Number 599 - 17th December 2011
The
Houdini Experience - Starring Hans Klok and Company. For the first
time ever, Hans Klok, the Master of Mystery, arrives at the Peacock
Theatre, London for a five week limited season. Described as a ‘chilling, thrilling and
breathtakingly amazing show’, Hans Klok, his Divas of Magic and a
company of world-class variety and circus acts perform illusions,
daredevil stunts and wizardry unlike anything ever seen before. Having
starred in Las Vegas with Pamela Anderson as his magical assistant, Hans
brings a new kind of theatre to London, one for all the family to enjoy
this Spring. Escape from reality and get ready to relive The Houdini
Experience. Peacock Theatre, Portugal Street, Holborn, London WC2. 23rd
February - 25th March 2012. To book tickets
Click Here.
17.12.11
Two
more international acts announced for The Session. Renowned coin
magician Eric Jones (photo, USA) will be presenting a new talk for The
Session. And while Vinny DePonto (USA) is not a name that many have
heard of in the UK, his performance will certainly change that. His smart
approach to magic could be described as "a modern twist on a
vaudevillian style". He's a professional close-up performer from New
York and The Session predict big things for him. These two
performers join Dani DaOrtiz (Spain), Chris Kenner (USA), Kainoa
Harbottle (USA), Wayne Houchin (USA), Michael Vincent (UK), John Archer
(UK), Alex Pandrea (Romania) and more, at
The Session, January 14th & 15th 2012:
www.sessionconvention.com.
17.12.11
The
Northern Magic Circle are pleased to announce the first names for their
NMC 2012 Convention. The convention will have a ‘Best of British’
theme, with many award-winning magicians taking part including Matthew
Wright (a Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year winner), Luke
Jermay (professional mentalist, consultant and creative coach) and Paul
Gordon (Paul has lectured at over 90 clubs worldwide since 1994). The
Convention will take place on Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April at the Scarborough Spa Complex. For more information and to
register visit
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk or contact the registration officer,
Alan Clarke, on 01772 685073. This year there's a free-to-enter raffle
offering £250 of magic goods. Book before the end of December you'll be given
three free raffle tickets, before the end of January two, and before the
end of February, one.
17.12.11
Karnival
Death Heads, new from BigBlindMedia: "The Karnival Death Heads
(Armour Edition) Deck is unlike those normal decks you have at home.
They are the ultimate hardcore playing cards. If the Death Heads were a
movie, they'd be The Expendables. This deck is nails! Printed on
Fournier's world class 100% plastic stock they are designed to withstand
outrageous abuse. Washable, resistant to scuffing/tearing/cracking and
uncreasable - this is the same renowned stock used in the World and
European Poker Tour televised events. With a jaw dropping rock 'n roll
design from frequent Karnival Inc collaborator Sam Hayles (from Dose
Productions), this deck will turn heads. Exclusively available from
BigBlindMedia these cards handle beautifully - they can even be signed
with a dry erase marker and then wiped clean and they faro like a
dream." Order from
www.bigblindmedia.com and join the party.
17.12.11
A
dog is not just for Christmas... it’s for life. Of course, you’re
using your Dog Arm Puppet in the run-up to Christmas, or, maybe you’re
hoping someone will give you one of these lovely puppets on the Big Day
itself. But remember…it’s not just for Christmas! That’s why Practical
Magic are advertising their brand new, completely re-filmed Dog-umentary
DVD with loads of new footage and ideas for your canine friend. They say
you can buy a good dog, but you can’t buy the wag of his tail. Well, you
can buy a great puppet, but that doesn’t make it entertaining. You need
the Dog-mentary DVD which will show you how to make your performances
meaty! Give power to your pooch! Bone-us material included! To read more
about the Practical Magic Dog-umentary DVD, all you have to do is
Click Here.
17.12.11
Good
Design Is Invisible. A short film about the relationship between
design and magic. Featuring:
Matt Duggan,
James Parker
and Bill
Davenport. Filmed and edited by Kingston University Graphic Design
students Jed Carter, Chris Holt and Josh Revan
Click Here.
17.12.11
Steve
Faulkner's debut double DVD 'Materials' is out now: "Consisting of
strong, practical card moves and theory to enhance improvisation or
creativity. Amongst the many moves taught are Steve's one handed bottom
palm, Lennart Greens' Top Shot, Ernest Earicks' Longitudinal Swivel
Steal and Benjamin Earls 4 for 4 switch (all with kind permission)." The
DVD is available to order directly from Steve,
Click
Here, and to watch the trailer
Click Here.
Steve Faulkner is now taking lecture bookings for 2012 - contact him via
www.stevefaulkner.com.
17.12.11
News
from The Twins: "As well as performing all over the world this
year, the Twins have been planning and manufacturing special effects for
over 30 pantomimes and musicals at venues in Aberdeen, Poole,
Glasgow, Bradford, Belfast, Edinburgh, Newcastle, Dublin, Liverpool,
Sunderland, Birmingham, Plymouth, Wolverhampton, Nottingham, Southend,
Northampton, Southampton, High Wycombe and Portsmouth. Twins Worldwide's
magical special effects will be helping to break box office records in
Christmas productions across the UK this year. What the papers are
saying: 'WOW, if you loved Chitty Chitty Bang Bang you’ll love
this' The Journal. 'Creating a true spectacle and a delight for
all ages' The Stage. 'Dazzling...I felt a shiver of excitement'
Daily Telegraph" More info:
www.theillusionists.com and
www.thetwinsfx.com.
17.12.11
Royal Institution
Christmas Lectures 2011. "Are You Thinking What I'm Thinking? Have
you ever seen a face in a piece of burnt toast, or given your car a
name? Why do you feel pain when someone else is hurt? Why are people so
obsessed with other people? In the last of this year's Christmas
Lectures, Professor Bruce Hood investigates how our brains are built to
read other people's minds. With a little help from a baby, a robot and a
magician, Bruce uncovers what makes us truly human."
8pm on Thursday 29th December on BBC 4. See
TV Magic for details.
17.12.11
Tenyo
at Merlins. Merlins of Wakefield have just received stock of the fantastic
2012 Tenyo range of magic from Japan. All pre-ordered items have gone
out, and limited stock now remains. Order today, and your magic should arrive
in time for Christmas. For further information call 01924 339933 or
visit
www.merlinswakefield.com. The perfect magical stocking filler.
17.12.11
Young
Magician Lewis Fuller is seen here entertaining JLS at JB's 25th
birthday party in London last week. Lewis was the only entertainment
besides the band, entertaining everyone including pop stars, VIP's and
celebrity guests... look out Dynamo!
17.12.11
Dirty Tricks.
Dirty Tricks is currently being repeated on 4Music. Here's
a taster from one show:
"Barry and Stuart get to levitate Debbie McGee, Pete Firman gets to
blend vermin and horrify Josie D'Arby and escapologist Jonathan Goodwin
gets to drown himself." See
TV Magic for listings.
17.12.11
Theatre-Rites
Mojo. 16th - 31st December at the Barbican. Silk Street
Theatre "In an enchanting new presentation for families, a riot of
dance, puppetry and music takes us on a spectacular journey through the
magic and mayhem of growing up. Bursting with energy and evocative
movement, objects come to life and characters discover their mojo,
igniting visual transformations devised by the award-winning team of
Arthur Pita and Sue Buckmaster. A dynamic ensemble, including pulsating
percussionist Adriano Adewale and singer and trumpeter Leo Altarelli,
enliven this extraordinary world." Renowned for creating high-quality
theatre for young people, Theatre-Rites makes a welcome return to the
Barbican this Christmas after the success of The Thought That Counts in
2005. John van der Put is the man behind the magic in the production.
www.barbican.org.uk.
17.12.11
Owen Lean will be performing in cabaret at the Spiegel Saloon, Winter Wonderland, Hyde Park, London, this coming Monday. Also performing Pippa the Ripper, Rollicking Richard Sullivan and Leilani - with host Edwin Flay. Entry is free, and food and drink will be served www.spiegelsaloon.co.uk. 17.12.11
'Legend: An anecdotal tribute to Ken Brooke'. Steve Cook emails: "Important announcement. My book: 'Legend: An anecdotal tribute to Ken Brooke, was originally to be released as a limited edition of 1,000 (signed & numbered) copies worldwide. I have now, reluctantly, decided this is no longer a viable proposition, therefore, I have limited it to only 285. If you have purchased the book then email me steve.cook243@ntlworld.com , and I'll forward you confirmation of this altered number. An attachment will then allow you to print-off the page and insert it in the book, to authenticate this new greatly reduced limited edition. I would like to thank those purchasers of 'Legend', it is truly appreciated by myself, Ken's partner, Barbara McNaughton, Ken's immediate family, his friends, magical colleagues and his many fans worldwide. You have helped not only to keep alive the name of the greatest magic demonstrator in history, but also, you have fostered awareness one of the funniest, talented, most generous and charismatic figures ever to grace this planet. Thank you." 17.12.11
MagicWeek, Christmas & New Year submission deadlines
Issue number 600 Saturday 24th December: 12 noon, Wednesday 21st December.
Issue number 601 Saturday 31st December: 12 noon Wednesday 28th December.
Many thanks. No exceptions. 17.12.11
'Derren
Brown' was the 7th most popular news topic search on the Guardian
website in 2011,
Click Here (now that's magic!) • "Aladdin Panto
Danger at Medina Theatre"
Click Here • "A magical production of 'Nutcracker'"
Click Here • "The art of magic can be elevated"
Click Here • "Have iPhone, will amaze. Technoillusionist Marco
Tempest isn’t scared to reveal his devices"
Click Here • "Criss Angel Motorcycles on Auction Block"
Click Here • Dave Allen's recent lecture at ACE Performers in
Airdrie, Scotland is reviewed by Peter Kinney this week,
Click Here and Alan Maskell reviews Aladdin starring High Jinx,
Click Here • "Houdini: Art and Magic"
Click Here • "Greatest Card Trick Ever"
Click Here • "Pick a Card, Any Card"
Click Here and for more information on 'Magical Mathematics' and to
order via Amazon.co.uk
Click Here •
Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
17.12.11