Number 707 - 11th January 2014
Ali
Cook to top Blackpool Saturday Gala Show: Another scoop booking for
Blackpool Magic Convention is that of Ali Cook, who having just finished
his very successful theatre tour, is ready to wow 3,000 magicians at
Blackpool. He is topping the bill on the Saturday Gala Show with some
spectacular magic and illusions. Ali has also been flexing his
acting muscles recently and will appear on TV in Mr. Selfridge as the
Lead Reporter (series 2, episode 8). Another addition to the Convention
on the Friday Gala Show is 93 year old Mark Raffles who says this is his
"swan song" but nobody believes him as he is performing better than ever
particularly on a recent Ken Dodd Show in Blackpool. The Convention is
on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, February and 2,300
seats have already been sold. It will be a complete sell out!!! Visit
www.blackpoolmagic.com or contact Arthur Casson at email:
arthurcasson@aol.com to book.
Derek Lever.
11.1.14
A
Regular Little Houdini. Set in Newport docks between 1905 and 1913 a
young boy grows from boy to man. He is obsessed with Houdini and magic.
Houdini visited Wales twice in the Edwardian period sparking huge
controversy with his cunning self promotion stunts. On both occasions,
run-ins with Newport police eventually lead to arrest and a court
appearance in Newport. We see the eight years, book ended by Houdini's
two visits, through our boy's eyes. The biggest growth of the industrial
period. Our boy grows to adulthood, measuring himself against the real
working class heroes in his family whilst holding on to the ultimate
dream of emulating his fantasy hero in Houdini. It is a moving,
fantastical story of the imagination and spirit of youth, verses the
cynicism of adulthood, in a ruthless industrial Britain. The whole story
is told through a child's eyes and the informative historical element of
the piece is delivered with the magic and enthusiasm of youth. He lives
through and tells of the massive industrial growth of South Wales, the
building of the transporter bridge, the Newport dock disaster of 1909,
which killed 39 people. The show is very moving but also hugely
optimistic. There are magic tricks and fantastical stories of monsters
and Cyclopes and even an appearance by Houdini himself. Written and
performed by Daniel Llewelyn-Williams. Directed by Joshua Richards.
Dates: The Riverfront Theatre, Newport: January 23rd,
24th, 25th
Click Here and Swansea Grand (Arts Wing): April 16th.
11.1.14
Conjuring
at the Court - London: Comedy and spectacle in magic are the order
of the day at Conjuring at the Court's New Year show on Thursday 30th
January. It's the first visit to the Court for Danny Buckler (photo),
whose brand of comedy and magic has been a huge success on cruises, in
comedy clubs and at theatres all over the country. Facing off to him in
the comedy shoot-out is Christian Lee, 'King of comedy magic' according
to Time Out, and one of our most popular performers. Bharat
Patel's fast-paced illusion act compresses the vivid colour and music of
India into an enthralling feast for the eyes and the great Terry Herbert
returns with his magic act that always has the audience in stitches.
Compered by co-producer Russell Levinson. 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. Tickets £10, from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. Russell Levinson.
11.1.14
From Russia with Love, for Valentines Day... Smoke & Mirrors brings you a night to remember
on February 15th; Jasper Blakeley's Kockov Comedy Magic Show.
Kockov's outrageous humour mixes with world-class mentalism to
create the perfect combination for a truly unforgettable night of
entertainment. Come and witness "The Man, The Mind, The Mullet" with
tickets from £7.00
Click Here.
11.1.14
The David Berglas Award.
The British Magical Society was formed in Birmingham, England in
February 1905 and is the oldest magical society in Europe. Its first
President was David Devant, and it initiated the start in the growth of
the magical society movement in the U.K. in particular the formation of
The Magic Circle in June of the same year.
This Trophy is awarded annually to a British magician…."for service to
magic in general or performing ability".
Members of the British Magical Society are invited each year to make a
nomination for this Award.
The previous recipients of this Award have been Peter Warlock, Paul
Daniels, John Fisher, Ali Bongo, Alan Shaxon, Pat Page, Roy Johnson, Ron
Macmillan, David Berglas, Donald Bevan, Wayne Dobson, Jeffery Atkins,
Derek Lever, Edwin Dawes, Elizabeth Warlock, Geoffrey Durham, Alex
Elmsley, Paul Kieve, Mark Raffles, Terry Herbert, Roy Walton, Bob
Hamilton, Derren Brown, Anthony Owen and Duncan Trillo. Nominations are assessed by a President's Committee, chaired by the
President, with a membership of the five most recent Past Presidents.
The B.M.S. is pleased to announce that the winner of the Award this year
is Marvin Berglas.
The Trophy will be presented personally by David Berglas, Honorary
Vice-President of the B.M.S., and Past President of The Magic Circle, at
our Annual Dinner on Saturday 15th March 2014 at the Tally Ho Banqueting
and Conference Centre, Edgbaston, Birmingham.
Paul Cadley, Secretary
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk.
11.1.14
Dynamo: Magician
Impossible on the BBC, tonight 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."
11.1.14
The
January Mark Leveridge Podcast. Mark writes: The January Mark
Leveridge Podcast is ready for you to listen to online or download to
any mp3 player, and this month I look back a little at 2013 and suggest
ways to prepare well for the new year ahead, explain about E-Club Pro
Elite, which is the new membership level for E-Club Pro, and I suggest
that card flourishers have solved the problem that many magicians have
of not getting enough credit for their magical skills! Other subjects
covered include why it isn't always a good idea to get spectators
involved in helping with our magic, why arriving too early at a gig can
prove a problem and why some shows turn out to be more of a challenge
than others. The Podcast is released every month, it is free, and you
can access the latest issue plus all the previous ones from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php.
11.1.14
Manchester
Circle of Magicians - Jumbo Magic Auction: Monday 20th
January at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent,
Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map).
Doors open at 5.30pm. Auction commences at 6.30pm. Members admitted free
of charge. Non-members pay £3.00. Star Auctioneers: Mike Shepherd and
Derek Lever. Hundreds of bargains available including books, DVDs, Close
up magic, Kids magic and stage tricks. Further information from Derek
Lever 01253 810113 d.lever1@sky.com.
11.1.14
Deception
Podcast for Magicians: In conjunction with the Deception Convention,
taking place in Liverpool this June, Jonti Sparrow and Aaron Hayes will
take an irreverent weekly look at news from the magic community around
the world, reviewing a new release, tackling a big question and
listening to your thoughts on anything from, 'What colour sponge balls
should I use?' to, 'Should the lady scream so much when I cut her in
half?' With giveaways, competitions and special guests, this weekly show
is not to be missed. Find it on iTunes or Stitcher or check out
www.deceptionconvention.co.uk. Jonti Sparrow, Convention Organiser.
11.1.14
Mark
James Lecture - February Bookings. Mark James is now taking last
minute bookings for his February lecture tour. The lecture includes a 20
minute cabaret set (unexplained), followed by two hours of lecture
material. One half made up entirely of stand up magic, the other, close
up. The lectures are accompanied by dealer Warped Magic and a
fully-stocked dealer stand will be provided for each date. To book Mark
and for more information email
livemagician@live.co.uk.
11.1.14
Congratulations
to Terry Herbert, who, last week, was extremely honoured to receive
a trophy on behalf of the KGB, an exclusive organisation of arguably the
world's finest children's entertainers, during their annual get-together
which this year was held for the first time in London. David Kaye (Silly
Billy) made the presentation of the trophy, engraved "Terry Herbert -
For inspiring generations of children's entertainers around the world.
KGB. London, 2014".
11.1.14
Chris
Congreave Lecture Tour 2014. Tour manager Steve Gore writes: Chris
Congreave has put together a new lecture for 2014. It's called "At Work
and Relaxing". In the "Relaxing" part of the lecture there are 8
completely self working, but hard hitting routines. These aren't
'counting card tricks', but good, easy, workable stuff. Some using
cards, money, mobile phones etc. Plus a routine that he has used for
many years when he performs at restaurants for the 'Birthday tables'.
The "At Work" part features some of the routines that he uses at his
gigs that do use a bit of sleight of hand. Midlands based Chris
Congreave is a Member of the Magic Circle and has been performing magic
professionally for 14 years, full time for 9 years. He started out
performing weekly at TGI Fridays and now works mainly at weddings and
corporate events. He was also a panel reviewer and host on
www.warpedmagic.co.uk. He has had several effects published in Magic
magazine, Best of British and a routine in 3T a book by
Mark Tams. His released DVDs include 'Flying Tonight', 'Pocket This',
'Pseudo Pickpocket' and 'Dupes' and his trick releases include 'Ice
Coins', 'iContact', 'The Light', 'No diary diary', 'Childsplay' and '52
vs Joker'.
www.chriscongreave.co.uk. Email
tours@stevegore.co.uk with
your date options. This isn't a set tour, so dates are flexible. As he
is Midlands based, the fee is very reasonable and he possibly won't need
accommodation.
11.1.14
Pocket
Money by Wayne Dobson. "A complete sell-out at Magic Live.
We all know when magic happens in a spectator's hand, it becomes more
powerful. Pocket Money allows the magic to happen in a spectator's
pocket.
This is incredible for laymen; to have a coin vanish from their own
pocket leaves them speechless.
Five random coins from around the world are removed from a small velvet
bag. They are placed onto the table. The spectator is asked to pick them
up and drop all five into their pocket (any pocket). After two seemingly
impossible predictions, they are asked to remove the last coin from
their pocket.
As crazy as it sounds the last coin has vanished from inside the
spectator's pocket! The reactions this gets are incredible." Find out
more and watch a video demo at
www.waynedobson.co.uk.
11.1.14
Ali
Cook: Principles
and Deceptions. Ali Cook is bringing his critically acclaimed one man show
Principles
and Deceptions to The Watermans Theatre, West London on Sunday 26th
January. "Ali Cook is a historian of deception. He's a
sleight of hand expert, a street magician, escapologist, stage
illusionist and performer of thought control. "As well as escapology, Cook does jaw-dropping Derren Brown-style
mind-reading feats, fabulously dexterous close-up magic, gruesome
gross-out pranks and magic tricks the like of which you've never seen
before" Steve Bennett, Chortle.
Ali Cook's anarchic mix of comedy and magic has made him a headliner on
the UK comedy circuit and he performs at celebrity events for the likes
of JK Rowling and Damien Hirst.
This is promises to be a great family evening out (8+) and a chance to
see this terrific up and coming performer up close and dangerous. "Astounding"
Mail On Sunday. "Staggering illusions" Metro. For
more info and to book
Click Here.
11.1.14
Magic
Car Boot Sale, West Bromwich, Sunday 2nd February: The
next Magic Car Boot Sale in West Bromwich, now in its 21st year, takes
place on Sunday 2nd February at The Masonic Hall, Edward Street,
West Bromwich B70 8NT (Map).
Doors open at 9.30am and admission is £4. A
few tables are still available. To book contact Alec Powell on 07831
115448. It's always a great social event and a chance to pick up some
second-hand bargains that you can actually examine before you buy. With
the usual selection of dealers including Harry Robson, Dave Charles and
Adrian Sullivan.
Alec Powell.
11.1.14
Ben
Train lecture - Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians: On
Wednesday 15th January, The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, welcome
Ben Train. Ben's lecture will include impromptu magic, self working
tricks and mentalism. Ben’s material has been featured in every major
magic publication (including Genii, The Linking Ring, Magic Magazine,
and MUM), and his critically acclaimed DVDs and books have been flying
off magic stores shelves around the world. The lecture starts at 8pm at the ECC Sports and Social Club, Showell
Road, Wolverhampton WV10 9LU (Map). Visiting magicians welcome for just
£5.00. For more information contact Sue Oakley, Secretary of WCM
sueoakley61@gmail.com.
11.1.14
Zane's
Magic Shop - January Sale! "Our January Sale is now on, with lots of tricks
being greatly
discounted, some by over 50%, including brand new releases! Also, we
have just added several brand new products from the USA"
www.zanesmagicshop.com.
11.1.14
Michael Jordan's High Jinx
Magic & Illusion show. "Michael Jordan's High Jinx Magic & Illusion show
can be seen as part of Blackpool's Showzam Festival on 21st, 22nd & 23rd
February nightly at 7.45pm.
This brand new exciting variety show has something for everyone. A fast
paced show filled with magic, illusion and circus skills with a welcome
return of the House of Magic Dancers and some very special guests. "Blackpool's Number 1 show!"
Trip Advisor 2013; "Unmissable, Great Family Fun" Blackpool Gazette;
"Young, inventive and visually interesting.. excellent!" The Stage.
Venue: The Horseshoe,
Blackpool Pleasure Beach, Ocean Boulevard, Blackpool
FY4 1EZ (Map).
Prices,
Children: £8.50
Adults: £10.00
Family ticket (2 adults, 2 children): £35.00. Box Office
www.blackpoolpleasurebeach.co.uk
www.highjinx.co.uk.
11.1.14
Paul Megram
(Colonel Custard) will be lecturing for The Home
Counties Magical Society on Thursday 16th January at Shinfield Parish
Hall, Reading RG2 9EH (Map). Visiting magicians welcome; £10 door charge.
For more details visit
www.hcms.org.uk.
11.1.14
Paul Gordon's Card Capers Day of Magic,
April 2014. Change of venue. All other details remain the same for Paul Gordon's
upcoming Card Capers Day of Magic in April, apart from the venue, which is now
The Royal Oak, Brighton Road, Worthing, Sussex BN11 3EE. See
What's On for full details.
11.1.14
The
Sooty Show at Manchester's Winter Wonderland is reported by Geoffrey
Newton this week,
Click Here.
11.1.14
The
Card Collection Sale 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.
9.11.13
Joan
Burford. The funeral of Joan Burford will take place at 2.00pm on Tuesday
14th January at Penmount Crematorium, Truro, Cornwall. Donations to be made
to RNLI in lieu of flowers. Paul Scott.
11.1.14
"David
Copperfield shows HELLO! around Caribbean getaway and introduces fiancée Chloe
Gosselin"
Click Here • "The Story Behind 'Bullet'"
Click Here • "Escapologist and magician RUA to challenge celebrities"
Click Here • "MP reveals past life as magician - with mixed
results"
Click Here • "'Don't worry, we prepared for it': TV Magician Paul Daniels'
luxury home on River Thames is flooded"
Click Here • "From Prince George to a life-sized balloon bike: Magician
spends 12 months mapping 2013 in blow-up figurines"
Click Here • "International magicians converge on Sydney"
Click Here • "An illusionist’s effects permeate ‘Ghost the Musical’"
Click Here • And finally, "Tech that makes the magic happen",
Click
Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan.
11.1.14