Number 712 - 15th February 2014

Blackpool bonanza! Three more acts have just been added to the Blackpool Convention line-up: FISM World Champion of Grand Illusion Julius Frack from Germany (photo) will appear on the Sunday Gala Show with some spectacular illusions. Britain's Marc Elsdon will perform in the Close Up show on Friday and Danny Hunt's Amethyst will be performing in the Saturday night Gala Show. There are very few places left for the fantastic Jeff McBride Workshop which will take place from 1pm to 5pm on the Saturday afternoon in the Renaissance Suite of the Winter Gardens. The bargain price is just £95.00 and you can book this event via the Registration Officer Arthur Casson: arthurcasson@aol.com. This is the 62nd year of the Blackpool Festival of Magic celebrating and promoting the art of magic and it promises to be the best ever! www.blackpoolmagic.com. 15.2.14

Derren Brown: Infamous - now on tour. The acknowledged master of psychological illusion will once again mesmerise, shock and entertain the nation. Derren says: "I enjoy the stage shows more than anything else. Live on stage is the best place for what I do: it's unpredictable, and the audience knows there's no possibility of judicious editing." On stage as well as on TV Derren is in a class of his own, exhilarating audiences with his unique brand of entertainment. For the past thirteen years he has created TV and stage performances that have stunned audiences, debunked the paranormal and encouraged many to improve and enhance their own mental abilities. His first show appeared in 2000, Derren Brown: Mind Control, and was followed with Trick of the Mind, Trick or Treat and a series of specials including the controversial Russian Roulette. For more info visit www.derrenbrown.co.uk or see What's On. 15.2.14

International Magic Convention Registration Deal. From the organisers: Just two weeks left to register for this year's International Magic Convention (Nov 14-16) at The Mermaid Theatre, Blackfriars if you'd like to take advantage of their 'last year's prices' deal. Tickets will be on sale at the International Magic stand at The Blackpool Convention next weekend. The International Convention, affectionately known as Ron's Day (even though it now stretches to three days) after its founder the award winning manipulator Ron MacMillan is renowned for showcasing the best new talent to the UK and debuting world class variety and magical artists in the perfect venue, right in the heart of London. Stop by at the stand in Blackpool or our permanent shop in Holborn to hear just some of the names that we are very proud to be presenting this year. It will be great value at the 2014 prices but even better value at the 2013 prices so make the most of the next two weeks to take up this very limited offer! www.internationalmagic.com. 15.2.14

Shenanigans updates. From the organisers: "Due to unprecedented demand Shenanigans, the Irish Magic Convention, Gold Card Registrations have sold out. There are a very limited supply of Silver Card Registrations available. These are expected to sell out within days… so act fast! In addition we are delighted to announce that close-up sensation Joe Barry has been added to the line-up. Joe is a relatively new kid on the block and couples amazing sleight of hand with devilishly clever methodology that slays laymen and magicians alike. We are thrilled that Joe will be flying in to make a special appearance on the Sunday of the convention. Already starring Juan Tamariz, John Archer, Morgan & West, Bruno Copin and Quentin Reynolds, Shenanigans runs 2nd, 3rd & 4th May 2014 at The Crowne Plaza Hotel, Blanchardstown. Silver Card Registration is unbelievable value at €99. A half price WAG registration is also available and both include access to dealers, over 9 sessions, Friday Finger Food and Sunday Lunch. And you'll get to hang out with Señor Tamariz." Find out more info and register via www.irishmagicconvention.com. 15.2.14

Magic Night at Madame JoJo's - London. Friday, March 7th: "Magic Night engages in philosophy (we kid you not), the otherworld, balloon heads, some insanely awesome mind reading and some strip poker... Peter Antoniou returns with blindfolds, sharp wit and the ability to know your past, guess your future and the colour of your underwear (wear something nice); Harrison Richards also brings his storming Rubik's Cube to town and will solve it using your eyes as a guide (whilst standing on one leg, eyes closed). Meanwhile Dee Riley neatly demonstrates Descartes theory of ‘I think therefore I am’ in a beautiful piece of magic. Wes Zaharuk will also be with us with impossible props, whips, bananas and the weirdest skit with plungers and balloon heads that will leave you with restless dreams for a long time, all expertly compered by the hand stabbing, bottle dabbler that is the Christian Lee." Magic Night at Madame JoJo's. Doors open 7.00pm. Show starts at 7.45pm. Tickets £12 including entry to Good Foot. Show ticket plus dinner: £25. Madame JoJo’s, 8-10 Brewer Street, London W1F 0SE (Map). Tickets and more info: www.magicnight.co.uk. 15.2.14

MagicWeek favourite Andy Nyman is the special guest on The Radio 2 Arts Show with Claudia Winkleman at 10pm on Friday 21st February. "The League of Gentleman's Jeremy Dyson and Derren Brown collaborator Andy Nyman talk about the return of their terrifying horror show, Ghost Stories." See TV Magic. 15.2.14

The Card Collection at Blackpool. "The Card Collection will be at the world's largest magic convention in Blackpool next weekend with over 2,500 lines but we cannot bring everything! If there is something particular you want, contact us by mid afternoon on Tuesday and we will do our best to bring it. Email: clive@cards4magic.co.uk tel. 01233 647878." www.cards4magic.co.uk. 15.2.14

Kieron Johnson (aka 'Keiron the Mighty') lectures for the Bolton Magicians' Club on Wednesday 19th February at 8.30pm: "Reputed to be one of Britain's best kept secrets, Kieron was voted as 'Best Magical Creator in 2012. Kieron will be demonstrating on the RSVP magic stand at Blackpool Magicians' Convention next week. The lecture will include effects for close-up, parlour and stage with items such as 'To the Max' and 'Remaxed Icelocation' and effects from his highly acclaimed 'Chaotic' DVD. Keiron is the epitome of ‘outside the box thinking’ so expect something unique and entertainingly outrageous!. The venue is the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QD (Map). There will be an nominal entrance fee of £5.00 for visiting magicians from other societies, who are most welcome. For directions to the Doffcocker Inn visit www.boltonmagic.co.uk or telephone James Hodgkiss on 01204 522651. 15.2.14

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Kirkstall Hotel, Blackpool. 3 star guest house 2 minutes from the Wintergardens, fully central heated and recently refurbished. Good food, warm atmosphere, single rooms available, all rooms ensuite. Special offer B&B Friday and Saturday for £40 per person. Evening meals available on request. Late check-out. Flexible breakfast times. Please try us you will notice the difference. 25 Hull Road, Blackpool, FY14QB. Website: www.kirkstallhotel.co.uk. Tel: 01253 623077. 15.2.14

Jeff McBride Lecture - Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians are pleased to announce that on Wednesday 26th February, there will be a lecture from the amazing Jeff McBride. Lecture starts at 8pm and visiting magicians are welcome for just £5.00. Don't miss this opportunity to see a master at work. Venue: ECC Sports and Social Club, Showell Road, Wolverhampton WV10 9LU (Map). Contact Secretary Sue Oakley, sueoakley61@gmail.com or 07912 421038. 15.2.14

The Storybook of Leopold Thorn - The Princess and the Candlesticks: "Leopold Thorn: Conjuror (professionally), Liar (reputedly), Visionary Scientist (quite possibly) and Strutting Dandy (unquestionably), is facing his most daunting challenge to date; telling bedtime stories to entertain his decidedly precocious and resolutely insomniac six year old daughter. Not so much a magic show, but a show about a magician. Beautiful and haunting storytelling set in the world of a magician." Saturday 1st March. Venue: The Cut, New Cut, Halesworth, Suffolk IP19 8BY (Map). See www.newcut.org/events and www.truelovetours.co.uk. 15.2.14

Alan Maskell London Society of Magicians lecture. Mark Saltissi writes: The London Society of Magicians are delighted to host a lecture by Alan Maskell on 25th February 7pm. Alan is a Member of the Inner Magic Circle and a working close-up magician with a wealth of practical performing experience who has written for a number of magic magazines including Abra and The Linking Ring. Alan has performed close-up at Magic Circle shows, made the occasional radio and television appearance and used his magical skills to launch Harry Potter Books. In 2007, Alan won the Alistair Wand in the British Ring Shield stage competition with an act comprising of his own effects that also gained him the Conventioneers Award for originality. Alan's lecture, 'Bits & Pieces', features a wide range of practical effects and ideas including close-up, stand-up and mental magic. The routines, ideas and effects included have all been used in real performances being both workable and adaptable to individual magical styles. Venue: Davenports Magic Shop, 7 Charing Cross Underground Arcade, The Strand, London WC2N 4HZ. Start time 7pm. Visitors welcome, pay on door £7 (Lectures are free for members) www.lsmmagic.magicandweb.com. 15.2.14

Jon Allen will be releasing the update to 'The Silent Treatment' at the Blackpool convention. Silent Treatment - Digital Edition enables you to personalise and present the effect on your tablet. See vimeo.com/86312043. 15.2.14

American Magician, Peter Samelson will be touring the UK in June with his lecture – ‘Small Changes Make a Big Difference’. Peter is a Magic Performer, Author, Lecturer and Producer of New York’s ‘Monday Night Magic’. His lecture uses multi-media to help explore and explain his approach to creating Theatrical Magic. It is based on his book Theatrical Close Up (long out of print, but now available in a digital edition), and his unpublished Theatrical Cabaret. In the course of the lecture, Peter teaches and performs material from his working repertoire with attention to the small details that have a huge impact and the theoretical underpinnings of why those changes matter and why they work. Mike Bent wrote the following about one of Peter’s effects: "Phoenix is wonderful. You've taken one of the best effects in magic, combined it with the best presentation and added the cleanest handling possible. Can't wait to start working it!" And Danny Archer wrote: “Peter’s lecture was filled was the little touches, that means he has lived with and performed some of these routines for many years and for thousands of audiences, and it looks like real magic.” There are a limited number of dates available; if you would like Peter to lecture at your club email Sean Lobban mistertall@mistertall.co.uk
Monday 9th June - Portsmouth & District Magic Circle
Tuesday 10th June – Wessex Magical Society
Wednesday 11th June – Zodiac Magical Society
Thursday 12th June – Surrey Society of Magicians
Monday 16th June – Ipswich Magical Society
Tuesday 17th June – British Magical Society
Wednesday 18th June – Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians
Thursday 19th June – Home Counties Magic Society
Monday 23rd June – The Magic Circle
Wednesday 25th June – Leamington & Warwick Magic Society
Thursday 26th June – Sussex Magic Circle. 15.2.14

Congratulations to Martin Peirce, winner of the Merlin Magical Society's Close-up Competition, for a second year in a row, last Thursday. Martin recently presented a lecture for the club as well, packed with lots of practical routines. 15.2.14

A Giant Blackpool Magic Auction is being held on Thursday 20th February from 1pm until 8pm in the Pavilion Theatre, Winter Gardens, Church Street, Blackpool. Hundreds of items are being sold at bargain prices, including quality books, DVDs, collectors items and more. The Auctioneers are Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Door charge £3.00, but free for magicians who have registered for the Blackpool Convention. Further details from Derek Lever: d.lever1@sky.com. 15.2.14

Romany Diva of Magic, Blackpool shows. Internationally acclaimed performer Romany Diva of Magic is set to amaze and mystify adults and children alike with seven evening shows during Showzam! festival, demonstrating her extraordinary combination of skills, charm and talents. A sparkling entertainer in burlesque sequins and feathers, Romany is ready to bring her family-friendly magic show to the nation's home of variety. Performing at The Sands in Blackpool every evening from Sunday 16th to Saturday 22nd February, Romany is returning to the seaside resort for her fifth year. Last year 200 magicians enjoyed a Thursday night with Romany performing classics of magic in her own eccentric style. This year shelter from the winds at 7.30pm at the Sands on the seafront. Tickets available on the door, see www.showzam.co.uk for details. Thursday magicians special price of £10 per ticket, normal: Adults £15/ Children under 14 £8/ Family £35 (Min 1 adult 18+). Venue: The Sands, Palatine Building, Promenade, Blackpool FY1 4TQ (Map). 15.2.14

Ian Adair has just been awarded a silver plaque from the IBM in the USA for his contributions to their Linking Ring magazine. Ian has had some seven One Man Parades published over the years and his latest addition appears in the February issue. Ian has also stepped in to write the Kids' column on behalf of their regular contributor who is taking a break. Over the last two years Ian has published thirteen magic books, eleven dealing with kid show magic and his first website www.ianadairsbooksonmagic.com has just been launched. 15.2.14

Young Magicians Wanted: "Zig-Zag Productions seek young magic talent. Are you a young magician, illusionist, hypnotist or mind-reader? Are you tired of performing tricks to your mates and want to make the next step into performing for a much wider audience? Are you a born performer who is comfortable in front of the camera? Then we want to hear from you. Duration: No longer than three minutes. Send videos to: ruairi.sparks@zigzag.uk.com. Please include your name, contact details and location with the application." 15.2.14

'Oliver Meech: When Magic And Science Collide' 2nd Brighton Date added due to popular demand. Oliver brings his comedy magic show with a scientific twist to the seaside, as part of Brighton Science Festival. The first date has already Sold-Out, so a second night has been added. It's fresh from a Sell-Out performance in London, and follows a 22-night Sell-Out run at the Edinburgh Fringe. Expect amazing tricks inspired by astounding science. It's the Natural Selection! Ages 7-107. "My jaw hit the floor" BBC, "...hilarious" Buxton Fringe. The Dukebox Theatre, Hove, East Sussex. Thursday 27th February, 6pm, £5 (£3 under 16's). Tickets and info: www.wegottickets.com. Trailer: YouTube. 15.2.14

American Street Magician and Card Expert, Eric Evans will be visiting the UK for his first UK Lecture Tour in July. Eric is most known for The Secret Art of Magic, a critically acclaimed bestseller he co-wrote with Nowlin Craver. His awards include: Texas Association of Magicians Best Stage Magician of the Year 2000 and Society of American Magicians Mystic Craig Award for Professional Promise in the year 2001. Most of Eric’s professional career has been spent working the streets of America and Europe, a career spanning almost thirty years. During that time he learned many lessons that not only apply to the street specifically, but also to the performance of magic in general. In his lecture he will share many of those lessons noted throughout the performance of his street show. A show he has performed throughout the festivals and plazas of the world’s great cities. In addition he will cover much of his work with cards, which is largely based upon the work of Eric’s first teacher, Ernest Earick; a veritable legend among card men. All of the magic performed and explained is most suitable for a Parlour or Stage setting but can be easily adapted for Close-up performance if desired. Effects will include Eric's award winning coin work, as well as work with rope, handkerchiefs, balls, the wand, and as mentioned, cards. Here is his 2013 promo: Click Here. If you would like Eric to lecture at your club or would like more information, email Sean Lobban mistertall@mistertall.co.uk. 15.2.14

Steve Gore Lecture. Steve Gore, known to readers for organising lecture tours, will present his own lecture at various clubs throughout 2014. the lecture will include lots of his original effects such as ‘Trick Photography’, which MagicWeek called “Close-up Trick of the Year” YouTube and “Visions from Vegas”, an ingenious mentalism effect YouTube. Everyone who has seen and purchased this effect has said that they haven't seen a book test, or indeed any effect, using this method. There are effects for Mentalism, Stage, Stand up, Close up and kids too, so there’s something for everyone. The majority of his effects are also easy to master, allowing you to focus on the presentation. “We would certainly recommend him unreservedly to any society looking for an entertaining and totally original session.” Brian Lead, Modern Mystic League. “It was professional in every respect from dress to the presentation of the effects whether they be close-up, stage or children’s magic.” Liz Warlock, British Magical Society.
Upcoming dates:
18/03/2014 Pentacle club www.pentacleclub.com
02/04/2014 Leamington & Warwick www.lawms.wordpress.com
06/05/2014 Northamptonshire www.northamptonshiremagicians.com
29/06/2014 Magic Castle, Hollywood www.magiccastle.com
04/09/2014 Liverpool Magic Circle www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk
27/10/2014 Newcastle www.newcastle-magic-circle.org. 15.2.14

Presenting a Comedy and Variety Night Fundraiser in aid of THHN, at the Babbacombe Theatre, Torquay, on Friday 21st February. The show features: Revan & Fennell - sketch act; Stu Turner (photo) - comedy magician; Phil Blackmore - juggler; Tamar Broadbent - singer; The Three Half Pints - slapstick troupe. Tickets and more info via www.babbacombe-theatre.com. 15.2.14

Maths Tricks and Number Magic by Chris Wardle: "Chris Wardle's new book has just been released and is now available from Amazon. This is a collection of 60 number-based tricks and effects involving hidden mathematics. Follow the instructions and the book appears to be able to read your mind! However, you won't find 'grey elephants in Denmark' or the number 1089 anywhere here, as these effects encompass a wide range of methods which have all been given some subtle new twists. Although aimed at the general market, magicians will love this useful collection of varied number principles gathered together in one volume. Use these baffling tricks over the phone, in an email or text, in your publicity material or on the radio, as well as in more obvious performing situations. They have many uses for the creative performer. 96 pages, £6.99. Chris is an Associate of The Inner Magic Circle and has contributed to numerous magic magazines." Order via Amazon.co.uk. 15.2.14

Carmarthenshire Magic. Nick Brunger is looking for Carmarthenshire-based magicians to form a local magic group to hold regular get-togethers to discuss the craft and with a view to banding together to take part in Carmarthen's annual Merlin Festival. The event, every August, celebrates the legend that Merlin was born in the town. For more details contact nick@thespookymagiccompany.co.uk or call 01267 290819. 15.2.14

Aldo Colombini. Very sad to report that Aldo Colombini suffered a stroke on Sunday 9th February and died on Wednesday 12th February. Aldo would have been appearing at the Blackpool Convention later this month and was a hugely popular face on the international magic scene. I am sure magicians here in the UK would like to join me in passing on our love to his wife Rachel. DT. www.wildcolombini.com/bio.html. 15.2.14

Dark Art: Spectacular Illusions from the Golden Age of Magic Click Here • "Arsenal fan has living nightmare as shirt is changed into a Spurs one by E4 magician Troy" Click Here • "Interview: Derren Brown on coming out, Russia, and his pet parrot" Click Here • "Troy: E4's brand new magician on why he's not the new Dynamo" Click Here • "New magic show reels in viewers" Click Here • "Magician Paul Daniels wows audiences at Burnham-On-Sea theatre" Click Here • "Dynamo says he tests out his tricks on his Nan! – he’s even been asked to perform while driving at 70 mph!" Click Here • "Magician Paul Daniels says he has 'no respect' for Environment Agency after flooding in Wargrave" Click Here • "Dynamo tweets poster for Bradford Magic Circle’s show" Click Here • "Magic man finds fame in Vegas" Click Here • Look forward to seeing many of you up in Blackpool next week, that's it for this week, Duncan. 15.2.14

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