Number 714 - 1st March 2014
Billy
Kidd, Wayne Houchin, James Galea and Ben Hanlin are Breaking Magic
in the new series which starts on Wednesday 12th March on Discovery. In
the first show at 8pm Billy Kidd shows off her sword skills by slicing a
basketball clean in two, and Nate uses the same sword in a terrifying
stunt that puts his life on the line. Immediately followed by the second
show in which Ben Hanlin helps Wayne Houchin to emulate the great
magician Harry Houdini in a dangerous underwater escape. But will they
pull off their audacious attempt? See
TV Magic.
1.3.14
The
sun came out in Blackpool last weekend for new British Children’s
Entertainers National Championships winner Paul Megram (aka Colonel
Custard). In what was believed to be the strongest line up ever,
with every competitor having a real chance to carry off this coveted
title, Paul Megram was placed 1st, Silly Scott 2nd and Brian Daly 3rd. Colonel Custard's winning routine included just about everything!
A DIY Doll's House bunny production, a smoking bin, a collapsing chair,
a gum ball machine, the illusion In Flight, a unicycle (with a
child on Colonel Custard's shoulders) and a leaf blowing machine, all
culminating in 200 exploding film canisters! The Murray Award was
presented to Obie O'Brien and the Ken Dodd Comedy Award to Graham
Jolley. I hope to have a full report next week. The convention was another
huge sell-out success, with some 3,600 magicians attending in all. Best
trick of the convention? As often happens at events like this, one that
wasn't actually on the convention bill but seen over the table in a
restaurant, from the brilliant mind of Angelo Carbone. Looking forward
to next year's
Blackpool Magicians' Convention already! DT.
1.3.14
Jamie
Allan iMagician - now on tour. "Jamie Allan is one of the greatest
innovators of modern magic. He has worked in all aspects of the
entertainment industry as performer, producer and adviser. Now, after 10
years performing around the world Jamie takes his show, iMagician, on
tour. Directed by Anthony Owen, BAFTA & Rose D’or award winner and
producer of Derren Brown, iMagician defies the boundaries of logic and
blends incredible illusion with high technology, including iPad
illusion, Virtual Assistant and spectacular laser manipulation. All
enhanced through beautiful projection and world class sleight of hand."
Saturday 1st March Dartford Orchard Theatre
Box Office 01322 22 0000
Wednesday 5th March Norwich Theatre Royal Box Office 01603 63 00 00
Thursday 6th March Shrewsbury Seven Theatre Box Office 01743 281281
Wednesday 12th Theatre Tunbridge Wells Assembly Theatre Box Office 01892
530613
Friday 14th March St Albans Arena Box Office 01727 844488
Saturday 15th March Guildford Live Theatre Box Office 0844 7701 797
Thursday 20th March Newcastle Volvo Tyne Theatre Box Office 0844 493
9999
Friday 21st March Buxton Opera House Box Office 0845 1272190
"Magician Jamie Allan performs on Kent stages" Click Here also see www.imagicianlive.com. 1.3.14
Kidology
UK 2014. Tuesday 9th September at The Civic & Wulfrun Halls, North
Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1RQ (Map)
plus, on Monday 8th September, Kidology UK Children's Entertainer of the
Year Competition and Cabaret at The Slade Rooms, Wolverhampton.
From the organisers: Billed as America's
number one kid show ventriloquist Mark Wade's credits include stage
shows, lectures, writing columns about performing, and much more. Mark
Wade trained as a teacher and taught until going full time with his
performing thirty years ago. He blends education and teaching techniques
into his school shows so his programmes have a combination of education
and fun. His lecture will principally deal with scriptwriting comedy.
Dov Citron, better known to children in the Greater London area as
Captain Calamity, utilises marvelous magic, interactive story telling,
call-and-response games, crazy clowning, sensational circus skills,
incredible balloon twisting, hilarious puppetry, action-dances and jaw
dropping bubble performances to enchant children of all ages in a world
of interactive adventure.
Full-time entertainer Dave Allen's family
show uses a mix of comedy magic and some very baffling illusions, and
also original ventriloquist routines using members of the audience and
some of his very special puppet guests. Dave Allen is the proud winner
of many titles including being the International Comedy act of the year
2010/11, for the international Brotherhood of Magicians, which he also
won in 2005. He is also the current holder of British Isles Family
Entertainer of the Year, and both the W.A.M Stage Magician and the Close
Up Magician of the Year 2008. Dave is also a magical inventor and has
lectured to magicians across Europe and also in the USA, he also has 3
Magical DVDs which are sold worldwide.
Born in West London, PJ is now based in the Midlands and travels
extensively throughout the UK. In fact he has been known to take his
talents overseas as well. PJ has worked for many years on the Holiday
Park circuit, mainly on the south west coast of England. He has worked
in Family Resorts in Spain as well as venues in Russia & Sweden as well
as many great British institutions. PJ has a wealth of experience in the
Kid-show business which means he has much to offer in his Kidology
lecture.
Quentin Reynolds, born in Dublin, now lives in Manchester. In Britain
and in Ireland he is hailed as a skilled Children's Entertainer. One of
his early influences was the master of the genre, Eric Sharp. Eric was
not only an influence on Quentin's magic but also persuaded him to take
up Punch & Judy. Quentin gladly acknowledges his debt to Eric who has
always held Quentin in high regard as his most successful acolyte. As an
authority on the Sharp approach Quentin is uniquely qualified to
introduce us to Eric Sharp's contribution to Children's Magic.
Ian Thom, probably better known as Gingernutt the Clown, knows the value
of diversity. Ian has worked all over the world bringing laughter to
children. Earning a living solely as a children's entertainer is not
easy and the greater variety of entertainment you can offer to the
booker means the more likelihood of you being chosen from the
competition. Ian works also as Tofi the Clown and as Bigwig the Wizard.
He is an accomplished children's magician and also puppeteer. Ian, in
his mini-workshop will give many tips on how to perform as Santa, and
also how to offer and sell the service to bookers.
Puppetry is another allied art which can enhance the repertoire of the
magician working mainly for children. Children love puppets. Chris
Somerville will once again present a mini workshop on a particular
aspect of puppetry. This year he will concentrate on "50 Tricks a Puppet
Can Do!"
For full details and to book visit www.kidologyuk.co.uk. 1.3.14
International
Magic Convention registration deal... Just a few days remain to make
the most of International Magic Convention's offer to keep 2014
registration prices the same as in 2013. Noel Britten, co-organiser of
the Convention writes: "If you missed last year's Convention click on
the 'Watch Video' button
on this page to see some highlights from last year's Gala Show. If
you've never been to this highly anticipated event where some of the
world's greatest magical talent gathers in central London every
November, we'd love you to join us this year to attend a Convention
where no lectures or events overlap - so no need to make those 'which
will I miss decisions'. Top level AV facilities and the intimacy of the
venue allow perfect views for all events, only the best in magical
talent is booked and the whole event has a family and inclusive feel.
And don't just take the organisers word for it, last year one of the
many complimentary emails we received was the following from a highly
respected and experienced magician: 'I had to write to tell you what a
fabulous time I had at Ron's Day, plus the Thursday Card & Coin day at
the London Festival of Magic (WOW!), plus the Saturday Bar Magic event
and John Carney's one man show (double WOW!). I won't go on endlessly,
although I could. Sometimes I get a bit downbeat about what magic has
become, how its artistic potential is unrealised, and wonder why I don't
spend more time pursuing my other interests (art, music). Ron's Day, and
especially this past one, re-ignites my enthusiasm - the spirit at this
event is, as David Berglas said, unique.' So if you've never attended
before, sign up for this year's event and join Doc Eason, Bob Sheets,
Jonathan Pendragon, Tom Mullica amongst many other top names (many
making their first trip to a UK Convention) still to be announced - you
will not be disappointed!"
www.internationalmagic.com.
1.3.14
Danny
Cole UK Lecture Tour. UK Tour Manager Steve Gore writes: America's
Danny Cole arrives in the UK for his national lecture tour. He was twice
voted "Stage Magician of the Year" by the membership of the Magic Castle
in Hollywood and was a guest performer on Lance Burton's second network
TV special. Danny has consulted and created magic for other magicians
and has been a featured performer in Gala shows and variety theatres
around the world.
03/03/2014 Ulster
www.online-usm.com
05/03/2014 Leamington & Warwick
www.lawms.wordpress.com
06/03/2014 Nottingham Guild
www.thenottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk
07/03/2014 Liverpool Magic Circle
www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk
10/03/2014 The Magic Circle
www.themagiccircle.co.uk
11/03/2014 Northamptonshire
www.northamptonshiremagicians.com
12/03/2014 York
www.yorksocietyofmagicians.co.uk
13/03/2014 Hull
www.hullmc.org.uk
14/03/2014 Bradford
www.bradfordmagiccircle.co.uk
17/03/2014 Leicester
www.leicestermagiccircle.co.uk
18/03/2014 North Western Society
www.barrowmagic.co.uk
19/03/2014 Wolverhampton
www.wcm-magic.co.uk
25/03/2014 Newcastle
www.newcastle-magic-circle.org
26/03/2014 Zodiac Magical Society
www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk
27/03/2014 Surrey
www.surreymagic.org.uk
28/03/2014 Smoke & Mirrors (Show)
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk
29/03/2014 Smoke & Mirrors (Show)
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk
31/03/2014 Blackpool Magicians club
www.blackpoolmagic.com
01/04/2014 Manchester Circle of Magicians
www.taurusmagic.net/manchester.html.
1.3.14
Martin
S Taylor: The Hypnotist Who Doesn't Use Hypnosis – is lecturing at the
Watford Association of Magicians on Tuesday 4th March at 8pm. Martin
is one of the busiest stage hypnotists in the country - yet he doesn't
use hypnosis. He explains the psychology of his show before he takes any
volunteers on stage, but despite his insistence that there is no
hypnosis he still gets volunteers to hallucinate elephants, stick to the
floor, and speak fluent Martian. He will be explaining how a stage
hypnosis show works and recounting some of the bizarre things which have
happened to him in his career, including his consultancy work for Derren
Brown (it was Martin who originally inspired Derren to take up magic and
hypnosis) and his promotional work on horror films for Paramount
Pictures. Who knows, he may even demonstrate his skills on volunteers
from the audience - all without using hypnosis, of course! Guests are
welcome for a temporary membership fee of £10. Contact Julie Carpenter
juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk for venue details. Venue:
Bricket Wood Social Club, Oak Ave, Bricket Wood, AL2 3LQ (Map).
Also see
www.wamclub.co.uk and
www.hypnotism.co.uk.
1.3.14
Paul
Daniels: The First Farewell Tour - tonight!
"In the
world of television magic, no one has enjoyed more success than Paul
Daniels. From the moment he burst onto our screens, his magic shows have
topped the ratings. He is undoubtedly the most successful TV magician of
the 20th century, and has become a true magical legend. Come and see his
brand new show where he will perform a selection of his favorite magic
and a number of new tricks never performed in public before. He will be
joined by the very lovely Debbie McGee. A show full of magic, comedy and
amazement." March 1st The Jermyn Street
Theatre, London 0207 287 2875
www.jermynstreettheatre.co.uk "Full of fun and entertainment. As sharp as
ever. A must" ***** Whatsonstage.com.
1.3.14
Champions of Magic - tonight! 1st March, Mercury Theatre, Colchester, featuring David Penn, Pete Firman, Fay Presto and Edward Hilsum www.mercurytheatre.co.uk 01206 573948. "By popular demand - extra performance of Champions of Magic" Click Here. 1.3.14
Columbo: Now You See Him
is being screened at
1.50pm on Tuesday 11th March on ITV3.
Another feature-length outing for the shabby yet cunning LAPD detective.
During an evening of unusual entertainment, there is magic, illusion,
sleight of hand - and murder. Lt Columbo sets out to find out how the
crime was committed. See
TV Magic.
1.3.14
Wayne
Dobson The Definitive Collection. Magicseen is delighted to announce
the publication of Wayne Dobson's latest and greatest work entitled The
Definitive Collection. The book created a huge amount of interest at the
Blackpool Convention with a big stock being snapped up by Wayne's fans,
and the feedback on the book has been excellent. It should be noted that
this book is a limited edition print and that once the quota has been
sold, there will be no more. So if you want to get your hands on a
numbered copy of the 432 page, large size, hard backed book that
contains the very best of Wayne Dobson's creative magic output plus so
much more, you need to get your order in now. Magicseen is proud to be
the publisher of a book that is likely to be the publishing event of
2014. Details and orders are available from
www.magicseen.co.uk.
1.3.14
As the first of Peter Antoniou's
monthly one-man mind reading shows nears, a very limited number of half price tickets
are being made available. Head over to the
ticket page at
www.brownpapertickets.com/event/574968 and use the
discount code BANANAS to get 50% off. There are severely
limited numbers, so don't delay, once they are gone they are gone! For
more info about the shows or Peter himself visit
www.isyourmindsafe.com/shows.
1.3.14
Matt and Jimmy are Magic!
Jonathan Lucia-Wright writes: Matt has cerebral palsy and Jimmy is deafblind
(both deaf and blind). Matt and Jimmy live for magic. It gives them a
sense of achievement and they both love the attention it brings.
In 2003, Jimmy had no concept of magic at all, he had never even
heard of it. Since then he has discovered, adapted, learnt and
performed and is currently performing magic for the charity, Sense, as
part of their training. This has been a ten year journey – that many
people have helped with.
Jimmy has been to the Blackpool Magicians' Convention twice. Funding was
kindly donated by Uri Geller, The David Berglas Foundation, Derren
Brown, Beard Juggling and Kaymar Magic. This has given a wealth of
knowledge to Jimmy as he is able to feel and experience magic first
hand.
Being blind and deaf means there are many difficulties with accessing
and performing so we continually research and adapt.
In 2015 we plan to return to Blackpool with Jimmy and his friend Matt
plus support staff – 7 people in total, but we need help to make this
happen.
If you can help with funding and sponsorship please donate – the support
staff/interpreters will be giving their time for free. We are looking
for help with accessible accommodation, transport and entry tickets.
All donors/sponsors will be given a special mention on our website.
facebook.com/pages/Extreme-Clowning-Magic-Touch.
If you can help please contact
extremeclowning@hotmail.co.uk or
si@extremeclowning.co.uk.
www.extremeclowning.co.uk.
1.3.14
Magic
from Merlins. Merlins of Wakefield write: "We'd like to thank
everyone who called by our stand at Blackpool Magic Convention and made
it such a great weekend. We sold out of several items which are now back
in stock.
Mystic Wallet,
Cola Monte,
Sword Through Neck,
The Fallen,
Badlands Bob and
Jackpot Cards are all available now, and other items should be back
in stock over the next few weeks. We will be at the South Tyneside Magic
Convention on 14th and 15th March so if you would like anything taking
just get in touch. Tel 01924 339933 or email
merlins@btconnect.com."
1.3.14
News
from The Society of American Magicians: "The President of The
Society of American Magicians, Dal Sanders, visited The Magic Circle on
his way home from the Blackpool Convention and invited magician Mandy
Davis MIMC to the stage before the club’s weekly event. He told the
gathered audience: 'One of the great privileges of being The President
of The Society of American Magicians is to recognize deserving
colleagues and to award them with a Presidential Citation. Mandy Davis
certainly deserves recognition. She is the S.A.M. International Deputy
for the United Kingdom, Liaison to The Magic Circle and a National
Council Member. She has also helped out our Society of Young Magicians
by working with the kids on their W.O.W. Weekend (Weekend of Wonder). I
thank Mandy for all of the great work she does and congratulate her for
receiving this Presidential Citation…the highest award offered by the
S.A.M.’ Mandy was totally surprised and is very proud to have been
honoured in this way."
1.3.14
Blackpool
Big Seller! Mark Leveridge Magic's biggest seller last weekend was
one of the new releases called Safety Catch. This is a walkabout effect
in which a borrowed watch is threaded over both strands of a tied loop
of rope. Then it visibly penetrates the rope so that it is left hanging
on the loop itself and the rope needs to be untied in order to release
the watch. This quick trick looks great and comes with DVD instructions
and the necessary rope. A second new release is also available called A
Cup, A Ball, A Wand which enables you to do a Chop Cup style routine but
with a regular mug or cup. Watch dems of both of these new effects now
at
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
1.3.14
Alex
McAleer aka. Alex the Mind Reader will be lecturing at the Ipswich
Magical Society on Monday March 3rd. Alex is fast becoming one of the
most successful working mentalists in the UK and if you have ever seen
him perform you would know why. He makes mentalism fun, entertaining and
at the same time incredible. Visiting magicians are very welcome (there
will be a £10 fee). For more information contact
secretary@ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk. Also see
www.alexthemindreader.com.
1.3.14
Five
things I can't live without: Paul Daniels on magic, spare rooms and his
wife. "When I was a boy I was given this incredible book called
Greater Magic: a Practical Treatise on Modern Magic by John Northern
Hilliard. The opening sentence read: 'In the beginning there was magic'
and from that moment on I was completely hooked. It’s an impressive tome
and it includes every kind of magical trick you could imagine. I still
dip into it every now and then and even for a seasoned magician like me
it provides endless inspiration..." To read Lucy Benyon's full article
in the Express
Click Here.
1.3.14
MagicWorld.co.uk
made their debut appearance at the Blackpool Magic Convention 2014
and write: "Many thanks to Harry Robson and everyone who supported us
and for our loyal customers. We gave away £250 in a massive giveaway and
even sold our Houdini Milk Can Escape which was extremely rare! See you
next year and check out our
magic shop in
the meantime. Also our Personalised Bicycle Playing Cards official
website has now been launched at:
www.personalisedbicyclecards.com." Also see
www.magicworld.co.uk.
1.3.14
Magic Night at Madame
JoJo's - London,
Friday, March 21st: "Anarchic tricky trio The Colour Ham join us at
Magic Night. Wrestling, Séance, Choreography and Bonnie Tyler all
wrapped up in mentalism and magic! You know that place where the sun
doesn’t shine? Well Wendy Watts will show you that the light of magic
can come from the most unusual places whilst Stu Turner tells tall
magical stories about love and crime and bombshell Lady Carol covers
songs on her uke with her whisky and smoke rich voice. All expertly
presided over by mighty sorcerer Neil Henry." 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.
1.3.14
3SM,
The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians, held its annual
close-up competition just before the Blackpool convention. Ian Brennan
writes: There was a wide range of entrants and lots of guests, both
magicians and non magicians, came to be entertained. Visitors commented
on the high overall standard of magic. The room, set out like a banquet,
was buzzing with excitement as the acts visited each table. Scott
Whitney won first place in the proceedings bringing light hearted
entertainment to every table. He used his well practiced wit to ensure
people were laughing and having a great time while he bamboozled them
with a range of classic and modern close-up effects. Congratulations to
Scott and well done to all the other contestants who took part. If you
are looking to join a magic club in the Staffordshire area visit us at
www.3sm.org.uk where
you can find out more.
1.3.14
Steve
Gore lecture tour. Sheffield Circle of Magicians (6th March) and
Manchester Circle of Magicians (17th March) have been added to Steve's
current lecture tour dates. See
What's On for lecture
details and other club dates.
1.3.14
Two
day Balloon Care & Share Fun Day. Graham Lee writes: Two day Balloon
Care & Share Fun Day with Daniel McCullough and Graham Lee on Tuesday
25th with two lectures each, with David Crofts as the Star Lecture on
Wednesday 26th March which will be filmed for club members. David was
the star on the Sky TV show, Ballooniville that had a 24 week
run. More about David at
www.balloonanimal.co.uk. The days are free for Balloon Artistes
Guild Members or you can pay for each individual day. For more info
visit
www.qualatexballoons.co.uk.
1.3.14
Filming
for short magical comedy film 'The Bullet Catch' is set to start in
Swansea on the 10th March: "The Marvelous Martin and his assistant Jenny
make the entirely logical decision to modernise their routine by
performing the most dangerous trick of Victorian times; The Bullet
Catch. The film is all about the joy of magic in all its forms and we've
been working closely with the local magic community through our research
and are promoting them on our various social media platforms. To make
the film as good as it can be we're really working hard to meet our goal
on Kickstarter and any support, no matter how small, would be much
appreciated. You can find out more here:
www.kickstarter.com." Xanthe Young.
1.3.14
"David
Blaine interview: Just how does he do it?"
Click Here • "Mind-blowing tricks at magic festival"
Click Here • "Q&A with Mac King"
Click Here • "Naked Magicians produce raw illusions"
Click Here • "Work Experience: Our reporter tries her hand as a magician"
Click Here • Anthony Owen’s Psycho Quiz Prediction is reviewed by
Marc Kerstein this week,
Click Here • "Review: Derren Brown, Infamous, the Ipswich Regent, to March
1"
Click Here • "Magician-turned-BJP nominee PC Sorcar Junior wants to make
'bad politicians' disappear"
Click Here • "Life of a French illusionist and filmmaker to be retold
through puppetry performance at Mansfield's Create Theatre"
Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK magic news is always
welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
1.3.14