Number 567 - 7th May 2011

 

An Audience with David Berglas. The Magic Circle is delighted to announce An Audience with David Berglas. International Man of Mystery David Berglas, Past President of The Magic Circle & MIMC Professional, will share some of the secrets behind his extraordinary life in magic and show business. This is a very special opportunity for you to ask David about his unique presentations, experiences and philosophy, developed over a career spanning 60 years. 7.30pm on Monday 27 June 2011. Strictly members only.

 

Every so often we are asked if it is worth being a member of The Magic Circle. Of course it is! Meetings are held every Monday evening in the club's London HQ which features a museum, library, bar, club room and theatre. Members enjoy lectures, talks, shows and a variety of other events throughout the year. Visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us to watch an introductory video and to find out about the entry requirements. Student, overseas, and 'out of town' members benefit from a discounted membership fee, and also enjoy The Circular, every month, The Magic Circle's beautifully produced in-house magazine, that not only covers Magic Circle news, but also features interviews, magic, one-off in-depth articles, 'Circular Mentalism' with Ian Rowland, Magic History with Edwin A Dawes, reports, show and lecture reviews, product reviews and more! Click Here for membership details. DT. 7.5.11

 

Paul Daniels & Guests: A Salute to the Great Lafayette. Saturday 7th May at 7.30pm at the Festival Theatre, Edinburgh. For one night only, entertainer Paul Daniels brings his legendary skills to pay tribute to The Great Lafayette. Starting with the story of The Great Lafayette, new magic will be interwoven with the old in order to salute the memory of one of the greatest magicians of all time. Paul’s expertise in all forms of the magic arts, from comedy to dramatic illusions, promises an unmissable evening of entertainment. Paul will be joined by the lovely Debbie McGee and Scott Penrose & company. Tickets £15.00 – £27.50 www.greatlafayette.co.uk/the-main-attraction. Plus daytime events Click Here. "Paul Daniels heads to Edinburgh to pay tribute to illusionist The Great Lafayette" Click Here. "Interview: Paul Daniels, magician" Click Here. 7.5.11

 

Edinburgh International Magic Festival unveils its 2011 Programme. It’s time to unbelieve it! Magic changes your view of reality and leaves you believing anything is possible. This year’s Edinburgh International Magic Festival programme opens the door to a world of visually astounding and cutting-edge illusionists, mind readers and magicians from the Netherlands, France, America, New Zealand and the UK. They will enchant, inspire and astonish audiences from 1st to 8th July. Early Bird Special Offer: save up to 20% discount if you book tickets before 24th June. Click Here to see the programme or visit www.magicfest.co.uk for more information and to book. 7.5.11

 

Friends of The Magic Circle. 'Friends of The Magic Circle' has just launched, offering magic enthusiasts the opportunity to share in the excitement of Magic Circle public events at preferential rates, and to never miss out on news of upcoming special events. The Magic Circle houses a fantastic collection of magical artefacts that once belonged to the world’s greatest magicians from Chung Ling Soo to Ali Bongo and from Houdini to Tommy Cooper. They also have a huge collection of magical posters and an amazing library containing over 6,000 books on magic. The Magic Circle is pledged to keep these priceless reminders of a glorious bygone age in perpetuity for the pleasure of magicians to come, and to advance the art of magic for generations to come. Your support, by joining the Friends of The Magical Circle, will enable them to fulfil that pledge and, in return, they will offer you many evenings of superb magical entertainment. Friends of The Magic Circle membership costs £30 per year. For benefits and joining details visit: www.themagiccircle.co.uk/friends-of-the-magic-circle. 7.5.11

 

Register Now for EMC 2011. That centre front-row seat beckons... registration is now open for the Essential Magic Conference 2011. The Essential Magic Conference runs from 7th - 9th of July. The first Essential Magic Conference in 2010 marked a turning point in the history of magic conventions, surpassing all expectations. In fact it achieved an ‘Epic’ rating from registrants in the follow-up online poll. And sensational reviews the world over. This July the organisers promise to do it all over again. 3 days of incredible online lectures from 33 of the world’s finest magicians. Registration costs $90/ €70 and includes full access to the live 3 days of conference presentations. One year’s access to an online archive, plus a set of DVDs featuring all the conference content, and bonus materials, mailed directly to you following the event. Speakers for EMC 2011 will be announced shortly. The organisers have some very big surprises in store. Register now, Click Here. 7.5.11

 

Philip Escoffey hosts Impossible? the new magic-themed gameshow from Channel 5. In the first of the series, forty-year-old firefighter Paul teams up with colleague John to play for a big-money prize. Philip will set increasingly spectacular challenges; to win the £40,000 prize the duo must decide if they are possible or Impossible? See TV Magic. 7.5.11

 

David Berglas' Foundation for Promoting the Art of Magic (FP-AM) have given their support to Magic Moments. David said, "Magic Moments is exactly the kind of charitable initiative that the Foundation are happy to support and we look forward to using our influence and contacts to help put Magic Moments on a worldwide platform." Organisers Jay Fortune and Richard Leigh say they are very excited about the Foundations' commitment to raising the profile of Magic Moments day. With such knowledgeable and high profile magicians behind this unique charitable and magical venture they hope to make this year's event the best ever. Magic Moments day 2011 is Saturday 1st October and full details of how you can take part can be found here, exclusively on MagicWeek. 7.5.11

 

The Magic Circle’s Season of Summer Sorcery - London. Throughout June and July The Magic Circle are staging a series of evenings of fine magic for both magicians and the public to enjoy. Seats are £25, or £20 for Magic Circle Members and Friends of The Magic Circle. Bookings/enquiries: Box Office 0207 387 2222. See What's On for details. 7.5.11

 

51st Bristol Day of Magic - tomorrow! 8th May, at the Winter Gardens and Playhouse Theatre, Weston Super Mare. Starring David Williamson, Jay Scott Berry, Mel Mellers, Ed Hilsum, Jason Steele and Joanne, Rafael Benetar, El Loco, Tom Saeys and Noel Britten. Special one man show with Mel Mellers; Close-up shows from David Williamson, Jay Scott Berry and Rafael Benetar; Lectures by David Williamson and Tom Saeys; Dealers Exhibition with over 25 leading magical suppliers; Spellbound Gala show at the Playhouse Theatre; Winter Gardens café and bar open all day for refreshments and evening meals. www.bristolmagic.co.uk. 7.5.11

 

Richard Bellars Déjà vu. Richard Bellars is taking his mind-blowing act to the stage. Richard, who tricked Jonathan Ross in the Penn and Teller ITV magic special Fool Us, will be performing at the Royal Victoria Hall Theatre, Tunbridge Wells on May 26th (Tickets £15.00, doors open at 7.30pm) before planning a round-Britain tour. The two hour magic spectacular –  Déjà vu – will feature a variety of new tricks written by Richard and stage managed by Captiv8 Productions. Details of the show can be seen on www.richardbellars.com - and tickets can be booked by phoning 01892 511511. “I’m really proud of this stage show – it has some awesome new tricks which will even astound the magic community,” said Richard, 30. 7.5.11

 

Midweek Magic at the Corinthian Club, Glasgow. A new show is about to begin at The Corinthian Club in Glasgow. Douglas Cameron and Liam McLaughlin (photo) are joining forces [pun intended] to present Midweek Magic, a close-up show limited to a maximum of just 50 people. The first night is on Wednesday 11th May, and then every fortnight until 22nd June. There will be two shows a night; at 7.30pm and 9.30pm. Douglas has been performing his unique brand of magic throughout Scotland for over 20 years and has one of the longest running residencies in the UK. He recently returned from performing at The Magic Castle. Liam is an up and coming talent who has made a big impact in a short space of time. Focusing on mentalism, he brings a fresh approach to the art and is sure to get inside your head. Tickets are £10 from www.ticketsoup.com. 7.5.11

 

West Coast Dealers Day - tomorrow. Hosted by the Southport Magic Circle on Sunday 8th May 2011. Doors open at 9am and will close at 8pm. Admission £3 payable on the door. The Windsor Suite, Royal Clifton Hotel, The Promenade, Southport PR8 1RB (Map). Limited free parking at the front and rear of the hotel. Contact the club for table rates: www.southport-magic-circle.co.uk. 7.5.11

 

Peter Antoniou dates, Sheffield and Brighton. Club 197 Presents mindreader Peter Antoniou. "Peter has been wowing audiences across the UK with his unique brand of mind reading including clients such as Kerrang! and Southern Comfort. With his return to Club 197 Peter will be giving attendees a sneak preview extract of his new show, which promises to be his most ambitious mind reading project yet!" Plus guests. Thursday 26th May at 7.30pm at The Great Gatsby, 73-75 Division Street, Sheffield S1 4GE (Map). More info: Click Here.

Peter Antoniou: Comedium (Edinburgh Preview) "Award-winning Comedy Mind Reader Peter Antoniou comes to Brighton to guide you through his psychic world of weirdness. In this preview of his brand new show Peter will read minds and show you how talents like his might even be being used against you! A blend of documentary and jaw-dropping mind-reading demonstrations all wrapped up with trademark humour, this show will leave you asking, Is Your Mind Safe?" Sunday 19th June, 9.30pm, Tickets only £5, available from www.wegottickets.com/event/116789. Venue: The Caroline of Brunswick Pub, 39 Ditchling Road, Brighton BN1 4SB (Map). 7.5.11

 

The No Cards Close Up Lecture. Don Simpson is now taking bookings for his No Cards Close Up Lecture. "Don has been a professional magician for over 30 years. During that time he was a top children’s entertainer, an extremely busy close-up worker and cabaret artiste, very much in demand at private functions, trade fairs, weddings and on cruises. Don has spent many years lecturing to Magical Societies around the country including The Magic Circle, Peterborough, Bexley Heath, Leicester, Frinton, Medway, Zodiac, Bexleyheath, Dartford, Potters Bar, Sussex, Stratford upon Avon and Malta to name a few. This new lecture is a full evening of pure knowledge and entertainment, proving that you don’t have to have a pack of cards to perform. This lecture is already in great demand but there are some dates left for August, September and November 2011 and bookings are already coming in for 2012." Visit the Lecturers page for more information and to make contact. 7.5.11

 

Chris Cox - London, Thursday 12th May. "The UK’s most exciting mind-reader who can’t read minds Chris Cox is renowned for his incredible ability to predict the unpredictable. After 4 years of award winning sell out runs at the Edinburgh Fringe, performances at the New Zealand International Comedy Festival & UK tours Chris will do his final London show of Mind Over Patter at the Udderbelly in the Southbank Centre on the 12th May where he will once again make the impossible possible in this 5 star show that’ll astound and astonish with a mongrel hybrid mix of mind reading related nonsense. 'One of the most exciting entertainers in Britain. Sure to be playing bigger stages here and abroad soon….The hottest ticket in town' The Guardian. Tickets (£15.50) are available from The Southbank Centre or via www.magiccox.com. Udderbelly at the Southbank Centre, London, 12th May at 9pm. 7.5.11

 

Congratulations to Jayne Corrigan, winner of the Bristol Society of Magic's Stage Competition and 'Parker Cup for Comedy' at The Bristol Society of Magic's recent Club Competition. Jayne says "It was such a fun night and I am really delighted to have won both these awards", she continues "I actually lost my voice the day before the competition (which probably made everyone else delighted too!), so I nearly pulled out, but as they say 'the show must go on!' There was a packed audience of both lay people and magicians, with both lay and magic judges and I had lots of great feedback on the night. I was even told that not only did my routine catch the lay people, but it also caught many of the magicians as well, which is always great to hear!" Take a look at Jayne's recently updated website at www.magicbyjayne.co.uk. 7.5.11

 

WD40 now available as a PDF. Wayne Dobson's best-selling WD40 is now available in PDF format. "WD40 contains 40 great tricks from Wayne's own professional repertoire, and more than a quarter of them have never been published before. The tricks are real crackers and not too difficult to perform. The book also includes Wayne’s autobiography ‘Star Struck’, which charts his career from the very beginning to the present day and includes many anecdotes about his time performing in the working men’s clubs, on TV and in Las Vegas." Order via www.waynedobson.co.uk. 7.5.11

 

David Tomkins has joined the line up for the IBM British Ring Convention in September both as a performer on the children’s show and as a lecturer on magic for youngsters. His name will be familiar to many of you especially those who read The Magic Circular with his regular contributions entitled 'Cheeky Dog Chicanery'. He has been an entertainer since leaving school at 16 although his first public appearance was at aged 8 as a ventriloquist at Butlin’s in front of an audience of 2,000. He has been a member of the British Ring for many years, received his MIMC about 10 years ago and now sits on The Magic Circle board of examiners. David is a very creative performer who, over the years has invented and made many of his own original tricks and routines. The lecture therefore should be of great interest to those conventioneers specialising in this side of the magic business. The convention runs from 22nd – 25th September and details are on www.magicconvention.co.uk Geoffrey Newton PRO. 7.5.11

 

Tommy Templeton Lecture -  Scottish Conjurers Association. On Wednesday 11th May the Scottish Conjurers Association are hosting yet another lecture, their fourth lecture in 2 months. Tommy Templeton one of Scotland's finest magical entertainers, will be presenting his brand new lecture which promises to have something for everyone. Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, 8-10 Balcarres Avenue, Kelvindale, Glasgow G12 0QF (Map). Time 7.30pm. Visiting magicians from other societies welcome, free admission for everyone! 7.5.11

 

Dave Allen presents his 'Bish Bash Bosh' lecture at the Magic Circle on Monday the 16th May. This new lecture includes performances (and explanations) of many of his favourite children's, family, cabaret, and close-up magic routines. It also features puppet and vent routines, along with information on what equipment he uses and why. Note: Magic Circle members only. 7.5.11

 

Merlins of Wakefield will be hosting a lecture by Danny Hunt and Annette Claire (Amethyst) on Wednesday 13th July at 7pm in their studio above the shop. This will consist of lock picking and lock opening techniques, escapes and handcuff methods together with a brief history of Houdini’s escapology career. There will be a chance to try your hand at lock picking and escapes and much more.... together with the option to buy afterwards. Amethyst regularly perform their lecture ‘In the footsteps of Houdini’ and will take excerpts from this, together with their ever popular lock picking workshop. This is a hands-on, visual lecture/dealer dem, with a rare opportunity to learn a new skill. You must book in advance as places are limited, and there will be no 'on the door' admission on the night. For more details Click Here. www.merlinswakefield.com  7.5.11

 

The Northern Magic Circle's Northern Sessions: Part 2 will take place on Sunday 8th May at the Headway Hotel, Marine Road, East Promenade, Morecambe LA4 5AW (Map) The session will include a dealer stand, a talk by Ray Roberts on Horrace Goldin and world renowned close-up performer Shaun McCree (photo) will present a lecture and workshop. The event is free for all members of the Northern Magic Circle or £5.00 on the door for non-members. Visit www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk for up to date information. 7.5.11

 

The Carny Cabaret Show. "An Alternative Variety Show starring Sexy, Funny & Downright Weird Performers! As Seen in Timeout Magazine’s Critics Choice for Cabaret. 11th May at Madame JoJo's, 8-10 Brewer Street, Soho, London. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 7.30pm. Expect a Show of Burlesquers Strip-teasing, Magicians Magic-ing, Swords Swallowing, Glasses Crunching, Strait-Jacket Escaping, Body Contorting, Fire Body-Burning, Balloon Sculpting, Puppet Controlling, Joke Telling, Musical Singing, Weird Instrument Playing, Flame Eating, Card Ninja Throwing, Corset Exploding Performers and More! Hosted & Compered by Mr. Chris Cross. Visit www.carnycabaret.com for more info. 7.5.11

 

Hampshire based Magician, Steven Brown has become the youngest ever winner of Portsmouth & District Magic Circle's Close Up Competition. The 16 year old performed a dazzling card routine to win The Will Ayling Cup, an award named after one of the founding members of PDMC. The runners-up were Glen Stone and Peter Pennekett. www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk. 7.5.11

 

Star Wars: The Complete Saga (Episodes I-VI) is being released on Blu-ray on September 12th in a nine-disc collection featuring hours of additional behind the scenes footage, restored out-takes and new documentaries. I know I'm wandering off topic here but I can't help it, this is Star Wars! To pre-order via Amazon.co.uk (and to take advantage of Amazon's Pre-order Price Guarantee with free delivery) Click Here. MagicWeek receives a commission on all Amazon.co.uk sales generated via a click-through from the MagicWeek website. DT. 7.5.11

 

Matthew Johnson lectures at the House of Magic UK on Wednesday 18th May, at 7pm. Matthew has performed all over the world with his magic and is now an established actor, author, lecturer and inventor of magic. "When you see magic performances by Matthew Johnson you will see a true master of his craft in action!" The cost is £10 per person. Venue: House of Magic UK, 80 Brook Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 3XB (Map). Contact stuhouseofmagic@yahoo.co.uk or 01384 373209 for more information. 7.5.11

 

Simon Si, An Evening of Magic & Comedy "Ladies and Gentleman, Simon Si would like to welcome you to come, watch, enjoy and clap like crazy during his new show. The night of magic, mixed with a dotty sense of humour will be held on the 17th June at the Arnos Manor Hotel, 470 Bath Road, Arnos Vale, Bristol BS4 3HQ (Map). The doors will open at 7.45pm and the feast of entertainment will commence at 8pm, the show will finish at approximately 9.30pm. You can buy tickets on the door, or online at www.wegottickets.com/event/117896 or call 07724 554236. The tickets will cost you only £7. So what are you waiting for? Get your friends and family together and go to watch an incredible show with sleight of hand mixed with good sense humour! You will love it! You will clap like crazy!" 7.5.11

 

Cliff Lount. Cliff Lount's funeral will take place on Friday 13th May at 10.50am at Nab Wood Crematorium, Bingley Road, Shipley BD18 4BG . Family flowers only; but there will be a collection taken with all proceeds going to the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. Cliff Lount is remembered by Ian Adair, Click Here. 7.5.11

 

Geoff Sutton. It is with much regret to inform you that Geoff Sutton (GeeJay) passed away on 23rd of April. Geoff was a talented magician and juggler but it is as a children's entertainer he will be most fondly remembered. Geoff was a long time member of the Mystic Ring magic club and in recent years became chairman. As an active member he was always willing to offer advice to other magicians and share from his great wealth of experience. Geoff is much loved and will be terribly missed by everyone who knew him. The funeral takes place on the 16th of May at Luton Crematorium at 11.15am. Steve Milroy, Secretary, The Mystic Ring. www.mysticring.co.uk. 7.5.11

 

"Houdini exhibit lifts cover on a life of artistry and renown" Click Here • "Ex-council worker George is now a magician" Click Here • Jay Scott Berry is lecturing in the UK - see What's On • Roger Woods reviews the Marc Oberon and Luke Jermay lectures given at the NMC convention this week, Click Here and Click Here • "Blowing raspberries at mystics" Click Here • "The Strip Diary, Day Thirty One: Enough Has Been Written On the Awfulness of Criss Angel, So Here's a Video" [contains profanity] Click Here • "Paul Zerdin - the man behind the puppets" Click Here • "Astonishing Lior Suchard a mentalist not to miss at the Palms" Click Here • Thanks for all your news - have a great week, Duncan. 7.5.11

 

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