Number 804 - 21st November 2015
Derren
Brown: Miracle... "I believe!"
Derren Brown has been controlling our minds on a grand scale for around 15 years now, and last Monday evening at the Palace Theatre in the heart of London's West End he once again dazzled and delighted, with his all-new show, 'Derren Brown: Miracle'. What I love about Derren's work is his instant rapport with his audience, the playfulness, the fun. Derren produces such a unique evening's entertainment. He wants to get inside our minds and we let him. Created by Derren Brown, Andy Nyman and Andrew O'Connor and directed by Andy Nyman and Andrew O'Connor, Derren Brown: Miracle is, once again, a masterclass in showmanship and presentation that you just must see. DT.
Book via www.derrenbrown.co.uk.
"Derren Brown: Miracle" Trailer: YouTube.
"Derren Brown: Miracle, Palace Theatre, review: 'completely astounding'" www.telegraph.co.uk.
"Derren Brown: Miracle, review – A show of gobsmackingly wonderful moments" www.standard.co.uk.
"Derren Brown: Miracle" www.londontheatre.co.uk.
"Derren Brown: Miracle review – a playful, perplexing night of Derren-do" www.theguardian.com. 21.11.15
The Illusionists:
Witness the Impossible... "I believe!"
On Thursday evening I took the family to see The Illusionists with a few preconceptions I must admit. I'd read some online reviews, and remember seeing the previous version (albeit with a different cast) when it was televised a few years ago. It all looked a little 'overproduced' for me; too 'hyped'. Well not this time. This was the perfect magic show, starring seven world-class performers, covering all genres of magic with real wit, pace and panache, woven together in a production that was pure fun, from start to finish. From the brilliant, chaotic, antics of David Williamson, to the teeth grinding tension created by escapologist Andrew Basso - every act delivered. We really did love the whole show. The Illusionists: Witness the Impossible was produced by Simon Painter and Tim Lawson and directed by Neil Dorward. As with Derren Brown's Miracle, you really must see this perfect Christmas treat of a magic show! DT.
Book via www.shaftesburytheatre.com.
"The Illusionists London" Gala Night: YouTube.
"Review: The Illusionists, Shaftesbury Theatre" www.ayoungertheatre.com.
"The Illusionists review – chainsaws, crossbows, origami … that's magic!" www.theguardian.com.
"The Illusionists review at Shaftesbury Theatre, London – ‘a kind of magic’" www.thestage.co.uk.
"The Illusionists" www.londontheatre.co.uk. 21.11.15
The
Next Great Magician. Derren Brown’s Vaudeville Productions and Crook
Productions have been commissioned by ITV to co-produce a brand new magic
competition show, The Next Great Magician (6 x 60’). Crook Productions is part
of Andrew O’Connor and ITV Studios’ Cat’s On The Roof Media, and The Next Great
Magician is Crook Productions’ first big entertainment commission since the
group’s inception earlier this year. The series will feature the world’s best
magicians performing their greatest tricks, many of them for the first time ever
on television, as they compete to be crowned The Next Great Magician. It will
air on ITV next summer.
Each episode will see five magicians perform their most sensational tricks, from
close-up and comedy magic through to amazing illusions and incredible escapes,
both in front of a studio audience and on location in front of astounded members
of the public and celebrities. The magicians will judge each other’s
performances, with each week’s highest-voted contestant going through to the
final. In the grand live final, the five top magicians will perform even more
astonishing new tricks in a battle to win a truly money-can’t-buy prize: their
own television special on ITV.
Andrew O’Connor said: “Some of the world’s best magicians are hero-worshipped by
their peers but are unknown to wider audiences, having never trusted a TV
company to film them before. The Next Great Magician will see them perform their
most remarkable tricks on TV and judge each other’s performances in what
promises to be a mind-blowing and unmissable magical spectacular!”
Elaine Bedell added: “We're delighted to be bringing The Next Great Magician to our
entertainment slate, and to be working with Andrew and Derren who are the best
in the business when it comes to magic and illusion production.”
The Next Great Magician is executive produced by Andrew O’Connor, Derren Brown
and Matt Crook. It was commissioned by Elaine Bedell, Director of Entertainment
& Comedy and Peter Davey, Commissioning Editor, Entertainment for ITV.
21.11.15
Paul
Daniels & Debbie McGee: The Intimate Magic Tour. "Our last shows have
featured large illusions and we wanted to show the audiences a much more close
up and interactive kind of magic. Via Twitter, we asked the public which effects
they wanted to see and this show has been decided by them. I promise you this
event will both baffle you and make you laugh. It’ll be a party!" Paul Daniels.
The Intimate Magic Tour can be seen tonight, Saturday 21st November, at
the Evesham Arts Centre, Evesham
www.eveshamartscentre.co.uk and on Thursday 26th at Hanger Farm Arts Centre, Southampton
totton.ac.uk/hanger-farm.
21.11.15
Destiny
- it's your choice. The new release by Axel Hecklau: "Does destiny exist? It
always ends the other way. This is a 'law of nature'. With Destiny - It's
your choice you tackle this topic in a funny, astonishing and surprising
way, in your parlour or stage show. A Destiny Card is freely chosen and drawn
on a piece of paper. The spectator shuffles his card into the deck. Then he
throws half of the cards into the air, several times, until just one card is
left... but is this the Destiny Card? Life is full of surprises - and at the end
of this routine there's a big surprise. Watch the video trailer on
www.axelhecklau.com to see what's happening. This is the first routine by
Axel Hecklau that comes as a DVD and as a Digital Download. Packs small - plays
big! Fully detailed explanation. English/German. Download €23.80 or DVD+Download
€29.75." Available exclusively from
www.axelhecklau.com.
21.11.15
The
Twins Macabre: Circus of Freaks. A dark character comedy with vaudevillian
theatrics! The world's most infamous 10-year-old psychic siblings, Maurice and
Ivy Macabre present their modern day freakshow, featuring a whole array of new
dark and twisted characters and songs. This show will kill you... literally. As
seen on BBC3's Live at the Electric, BBC Radio 4's Sketchorama and the Rocky
Horror sequel 'Shock Treatment'. "They make you laugh even when your skin
crawls" - The List. Saturday 21st November at 8.45pm. Museum of Comedy, The
Undercroft, St Georges Church, Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SR (Map).
Tickets: Click Here.
21.11.15
'Alan
Shaxon - the Sophisticated Sorcerer' lecture. Paul Sharp writes: Scott
Penrose and Steve Short will be presenting their 'Alan Shaxon - the
Sophisticated Sorcerer' lecture for the Derby Magic Circle on Wednesday, 25th
November, at Breadsall Village Hall, Derby DE21 5LF (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm, starts at 8pm. Scott Penrose and Steve Short have recently
completed the book that Alan had started about his life, career and his magic.
The book titled 'Alan Shaxon - The Sophisticated Sorcerer' The Life and Magic of
an International Magician was published and this accompanying lecture will give
an interesting insight into the life of one of magic's legends. During the first
half, Steve will talk about Alan's life and career with a PowerPoint
presentation and video clips. After the break, Scott will show and explain some
of Alan's effects all of which are "workers". They are not pipe dreams as Alan
had performed them hundreds of times and had ironed out any problems during
countless performances. A unique lecture, not to be missed! Past members and
visiting Magicians are very welcome at Derby. There is a small fee of £10
payable on the night. Please contact our secretary Allan Humphries on 01889 590
975 prior to attending. For more information about our programme for the
remainder of the year please visit
www.derbymagiccircle.com.
21.11.15
Antonio
Zip & John Danbury. John Danbury presents his last big variety show of the
year, live at The National Coal Mining Museum for England just outside Wakefield
in West Yorkshire, next Saturday night, 28th November. This will be the 9th full
variety show John has produced this year and as well as performing magic on each
show himself there is always another speciality act on the bill. This month is
the outstanding magic, mime and mirth of Antonio Zip, who is definitely one to
watch out for. Tickets are just £15. To book either call the venue on 01924 848
806 or visit 'John Danbury Presents' at
www.johndanburypresents.com/booking.
21.11.15
News
from E-Club Pro! Just 1 week left to receive £50 of magic gifts. Time flies
when you're having fun, and if you want to receive magic gifts worth £50 from
Mark Leveridge Magic, you will need to sign up for Mark's E-Club Pro online
magic and information resource before midnight on the 30th November. E-Club Pro
is already stunning value, with its 500+ pages of online content that is fully
updated every month and which provides help, advice, instruction and interest
for all magicians, irrespective of their levels of magic knowledge, yet this
offer makes it even better. Current members range from beginners to full time
pros, and all of them find content on the E-Club Pro pages that is relevant and
helpful to them. Mark has 30+ years of full time pro knowledge and experience to
pass on to you, and using his lecturing expertise and teaching know how, he
delivers a consistently reliable, quality learning experience for all members.
So, join E-Club Pro before the end of month deadline and when you complete three
months of unbroken membership you will receive the first of your gifts, then on
six months you will receive the second. For more details and to sign up go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/eclubpro.php.
21.11.15
Advertisement
Trentham Guest House, Blackpool. Awarded Three
Star Guest Accommodation by Enjoy England The Trentham Guest House is a small
family run business and enjoys a central location on Albert Road, Blackpool, just a two
minute walk from the Blackpool Magic Convention at the Winter Gardens. Facilities: CD player, TV, DVD player,
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www.trenthamhotelblackpool.co.uk for more information and to book.
21.11.15
Celebrity Come Dine with
Me is being repeated on Monday 30th November on 4Seven.
"Four celebrities compete to prove their
worth as the best dinner party host: the country's most famous
magician's assistant 'the lovely' Debbie McGee; former MP, and aspiring
stand-up comic, Lembit Opik; radio presenter and former 11 O'Clock Show
and RI:SE host Iain Lee; and Essex glamour model and party girl Jodie
Marsh. Debbie kicks off the week in style in the luxurious Thames-side
home she shares with husband Paul Daniels. She's decided to cut a few
corners, using some shop bought items - which fails to impress one
eagle-eyed guest. On night two, Lembit claims to have an innate culinary
ability - but his unusual cooking methods leave a lot to be desired."
See TV Magic.
21.11.15
The
Order of the Magi Christmas Party. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: The Order of
the Magi Christmas Party is on Tuesday 8th December at The Irish World
Heritage Centre in Manchester. It all starts at 8pm with games, competitions
and prizes. A hot pot type supper follows and then entertainment will be
provided by top comedian Dominic Woodward, sing-along with Barrie ‘Ukelele’
Horridge and magic from the Master of Mystery Adrian Sullivan. All this for only
£7. This is a ticket event and they must be purchased by 1st December. Contact
pro@orderofthemagi.org.uk or call 0161 969 8222
to book. Website:
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk.
21.11.15
Steve
Gore Bristol Society of Magic lecture.
Steve Gore presents his lecture for the
Bristol Society of
Magic on Thursday 26th November: "The lecture has received excellent reviews at the IBM British
Ring Convention, The Magic Circle, The Blackpool Magicians' Club, The British
Magical Society, The Magic Castle in Hollywood and over twenty other magic societies.
It includes lots of his original effects, including 'Trick Photography’', which
MagicWeek called 'Close-up Trick of the Year' and 'Visions from Vegas', which is
an ingenious and easy mentalism effect which is a new method in magic. It’s not
all close-up though, there are effects for stage, stand-up, mentalism and kids
too, so there’s something for everyone. The majority of his effects are also
easy to master, allowing you to focus on the presentation." "I
don't think I've seen/met a magician with such an interesting array of effects
and variations on originals at the Guild before. You have a very creative mind." John Scott, Nottingham Guild of Magicians.
www.stevegore.co.uk.
21.11.15
Jacob and Ruby Allen, from Houghton Regis
in Bedfordshire, have just returned home
from Skegness after competing in the National Finals of the 'Park Resorts Big
Talent show 2015'. The brother and sister duo made it to the finals having
competed in three previous rounds nationwide, and were judged by The Chuckle
Brothers, X Factor winner Sam Baily, Deme from Stavros Flatley, and actor Andy
Wyeman in the final. They gave a perfect performance and came 2nd winning a
trophy and £1,000. All the family were there to cheer them on, and were so proud. Jacob and Ruby said that they will be
working more and more on the act and may even try out for Britain’s Got Talent
next year.
Highlight showreel:
YouTube.
21.11.15
"'Now
You See Me 2' trailer adds a very interesting magician into the ensemble
mix"
Click Here •
"Axbridge magician named Bristol's Close Up Magician of the year"
Click Here •
"Spinning cards on a window, cutting the deck and riffling the pack:
Magician with no hands shows off his incredible skills in inspiring
video"
Click Here •
"The man who tricked Penn & Teller"
Click Here •
"'Disillusioned' turns magic into comedy"
Click Here •
"Alistair Smith: Is magic making a comeback?"
Click Here •
"Cirencester magician Alex Robertson mentors an act for
Gloucestershire's Star Talent to raise money for National Star charity"
Click Here •
Your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan.
21.11.15