Number 676 - 8th June 2013
Smoke
& Mirrors Bristol. Live shows and lectures. Paul Draper
(14th, 15th June), Kockov (22nd June), Kieron the Mighty (28th June),
John Lenahan (5th July), Mario Morris (12th, 13th July) and Mark
Shortland (9th, 10th August), can all be seen performing, lecturing, or both,
at Bristol's Smoke & Mirrors, the UK's only Boutique Magic
Theatre Pub, this summer. Details can be found under
What's On, but also
visit www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk for more information and to book. Photo:
Kockov 'Much more than just a Magician'.
8.6.13
British
Ring Buxton Convention 4th-8th September 2013. Public Relations
Officer Geoffrey Newton writes: Magicians who are members of either the
IBM British Ring or The Magic Circle should all now have received a
flyer in their respective magazines giving details of the British Ring
Convention. This is being held in Buxton (Derbyshire) from 4th-8th
September 2013. Anyone not in possession of one of these is invited to
email pro@britishring.org.uk
or telephone 0161 969 8222 and a copy will be forwarded, which includes
a registration form. Alternatively you can register on
www.magicconvention.co.uk. Please note the rate for members
increases on 1st July 2013.
8.6.13
He's back!
From The Magic Circle: The Magic Circle's very own
Dragon is coming home to join our Summer Season of Sorcery!
After a hit season at the Sydney Opera House, Piff the Magic Dragon is
appearing at The Magic Circle for an evening of unique entertainment.
He's been seen by more than 6,000,000 people on YouTube, appeared
with The Muppets at Radio City Music Hall and was the opening act for
Mumford & Sons on their recent UK tour.
But enough about the Dragon. Mr Piffles, the World's First Magic
Performing Chihuahua™ will be cheating death as he is laminated live on
stage, will confront the Strait Jacket of Insanity and will pit himself against
the Cannon of Certain Doom.
Will Piff find his princess? Will Mr Piffles survive? Will you be there
if he doesn't?
Book now for The Piff The Magic Dragon Show! 7.30pm, 16th June, The
Magic Circle, London. Book via:
www.seetickets.com.
8.6.13
Conjuring
at the Court, 4th Anniversary Show, Thursday 27th June, London: "With mind-reader Graham
Jolley, the comedy magic of Christian Lee, mathemagician Art Benjamin
(his last performance during his current UK visit) and glamorous
mystifer Laura London. Guest compere is the magnificent Tim Fitzhigham,
upholding a proud tradition of British eccentrics (he rowed across the
Channel in his bathtub, and packs out Edinburgh for his stand-up
comedy). The show is in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2
The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Doors open 7.30pm and the show starts at 8pm. Come early to enjoy dinner
in one of the bars or the lovely dining room, or, if it’s sunny, what
may be the largest beer garden in London! Do book early to make sure of
a place; tickets still just £10." Russell Levinson.
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
8.6.13
The
June Podcast from Mark Leveridge Magic. Each month Mark produces a
30 minute Podcast in which he discusses all manner of magic related
topics. The June version is available now to listen to online or to
download for playback on any mp3 player. In the latest edition Mark
discusses, amongst other things, honesty amongst magicians, stresses the
importance of encouraging young performers into magic clubs, highlights
the mistake that many convention organisers make with their event
planning and reveals how he managed to sneak onto Jeff McBride's online
TV show. The Podcast appears on the 1st of every month and is free to
access from
www.markleveridgemagic.co.uk/podcast.php.
8.6.13
Edinburgh
Magic Circle are delighted to be hosting a lecture by someone well
known to the magic fraternity, Adrian Sullivan, current President of
Manchester Circle of Magicians. Adrian has been doing magic for more
than 45 years and has lectured all over the world. Adrian's lecture
'Easy Miracles' features effects that hardly use any sleight of hand and
yet are very strong. There is something for everyone: mentalism,
close-up and stage, and a 15 minute dealer dem featuring some of
Adrian's exclusive effects. The lecture is being held on Monday 17th
June at our headquarters, Myreside Pavilion, The Watsonian Club, 79
Myreside Road, Edinburgh EH10 5DB (Map)
at 8pm. Entry is £10 which includes refreshments. Ian Buchan.
8.6.13
Trix
in the Stix 2013 took place towards the end of May when over 200
children's entertainers descended on Shropshire: "Registrants were
treated to star lectures from John Kimmons (Kimmo) and Terry Herbert.
Terry was also presented with a Lifetime Achievement award which
resulted in a prolonged standing ovation. To watch highlights of the
convention
Click Here. Trix in the Stix 2014 has now been launched with an
increased ticket allocation; even so, the majority of the tickets were
sold in the first 48 hours. Lecturing next year: Norm Barnhart (photo)
with his first lecture in the UK. This will be quickly followed by his
second lecture, as he will be presenting two different lectures at the
convention! Also lecturing is Glasgow funny man, Gary Dunn, with a brand
new lecture. Full details of what promises to be a really fun event (ask
anyone who attended this year!) can be found at
www.practical-magic.com."
8.6.13
Etienne
Pradier lectures at the Sussex Magic Circle on Thursday 13th June at
8pm at the Hassocks Hotel, Station Approach East, Hassocks, West Sussex
BN6 8HN (Map).
This is the public house behind Hassocks Railway Station. Guests are
welcome (£5.00 door charge). Simon Vertue.
8.6.13
Manchester
Circle of Magicians are holding a Jumbo Auction on Monday 17th June
at Salford Masonic Hall, 41 The Crescent, Salford, M5 4PE (Map).
Doors open at 5.30pm, with viewing from 6pm. Auction commences at
6.30pm. Star Auctioneers Derek Lever and Mike Shepherd. Door charge
£3.00. Members of M.C.M. free of charge. Hundreds of items available at
bargain prices. For further information email
d.lever1@sky.com or phone 01253
810113.
8.6.13
Ultimate
Self Working Card Tricks Vol 2 - out June 17th! New from Big Blind
Media: "Featuring creations from some of the greatest minds in magic,
Ultimate Self Working Card Tricks Vol 2, is jam-packed with
incredible card tricks that require no sleight of hand. The nine
stunning routines on offer prove that it's not how the trick is done -
it's 100% about what your audience perceives. None of these
tricks require sleight of hand, but they are absolutely, mind fryingly
awesome. Some of the methods are so devious that you'll fool yourself
when you perform them. From John Bannon's self working, instantly
resetting packet trick 'Poker Pairadox' to Ryan Schlutz's three-phase
masterpiece 'Sense-sational' to Peter Duffie’s ingenious ‘Four Most’ –
these are tricks that you will perform again and again and again. So
grab a deck and join hosts James Went (from the smash hit BBC show
'Help, My Supply Teacher Is Magic'), Liam Montier, Iain Moran, Ryan
Schlutz and Owen Packard, and prepare to learn some of the greatest card
tricks ever invented! 1. Mind Mirror (Jack McMillan), 2. Convergence
(Cameron Francis), 3. Stock Exchange (John Guasterferro), 4.
Sense-sational (Ryan Schultz), 5. Poker Pairadox (John Bannon), 6. Four
Most (Peter Duffie), 7. Password Fallacy (Jim Steinmeyer), 8. Amara
Rises Again (Ryan Matney), 9. Blind Choice (Roy Walton)." Pre-order
here:
www.bigblindmedia.com.
8.6.13
Taurus
Magic Supply have just added 500 items to their Used Magic Section
and will be uploading many more props to
www.taurusmagic.net in the next few weeks and also write: "We want
to buy the following: David Howarth's Ultimate Prediction Slate, Alan
Warner items, Davenport's Orrin's 3 in 1 Cabinet, Orrin's Matchboxes,
Props Magic Blocks of San Yen, Eddie Taytelbaum Rising Cards, Jack
Hughes Snake Basket, Supreme Magic Wessex Die Box, Taurus Magic Electric
Act, Harbin's My Lady's Ring, Inzani-Henley Flyover Cage, Chinese
Cigarette Cabinet and Caliph's Treasure."
8.6.13
The
Associated Conjurers of East Sussex 21st Birthday Celebrations.
Nicky Lewis, Secretary of the ACES, is delighted to announce that a 21st
Birthday celebration of the formation of the Society will be held on
Wednesday 12th June from 7.30pm. Many members, old and new, plus some
potential new members who will be providing the entertainment by way of
presenting their auditions, and the local press will be attending. The
Associated Conjurers of East Sussex was originally formed by Mark
Worgan, Tony Richards (aka Tony Lusion) and Robin Toft to form a magic
society with an emphasis on friendship and magic. Original President
Paul Matthews would have been so proud of the society's continued
success. Founding member and current President Martin Lewis recalls
early days at the society as being real fun with some great magicians
and plenty of charitable shows and performances. The society's motto states
"Friendship through the art of magic" and this still continues with
bonds being formed and close friendships forged. For full details of the
event, please get in touch:
www.acesmagic.co.uk.
Venue: The Dorset Arms, Cliffe High Street, Lewes, East Sussex.
8.6.13
Blackpool
Magicians' Club News: Blackpool Magicians' Club Annual General
Meeting last week elected Russell Brown as the new President for
2013/2014. Derek Lever was elevated to Honorary Life Vice President
joining Mark Raffles and Bill Lamb. Mike Shepherd proposed a vote of
confidence in Derek Lever for his work on the conventions and British
Magical Championships and this was unanimously endorsed by all the
members. Derek was re-elected as Convention Organiser for another 2
years. Also elected were the following officers: Treasurer: Michael
Shepherd, Registration Officer: Arthur Casson, Secretary: David Plant,
President Elect: Bill Richardson, Entertainment Officer: Derek Lever,
Committee Members: Harry Robson, Jeremy Guest, Mark Raffles. Assistant
Convention Organisers: David Plant and Russ Stevens, Librarian: John
Hardman, Welfare Officer: John Hardman, Media Coordinaters: Adam Walker
and Mark Woodsford, Clubroom Manager: David Plant.
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
8.6.13
Steve
Gore presents his lecture 'Ramblings from a suspender... of disbelief'
for the York Society of Magicians on Wednesday 12th June
www.yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk and also for the Darlington Magic
Circle on Thursday 20th June
www.thedarlingtonmagiccircle.co.uk. The lecture now includes
Trick Photography and Visions from Vegas.
8.6.13
Breaking Magic
is currently being repeated on Discovery (see
TV Magic). "Get ready
to learn the chemistry, physics and biology powering the world's
greatest illusions. Breaking Magic fuses the showmanship and mystery of
street magic with the raw power of science. Watch as each trick
surprises unsuspecting bystanders with mystifying results." Starring
James Galea, Ben Hanlin, Wayne Houchin and Billy Kid.
8.6.13
Mark
James, now taking lecture bookings for 2014: "In a groundbreaking
new format, the full evening magic lecture will comprise a 25 minute
cabaret spot direct from Mark's current working set (not explained), and
two brand new lecture spots, one being close-up magic and the other
parlour and stage magic. The evening will round off with a no holds
barred Q&A session. Mark will be supported on the tour by Darren
Robinson and his company G Playing Cards who will provide a full
dealer's stand, giving club members a chance to stock up on useful items
as well as checking out some of the latest releases. All of this comes
at the price of a regular lecture booking. Due to a busy performing
schedule the lecture is only available in January and February 2014. Get
in touch via
livemagician@live.co.uk to receive the full information pack."
8.6.13
Magician
Shane Sterling entertains Prince Harry alongside The Stereophonics
and Ellie Goulding at the Grosvenor Hotel, Park Lane, on Thursday 30th
May for
the Walking with the Wounded Crystal Ball 2013. Shane, himself an
ex injured soldier and now a professional magician, was invited to
entertain His Royal Highness Prince Harry at the Ball. His Royal
Highness was so impressed with Shane's magic that he later invited Shane
to his table to perform more of his magic, where the Prince said that it
was some of the best magic and misdirection he had ever seen! For more
information on Shane Sterling visit
www.amagicalmoment.co.uk.
8.6.13
Joe Swing aka Zane of Zane's Magic Shop recently sang at a wedding at
The Royal Berkshire Hotel in Ascot where pop star 'Duffy' (photo) was
the sister of the Groom. "Duffy was very
complimentary about my singing and even made a point of coming up to me
and praising me after I finished singing one of the songs, which I
thought was really nice - I was chuffed for days! Afterwards we had a
nice chat and had some photos together." Joe Swing will be appearing on
the Friday night gala show at this year's
IBM Convention in Buxton
performing his act which combines Rat Pack style crooning with magic. If
you would like to book Joe Swing to sing at your Event or Dinner visit
www.joeswing.co.uk.
8.6.13
Extreme
Clowning Update. J.J. of Extreme Clowning writes: Calling all
magicians, children's entertainers and jugglers. Extreme Clowning
started in 2003 and the work we have done in the last 10 years has been
small, but needed. There is no one else that offers what we offer and we
are becoming a C.I.C (Community Interest Company). There is a huge
number of people in Peterborough who are disabled, visually impaired and
have learning disabilities. We would like to offer them something
different, something fun. We have a venue in mind and already people
have shown interest. Our activities will focus on the alternate arts,
such as balloon modelling, magic, puppeteering, prop building, mime and
clowning. Some of you may have met my friend Jimmy at the Blackpool
Convention a few years ago. Jimmy was born deaf and went blind at the
age of 18, he learnt about magic through Extreme Clowning. We are
currently looking for sponsors of equipment and in the past we have been
sponsored by The Berglas Foundation, Derren Brown, Uri Geller, Kaymar
Magic, and Beard Juggling. Anyone can help by donating props which we
can use in our sessions. I am pleased to announce that Beard Juggling
are already on-board and are donating some juggling equipment. These
items do not have to be new and a lot of the magic will be adapted to be
used with the visually impaired, so condition is not a major
requirement. If you can help in anyway please email me at
extremeclowning@hotmail.co.uk and we will add you on our website as
a sponsor. Please spread the word and think of us if you have any
unwanted magic / props that we could use and teach a new generation of
performers. J.J.
www.extremeclowning.co.uk.
8.6.13
Royle Wedding. Controversial Hypnotist, Magician and Mind Reader Jonathan Royle was married to Rachel Houghton in Cyprus on Thursday 6th June. Friends past and present are invited to join them for drinks, music, food and fun on Friday 5th July in the function suite, upstairs at The Flying Horse Hotel on Town Hall Square in Rochdale. Full details: Click Here. 8.6.13
"Watch:
How America's Greatest Illusionist Makes the Impossible, Possible"
Click Here • "Derren Brown: master of illusion"
Click Here • "Mentalist Paul Draper on "Home & Family" Hallmark Ch.
May 24 2013"
Click Here • "Review: 'Bullet Catch' enraptures riveted audience"
Click Here • "Need to protect dying art of magic: Samrat Shankar"
Click Here • "Criss Angel escapes just inches from 250 alligators in
Florida for Spike TV series"
Click Here • "Crawley magician coached by David Blaine"
Click Here • "Video: KTLA 5 Reporter Allie Mac Kay freaks out after
magic trick on live TV"
Click Here • "Laughter, life lessons, and lemon-drops at Bullet
Catch"
Click Here • "A Teen Magician's Brush with Fame"
Click Here • "Ultramarathon running magician has 135 mile race up
his sleeve"
Click Here • "One of the semi-finalists of this year’s TV talent
show Britain’s Got Talent will be among the attractions at a south
Norfolk festival tomorrow."
Click Here • And finally... "Ewe-dini the escaped sheep finds new
home"
Click Here • Many thanks for your news, always
welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
8.6.13