Number 597 - 3rd December 2011
The
Session (January 14th & 15th, Cheltenham) is the UK's only dedicated
close-up magic convention. Two new acts have just been announced: John
Archer (UK) and Alex Pandrea (photo, Romania). John Archer will be
giving a brand new talk on comedy magic and sleight of hand magician
Alex Pandrea will be illustrating some of the card technique that has
gained him a worldwide reputation. They join, Chris Kenner, Dani
DaOrtiz, Kainoa Harbottle, Wayne Hounchin and Michael Vincent for a
weekend of serious close-up magic. With only 20 tickets remaining, now
is the time to register. The Session has sold out every year, so order
your tickets now!
www.sessionconvention.com.
3.12.11
Piff
Goes West... Star of "Penn & Teller: Fool Us" and Magic Circle
Close-up Magician of the Year, John van der Put, and his alter-ego,
Piff the Magic Dragon, will descend on Las Vegas for IMX 2012 from 21st
- 23rd May 2012 at The Orleans Hotel. From the organisers: "John joins
over 20 of the finest performers from across the globe for one of the
most hotly anticipated conventions in the US. From FISM champions to
underground sensations - IMX is 3 days of nothing but magic ... some of
the incredible headliner acts revealed thus far include the sheer genius
of Sweden's Lennart Green, Israel's master of levitation Yigal Mesika,
multi-award winner and close-up expert Johan Stahl, Nordic Stage Magic
Champion and star of Sweden's Got Talent - Charlie Caper, from
Australia the dazzling Raymond Crowe, the mindblowing mental telepathy
of Canada's 'The Evasons', direct from America's Got Talent the
juggling sensation Charles Peachock, Argentina's FLASOMA Grand Prix
Champion - Latko, the one-of-a-kind mayhem of USA's Eric Buss, the
mental genius of Patrick G. Redford, FISM winners from Sweden - the
incomparable Brynolf & Ljung ... and many more incredible international
headliners still under wraps … IMX is also proud to host the 2012
International Youth Magic Championships in partnership with FISM – a
world-first! Readers can register for the exclusive special price of
just $199 until the end of December with promo code PIFF at
www.imxlasvegas.com.
But hurry - only a limited number of Pro-Pass registrations remain. And
if you're wanting to win an entire trip to Vegas ... free hotel, free
registration, free flights - check out the Facebook page
www.facebook.com/IMXLASVEGAS."
3.12.11
Magical
Matilda. Following a sensational sell-out season at The Courtyard
Theatre, the RSC's production of Matilda the Musical has
transferred to London's West End. Roald Dahl's much-loved story bursts
into life on stage in this brand new musical version by Dennis Kelly and
award-winning musician and comedian Tim Minchin. Children and adults
alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little
girl with an extraordinary imagination. The production is directed by
Matthew Warchus and designed by Rob Howell with special effects and
illusions by Paul Kieve
www.stageillusion.com
www.matildathemusical.com. "Matilda's master illusionist. The West
End hit calls on Paul Kieve's powers: so does Scorsese's new film Hugo.
Maddy Costa meets the master illusionist..."
Click Here.
3.12.11
Jack
Delvin MIMC, President of The Magic Circle reports: “I’m delighted
to announce that it has been an incredibly busy couple of months for The
Magic Circle with many magicians from around the world applying for
membership. Among the many successful candidates are Dutch entertainer
Fl!p Hallema, ‘Master of the Sword’, Hayashi from Germany, close-up
sensation Eric Jones from the USA, ‘Magician Impossible’ star and TV
ratings sensation Dynamo and the Formula 1 World Champion Nigel Mansell
OBE.” Dynamo states “I can’t wait to spend time doing research in the
incredible library at the headquarters and am pleased to become a member
of this amazing club.” Nigel Mansell OBE said “I am absolutely delighted
and very proud and honoured to have been accepted into The Magic Circle.
Magic has been a great asset for my charity work and has changed my
personal life too.” The President continues: “I am also pleased to
announce that our Chairman Brian Sibley has been promoted to Member of
The Inner Magic Circle and also to offer a warm welcome back to former
Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year Chris Power as a Member of
the Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. With magic enjoying a resurgence
in popularity in recent years, I have no doubt that 2012 will be an
extraordinary year for The Magic Circle and I look forward to welcoming
many more conjurors from around the world into The Magic Circle family."
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
3.12.11
Martin
Taylor Hypnotism without Hypnosis. On Monday 5th December, the UCL
Union Magic Society present an evening with the incredible Martin
Taylor. As one of the best hypnotists around - this is an evening not to
be missed! "The reactions to Martin’s show are overwhelmingly ones of
amazement and fascination: he’s easily the best on the circuit." Derren
Brown. Tickets are £15 and are available online:
Click Here.
3.12.11
Steve
Gore Lecture - Now Booking! Steve Gore presents a lecture that has
received excellent reviews from the Modern Mystic League, Huddersfield
Circle of Magicians and the British Magical Society. It includes lots of
his original effects, including his excellent ‘Trick Photography’, but
it's not all close-up magic; there are effects for stage, stand up and
children's shows too. Steve is now taking bookings for 2012. Visit the
MagicWeek Lecturers page for more
information and contact details.
3.12.11
ATW:
Anything to Wallet from Harry Robson Magic and RSVPMagic: "Brand new
and limited to only 150 units, Harry Robson Magic and RSVPMagic release
the ultimate wallet... Using an all new loading system, this is
instant ATW. For the first time ever, using the James Prince
principle, you'll be able to make any large object such as a mobile
phone, borrowed watch, glasses, keys, etc, appear inside a sealed
envelope, inside your wallet in under 2 seconds! Designed to the highest
standards and made from the finest Nappa leather, this wallet is made to
be used night after night. You'll also be able to produce multiple
signed cards inside sealed envelopes during the same routine and best of
all, you'll now be able to reset during the actual routine itself, using
the Harry Robson Instant Reset System. The package comes with a
beautiful leather wallet, a supply of Bonsall envelopes, loading gaffs,
phone templates for iPhone and Blackberry devices and the full
instructional DVD. You
can see the trailer
Click Here,
for a complete unedited performance
Click Here."
www.harryrobsonmagic.co.uk
www.rsvpmagic.com.
3.12.11
International
News: The Vegas Magic Theatre opened its doors on 3rd November at
the Gold Coast Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas, just off the Las Vegas
Strip. The shows are on Thursday - Sunday at 7pm with two shows on
Saturday at 5pm & 7.30pm. Vegas Magic Theatre is different from any
other magic show in Las Vegas. The Showroom is an intimate 250 seater
Cabaret style room with a good sized stage and excellent sound and
lighting. It is perfect for Illusions, Parlour Magic and Stand up
performers. The comfortable Magic Lounge, complete with Bar, sofas and
cocktail tables offers pre-show entertainment including Close-up Magic,
Tarot Card Readers and other surprises, and is open an hour before
showtime. The Vegas Magic Theatre presents a brand new show every week
and stars the best Magicians and 'Spec' Acts from across the USA and
around the world. Performers already featured are Fielding West, Mike
Douglas, Dimmare, Andrew Goldenhersh and Jon Armstrong, and the line-up
of talent appearing in the next few months include Christopher Hart,
Scott Alexander, Murray, Keith Fields, Graham P. Jolley, Jay Alexander,
Michael Goudeau and Jeff Hobson. The Show is hosted by Ben Stone, who is
increasingly making a name for himself with both his singing and magic.
At just $14.95, which includes the pre-show entertainment and the show,
it is undoubtedly one of the best value Magic Shows in Las Vegas!
3.12.11
Instantly
calculate any day of the week in 2012! One of our listed lecturers,
Chris Hare The Mind Boggler, (Lecturers)
has devised a system that allows you to instantly calculate any day of
the week in 2012. Chris would like to share his system with MagicWeek
readers (treat it as an early Christmas present) - simply email him and
he'll send you a word doc copy
chrishare@aol.com. Chris is currently taking magic club and
convention bookings for his 'Harebrain Mentalism' lecture.
www.mindboggler.co.uk.
3.12.11
Ever
wanted to buy something from a website or company in the USA that
doesn't send overseas? Problem solved... BundleBox provides you with
your own personal USA parcel forwarding address. Registration takes a
minute, and your address is available immediately. With your own
personal BundleBox address you can now shop at any USA website
and have the goods sent to your BundleBox address, and BundleBox then
ship them on to your actual home address. (BundleBox was recently
recommended to me. I've tried it and it works like a dream. They are
super-efficient, updating you via email along the way, customs is
pre-paid and pre-cleared, and deliveries are made by tracked FedEx, so
they are fast and secure. There is a one-off $15 sign-up charge, but
that is reimbursed against your first shipment charge, and there are no
annual fees or anything like that. DT). To find out more visit
www.bundlebox.com.
3.12.11
Edinburgh
Secret Society. For the past year Peter Lamont and Richard Wiseman
have been running the Edinburgh Secret Society. The meetings are all
very hush-hush, but have involved lots of magic (including performances
by Pete Firman, Barry and Stuart, Piff, Colin McLeod and Ali Cook),
oodles of optical illusions, several live experiments, and an attempt to
summon the devil. Their next event is on the 9th December at a disused
Victorian anatomy theatre in Edinburgh, and features the amazing card
skills of Spanish magician Dani Da’Ortiz. A handful of tickets are
available
Click Here.
3.12.11
RSVP
presents 24 Seven... "Featuring 24 stunning routines that you will
use, and suitable for all magicians, this is magic that packs a
kicker punch! All you need is a regular deck of cards and you're ready
to go, with routines that will get your audiences talking. This set
follows on from John's previous release Handle with Carey that
continues to be a best seller worldwide. 24 Seven has already got
raves from people such as John Guastaferro, Jack Carpenter, Michael
Vincent, Peter Duffie and Lance Pierce. This is bound to make the
perfect Christmas gift for any magician. 'Practical and powerful!
John's entire 'Handle With Carey' series is a must for all cardicians.
John strikes gold with his novel combination of doable, powerful and
entertaining card magic.' John Guastaferro." Watch the trailer:
www.rsvpmagic.com.
3.12.11
Merlins
of Wakefield's latest 16 page 'Preview' for December is now out, and
it's free. Containing over 70 great magic effects, including the New
2012 Tenyo range, there's bound to be something of interest for every
magician. For a printed copy, email your address to
merlins@btconnect.com. If
you'd prefer a PDF, just email them with 'Premail' in the subject box,
and they'll email you a copy.
www.merlinswakefield.com.
3.12.11
6th,
7th, 8th December:
Conversations with Penn & Teller: 35 Years of Magic & BS! "Conversations with Penn & Teller: 35 Years of Magic & BS! is an insightful
evening of candid discussion, audience Q&A, video clips and some of Penn &
Teller’s classic magic tricks performed live. Celebrating 35 years as magic’s
most outrageous and innovative team, Penn & Teller are Emmy award winning TV
stars, best-selling authors and Las Vegas icons. Their Showtime series, 'Penn &
Teller: BS!' has been nominated for 16 Emmys. Their newest ventures are ITV's
'Penn & Teller Fool Us!' hosted by Jonathan Ross on Saturday nights and 'Penn &
Teller Tell A Lie,' which will premiere on the Discovery Channel in the Fall of
2012." December 6th (tickets available), 7th (sold out), 8th (sold out)
from
www.theo2.co.uk/indigo2. Penn & Teller are guests on The
Royal Variety Performance 2011, see
TV Magic.
3.12.11
Ian Keable: Funny Tricks -
tonight in Hertfordshire.
"In Funny Tricks Ian Keable, a recent recipient of the prestigious Magic
Circle Comedy Award, illustrates the techniques he uses to mystify his
audience. Is the hand quicker than the eye, is it all done with mirrors
or does everything disappear up the sleeve? Ian performs a multitude of
different tricks demonstrating these secrets, ranging from sleight of
hand to reading minds - and all performed with laughs galore. Whether
you want to learn some of the magician’s innermost secrets, or be
thoroughly entertained by bewildering and hilarious magic, Funny Tricks
is not to be missed." Abbey Theatre, Westminster Lodge, Holywell
Hill, St Albans , Herts AL1 2DL (Map)
8pm on Saturday 3rd December. Box Office: 01727 857 861
www.abbeytheatre2.org.uk.
3.12.11
The
full line up for 'An Evening of Deception' (22nd - 25th February, Cheltenham)
has just been announced. Compère Steve Knibbs and magician Andi Gladwin
will be joined by Derren Brown favourite, Peter Clifford, and the
fabulous Kerry Scorah. An Evening of Deception is Cheltenham's
only live magic show; building on a great reputation for complete
sell-outs. For updates follow the team on twitter @eodeception, join
their new Facebook page
Click Here or sign up to their mailing list
Click Here. To book tickets
Click Here.
3.12.11
Manchester
Circle of Magicians are holding their Christmas Party on Tuesday
13th December at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent,
Salford M5 4PE (Map)
at 7.30pm: "Full buffet, close-up magic, fun and games plus Star Cabaret
with Martin Gold - comedian." Price £18.00 per person. Credit card
payment accepted. Contact Derek Lever on 01253 810113 or email:
d.lever1@sky.com.
3.12.11
Andrew
Van Buren & Allyson are now going into rehearsals for Cinderella at
The Forum Theatre, Billingham with Coronation Street's Julia Haworth and
Crissy Rock - direct from the "I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out of Here"
jungle, the pantomime runs from 10th December to 8th January. To book
Click Here.
3.12.11
Pythagorean
Cabaret. The Institution of Engineering and Technology are hosting a
Pythagorean Cabaret on Monday 12th December at Savoy Place in London.
Amongst the performers will be Professor Jon Holt who is an engineer,
mentalist and occasional escapologist! Jon will be using a mixture of
mind-reading and escapology to promote the importance of science and
engineering. Other acts include stand-up comedy, chemistry, astronomy
and science-learning. For more information visit
www.theiet.org/events/2011/pythagorean-cabaret.cfm.
3.12.11
Catch
up with Sean Hayden on SKY TV's "Cruising with The Stars" -
Part 1,
Part 2,
Part 3,
Part 4.
3.12.11
Winter
Wonderland: "A superb night of entertainment raising funds for Blue
Skies Neonatal unit. Comedy Magician 'Chubbz' will be providing pre-show
entertainment, and balloons during the interval, plus he will be
performing his amazing 'Snowstorm' illusion. Plus Confirmed compere for
Winter Wonderland Variety Ged Mills from Radio Wave plus Brother Rabbit,
Melia, Royal Funk, Disco Inferno, Chubbz, Adam Turner, Joe Boe, Ant
Oliver, Becca Dixon, Phill Tattersall and many more... Tuesday 6th
December 2011, Marine Hall, The Promanade, Fleetwood, FY7 6QX. 7.30pm -
10.30pm. Tickets are £5 each and monies raised will be donated to Blue
Skies Neonatal Unit."
3.12.11
Richard
Graham retained his title 'Close-Up Magic Champion of the Mid Essex
Magical Society' last month. One of eight other competitors, Richard
weaved his spell performing to guests at the Cricketers Inn, Danbury.
Members performed 4 times, with a judge at each table, comprising both
magicians and lay people, judging across a variety of categories
including personality and entertainment value. This is the fourth time
Richard has won this title and he also won the Stage Competition last
year. Richard is the first person in the club's 35 year history to hold
the stage trophy and the close-up trophy at the same time. Richard said,
"It is always special to be recognised by one's peers - there is a lot
of talent in the club and the competition gets tougher each year. Don
Simpson was placed 2nd and Luke Keteleers.
www.richardgraham-magic.co.uk.
3.12.11
The Grismer Lock. Steve Cook emails: "Due to the pressure of numerous magic commitments, the sole world distribution rights to the 'Grismer Lock' have now officially been transferred from myself, Steve Cook, to my good friend, Paul McCaig. I will however, still offer input in an advisory capacity, but all future enquiries and orders concerning the 'Grismer Lock' should be sent to Paul McCaig at: alicam.mcc@btinternet.com Thank you." 3.12.11
Jim O'Toole. Blackpool Magicians Club are very sorry to report that Committee Member Jim O'Toole has passed away at the age of 80 years, in Blackpool Victoria Hospital after a short illness. Jim was a Past President and Honorary Life member of the Blackpool Magicians Club. No details of Funeral arrangements are yet available. Derek Lever. 3.12.11
"Legendary
magician Paul Daniels comes to Epsom this Christmas"
Click Here • "Museum Of The
Moving Image Hosts Magician's On Screen"
Click Here • "Out of the hat comes a message"
Click Here • "Comedy magician Ian Keable at Abbey Theatre, St
Albans"
Click Here • Rodd Hogg reviews Paul Gordon's Card Capers Day of
Magic in Belfast this week,
Click Here • "In 'Hugo,' Scorsese Salutes A Movie Magician"
Click Here • And
finally, this from Ozz:
Click Here • That's it! See you next week, Duncan.
3.12.11