Number 726 - 24th May 2014

 

Derren Brown, Theatre Royal, Nottingham. "With my hand on my heart I can say without a shadow of a doubt that I have never seen an act as jaw-droppingly brilliant as Derren Brown. I don’t want this review to be some kind of gushing overture to a man I believe to be a certifiable genius, but I do want to encourage you to witness this phenomenal entertainer for yourself at some point in his career..." Read Joel Wainwright's full review in the Nottingham Post, Click Here. Joel Wainwright isn't wrong, Derren's live theatre shows are simply brilliant. Make sure you see him on his current tour; see What's On. "10 Epic Lessons Derren Brown Taught Us About Life" Click Here. 24.5.14

 

Troy v Tricked... Broadcast Digital Awards 2014 – shortlist revealed. The complete shortlist for the Broadcast Digital Awards 2014 has been revealed ahead of next month’s ceremony. The list of nominees includes two magic related shows, Troy and Tricked, in the 'Best Entertainment Programme' category. In Troy (Zig Zag Productions) 'real world' magician Troy presents 'TV world' magic (Paul Cooke was the magic producer for Troy). In Tricked (ITV Studios) trickster Ben Hanlin cleverly mixes candid camera type stunts with tricks (Nigel Mead and Martyn Rowland are the writers and magic producers for Tricked). Celebrating its tenth year, the Broadcast Digital Awards will be held at The Brewery in the City of London on 25th June. Click Here for a complete list of nominees. Last week we reported that both Dynamo: Magician Impossible and Derren Brown: The Great Art Robbery had both been nominated for a BAFTA in 'Television: Entertainment Programme 2014'. Ant & Dec’s Saturday Night Takeaway was the eventual winner, however being nominated is of course, in itself, a great achievement and very good news for magic in general. DT. 24.5.14

 

Announcing Trix in the Stix 2015! From the organisers: Yes, you read that correctly: 2015. Trix 2014 – a convention for children’s entertainers - has only just happened, but here are the details of next year’s event, held once again at Lion Quays, in the beautiful Shropshire countryside near Oswestry. Dates for 2015 are Monday, May 18th and Tuesday, May 19th. We have two headline lecturers: firstly, from the US, we have Mike Bent (pictured). Mike is one of the funniest performers and most original thinkers in the field of children’s entertaining, so we’re delighted to have this exclusive lecture. Secondly, we have the remarkable Mel Mellers. Most people know Mel for his stand-up comedy, but Mel was also a highly experienced and successful children’s entertainer. His lecture will be another exclusive. In addition to the lectures, there will be four Power Presentations, lots of dealers, a live Fireside Chat, a Monday night cabaret and late night show and a stack of surprises! All for £35.00! The last two Trix both sold out (the 2014 event sold out 10 months early) so we expect registrations to be at a premium. You can keep up to date with everything about Trix in the Stix by asking to join the Trix Facebook page: facebook.com/groups/trixinthestix. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday 29th May 2014 at 11am on the Practical Magic website. If you don’t get a place…don’t despair! We have operated a very effective Waiting List for the past two years which has seen almost everyone on it manage to attend the event. Full details on Practical Magic’s website: www.practical-magic.com. 24.5.14

 

Bruno Copin UK Lecture Tour - June 2014. UK tour manager Steve Gore writes: Bruno is an amazing creator of magic, famous for his invisible thread work. He is touring the UK between the 2nd - 19th June with his lecture titled "It's really full" and this is a rare treat. Bruno has recorded a special welcome message for his UK tour Click Here. Bruno Copin could be described as a magical puppeteer. His work with threads is both original and unusual, akin to stories played out on the tabletop with cards, cigarettes and other objects. His routines feature truly magical moments that will have you shaking your head in wonder. He will present his best creations, the fruit of 30 years of invisible thread research. This is an original and little known subject. He has created a gimmick which allows impromptu and secure use of invisible thread! He will also deal with a very important topic, and ask: "How do we give meaning to our magic?" Whether you prefer coins, cards, mentalism or levitation, there is something for everybody in this exceptional lecture. Bruno has lectured for the FFFF convention, the Essential Magic Convention, and just recently, at the Shenanigans convention. He also can offer masterclasses if your club or a few of your friends are interested. Email tours@stevegore.co.uk for details. www.bruno-copin.com/en.

Tour dates:

2nd June Manchester Circle of Magicians www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk 
3rd June Blackpool Magicians Club www.blackpoolmagic.com
4th June South Downs Magicians Club www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk
5th June Sheffield Circle of Magicians sheffieldcircleofmagicians.wordpress.com
6th June Bradford Magic Circle www.bradfordmagiccircle.co.uk
9th June Newcastle Magic Circle www.newcastle-magic-circle.org
10th June British Magical Society www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk
12th June Liverpool Magic Circle www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk
16th June The Magic Circle www.themagiccircle.co.uk (members only)
17th June Northamptonshire Magicians Club www.northamptonshiremagicians.com
18th June Zodiac Magical Society www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk
19th June The Surrey Society of Magicians www.surreymagic.co.uk.
24.5.14

 

The first of five Britain's Got Talent live semi-finals can be seen this Monday at 7.30pm on ITV. Canadian magician Darcy Oake (23 million YouTube hits and counting!), who so impressed with his dove act a few weeks ago turns his hand to illusion on Monday evening, in a bid to make it through to the Grand Final on Saturday, 7th June. 24.5.14

 

Urban Voodoo Club. Jay George writes: With only 1 week to go, tickets are going fast for next week's return of Urban Voodoo Club. After the success of April's sold out show, the club returns to The Adelphi in Leeds on May 29th at 7.30pm, for another night of wonder, amazing magic and daredevil feats. This month's line up: Harrison Richards - masterful mind reading; Peter Turner - mentalism for the modern world; Phil Knoxville - stand up comedy and twisted magic; Chris Clarke - cool and crafty conjuring. Tickets are £7 in advance or £10 on the door from: www.wegottickets.com/urbanvoodooclub. Venue: The Adelphi, 3-5 Hunslet Road, Leeds LS10 1JQ (Map) www.urbanvoodooclub.co.uk twitter.com/urbanvoodooclub www.facebook.com/uvcmagic. 24.5.14

 

Gary Jones - Bolton Magicians' Club lecture. Bolton Magician's Club is delighted to host, the Exeter magician, Gary Jones AIMC who will be presenting his lecture on Wednesday 28th May 2014 at 8.30pm. Gary's lecture will include effects from close-up to stand up to parlour. 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. 24.5.14

 

The Peek Magic Reviews. A brand new Magic Product Review website, The Peek, has just launched. Lots of new reviews will be added weekly as well as lots of other cool magic related stuff. Over the coming weeks regular competitions will start where subscribers will be able to win lots of the products featured on the site. Don't miss out on a single review/blog post by subscribing - it's free! www.thepeek.co.uk. 24.5.14

 

The Business Magician Seminar. Just 4 weeks to go now until Mark Leveridge will be presenting his special session on how close-up performers can branch out and get paid work by offering their skills to local businesses. Mark will be explaining what the opportunities are for working with companies outside of general social events and how you can get to the people you need to speak to, to be engaged for this type of work. Mark will also perform and explain a range of appropriate magic for you to learn and deploy. Mark has much experience in this field and will provide a full afternoon session that will inspire and prepare you to take on this type of work. The small group nature of this Seminar will enable all attendees to ask questions and to ensure that everyone gets the maximum benefit from the event. The Business Magician Seminar takes place on Saturday 21st June at the comfortable Hilton Newbury Centre Hotel, starting at 2pm and finishing at around 6pm. For more info and to register (advance registration required, no entry on the door), visit www.markleveridge.co.uk/busmagsem.php. 24.5.14

 

Morgan & West: Parlour Tricks, Oxford. Time travelling magic duo Morgan & West present a brand new show chock full of jaw dropping, brain bursting, gasp eliciting feats of magic. The dashing chaps offer up a plateful of illusion and impossibility, all served with wit, charm and no small amount of panache. Be sure to wear a hat Morgan & West might just blow your mind. This is the premier of Morgan & West's brand new show - Parlour Tricks - as part of the Oxford Fringe 2014. Saturday, May 31st, 2.30pm and 7pm, Arts at the Old Fire Station, George Street, Oxford OX1 2AQ (Map). www.morganandwest.co.uk. 24.5.14

 

Brett Sherwood was recently honored with the ‘Entertainer of the Year Award’ from the six-star, ultra-deluxe Silversea cruise line, considered to be the finest cruise line in the world. The award was presented to Master Magician Brett Sherwood by the captain of Silver Spirit (photo). Brett writes: “I was astonished to receive this award, because traditionally these top awards are always presented to classical musicians, West End and/or Broadway singers, but never to the conjurer. To be the first in their history to ever receive this award was truly an honor! Receiving this award is like breaking through some invisible barrier and finally being positioned amongst the patronized arts. I have worked diligently my entire career in an attempt to continually elevate magic’s perception. We cannot expect others to respect us or our magic if we do not treat others with respect on stage or present our magic as a dignified art form worthy of respect. I truly value the vote of confidence from the Silversea audiences." 24.5.14

 

Escapologist Wanted for The Gadget Show: The Gadget Show is looking for an escape artist with their own escapology tank (the bigger the tank the better) to appear on our show which we're filming around the 23rd to 25th June, would be a day's work. The artist would need to perform an escape in the tank and then grab some submerged gadgets from the bottom of the tank and check to see how they've faired. If you're interested and want more info please contact Graham at graham.borrajo@northonetv.com. 24.5.14

 

The Pentacle Club hosts 'An Evening with George Kovari Jr'. Alan Maskell writes: In a change to the programme, on Tuesday 27th May, The Pentacle Club hosts 'An Evening with George Kovari Jr.' George will be talking about the magic and the history of the Kovari family and will be demonstrating and selling the tricks that have made the name famous. The evening starts at 8pm, (doors open from 7.40pm), and is at St Laurence's School, Arbury Road, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map). Visiting magicians are welcome; there is a charge of £10 for non-members. 24.5.14

 

Big Box Bundles already popular! One week after their release, Mark Leveridge Magic's Big Box Bundles have proved a real draw for magicians, with the card magic selection almost selling out. One purchaser, Aidan Heritage, who placed his order almost as soon as the Bundles became available, wrote: "Fantastic service as always Mark. You know when to make offers - I was looking for stuff to take away to learn whilst on holiday and you go and offer bumper bundles of goodies at great prices. That's my holiday reading sorted then!" There are now less than 7 days remaining for you to get a Big Box Bundle of your own, but there is currently still a choice of Bundles of card magic, money effects, kids' products, books, DVDs and brass effects. Each Bundle gets you a big discount on the combined value of the included products, but if you don't complete your purchase by midnight on Friday 30th May 2014, you'll be too late, as the contents of any remaining Bundles will be unpacked and sold again at their normal full prices. Order your Big Box Bundle now from www.markleveridge.co.uk/bundles.php. 24.5.14

 

Oliver Meech: When Magic & Science Collide 2.0 - Oxford Fringe. Friday 30th May at 7pm and Saturday 31st May at 4pm. Oliver's sell-out smash comes to the Oxford Fringe. Expect amazing tricks inspired by astounding science, in a comedy magic show for the QI generation. It's the natural selection! ‘My jaw hit the floor’ BBC. ‘Could rival Derren Brown’ Theatre-Wales.co.uk. The Old Fire Station, George Street, Oxford OX1 2AQ (Map). Tickets and info: www.oldfirestation.org.uk. 24.5.14

 

Merlins of Wakefield have just released dates for their summer workshops. There are three different types of workshop: a beginners for adults, a beginners for children and a more advanced one for adults. These all take place above the shop in their Magic Museum/Club room, and places are limited. For further information and booking details contact Merlins by email merlins@btconnect.com or call them on 01924 339933. Merlins celebrate the start of summer with some great deals in their ‘Flaming June’ offers, so keep checking their website throughout June for details! www.merlinswakefield.com. 24.5.14

 

Magicbox partner, creator and mentalist Michael Murray has developed a small website to house all of his latest creations in one place. The site includes information on the history and development of his effects and a whole lot more. See: www.mindfx.co.uk. 24.5.14

 

50 years of service! At the Perth Magic Circle A.G.M. held last week, the final act for the out-going President, Angus McGregor was to present club secretary Adrian Harris with a framed certificate to mark his 50 years membership of the club. The certificate reads "In recognition of 50 years of commitment and excellent service to Perth Magic Circle". Adrian has been the clubs Hon. Secretary for more than 30 years and has helped organise many of the events sponsored by the club over the years. Other committee members elected were President James Boyd, Vice-President Iain Ross, Hon. Treasurer Alastair Cowe and committee members Phil Sharp and Angus McGregor. The club closes during the summer months and starts up again in September, but any visiting magicians to Perth are cordially invited to visit the club members. Seven of the club members are presenting a Family Magic Show tonight at 7.30pm in Monikie Hall, Angus. (Tickets available at the door). 24.5.14

 

Magicians at the Half Moon, Bishop's Stortford. Andy Clockwise writes: On Friday 30th May, Magician and Centre Parc favourite, Oliver Graham is back by popular demand at "Magicians at the Half Moon" along with compere and show producer Martin Cox and a new performer to the Half Moon, Comedy Magician & Balloon Modeller, (famed for his performance on Britain's Got Talent with his appearance getting over 230,000 hits on YouTube) Alan Taylor. This is going to be another not to be missed night with doors opening at 7.30pm, showtime 8pm. Half Moon, 31 North Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD (Map). Entry is still £10 and you can reserve your ticket by calling Martin on 01279 659562 or take a chance and pay on the door. For more information see www.halfmoonmagic.co.uk." 24.5.14

 

Wayne Goodman Lecture - Derby Magic Circle. Paul Sharp, President of Derby Magic Circle writes: Wayne Goodman lectures for the Derby Magic Circle on Wednesday, 28th May, at Breadsall Village Hall, Derby. Doors open at 7.30pm, ready to start at 8pm. Wayne's lecture is based on creative thinking, he says 'I do a lot of card magic and most of my commercial releases have been card effects, however I am also a stage magician and will incorporate that into my lecture. I teach a few unique concepts such as my lean principle and my thoughts on the thought process.' Wayne has previously lectured for: MEMS, Ipswich Magic Society, The Cambridge Pentacle Club, The Devon Magic Circle (twice), the Northern Magic Circle Convention, MOFBUK Convention, The Northern Magic Circle Junior Day, The British Magical Society and many more. His commercial effects include: ASBO, ASBO 2.0, Lord of the Bling, Look Sharp, Marked, as well as authoring: The Comedy Magicians Joke File 1 & 2, The Art of Attraction, Avoiding the Sting, and The Definitive Guide to Restaurant Magic. Visiting magicians are very welcome at Derby. There is a small fee payable on the night. Please contact our secretary Allan Humphries on 01889 590 975 prior to attending. For more information about our programme for the remainder of the year please visit www.derbymagiccircle.com. 24.5.14

 

John Styles's Punch & Judy show was featured in BBC TV's Chelsea Flower Show coverage last week. He will be performing close-up magic at London's Cafe de Paris this Monday. 24.5.14

 

Mel's Magic... When Mel Harvey was cruising at Christmas the comments after his comedy and magic shows were "very Tommy Cooper". So last week when he was re-booked to perform on a Baltic Cities Cruise he decided to add a "Tribute to Tommy" to his second shows. Passenger comments following the shows were very positive resulting in further bookings. Mel will be appearing at the forthcoming I.B.M. Convention in Bournemouth (24th to 28th September) in both the after banquet show and Sooty's Magic Show. Mel and Sooty are old friends since Mel worked with Harry Corbett as his support act on tour and on Thames Television. 24.5.14

 

Help the Hocus Pocus Project! "We're a nonprofit organization that teaches magic to all kinds of children and adults, including those in hospitals and detention centers. Since 2007 we've empowered by teaching magic in New York City at children's hospitals, veterans' hospitals, community centers and the juvenile detention system. It's empowering for everyone involved, both our teachers and our students. The teaching of magic is unique as it allows new students to immediately (in one hour or less) demonstrate that they now have magic powers! Whether it's a sick child or a veteran, magic is a powerful tool! Our teachers are all professional magicians and are considered the best in the world. In one lesson from them our students become real apprentice magicians who can now amaze their friends and family." Click Here to find out how you can help. 24.5.14

 

Derren Brown and film composer Hans Zimmer get together to discuss their childhoods, careers and rise to fame in 'Living the Life' on Wednesday 4th June on Sky Arts 1, see TV Magic. 24.5.14

 

"Gogglebox, Dynamo, Keith Lemon for Edinburgh TV Festival masterclasses" Click Here • "Rodd Hogg accepted into Magic Circle" Click Here • "Teenage magician Jordan Still to show magical skills in Truro" Click Here • Blackpool Magicians Club President's Dinner is reported by Elizabeth Warlock Click Here • The Pentacle Club’s 95th Year Annual Dinner is reported by Chris Wardle, Click Here • Al Smith reviews Chris Wardle's Maths Tricks and Number Magic, Click Here • "Penn and Teller: 'We compare death threats with Richard Dawkins'" Click Here • "'She's a visionary and a vision!' Emma Stone conjures up feelings for Colin Firth in the trailer for Woody Allen's Magic In The Moonlight" Click Here • "Mentalist Ben is all set to boggle everyone's mind" Click Here • "Meet the conjurers of Michael Jackson's ghost" Click Here • "Evening of cabaret this weekend at the Lantern Theatre" Click Here • "Magic man Jack opens shop after ship tragedy" Click Here • "Magic night at the Ashmolean has visitors spellbound" Click Here • "‘Optical illusions’–right at Ayala Triangle– can keep you fit" Click Here • "Could it be magic? Ben is bringing his tour to town" Click Here • That's about it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 24.5.14

 

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