Number 607 - 11th February 2012

 

Big Magic on the London Stage - An Interview With Hans Klok. Chris Cox (the award winning mind-reader who can't read minds) finds out what makes Klok tick... "I've done Holland, Germany, Vegas and thought why not England? The Olympics are here this year, there is a rich history of magic in England, London used to have a magic theatre and is now once again ready for a big magic show. I really believe in the show, I played it for five weeks in a 2200 seat theatre in Holland and sold out every night. That's the whole reason we are here, it's a strong show. It is spectacular, there are dancers, four world class variety acts, it's the same amount of people in the cast and crew as you might see in a West End Musical. There is a lot to see, it's an experience for everybody, for the whole family." To read the full interview Click Here. 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. Hans Klok is a guest on This Morning on Wednesday, adnnd on The Magicians this evening see TV Magic. 11.2.12

 

Northern Magic Circle Convention final line-up. More names have just been added to the line up for this year's NMC 2012 Convention which takes place 31st March - 1st April 2012. David Tomkins will be performing in the Children's Showtime and will also lecture. The weekend will also feature two History of Mystery lectures, the first from Ian Baradell being a fascinating talk on Tenyo. Ian has the 3rd largest Tenyo Magic collection in the world. The second talk features Paul Freeman discussing Herr Aldabert Frickell, a mysterious German magician who is buried in Scarborough. Other acts booked include Matthew Wright, Luke Jermay, Paul Gordon, Mark Shortland (photo), Lee Thompson, High Jinx, Make Believe Magic, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Jeanie and Clivo, Brian Sefton and Doug Gregg. The NMC offer a 'Partner Pass' where full registrants can attend all the lectures and shows for just £60 while their partner enjoys Scarborough and during the weekend the partner gets tickets for the Gala Show, the Children's Show, the Junior Stage Competition and the Northern Juniors Show all for just £20. All those who register by the end of February will be placed into a draw for the chance to win £250 worth of magic! You can register online at www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk and view the latest video at www.animoto.com. 11.2.12

 

Conjuring at the Court, London – Thursday 23rd February: "Our next show promises a feast of magic, comedy and mentalism. With Neil Henry, an imaginative, funny magician; magical clown Wes Zaharuk; mind-reader Dean Maudsley; and the comedy magic of Terry Herbert. Compered by Alan Green. It’s on Thursday 23rd February at 8pm at the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map). Just 12 minutes from Central London by train from Paddington to West Ealing – and the pub is a stone’s throw from the station. Tickets £10 from www.conjuringatthecourt.com or on the door. Why not come a little earlier, around 7-7.15, and have dinner at the pub before the show? The Drayton offers a great selection of food, with traditional pub favourites and freshly cooked specials. There’s a proper dining room, or you can eat in the bar if you prefer. Call the pub on 020 8997 1019 for more info and to book a table, or just turn up and have a meal. Look forward to seeing you at the show – it’s going to be a cracker!" Russell Levinson. 11.2.12

 

The Secret World of Charles Dickens: Mirth, Marvels and the Mysterious with Ian Keable. The Secret World of Charles Dickens celebrates the bicentennial of the birth of Charles Dickens from an unusual and intriguing stance: Charles Dickens was also a gifted amateur magician. Ian Keable explores the writer's love of magic through his books, numerous articles and letters, all of which throw an unexpected light on his fascinating personality. He also revives tricks that Dickens is known to have done. In addition, the show focuses on Dickens's skeptical fascination in spiritualism. Dickens is very amusing about spiritualists in general and his caustic wit shines through. Ian performs some spiritualist-type stunts which convinced many of Dickens' contemporaries of the authenticity of mediums. This is a hilarious and mystical show which will appeal to anybody: even if you've never read a word of Dickens! The Charles Dickens Museum, 48 Doughty Street, London WC1N 2LX (Map). 6.30pm to 8.30pm, Tuesday, 28th February and Tuesday, 13th March. Adults: £12 – Includes glass of wine or soft drink. To book tickets phone: 020 7405 2127 or email: museum@dickensmuseum.com www.dickensmuseum.com. 11.2.12

 

Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee are guests on This Morning on Thursday 16th February at 10.30am on ITV1. No doubt they will be talking about Paul's recent sawing accident. I'm sure magicians everywhere will join me in wishing Paul the very best for a speedy recovery, and hope that all goes well with the upcoming tour which starts on February 22nd at the Kings Theatre, Portsmouth: www.pauldaniels.co.uk/tour-dates (DT). 11.2.12

 

Latest Blackpool Convention News: The Registration Desk will now be located in the shop premises on the right-hand side of the Winter Gardens main entrance, not inside the Winter Gardens as in previous years. Only 300 registrations remain unsold with 2,700 magicians already having registered. You can pay via credit card or PayPal on the day. Note that there are no 'Dealer Only' tickets being sold so to visit the 125 Dealers you must purchase a Saturday Registration at £50.00 which includes the USA Gala Show or Sunday Registration at £60.00 which includes the European Gala Show. Visit www.blackpoolmagic.com for details or contact Arthur Casson on 01253 393688 arthurcasson@aol.com. 11.2.12

 

The Magic Bloggers are back! For the 6th consecutive year The Magic Bloggers are back to let you know what’s happening at the Blackpool Magic Convention. They will keep you up-to-date with the lectures and what the 2012 hot product is in the dealers' hall. So if you can’t make it this year, or can only make it for a day or two, go to www.magicbloggers.co.uk for all the latest news, reviews, videos, photos, tweets and much more... 11.2.12

 

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South Tyneside International Magic Festival, March 9th, 10th and 11th. The Midnight Show is free for convention delegates, and stars Andy Fury and Robert Temple (photo). Despite starting comedy out of “sheer boredom” just two years ago, Andy Fury has impressed a lot of people in a short space of time with a wonderful mix of self-deprecating dark jokes and off the wall surrealism. “Brilliant… The next Pub Landlord of comedy” Hexham Courant. Robert Temple: "Robert Temple is one of the world's leading comedy stage hypnotists. Over the past eight years, he has toured his explosively funny hypnosis show in nine countries, performing over 1,500 live shows and hypnotising over 10,000 people… from the Las Vegas Strip to the West End of London." The weekend features: David Regal (USA), Levent (USA), Rob Torres (USA), Markus Beldig (Germany), Christian Schenk (Germany), Ricky McLeod (UK), John Archer (UK), Mat Ricardo (UK), High Jinx (UK), Robert Temple (UK). Registration is £65.00, and includes all lectures, close-up sessions, dealers, both gala shows and admittance to the midnight show. www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival. 11.2.12

 

Magic Night, Madame JoJo's - London. Friday 2nd March. "We bring a touch of Vegas to Magic Night with Peggy Sue, a body twisting unreformed alcoholic, who shows a novel way to serve cocktails, whilst James Pritchard will be concocting and drinking the most dangerous shot drinks this side of a bar. Piff the Magic Dragon is back with his faithful levitating canine sidekick, Dave Loosley will be indulging in some cunning new tricks and Anil Desai morphs into every famous person you have ever known. The Tommy Cooperesque Christian Lee will preside expertly over the proceedings." Friday 2nd march. Doors open 7pm show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to 'Good Foot'. Show ticket plus dinner: £24.00. Tickets: www.ticketweb.co.uk www.lastminute.com or Ticket Web on 08444 77 1000. Madame JoJo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SE (Map) 020 734 3040 www.magicnight.co.uk. 11.2.12

 

News from The Magic Circle Press Office: The Season of Winter Wizardry kicked off the first weekend of February at Stephenson Way with two packed houses enjoying The Magic Circle Mysteries. Magic stars including Fay Presto, Mandy Muden, Alan Hudson, Michael Pearse, John Styles, Pete Wardell, surprise guest Arturo Brachetti and host Steve Allen all made the trip to our HQ worthwhile on a snow swept London day! Two performances raised a house-breaking record sum in support of The Centre for the Magic Arts. Next up in the season is the popular Close-up Night, but that has already sold out, as has the performance in March. David Tomkins presents The Cheeky Dog Puppet and Magic Show at The Magic Circle next Thursday, February 16th, at 11am, an ideal treat for the under 10 year olds during half term week, then John Archer takes to the stage on Friday March 2nd, followed by Max Somerset on the 16th and 17th For more information and tickets visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 11.2.12

 

Stagefright, a Theatre Royal Bury St Edmunds Production. Directed by Theatre Royal Artistic Director Colin Blumenau and featuring jaw-dropping illusions especially created by award-winning Magic Circle member Ben Hart, this nerve-jangling new show promises an evening of thrills and frights, where nothing is quite as it seems and under no circumstances should you believe your eyes... Written by Michael Punter, directed by Colin Blumenau, illusions by Ben Hart, designed by Kerry Bradley. To Saturday 25th February. To find out more and book seats visit www.theatreroyal.org. 11.2.12

 

BigBlindMedia: "'Like' our page and get a free video download" Click Here. 11.2.12

 

Van Buren is back at Showzam by popular demand for a fourth year with a show that's bigger better than ever. Van Buren returns to Showzam Central in Blackpool's Winter Gardens Olympia with another of his popular Temple of Illusions shows, with a new show and a new temple featuring yet more unique magic and illusions, exciting circus skills and a few surprises along the way. "With a new purpose built Temple of Illusions Van Buren will take you on another colourful, classy and fast moving journey through circus, theatre, fairground, magic and variety entertainment - all of which Blackpool has always been famous for. This show over the years has proved incredibly popular and built a real following. Also appearing in Showzam Central the Insect Circus, Romany Diva of Magic and Jon Marshall's Sideshows plus much, much, more." 10th to 19th February 2012. Van Buren Weekday Shows Daily at 12noon and 3pm. Van Buren Weekend Shows at 12noon, 2pm and 4pm. Blackpool Winter Gardens Olympia - Showzam Central. www.showzam.co.uk. 11.2.12

 

Sunday Night Live at the Lost. "A brand-new Sunday night variety show comes to the Lost Theatre in London on March 4th. The inaugural show will feature three acts; speciality, comedy and magic. Booked so far are TV's Shaolin Warriors, comedian Kev Orkian and the magic slot is... still to be filled! If you have a professional, quality 15 minute stage act then please let us know! The evening is produced by Richard Leigh and compèred by Jay Fortune. Interested? Please send your showreel and blurb to mail@jfortune.co.uk". 11.2.12

 

The Associated Wizards of the South One-day Convention - Romsey, Hampshire. Sunday April 22nd at Crossfield Hall, Romsey, Hampshire SO51 8GL (Map). Lee Smith, Scott Penrose and Wayne Fox all lecture, and the evening show will star Scott Penrose, Phill Smith, Mel Mellers (photo), Matt Baker and Jason Steel. The day also includes magic dealers, workshops and close-up sessions. Advance registration will open in a few weeks time at £20, or £22.50 on the door. Doors open at 9.30am. Registrations are now being taken. Visit www.awsmagic.co.uk to download the registration form. 11.2.12

 

DMC cuts to the chase and asks "Why do we believe?" Click Here. 11.2.12

 

Steve Petra: Let’s Get Visual, DVD. Reviewed by Karl Jeffery. "...You don’t get a crash course on how to do ventriloquism, or how to manipulate puppets. Instead Steve goes straight to the heart and concentrates on what makes routines with puppets entertaining. He explains the eight elements that make his shows a success. He describes each one in detail, sharing what he calls the ingredients to ‘Visual Puppet Gumbo’. Using these ingredients keeps the audience involved the whole way through, which is essential for any entertainer, not just the ones with puppets..." To read Karl's full review Click Here. 11.2.12

 

Basic Training: The Book. For the last three years Ian Kendall has been writing a column for MUM magazine, the in-house magazine of the Society of American Magicians. entitled Basic Training. It looked at classic sleight of hand and explained it in the kind of detail that Ian is known for. In July 2009, at the SAM convention, Ian was awarded the Leslie P Guest award for Excellence in Magic, one of only a handful of non Americans to receive this prestigious trophy. In December 2011 Ian was featured on the cover of MUM with an article where he explained his approach to magic and teaching. Finally, all the Basic Training lessons have been collected into a large format book, with added commentary and extra lessons. More information can be found at www.basictrainingthebook.co.uk. 11.2.12

 

News from Confessions Of Real Mind Readers: "Confessions Of Real Mind Readers is taking off, last week's Confession with Mark Elsdon was a fantastic success, and Ken Dyne has just announced Colin McLeod (from Penn and Teller's Fool Us), Paul Brook and Patrick Redford are up next. Ken said; 'What I love about this project is the ability to get under the skin of these professional mentalists and the level of access we can give. You can listen to the Confession live, you get the recording afterwards and can even submit your questions to be asked for each interview.'" For more information visit www.confessionsofrealmindreaders.com. 11.2.12

 

Christopher Howell Lecture - Anglian Magical Society. The Anglian Magical Society are hosting a lecture by Christopher Howell at 7.45pm on Tuesday 21st February at the White Horse Inn Public House, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map). Christopher will be leading an exploration into how we can improve the execution of our magic. He'll perform examples from his professional repertoire to explore the power of clarity and economy with particular emphasis on scripting and structure. £10 for visitors, discounts for members. For more information visit: www.anglianmagicsociety.co.uk. 11.2.12

 

Auction of Magic Props and effects. Sunday, 12th February, at the Headquarters of the Modern Mystic League, Blackburn. This Sunday there will be an auction of items from the estates of Late Ken Larraway and Colin Cook as well as a range of Children's magic items from Anne Walmsley plus various effects from the members of the Modern Mystic League. Visiting Magicians welcome - £3 on the door. Viewing from 2pm, auction commences 2.30pm. All welcome. The auction will take place at the St Silas Parish Centre, Preston New Road, Blackburn BB2 6PS (Map). Free tea and biscuits during the interval. Visit www.memel.org.uk for directions. 11.2.12

 

Controversial Stage Svengali Royle - live in Manchester! Madcap Mentalist Jonathan Royle has been booked as the opening night headline show for the Manchester Festival of Magic and Mentalism which is taking place from March 26th - 1st April 2012 at The Kings Arms in Salford, Manchester. Royle will be holding an Improve Your Life with Hypnosis and NLP workshop on Sunday 25th March and then presenting his Bizarre Comedy Psychic Style Show at 9pm on Monday 26th March. Tickets are £6.00. To secure tickets for Royle's opening night show, along with details of other Magical & Mentalism events taking place throughout the week, Click Here. 11.2.12

 

News from Zane's Magic Shop: "Zane's Magic Shop has just released a brand new trick called 'Five Olympic Rings' by Zane. The trick was created especially for the London 2012 Olympic Games and is based on the Olympic Rings Symbol using unique and specially designed cards. Zane is giving 10% to 'Sports Relief' charity between now and when it is televised in March. The price is only £17.99 and it comes with the cards, comprehensive written instructions plus a DVD with a number of variations. The trick is a Limited Edition. Zane's Magic Shop will be selling the trick at this year's Blackpool Magic Convention where he has a stand in the Arena! For more details please visit www.zanesmagicshop.com." 11.2.12

 

Paul Dabek stars in Star of Wonder - Theatre in the Quarter's latest production which will be part of Blackpool's Showzam festival. 14th & 15th February at 7pm & 16th at 2pm. Star of Wonder is the story of how, in 1899, the lives of a small group of music hall performers are affected by the introduction of a new act - an acclaimed female magician, Isis, the Star of Egypt. We see the characters both on stage and off as they reveal their secrets, dreams and fears. This rich musical feast is a glimpse into a world gone by - a world where magic is real. For more information and tickets visit www.showzam.co.uk. 11.2.12

 

Matthew Wright Lecture - Bolton Magicians' Club. Matthew Wright will be presenting his lecture "If Carlsberg Made Magic Tricks" at Bolton Magicians' Club on Wednesday 15th February at 8.30pm: "Matthew's lecture is a mix of entertaining close-up and stand-up magic and a masterpiece of presentation." Matthew's website is www.chamberofsecrets.eu and the venue is the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QD (Map). Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome. There will be an entrance fee of £5.00. For directions to the Doffcocker Inn visit www.boltonmagic.co.uk or telephone James Hodgkiss on 01204 522651. 11.2.12

 

The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians held their Close-up Competition last week. Ian Brennan reports: The judges were professional magicians Dave Jones and Stewart Milward (Stewart is the proprietor of the House of Magic, Stourbridge) and Adrian Brown a professional photographer. Performing were a variety of club members displaying a wide range of magical disciplines: Tony Melvin, Tinkerbell, Damon Conlan, Paul Pickford, Craig Davies, Dean Brindley, Ricky Jackson and Ed Sumner. The overall close-up winner was Paul Pickford performing an outstanding card manipulation act. Damon Conlan came away with the most original performance style with his unique delivery and the most original material award went to Craig Davies who has developed his act from conception to performance. Sincere thanks to the many spectators who came along to watch; the club has been overwhelmed by the support and is constantly trying to find new ways to cram the ever increasing number of bodies in! The next competition will be the Stage Competition, on May 14th. Visitors always welcome. For more details about the club please go to www.3sm.org.uk. 11.2.12

 

Hypnotist and Mentalist Jonathan Royle has been tweaking his new Comedy Psychic Style Show "Egg Sausage & Peas" and has now made many improvements thanks to the ideas and advice given to him by Luke Jermay. Royle has added another date to his tour and will be appearing at The Basement in York (where Luke Jermay is appearing each month) on Tuesday 14th August to coincide with his 37th Birthday. Tickets are also selling fast for Royle's Manchester Theatre dates in April, May and July ('Egg, Sausage & Peas' - see What's On). To secure tickets for the just added York date Click Here. 11.2.12

 

Magical comedian Dain Cordean has been booked to headline this year's production of "Seaside Special" at Cromer Pier, Norfolk. This famous all-singing, all-dancing summer revue show is celebrating its 35th birthday, and this is the first time a magician has been asked to headline. Dain will be performing some of his signature routines, together with some stunning illusions and a full supporting cast. The show runs from mid June to the end of September and bookings are being taken now. For more information visit www.cromer-pier.com. 11.2.12

 

Franklin the Mind Magician. Following on from the success of Franklin the Mind Magician’s talk last week at the Merlin Magical society (see last week's 'News' item 'An Evening with Franklin at the Merlin Magical Society') Franklin is now available to give his talk to other magic clubs on various dates throughout the year. Email: franklin@corporatemindmagic.com for details. 11.2.12

 

True Mysteries by Fraser Parker. Fraser Parker has just released True Mysteries to the magic community: "Kenton says that he would put this right up there with 7 Deceptions by Luke Jermay. In this book find methods to stop someone from speaking temporarily, cause someone to become unable to give you an object back, become colour blind for the moment and much more. This book contains breakthrough principles which can be applied to your own presentations as well as effects that push the boundaries of what is considered possible in performance." True Mysteries is available as a paperback from www.lulu.com. 11.2.12

 

Magicians wanted for Charity Magic Show in London. Craig Squires and Daniel Blake are staging a one-off Magic Show to raise money for Nicki's Smile. This is a new charity and information can be found here www.nickissmile.com/nickis-story. At this stage we are looking for any magic performers that would be interested in helping out on the night. Whether it be a short stage performance or close-up magic in the bar. The show will take place on Sunday 13th May from 8pm at The Arts Depot (400 seats) in Finchley, London. We look forward to hearing form you. Many Thanks Craig & Nicki's Smile. Email: yoyomagic@mac.com. 11.2.12

 

"Angel producer turns to Las Vegas police" Click Here • "Penn and Teller in talks with Universal Orlando, could join Halloween Horror Nights 2012 per new celebrity survey" Click Here • "Scots duo love to thrill audience on BBC's The Magicians" Click Here • "York magician Alfie Whattam's hopes for Britain’s Got Talent fame" Click Here • "Three things about Penn and Teller" Click Here • Martin Duffy is performing as Derek the Dragon at the National Railway Wizard Weekend Click Here • "Magic Castle Battles Back From a Halloween Fire. Was it a Message From Houdini?" Click Here • "Latchford chimney sweep just the trick at weddings" Click Here • "'Magicians' Q&A: Who is the king of the BBC magic series?" Click Here • "Wideopen magician Paul Lytton is the star attraction" Click Here • "Three things about Penn and Teller" Click Here • "Paul Daniels: The Krankies have been a tower of strength since I injured my hand in saw accident" Click Here • That's it for another week. Please note the Wednesday 12 noon deadline for next week's news submissions. See you in Blackpool, Duncan. 11.2.12

 

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