Number 762 - 31st January 2015

Will Houstoun is The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year 2015. On Monday evening The Magic Circle staged the finals of its annual competition to find the Close-Up Magician of the Year 2015. Seven acts competed for this highly coveted title, but it was Will Houstoun's easy manner and pure sleight of hand that deservedly took the title. His incredible coin and card manipulation made an audience believe in magic again. It was a real pleasure to see. The ever-popular Noel Qualter came second with an act crammed full of fresh thinking and original magic; all great fun to watch, and last year's winner, James Freedman, came third with a new act that included a brilliant (and original) 'sliding holes in signed playing card' sequence. The magic judges were Marc Paul, Marc Spelmann and Graham Jolley who put their minds together to award the additional originality prize to Noel Qualter (the second year in a row that Noel has won this award). Photo: Magic Circle President Scott Penrose presenting the award to Will Houstoun. www.willhoustoun.co.uk. www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 31.1.15

Dynamo Tour - dates added into 2016: "He’s walked on water, levitated above the Shard, walked down the LA Times Building, predicted the World Cup outcome and taken a trip on the side of a bus. But now, Dynamo announces his biggest challenge to date as the renowned street magician will take to the stage as he embarks on his first ever live tour. Following the announcement of his last ever series of Dynamo: Magician Impossible for Watch, Dynamo will now delight fans who, for the first time, will have the opportunity to see his magic skills up close and personal in what promises to be a spectacular and unique live stage production" See What's On and www.ticketmaster.co.uk. 31.1.15

The full Blackpool Magic Convention Programme has just been published Click Here. Once again an incredible wealth of magical talent has been assembled for three days of non-stop shows, lectures and competitions, together with what must be the largest assembly of magic dealers in the world. Also, for those arriving the day before, there's a Jumbo Magic Auction on the Thursday starting at 1pm! See www.blackpoolmagic.com for details. 31.1.15

iMagician: The Evolution presented by Jamie Allan: In this action packed show, audiences will witness the most incredible illusions ever staged. Using the latest technology, iMagician includes high powered laser beams, iPads, Twitter, Facebook, and new for our 2015 show, the mind blowing 'Virtual assistant' a routine which involves a full scale volumetric hologram. After mesmerising American audiences for 12 years with his fusion of magic and technology, Jamie is now set to launch a spectacular UK tour - iMagician: The Evolution of Magic.

11th February Harrogate Theatre
12th February St Georges Hall Bradford
14th February Theatre Royal Wakefield
6th March Gywn Hall Neath
7th March Theatr Hafren Newtown
21st March Baths Hall Scunthorpe
22nd March Cresset Theatre Peterborough
23rd March The Palace Theatre Southend on Sea
28th March Chequer Mead Arts Theatre East Grinstead
2nd April Leas Cliff Hall Folkestone
3rd April Orchard Theatre Dartford
9th April Embassy Centre Skegness
10th April Wyvern Theatre Swindon
11th April Pavilion Theatre Exmouth
15th April Wimbledon Theatre Wimbledon
16th April Lighthouse Theatre Poole
17thth April Playhouse Weston Super Mare
18th April Southport Theatre Southport
19th April Manchester Opera House
23rd April Buxton Opera House
29th April White Rock Hastings
1st May Town Hall Cheltenham
2nd May Princess Theatre Torquay
9th May The Grove Dunstable
14th May Theatre Royal Lincoln
15th May Colosseum Theatre Watford
27th May Churchill Theatre Bromley
30th May Corn Exchange Newbury
31st May Richmond Theatre Richmond

For more info and to book visit www.magicjamie.com. 31.1.15

Close-up magician Juan Luis Rubiales will visit the UK in November to lecture for the very first time. He is a Member of the Madrid Magic School (EMM), a Jornadas Cartomágicas del Escorial attendant and direct student of Juan Tamariz and León Camacho. Awards include First: Spanish Close-Up Magic National Award in 2005 and First: Magic Valongo Portugal Award in 2006. This is a rare opportunity to see him live! "Juan Luis Rubiales is one of today’s most creative and original magicians... like his magic, he is authentic and genuine; a real marvel." Juan Tamariz. "His Magic is absolutely brilliant." William Kalush. Click Here and Click Here. Email Steve Gore, tours@stevegore.co.uk, as soon as possible to book this lecture. 31.1.15

Nick Einhorn's In-Flight. During the 1990’s Nick Einhorn created a totally original one man levitation which was snapped up by some big names in magic. After its inaugural performance Graham Reed wrote in the Magic Circular: "Nicholas finished his lecture with an inexplicable one-man levitation using a skeleton cardboard box and a cloth screen. It was totally baffling and your reporter was completely foxed. This is destined to become a classic cabaret illusion." In-Flight has been unavailable for many years but returns in a very limited supply. Ultra lightweight and complete with custom padded bag, together with a truly commercial six-minute routine (think Vanishing Bandana meets Self levitation and you’ll get the idea). Find out more, Click Here. Nick will have a small quantity of these at his stand at the Blackpool Convention, but if you want to ensure you do not miss out on this very limited run then email info@einhorn.co.uk for more information or to reserve one now! 31.1.15

Roger Crosthwaite lecture, East Sussex. Nicky Lewis writes: Delighted to announce we are hosting a lecture with card legend Roger Crosthwaite on 11th February 2015. Roger hasn't lectured for many years and we are thrilled he is coming along to the ACES. Roger is a highly regarded card magician and a former IBM winner and Magic Castle lecturer. ACES HQ opens at 7.30pm, visiting magicians welcome at £8. PDMC members (who show their membership cards) £5. Please contact Martin or Nicky Lewis on 01903 532413 for more details. Venue: ACES HQ, Thomas A Becket Church Hall, Cliffe High Street, Lewes, East Sussex www.acesmagic.co.uk. 31.1.15

Bexley Magic Society is delighted to be hosting the joint lecture by Scott Penrose and Steve Short, Alan Shaxon: The Sophisticated Sorcerer, this coming Wednesday 4th February. Alan had lectured to the Bexley members several times over the years and we are eagerly looking forward to being reminded of the wonderful style and conjuring cunning this consummate performer had, as well as learning a little about the man himself. All visiting magicians are welcome. £10.00 entrance fee for non-members. For directions visit the Bexley website www.bexleymagic.org.uk. Roy Marsh. 31.1.15

Modern Magic by Will Houstoun is the best selling 3 DVD set from RSVPMagic starring the amazing Will Houstoun. Over Five Hours of magic, packed onto 3 DVDs in a stunning Limited Edition presentation pack. World Class sleight of hand magic from one of magic's finest technicians. www.rsvpmagic.com. 31.1.15

Watch how Keelan Leyser and Shereen train Emmerdale’s Matthew Wolfenden and Natalie Anderson to perform quick change, magic and dance with them live, in front of a studio audience on Get Your Act Together, on Sunday 1st February on ITV (see TV Magic). Readers in the USA can catch Keelan and Shereen performing their Quick Change Act on the last episode of Masters of Illusion, on Friday 6th February, on the CW channel. 31.1.15

The Magicians' Podcast this week features Pete Firman. Listen to this Podcast and catch up with previous ones at magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast and iTunes, Click Here. 31.1.15

Wayne Houchin will be giving a public show at Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre, Upstairs at the Ale House Pub, 1 York Street, Bath BA1 1NG (Map) on February 14th at 7.30pm. He will also be lecturing on February 15th, at Krowd Keepers, at 3pm. Tickets for the show are £10.00 and for the lecture £15.00. Email krowdkeepers@gmail.com to book, or buy on the door or contact Bath Box Office on 01225 463362. Krowd Keepers Magic Theatre: www.facebook.com/krowdkeepers. 31.1.15

Urban Voodoo Club, Leeds: Our first show of 2015 is sure to rouse your passions and fill you with the voodoo flames of desire, as we bring a very Urban Voodoo Club take on Valentine’s Day to the fine people of Leeds. February’s line-up features the mental prowess of Roger Curzon, a walk on the dark side with Ashton Carter, and slick sleight of hand from Mark Waddington. Plus smoky, jazzy sounds from Malaika. This year make it a Voodoo Valentine’s. Tickets available now - £9 in advance www.wegottickets.com/urbanvoodooclub or £12 on the door. Thursday February 12th. Doors open 7.30pm, show starts 8pm. Venue: LAB Bar, Merrion Way, Leeds LS2 8BT (Map) www.urbanvoodooclub.co.uk. 31.1.15

Mike O'Brien Lecture - Cards, Coins & Bits of Paper. International Magic, London, write: We are delighted to kick off 2015 with a lecture from the wonderful Mike O'Brien. Mike recently lectured at The Magic Circle and this is going to be his last lecture entitled Cards, Coins & Bits of Paper. Mike has been in magic a long time. In fact he was awarded the Silver Wand for outstanding service to The Magic Circle and for 50 years of participation in their 'Meet the Magic Circle' events. Yet he is an unassuming man, generous with his knowledge and experience. His lecture will be on general close-up magic, including much impromptu magic. Mike will feature mostly self-working effects, but some will require a higher level of skill too, so something for all abilities. Tuesday 3rd February 7.30pm - 10pm. Venue: Casa Italiana, 2nd Floor, 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map) - just opposite our Magic Shop. £15 per person. As usual, tickets are on the door, but advance reservation is essential. Email martin@internationalmagic.com to book. 31.1.15

Dave Bonsall South London Magic Society Lecture. Dave Bonsall will be lecturing at The South London Magic Society on Tuesday 3rd February. Dave has been a close-up magician for many years and the lecture will feature some of his favourite routines. Dave will also bring a selection of items along from his www.propdog.co.uk business. PropDog recently acquired the rights to the Jerry O'Connell range of magic wallets, so if you want to see some great magic and stock up on any magical items, make sure you set this date aside. For non-members there's a charge of £10.00 at the door. The venue is the South Norwood and Woodside Social Club, 12 Enmore Road, London SE25 5NQ (Map). Be there for 7.45pm for an 8pm start. If you need anything specific, then call Dave before the lecture and I am sure he'll bring it along on the night. Mike Sullivan. www.slmagic.co.uk. 31.1.15

Marvin's Magic awarded British Toy and Hobby Association award. Last week, Marvin Berglas followed up his 2014 BMS "Outstanding Achievement to Magic" trophy with the top award from the British Toy and Hobby Association. This multi billion pound industry recognised Marvin's "Outstanding Contribution" and presented him with this prestigious accolade at a Gala Awards evening at the IMAX Theatre in London's Science Museum. Marvin Berglas is the creator of Marvin's Magic, the number one brand for magic worldwide, who have earned an international reputation for creating in-store theatre and "retailtainment" - a mixture of retail and entertainment through innovative demonstrations. During the past 27 years Marvin's Magic have also been responsible for establishing and developing a distinct entire category for magic on the high street rather than just being the odd magic set, found buried within a toyshop. The Marvin's Magic demonstration team have consistently been the industry's yard stick for entertaining and highly effective instore theatre, combined with excellent sales. The business has now gone truly international, exporting to 64 different countries and replicating the success in high profile stores worldwide. Says Marvin "I am thrilled to receive this wonderful accolade by the industry. We compete for shelf space with some of the giant toy brands and it is very prestigious for us and magic in general to be recognised, especially by our peers". www.marvinsmagic.com. 31.1.15

Secrets to be shared in Mind-reading Masterclasses. Mind-reading duo Atlas and Looch and award-winner Satori, will both be hosting masterclasses at the Customs House, South Shields on Sunday March 15th. The extended sessions, open exclusively to professional magicians and those actively pursuing a career in the magic industry, will offer attendees the chance to hone their skills with expert tuition from some of the best in the business.

Atlas and Looch’s ‘From Train Tracking to The Black Project Masterclass’, which is expected to last up to six hours, will include an in-depth look at the duo’s repertoire and unveil many of the effects and methods both have used during their highly successful careers. Satori’s four-hour masterclass, which is being held simultaneously, will offer a rare opportunity to learn how to perform Contact Mind Reading, with attendees being offered a step-by-step guide that can be transferred directly from the German award-winner into their own spell-binding act. The masterclasses form part of the 12th annual South Tyneside International Magic Festival Convention, but are being billed separately to allow both convention delegates and non-delegates to attend. For more info visit www.southtynesidemagic.com. 31.1.15

Midsomer Murders: Murder by Magic, Wednesday 4th February on ITV. "When a pub landlady is crushed to death by a giant Perspex box during a magic show by famous illusionist Gideon Latimer in Midsomer Oaks, Barnaby and Nelson uncover conflict between the village church and ancient pagan traditions. Is famous magician Gideon Latimer to blame or is he the target?" See TV Magic. 31.1.15

MagicWorld Reviews Week 8: MagicWorld write: MagicWorld Reviews Week 8 cover Meridian Technique vs FireFly vs In Your Wallet! We have some awesome tricks and DVDs on our latest review, which can be found here: YouTube. Get ready for our Blackpool Pre-release Special coming in two weeks and of course please subscribe to our YouTube channel. We also have a new Magic World Reviews area and a Workers Wall, which is much like the Top Gear Cool Wall, but for magic! Check out some of our pre-releases here. 31.1.15

David Copperfield: Rick Works His Magic: World-renowned illusionist David Copperfield calls on Rick and the team to restore two items from his magic museum's collection on American Restoration on Thursday 12th February on History. See TV Magic. 31.1.15

Paul Gordon's recent Surrey Society of Magicians lecture. James Fortune MIMC writes: On Thursday 22nd January I spent a very pleasant evening at the Surrey Society of Magicians with Paul Gordon. His gentle charisma and performing style is a joy to behold and his funny stories and engaging patter are a delight. More important though is his superb card magic - yes he only performs with cards, but can entertain a crowd for a couple of hours just from his pockets. Paul has always been a prolific author on card magic and now, sensibly, he has boiled down a life's work into just one trilogy "Gold Dust", "Gold Dust Companion" and finally "Gold Dust Finale" due out next week. I would certainly recommend Paul's lecture to all magic clubs and I can tell you that you will enjoy it as much as we did. For booking enquiries visit www.paulgordon.net/lectures.html. 31.1.15

A Magic Auction will follow the Magic Car Boot Sale on Sunday 1st February at the Masonic Hall, Edward Street, West Bromwich B70 8NT (Map). It commences at 9am. Stalls are £14, admission only £4. There are still a couple of spaces available. If you would like to book a stall call Alec Powell on 07831 115448. The auction will start at 1pm. If you would like to enter any items for auction call Alec on the above number. 31.1.15

Ozzy Dee Leamington and Warwick Magic Society lecture: "Ozzy Dee will be presenting his family lecture 'Thinking Outside The Magic Box' at the Leamington and Warwick Magic Society on Wednesday 4th February. This is a fun interactive lecture showing different ways that you can increase income for the same gig, games you can play for all ages, a few of Ozzy's marketed tricks, some walkabout close-up magic and some great marketing ideas. This is more than just a kid's lecture, it is something that everybody will get something out of." Venue: Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa CV32 7LN (Map) www.lawms.wordpress.com. 31.1.15

Peterborough Society of Magicians Day of Magic. John Learoyd writes: Peterborough Society of Magicians wish to remind supporters and Dealers that the date for their annual Day of Magic (Sale Exchange and Lecture) has been rescheduled from its past date of around March/April to the new date of Sunday 14th June 2015. Our aim is to keep the second Sunday in June as the permanent future slot for this event. We have three excellent lectures already booked as well as a number of dealer stands. Should you wish to book a stand or tickets please contact Keith Downs on 01778 343167 or email PSM Secretary Paul Vickers: pvickers@mail.com. 31.1.15

Peter Antoniou - Happy Medium, Leicester. Part of Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival. If you could meet a psychic, and ask them just one question what would you ask? No matter what the question might be, award-winning 'Psychic' Comedian Peter Antoniou has an answer for you. Improvised comedy meets psychic demonstration in a show that will fondle your frontal lobe, tickle your funny bone and reveal things about your past, present and future that no one could possibly know. So sit back, relax and prepare to wonder, is your mind safe? "His Ad Libs are fast and sharp... a balance between humour and astonishment" The Scotsman. Friday 6th February at 8pm. Upstairs at The Western, 70 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GA (Map). Tickets: Click Here. www.comedy-festival.co.uk. 31.1.15

Finland's Annual Magic Convention takes place on the 4th, 5th and 6th April. Organised by Markku Purho the convention has been running for over 30 years. See www.taikapaivat.fi. 31.1.15

Castle Magic and Taurus Magic Supply jointly purchased over 2,000 magic books from a huge collection recently. It is impossible to bring so many books to the Blackpool Magic Festival on 20th, 21st,and 22nd February so why not browse through their websites www.taurusmagic.net www.castlemagicalservices.co.uk and to make a list of books you would like to check out and they will ensure that those books are available for perusal on their Dealer Booth at the Festival. You know it makes sense! Derek Lever. 31.1.15

Dundee Society of Magicians Annual Dinner. Harry Mudie writes: Dundee Society of Magicians Annual Dinner will be held on 12th February at The Logie Club, Dundee. Tickets are £12. Entertainment from Paul Nardini, Dione and Kennedy and also Eion Smith. Tickets from Harry Mudie: 07950 603409. 31.1.15

Hypnotism Exposed - The True Inside Secrets of Hypnosis Revealed. From the organisers: Live 3 Day Accelerated Learning Event where you will be taught everything that you will ever need to know to be both confident and competent in all areas of hypnosis. The hypnotherapy side makes a great second income for mentalists and psychic entertainers and the stage hypnosis side is a lucrative form of entertainment in itself. Plus you will learn many skills that can be combined with magic and mentalism to make them more powerful. 3rd, 4th & 5th July, 9am to 6pm. Venue: The Crowne Plaza, London Heathrow. Details: www.hypnotismexposed.com. 31.1.15

"Dynamo to Kick Off the UK Leg of The Power of X Tour with 1,000 People Show" Click Here, full video Click Here • "Mistress of mind games" Click Here • "'Wizard Wars' wants to make magic fun again" Click Here • "The Champions of Magic are out to trick you at Harlow Playhouse" Click Here • "Lost Harry Houdini movie 'The Grim Game' to screen at TCM Festival" Click Here • "Review: Mike McClean, Just Plain Funny, Ipswich Corn Exchange, Saturday night" Click Here • "Magician to re-create famous Houdini stunt on same stage at St George's Hall" Click Here • "Video: Magician offers unique view of his street magic" Click Here • "‘Illusionists’ gives pleasures large and small, quiet and loud" Click Here • "Illusionist dazzles Eden Prairie audience" Click Here • Please remember the Friday 12 noon deadline for all submissions - have a good week, Duncan. 31.1.15

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