Number 623 - 2nd June 2012
The provisional programme of events for FISM 2012 has just been announced.
How's this for day one: Dealers' Magic Fair opens; Vintage Magic Poster
Exhibition by Kenny Bowe; Opening Ceremony in the Opera House starring
Marc Oberon, Jupiter, Joseph Gabriel, Clive Webb and Danny; Stage
Competition starts (acts 1 - 20); Star Lecture by Joshua Jay; Star
Lecture by Matthew Johnson; Star Lecture by Boris Wild; Star Lecture by
Axel Hecklau; Star Lecture by Henry Evans; The Late, Late Gala
Show in the Opera House starring Junior Petrosyans, Soma, Tina Lenert,
Compagnie Poc, Rafael, Katalin, Mike Caveney and Topas. And that's just
the first day, with five more to go...
Click Here
to see the programme of events. Visit
www.fismwcm2012.com to register.
2.6.12
Derren
Brown’s The Experiments wins BAFTA for best Entertainment Programme. Derren
Brown: The Experiments (Derren Brown, Simon Dinsell, Iain Sharkey, Fiona
Cotter-Craig - Objective Productions/Channel 4) won the BAFTA for best
Entertainment Programme last Sunday at the British Academy Television Awards
2012 at the Royal Festival Hall, London. Other nominees in the Entertainment
Programme category were Celebrity Juice, Harry Hill's TV Burp and Michael
McIntyre's Christmas Comedy Roadshow.
See
www.bafta.org (includes link to video). Congratulations to Derren and the
team for another real success.
2.6.12
The
Berglas Effects - Limited number now available directly from David Berglas.
"This is a wonderful, wonderful book, as well as one that resonates with me very
much personally. I feel a slight voyeuristic guilt being allowed in as much as
this, into his hidden world, but also the joy of seeing so lucidly before me
what seems now to be the ONLY way to present card material. Where the performer
is all and there's no card 'plot' to follow along with. This is a unique delight
to be reading." Derren Brown. Written by magic’s most experienced author
Richard Kaufman. Foreword by Juan Tamariz, Afterword by Max Maven. Includes 3
feature-packed DVDs. Limited number now available here in the UK, signed by
David Berglas.
Click
Here for ordering details.
2.6.12
South
Tyneside International Magic Convention 2013. Martin Duffy writes:
Thanks to our main sponsors
Magicbox,
Customs House and South Tyneside Council I am very pleased
to announce... South Tyneside International Magic Convention 2013.
Friday 8th to Sunday 10th March 2013. The price remains at £65 and
includes all lectures, close-up sessions, and two Gala Shows. You can
also gain free access to the exclusive “Midnight Show” on Friday night
at the convention HQ. Registration is not open yet - previous delegates
will be offered spaces first - that will be sometime in the Summer. I
will start to announce names of lecturers and performers in the next
couple of weeks. Just this year we had David Regal, Levent, Rob Torres,
Markus Beldig, Robert Temple, Ricky McLeod, Mat Ricardo, Archini & Smith
High Jinx and Christian Schenk. Even if you aren’t able to join us for
the full weekend you are welcome to join a Master Class on the Sunday
afternoon. Master Classes are ideal because sometimes the lecturers
would like to spend more time on a particular effect. 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, saving you months of trial and
experimentation. We have been running Master Classes for the last eight
years and would like to invite you to attend one in 2013. Each Master
Class is limited to 20 people.
2.6.12
Conjuring
at the Court, 3rd Birthday Show - Tuesday 26th June. Conjuring at the Court
celebrates its third anniversary with a top line-up and a birthday cake! Hosted
by Noel Britten, it features TV star Paul Zenon, the graceful magic of Michael
Vadini, the witty miracles of Ian Saville, and the enchanting puppetry of Ian
Thom. Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Or come early to make an
evening of it with dinner in the pub. It’s just 12 minutes from Central London
by overground rail from Paddington to West Ealing, and the pub is 2 minutes walk
from the station. The Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing W13 8PH (Map).
Tickets £10 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. Please note that this show is on Tuesday, not
the normal Thursday.
2.6.12
Magic Night
at Madame JoJo’s, London.
Friday, June 15th 2012. "It's a Magic Night mash up with smashing
objects, record breaking magic, an unusual assistant, crazed comedy
songs, prancing ballerinas and spikes!
Max Somerset, the punk genius of magic, gets smashing with your objects
(don’t give him anything you’re particularly attached to) and John Hicks
will attempt to break a magic record with the aid of an unusual (and
hilarious) assistant.
Elliot Mason will interject with comic songs that make everyday life
sound so much more funny and Madame Galina the larger than life
ballerina will be there, still looking for her Nureyev.
Christian Lee will compere and spike his hands." 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.
28.4.12
Sunday Night Live
- "A modern day variety show featuring an ever changing programme of magicians,
illusionists, variety and speciality acts. Hosted by the incomparable Jay
Fortune. This performance includes Edward Hilsum (award winning dove act), Jen
Allen (Elegant stage speed painter), Dee Riley (comedy magic) and top of the
bill, comedian Paul Eastwood. Sunday 3rd June, tickets £12.00, concessions
£10.00. Family Ticket or Group rate at £8.00 each (minimum of 4 seats). Close-up
magic is presented in the bar before the performance. The Lost
Theatre, 208 Wandsworth Road, London SW8 2JU (Map).
Box Office 0844 8471680 or book online:
www.falseimpressions.co.uk.
2.6.12
Young
and Strange are set to perform four shows over the coming week, in their
hometown of Oxford. The show is a combination of large scale illusion and
intimate sleight of hand magic, all performed with an emphasis on entertainment.
The show dates and times are as follows. 4th June, 8.40pm. 6th June 8.40pm. 7th
June 5.40pm. 10th June 8.40pm and the venue is The Old Fire Station, George
Street, Oxford OX1 2AQ (Map).
Tickets are £8 and can be ordered via
www.wegottickets.com/oxfringe/event/160822.
2.6.12
Introducing PaulHarrisPresents.co.uk
Mark Traversoni writes: "I would like to announce the launch of the official UK
& Europe Paul Harris Presents website
www.paulharrispresents.co.uk. The site supplies the UK and Europe with Paul
Harris Presents products and other specially selected items. Everything featured
on the site is in stock and for a limited time orders will be delivered free to
the UK for purchases over £25 and free to Europe for purchases over £45. Honest
reviews and ratings will be posted on all effects; but as many will know Paul
Harris Presents only releases high quality products so you can rest assured if
it is on the site it has to be good! Customers will also benefit from bonus
handlings and tips which will be made available so keep your receipts as the
product part number will be your password for access. As a bonus for every
purchase over £25 in the first month you will receive my Bill in Egg trick free!
You can just register on the site by creating an account to receive up to date
news on products etc. As is the case with Paul Harris Presents products, the
emphasis on the site will be to feature commercial quality products that are
within the ability of most magicians (in our opinion). If you have any
questions, would like to buy a product that is not currently stocked or have a
product that you would like us to stock then please contact us at
sales@paulharrispresents.co.uk."
2.6.12
An
Evening with Master Magician Michael Vincent. From Michael Vincent: I am
delighted to be able to offer 10 exclusive tickets to a forthcoming show I am
performing at Roehampton Club, London’s premier multi-sport private members’
club, nestled in the heart of South West London. The evening, on Friday 15th
June, will include a drinks reception, a 3 course dinner as well as an evening
of magic. Tickets are £75 each and must be booked by emailing Roehampton Club at
michaelvincent@roehamptonclub.co.uk. Contact 0208 480 4233. Michael Vincent,
The Michael Vincent Academy of Magical Arts.
2.6.12
Will
Houstoun Lecture - for International Magic, London,
Wednesday 6th June. "We're delighted to welcome Will Houstoun with his new lecture
'Out With the New,
In With the Old' created as a reaction to the tendency within the magic
community to focus on the 'latest and greatest'. He has recently presented it at
the famous Close up Convention 'Fechters Finger Flinging Frolic' in New York to
much acclaim.
In the lecture Will, who is also the editor of The Magic Circular, looks
backwards to previously unpublished material from the eighteenth and nineteenth
centuries for inspiration to create effects that are as powerful today as any
modern creation.
The material, that is all fully explained, includes magic with cards, coins and
other objects and is suitable for both close up and parlor performance. Some of
the material is taken directly from Will's books Hellis in Wonderland and The
Notebook and some is inspired by these manuscripts. Will will also teach a few
modern creations including some of the material he has used as a Headline
Performer at The Magic Castle in Los Angeles." Venue: Casa Italiana, 2nd floor, 136 Clerkenwell
Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map).
Start time 7.30pm (be there by 7.15pm at the latest).
Pay on the door (£15) - but you must reserve a place in advance, by emailing
martin@internationalmagic.com.
2.6.12
PlayStation
3, PlayStation Move and new title ‘Sorcery’ inducted into The Magic
Circle’s Museum, sitting beside historical and famous wands of Tommy Cooper,
Paul Daniels and Professor Hoffman. The collection charts the history of the
magic wand with the console’s induction bringing the art of magic into the
digital age. The Magic Circle inducted the PlayStation 3 and Sorcery as examples
of how people can immerse themselves in fantasy role playing games and the newly
released PlayStation 3 game ‘Sorcery’ is a great example of that. The title
takes the concept a step further as the player takes on the role of a sorcerer’s
apprentice and uses the PlayStation Move controller as a magic wand, conjuring
up spells while mirroring your actual movements in-game. Scott Penrose, Vice
President of the Magic Circle and Curator of the Museum commented; “In the 21st
Century the challenge on magic comes in the form of digital technology. However,
as the internet and computer gaming distracts the next generation, magic has
again found its niche. Some may fear that the computer age threatens the art of
magic, however the new generation can wave the PlayStation Move – a digital wand
- in the game ‘Sorcery’ and immerse themselves into the world of magic and
illusion.” See the game in action on
YouTube.
2.6.12
Marvin's
Magic! What do Marvin Berglas and David Redfearn have in common? Both are
busy working pros who seem particularly prevalent performing in the celebrity
circuit. Both are members of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star. Both are the
resident magicians at Premiere League Clubs... Marvin at Arsenal and David at
Chelsea. They are also good friends who last Friday found themselves by chance,
again mirroring each other. Marvin was booked to entertain the Barbarian Rugby
team ahead of their clash against England at Twickenham while David entertained
the England team on the same night. Both magicians were a big hit according to
the positive messages of appreciation on Twitter from both sets of players and
their respective managers. Photo: Marvin with Barbarians coach John Kirwan, a
Rugby World Cup winner with New Zealand.
2.6.12
Morgan
& West: Clockwork Miracles at Oxfringe. Wander into the world of time
travelling magicians Morgan and West. Uncover a multitude of magical marvels
strewn hither and thither. But mostly thither. Be you urchin, industrialist or
lady of leisure prepare to cover your ankles - Morgan and West will literally
blow your socks off. Running every night from Wednesday 6th to Sunday 10th June
at 8pm come along to the Simpkins Lee Theatre, Oxford OX2 6QA (Map)
for magic, mystery and mild peril aplenty. Tickets:
www.wegottickets.com/oxfringe/f/4067.
2.6.12
Jester
At The Castle - London. Michael Gee presents... Jester At The Castle, the new monthly
magic show, the second of which will take place on Thursday 7th June starring
Paul Megram, Chris McGeever, Ian Manly and Nicholas Einhorn, hosted by Michael Gee. Doors
8pm for 8.30pm at The Castle Rocks, 452 Finchley Road, London NW11 8GD (Map).
Tickets £10 each: 07970 525 083.
28.4.12
Magicseen
'taster' issue 14. Magicseen email: Magicseen Taster Issue 14 is currently available from the Magicseen website and
features selected extracts from the current issue of Magicseen (issue 44 May 12)
as well as a feature article from one of our back copies. If you take advantage
of this free download you will be able to read the full article on cover star
Mac King, enjoy the fun included in Jay Sankey's interview of Canadian magician
David Acer, in Jay Fortune's Think Tank and in the rants of the Grumpy Old
Magicians who Ride Again, plus there's a selection of the product reviews, a
report on Pete Firman's latest show and a feature on David and Dania from one of
our earlier issues. So plenty to keep you informed and entertained while the
country goes nuts with Bank Holidays and royal occasions. Available now from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
2.6.12
The
Ed Fringe Magic Listings are in, compiled once again by Peter McLanachan
(many thanks Peter!). See What's On
(August).
2.6.12
Ed
Fringe, in the spotlight: Mind Reading for Breakfast, by Rob Bailey, the
‘Psychic’ Psychologist 11-27 August, 11.30am (but not 18th or 25th)
Edinburgh Festival Fringe show. This Edinburgh show is the story of a
psychologist turned ‘psychic’ performer. Weaving magic and comedy with his life
story, Rob explores his childhood love of supernatural mysteries, work in secure
psychiatric wards, and becoming a veteran Edinburgh performer. Delivered with
sensitivity, humour and baffling psychological illusions, Rob simultaneously
demonstrates the power of psychology and mental traps exploited by phony
mystics. You’ll laugh and think.
www.psychicpsychologist.co.uk. "Ditches paranormal waffle without
compromising the air of mystique" **** Big Issue. "Genuinely impressive
stunts of psychological detection…" ThreeWeeks. "A chaotic yet cool hour
of tomfoolery" Scotsgay. "Very funny … very entertaining…" Oxford
Times. Sweet Grassmarket, Venue 18, Edinburgh. Tickets 0131 243 3596, £9 (£8).
www.edfringe.com/whats-on/comedy/mind-reading-for-breakfast.
2.6.12
Magic
Dave (Dave Allen) Lecture - Associated Wizards of the South. Dave Allen
lectures for the AWS on Tuesday 19th June. "Now a full time entertainer with a
very unique and endearing style his family show uses a mix of comedy magic and
some very baffling illusions, and also original ventriloquist routines using
members of the audience. Dave is the proud winner of many titles including being
the International Comedy act of the year 2010/11, for the International
Brotherhood of Magicians, which he also won in 2005. He is also the current
holder of British Isles Family Entertainer of the Year, and the W.A.M Stage
Magician and Close-up Magician of the Year 2008." Doors open at 7.30pm. Lecture
starts at 8pm. Non members £8 on the door. Free Parking. Bar. For more
information call the Programme secretary on Darren Holden 07980 385832. Venue:
Woolston & Sholing Conservative Club, 74 St Annes Road, Southampton SO19 9FF (Map)
www.awsmagic.co.uk.
2.6.12
Angelo
Carbone WAM Lecture. On Tuesday 19th June, Angelo Carbone presents his
lecture at the Watford Association of Magicians. Angelo promises unique magic
that anyone can do. Angelo is a Member of The Inner Magic Circle, consultant to
many of the biggest names in magic on TV and stage; and the first British
magician to have tricks produced by Tenyo (Mini-Morphosis, Prison Box and
Floating Card). The evening promises to be a great session for all. Non WAM
magicians welcome - £10 temporary membership. If you're a non WAM member and
would like to attend, please contact the club secretary Julie Carpenter
juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk for more details. Andy Clockwise.
2.6.12
Exonian
Magic Society - Convention 2013. Ozzy Dee writes: After last year's great
success with the Exonian Magic Society's 75th anniversary, the club will be
organising another convention next year on October 6th 2013. If anybody would
like to be considered to lecture, or perform in the gala show, please contact
Ozzy on 01392 461881 or email
ozzydee@themagiccircle.co.uk please include what you can offer and fees.
Many thanks, Ozzy Dee.
2.6.12
David
Lees and Magic Den SFA (something for all) Lecture, now booking: "David Lees and Denis Shields have teamed up to present a lecture of two halves.
In the first hour Magic Den will deliver his 'Creating Magic' lecture, with a host
of original ideas for close up, stand up and walkabout family shows. He will
explain how to make some really commercial props which will also inspire you to
come up with your own ideas.
After a break David Lees will deliver his 'Remembering Annemann' lecture, a
complete mentalist act. Here you will learn how to perform some really strong
magic with some of David’s personal touches; the full act can be carried in your
pockets, with the exception of a large notepad.
With the SFA lecture both David and Denis will provide a night of, fun, comedy,
magic and mystery that will appeal to a wide variety of club members.
Both lecturers will have notes for sale as well as some items for those who do
not wish to make their own props." Visit the
Lecturers page for booking
enquiries, and more information.
2.6.12
Magicians
of Facebook UK Convention. We featured details of this convention last week.
The convention will feature Luke Jermay, Stephen Leathwaite,
Wayne Goodman and Tom Crosbie. Here's a link to their new website
www.mofbukconvention.webs.com.
26.5.12
Merlin
Magical Society, 2012 Clifford Morrow Cup. Martin Peirce reports: Well done
to Michael Chandler who won the 2012 Clifford Morrow Cup at the Merlin Magical
Society last Thursday evening. The standard for this year's contest was
extremely high with lots of members keen to lift the trophy. Michael was a
worthy winner with his ancient Tibetan Banana effect that was wonderfully
entertaining and truly magical. Thanks also to our guest judge Alan Maskell who
had the unenviable task of selecting the victor for this originality contest.
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk.
2.6.12
Jack
Stephens writes: In 2006 I was booked to entertain with my close up, mix n
mingle magic at a private lunch party near Gloucester. Waiting to approach my
first table, I noticed a guest walk past me who looked remarkably like the
Queen. I work alongside a lot of lookalike artists, the most popular being Elvis
Presley, Marilyn Monroe and James Bond. I assumed this lady was a Queen double,
hired as a novelty bit of entertainment. You can imagine my surprise when I was
told- it WAS the Queen. One of my feature tricks is where I give the guests a
chance to win some money from me (fat chance!) and although all seems fair, they
always end up with a penny. When this happened at the Queen's table, I said,
"You know it yours ma’am-it has your picture on it!" Alongside my magic I
perform balloon sculpturing. I make a host of animals out of these special
modelling balloons, but I have no idea on how to make a corgi. Instead, I made
the Queen a cute little pink balloon poodle, and when I gave it to her, I said
"This is a corgi going to a fancy dress party...as a poodle!" She was amused!
This was the most memorable day in my life as a magician; a lunch party I will
never forget. Now, I have my magic tricks (including my Union Jack) packed, and
I look forward to entertaining at a host of Jubilee parties over the weekend.
Yours faithfully, Jack Stephens.
2.6.12
Martin
Peirce Lecture - Merlin Magical Society. "On Thursday June 7th The Merlin Magical Society are having a
lecture by Martin
Peirce entitled 'Perfect 10'.
This is following his success at lecturing at many other Societies around the
Country.
The Lecture consists of ten easy to perform card effects which are very strong
in performance." The Merlin Magical Society meet at
Little Heath Parish Hall,
Thornton Road,
Potters Bar,
Hertfordshire EN6 1JJ (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm. Lecture starts at 8pm (to 10pm).
Entry for non members is £8.
For further information visit
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk.
2.6.12
Lee
Smith is presenting his “Walkabout” lecture for Sheffield Circle of Magicians
on Thursday 7th of June. Featuring routines from Lee's working repertoire, with
lots of hints and tips on audience management, pocket management, and working
professionally. The lecture is free for 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.
2.6.12
"Illusionist Dynamo added to Whitehaven
Festival bill"
Click Here • "Take Five. Five minutes and five questions with... a
magician"
Click Here • "Magicians set for
Spa return"
Click Here • "Britain Does Variety Magician Sebastian Walton 2012"
Click Here • "Fresno magician Tony Blanco dead at 51"
Click Here • "Exclusives: Lance Burton’s film; Teller’s ‘Exorcist’
play"
Click Here • "Disney bring Magic & Mickey Mouse to Salford this
Summer"
Click Here • "Review: Derren Brown's Svengali leaves me asking
'How?'"
Click Here and "Derren Brown: Svengali (review)"
Click Here • Love Sci-Fi? I've added lots of original cinema
posters to my sci-fi movie poster site
www.sci-fimovieposters.co.uk - that's it for another week, enjoy the
long weekend (if I was in charge 4 days on, 3 days off would be the
norm... vote for me!), Duncan.
26.12