Number 670 - 27th April 2013

Catch the Magic at the Edinburgh International Magic Festival, 28th June - 5th July 2013. As the fourth Edinburgh International Magic Festival casts its spell across the city audiences are invited to immerse themselves in a magical world between fact and fiction. Breath-taking illusions and awe inspiring magic from performers across Europe and as far afield as Australia will once again take you to the fun fringes of reality. Classic meets close-up, mindreading defies illusion, cabaret clashes with comedy and levitation renders the impossible possible... Speaking ahead of the launch MagicFest Artistic Director, Kevin McMahon said: “The Gala Opening is one of the highlights of MagicFest and I’m really looking forward to welcoming the best, progressive home-grown and international performers here to Edinburgh. Most of the acts are making their Scottish debut.” For a full rundown of events and performers Click Here, also see What's On for listings and booking info. 27.4.13

Welcome to Smoke & Mirrors, Bristol! Smoke & Mirrors is open 7 days a week with live music every weekend and great drink deals all week. Smoke & Mirrors is the UK's only dedicated Magic Theatre Pub, and every weekend you can see award winning magicians perform great magical illusions up close in an intimate 50 seat venue. Smoke & Mirrors is located directly behind the Bristol Hippodrome, by the stage door. To see what's coming up visit their Shows page, but remember to book as the theatre has a limited capacity.  Live at Smoke & Mirrors in May: 3rd & 4th May Ian Keable; 11th May Colin McLeod; 17th May Mark Roberts; 18th May Mark Roberts; 24th & 25th May Wizards of Odd; 31st May Matt le Mottee. Visit www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk. 27.4.13

Happy Birthday Magicseen, 50 on May 1st. And how better to celebrate than with, I'd argue, their finest ever issue! How would you like to perform the same show, in the same venue, 250 times a year for 13 years? Well, their cover star Steve Cohen created a masterpiece of a show which he has successfully been performing 250 times a year for the past 13 years at the Waldorf-Astoria Hotel in New York. They chat to Steve about the act and how he managed to secure such a long running gig, and how he hasn't gone insane doing it! Next, they introduce their readers to top German mentalist Stefan Olschewski. There's some great advice from Mel Mellers about how to work cruise ships and more, Morgan & West offer sage advice on character, and Mac King talks about his involvement with the Louisville International Festival of Magic, Illusion and the Unusual taking place in June. They also have a Masterclass with effects for mentalism and children's shows, tons of reviews, a three-man retrospective look at the South Tyneside Convention, a welcome return from Jay Fortune who is always entertaining, they pose the question "What does it take to become a top magician's assistant?", look back at Blackpool 2013, plus of course all the other stuff which goes to make Magicseen a legend in its own lunchtime if they say so themselves (they did) but it is. So, Happy 50th Birthday Magicseen... and if you haven't tried Magicseen yet, Click Here to order a copy (print or PDF) of issue 50, it really is a great read. DT. 27.4.13

Magic Night at Madame JoJo's - London. Friday May 17th. Starring Max Somerset, Griffin and Jones, Stephen Barry, Matt Hennem, Josephine Shaker and MC Neil Henry. From the organisers: "Magic Night produces mash ups, mesmerising tricks with some of the best sorcerers in town coupled with a hot hoofer and a tricky manipulator. Genius trickster, Max Somerset presents some smashing tricks… literally, we advise you not to give any personal items to him as there is no telling what will happen and brilliant new magic duo Griffin and Jones present bizarre, hilarious and anarchic tricks, whilst Josephine Shaker smashes the stage with her hot hoofing. Matt Hennem will appear to levitate a seemingly weightless liquid crystal orb whilst he breakdances and moonwalks and Stephen Barry will be using cards and fruit in order to mess with your minds – not a pretty site, but very funny. Christian Lee will compere and saw people in half – bring spare friends." Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Friday May 17th. 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. 27.4.13

Morgan & West's Magical Menagerie, with Art Benjamin and Noel Britten. On Tuesday 7th May at 7.30pm Morgan & West have another two very special guests appearing at their monthly Magical Menagerie. Internationally renowned mathemagician Art Benjamin will appear alongside award-winning comedy magician Noel Britten. Tickets £8.50 via www.wegottickets.com. Venue: Old Fire Station, 40 George Street, Oxford OX1 2AQ (Map). www.morganandwest.co.uk. 27.4.13

The Devil in Disguise Limited Edition DVD set. Produced by Magicbox, this 2 DVD set features: Over five hours of content and only 250 copies will be made available worldwide. All copies will be signed and numbered by Pete prior to shipping and all owners will have access to a top secret private forum to discuss the content. The anticipated release date is May 2013. Magicbox write: "Peter Turner has a rather unique approach to mentalism and so when he approached Magicbox to produce his DVD set we naturally jumped at the chance; we knew instantly that these would not be your typical performance/explanation style DVDs. The results of this marathon session have finally been edited and we're confident that you will love the result just as much as we do!" Find out more, watch the trailer and pre-order today at www.magicbox.uk.com. 27.4.13

The Revenge of Sherlock Holmes! A Music Hall Musical of Elementary Magnificence. £15 ticket special offer, book online Click Here and use the promotional code myhoxton at the checkout to save 25% on the standard ticket price. (Early booking is advisable as offer is subject to availability and while tickets last.) "Morphic Graffiti is thrilled to announce that they will present The Revenge of Sherlock Holmes! at the world famous Hoxton Hall in April/May 2013. Based on the novels of Conan Doyle, and written by legendary composer and lyricist Leslie Bricusse, this unique production will pay a Music Hall homage to the Victorian era’s greatest living detective, as Sherlock Holmes finds himself embroiled in an all-new mystery that will push even him to breaking point! Audiences will find themselves stepping back in time as this historic venue is brought back to its former life. The Revenge of Sherlock Holmes! will feature eight major magic sequences created by Thomas Moore, to authentically recreate classic Victorian miracles, with puppets by Billie Achilleos, making this “More Victoriana than even Prince Albert could handle”. Wednesday 10th April to Friday 10th May 2013. Performances take place Wednesday to Saturday evenings at 7.30pm, Saturday matinees at 3pm and Sundays at 2pm and 6pm. Tickets are now on sale at £20 (£18 concession) from the Hoxton Hall Box Office on 020 7684 0060 or online, via the theatre website www.hoxtonhall.co.uk. 27.4.13

Merlins of Wakefield have just launched a new website: www.merlinswakefield.com. It is still in the early stages, but they will be adding new items every week. They also have their April/May 'Preview' out, featuring over 70 great magic tricks. If you would like a free copy, email merlins@btconnect.com with your postal address, or if you'd prefer just ask for a PDF copy. On Wednesday 12th June Ali Cardabra will be lecturing at the shop. For details Click Here. Space is limited, so the lecture must be booked in advance; no tickets will be available on the night. 27.4.13

Dog House Magic, Northampton. Ashley Turner writes: Dog House Magic, Northampton. A special evening of Magic in Northampton featuring: Greg Wilson (photo), Mark Shortland and Ashley Turner. A rare chance to watch Greg Wilson perform his 45 minute set in front of a mainly lay audience. The location for the event is The Dog House Bar situated in Northampton town centre. The event will take place on Sunday, May 5th, doors open at 7pm and tickets are priced at £10. Tickets are limited, there are currently just a handful left. This will be a great chance to witness some fantastic acts perform in front of a lay audience. For tickets email info@thetabletoptrixta.co.uk. 27.4.13

Steve Faulkner's Magic Show returns to Sheffield for two nights on May 13th and 14th. There's another great line-up featuring Morgan & West (having just returned from a sell out tour in Australia), Peter Antoniou, and Adam Bell. For more information and tickets visit www.stevesmagicshow.com. 27.4.13

Derren Brown: Enigma is being repeated on Sunday May 5th on E4: "The incredible Derren Brown presents Enigma, the recording of his latest sell-out live theatre tour. It's another jaw-dropping, show-stopping theatrical event that leaves the live audience and viewers in awe of Derren's incredible ability to control minds, manipulate thoughts and tickle the funny bone. Filmed live in front of a capacity crowd at the New Wimbledon Theatre, Derren Brown selects random members of the audience to participate in a wide range of experiments and demonstrations, including the Victorian phenomena of somnambulism and the spooky Spirit Cabinet." See TV Magic for details. 27.4.13

Chris Cross v Fett and Vader. In the past Chris Cross has challenged Mike Tyson to a Contest of Strength, and Sugar Ray Leonard to a Demonstration of Speed, now he's taking on the bad boys of Star Wars. Next weekend on 'May the Fourth Day' he'll be challenging Jeremy Bulloch (Boba Fett) to an Escapology Stunt (on May 4th at www.screen-con.com) and David Prowse (Darth Vader) to some mind games at the Star Wars Fan Fun Day in Burnley www.facebook.com. For more info, visit: www.chris-cross.co.uk and see the featured story on Yahoo! Movies, Click Here. Follow Cross on Twitter here: @TheChrisCross. 27.4.13

Ben Earl: Trick Artist 9pm on Friday 3rd May on Channel 4: "This second show is all about art. Ben invites a select group of people to join him as he attempts to steal a work of art from a gallery, plays a drinking game with a group of blokes in order to 'bring out their inner artist', uses incredible sleight of hand at Antony Gormley's art installation Another Place, and - ultimately - finds himself on fire..." See TV Magic for details. 27.4.13

IBM British Ring Dinner. Geoffrey Newton PRO reports: The persuasive powers IBM British Ring President John ‘Sly’ Smith and his lady, June must be very efficient as they attracted over 100 people to their dinner held at the Palace Hotel in Buxton last Saturday. After a first class meal a number of citations were awarded by IBM International President John Pye and each lady received a fresh red rose. The excellent cabaret consisted of Mike O’Brien, Steve Gore and Deanna, Dave Andrews, Steve Royle and the illusions of Andrew Green and Company. All acts were well received by a most appreciative audience. John and June must be congratulated that their months of preparation had paid off. The following morning a number of people visited the Opera House, Octagon, and Arts Theatre for a sneak preview of the facilities available for the convention which runs from 4th – 8th September. Details are on www.magicconvention.co.uk and members’ registration is only £125 for 5 days of magic and fun. Please note there is an increase in this figure from 1st July 2013. 27.4.13

David Penn and Craig Petty Lecture, Northamptonshire Magicians Club. David Miller writes: David Penn and Craig Petty lecture at Northamptonshire Magicians Club, at 8pm on Tuesday 30th April. We are privileged to have a preview of their upcoming new lecture, set to tour the USA. Venue: The Yeoman of England, 31 High Street, Wootton, Northants NN4 6LP (Map). Visiting magicians welcome £8 door charge. www.northamptonshiremagicians.com. 27.4.13

Tales from the Darker Side, Saturday 18th May at 7pm: Dr Nicolas Grimoire explores the weirder side of Lincolnshire's past with the help of his collection of ancient artifacts and mind-reading experiments woven together with creepy story-telling. Tickets £8.50 available from The Collection or by calling 01522 782040. Venue: The Collection Museum & Art Gallery, Danes Terrace, Lincoln LN2 1LP (Map) www.thecollectionmuseum.com. 27.4.13

Pythagorean Cabaret 2. Professor Jon Holt will be performing at the Pythagorean Cabaret on Monday 29th April at the National Museum of Wales in Cardiff. Based on the success of last year’s event, where Jon presented his mind-reading hat and straitjacket escape, the Pythagorean Cabaret once more comes to Cardiff with a whole new show. Jon will be demonstrating the magic of mathematics in his ‘So Random’ show that received excellent reviews at various events at last year’s Cardiff Science Festival. Mind reading, predictions, suggestion, a surprise ending and plenty of audience participation promise to make this year’s event even bigger and better than last year. The evening will be hosted by Rhys Phillips. Doors (and bar) open at 6.45pm and the show commences at 7pm. Monday 29th April at the National Museum of Wales Cardiff, tickets £5. 27.4.13

Magic at the Globe. Kevin McMahon, Kieron Kirkland, Pete Wardell, Martyn Rowland, Gary James , Peter Campbell-Wells and Ian Saville performed as part of a day time event celebrating Shakespeare's Birthday at the Globe Theatre, London, last Sunday 21st April. It was a wonderful sunny day and the free afternoon shows attracted a total audience of over 6,000 people, Click Here. 27.4.13

The Great Alprendo will be performing at Dumbfest, the music and comedy festival, in Bordon, Hampshire GU35 0LR (Map) on May 4th. The Great Alprendo will mix his own brand of close-up magic with balloon modelling, raising money for the Teenage Cancer Trust. Tickets can be bought in advance via www.dumbfest.com. The Great Alprendo (Alan Taylor) has totaled over 2 million hits altogether on You Tube, and is a regular on Absolute Radio since his now legendary appearance on 'Britain's Got Talent' a few years ago. www.alprendo.co.uk. 27.4.13

Tom Peach presents Mind Over Matter, an evening of magic and mystery on August 30th at Pelsall Cricket Club, Walsall Road, Walsall, WS3 4BP (Map). "Performing breath-taking magic that will make you breathless. A young magician performing live on stage. Expect to be entertained and to be left fooled!" Tickets £3.00 each or £4.00 on the door. Doors open at 7pm, show starts at 8pm. Call 07720 377717 to book tickets. 27.4.13

"A young magician takes his own life, local magicians react." Las Vegas Weekly reports: "Local magicians are mourning the death of 25-year-old conjurer Kevin Tejan. Tejan lived in Arizona and posted this message on Facebook and themagiccafe.com last week: 'This will be my last post. I'm tired of never being able to make friends. I'm tired of not being able to actually do something with a friend that I'll never have. I'm tired of going to mental health hospitals for attempted suicide and then come out and lose all my grant money. Life sucks, it really does, and I hate living life that is meaningless, with no future, and nothing to live for. I've never had a girlfriend in my life, I doubt I will. Never had any real friends. I'm sure this is an immature post or whatever, if so just ignore it. You won't hear from me again anyway. I'm hanging myself. Goodbye guys. I love you all.'" To read the full story Click Here. 27.4.13

Hans Moretti. "Hans Moretti, who has died aged 84, was a magician, illusionist and escapologist who became well-known in Britain for his performances on The Paul Daniels Magic Show in the 1980s" Click Here • "'The Great S. Cape!' follows a magician/illusionist who becomes a private detective" Click Here • "Magician stuns Kris with 'teleportation' on 'PGT'" Click Here • "Cumbria magician conjures up competition win" Click Here • "Revival of variety as villagers back show" Click Here • "Meet three of Britain's many youthful spellbinders" Click Here • "Celebrity Magician Appreciates Grace of Shen Yun Artists" Click Here • "The Greatest Living Magician" Click Here • "Ben Earl leaps between moving cars to perform mind-boggling card trick" Click Here • "Ben Earl, Trick Artist trailer: Watch preview of first episode in new Channel 4 magic series" Click Here • "TV preview: Ben Earl - Trick Artist" Click Here • "Ben Earl: Trick Artist gets mixed reception on Twitter" Click Here • That's all for this week, have a good weekend, Duncan. 27.4.13

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