Number 756 - 20th December 2014
MagicFest
2015 Dates Announced! The Sixth edition of the Magic Festival will take
place in Edinburgh from the 26th June – 4th July 2015. Tickets for Gala and
Magic Workshops are now on sale. From the organisers: MagicFest 2014 is now
over. Thanks to everyone who supported this year’s festival. With over 5000
admissions at our ticketed events and an additional 3000 attending our free
outdoor events, this festival was our biggest and most successful yet. MagicFest
is a new addition to the programme of Edinburgh Festivals designed to bring back
to the stage amazing, live, magic shows, which are rarely available for the
general public these days, and let audiences rediscover seldom experienced
states of awe and wonderment. We continue to look for and develop amazing,
magical events and exhibitions. Find out what’s on at this year's Edinburgh
International Magic Festival:
www.magicfest.co.uk/whats-on.
20.12.14
The
Session 2015. January 10th & 11th, Cheltenham. The UK's only
close-up magic convention. The Session is a conference for serious
close-up magicians. Based in the regency spa town of Cheltenham, you'll
learn the true secrets of performing amazing close-up magic from some of
the best in the industry. This year's line-up features: Daniel Madison,
Juan Tamariz, Asi Wind, Michael Weber, Peter Clifford, Luke Jermay, Andi
Gladwin, Joshua Jay, Boris Wild and Roberto Giobbi. With a variety of
workshops, lectures, parties and plenty of time to session (of course),
it's no wonder that The Session has sold out every single year. With
one-off events and lectures designed specifically for this event, The
Session is not just a conference; it is a learning experience like no
other in magic. Visit
www.sessionconvention.com.
20.12.14
Become
a Member of The Magic Circle: "Membership of The Magic Circle gives one the
right to enjoy the facilities of the finest magic club headquarters in
the world. There is the Club Room, with a drinks and refreshments bar,
where one can meet and entertain fellow magicians in comfort. The
Library houses over 6000 magic books for loan or reference. The Museum
holds a fascinating collection of magical artefacts and houses the
finest collection of magic posters in the UK, possibly the world. The
beautiful Devant Room is the perfect space for showing the latest tricks
and moves to one’s peers. The Magic Circle Theatre offers performers and
lecturers an ideal environment to complement their work, supported by an
expert team of technicians using the latest hi-tech equipment. All
members receive the acclaimed full colour monthly magazine, the Magic
Circular, which provides news, reviews and articles on history,
performers and magical effects for members only. Regular lectures by the
world’s finest lecturers, the opportunity to meet and discuss magic with
the world’s finest magicians, and the hands-on tuition provided by the
ever-popular Summer School, ensure that you will continue to improve
your magical ability. As a member you will gain the opportunity to take
part in prestigious competitions and attend additional events." For details (including a video
presentation) visit:
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us. (Note: There are six pages of
membership information; see links on the left hand side of The Magic
Circle's website).
20.12.14
Darcy Oake: Edge of Reality, Saturday 27th December on
ITV. "Christine Bleakley presents a magic special
starring illusionist Darcy Oake. Recorded before a live theatre audience, it is
an evening of breathtaking, logic-defying, spectacular illusions in the grand
old tradition of stage magic. Prepare to be amazed as Darcy promises three
things: some things you will have never seen before, some things you will never
see again and some things you will have to see to believe." See
TV Magic. "Life's an illusion
for Darcy Oake."
Click
Here.
20.12.14
Rob
James talks magic (and doughnuts) this week in Richard Young's latest
Magicians' Podcast.
Last week Rob was featured in a Sky News report on Christmas pickpockets,
offering advice for shoppers on how to keep their belongings safe: (scroll to
"Video: Is Your Bag Safe?")
www.news.sky.com.
20.12.14
MAGIC -
The five-part BBC series on the evolution of magic is being repeated on
Watch this week, with the first episode being shown this
evening (at
1.50am). The Dream of Flight, the Indian Rope Trick and how magic becomes big
business.
In 1847 the great French Magician Robert Houdin performed an illusion
called The Ethereal Suspension – where he magically levitated his own son.
From the ancient legend of Icarus man has always wanted to fly and
magicians were now able to make this dream come true. Robert-Houdin was
inspired by reports from India which suggested that holy men there could
float on air, and so began Magic's fascination with the Mystic East.
This programme includes rare archive footage of faked demonstrations of
the Indian Rope Trick, beautiful reconstructions of some of the greatest
levitations ever performed in Magic's Golden Age, the tragic story of The
Great Lafayette – the magician most hated by other magicians - who died in
a fire trying to protect his secrets, and never before seen footage of
Chung Ling Soo – the magician's favourite magician. See
TV Magic for listings.
20.12.14
Chris
Wood's lecture Subtleties, Subterfuge and Simplicity now booking for 2015.
Chris is an accomplished performer who runs The Magic Circle Close-Up shows and
you will invariably find him on a Monday night in the club room, sharing and
refining presentations for effects. His lecture covers the why as well as
the how behind some of the routines from his working repertoire. "...a
master-class in presentation and misdirection." Bexleyheath Magic Society.
"...one of those rare magicians who can truly deliver a lecture... there was
some superb magic to be seen... It was no wonder at the end of the evening he
received a long ovation." British Magical Society. "...we were treated to
a Master Class lecture by Chris Wood" Ilford Magic Society. "His
presentations are always thoughtful and pleasing to watch. Add to this the fact
that he nearly always fools me and you’ll understand why I love watching Chris
perform so much." Nick Einhorn. Visit the
Lecturers page for more
information and booking enquiries.
20.12.14
The
Chester Guild of Magicians and Simon South present: The Porthole of Opportunity.
"Come and see Chester's best close-up magicians and the club's current Stage
Magician of the Year perform for your entertainment on this incredible evening
of fun, frolics and laughs! The Chester Guild of Magicians is an association
that has been helping to produce some of the best magicians in the North West
for over 50 years. They're a mixture of magic enthusiasts ranging from full-time
entertainers through to amateur performers who are all united in their love of
magic. Simon South is an award-winning comedy magician with three Edinburgh
Fringe Festivals under his belt. From Saudi Arabia to Scotland, Simon has
performed around the world with his unique brand of magic that will amaze and
astound, and will undoubtedly be an act you will not forget in a hurry! Start
your Christmas celebrations with a bang, book your tickets for this incredible
event now!" Sunday 21st December. Venue: Alexanders Jazz Theatre, Chester. Tickets £8 in advance, £10
on the door. Ticket hotline: 01244 340 005. Doors 7.30pm.
20.12.14
A
Message from the Magi. The President (Dave Magee), Council and Members of
The Order of The Magi wish magicians, their families and friends everywhere,
peace and happiness over the festive season. Let’s Keep Magic Alive in 2-0-1-5.
May your magic continue to flourish, your knowledge be increased and success be
something you gain. The Magi normally meets twice a month at the Irish World
Heritage Centre in Manchester where new members are welcome. For details of the
society please see
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk or contact Mike Sharples
secretary@orderofthemagi.org.uk.
Geoffrey Newton PRO.
20.12.14
Merlins
of Wakefield would like to wish all their customers a Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year. To celebrate, they are having a special Jay Sankey DVD Sale on
these selected releases:
Sleight Of Hand With Cards,
Best Card Magic,
Ilink, and
Revolutionary Coin Magic. You can order any one for £10, any two for £18,
any three for £25 or all four for just £30 + postage. If you just want one title
order online, or for more that one, call them on 01924 339933 and they will be
happy to take your order. The offer is on until 31st December 2014, subject to
availability.
20.12.14
IBM
British Ring Season’s Greetings. The Astras, (Barbara and Alan) send
Season’s Greetings to Magicians, their friends and families throughout the world
and also wish you all a very successful 2015. IBM British Ring President Alan
Astra said “I look forward to meeting many of you at the dinner we will be
hosting on Saturday 25th April 2015 at the Cromwell Hotel in Old Town,
Stevenage. Tickets are at the special price of £45 if purchased before 1st
January 2015. How’s that for a Christmas treat? They will be £50 after that
date. This event has all the makings of a very successful evening. Please
contact us on 01438 722001 for further details and preferential hotel
accommodation rates.” The next British Ring convention is from 24th - 27th
September 2015 in Eastbourne and details are on
www.magicconvention.co.uk. This website is updated as further information
becomes available and membership details are on
www.britishring.org.uk.
Geoffrey Newton PRO.
20.12.14
The
TwinsFX planned and manufactured special effects for over 30 pantomimes and
musicals this year, helping to break box-office records in Christmas productions
across the UK. The creative team have been working hard on some major new
projects 2015 including a full sized T Rex that’s so real, the audience will be
gripped with fear, as well as a truly enchanting flying Santa’s sleigh, along
with Rudolph, which spins upside down! See
www.thetwinsfx.com for
more.
20.12.14
Magic
in the Moonlight. "Woody Allen writes and directs this romantic comedy
starring Colin Firth and Emma Stone. In the 1920s, English magician and
illusionist Stanley Crawford (Firth), who on stage masquerades as Chinese
conjuror Wei Ling Soo, travels to the French Riviera where he attempts to expose
the secrets of spirit medium Sophie Baker (Stone). Sophie is suspected of
exploiting the wealthy Catledge family and Stanley finds her staying in their
home, having been invited there by Grace Catledge (Jacki Weaver), who wants the
clairvoyant's help in contacting her deceased husband. Though he is initially
certain she is a fraud, the more time Stanley spends with Sophie, the more he
begins to believe she might be genuine. The cast also includes Marcia Gay
Harden, Eileen Atkins and Simon McBurney." The DVD will be released on February
2nd 2015, pre-order via Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
20.12.14
Alan Wright, 1924 - 2014. Alan Wright, once a magical manufacturer for The Supreme Magic Company, passed away peacefully on Monday 1st December at his home in Poole, Dorset. He was in his 90's and was a long-standing member of British Ring 25 of the IBM. Alan was a skilled metal worker, and over four decades manufactured a great many items in metal for the company, including his improved version of Run Rabbit Run. He and his wife Joan often travelled from Dorset to Bideford in Devon to deliver quantities of his metalwork and it was always a great pleasure to meet up with him in particular - a very kind and gentle man. He will be greatly missed by family and friends. Ian Adair. 20.12.14
"Behind
The Scenes Of Our Magical Christmas Shoot With Dynamo"
Click Here • "Peter Clifford's Magical Mythologies at the Tobacco
Factory"
Click Here • "Forensic mind reader is guest speaker for awards"
Click Here • "Looking ace! Daisy Lowe parades her curves in
figure-hugging black gown... before entertaining guests with card trick
at the British Comedy Awards"
Click Here • "Apparently Weird Al Does Magic Now"
Click Here • "Scientists Unveil the Secrets of Visual Attention"
Click Here • "How Justin Willman Turned Himself Into a Comedy
Magician"
Click Here • "International Magic Festival"
Click Here • "Magic’s Theater & Museum"
Click Here • "Weekly Q&A: Amid protests and backlash, magician Dirk
Arthur brings big cats back"
Click Here • "Conjuror has cheering up patients up his sleeve"
Click Here • "Magicians stage effort to restore Houdini’s grave"
Click Here • "New straitjacket world record set in Branson"
Click Here • "Celebrity Big Brother: Darcy Oake says 'I think I'd do
really well or be voted off straight away'"
Click Here • "David Meade: Million Dollar Bet is biggest gamble
of my career"
Click Here.
20.12.14
Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers, worldwide!
It's been another full year of magic here in the UK, with live theatre magic set
to really take off in 2015. In March, the ever-brilliant Derren
Brown embarks on a five-month nationwide tour with his all-new show,
'Miracles', directed by Andy Nyman and Andrew O'Connor (tickets);
Britain's Got Talent finalist, Darcy Oake will take his theatre show on tour in September (tickets);
and, in October, Dynamo is set to make his big-stage debut, touring the
largest venues in the country, a number of which have already sold out! (tickets). Three contrasting
performers, all set to do record business. Thanks to everyone who submitted magic news, reviews,
reports, photos and all sorts throughout the year. Thank you for reading
MagicWeek every week, and thanks to all our
magic dealer advertisers.
Big thanks also to Chris North for keeping an eye on my terrible typos.
Merry Christmas and very best wishes for 2015, from the MagicWeek team:
Duncan, Keiko, Amelia and Louis.
20.12.14