Number 766 - 28th February 2015

 

James Freedman: Man of Steal. A brilliant exciting new show is coming to the Chocolate Factory, London, for 6 performances only! James Freedman: Man of Steal. Persuader, showman, thief… James Freedman will steal a whole lot more than you might expect. One member of the audience will lose the most valuable thing possible - it could be you! Funny and fast-fingered, his unique and extraordinary show exposes how the bad guys really work, sharing a life-time spent studying hustlers, street criminals and con-men.

Hailed a genius in his field by Derren Brown, stealth-crime expert James Freedman is the only man to have picked the pockets of the Mayor of London, the Chancellor and the Governor of the Bank of England. No wonder then that his hands have been insured for £1 million. You can’t afford not to see this show… Booking opens on Monday 2nd March. Tickets from just £19.50. 12th, 13th, 19th, 20th, 26th, 27th April. Menier Chocolate Factory, 53 Southwark Street, London SE1 1RU. www.menierchocolatefactory.com.
28.2.15

 

International Illusionist Christian Farla prepares for Blackpool summer season. "See the magic act who even wowed Copperfield. International illusionist Christian Farla will be casting his spell over audiences at the Pleasure Beach [Blackpool] this summer. The Dutch magician has announced a full summer season of daily shows combining magic and variety at the theme park’s Horseshoe bar, opening on Friday, July 3. He’ll be making a return to the resort after appearing at last weekend’s Blackpool Magic Festival at the Winter Gardens." To read the full story in the Blackpool Gazette Click Here. For show dates see What's On. 28.2.15

 

An Evening of Deception, Cheltenham - it's back! "Gloucestershire’s only contemporary magic show, 'An Evening of Deception', is back at the Everyman Studio for 2015. Now in its sixth year, the show has always sold out and this year looks like being no exception. Headlining is the fabulous Peter Clifford (photo) fresh from his own sell-out show at the Tobacco Factory in Bristol. Peter was part of the original creative team for Derren Brown’s TV shows and co-created and directed Derren’s first UK tour and West-end run. He has worked as a magical advisor for many theatre productions and is also an accomplished actor. Last year he played the lead role of the Cheltenham Victorian magician, JN Maskelyne, in 'The Mysterious Gentleman'. Peter’s magic is classy, sublime and mindblowing! Joining Peter will be Magician and Mindreader Kieron Kirkland who will bring his unique blend of technology and magic to An Evening of Deception. Prepare to be amazed by his all knowing lie detecting robotic monkey and the world's first (and only) brain controlling headbands! Also on the bill will be Gloucestershire’s very own Andi Gladwin. Andi, from Newent, is one of the organisers of the show and one of the highest regarded and talented magicians around the world. 'An Evening of Deception' will be compered by magic fan Steve Knibbs, from BBC Points West, who promises a few tricks too!" More details and updates can be found on the show’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/aneveningofdeception. 'An Evening of Deception' runs from 18th - 21st March at The Everyman Theatre Studio. Box Office 01242 572573 or via www.everymantheatre.org.uk. 28.2.15

 

West End Magic, Leicester Square Theatre London, 21st March: "The brilliant West End Magic show returns this March to the Leicester Square Theatre with comedy, magic and some nail biting stunts. Ben Hart, star of BBC 3 “Killer Magic” and a smash hit in Edinburgh 2014 brings his incredible magic to the show, weaving stories with breath-taking tricks that are mesmerising. We have the nail biting, sweat inducing AJ, with his super sharpened knives, endangering his limbs and the front row in acts of sheer entertaining madness. Multi award winning magician Oliver Tabor will perform his extraordinary illusions, where objects change form and shape in a dazzling display of magic that might leave you wondering whether reality really can be bent and manipulated in this man's hands. Neil Henry, mentalist and magician will compere the evening." Suitable for all the family and for ages 8+. The Leicester Square Theatre, 6 Leicester Place, London WC2H 7BX (Map); Doors 3pm; Show 3.30pm; Tickets £15 full price, £10 children, £40 family ticket for four. www.leicestersquaretheatre.com. 28.2.15

 

Crafted With Carey is released! Magicseen Publications would like to thank everyone who has helped to make the launch of John Carey's new 200 page hard backed book such a great success. John spent some of his time at the Blackpool Convention last weekend on the Magicseen stand demming items from the book which enabled people to see how wonderfully practical the nearly 70 routines contained in the book really are. When so much card magic can be difficult for the average card enthusiast to get to grips with, it makes a pleasant change to find a book that has such accessible material in it. Crafted With Carey is now in stock and ready to be despatched, so if you are into interesting, fun card magic, then place your order now at www.magicseen.co.uk. And while you're placing your order, why not get your copy of the March Magicicseen Magazine, our special 10 year anniversary issue. With its new design, new type of paper and entertaining and informative content, it's a must-read for anyone interested in magic. 28.2.15

 

The Magicians' Podcast this week features John Archer. Listen to this Podcast and catch up with previous ones at magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast and iTunes, Click Here. 28.2.15

 

Amethyst Magic present An Evening of Magic and Illusion in aid of Liverpool Hope University's Global Hope Project, at the Capstone Theatre, Liverpool L6 1HP (Map), on Friday 6th March at 7.30pm. The Global Hope Project gives students and staff an opportunity to act as global citizens by engaging with issues of social justice and participating in projects in countries as diverse as India, Malawi, Sri Lanka, Uganda and Brazil. Danny and Stephanie (Amethyst) are helping raise money to send one of their dancers to Sri Lanka where she will have the opportunity to help make a difference in young children's lives. Tickets available on the night, are: adults £6 children/students £4. For more information visit www.amethystmagic.com or www.hope.ac.uk/globalhope. 28.2.15

 

British Children's Entertainer National Champion 2015: "Last Saturday at the 63rd Annual Blackpool Magic Convention held at the Winter Gardens Blackpool Mr Stix and sidekick Peanut (Stuart Mc Dowell and his dad Ronnie McDowell) took to the stage in the competition and were crowned British Children's Entertainer National Champion 2015. The winning act was fast-paced from the start, featuring a mutilated umbrella routine, vanishing giant die, and the flattening and restoration of a real guinea pig! The whole act was interlaced with comedy throughout, making it one to remember." www.mrstix.com. 28.2.15

 

Gary Jones lecture: 9th March, Farnborough and 15th March, Cornwall. Gary Jones lectures at the Farnborough Association of Magical Entertainers on March 9th. Gary is well known as the inventor of many commercial close-up magic effects and is a busy magical entertainer. There will be something for everyone at this entertaining and informative lecture. Visiting magicians welcome, £5 on the door. The lecture starts at 8pm and doors open at 7.45pm. St Mark's Church Hall, Farnborough, Guildford Road East, Farnborough GU14 6TU (Map). www.fame-magic.co.uk. Philip Sweeting. On March 15th Gary, lectures at The Cornish Magical Society at 3pm at Carnon Downs Village Hall, Carnon Downs, Cornwall. Visiting magicians £5. Contact Paul Scott on 07747 122659 for more details. 28.2.15

 

Dynamo and Dobson, seen here at the Blackpool Convention last week. Dynamo's got a copy of the new DVD 'Early Dobson Vol 1. A selection of Wayne Dobson's Classic TV performances revealed' in his hand - now available from www.waynedobson.co.uk. 28.2.15

 

Martin Cox has just returned from a very successful lecture and show tour of the USA, and would Like to thank Scott Wells, Geoff Williams and Stephen Bargatze for their hospitality. Also, working with David Stone was a pleasure writes Martin. You'll be able to listen to Martin on Scott Wells' The Magic Word podcast shortly. For lecture booking details contact Martin via www.comedyofmagic.co.uk. 28.2.15

 

Marvelous Matthew Wright Wins! The British Magical Championships made a welcome return to the Blackpool Magic Convention last weekend, and Marvelous Matthew Wright was the winner. The win means that Matthew is now the only magician in history to have won all four major British close-up competitions, having previously been crowned The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year, the IBM British Ring Close-up Champion and Ron MacMillan's International Close Up Magician of the Year. "It's a great honour to have won the British Magical Championships" said Matthew. "I remember watching the competition as a kid and have always wanted to take part. To win it is a great bonus!" Matthew now sets off to Spain to open his own Magic Theatre show in the Costa Del Sol, but before he does will be performing his only UK lecture of the year in Grimbsy, on Monday evening. 28.2.15

 

The Wobbly Wands: "‘The Wobbly Wands’ - an online social group for LGBT magicians has just been launched on Facebook, and we already have magicians from Britain, Spain, Holland and The United States as members. It’s a free, fun and friendly place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgendered magicians and those interested in magic to hang out and sometimes arrange social events at conventions etc. For obvious reasons, it’s a private group, but if you’d like to join, send an email to: wobblywands@gmail.com and we’ll invite you to the group." 28.2.15

 

Paragon. Mike Sullivan writes: Wayne Dobson's trick, 3Sixty, is being discontinued. Jon Allen is collaborating with him to produce Paragon, the biggest hit in the dealers' room at the Blackpool convention. Current, 3Sixty owners can convert 3Sixty into Paragon by going to the exclusive YouTube channel for the upgrade. While the first run of Paragon is nearly sold out, the next batch will be ready in a couple of months. To see a short clip of Paragon Click Here. 28.2.15

 

The Tim Bat Trick Show at The Old Courtroom. Part of the Brighton Festival. Sunday 10th May and Sunday 17th May. Gentleman juggler and unwitting clown Tim Bat performs his impressive repertoire of amazing tricks with aplomb. But when the props get the upper hand, frantic hilarity ensues. There’s plenty for adults to enjoy and the kids have a really good laugh, egging Tim on to ever greater heights of silliness! Audience participation and hilarity guaranteed. “Highly recommended for kids and adults alike” (The Argus) “Still the must-see children’s show of Brighton Fringe” (Fringe Review). More info: www.brightonfringe.org. 28.2.15

 

Gary Dunn lectures at The Cotswold Magical Society on Wednesday, March 4th. "Gary is one of the most exciting children’s entertainers in the country and has great ideas and plenty of gags, but don’t be put off by thinking this is a lecture for children’s entertainers, Gary is equally at home entertaining an adult or family audience. This lecture is a must for anybody who wants to entertain! The lecture takes place at The Hucclecote Community Centre, Hucclecote Road , Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map). Doors open at 7.30pm and there's a £5 charge for visiting magicians." www.garydunn.com www.cotswoldmagic.org. 28.2.15

 

Michael J Fitch is a special guest on Justin's House (CBeebies) this morning at 11am (also available on iPlayer later on). www.michaeljfitch.co.uk. 28.2.15

 

Chan Canasta, Dynamo, Graham Jolley and Alan Davies, together on The One Show. Catch up via iPlayer [11:30 in] Click Here. 28.2.15

 

Professor Solomon's Lives of the Conjurers, Volume Two, features the lives of Cardini, Malini, Blackstone, Dunninger, and other masters of deception. 151 pages. Illustrated. Free download from www.professorsolomon.com also see www.youtube.com/user/profsolomon/videos. 28.2.15

 

Iain Moran Lecture - Bolton Magicians' Club. Paul Goodman writes: Iain Moran is a leading UK magician performing close-up magic worldwide for over 20 years. Iain's lecture will feature a combination of routines from his working repertoire including card tricks from the Ultimate Self-working Card Tricks DVD, which Iain was heavily involved with. 8.30pm on Wednesday 4th March 2015 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 Doffcocker Inn visit www.boltonmagic.co.uk or telephone Paul Goodman on 07889 676003. www.iainmoran.com. 28.2.15

 

The 54th Annual Dinner of the Cornish Magical Society takes place on Saturday 21st March at the Membley Hall Hotel, Falmouth, with Star Cabaret Martin Daniels. Tickets £25, from Paul Scott on 07747 122 659. 28.2.15

 

Hickory Dickory Dock – Ian Adair. Ian Adair has spent a lifetime in magic dealing. At the age of 15 he ran two magic dealing firms from his home in Kilmarnock, but it was when he left Scotland in 1959 to join Edwin Hooper at the Supreme Magic Company that a constant flow of his marketed items kept appearing, including his best-selling children's routine 'Dressing Doll', which reached 5,000 sales. This week Ian celebrates his 1,300th marketed effect, with the launch of a brand new children's effect 'Hickory Dickory Dock', manufactured and sold by Practical Magic. The firm has already marketed a great number of Ian's children's effects, and his latest was featured on the Practical Magic stand at the recent Blackpool convention. Visit www.practical-magic.com for more info and to order. 28.2.15

 

Congratulations to Dov Citron (Captain Calamity), winner of the Watford Association of Magicians 'Children’s Entertainer of the Year Competition' which took place back in December 2014. Well done Julie Carpenter (Auntie Julie) who was a close runner-up. The afternoon was organised and compered by Christopher Garside (Krisgar). Huge thanks go to everyone involved who helped make this event a great success. Even the real Father Christmas couldn’t resist a visit. See more of Dov Citron at www.madhousekids.com. Christopher Garside. 28.2.15

 

Blackpool Festival Children's Competition 2016. Derek Lever writes: Do not try to enter by telephone, it will not be accepted. You need to send an e.mail to d.lever1@sky.com along with a 10 minute showcase of your performance in front of an audience of children. You can send a video by mail to Derek Lever, 32, Pilling Lane, Preesall, Wyre. FY6 OEU. 28.2.15

 

Last week's 63rd Blackpool Magicians' Convention is reviewed by Steve Majes this week, Click Here • "MORE introduces you to Magician Jeff McBride's Wonderground" Click Here • "See how Illusionist Alex Chinneck turns a Vauxhall Corsa upside down" Click Here • "One of the most elaborate shows" Click Here • "Casinos: Hard Rock has a young act up its sleeve" Click Here • "Meet the Illusionists!" Click Here • "Watch: Britain's Got Talent star Darcy Oake shows off tricks at Coronation Street set" Click Here • "A unique collaboration brings Harry Houdini’s story to life" Click Here • "Seven magicians do the impossible in 'The Illusionists'" Click Here • "Brewing Some Magic" Click Here • "Young performers given opportunity to take part in professional Blackburn variety show" Click Here • "Horizons benefit spotlights success stories" Click Here • "Jay Owenhouse: 'Dare to Believe'" Click Here • "Roll up, roll up to savour a dazzling Dutch display as circus comes to Stevenage" Click Here • "Magic and literature, together at the Chan Centre" Click Here • "Optical illusion: Dress colour debate goes global" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - have a good week, Duncan. 28.2.15

 

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