Number 760 - 17th January 2015
London Presents
'An intimate evening with Guy Hollingworth'. Wednesday 21st January,
6pm-10.30pm at the Hippodrome Casino, London: "Laura London hosts a series of unique lectures and workshops at the Hippodrome
Casino, bringing you the best sleight of hand artists, magicians and industry
consultants to talk intimately about what they do and teach you what they know.
Starting with a drinks and canapé reception followed by a lecture and Q&A,
London Presents is incredibly proud to host an evening with one of the most
celebrated and talented sleight of hand artists in the world today, Guy
Hollingworth.
Guy rarely does lectures, although now a full-time barrister specialising in
intellectual property law, Guy still performs his highly original yet
traditional style of card conjuring for exclusive private gatherings and at
occasional conjuring conventions."
This event is limited to just 15 guests and is nearly sold out. For full
information and to purchase one of the last remaining tickets, see
www.laura.london/LondonPresents.
17.1.15
Blackpool Magicians Convention registrations
are at record levels this year, with many registrants attending for the first
time. Ii is going to sell-out. The organisers advise that you'll need to register in the next 14
days or
you will miss out on three fantastic days of magic. The dates are 20th, 21st, 22nd
February. Visit www.blackpoolmagic.com for details.
17.1.15
Wayne
Houchin Lecture at The Magic Circle, London.
Wayne Houchin (USA) will be performing his two-hour lecture ‘Strange Ideas’ on
Wednesday 11th February 2015 exclusively in London at The Magic Circle.
This is part of The Magic Circle Star Lecture Series. "'Strange Ideas' is the new presentation from Wayne Houchin, whose work as a
performance artist, magician, and dare-devil has made him one of the most
popular mystery entertainers in the world.
Part performance and part lecture, Strange Ideas features a variety of new magic
and surprising variations. Attendees will learn magic with needles, string, a
helium balloon, dollar bills, cards, and more.
Houchin’s magic is powerful and practical, and is suitable for both close-up and
parlour style performances.
Wayne Houchin has performed around the world in more than 30 countries. He’s
appeared on NBC’s Today Show, headlined the world-famous Magic Castle in
Hollywood,
and made history when he stopped time during a live nationally televised stunt
in Santo Domingo.
Houchin currently stars in the Discovery Channel's Breaking Magic and The Magic
of Science which has been watched by more than 100 million people worldwide."
The Magic Circle will open at 5.30pm and the lecture will run from 7pm-9.30pm (with a break). Entrance is free for members or
£15 for non-member magicians. Non-members need to email
darrylrose@themagiccircle.co.uk to
have their names added to the guest list in advance.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
17.1.15
Jonathan
Goodwin is currently starring in 'The Illusionists 1903' on tour in Australia.
One of a cast of 7 performers recreating the golden age of magic. From the same
producers who created the record-breaking Broadway show, 'The Illusionists'
which is now the record holder for the highest grossing magic show ever in North
America. Other performers in 'The Illusionists 1903 are Mark Kalin and
Jinger, Armando Lucero, Rick Thomas, Thommy Ten and Amelie Van Tasse. The show
premiered to sold-out houses in the Queensland Performing Arts Centre in
Brisbane, and is now playing Adelaide (15-26th). Photo: Jonathan takes things
easy on his single nail bed of nails!
www.facebook.com/TheIllusionists1903. "Success no illusion: daredevil stars
in The Illusionists 1903"
Click Here.
17.1.15
Chris Randall
(USA) will lecture across Europe in the spring. He'll be in the UK from April
10th for just a few weeks: "Born and raised in Las Vegas, Chris Randall has appeared on The Masters of Illusion TV show
in the States and is a regular at the
famed Magic Castle in Hollywood. Awards include the coveted Silver Medal of
Excellence from the International Brotherhood of Magicians. Chris has performed
worldwide and also
travels the country performing at comedy clubs such as The Sapphire Comedy Hour
in Las Vegas and The Laugh Factory."
In this lecture you will learn:
Fly by Night - Chris' handling of the hummer card. This has been his opener for
over 15 years;
Swoosh - A simple and natural deck switch;
Scandal Switch - The ultimate solution for your linking ring routine (only two
rings are used and both are examined);
Heavens Aces - 4 jokers are produced at the finger tips and then instantly
change to 4 aces in a very visual way, and many more routines. "Chris isn't
just teaching some tricks, he's sharing a honed act, and a damn good one at
that." Justin Willman. For booking enquiries email Steve Gore
tours@stevegore.co.uk.
17.1.15
Get
Your Act Together. Sunday, ITV. From the makers: Get Your Act Together will
see some of our best-loved stars join forces with some of the world’s most
talented variety acts to put on a unique performance. Each week, host Stephen
Mulhern will be joined by five different celebrities who battle it out to learn
jaw dropping talents, from contortion to fire dancing, ventriloquism to
acrobatics, juggling to plate spinning. Under the watchful guise of the world’s
most talented acts and performers, the celebrities will have intensive training
to master their chosen skill. Viewers will see unique collaborations as the
celebrity and their mentors then take to the stage together to perform in front
of a studio audience. In the first show of the series model Danielle Lloyd will
be mentored by The Catwall Acrobats; former Westlife member and TV presenter
Brian McFadden will be mentored by world renowned magicians Penn & Teller;
singer and actor Ray Quinn will be mentored by impressionist Debra Stephenson;
Loose Woman and actress Sherrie Hewson will be mentored by plate spinning expert
Andrew Van Buren and former rugby player Gareth Thomas will be mentored by
Circus of Men. Each week it will be down to the studio audience to decide which
celebrity, along with their mentor, has entertained them the most and goes
through to the Final. "Get Your Act Together Stephen!"
Click Here. Also see TV Magic.
17.1.15
The British Magical Close Up Championships
are back! The very
popular British Magical Close Up Championships are back in the
Blackpool Convention programme this year. They will take place on Saturday 21st
February at 10am in the Pavilion Theatre, Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Whilst
participation in the event is invitation only, you may nominate a close-up
magician who you consider to be of a high enough standard. On offer, the cash prize of
£500, a trophy and the title itself, plus trophies for second and
third places. Only two places remain vacant. Contact Derek Lever:
d.lever1@sky.com.
17.1.15
Bristol
Day of Magic Dealer Hall. Ozzy Dee writes: The Bristol Day of Magic are now sending out invites for the very popular
Dealer Hall. With a footfall of over 400 people we always have more dealers than
we have room for, so if you would like to attend this year's convention please
email Bob Boulton rboulton6@aol.com.
The date is Sunday 10th May the full line-up for the day is now live on the
website
www.bristoldayofmagic.com.
17.1.15
Jumbo
Magic Auction, Manchester Circle of Magicians. Monday 19th
January, at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Near
Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Doors open at 5.30pm. Viewing from 6pm. Auction commences
at 6.30 pm. Star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Members free of
charge. Non-members £3.00.
Books, DVDs, Close-up, Kids tricks and Stage magic available at bargain prices.
Enquiries to Derek Lever d.lever1@sky.com
or phone 01253 810113.
17.1.15
Sprezzatura Show,
London. "The clock strikes 8pm. Within the screening room at the Charlotte
Street hotel, a bijou audience will have their minds read, senses manipulated
and experience some of the most astonishing feats of modern magic. Enter the
world of Jake Banfield's Sprezzatura, and witness previously unseen miracles.
Marvel at the strange setting in which nothing is quite as it seems. Like a
great mystery novel, the plot will unfold over the course of the evening to end
with a final revelation so startling, it will have to be seen to be believed.
Saturday 7th February 2015 at 8pm.
Venue: The Charlotte Street Hotel,
15-17 Charlotte Street,
London
W1T 1RJ (Map)
Tickets: (Front Row: £30.
Parlour Ticket: £20) www.sprezzaturashow.com.
17.1.15
Scottish
Association of Magical Societies Convention 2015. Kenny Kerr writes: The
2015 convention will take place at The Salutation Hotel in Perth on 1st, 2nd &
3rd May. This year we plan to replace the traditional Saturday Night Gala Show
with a Dinner / Cabaret in the hotel. Acts confirmed for the cabaret show are:
Gary Dunn (compere and performing); Aziz (Winner of 2014 Harold McMillan Shield
Competition); Jango Starr (Juggler); Garry Seagraves (Magic & Illusions).
Lectures & Dealers: Ricky McLeod & Gary James are doing a "joint lecture" and
are also "dealing". The committee are currently in contact with others regarding
"lectures and dealers" and further information will follow. Hotel Rooms: Hotel
rooms are £54 per night for bed and breakfast in a single room with the double /
twin rooms costing £84. Rooms should be booked through our secretary Elizabeth
McNamara and please contact her rather than book through the hotel as it makes
it easier to monitor the room allocation. Elizabeth can be contacted on
elizabethmcnamara@btinternet.com or 01563 821241.
www.scottishassociationofmagicalsocieties.co.uk.
17.1.15
MagicWorld
Reviews. MagicWorld.co.uk write: "MagicWorld
Reviews Week 6
Click Here
concentrates on UK mentalist Chris Rawlins, and his new DVD
Leading Thoughts followed by
Theatre Fire Wallet Version 2. This week’s reviewers are myself, James Anthony,
and Daniel Meadows (creator of Infamous and the
Deadly Marked Deck). Please do click Subscribe on our YouTube Channel
at
www.youtube.com/magicworlduk."
17.1.15
John
Carey lecture tour - now booking. Steve Gore writes:
Bookings are now being taken for our own beloved John Carey for dates in October
2015. Email tours@stevegore.co.uk.
In the past 5 years, John Carey has become internationally known and respected
for his streamlined approach to commercial close-up card magic.
With 6 RSVPMagic DVDs and a new book, 'Crafted with Carey' coming out at
Blackpool, John promises any society a lecture or workshop loaded with powerful,
practical and doable material. In the past 12 months he has lectured in Spain
and Holland as well as across the UK. He is in constant demand for lectures and
workshops and private tuition.
John's mantra is: If I can do it, then so can you!
He also offers a four-hour workshop for interested parties. All hands-on
material, crammed full of good technique and clear concepts and clever philosophy.
www.johncareymagic.co.uk.
17.1.15
Magic
Menagerie: Todd Landman. Truth in the pleasant disguise of illusion... "Harking back to his youth growing up in Hemlock Hollow, Pennsylvania, Dr Todd
Landman explores the notion of re-enchantment through the medium of magic and
mind reading. His early days were spent as a young magician exploring the
virtues of the Hollow while practising and honing his skills as a conjurer.
Re-enchanting the self…
His intellectual journey led him astray from these important roots, but through
life in a small English village he finds them again and shares with you an
extraordinary and inexplicable set of demonstrations that simply defy rational
explanation.
Part conjuring, part autobiography, and all magic in its widest sense.
This is a different kind of magic, one borne of deep reflection and a commitment
to understanding whether we can rediscover the ‘whirlwinds, forest fires, and
comets inside us. Saturday 7th February at 7.30pm.
Milton Theatre, Studio 1,
The University of Huddersfield,
Queensgate, Huddersfield
HD1 3DH (Map).
Tickets £8.00 / £4.00 (conc.)
For further details and to book contact The Box Office:
miltonboxoffice@hud.ac.uk.
17.1.15
Chris
Congreave Lecture, Bolton: Chris Congreave's lecture will feature
a combination of self-working effects from
his latest DVD "Automata" and routines that Chris uses in his working
repretoire. 8.30pm on Wednesday 21st January at The Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QD
(Map).
Visiting magicians from other societies are most
welcome.
There will be an entrance fee of £5.00 for non-members. For directions to the
Doffcoker Inn visit www.boltonmagic.co.uk or
telephone Paul Goodman on 07889 676003.
www.christophercongreave.co.uk.
17.1.15
The
Magic Car Boot Sale. Now in it's 22nd year the next Magic Car Boot Sale in
West Bromwich will be on Sunday 1st February at the Masonic Hall, Edward
Street, West Bromwich B70 8NT (Map) from 9am. Stalls are £14, admission
only £4. If you would like to book a stall call Alec Powell on 07831
115448. This time the sale will be followed by a magic auction from 1pm (to enter any items for auction call Alec on the
above number).
17.1.15
Nick
Brunger's Magic and Mentalism lecture is now taking bookings for the year ahead.
As his alter-ego Dr Nicolas Grimoire, magician and story-teller Nick Brunger
blends spooky tales, magic and mind-reading in a unique show that has taken him
to old prisons, castles and stately homes, as well as museums, 'ghost hunts',
theatres and private homes.
His Creepy Carmarthen Tour, blending true stories of the town’s unpleasant past,
combines magic with 'horrible history' and won him 'Visitor Experience of the
Year' from his local tourist board.
With clients including the National Trust, English Heritage, and local
authorities in England and Wales, in this lecture he demonstrates some his most
popular effects and explains how he combines magic and mentalism with
storytelling to provoke strong reactions in audiences of every kind. "Thanks for one of the best lectures I have seen in years. Every one commented on
the skill and quality of your highly polished performance. The props you used
were superb." Bernard Visgandis, Coventry Magic Circle. "For me, this has been the most influential lecture for years, hopefully in years
to come I can quote you lecturing at Derby that started me off in the
storytelling arena." Paul Sharp, Derby Magic Circle. For more information
and booking enquiries see the
Lecturers page.
17.1.15
RSVP
presents Classic
Carey: "Welcome to our first DVD release for 2015, Classic Carey, starring the inimitable John
Carey.
Featuring 13 brand new routines using just a regular deck of playing cards, join
John once again as he presents and explains some brand new routines and twists
on some familiar plots, all in the streamlined and simple way that he's now
famous for. Thirteen effects... here are the first three:
1. If we could turn back time. A lovely direct opening piece involving the theme
of time and a selected card. Strong, memorable and very practical.
2. A little oil, a little water. One of John’s favourite card pieces. A
progressive approach to a card classic with a slow motion finale.
3. Think n synch revisited. A beautiful and almost self working demonstration of
synchronicity between the magician and the spectator. Very commercial! Visit
www.rsvpmagic.com/classic-carey to find out about the following ten!
17.1.15
E-Club Pro starts its 5th year! Mark Leveridge Magic's online club and
information resource is marching confidently into its fifth year this month, and
with nearly 500 web pages of content for members to access and enjoy, it has
become a really major centre for professional, trusted magic and advice. With a
newly introduced index system, to speed up the process of finding individual
content, E-Club Pro is an obvious choice for any magician who wants somewhere to
learn new magic each month and to be entertained and helped by information and
advice drawn from Mark's 30+ years as a pro. With no fixed subscription period,
and for a small payment levied monthly, everyone from beginners to pros can be
part of a significant venture which is truly of benefit to those with a passion
and genuine interest in magic. To get a feel for what the contents of the
password protected E-Club Pro web pages are like, get your copy of the E-Club
Pro Taster E-Book, which is yours free just for the asking. Go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/eclubpro.php for more information.
17.1.15
Edinburgh Magic Circle are delighted to be hosting a lecture by Wayne
Houchin from the USA on Thursday 12th February. Wayne is well known to most
magicians and this promises to be a fantastic lecture. Doors open 7.15pm,
lecture starts at 8pm. £10 entry. Venue: Coltbridge Bowling Club, 1A Coltbridge
Gardens, Haymarket, Edinburgh EH12 6AQ (Map).
Ian Buchan, Secretary EMC.
17.1.15
Paul Gordon lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on 22nd January.
Adam Mosley writes:
The Paul Gordon Close-up Magic Lecture has travelled the world. In fact, he has
visited (and lectured in) America seven times since 1994; the first being at
Tannen’s Jubilee in New York and also at Fechter’s Finger Flicking Frolics in
New York. In The UK, he has lectured for over 90 different clubs since 1994;
including four times at The Magic Circle in London and at Mark Leveridge’s
Close-up Symposium. Plus lectures in France, Monaco (Stars of Magic), Ireland,
Denmark, Italy, Sweden, Spain, Belgium and Germany. The lecture is entertaining
(fun and light-hearted) and full of 'doable' usable (but strong) magic from his
best-selling and highly acclaimed Gold Dust books, DVDs and award-winning
professional repertoire.
Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee. The
lecture takes place in Leatherhead, Surrey at 8pm for full details
contact Adam Mosley
info@surreymagic.org.uk.
17.1.15
Out
of Sight Out of Your Mind by Gary Jones: "A Classic, simple, direct effect:
The Magician takes a deck of cards and fans them in front of a spectator. They
are asked to merely look at, and think of any card, whilst the magician
turns away. Once they have a card in mind, the magician closes the deck and
turns back around. With no questions asked, the magician deals down to the
thought of card. No guesswork, forces, peeks, no breaks held... the perfect
effect for the working professional! Made in Bicycle stock." New, from Magic
Tao:
www.magictao.co.uk.
17.1.15
Quentin
Reynolds Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians lecture. Sue Oakley writes: On Wednesday 21st January, the Wolverhampton
Circle are pleased to welcome Quentin Reynolds. Quentin's lecture includes magic
from his professional repertoire
and covers children's magic, close-up and mentalism. With over thirty
years in the business and over ten-thousand shows under his belt, you
will benefit from his knowledge and experience in real-world situations.
Regardless of what kind of magic you perform the tips and ideas Quentin
will discuss cover all aspects of professional presentation.
Visiting magicians welcome for only £5. Lecture starts at 8pm at The ECC
Sports and Social Club, Showell Road, Wolverhampton WV10 9LU (Map).
17.1.15
Can
You Spot the Hidden Message? 4pm on Monday 19th January on BBC Radio
4. What is subliminal advertising? David Aaronovitch investigates the
mysterious birth of this modern myth and introduces a unique new BBC
experiment to try it out.
www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b04yfssr.
17.1.15
The
Infinite Monkey Cage, 4.30pm on Monday 19th January on BBC Radio 4.
Deception. Brian Cox and Robin Ince are joined on stage by author and
journalist David Aaronovitch, psychologist Professor Richard Wiseman and
neuroscientist Professor Sophie Scott as they tackle the science of
deception. They'll be asking why we seem to be so good at telling lies,
but not very good at spotting them, and why being good liars could be
the secret to our success as a social animal. They will also be carrying
out their own act of deception on the monkey cage audience. They reveal
the results of an experiment to test the idea of subliminal advertising,
carried out by David Aaronovitch for the Radio 4 documentary, "Can You
Spot the Hidden Message" . Will they manage to secretly persuade a
section of the theatre audience to pick one type of soft drink over
another by secretly flashing the name of a certain brand on a screen?
All will be revealed.
17.1.15
Matt
Grindleys Magique. Magician and Illusionist Matt Grindley will be launching an all-new show in
Blackpool this Summer. Beginning July 26th until late October, the show promises
big illusions and big laughs! The show will also feature Matt’s Dancers, the
Diamonette Showgirls.
Venue: Philharmonic, Foxhall, Blackpool. Tickets are on sale now via the box office and
Ticketmaster or www.mattgrindley.co.uk.
17.1.15
John
Derris launches 'KISS' magic range: "Four years ago John Derris published his
book 'KISS' (Keep it Simple Stupid) which enjoyed wide success both in Europe
and the U.S. The book covered the critical value of presentation both in
business and in magic performance, which he used at corporate shows worldwide for
over ten years. There followed a series of over fifty KISS lectures to magic
clubs throughout Europe in which he performed magic based on simplicity of
method with the emphasis on presentation. Many of the routines became classics
– 'Staggering' 'Mirrorcle' 'The Fishbowl Production' 'Executive Brainwave' and
others. Following constant requests John Derris is now launching The KISS Range
of Magic – new tricks, new packaging, new in-depth instruction, plus some of the
established effects which meet the KISS criteria for magicians of all abilities.
The launch of the new range will take place on 27th January at The Kent Guild of
Magicians– when two brand new effects will be shown for the first time. A slick
new version of 'Mirrorcle' based on Marilyn Monroe and Hollywood which was
performed extensively for ten years at the dinner tables of Europe. And the
launch of 'Clipper', just about the smoothest vanish and recovery of a signed
card to date." Visiting guest magicians welcome. Tickets
£5.00. 7.30pm on 27th January at CIU Dunton Green Social Club,158 London Road, Dunton Green, (near
Sevenoaks) TN13 2TA (Map).
17.1.15
The
North Wales Burlesque Festival: Roslyn Walker is organising the first North
Wales Burlesque Festival and it kicks off on the 23rd January 2015 running
throughout the whole weekend. With 2 shows, competitions, workshops and stalls
there is literally something for everyone. The Saturday night gala show is a mix
of magic, comedy, sideshow, circus, drag queens and of course show girls.
Weekend or day tickets can be bought from the North Wales Burlesque Festival
website and all the latest info can be found on their Facebook page. To book a
room at the Risboro Hotel call 01492 876343. 7pm Friday 23rd January to 3pm
Sunday 25th January 2015. Venue: Risboro Hotel, Clement Avenue, Llandudno LL30
2ED (Map).
www.northwalesburlesque.co.uk.
17.1.15
The
Magicians' Podcast. I'm Richard Young's podcast guest this week, talking
Hamley's, cruising, street performing, Japan, magicians and all sorts.
Click Here for
this podcast and for Richard's previous editions.
Also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast,
iTunes and
twitter. A correction and apology (my memory got this one all wrong in the
Podcast) to Dave Brown, who was the first magician to busk in Covent Garden in
the early 80's. I was the first 'silent manip act' magician, but not the first
'magician'. It was Dave who first stepped out in Covent Garden with his original
comedy magic act. Duncan Trillo.
17.1.15
"David Blaine, Derren Brown and Dynamo in
Cheltenham for magic conference"
Click Here • Elizabeth Warlock reviews The Session,
Click Here • "Selfies and magic tricks: Find out about David
Blaine's night at Kukui Cheltenham"
Click Here • "Interviewing Criss Angel: Illusionist tells how he
came to magically appear on Easton's State Theatre stage"
Click Here • "Catching a bullet: the greatest illusion ever
showcased at PuSh Festival"
Click Here • "Q&A with Joel Ward, magician to the stars"
Click Here • "Comedy magician to wow the crowds at Artrix"
Click Here • "Illusionist brings his kin, tigers on the road"
Click Here • "Illusionists set to astound on stage"
Click Here • "The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible comes to
PPAC"
Click Here • James Cooper reviews John Carey's recent Mid Essex
Magical Society lecture,
Click Here • "Mat Ricardo: juggler"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan.
17.1.15