Number 609 - 25th February 2012
Yu
Ho Jin. Flawless in its conception and execution, beautifully choreographed,
perfectly staged, to the right music, Yu Ho Jin's act on Friday's gala show at
last weekend's Blackpool Magicians' Club Convention put an end to that old
argument "is magic 'art'?" once and for all. And it was stunning. In fact is was so
stunning that Yu Ho was invited back to reprise his performance on the Saturday
night Gala Show, so weekend registrants could also witness it. Unprecedented.
Both performances resulted in standing ovations from the 3,000+ audiences that
knew that they had just seen one of magic's all time greats - live on
stage! Yu Ho Jin was part of a team of highly motivated and very dedicated
magicians from the Dong-Pusan College in Busan, South Korea. If you weren't in
the audience then please forget YouTube, be patient, and wait to see this
wonderful performer live. This was magic with soul (DT).
Peter Eldin looks back at three days of amazing magic (it really was one of the very best this year I thought) in this edition of MagicWeek Click Here and Daniel Eden of www.eden-photography.net supplies the excellent photos, including the two live shots of Yu Ho Jin above. Many thanks Peter and Dan, and thank you too to Convention Organiser Derek Lever and the entire Blackpool Magicians' Club for staging, once again, the world's largest magic convention! "60th Annual Convention of the Blackpool Magicians Club" Elizabeth Warlock reports for The Stage Click Here. 25.2.12
52nd
Bristol Day of Magic, Sunday 13th May, at the Winter Gardens and Playhouse
Theatre, Weston Super Mare. "This year we celebrate our 52nd Day of Magic with a
selection of great magical performers from the UK and abroad. Close-up shows:
Paul Gertner, Oscar Munoz and Will Gray. Lectures by Oscar Munoz and Paul
Gertner. Dealers Exhibition with over 25 leading magical suppliers from the UK.
Spellbound Gala show, starring Romany, Richard McDougall Oscar Munoz, Kockov,
Steve Hewlett and Martyn James with Music by the Ambassadors of Jazz." For more
information and to download a registration form visit
www.bristolmagic.co.uk.
25.2.12
Last
week Anthony Owen, Objective Productions Head of Magic, was a guest speaker
at The Story 2012 event in Central London talking about magic and story. He
performed magic and spoke about his work as a creator of original magic tricks
and as Executive Producer on television and multiplatform projects including
Derren Brown, The Real Hustle and Barry and Stuart's BBC3 online
tricks. He also spoke about his new series Help! My Supply Teacher Is Magic
for which he created the format. The series is currently airing on CBBC at
5.45pm on Tuesdays and is already one of the UK's most watched children's
programmes. On March 24th Anthony will receive the British Magical Society's
David Berglas Award for outstanding contribution to magic. Later this year a
French language hardback book containing both of his best selling titles Some
Tricks and Some More Tricks will be published and a new English
language book of his work is due to published by Stephen Minch's Hermetic Press
sometime in the near future. His products for magicians continue to be available
from TVMagic.co.uk and
magic dealers around the world.
25.2.12
Want
to be in with a chance of winning £250 worth of magic? Simply register for
the NMC Convention 2012 by Wednesday 29th February and it could be yours. The
convention takes place on Saturday 31st March and Sunday 1st April at the
Scarborough Spa and will feature some of the UK’s top performers including
Matthew Wright, Luke Jermay, Paul Gordon, Mark Shortland, Lee Thompson, High
Jinx, Make Believe Magic, Richard Cadell & Sooty, Jeanie & Clivo, Brian Sefton,
David Tomkins, Ian Baraddell, Paul Freeman and Doug Gregg. As well as lectures,
workshops, close-up galas and the chance to meet the stars of the convention
there will also be four stage shows all included in the full weekend
registration cost of just £60.00 per adult (£35.00 for juniors). Single day
registrations are also available and can be booked via
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk or by contacting the registration officer
Allan Clarke on 01772 685073. Alan Mylecraine.
25.2.12
'All
British' British Ring Convention News. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes:
International Star Illusionist Andrew Van Buren (seen here with assistants
Allyson – centre and Stephanie) joins the line up for the IBM British Ring 2012
convention (26th-30th September) with an appearance on the 'After Banquet' show.
There is also a tribute to the Van Buren family at a special event on the Friday
afternoon. Following this, the DVD entitled “The Van Buren Story” will be
available which Andrew says will be at a special convention price. Copies will
be signed on request. I was lucky enough to have been invited to the preview at
Stafford University Department of Media Studies a couple of years ago and it is
an excellent production by Professor Ray Johnson. There’s more British talent
added to the convention list including Craig Christian, Mark Mason, Oliver Tabor
and James Wilson. Joining the list of dealers are Alan Astra, Mel’s Magic
Company, Matthew Garrett, Practical Magic, Peter Diamond, Qualatex Balloons,
Darius, and Peter Scarlett. The convention returns to the former 5 days this
year starting on Wednesday 26th September and hopefully will appeal to all
tastes. The full programme will be published shortly. Registration details are
on
www.magicconvention.co.uk.
25.2.12
The
South Tyneside International Magic Convention Master Class sessions. "We
have another great line-up of performers from the USA and UK, some of which in
addition to their lecture at the convention will be holding a Master Class. You
do not have to register for the convention to attend - most are on the Sunday
afternoon and the other is on the Thursday night. They are also a way of getting
to see and learn from a performer in an intimate setting, and perhaps getting
one-on-one instruction on a routine that has been developed and perfected over
years. Each Master Class is limited to 15 people."
David Regal: In this workshop, attendees are encouraged to discuss and/or
perform tricks that they feel should deliver more magical punch, and David will
lead the group in exploring ways to improve them. Sunday 11th March 2pm 2 hours
£60
Levent: In his Masterclass Levent will teach how to find, research and adapt
classic stage and stand-up magic tricks and maximize their entertainment value.
Sunday 11th March 2pm 2 hours £60
Rob Torres: This master class will dive into techniques for creating original
routines and structure of a performance on a technical level, to give you a
deeper understanding of the little things that make a BIG difference in a show.
Sunday 11th March 2pm 4 hours £80
Robert Temple: In this 3-hour, intensive and information-packed workshop,
hypnotist Robert Temple will expose the real insider secrets of professional
stage and performance hypnosis. Thursday 8th March 7pm 4 hours £80
Markus Beldig: Staging Magic and Mentalism. In his Masterclass he will teach his
very easy 3 billet test – this has previously only been shared with a select few
within the Psychic Entertainers Association. He will also talk about the
placement of spectators on stage in other routines for maximum impact. Sunday
11th March 2pm 2 hours £60.
To register contact South Tyneside Events Team on 0191 424 7987 or email events@southtyneside.gov.uk. "Tickets for magic show vanishing fast." Click Here. 25.2.12
emagictricks.co.uk
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Keep an eye on emagictricks.co.uk and be the first to be showing our exclusive
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expert... you are all welcome to contact us for any help we can offer. Always
trying to introduce innovative and exciting magic to you... Here's something
that's always good to know: orders over just £20.00 will go out Freepost.... a
rarity in these days of high postal costs... So to all our many existing
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Emagictricks.co.uk.
Cheers, Staff at Emagictricks."
25.2.12
The
Order of the Magi annual Dinner and Cabaret is on Saturday March 24th at The
Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: This four
course meal with coffee is only £32.50 and includes entertainment by Mark James,
Brian Sefton and from the Penn and Teller Fool Us TV show, High Jinx
(pictured). This year’s theme is based on a casino with considerable set
dressing to that effect. There is even a numbered limited edition film cell from
Casino Royale up for auction to add to the excitement of the occasion. Guests of
Honour are President of The IBM British Ring Brian Miller and his Lady Audrey
and we look forward to the pleasure of their company. The Magi dinner is always
a very popular event and over 70 people have booked so far. Further details are
on
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk.
25.2.12
Confessions
Of Real Mindreaders. "Confessions Of Real Mindreaders sees Ken Dyne
interviewing a top mentalist and mind reader each week. You can download these
insightful and revealing recordings as well as submit questions and listen-in
live to forthcoming ones. Ken explains the details in the short video at
www.confessionsofrealmindreaders.com".
25.2.12
Fournier
Marked Deck, exclusive to The Card Collection: "Off the market for
over a year, we have had the Fournier Marked Deck reprinted exclusively for The
Card Collection. This marked deck, printed on premium 505 card stock, is in many
magicians opinions the best marked deck on the market and retails at an
incredibly low £10 a deck, available with red or blue backs. The 1st 100
customers that purchase a pack will also get the Manual of Miracles booklet,
compiled by Gabe Fajuri, free.
www.cards4magic.co.uk.
25.2.12
Magicseen
Publications is pleased to announce the release of Roulette, the
second book by young mentalist Chris Rawlins in ebook format, and it is full of
interesting ideas, routines and essays for both close up and cabaret
performance. The contents include: Credit Guard - a clever idea to reveal
four numbers from a borrowed credit card; Clipboard Peek - creating a
peek device from an innocent looking clipboard; My Version Of A Classic -
a practical solution for the Chair Test; Scramble - an impossible seeming
word prediction; Phonebook Prediction Addition - a tweak on a strong
Banachek phonebook test; My Yellow Ball Which Fooled Marc Oberon -
revealing which cup a bright yellow ball is under; Kicker Chirp Top - a
nifty little prediction idea for close up using two poker chips; Push Slide
Peek - a modernisation of an old card move; A Little Lead In - an
intro which could be used as a set up for a more major routine; P.I. -
using a killer principle of Luke Jermay in a strong close up mental routine.
Roulette is available to download now from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
25.2.12
Gary
Jones will be lecturing at the Leamington and Warwick Magic Society on
Wednesday 7th March at Cubbington Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill,
Cubbington, Leamington Spa CV32 7LN (Map).
The lecture starts 7.30pm for 8pm, visiting magicians are welcome for a guest
fee of £10 (to be arranged in advance by contacting Mark Traversoni
mark@themagiczone.co.uk).
25.2.12
New
Release from Mark Leveridge Magic. Last week at the Blackpool Convention
Mark Leveridge Magic released some new products including the El Duco/Leveridge
Wallet Combo. The El Duco Hip Style Wallet was originally designed as a way to
perform a no-palm version of Card To Wallet, but in fact the way the wallet is
constructed means it is capable of much more. On a 60 minute DVD Mark Leveridge
explores the full potential of this excellent bill fold wallet and explains how
it can also be used as a 100% surefire and easy to use palm card to wallet, how
you can use it to switch cards and even how it can be utilised as a peek wallet.
Mark provides 6 routines using the wallet on the DVD including his version of
the Ambitious Card which comes from his current working repertoire and which is
included in his Going Walkabout lecture. Full details of this and other new
products can be found at
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
25.2.12
Merlins
of Wakefield. "Merlins of Wakefield would like to thank everyone for their
support at the Blackpool Magic Convention. As a result of Russ Stevens'
'Unknown' we completely sold out of all versions of the Clone Coin. Those who
placed orders should receive them next week. If you would like to order yours
please get in touch. Also our special offer 'Buy 4 - Pay for 3' for our own
effects was so successful, we have decided to carry it on till the 3rd March.
Click Here for further details.
www.merlinswakefield.com."
25.2.12
Vegas
Magic Theatre. Graham Jolley has just returned from appearing in Paul
Stone's Vegas Magic Theatre in Las Vegas and writes: Had a wonderful time. The
theatre at the Gold Coast Hotel is perfect for presenting magic. The audiences
of around two hundred are very enthusiastic, and the whole evening is held
together superbly by Paul's son Ben. The engagement was over four days, and I
shared the bill with Christopher Hart, who I thought was outstanding. Paul looks
after you, picks you up from the Airport, and provides excellent accommodation.
Should you be given the opportunity to appear on the show, I'm sure you will
have a great experience.
25.2.12
Andy
Clockwise clocks up a big win! Congratulations to Andy Clockwise (seen here
with Ken Dodd) winner of the United Kingdom Children's Entertainer National
Championships competition held at the Blackpool Convention last weekend. Craig
Petty was placed second, and David Ginn third.
www.kidsmagician.co.uk.
25.2.12
Southport's
West Coast Day of Magic - Sunday 6th May. Incorporating a Dealers Day, 10am
till 4pm, £3.00 admission on the door. For Dealer table rates and availability
visit
www.southport-magic-circle.co.uk. At 4.30pm (to 6.30pm) there will be a
family magic show featuring Paul Bimbo and Gary Gizmo, two of the top family
entertainers in the northwest, entrance fees for the show are £5.00 per adult
and £3.00 per child a family ticket (2 adults and 2 children) is available at
£12.00. With raffle and prizes. All proceeds are donated to The Rainbow House
disabled children's charity. Venue: The Royal Clifton Hotel, Southport
Promenade, Southport, Merseyside
www.southport-magic-circle.co.uk.
25.2.12
They
went, they saw and they conjured... Magic Bloggers The Movie 2012:
www.magicbloggers.co.uk.
25.2.12
Alex
Robertson - Cotswold Magical Society Close-up Champ! Congratulations to Alex Robertson
for being placed first, Darren Campbell came second and Nigel Hursthouse third. The
competition is held annually and the winner holds the Hugo Cup. (Photo L to R:
Darren Campbell, Nigel Hursthouse, President Colin Dymond and Alex Robertson.)
www.cotswoldmagic.co.uk.
25.2.12
John
Carey Lecture - Chester Guild of Magicians. The Chester Guild of Magicians
are hosting a lecture by John Carey at The Bull & Stirrup, Northgate Street,
Chester CH1 4EE (Map)
at 8pm on Monday March 12th. Members free, visiting magicians welcome for a £10
entrance fee.
www.chesterguildofmagicians.org.uk.
25.2.12
Darlington
Magic Circle are pleased to be hosting a lecture by Marcelo Insua otherwise
known as Mister Tango on Thursday 1st March: "Marcelo is the owner of Tango
Magic gaffed coins factory and will be presenting his lecture “Stress Free
Magic” featuring practical and easy-to-do effects using coins and cards. The
lecture will be held at The Railway Institute, 93 North Road, Darlington DL1 2PP
(Map)
doors open at 7.30pm with a prompt 8pm start. For visiting magicians entry is
just £5 although please could you contact the Secretary, Stuart Hodgson
magic@stu-di-doo.com to confirm your
attendance as numbers may be limited."
www.thedarlingtonmagiccircle.co.uk.
25.2.12
Vote
for Piff! "The World’s Shortest Gig finalists... Here are our five
finalists. And what a bunch they are. Handsome, successful, wealthy. None of
these and so much more. And now their future lies in your hands. Vote now for
the finalist you think deserves 15 seconds on the stage of the Ball."
Click Here.
25.2.12
Peter
McLanachan heads south at the beginning of March to present his “A Force
Much Greater Than Luck” lecture for both Leicester Magic Circle, on Monday 5th
March, and The Mid Essex Magical Society on Tuesday 6th March. These lectures
will mainly concentrate on card effects that can be done when performing for
groups in walkaround situations, especially for situations where more than one
card is selected. Visit
www.thecardman.co.uk for more on Peter. The lecture at
Leicester Magic
Circle will be held at their headquarters at Braunstone Civic Centre in
Kingsway, Leicester LE3 2PP (Map)
with the meeting starting at 7.30pm. The following night’s lecture at
The Mid Essex Magical
Society will take place at their usual meeting place at The Cricketers
Public House, Penny Royal Road, Danbury CM3 4ED (Map)
and will start at 8pm. Visiting magicians interested in attending either of
these lectures should contact the societies directly for more details.
25.2.12
Sean
Goodman is presenting his “Goodies Galore” lecture for Sheffield Circle of
Magicians on Thursday 1st of March. It will include close-up magic and
mentalism, as well as information on the business side of magic. The lecture is
free to paid up members and £10 for guests and visitors. The event starts at
7.30pm at Magick Enterprises, 82 Broad Street, Sheffield S2 5TG (Map).
www.sheffieldcircleofmagicians.org.
25.2.12
The
Great Sebastiano, Sebastian Hunt, is lecturing at The Mystic Ring on
Thursday 1st of March. His lecture is based around his new book "The Book of
Magic Bo**ocks". The lecture starts at 7.45pm, visiting magicians are welcome;
£5 admission. The Mystic Ring meets at Dunstable Conservative Club, 49 High
Street North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire LU6 1JE (Map).
www.mysticring.co.uk
or email themysticring@hotmail.com.
25.2.12
The
Vox Brothers lecture at The Surrey Society of Magicians on Thursday March
8th, visit
www.surreymagic.co.uk for details. The duo have recently updated their
website, visit
www.voxbrothers.co.uk to catch up.
25.2.12
Paul
Voodini Lecture - Derby. "On Thursday, 8th March, Paul Voodini
presents his highly interactive and amusing lecture for magicians at the Hilton
House Hotel, Derby DE65 5GP (Map).
Paul works as a full time professional mentalist, specialising in areas such as
cold reading, ESP, and past life regression. In his lecture Paul recounts the
story of his journey from a believer in the paranormal to professional
mentalist, demonstrating along the way such weird and wonderful phenomena as
spirit communication, telepathy, tarot card reading, and out of body experiences
- all punctuated with amusing anecdotes and lots of audience participation (that
means you!). Please be there for 7.30pm, to start at 7.45pm. Visiting Magicians
are very welcome. there is a small fee of £5 payable on the night. Please email
the President of Derby Magic Circle, Paul Sharp, at
paulsharp@talktalk.net prior to
attending."
25.2.12
The
Paul Ormonde Illusion Show - St. Patrick's Night, Saturday 17th March at
8pm, to raise money for The Northern Ireland Cancer Fund for Children and the
Briagh Hull Memorial Fund. All tickets £6 (family tickets £20) available from
The Wallace High School Lisburn on 02892 672311.
25.2.12
Northamptonshire
Magicians Club will be holding their annual dinner on Tuesday 20th March at
St George's Hall, St George's Avenue, Northampton NN2 6JA (Map).
Ticket's cost £22.50 for an excellent 3 course meal with choice of menu, cabaret
by FISM World Champion Marc Oberon, and close-up magic at the table.
7pm-11.30pm. Tickets and more info from President
David Miller: 07870 140958 or
david.miller37@ntlworld.com.
www.northamptonshiremagicians.com.
25.2.12
Lost
Ring. Dave Bonsall emails: "Whilst visiting my stand and watching a ring
flight demo, a magician’s girlfriend left a ring on my stand. I was hoping you
could put a little note on MagicWeek to see if we can track down its owner, it’s
a silver Tiffany & Co Ring." Email Dave:
main@fingertipmiracles.co.uk.
25.2.12
Magicians Wanted for London Charity Show. Wendy Bird, Parents Circle, Hoe Bridge Pre Prep emails: "Do you know any up and coming magicians who would like to practice their up close magic for free at our charity lunch for 100 guests? I am contacting you on behalf of Hoe Bridge Pre Prep Parents Circle who are hosting a fund raising lunch for parents on Monday 12th March, 11.30am to 3pm at the Church of The Good Shepherd in Pyrford, near Woking in Surrey. The charity we are supporting is Link Leisure who help children and adults with learning difficulties take part in the kind of activities we all take for granted but they cannot do without our support. We would love it if you are able to come and help us with our worthy cause and enjoy our hospitality. Ideally we would like two magicians if they are available on the above date and time to have as much interaction with our lunch guests as possible." If you can help, please telephone Wendy Bird on 07793 185253. 25.2.12
100 Days of Magic. Alan Taylor emails: "100 Days of Magic will run as a countdown on twitter and facebook to the 2012 games. The idea is to give UK magicians a profile boost and I'm going to get it supported via as much media as I possibly can. If UK magicians want to be included they can send me their clips via twitter @alprendo or email taylor412514@blueyonder.co.uk." 25.2.12
Learn how to become a Children's Entertainer - live training workshop: On Saturday 12th May, Mike Clarke ("Magic Mike") is running a 1-day training workshop teaching how to become a children's entertainer. In addition to the training, you'll get to see Mike perform his Magic Fun Show live in front of an audience of children, to see how well the show really works. Full details: www.thekidsmagician.com/live-workshop (N.B. As the workshop is running the day before the Bristol Society of Magic's "Day of Magic", you could make it a magic-packed weekend!). 25.2.12
Martin
Breese. Very sad to report the death of Martin Breese. Martin had been
suffering from leukemia and died in hospital in Brighton on Thursday morning. I
think we first met in his basement magic studio (somewhere in London) in the
late 70's or early 80's. We would bump into each other over the years and I last
saw him at a magic show I was in, at the Komedia in Brighton, just a few years
ago... Despite being a magic dealer and publisher he rather charmingly remained
a real magic 'fan' - delighting in every new magic effect as if it was his very
first. He will be greatly missed by his many friends in magic (DT).
25.2.12
Geoffrey
Newton reviews Blackpool's Showzam Festival this week,
Click Here • "United nations of magical fun"
Click Here • "Magical evening..."
Click Here • "Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow - review"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels at the Kings Theatre - Sean Boon Reviews"
Click Here • "Melton date for magician"
Click Here • "The Chron gets up close and personal with
Northamptonshire’s magicians"
Click Here • "Robert makes shopping magic"
Click Here • "Nothing short of magic"
Click Here • "Wishaw magician Chris Dougall wowed by Paul Daniels’
advice"
Click Here • "The Geek Life: The Magic Castle"
Click Here • "You've Got David Blaine: Magician Submerges In A Tank,
Spits Out A Goldfish"
Click Here • "Magic Dan scoops £10,000 prize"
Click Here • "Brown’s mind-melting magic returns"
Click Here • Your UK Magic news is always welcomed - see you next
week, Duncan.
25.2.12