Number 576 - 9th July 2011
Essential Magic Conference -
David Copperfield live museum tour, today! That centre front-row seat beckons... registration
is still open for the Essential Magic Conference 2011 even though we are
now two-thirds of the way through it. The conference continues from 3pm
(GMT summer) today, but once you sign up you'll have full access to all
the talks missed on Thursday and Friday. Registrants also receive a full
set of DVDs after the event as well. Registration costs $90/ €70 and includes full access
and membership, one year’s access to an online archive, plus that set of DVDs featuring all the conference
content, and bonus materials, mailed directly to you following the event.
Register now and enjoy day three today!
Click Here. (Image: Luis de Matos talking to David Copperfield in
preparation for Saturday's live online museum tour).
9.7.11
"Penn
& Teller: Fool Us saw Piff the Magic Dragon steal the show... Penn &
Teller: Fool Us saw the best episode of the magic contest yet, with some
inventive and genuinely funny acts"
metro.co.uk. "ITV1's Saturday night schedule lacks the X factor. Why
are Penn and Teller and The Marriage Ref failing to attract Saturday
night viewers to ITV1? Stuart Heritage watches so you don't have to …"
guardian.co.uk. "ITV churn out a weekend yawnathon with Penn And
Teller Fool Us"
mirror.co.uk. "ITV in weekend ratings crisis: Penn and Teller and
the Marriage Ref ‘flop’"
tvscoop.tv.
I loved Piff the Magic Dragon last Saturday (video, Click Here) and so did the viewers judging by the 650,000+ hits this clip has received on YouTube. John presented a great piece of magic, that he'd created himself, in a very entertaining way, but I have to say that Penn and Teller's post-performance dissection does absolutely nothing for me. To say you really like an act, but then to reveal the method in front of the audience, and then go on to close the show with your own "perfect" magic act leaves a bad taste in the mouth. It's a flawed concept. The initial pilot show more or less got away with it... but week after week? Audiences aren't stupid. They know tricks are tricks, and they know that other magicians can work out how tricks are done (it's their job), so it all feels very uncomfortable to have two "top magicians" starring in their own show, spilling the beans on their "not top magician" guests. (DT). 9.7.11
Have
you got what it takes? International Magic are now accepting
applications for competitors for their annual Close Up Competition which
takes place on November 19th. (The Convention runs from November 18th to
20th). Previous winners include some of the very finest close-up
magicians in the world; Gary Kurtz, Lennart Green, Michael Vincent,
Shoot Ogawa and Marc Oberon to name just a few. The winner not only
receives the Kevin Reay Trophy but also £1000, an invitation to the FFFF
Convention in Buffalo, New York and the title of International Close
Up Magician of the Year. Applicants should email
admin@internationalmagic.com for details, or, of course, call in to
International magic in person:
www.internationalmagic.com.
9.7.11
100
Years of Magic at the London Palladium. From Paul Stone: "I am
delighted to announce that I have commissioned Norm Nielsen to produce a
special poster celebrating 100 Years of Magic at the London Palladium to
complement the 'Palladium Magic' Charity Show that I am producing at the
'Home of Variety' on Monday 19th September. The poster features many of
the magicians who have appeared at this world famous theatre over the
past 100 years together with a few other notable performers who have a
special connection to the Palladium. Whether you are a collector or just
a magic fan, this is one poster you should definitely own. The quality,
as you would expect from Norm Nielsen, is superb, and proceeds from the
sale of these posters are being donated to MagiCares The Magic
Charity. To check out and order this wonderful poster, go to
www.nnmagic.com. If
you are a Close-up magician and you want to be a part of the unique
Palladium Magic show at this legendary Theatre, we are getting near to
the 'last call'. Buy 4 'Best' tickets for your family and friends and in
return you'll experience the thrill of performing Close-up Magic at the
London Palladium and walking out on that famous stage to take your bow.
If you are interested, you should apply now to
producer@palladiummagic.com
You'll probably never have another chance! To check out full details
about the 'Palladium Magic' Charity Show and to book tickets, go to
www.palladiummagicshow.com".
9.7.11
Shoot
Ogawa's UK Lecture Tour starts on Monday July 12th at The Magic
Circle (members only) in London. Followed by:
Medway Magic Society (12th);
Sussex Magic Circle (13th);
Portsmouth Magic Circle (14th);
Cardiff Magical Society (15th); Nottingham Guild of Magicians (17th);
Manchester Circle of Magicians (18th);
Blackpool Magicians Club (19th); Cotswold Magical Society (20th);
Newcastle Magic Circle (21st); and
Aberdeen Magical Society (23rd). See
What's On for details
or visit individual club websites:
Magic Societies.
9.7.11
Tyler
Erickson - International Magic Lecture. On Thursday 14th July Tyler
Erickson is lecturing for International Magic in London. This is a rare
opportunity to see Tyler on his first trip to Europe. The lecture is
unusual in that aside from the notes, there will be nothing for sale. It
will be packed with premium information on developing high impact magic.
Tyler will be showing pieces from his own repertoire and breaking them
down to show you how—by incorporating these ideas—you can increase the
impact you make. He'll also help you create your own custom effects.
Visit
www.tylerteach.com for more information. The lecture is being held
at the usual venue - 2nd floor at 'Casa Italiana', 136 Clerkenwell Road,
London EC1R 5DL (Map)
– starts 7.30pm finishes approx 9.45pm. Entrance is £15 pay on the door,
but contact Martin on 020 7405 7324 or email
martin@internationalmagic.com first to let him know you are coming
www.internationalmagic.com 9.7.11
Only
one year to go before the Olympics... Peter Eldin writes: "...No,
not those Olympics - the Olympics of Magic. From 9th to 14th July 2012
Blackpool will play host to the 25th FISM World Championships of Magic.
Registrations are pouring in from all over the world so you need to act
quickly if you plan to attend. There is an application form on the
Blackpool Magicians’ Club website,
www.blackpoolmagic.com. The headquarters hotel will be the
Blackpool
Hilton which is only a short distance from the Winter Gardens."
Peter Eldin, BMC.
9.7.11
Last
of the Magic Dragons - Only London Previews: 19th-21st July at 10pm,
at The King’s Head Theatre. It’s not easy being the last of your
species. His wife’s run off with Prince Charming, his brother’s in rehab
and no one is taking Piff seriously as The Greatest Magic Performing
Dragon of All Time. It’s time to set the record straight… Buy tickets
here:
kingsheadtheatre.ticketsolve.com. "Piff the Magic Dragon might be the greatest magic act ever"
Click Here.
9.7.11
Barry
and Stuart Show and Tell. Barry and Stuart are performing their new
show ‘Show and Tell’ at Jacksons Lane on Thursday 21st July at 8pm:
"Join the stars of BBC1's The Magicians Scottish BAFTA nominated
Barry and Stuart for an unbelievable show of mind blowing magic. For the
first time ever, they will be revealing all the secrets behind their
magic in this preview show." Tickets £10 via
www.jacksonslane.org.uk ''The most consistently original, creative
and exciting force in British magic.'' Derren Brown. ''Pure Magic''
***** The List. ''A triumph of astonishing illusions'' *****
Time Out. ''Delighting and horrifying in equal measure'' ****
Metro.
9.7.11
Clay
Fish Productions Present An Evening of Magic, Mystery and Mirth.
"Welcome one and all to an astonishing evening of intimate magic with
Ian J. Lea and Gregory Strangely. Ian J. Lea will premier his new
intimate close-up magic show Intriguing Tales and Other Mysteries;
a mix of sleight of hand, storytelling and feats from a by-gone era and
Gregory Strangely presents The Unusual World of Gregory Strangely
featuring mind bending mysteries to edge-of-your-seat stunts." Tickets
£7 (£4 concessions) email
info@artsbarge.com. Thursday 14th July. Venue: The Arts Barge, Skeldergate Mooring (next
to Bonding Warehouse), River Ouse, York.
www.clayfishproductions.co.uk.
9.7.11
Chris
Congreave will be presenting a lecture at the Sussex Magic Circle on
Thursday July 28th. Chris is a regular on the corporate and lecture
circuit, and also has a range of great commercial material on the
market. The lecture starts at 8pm at Hassocks Hotel, Hassocks, West
Sussex BN6 8HN (Map).
Members free; visiting magicians welcome with £5 entry.
www.sussexmagiccircle.co.uk
www.christophercongreave.co.uk.
9.7.11
Something
from Nothing by Michael Murray. Magicbox are re-releasing one of
their fastest ever selling effects. Something from Nothing by
Michael Murray was originally released at the Blackpool Magic Convention
in February, but quickly sold out. The Something from Nothing effect is
a triple word changing version of the un-shuffled effect that even
managed to fool Paul Gertner himself! It has now been re-packaged and
re-released with an in-depth instructional DVD and is exclusively
available from Magicbox for just two weeks; wholesale orders will then
begin (wholesale enquiries are now invited). To watch the video demo and
order visit
www.magicbox.uk.com it's a great trick!
9.7.11
Owen
Lean, lecturer at the School of Busking, holder of the world's first
degree in street magic and described recently by Gazzo as "Carrying the
flag of great British street performers" has released an updated version
of his ebook, The Hit And Run Magicians Handbook. The new version
not only teaches how any magician can make a living out of 'Hit & Run'
style street magic, including how to approach the audience and how to
get them to pay at the end of the show, but now also includes a section
on how to 'graduate' to a large street show and how to perform 'Hit &
Run' on camera. The book can be ordered online at blurb.com for the
price of £9.95
Click Here.
9.7.11
3SM
- end of season party. "The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians
(3SM) have a limited number of tickets available for their end of season
party which this year is to be held at The Rose Theatre, Rugeley on
Friday 15th July. The
night promises to be a great magical experience. Arrival should be for
7.30pm where you will be greeted in the bar area with members performing
close up magic, at 8pm The theatre show will begin. The evening will be
hosted by Rod Beech, comedian, and will feature stage acts by Sean
Carpenter, Craig Davies, Alec Powell, Dave Stevenson and Jason Steele.
The show will consist of 2 45minute half’s with a 15 minute interval so
aiming to finish at 10pm ish. A disco will be playing in the adjoining
room and the bar will be open until 12.30. If you are not all magic’ed
out members will be available to see to it that you are before you
leave. For further information an to secure tickets please visit the 3SM
website at
www.3sm.org.uk and follow the link for tickets for this great night
of entertainment, all for just £10!".
9.7.11
Chris
Wardle lectures at the Harrogate Society of Magicians on Monday 18th
July. 'My Favourite Ideas' is a lecture of personal favourite effects
spanning close-up, children's magic, stand-up and mentalism. Chris has
lectured at a number of magical societies around the country, including
The Magic Circle, has had several tricks marketed, and has devised
effects for Geoffrey Durham's stage and TV appearances. He has written
for a large number of magical magazines and had over 100 tricks
published in Abra alone. This will be an evening of simple-to-do but
baffling magic which will offer something for everyone. For details
contact the Club Secretary, George Fowler on 01423 871358. The Society
meets at the Harrogate Conservative Club, East Parade, Harrogate HG1 5LQ
(Map).
The lecture starts at 8 pm. Entry for non-members is only £5.
9.7.11
Mike
Clarke, 1-day workshop. On Monday 1st August 2011 and Saturday 27th
August 2011, Mike Clarke is running a 1-day workshop in Bristol which
will be a live, interactive adaptation of his training system. The day
will run from 10am-5pm (with an optional meal out in Bristol
afterwards!) The aim of this workshop is to help people interested in
becoming a children’s entertainer. For further details, visit
www.thekidsmagician.com/live-workshop.
9.7.11
Presentation
Magic! Achieving Outstanding Business Presentations Using the Rules of
Magic by Nick Fitzherbert. "Rule 1 of magic is: The framework for
any communication is determined by the expectations and associations you
trigger. Rule 4 is: The brain filters out most of the information it
receives. The greatest magicians in the world and their acts stick
religiously to 20 rules which have nothing to do with how magic works,
but instead why it works. Presentation Magic! takes the
psychological principles used by the world's best magicians and applies
them to business communication. The three classic stages essential to
effective communication are: Construction, Preparation, and Delivery. In
each case, communication expert and magician Nick Fitzherbert shows you
how to apply techniques for directing attention, persuading and
convincing drawn from the Rules of Magic. In doing so, you build in an
extra edge in your presentation, which will ensure attention and
impact." Author Nick Fitzherbert kindly sent me through a copy of his
just-published book. I've only had a few minutes to have a quick look
through, but it looks great. Published by Marshall Cavendish, 224 pages,
and a great alternative to the typical 'magic' book. Available from
Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
9.7.11
IBM
British Ring member Vanni Pulé from Malta has just been installed as
International President of The International Brotherhood of Magicians.
He is seen here with British Ring President Keith Cooper at the US
convention. Vanni will be attending the
British Ring
convention in Southport in September. He is a regular visitor to our
shores and we all look forward to welcoming him back to the UK. During
his attendance he will be making a speech at the Gala Dinner and act as
one of the judges on the stage competition. Vanni is also President of
Ring 202 in Malta. Geoffrey Newton PRO.
9.7.11
Ian
Souch is taking his mentalism show Reality Vaccine to the
Camden Fringe in London because, quite frankly, he doesn't want to drive
all that way to Edinburgh again! The Camden Fringe has been going for 5
years now and is packed with great shows. This year Reality Vaccine
will be at the Etcetera Theatre, 265 Camden High Street. It runs on the
7th and 8th of August at 9pm and the entry fee is £8. 'Ian Performs
feats so impressive they make him appear psychic'. Three weeks
Edinburgh Fringe review 2010. Buy tickets online:
www.camdenfringe.org or call 08444771000 or check out
www.facebook.com/realityvaccine.
9.7.11
Stars of The Magic Circle - From The Magic Circle Season of Summer
Sorcery. "Richard Pinner hosts an evening of top-notch
talent, including past winner of The Magic Circle Comedy Award Ian
Keable, former Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year Scott Penrose,
comedy genius and current holder of the prestigious Maskelyne Award
Terry Herbert, and magical ventriloquist John Kimmons. 'I don't normally
like ventriloquists, but that was really good!' (Simon Cowell)." At The Magic Circle, 12 Stephenson Way,
London NW1 2HD (Map).
Saturday 16th July.
Doors open 7pm. Show 7.30pm. All tickets £15. £10 for Members and
Friends of The Magic Circle. To book tickets or become a Friend, visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk or call 020 7387 2222. (Piff The Magic Dragon
& Fay Presto are on tonight - see
What's On)
9.7.11
Richard
Griffin's Slingshot: "Throw away your card swords, Slingshot is
here. From multi award winning magician Richard Griffin comes a
variation on the card sword which is hip. Check out the online video on
www.rgmagic.co.uk
(includes ordering details)".
9.7.11
Stu-Di-Doo’s
and Stu-Di-Don’ts - The Order of The Magi. This Tuesday 12th July
The Order of The Magi presents Stuart Hodgson, a full time professional
children’s entertainer from Cumbria with his new lecture Stu-Di-Doo’s
and Stu-Di-Don’ts. This busy entertainer specialises in the whole
party package and will share with you his routines and ideas to make the
event go well. This is the second lecture he has presented, the first
one being “Do you Wanna See Some Puppets” which was reported as being
very well received at the Northern Magic Circle. Door charge for non
members. Details on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk Geoffrey Newton PRO.
9.7.11
The
Northern Sessions (Part Three) will take place on Sunday 10th July
from 2pm - 6pm at the Crosskeys Community Hall (St Peter’s), Elmwood
Road, Monkseaton, Whitley Bay, NE25 8EX (Map).
This Session will include a couple of workshops / mini-lectures with
Danny Hunt and a surprise guest, plus a hands-on magic project, there
will also be an opportunity to buy some magic props, books and
magazines. There is no charge for Northern Members but for non-members a
£5.00 charge on the door. Light refreshments will be available
throughout the afternoon, for more details visit
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
9.7.11
An
Evening of Close-up Magic - High Peak Magicians Society. "Your table
will be the stage for the amazing close-up magic of the High Peak
Magicians Society members. Cards, coins, rings, ropes all feature in the
magic, and hold on to your watches as these guys move from table to
table performing mystifying sleight of hand miracles." Barceló Buxton
Palace Hotel - Chatsworth Room. 20th, 21st July 7.30pm to 10.30pm £10
(Child and Conc n/a). Venue: Palace Hotel, Palace Road, Buxton,
Derbyshire SK17 6AG (Map)
To book visit
www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk.
9.7.11
The
Northern Magic Circle Junior Day of Magic takes place today,
Saturday 9th July at the Crosskeys Community Hall, Elmwood Road,
Monkseaton, Whitley Bay NE25 8EX (Map)
at 10am. The day will feature lectures on stagecraft and presentation
with Neil Roberts, Mental Magic with Don Beattie and Impromptu Magic
with John Russell. There will also be a dealer presence with Kaymar
Magic as well as the Northern Juniors selling donated props for their
funds. There will also be Stage and Close-up Competition (open to all
young magicians aged 11-16 years) along with a mini gala show to finish
the day. The cost for the day £15.50 on the door (including lunch and
tea), or from 4pm for £6.00 which includes tea. For further details
visit
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
9.7.11
The
Liverpool Magic Circle - new venue. The Liverpool Magic Circle now
meet at West Derby Golf Club, Yew Tree Lane, West Derby, Liverpool L12
9HQ - visit their website for more details and to see what's on in the
months ahead
www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk.
9.7.11
I Can't Believe It's Not Hypnosis. "Controversial and outrageous comedy hypnotist and psychological illusionist Jonathan Royle is debuting his new public show 'I Can't Believe It's Not Hypnosis' on Sunday 14th August at 9pm at Guys As Dolls Cabaret Showbar, 133 St. James Street, Burnley, Lancashire BB11 1PD. Entrance is just £2.00 in advance and full details: Click Here." 9.7.11
Docc Hilford lectures: Manchester Circle of Magicians have replaced the Docc Hilford talk planned for Tuesday 12th July with Marc Elsdon as Docc Hilford was not able to obtain a Visa and Blackpool Magicians Club have also replaced the Docc Hilford talk planned for Wednesday 13th July with Marc Elsdon. 9.7.11
Hank
Moorehouse 1934-2011. Very sad news to report that Hank Moorehouse,
Past National President of the Society of American Magicians, and always
a friendly face at magic conventions worldwide, passed away on July 2nd
whilst touring in China with a close-up magic show.
www.magicsam.com
9.7.11
News
deadlines... Reminder: Please let us have all news submissions by Thursday
whenever possible. Final deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. (DT).
9.7.11
A
Wonderful World: Raymond Crowe. Raymond's original routine on
YouTube
Click Here. The copy
Click
Here. Facebook page:
Click Here • "Wishaw magician Chris
Dougall to be mentored by Kevin McMahon"
Click Here • "Teen masters art of magic, brings talents to Loveland"
Click Here • "Clarion's magician tells it like it is"
Click Here • "Magician has no fear of tanking"
Click Here • "The schooolboy fooling Penn and Teller"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels: Hair Today Gone Tomorrow"
Click Here • "Criss Angel talks search for next ‘Mindfreak,’ new
MagicPlace.com"
Click Here • "Hey presto: Magician strips hunk on the Royal Mile"
Click Here • "Tricks of le trade"
Click Here • "Paul Wilson and Xavier Mortimer among highlights of
second annual festival"
Click Here • Ian Rowland’s One-Man Show is reviewed by Michael
Vincent,
Click Here • "Tricks of le trade"
Click Here • "Magic man’s dream comes true"
Click Here • Thoroughly enjoyed the EMC all day
Thursday and Friday (isn't Richard Wiseman brilliant!) and will be
watching again today. Off to the LFCC with my son Louis tomorrow which will be
fun, many thanks for all your submissions, see you next week, Duncan.
9.2.11