Number 668 - 13th April 2013
Sebastian Walton is The Young Magician of the
Year 2013. The Magic Circle staged their biannual competition last Sunday in
their purpose built theatre at their headquarters in London. Nicholas Lee, James
Longcake, Sonny Pennington, Elizabeth Rogan, Sebastian Walton and Matthew
Wollons not only competed with each other, but jointly put on a really
entertaining show full of originality and creativity. There were some great
performances here, but it was Sebastian's charm, timing and brilliant routining,
that really made him stand out as the clear winner (photo, with President Jack
Delvin). This young man is a natural. "Winning felt absolutely brilliant – I was over the moon..."
said Sebastian, who recently left his Sixth Form College in
Leeds to follow his dream career. As part of his prize he will receive full membership of
The Magic Circle when he reaches 18, and the
Irving Schneider Award to go to the Jeff McBride Magic School in the USA. It was
a holiday in Florida back in 2010 that kindled his passion for magic, following
a magician that he saw performing at Universal Orlando Resort.
Second place went to Sonny Pennington from Much Wenlock, and third to Elizabeth
Rogan from Nuneaton; many congratulations to them too. In fact, all six acts
should be really proud of themselves, as in any other year any of them could
have been placed first. The standard was that high. Not a silent magician in
sight this year; comedy magic and mindreading took full stage.
Noel Britten, himself a second-place finalist (but he doesn't like to talk about it) back in 1981, brilliantly compered the whole event. The judges were Steve Dela AIMC, Scott Penrose MIMC, John Wade MIMC and Paul Phear (from Magic 105.4 FM). Competition Secretary Michael Colley and the entire production team should be delighted with the end result; a just reward for all the hard work that they clearly put into staging this competition, which I've always rated as the most important in British Magic.
Magic convention organisers, both here and overseas, if you are looking to book a charming, funny, very magical (great twist at the end) young magician, who I think will go right to the top, then book Sebastian Walton - he was brilliant! Duncan Trillo.
NB: Sebastian Walton's act seen in the competition on Sunday had different, excellent, opening and closing routines to those seen on his current YouTube video. And, a PS to all magicians everywhere, stop putting your whole acts up on YouTube!, just have a few clips, unless you've retired the act that is. Really. "Hey presto! The slick new face of magic. The Young Magician of the Year contest is back" Click Here. "Magic back in vogue as teenagers are up to new tricks" Click Here. 13.4.13
Derren
Brown: Infamous will play London’s Palace Theatre this summer. Derren Brown
reunited with long time collaborator Andy Nyman to create the show which is
currently on tour: “We abandoned the template that had won us a couple of
Olivier’s over the years for a very different feel. It’s important to us that
the shows feel like something you can’t find anywhere else in theatre or
entertainment: not even my own previous efforts. I’m really excited by the
result. The show is a secret so I’m not giving away what’s in it, but it’s a
psychological roller-coaster based around audience participation. And it’s got a
real heart to it. The response on tour has been incredible; it’s all such a
treat.” June 24th to August 17th, see
What's On. Derren Brown:
Infamous written by Derren Brown and Andy Nyman, directed by Andy Nyman,
designed by Simon Higlett, lighting by Tim Cascall, sound by Colin Pink.
Produced by Michael Vine, Andrew O'Connor and Corrie McGuire for Objective
Talent Management. "Derren Brown becomes record breaker at Dartford’s Orchard
Theatre"
Click Here.
13.4.13
The
Magic History Gathering at The Magic Circle. This year the title of
Collectors Day has been changed to reflect the fact that it is a function which
is of interest to anyone who wants to know more about magic than just the latest
trick. Also in the past some magicians have been discouraged from attending as
they were not collectors. This year The Magic History Gathering at The Magic
Circle will be held on Saturday June 1st from 10.00am until 6.00pm. Tickets are
now on sale from The Magic Circle, Tel 020 7387 2222 or email
cma@themagiccircle.co.uk at a cost
of £40 which includes coffee, tea and lunch. More details to follow. Peter Lane.
13.4.13
Magic Night at Madame JoJo's - London.
Friday, May 3rd. Starring Barry and Stuart, Pete Antoniou, Chris Lynam, Delores
Deluxe and MC Neil Henry. From the organisers: "Magic Night has double
trouble in the mix for this show, with sightless mentalism, a mad clown, banana
tricks and conjuring to make you question reality. The dark twins of magic
return, tricksters Barry and Stuart need no explanation - they will be
befuddling your mind with twistedly hilarious tricks, performing Voodoo,
inflicting pain (on each other) and maybe sharing a drink with a member of the
audience – it might be hard to say no. Psychic comedium will reveal things to
you he couldn’t possibly know using your mind and sight, meanwhile physical
comedian Chris Lynam will be throwing jokes, ices and himself at the audience.
Delores Deluxe, a favourite at Magic Night, will be displaying her proclivities
using bananas and shoes. All expertly compered by mentalist Neil Henry." Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Friday
May 3rd. Doors open 7.00pm. Show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to
Good Foot. Show ticket plus dinner: £25. Tickets:
www.wegottickets.co.uk Madame
JoJo's, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SE 020 734 3040
www.magicnight.co.uk.
13.4.13
Magic:
Unleashed - A new magic convention in North Yorkshire, Sunday June 9th. From
the organisers: Imagine if you could create your very own magic convention. A
convention where you could cherry pick the best of all UK conventions and
wrapped them up in one single day. ‘That's was our dream for Magic: Unleashed,’
says organiser Martin Hunt of MAPro Magic, ‘and that's what we're aiming to
deliver... all for less than a round of beers!’ This new magic convention is on
Sunday 9th June. The venue is the Riccall Regen Centre just 10 minutes south of
the historic city of York. The unique line up of lecturers is bound to whet any
magician's appetite: Paul Morley explains the secrets of performing for children
in schools, John Scotland will be demonstrating how our beliefs shape our
perceptions, Stephen Laithwaite shares his signature card magic routines and
Joel Dickinson (photo) will be entertaining with his distinctive mix of close up
and circus skills. Unique to any convention registration the day also includes
the opportunity to walk on fire, a bacon sandwich on arrival and a BBQ lunch.
‘We’ve tried to think of everything to make this event a great day out,’ says
organiser Mark Foster of Mission Magic. Registration is only £20 for adults and
£12 for children. Those registering before 15th May will receive a £5 voucher to
spend on the day in the dealer’s room! The convention will be raising money for
the charity Help for Heroes.
www.magic-unleashed.co.uk.
13.4.13
Cardiff
Magical Society present 'Matthew Garrett Lecture and Magic Convention' on
Sunday 28th April at The Legacy Cardiff International Hotel, Merthyr Road,
Cardiff CF15 7LH (Map)
from 10.30am to 3.30pm. With dealers Magic Tao, Adrian Sullivan and Matthew
Garrett and members tables selling second-hand magic. Admission is £10 per
person. www.cardiffmagic.org.uk.
13.4.13
An
evening with Michael Weber, Sunday, 12th May, York. "Hailed by many as one
of magic’s greatest thinkers, creators and performers, Michael Weber needs
little introduction. The only thing stronger than Michael’s original material is
his thinking about magic and performance. This is a rare opportunity to
experience not only Michael’s original performance material, but also his
astonishing thinking behind his magic and mentalism. This is an event that will
leave you thinking about magic and mentalism in new and exciting ways. This rare
opportunity to spend an evening with Michael will sell out. To avoid
disappointment, please book tickets early. Ticket purchase includes a set of
special lecture notes. This is a seminar style teaching event lasting over 4
hours." For more details, and to book, visit:
http://weberlive.eventbrite.co.uk.
13.4.13
Peter
Wardell lectures at the Cotswold Magical Society on Wednesday April 17th at
7.30pm. "Peter is the only magician in the history of The Magic Circle to win
both the stage and close up competition. Peter started his career performing as
a professional street performer in Covent Garden, this will be a great evening.
Members of other clubs are welcome to join us for the modest sum of £5,
including coffee and biscuits." Venue: Cotswold Magical Society, Hucclecote
Community Centre, Hucclecote Road, Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map)
www.cotswoldmagic.org.
13.4.13
Wessex
Magical Association One-day Convention - tomorrow in Bournemouth. Noel Britten joins Gregory Wilson (photo, USA),
Graham P. Jolley, Mark Shortland, Michael Pearse, Graham Lee and more for the
Wessex Magical Association's One-day Convention in Bournemouth on Sunday 14th
April from 9.30am to 9pm. It will be a heady day of Lectures, Workshops,
Close-up, Comedy, Balloon mayhem and a sparkling Gala show. Enjoy fresh angles -
Gregory Wilson on stage (and in close-up), Graham P. Jolley in close-up (and on
stage). Top dealers' hall, food and free parking. Kinson Community Centre,
Pelhams Park, Millhams Road, Bournemouth BH10 7LH (Map).
£25, under 16s half-price.
www.wmagic.co.uk.
13.4.13
Magicseen
Taster Issue No.19: "Magicseen Taster Issue No.19 is now available from the
Magicseen website and is a great way to experience a little bit of what
Magicseen is all about. In Taster 19 we offer you our cover star article from
the current full issue (49 / March'13) on the legendary Andy Nyman, plus from
that same issue we include a major article on Hypnotism, the comedy piece on '20
Magic Headlines We'd Like To See in 2013', a feature on the good work being done
to restore the gravestones of famous magicians by S.A.M.P.A. and a selection of
the product reviews. Then to top it all off we also re-print a big article on
Paul Zenon from our back issue no.2. Taster Issue 19 is free and you can
download your digital copy now from
www.magicseen.co.uk."
13.4.13
Simon
Drake opens his small but select online magic emporium from his London venue
'Simon Drake 's House of Magic', which was established 18 years ago and is
still packing them in. The store opens with a special limited edition effect for
magicians only, based on Karl Germain's Faust Padlock:
www.houseofmagic.co.uk/shop. Simon's full evenings of magical entertainment
are listed here:
www.houseofmagic.co.uk with an excellent description of his monthly public
shows in this review:
Click Here. 10% ticket discount for magic club members till autumn 2013.
13.4.13
News
from Zane's Magic Shop: "Zane's Magic Shop, based in Kent, has for a limited
time slashed prices on hundreds of tricks and products including new releases
right across the shop! Visit the website to look through all the categories
where you will find unbeatable prices! (This is for a limited time only and only
whilst stock in the UK lasts). You can either buy online on the secure website
or simply phone your order through.
www.zanesmagicshop.com.
Zane is seen here with Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee at a recent magic
convention."
13.4.13
Quentin
Reynolds - London Lecture, Tuesday 23rd April. International Magic write:
"We are delighted to welcome back one very popular lecturer and magician,
Quentin Reynolds to lecture for us on 23rd April. Quentin's lecture will cover
mentalism, close-up and children's magic. All items from his current
professional repertoire. Regardless of whether or not you choose to perform any
of the items taught, you will learn performance techniques that can be used for
any trick or routine you do to increase your audience's reaction and response.
Quentin has been a professional magician since leaving school and has over
10,000 live shows under his belt. He has shared his experience with magicians at
conventions and clubs all over the world. Don't miss this excellent lecture
packed with insights from a true professional. Book your place now, email
martin@internationalmagic.com
£15 per person.
www.internationalmagic.com.
13.4.13
The
Business of Show-Business. “A Brilliant Master Class, tailor made for
Performers, Actors & Cabaret Artistes! The only one of its kind.” Whether
you are a working professional or about to embark on a career in the
Entertainment Industry, this full day workshop will empower you with techniques
to increase your overall confidence and performance skills, enhance and protect
your reputation, promote your talent, communicate your message clearly and
create positive relationships in every area of the business! Packed with tips
for auditions, some invaluable “tricks of the trade” and sound business advice,
this exclusive workshop is incredibly informative and also great fun! Saturday
27th July – The CAA, London – 10.30am - 5.30pm. Places are limited to ensure
plenty of hands-on experience and individual attention. Special Early Bird
Offer:
www.jayfortune.co.uk/events.
13.4.13
How
to fill a full diary without having to travel more than 20 miles. Geoffrey
Newton PRO writes: On Tuesday the 23rd April 2013 The Order of The Magi presents
their own member Nick Barnes with his successful lecture “How to fill a full
diary without having to travel more than 20 miles”. He will advise on
marketing and promoting your business as well as tried and tested routines for
all situations. The lecture will include children’s magic, close up and stand
up. Also another very interesting topic, that of corporate working and what
bookers like. The venue is the New Irish World Heritage Centre 1, Irish Town
Way, Manchester M8 0AE (Map)
commencing at 8.00pm. Door charge for non members.
13.4.13
Home
Counties Magical Society events. Robin Maddy writes: The Home Counties
Magical Society are proud to announce two outstanding lectures during the month
of April. Firstly we have Greg Wilson on the 18th April and secondly Colombini
on the 25th April. Greg Wilson is a two time FISM award winner and recipient of
the IBM Most Creative Magician of the Year award. What you are going to
experience is a wide array of hard hitting, action packed routines directly from
his professional repertoire. Colombini is on his final world tour and his magic
is punchy, doable for all levels and always most effective and wide ranging.
Visitors are most welcome at a fee of £10. Meetings start at 8pm at the
Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield RG2 9EH (Map).
For details on how to find us please visit our website at
www.hcms.org.uk. Look
forward to seeing you.
13.4.13
Faust
& 'Find the Lady'. London film production company, Spicer & Moore, are
making a documentary about Faust & 'Find the Lady'. They filmed Faust presenting
Amac's 'Find the Lady' at Pendle Hippodrome theatre in Colne, Lancashire, when
they hired the theatre for one week back in April 2011. With two new assistants,
Faust rehearsed them in just three days. Spicer & Moore also filmed an interview
with Professor Eddie Dawes in Anlaby, and also interviewed two of Faust's
ex-stage assistants who had assisted him on tour tours of Japan. The film
company have had another documentary to complete, before resuming editing on the
Faust documentary. In the meantime, they have used some of the footage from
'Find the Lady' for a music video for folk group Cheek Mountain Thief, currently
touring in France, see the video on
YouTube.
www.faust.i8.com.
13.4.13
MagicDirect
Presents
Wayne Fox's Lecture Dem: "Announcing the brand new Lecture Dem from Wayne Fox. Wayne takes you on a magical journey of
his favourite 'out of the box' magical products from Magic Direct, the company behind many exclusive magical products including,
Mind Pad, Tick Tock, Knockout Prediction Outdone, Genetics plus many more. This
is your chance to see these effects and others in the range, performed real
time, by one of the UK's leading Professional Close-up Magicians.
Want to try out Mind Pad and iCube?
Here you have a 'first' in opportunities to ask direct questions to Wayne as he
answers with frank honesty and professional opinion. This then gives you the
choice to see whether the effects will fit your chosen routines before you
commit to buy.
Need To Know More On Structuring Your Act?
Mix this in with Wayne's added routines and ideas on 'magical presentation' and
routine construction on your 'close up' act and the dealer dem turns into a
lecture like no other. With funny stories told in Wayne's unique impish manner,
this is one dealers night you'll be talking about for a long while." See the
Lecturers page for more
details, or call 07956 453 679 or email
waynefoxmagic@gmail.com to
book. www.magicdirect.com.
13.4.13
Aldo
and Rachel Colombini. David Oakley writes: Aldo and Rachel Colombini will be
presenting their farewell lecture at the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians on
Wednesday 17th April at The West End Working Men's Club, Merridale Street West,
Wolverhampton. Visiting Magicians welcome at only £5.00, contact our secretary
Sue Oakley sueoakley61@gmail.com. It
will be a unique night, a unique lecture, with many surprises, prizes to be won,
full colour commemorative lecture notes, never before released DVDs, music and
of course lots of magic. The evening will be full of magic, anecdotes, comedy
and entertainment. Aldo has released many books and DVDs over the years and is
an excellent entertainer and inventor. Rachel is an accomplished performer in
both Stage and Close-up magic. For more information and to keep up to date with
our programme please visit
www.wcm-magic.co.uk.
13.4.13
The
Pentacle Club. Alan Maskell reports: John Davenport, seen here on the right,
performs his last duty as Pentacle President and completes his five year term in
office with the hand over of the Pentacle Club Presidential collar to his
successor, well known local magician, children's entertainer and Pentacle Club
stalwart Chris Kostecki.
13.4.13
Meet the Artist: "Meet the Artist (a promotional platform for emerging artists) is looking for an amateur magician keen to get exposed to a new audience in an exclusive evening. He/she would be interacting with an amazing cellist who plays ethereal instrumental music in an unusual venue. Please contact: guilhem@meet-the-artist-concerts.com. www.meet-the-artist-concerts.com." 13.4.13
Alan Shaxon. Steve Short and Scott Penrose, Vice President of The Magic Circle, are completing the book which the late Alan Shaxon had been writing about his life and his many well known magic routines. They would like to include any stories or anecdotes from those that knew or worked with Alan. If you have any information contact them via either steve@steve-short.co.uk telephone 07803 125180 or mail@stagemagician.com telephone 07767 336882. 13.4.13
Brian Nye. Michael Chandler writes: I have been given very little information but I learnt on Sunday that Brian Nye, the previous owner of Practical Magic, sadly died last week. The service will be taking place in Peterborough where his daughter lives. 13.4.13
"Second
Fun Trailer for 'Now You See Me' Magician Heist Movie"
Click Here • 45th Annual Academy of Magical Arts Awards Show. Many
congratulations to David Britland (Special Fellowship), Alan Shaxon (Lifetime
Achievement), and Paul Kieve (Creative Fellowship) • "Why Dynamo is pure hip-hop magic"
Click Here • Thunk by Liam Montier is reviewed by Elliott Hodges this week,
Click Here •
Sean Heydon's new website is now live, featuring 15
video clips of various performances
www.seanheydon.co.uk •
Reading Writing: Handwriting Analysis for Mentalists and Magicians by Ariel
Frailich is reviewed by Ian Keable this week,
Click Here • "Ben mixes with a galaxy of stars after casting his magical
spell"
Click Here • "Documentary about magician Ricky Jay"
Click Here • "Dynamo, Make Bradford British and Room at the Top up for BAFTA
honours"
Click Here • "Magician who performed at holiday camps for 18 years is jailed
for abusing children he groomed with his magic tricks"
Click Here • "Iranian magician to make Bitexco building disappear"
Click Here • "Ackergill audience left spellbound by mind magician"
Click Here • "Stand-up comedy magician Pete Firman stands out from all the
rest"
Click Here • "Peter Reveen, stage illusionist and hypnotist, dies at 77"
Click Here •
"Birthday shoutout: David Blaine"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan.
13.4.13