Number 706 - 4th January 2014
The
Session is next weekend! The UK's only dedicated close-up convention
will feature Guy Hollingworth, John Guastaferro, Bebel, John Carey,
Larry Wilmore ('The Office' USA), Ben Train, Joe Barry, Jon Allen and
a host of other guests. Just announced: Los Angeles' native Zach Mueller
(photo), a young magician specialising in visual, knacky, sleight of
hand magic. He's been working the Close-up Gallery at The Magic Castle
since the age of 14 and in the past few years has grown an online
fanbase for his Fontaine Playing Cards, original effects on The Wire
and weekly theory11 webshow 'Exposé'. The Session sells out every
year... just a few tickets remain.
www.sessionconvention.com.
4.1.14
The
final line up of artistes for the Blackpool Magicians' Convention,
21st, 22nd & 23rd February, 2014 is: Jeff McBride, Dan Garrett, Hayashi,
Woody Aragon, Rick Merrill, Henry Evans, Aldo & Rachel Colombini, Mel
Mellers, Tabary, Jordan Gomez, Daryl, Oscar Munoz, Shoot Ogawa (photo), Paul
Gertner, Mathieu Bich, Jay Sankey, Rocco, Clive Webb & Danny, Valerie,
Attraction, Supertells, Claudius Spect, Graham Jolley, John Martin,
Wayne Dobson, Michael J. Fitch, David Ginn, Ian Rowland, Anson Lee,
Colonel Custard, Patrick Redford, Men In Coats, Paul Derek, Erwan
Bodiou, Jupiter, Oliver Tabor, Boris Wild, Obie O'Brien and Joan Caesar.
The competitors in the British Children's Entertainer's National
Championships on the Saturday morning are: Silly Scott, Magic George, Mr
Merlin & Okey Dokey The Dragon, David Tomkins, Brian Daley and Colonel
Custard; compered by Oscar Munoz. The convention will feature three Gala
Shows with a total of 26 artistes, plus 20 Lectures, 16 Close-Up
Performers, 8 Magic Speed Daters and 6 Master Class presentations, plus
over 100 Magic Dealers from all over the world. Howzat! Visit
www.blackpoolmagic.com to download a Registration Form or contact
the Registration Officer Arthur Casson
arthurcasson@aol.com.
4.1.14
Variety
@ UCL returns on Thursday 30th January! From the organisers:
After 5 successful shows, we are very excited to be changing the format
of the evening to welcome the incredible Luke Jermay, who will be
performing his full evening show. "Luke puts the rest of us to
shame." - Derren Brown. "Jermay is a genius." - Dynamo.
"Astonishing." - Uri Geller. ‘Luke Jermay’s - Sixth Sense’ has
gained critical acclaim with 5 Star reviews from Edinburgh to London’s
West End. You’ll be amazed at Jermay’s incredible powers; he knows your
past, present and future, sometimes better than you do. From your
favourite schoolteacher, childhood pet or even the colour of your
underwear, Jermay impossibly knows all, sees all and tells (almost) all,
in an expert display of telepathy developed to an amazing razor-sharp
accuracy. Venue: Mully’s Basement Bar, 136 Gower Street, London WC1E 6BP
(Map).
Tickets and full details:
www.uclvariety.com.
4.1.14
Dee
Riley East Coast Magic Collective lecture. East Coast Magic
Collective, the new group recently formed that meet at the Avenues
Public House in Beatty Road, Great Yarmouth, are thrilled to announce we
have alternative magician Dee Riley lecturing for our first meeting of
2014 on January 8th. The lecture starts just after 7pm and the beginners
session for any magicians starting out starts at 6pm with the focus on
'card forces'. Open to one and all - for non premium members there is
the small charge of £7.50. This looks like it will be a fun and
invigorating start to the year, and we hope more and more magicians will
come along to what is a young but friendly group with big plans for
2014! Search 'East Coast Magic Collective' on Facebook for more details.
Paul Henri.
4.1.14
Dynamo:
Magician Impossible, on the BBC. As reported a few weeks ago, three
episodes of Dynamo: Magician Impossible taken from the original
four-part series first seen on Watch in 2011, will be shown for the
first time by the BBC, starting next Saturday at 5.30pm on BBC 1.
"Series featuring one of the most exciting street magicians in the
country. Dynamo has worked with celebrities like Will Smith, Diddy, Jay
Z and Russell Brand. In this first episode he performs his spectacular
matrix-style levitation, physically moves a girl's tan line and performs
magic with rock legend Ian Brown." See
TV Magic.
4.1.14
The
Illusionists by Rosie Thomas. "London 1870. A terrifying place for a
young, beautiful woman of limited means. But Eliza is modern before her
time. Not for her the stifling if respectable conventionality of
marriage, children, domestic drudgery. She longs for more. Through her
work as an artist’s model, she meets the magnetic and irascible Devil –
a born showman whose dream is to run his own theatre company. Devil’s
right-hand man is the improbably-named Carlo Bonomi, an ill-tempered
dwarf with an enormous talent for all things magic and illusion. Carlo
and Devil clash at every opportunity and it constantly falls upon Eliza
to broker an uneasy peace between them. And then there is Jasper Button.
Mild-mannered, and a family man at heart, it is his gift as an artist
which makes him the unlikely final member of the motley crew. Thrown
together by a twist of fate, their lives are inextricably linked: the
fortune of one depends on the fortune of the other. And as Eliza gets
sucked into the seductive and dangerous world her strange companions
inhabit, she risks not only her heart, but also her life..." This title
will be released on February 27th and can be pre-ordered via
Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
4.1.14
The
Card Collection Sale! Starts 12 noon Friday 10th January, ends 12 noon
Tuesday 14th January. 10% discount on goods ordered over £25.00, 15% on goods
over £45.00 and 20% on goods over £75.00. Don't be late - don't miss out!
www.cards4magic.co.uk.
2.11.13
Magicseen
Issue 54 and Wayne Dobson - The Definitive Collection. From
the editor: The January issue of Magicseen, sponsored by Merlins of
Wakefield, is out now, featuring the hilarious David Williamson on the
cover with a detailed interview inside. He is joined in the celebrity
'enclosure' by comedy performer Nathan Kranzo,
hypnotist/mentalist/stuntman Matt Sterling and cruise ship entertainer
Scott Pepper. We have a major article giving advice on how to avoid
accidentally entertaining the same table or group at a busy close up
gig, we chew over the pros and cons of displaying kid show props, and we
take a retrospective view of our personal favourite new product releases
from 2013. There's humour with The Christmas Show, the Masterclass has
contributions from Andy Nyman and Ian Adair, while Club Land features
The Magic Circle. All this plus product reviews, news, letters and more
make up a great issue to start your new year off with. Plus... Magicseen
is the publisher of Wayne Dobson's soon-to-be-released limited edition
hard backed book called Wayne Dobson - The Definitive Collection,
and you can pre-order your copy directly through Magicseen right now and
receive special offers and of course, all Magicseen subscribers get a
20% reduction on all book purchases in any case. So go right now to
www.magicseen.co.uk.
4.1.14
Congratulations
to Chris Garside (Krisgar), winner of the Watford Association of
Magicians Children's Entertainer of the Year Competition which took
place on Friday 27th December. Andy Clockwise reports: Paul Megram
(Colonel Custard) was hot on his heels as runner up. Lee Bell (Mr
Belldini) and Martin Scarborough (Magic Martin) also competed in this
hotly fought annual competition; rounded off with a visit from Father
Christmas himself! Huge thanks go to Paul Megram for organising the
competition, to Julie Carpenter for organising the ticket sales and
food, to Dave LeFevre our doorman, to Dave Allen (Magic Dave) for doing
a superb job of compering the competition wearing various Christmas
jumpers and to the 'real' Father Christmas and everyone else who helped
out behind the scenes to make the afternoon such a success.
www.krisgar-entertainments.co.uk "Kempston magician named children's
entertainer of the year after Gangnam Style ventriloquist routine"
Click Here.
4.1.14
As
Technical Advisor or Performer, John Styles MBE contributed to the
following films and TV programmes shown over the Christmas holiday: 'The
Polar Express', 'Dinner Ladies', 'Barbara', 'Raiders of the Lost Ark',
'A Christmas Carol', 'The Muppet Christmas Carol', 'Restoration' and
'102 Dalmations'. In his Magic Club talk, John tells the stories behind
these experiences.
4.1.14
The
first series of Tricked
is currently being repeated on ITV2. "Magician Ben Hanlin conjures up mischief as unsuspecting celebrities and
members of the public are taken in by his unique brand of hidden camera
magic. The rising star's tricks and illusions leave his victims
speechless every time." See
TV Magic for details.
4.1.14
Tim
Shoesmith, current Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year, will
lecture at The Northamptonshire Magicians' Club, at 8pm on Tuesday 7th
January, where he will share some of his pet effects. All magicians
welcome. Non-members £8. Venue: The Yeoman of England, High Street,
Wootton, Northants NN4 6LP (Map)
www.northamptonshiremagicians.com. David Miller.
4.1.14
Andrew
Melia. After moving to Holland ten years ago, Andrew Melia's TV
career has been building nicely, culminating with his success on Dutch
talent show The New Uri Geller. Following many other European
appearances, last month he was seen on Chinese television and was proud
to have worked alongside Blackpool's FISM winner Guy Barrett (3rd, for
Stage Illusions), UK stars 'Men in Coats', and the incredible Jerome
Murat. For more information about Andrew and his shows of the weird and
wonderful visit,
www.club-magic.com. Andrew is in black in this photo.
4.1.14
Ben
Train lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on 9th January:
"Whether you do magic for hundreds of people or just for yourself, we
are all looking for the same thing- powerful magic that’s fun to do.
Using material from his critically acclaimed book, downloads, and
numerous magazine contributions, Ben Train will help you discover strong
magic that’s not just fun to watch, but fun to perform as well! There’s
something in this lecture for everyone, from material you’ll need to
practice to tricks so easy you’ll be able to do them before you leave
your seat. You’ll learn magic that happens in your audience’s hands,
read three people’s minds… instantly and with no sleight of hand, and
discover new principles that will give you the tools to create your own
powerful routines. Equally important, Ben will be talking about the
theories behind the magic. Not only will you learn how to better connect
with people, and create interesting, meaningful routines, but you’ll
learn how proper structure can make your magic better and your job
easier. So grab your cards, your seat, and get ready- we’re about to go
live!" Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10
entrance fee. The lecture takes place in Bookham, Surrey at 8pm." For
full details contact Adam Mosley
info@surreymagic.org.uk.
4.1.14
Ben
Train Lecture - Manchester Circle of Magicians. The Annual General
Meeting at Manchester Circle of Magicians on Monday 13th January begins
at the earlier time of 7.30pm as Star Lecturer Ben Train will be
entertaining the members immediately after the AGM ends. Usually a
Dealer Demonstration forms part of this evening but this has been
cancelled and will be included in the programme later in the year
instead. Derek Lever.
4.1.14
The
Magic and Illusion Channel: "The Magic and Illusion Channel will be
marketed to 54 million people over the next 24 months and every month
will see the spotlight on an individual magician. If you wish to be
considered for the Spotlight section please email Richard Osterfield at
r.osterfield@skatta.tv or
write to him at: Richard Osterfield, Skatta, Skatta Studios, BBC White
City, Lighthouse, London W12 7TQ. Chris Dugdale’s Mini Series “Chris
Dugdale’s Magical Mystery Tour” launches this week on the channel
worldwide. The first 2 parts are viewable now and every week a new
episode will be released. There will be a total of 6 episodes. The show
features Chris exploring London and entertaining celebrities along the
way. Celebrities include Gary Rhodes, Penny Smith, John Barnes, Shaun
Williamson, Ali Campbell, Matt Lorenzo and Vicki Michelle... Other shows
now live on the channel included the 100 Greatest Magic Tricks of all
time and the Top 10 Ever Magic Performances. These channels will soon be
available on mobile devices. Go to
www.magicandillusion.tv now and get your 100% free subscription."
4.1.14
Scott
Perry: No Camera Tricks.
Lincoln Drill Hall, Friday 31st January and Saturday 1st February. Scott
writes: "Last summer, the day after performing for HRH Prince Charles, I
had a meeting at the Royal Albert Hall. In short, they asked if I would
like to write a magic show for their Elgar room. On 31st January and 1st
February the show premieres at the Lincoln Drill Hall as the first step
to potentially taking it to the Elgar room at Royal Albert Hall in
London. The creative director said, 'in 10 years we’ve never had
anything like this.'"
www.lincolndrillhall.com/events.
4.1.14
'What
a Character Lecture' - Dov Citron. "Why not get the New Year off to
a magical start by coming to the Cotswold Magical Society's first
lecture of the year, from the UK's very own Dov Citron (aka Captain
Calamity)? In this unique lecture Dov demonstrates how building a
repertoire of entertaining and accessible children's characters for your
parties and corporate shows can not only revitalise seldom used props
and magic, but also allows you to reach a much more varied and
profitable market. Entrance fee £5, including refreshments. Wednesday
January 8th 7.30pm for 8pm. Venue: The Hucclecote Community Centre,
Hucclecote Road, Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map).
www.cotswoldmagic.org Barry Woods.
4.1.14
Joan
Burford. Paul Scott writes: It is with great sadness that I report
the shock passing on Boxing Day of Joan Burford. With her husband George
they performed as the Burfords for many years. In latter years she
retired to Falmouth in Cornwall and became a member of the Cornish
Magical Society of which she was Treasurer up until last year. A great
friend of Edwin's she helped out on the Supreme Days of Magic. Her
knowledge of magic was second to none and her enthusiasm never ceased.
Joan was one of the nicest, kindest people you could ever wish to meet
and her passing is a great loss. RIP Joan.
4.1.14
Bob
Hayden. Very sad to report the death of Robert Hayden MIMC. When I
was about 15 I joined my nearest magic club, The Associated Wizards of
the South, in Southampton. Bob Hayden was one of the main members that
contributed so much to make the club such fun. Very much a larger than
life character, Bob loved magic. I'll always remember his comedy stage
act that included a great presentation of 'Clippo' a trick that became
his own, and his big 'sock' finish (the production of a pair of socks!).
Until just a few years ago Bob acted as public relations officer for the
British Ring of the IBM and always did an excellent job in supplying
MagicWeek with press releases and convention news. He will be greatly
missed by his many friends in magic. Duncan Trillo.
4.1.14
"David
Blaine: Real or Magic, Channel 4, review"
Click Here • "David Blaine: Real or Magic?: TV review - Blaine gets up to
his old tricks and shows the stars he hasn't lost his magic touch"
Click Here • David Blaine Real or Magic: Magician Returns to Illusion on TV
Special"
Click Here • "BWW Reviews: The Illusionists 2.0 Have Adelaide Audiences
Spellbound"
Click Here • ""Magician Etienne Pradier entertained Prince Charles at St
James's Palace Christmas party"
Click Here • "In a Suite at the Waldorf, Steve Cohen Is Making Magic —
Literally"
Click Here • "T-Rex Follows Your Every Move in Creepy Illusion"
Click Here •
"Magician 'Sean Heydon' on 'Soccer AM' Christmas Special"
Click Here •
"My Magic Hands: Magic and rehab help transform kids with disabilities"
Click Here • That's it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcomed,
see you next week, Duncan.
4.1.14