Number 797 - 3rd October 2015

 

The Magicians' Podcast this week features Andrew O'Connor. It's another in-depth piece hosted by mild-mannered reporter Richard Young. And Andrew's story is truly amazing. Listen to this Podcast and catch up with previous ones at magicianspodcast.podbean.com also see www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast. 3.10.15

 

Dynamo's Live Tour kicks-off this Tuesday evening at the 2,700 seat O2 Apollo in Manchester. Most dates are now sold out, see www.seetickets.com/tour/dynamo, but some venues remain.

"...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 faces his biggest challenge to date as the renowned street magician will take to the stage as he embarks on his first ever live tour. Dynamo will 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."

"And for Dynamo’s next trick? A live tour" Click Here.

Dynamo: Magician Impossible is now being shown on Dave (Freeview). Catch up this Saturday at 5pm and 6pm. See TV Magic. 3.10.15

 

 

Opus, which ran from 1987 to 2005, not only filled a somewhat eclectic gap in magic publishing with their excellent magazine, they also ran some great conventions and lecture dates, for their subscribers. It's really good news therefore to report that they are firing up the machine again for what sounds like a very interesting day come December 13th, in London. Chris Power, one of the original Opus gang said: "With the International Magic Weekend (Ron's Day) taking a small break till 2016, it seemed like an ideal opportunity to have something going on in London for magic friends old and new. It's been really touching that when going through our 'little black book' looking for people to take part, every single one has been so positive in helping out to make this a great day". With names like Guy Hollingworth, Richard McDougall, Gordon Bruce, Peter Lamont and David Williamson already being mooted, 13th of December is a date for the diary. Chris says further details will follow and the London venue has just been confirmed. To register your interest get in touch with Chris via email: opusreunion2015@gmail.com. 3.10.15

 

Mystery School - Focus on Mentalism, Bizarre & Storytelling Magic. Broxbourne, Hertfordshire, February 2016. From the organisers: Join Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and Lawrence Hass of Mystery School for a full day of magical teaching with a focus on mentalism, bizarre and storytelling performances. Delving deep into magical drama, scripting, theatre and delivery, having an understanding of how to present these forms of magic routines will elevate you and your performances to a whole new level. Then learn the business of being bizarre; how to get those all important high paid gigs to showcase your theatrically charged magic. The day includes refreshments, a late lunch, lectures, workshops, breakout groups, hands-on teaching… and then you’ll enjoy a special hour-long show featuring Eugene, Jeff and Lawrence practicing what they preach. The day finishes at 7pm, and you’re invited to join the Mystery School for dinner in a nearby restaurant (Dutch) until 10pm. The event is near London, easily accessible by train and all major motorways. Early Bird Ticket price (until December) is just £75 and if you snap up one of the limited tickets available you’ll receive an exclusive Master-Key package giving you access to unlock more magic, theory and lectures from the McBride Mystery School online worth £75 - in effect getting your money back! It’s rare to have these magic masters together in the UK, so make sure you don’t miss out. Sunday 28th February 2016. 11am-7pm. Broxbourne, Hertfordshire. Sign-up today: Click Here. 3.10.15

 

Tricked at the Movies. Magician Ben Hanlin goes undercover in this, his third series, to astonish unsuspecting celebrities and members of the public with incredible magic. Ben's tricks in the first of this new series are inspired by the movies, including an alien landing à la Independence Day and the teleportation of a human being in the style of The Fly! 9pm on Tuesday 6th October on ITV2. See TV Magic. "Harry Styles beware! Tricked’s Ben Hanlin dreams of shaving 1D star’s head" Click Here. 3.10.15

 

Viva Las Magic, Hippodrome Casino, London. Magician and comedian extraordinaire Christian Lee hosts this rather fabulous variety evening of magic, comedy, bizarre antics, and breathtaking stunts with a little bit of Vegas Va Va Voom. Enjoy a veritable feast of the West End's top magical and cabaret talent, along with twists and bangs, comedy and subterfuge - it's one night that will be remembered for years to come! With: Duo Bogof; Duo Bogof pulls you through the cracks of their glittering showbiz facade, into a parallel universe, where illusion and reality are not only uncannily similar, they are often completely interchangeable; Maximilian Somerset The Magician, Musician and Unusualist; Jon Hicks International Man of Artistry; Edward Hilsum, Outstanding magical feats, and Feeding the Fish: Pixel Poi Juggling. Saturday 10th October at 8pm. The Hippodrome Casino, Cranbourn Street, London WC2H 7JH (Map). www.hippodromecasino.com/events/viva-las-magic. 3.10.15

 

Mark Elsdon Manchester Mentalism Workshop. 5pm - 9.30pm, Tuesday 27th October, 2015.


Session 1: Mentalism for Workers
Learn Mark's openers for both close-up and stand-up, as well as why he created them. Then learn the original mentalism effects that he always uses for walkaround specifically because they offer great opportunity for audience involvement. He will also explain the strategies and techniques that he developed over thousands of performances that are guaranteed to make you much more memorable than any other magician or mentalist your audience has ever seen.

Session 2: Essential Equivoque
A primer on this underused and often misunderstood technique. Learn several powerful, direct equivoque-based effects from Mark's personal repertoire, and then study how their construction will enable you to create equivoque tricks of your own. Mark will also teach his revolutionary PCF tool, the single most important strategy for using equivoque deceptively, and which is essential for anyone who would like to become an expert practitioner of this versatile technique.

Session 3: Conversation As Mentalism.
Learn six killer mentalism effects that you can perform anytime, anyplace and without any props! These effects been designed with one outcome in mind to amaze whoever you are talking to without the aid of any gadgets, gizmos or gimmicks. Organic mentalism that you can perform at the drop of a hat using just the knowledge in your head. You'll see the material in action, and leave the Workshop able to perform it immediately.

"I've known Mark for over 15 years, he is a fantastic performer. He always has a fresh angle on classics and creates some of the best commercial effects I've seen. I love his creations but also love watching him perform. You are in for a treat." Marc Spelmann.
"If you want to be a better mentalist, you owe it to yourself to attend Mark's Workshop" Michael Murray.

"Mark Elsdon is my secret weapon. Well, he was until I told you about him. He's the first, and usually only, person I turn to when I get stuck." Colin McLeod.


Price £50. Places are strictly limited and will sell out fast. Contact Martin Allcock martin@magical-entertainment.co.uk to book.
3.10.15

 

Last call for the Business Magician Seminar: Mark Leveridge's latest live event is taking place on Saturday 10th October. It's a 4 hour session dedicated to help all go ahead magicians to secure and deliver work with businesses. There are many opportunities for shows over and above the normal company dinners or receptions and in this candid and detailed session Mark will reveal the secrets of how he has successfully been mining this useful source of paid work for many years. The session will also contain full information on how Mark delivers value for companies at trade shows and exhibitions. This is a great opportunity to get commercial information and help in order to enable you to succeed in an area where others may not even know to tread, so book one of the limited places now. The Business Magician Seminar will take place in the MLM Academy in Exeter and the session will run from 11.30am - 3.30pm. Advance registrations only. Please go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/mlmacademy.php for more info and to book. 3.10.15

 

Manchester Circle of Magicians Jumbo Magic Auction: Manchester Circle of Magicians are holding a Jumbo Magic Auction on Monday 12th October at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Doors open 5.30pm. Viewing from 6.00pm. Auction commences at 6.30pm. Star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Hundreds of bargains available including books, magazines, close-up magic, stage magic including a Supreme Rainbow House, kids magic etc. many without reserve. A door charge of £3.00 is payable by non-members, but members are admitted free of charge. 3.10.15

 

A Laugh a Minute - with Harry Robson. Lecture now booking. Harry Robson is one of the UK's busiest and most loved magicians. Over the past thirty years he has given countless lectures on how to become a better magician, what tricks to use and how to get bookings. In his lecture he tells some of the funniest stories he's been part of along the way. To book Harry for your club lecture simply visit www.harryrobsonmagicshop.com/lecture. 3.10.15

 

The Magicians Live. Fleet, Hampshire. The Harlington write: "Just The Trick have produced a brand new live magic entertainment show especially for The Harlington. Featuring a line-up of 2 of the country’s finest magic acts plus a compere, this will be an evening of jaw-dropping illusions and astonishing sleight of hand from professional tricksters at the very top of their game. Prepare to be thoroughly entertained, to laugh, and to witness the impossible. How did they do that? Blink and you’ll miss it!" Starring Matt Garrett, Alan Hudson and Ed "The Magician". Tuesday 27th October at 7pm. Tickets: £10 Adult / £8 Child / £32 Family ticket. Seating: Cabaret Unreserved. Age: Recommended for children 11+ (though younger may attend and thoroughly enjoy the magic). Note: Acts may be subject to change. Phone: 01252 811 009 to book tickets or visit www.theharlington.co.uk. The Harlington, 236 Fleet Road, Fleet, Hampshire GU51 4BY (Map). 3.10.15

 

The 79th IBM British Ring convention is reported by Geoffrey Newton this week, Click Here. Photo: Paul Ray, the newly installed President. 3.10.15

 

Rob James wins IBM British Ring Close-up Competition in Eastbourne. Matthew Garrett was placed 2nd and Matthew Le Mottée 3rd. Congratulations to all three. (Really pleased for Rob, I remember seeing him in a competition years ago and thinking "he should have won!" DT). See: www.rob-james.com. 3.10.15

 

Mel Harvey wins "Best Comedy Magic Act" award. At the 79th Annual British Ring Convention of the International Brotherhood of Magicians Mel Harvey won the prestigious Tom Harris Cup for the best Comedy Magic Act. This was a unique occasion as it was awarded for the first time ever in the Close-up competition. Mel entered with his "Mel the Mobster" act which has taken him all around the world including Las Vegas, the four F's Convention in Buffalo and on top American cruise lines. David Hemingway had this to say: "It totally doesn't matter what he does, Mel Harvey is always funny, always extremely entertaining, always great fun." The next day Mel appeared in The Sooty Magic Show at the Congress Theatre with his guitar/vocal act which included his own, very funny, version of "Old MacDonald's Farm"! A couple of hours later Mel was the auctioneer for a marathon session at the IBM magic auction. In between times Mel could be seen demonstrating his close-up lines on his stand in the dealers hall! Next week Mel will be visiting The Magic Castle in Hollywood on a whistle-stop tour, from New York to San Francisco. www.melharvey.com. 3.10.15

 

It's Trick or Treat Time at Magic Nevin this October: "Since we love Halloween so much, all qualifying orders placed at www.magicnevin.com during October 2015 will receive a free trick or treat promotion item. We will add a Trick or Treat to your order when it is packed. The trick or treat promotion gifts will include one item selected at random from the following: discount vouchers, magic tricks, decks of cards, promotional items, trick or treat style sweets, Halloween items and a whole host of other goodies as well! Don't forget this is in addition to the other benefits of shopping at Magic Nevin which are: A massive range of products in stock here in the UK, Low Prices, Fast, Free Shipping (UK orders over £10 & most international orders over £25) and Loyalty Points." 3.10.15

 

John Styles is back on the road again in 'The Magnificent Music Hall' show, performing his magic and 'Chelsea Pensioner' act. Venues include: The Theatre Royal, Windsor; The Lyceum, Crewe; The New Wolsley, Ipswich; The Lighthouse Theatre, Poole; The Chequer Mead Theatre, East Grinstead; The Mercury Theatre, Colchester; The Thameside Theatre, Grays and The Normansfield Theatre, Teddington. John is also back for a third appearance in 'The Good Old Days' at The City Varieties Theatre in Leeds on 9th and 10th October: www.cityvarieties.co.uk. 3.10.15

 

Will Gray lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on 8th October: Will Gray is a working professional, a member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star and a regular at the FFFF's convention in New York. His lecture is light-hearted and fun featuring magic with cards, coins, goldfish (and there's even some magic for children's entertainers). Overall nothing too knuckle busting, just good entertaining workable magic. Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee. The lecture takes place in East Horsley, Surrey at 8pm. For full details email Adam Mosley: info@surreymagic.org.uk. 3.10.15

 

The October Mark Leveridge Podcast is ready! "In the latest edition Mark chats about a variety of topics including: when is a lecture not a lecture?, how it is that sometimes the hardest people to get to entertain are those who have actually booked you, the fact that magic can exercise a hugely positive influence on your life and yet why is it that we often remember the bad shows more than the good ones? Mark also expresses his surprise on being informed by many people that he has been elected leader of the Labour party (!), and reports on the lessons to be learned from watching a terrific business presentation by Steve Head at the Entrepreneur's Circle National Event. All this plus more is crammed into 30 minutes, the perfect amount of time to listen while drinking a cuppa. Access this podcast now for free at www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php or at www.markleveridge.podbean.com." 3.10.15

 

The Crimson Carpet Cabaret: "London's newest magic cabaret, featuring London's finest cabaret, comedy, drag, magic and burlesque artists, all hosted my London cabaret magician Dee Riley." Friday 9th October. Advance bookings: £10 show. £15 show and buffet. On the door: Show & buffet £20. www.behindburlesque.co.uk/ccc. 3.10.15

 

Paul Gordon Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians lecture. Sue Oakley (Secretary of WCM) writes: On Wednesday 7th October, the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians have a lecture from Paul Gordon. Paul's lecture on card magic is fun, jam-packed, fast-paced and full of killer card stuff. All workers. Paul has lectured all over the world, including 7 times in the USA. Lecture starts at 8pm at The ECC Sports & Social Club, Showell Road, Wolverhampton WV10 9LU (Map). Visiting magicians welcome for just £5.00. 3.10.15

 

International News: Torino Mind Festival, Turin, Italy. From the organisers: From 26th to 29th of November 2015, in Turin , Italy. Four days that will make history... 10 Lectures; 1 one-man show; 1 Multi Lecture; 3 Workshops; Mind After Night Party; IV Italian Championship of Mentalism; 2 Amazing Gala Shows; An Exhibition of Optical Illusions; Specialized Dealers. Limited seats - book now! VIP Passes limited to 30 persons! These are the first artists announced: Marc Salem, Christian Chelman, Marc Paul, Alexander, Francesco Tesei, Tony Binarelli, Marco Berry, Peter Turner, Christopher Taylor, Albis, Carlo Faggi, Max Vellucci, Luca Volpe, Stefano Paiusco, Nefesh and Daniele Ancona. Visit www.torinomindfestival.com for more info and to book. 3.10.15

 

Exonian Magic Society Convention Magic Dealer openings. Ozzy Dee writes: The Exonian Magic Society hold our 80th Anniversary Magic Convention on October 2nd 2016. We are looking for dealers who would be interested in attending. We are only offering spaces for up to 6 dealers, so if you are interested please email: ozzydee@themagiccircle.co.uk. 3.10.15

 

MagicWeek News Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday. No exceptions. DT. 3.10.15

 

"Review: Darcy Oake delivers perfect show at Bristol Hippodrome" Click Here • "It’s getting so frustrating and ridiculous to Criss Angel that people are blatantly taking his stuff" Click Here • "Photos: Five years in the making, Lance Burton’s ‘Billy Topit’ premieres at Palms" Click Here • "Nestlé Cereals plants levitating illusionist in Waterloo" Click Here • "Ben Murphy set for Mind-Bending show: Dover's answer to Derren Brown coming to Bluebirds" Click Here • "Paul Zerdin: British ventriloquist has won America's Got Talent...so why is he so good?" Click Here • "Magician gets Merlin Award" Click Here • That's it for this week. Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 3.10.15

 

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