Young Magician of the Year Ben Hart, the sensational Paul Zerdin and more to be confirmed! Close-up entertainment will be provided by Fay Presto, Chris Wood, Will Houstoun, Robert Pound, Richard McDougall and many more. "Please come along, have a glass of sherry and you’ll even get to meet Sooty!" states Steve. Times: 2.15pm and 6.30pm, Saturday 25th June, all seats £32 (+ booking fee) via www.seetickets.com. 2.4.11

 

Rafael joins British Ring Convention lineup. "The IBM British Ring is proud to announce that Rafael from Belgium is the latest of magical stars lined up for their Southport Convention in September (22nd - 25th). He is truly a many-sided artist. Rafael is a former winner of the Siegfried and Roy Golden Lion Award, and also holder of the Magic Award for the best magician in Belgium. It is now 6 years since Rafael appeared at a British Ring Convention so there’s certainly something to look forward to at this year’s gathering as he brings to our shores his quick change act and a new comedy and illusion act. Other top names are yet to be announced so keep in touch with the British Ring on www.magicconvention.co.uk" Geoffrey Newton PRO. 2.4.11

 

Michael Vincent is lecturing for International Magic in London on Tuesday 5th April. In this new lecture ‘The Craft of Magic’, Michael has attempted to transform the traditional magic lecture into an interactive conversation, which entertains, educates and inspires. The lecture starts at 7.30pm and is being held at International's usual venue: 2nd floor at 'Casa Italiana', 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map) Entrance is £15.00. All those who wish to attend should contact Martin MacMillan in advance on 020 7405 7324 or email martin@internationalmagic.com. 2.4.11

 

Shenanigans, The Irish Magic Convention, update. Shenanigans' organisers are delighted to announce that Keith Barry has been added to their lineup: "Keith is Ireland’s premier magician and mentalist. Originally from Waterford upon settling in Dublin he quickly became a magician of note on the nightclub circuit. This work soon led to TV series both at home and abroad. His live shows are constantly a sell out. His new show 8 Deadly Sins will debut later this summer in Dublin’s Olympia theatre and he is just back in Ireland from a long stint of filming for his Discovery Channel TV programme. Keith will present and answer questions on Session 4 on Saturday and will be popping in and out of the convention all weekend, work permitting. Shenanigans, 29th April - 1st May, in Dublin. Full registration just €110 (includes Saturday dinner and Sunday lunch). In addition to Keith, Shenanigans stars David Williamson, Jay Scott Berry, Peter Samelson, Paul Gordon, Jeremy Le Poidevin and a host of local talent." For more info and to book visit www.irishmagicconvention.com. More news just in from the organisers: "Just got word from Paul Wilson that he is coming over as well. We're really thrilled - he will be appearing on all three days of the convention!" 2.4.11

 

A Magical Variety Show - Nottingham. The Nottingham Guild of Magicians is proud to present its third show at the Nottingham Arts Theatre on Sunday 8th May at 7.00 pm. This show features Krystalitii, Andrew Van Buren, Guy Barrett, Mark Raffles and topping the bill Mick Miller. Tickets are only £13.50 each from Andrew Morrison on 07966 494095 or Dawn May on 01159 292126. Venue: The Nottingham Arts Theatre, George Street, Nottingham NG1 3BE (Map) www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk. 2.4.11

 

Magicians, 9pm on Saturday 2nd April, on ITV2. Comedy from the makers of the sitcom Peep Show. After a guillotine-based trick goes wrong, two magic partners become mortal enemies. However, they attempt to patch up their differences when they try to win the biggest prize in magic, the Magic Shield! Director: Andrew O'Connor. Starring: Robert Webb and David Mitchell. See TV Magic. 2.4.11

 

"Britain Does Variety" is a nationwide hunt to find the best variety acts Britain has to offer. Do you have the talent to perform at the O2? A nationwide hunt has begun to find Britain’s most entertaining variety acts and auditions are taking place around the nation during April. Acts include comedians, magicians, singers, dancers, novelty acts, impressionists, musicians, glee clubs and anyone else that can impress top industry and celebrity judges as well entertaining a live theatre audience. Britain Does Variety is all about finding undiscovered real talent, across the entire nation. Visit www.britain-does-variety.co.uk for details. 2.4.11

 

Terry Herbert at The Fighting Cocks Restaurant. "For a night of fun, magic and music come along to The Fighting Cocks Restaurant, The Street, Horton Kirby, Kent DA4 9BY (Map) on Saturday 7th May where Terry will be performing magic right under your nose during a sumptuous 3 course dinner, followed by his award winning stand up spot. Also featured Maggie Hart, Kent's favourite vocalist and cabaret artiste. For table reservations contact www.fightingcockshortonkirby.co.uk." 2.4.11

 

Cedric’s Tried and Tested Routines for Kids’ Shows – Ian Adair. Prolific author Ian Adair has compiled and brought to life many of the routines of the late Cedric Richardson. Cedric and Ian corresponded over many years and this book is the result of that association. When you get two inventive and imaginative magicians sparking ideas off each other you are going to get some terrific material and that’s exactly what you'll see in this new book, crammed with detailed routines for the children’s entertainer. In all, there are about 30 complete routines and 136 illustrations over 196 pages. The books are signed by Ian Adair. Tricks are one thing, but with these routines, you get patter and precise working details making this an absolute goldmine for children’s entertainers. The book is available exclusively from Practical Magic. Visit www.practical-magic.com ('Latest Products'). 2.4.11

 

Merlins of Wakefield. "Merlins of Wakefield have received their latest batch of Colour Changing Sponge Balls, by Bizzaro and they are selling fast. The new product from Bizzaro is called Non Toxic which is a great gag item - only available in the UK from Merlins of Wakefield!" www.merlinswakefield.com. 2.4.11

 

By Hook or By Crook. "This year is the 30th Prisoner convention in Portmeirion, PortmeiriCon 2011 and Jez Starr (The Dreaded Mentalist) is performing his very own Prisoner themed show 'By Hook or By Crook'. Inspired by the ideas and concepts behind the 1960's show, Jez will be performing experiments and demonstrations on intuition and human behaviour. The audience will also have their identities taken from them, being replaced with a numbered badge. But Jez promises a fun, exciting and unique night, with memory feats, lie detection, mind-reading, escapes and more!" Friday 8th April at 8.45pm at Hercules Hall, The Village, Portmeirion, Wales www.dreadedmentalist.com, www.sixofone.org.uk. 2.4.11

 

Zenith Rising Sharpie Marker by Steve Fearson. In stock at WarpedMagic.co.uk: "Another new, cool trick direct from Steve Fearson is the Zenith Rising Sharpie Marker. Amaze people as the Sharpie Marker laid on your palm slowly rises until it is standing on its end, defying gravity, before it slowly descends back into your palm. With the Zenith Sharpie you can perform the most practical levitation/suspense effects anytime, anywhere. It can be used as a normal marker pen, the gimmick is virtually invisible, using no threads, wires or magnets, and with nothing to reset or replace its simplicity is an instant miracle in your pocket. The Zenith Rising Sharpie can be used in conjunction with the G-Sharp (featured last week) for an extra mind boggling effect. See the Zenith and G-Sharp, and watch the videos at www.warpedmagic.co.uk." 2.4.11

 

Ghost The Musical. "As we're magicians you'll be wondering about the special effects, all devised by Paul Kieve. In a word, superb. Many of them received audible gasps from the audience, especially when Sam, played by Richard Fleeshman, walks through the door..." Ghost The Musical. World Premiere, Manchester Opera House, Monday 28th March, is reviewed by Quentin Reynolds this week, Click Here. 2.4.11

 

Who is Mark James? "He is a professional cabaret and close up magician working on cruises and in corporate functions. He will be lecturing at The Order of The Magi (Manchester) on Tuesday 12th April. The lecture will be split into two sections. The first will be cabaret effects and the second a session on close up. He has offered a mystery question and answer facility. This means during the interval you will be able to write questions down anonymously. He will answer these quite honestly at the end. Here’s your chance to ask something without anyone knowing it was you! Have you a question on fees or contracts or just general magic. Don’t miss this opportunity. It clearly looks like has a wealth of knowledge to impart. It all starts at 8.00pm, door charge for non members." Geoffrey Newton PRO. 2.4.11

 

Brand new escape illusion! Michael Diamond emails: "Brand new escape! Dixie Dooley, famous Las Vegas magician and escape artist has a brand new thrilling escape - 'The Impailer'. This escape can be performed anywhere: stage, cabaret or on the streets and surrounded! To see a clip of Dixie performing the escape, go to www.houdiniexperience.com. This escape fold down into 3 pieces and can easily be carried anywhere. It is available exclusively in the UK from Michael Diamond. Tel: 07836 385069 E-mail: diamond_jade_illusion@hotmail.com." 2.4.11

 

Jimmy Carlo lectures at the Northamptonshire Magicians Club on Tuesday 5th April at 8pm. Venue: The Yeoman of England, High Street, Wootton, Northants NN4 6LP (Map). Non-members welcome, £8 door charge. Telephone 01604 517406 for more info. 2.4.11

 

NMC in Scarborough today! A team from the Northern Magic Circle will be in Scarborough today (Saturday, 2nd April) to promote the forthcoming Northern Convention. There will be street magic from a number of members as well as the current Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year, Michael Jordan (photo). This year's convention will feature performers from America, Australia and Europe and promises to build on previous NMC Conventions. To register visit www.northernmagic.co.uk or contact the registration officer Allan Clarke on 01772 685073. 2.4.11

 

Banstead Care & Share 'Basic' Balloon Fun Day. The next Care & Share Balloon Fun Day will be held in Banstead between 10am and 5pm on Wednesday 13th April and will have three basic lecture/workshops during the day. "After many people asking for just a basic balloon modelling day we have decided to run the day with three, 1 hour sessions starting off with the basics with many tips and tricks of the trade thrown in, continuing with some basic sculptures to use during a magic show, in fact everything you could possibly want to know to make this an excellent add-on to any event." For more details and to book Click Here. 2.4.11

 

Bill Abbott UK Lecture Tour. Visit the What's On page for Bill Abbott's final lecture tour dates in Cardiff, London, Gillingham, Leamington Spa and Dublin. 2.4.11

 

D'oh! With their 22nd season now on the air, The Simpsons has turned to magic as a plot device for an episode titled “The Great Simpsina.” Alan Howard looks back at magicians on The Simpsons in the April edition of Magic magazine. Click Here for details, to buy a single issue, or to subscribe. 2.4.11

 

Spinal surgery for David Ginn. Ian Adair writes: "Top American children's entertainer David Ginn has been in agonizing pain over the past eight weeks. He had to cancel his trip to the UK and Blackpool Convention, where he was to lecture and display his products, because of severe pains in one leg. He has postponed his Italian tour until September and will be in surgery on April 1st. 'I'm not joking - it's no April Fool!' quipped David, who has presented some thirty six school shows whilst seated on a pillow-top stool. 'The kids still loved me, and I got paid. Harry the rabbit remained employed, which made him happy too!' David will be having Laminectomy Back Surgery for Spinal Stenosis and will have to cancel all shows for the time being, having to rest for several weeks after the operation. UK and overseas friends and admirers of David may like to wish him well and pray for his recovery. He can be contacted at his email address: ginnmagic@comcast.net." 2.4.11

 

Andy Nyman stars in Campus, starting Tuesday on Chanel 4 (contains strong language) Click Here and Click Here • Sijuan's Art of Changing Faces on 'Diamond Club' Click Here • TNT is back in stock! www.waynedobson.co.uk • Mark Leveridge Magic New Releases 2011 - Reviewed by Jay Fortune, Click Here • Tony Middleton reviews 'Mind Messer Kockov at The Glee Club, Cardiff' Click Here • "It’s all in my mind – Brown stays silent on his new show" Click Here • "Plans registered for Davenport’s Magic Kingdom in North Walsham" Click Here • "Magic way to raise cash!" Click Here • "Marvin made magic for Mubarak and Jacko" Click Here • That's about it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 2.4.11

 

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