Number 812 - 16th January 2016

 

The South Tyneside International Magic Festival Convention, held at the Customs House, South Shields on the North East coast, returns with three days of lectures, workshops and performances from Friday March 11th. American sleight of hand artist, John Carney, who has won more Magic Castle awards than any other act, is among those set to speak at the popular event, which is open exclusively to professional magicians and enthusiasts from around the world. Other stars due to deliver practical and informative lectures as part of the programme, include close-up magicians Peter Clifford and Michael Vincent, Andi Gladwin, who performed at President Obama’s inauguration, mind reader Chris Rawlins, high-energy, Florida-based humourist Chad Long, Belgium’s man of mystery Rafael, and professional ‘cheat,’ R Paul Wilson, star of BBC's The Real Hustle. Paul Megram, who has decades of experience in family magic thanks to his award winning shows combining side splitting fun and magical mayhem, will also be lecturing and will appear in a special children’s show as his alter ego, Colonel Custard. Along with Paul’s performance, delegates at the 13th annual convention will also receive access to an exclusive Late Late Show, starring Danny Buckler and Phil Butler, plus two International Gala Shows, which are open to the general public.

Other highlights at the event, organised by South Tyneside Council and magician John Archer, include a dealer’s showcase and a comedy magic forum. "We’ve made a conscious effort to cover as many magical disciplines as possible in this year’s lectures" said John. "I’m confident that these interesting and informative sessions, used alongside our close-up workshops, forums and optional masterclasses, will give delegates the chance to learn more than ever before... it should also be a fun weekend too!" Tickets (£65) are available now by contacting Karri Prinn on 0191 4554031 or emailing karri.prinn@southtyneside.gov.uk. 11th - 13th March 2016. For more information visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival.
16.1.16

 

Masters of Magic. One night only. Saturday 27th February. Starring Jeff McBride, Eugene Burger and Lawrence Hass. An incredible family magic show featuring stunning illusions, comedy and fun. Don’t miss this chance to see the Mystery School at work in their only three-man public show on their UK Tour! Tickets: All seats £20 (plus booking fee). Special Family Deal: (2 x adults, 2 x children ages 7+) £60 (plus booking fee). 100% of ticket sales go to animal conservation charities: FOPWP and WHF. Venue: The Marquee, Paradise Wildlife Park, White Stubbs Lane, Broxbourne, Hertfordshire EN10 7QA (Map). Doors: 7pm. Bar facilities. Event finishes at 11pm. Free parking on-site. Masters of Magic is a ‘Magic Moments’ show produced and organised by Jay Fortune and Kenny Roberts. Tickets available here: www.masters-of-magic.eventbrite.co.uk. 16.1.16

 

So that's how he does it! Dynamo is seen here with a freshly purchased bag of goodies from Merlins of Wakefield. Merlins write: "We have known Dynamo since we started trading, and he was one of our very first customers. Nowadays, he is a well known celebrity but still calls in when he is in the area to have a chat and stock up on his magic. We have watched him grow over the years to become the best known magician in the UK, and even worldwide, and it’s a privilege to call him a friend. We are sure there are even greater things to come from him, as he never stops working to create new magic effects." 16.1.16

 

21st Birthday Celebrations. On Sunday 15th May 2016, Merlin's will be celebrating their 21 years as magic dealers by holding a One Day Magic Celebration. The day will consist of lectures, workshops, side-shows and finish with a Gala Magic Show in the evening. All to be held at Wakefield's newly refurbished Unity House which has excellent facilities including a café, bar, parking and is just a 2 minute walk from Westgate railway station. To register your interest email merlins@btconnect.com and they will send you further details, by the end of January 2016. www.merlinswakefield.com. 16.1.16

 

The Northern Magic Circle Convention once again returns to the beautiful town of Harrogate in North Yorkshire, for its 60th annual convention (9th, 10th April 2016). Danny Hunt writes: Located in the town centre the convention take place in the town's beautiful Victorian theatre. This year's convention will feature some of the brightest stars in magic! Including the manipulative magic of Oliver Tabor, time travelling illusionists Morgan & West and The Magic Circle's Young Magicians of the Year Destiny. As well as star-studded lectures from Andi Gladwin, Paul Stone, Morgan & West and Luke Jermay. There is a fantastic Children's Show and Gala Show with some of magic's biggest stars! £55 for members £65 non members. More acts to be announced soon so keep an eye on magic press for details or book online at www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk. 16.1.16

 

'Derren Brown: Pushed to the Edge' is being repeated on 4Seven this evening: Psychological illusionist Derren Brown returns to our screens with Pushed to the Edge; his most ambitious experiment to date. He aims to persuade an unwitting member of the public to push another person off a roof, seemingly to their death. Brown is investigating the powers of social compliance: how authority, peer pressure or ideology can be used to make people carry out horrific acts. His subject is Chris Kingston, a 29 year-old member of the public who is unaware he's being filmed or manipulated at a distance. The setting is the gala launch night of a fictitious new charity called Push. Brown has recruited Hollywood special effects artists, stunt coordinators and a troupe of 70 actors to stage this carefully choreographed experiment. See TV Magic.

"How my lovely moral sister-in-law became a Derren Brown 'killer': Family describe their shock at watching her convinced to 'murder'" Click Here.

"Derren Brown, Pushed to the Edge: viewers paranoid over ‘green dot and high-pitched noises’ during TV special" Click Here.

"Derren Brown review: Shock, awe, sausage rolls - and a hard-hitting final message" Click Here.

"Was Derren Brown's show a push too far?" Click Here.

"Shocking ‘murder’ televised" Click Here.

"Derren Brown under fire for trick involving public 'pushing man off a roof'" Click Here.

"'He's gone too far' Derren Brown's Pushed To The Edge slammed as 'cruel' by viewers" Click Here.

"Making a murderer with Derren Brown" Click Here.

"Derren Brown’s Pushed To The Edge labelled ‘cruel’ and ‘unethical’ by viewers" Click Here. 16.1.16

 

Steve Beam October 2016 lecture tour now booking. Tony Griffith writes: Steve Beam’s lecture tour, which had to be cancelled last year, has now been arranged to take place later this year between 3rd – 22nd October. Steve Beam is the author of the very popular hardbound ten set Semi Automatic Card Tricks series, The Trapdoor magazine (now available in three hardbound volumes), plus numerous other publications. He is without doubt one of the most entertaining card magicians around. Steve writes: "It has been seven years since my fourth tour of the UK. Rumour has it that the roadways have recovered from my previous visits, and that some UK pedestrians are actually excited about the opportunity for another exhilarating game of dodge-car. Personally, I’m looking forward to renewing old friendships, sessioning with new friends, and sharing the latest in practical card (and other) magic. I have made many friends in the UK since my first tour in 1996. I have not only kept in touch with these friends over the last twenty years, but also I have used dozens of their effects in my books – sometimes even with credit to them. Those who have attended my previous lectures will appreciate that I am now virtually fluent in the English language." Clubs interested in booking Steve’s lecture should contact Tony Griffith: 01275 835463 tony@tonygriffith.co.uk for more details. Early booking is advised. 16.1.16

 

The Magicians' Podcast with Richard Young makes a very welcome return on Friday, 22nd January. The first of the new series will be a double bill featuring Richard's stage partner Sam Strange and Canadian illusionist Darcy Oake. Listen to both (from Friday) and catch up with previous editions at magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast and iTunes, Click Here. 16.1.16

 

Giggio once again sponsors The Magicians' Podcast. That catchy jingle is back! Giggio is the best (and most user-friendly) booking management system available for professional entertainers. It allows your clients to view and confirm their bookings online, generates contracts, invoices, tracks payments, calculates mileage and much more. See how it will transform your business here Click Here, then take your free 30 day trial at www.giggio.co.uk. 16.1.16

 

Loud, bombastic, overbearing... and that's just Donald Trump. Penn Jillette competes on 'The Celebrity Apprentice USA' on Friday 22nd January on BBC 1 (first shown in the USA a few years ago). "Donald Trump presents the American version of the business-based competition, with celebrity contenders playing for their chosen charities. The starting line-up includes magician Penn Jillette. The candidates will be assessed and eliminated by Donald Trump, with help from daughter Ivanka and son Don Jr." See TV Magic. 16.1.16

 

Morgan & West: Parlour Tricks - Wilton’s Music Hall, London. 19th – 23rd January 2016. Time-travelling, Victorian magic duo Morgan & West have decided it’s high time that they return to their roots with a run of critically acclaimed Parlour Tricks at Wilton’s Music Hall - a venue which, just like these dashing chaps, is the oldest remaining example of its kind. If you’ve been lucky enough to see Morgan & West before then you'll know to expect a thoroughly entertaining, utterly baffling and endlessly enthralling evening. Absolutely chock full of brain bursting illusion and impossibility, conjuring, mind reading and a little bit of time travel, Morgan & West promise to astound and amuse with their grandest, most audacious and perplexing show to date. Morgan & West have been performing their unique magic shows across the UK and around the world, including sell-out shows at the Edinburgh Fringe, Perth Fringe World, Adelaide Fringe where they were nominated for ‘Best Family Show’ and Buxton Fringe where they were awarded ‘Best Comedy Show’. They have also appeared on Penn and Teller’s Fool Us (ITV) and The Slammer (CBBC).  Wilton’s Music Hall, 1 Graces Alley, London E1 8JB (Map). Tuesday 19th, Wednesday 20th, Thursday 21st & Saturday 23rd January 2016. 7.30pm - 9pm. Tickets: £8 - £15. Box Office: 020 7702 2789 www.wiltons.org.uk www.morganandwest.co.uk. 16.1.16

 

Chris North's brand new lecture 'Surviving Half a Century in Magic' is now taking bookings for the year ahead. "Chris delivered a fascinating lecture about his 50 year career in the world of magic and really showed us how the trends have changed and how he changed with them. It was a great presentation featuring slide shows, clips and stories from the heyday of variety entertainment. I have known Chris for a number of years but was taken aback by just how much he has done and achieved along this journey." To read the full review from Steve Majes, Click Here. For lecture details and to book, visit the Lecturers page. 16.1.16

 

The Undateables, Monday 18th January, Channel 4. "Five years ago, 23-year-old footballer George had a near fatal car accident that left him paralysed from the chest down. George now wants a girlfriend, but since his accident he's been too nervous to ask anyone out. Will his charm win the heart of Nathalie? Magician David from Essex, who has a learning disability, has never had a relationship and says he finds social situations awkward. How will his meeting with Claire go? Bethany from Leicestershire meets plenty of boys at her local theatre group but says she doesn't imagine any of them would ever fancy her. The 20 year old, who has Downs syndrome, wants to experience love - will her date with Bradley provide a taste of real romance?" See TV Magic for details. 16.1.16

 

Peter McLanachan will be presenting a lecture for Paisley Magic Circle this Thursday evening, 21st January, at their usual meeting place: St Ninian's Church Hall, Blackstoun Road, Paisley, Renfrewshire PA3 1NR (Map). The first half of the lecture will be a mix of effects that can be performed with a regular deck of cards while the second half will be a discussion of one of Peter's favourite effects which he has used to close performances for the last 15 years, the Deck Vanish. The lecture starts at 7.30pm and entry for non-members is £5. www.paisleymagiccircle.co.uk. 16.1.16

 

The Radio 2 Arts Show with Nihal, Friday 22nd January on BBC Radio Two. Nihal sits in for Claudia Winkleman and talks to magician Dynamo. Plus Robbie Collin with film news, television producer Jane Fallon and the Rocky Horror Show on tour. See TV Magic for details. 16.1.16

 

The January Mark Leveridge Podcast: If you receive an enquiry for a booking and you can't make the date, do you pass the enquiry on to a magical colleague? And if you do, would you expect a commission or cut of the fee received by the other magician? This is one of the topics that I discuss in the latest Podcast which is free for you to download or listen to online. Other subjects covered in this issue are: creativity and how to maintain it over many years; I reflect on the very healthy state of live magic performance currently in the UK; looking back at 2015 can help you to effectively plan 2016; dealing with charity show requests; the complex web of marketing opportunities that confront everyone who seeks to promote their shows these days; the new beginner magic events at the MLM Academy. A new edition of the 30 minute Podcast is published on the 1st day of every month and you can access this latest edition and any of the back issues right now from www.markleveridge.podbean.com or from www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php. 16.1.16

 

MindFX are proud to announce the release of Recreation: "Recreation brings a totally new approach to the ACAAN plot. Designed specifically for casual performances you will be able to recreate the ACAAN effect with the greatest of ease. A genuinely thought of card and number, and the spectator does all of the dealing and revealing. Recreation comes with three additional bonus ACAAN routines and best of all, this is currently listed at an introductory price of £5.99 www.mindfx.co.uk. 16.1.16

 

Peter Antoniou - 'Psychic' Comedian at Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival: Direct from London's West End to Dave's Leicester Comedy Festival. If you could ask a psychic a question what would it be? A clue about your past, present, future? Your love life or just what colour is your underwear? Think of your question and Psychic Comedian Peter Antoniou will read it from your mind and provide an answer. Stand-up comedy meets mind reading. Thursday 18th February at 8pm. Tickets: £8 (£6). Upstairs @ The Western, 70 Western Road, Leicester LE3 0GA (Map). www.upstairsatthewestern.com. 16.1.16

 

Manchester Circle of Magicians Jumbo Magic Auction. From the organisers: Monday 18th January at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Near Manchester M5 4PE (Map). Auction commences at 6.30pm. Doors open 5.30pm with viewing from 6pm. Door charge £3.00, free for members. Star Auctioneers Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Hundreds of items for sale without reserve including books, DVDs, kids props, close up magic, stage apparatus etc. Further information from Derek Lever: d.lever1@sky.com. 16.1.16

 

Luis Otero's lecture tour is now underway... "Luis Otero's lecture is a treasure trove of magic, moves, and philosophy for the close-up magician. What's exciting about hosting a lecturer from this part of the world is that he brings with him a new style of magic and presentation, and an entirely original philosophy on card magic. The magic is beautiful, intelligent, and unusual in construction. Tricks that appeal to the beginner will be taught, as well as more advanced and challenging material." See What's On for details.. 16.1.16

 

Steve and Tricia Blake email to say they'd like to meet up with other magic acts cruising in the Caribbean at the moment (they are currently on the 5 star MS Insignia for Oceania cruises for 6 months). Contact via www.steveandtriciablake.com. 16.1.16

 

The Gathering 'Magician of the Year' Competition. From the organisers: The Gathering Magician of the Year 2016 is here. We have an amazing line up featuring: Steve Kovarez, Paul Henri, Jack Brister, Jake Ace, Robert Rathbone, Josh Pickering, Jeff Drayton (from BGT), Steve Majes, Ed Crafer and David Wrighting. The evening is being compered by the amazing Brian Clarke. February 2nd at the St George Hotel, Great Yarmouth Nr30 3JH www.st-georgehotel.co.uk starting at 7.30 pm. Entry is free so come along and enjoy a fun filled evening. For further information regarding the event email Kyle at thegathering@mail.com or telephone 07510 933734. 16.1.16

 

Home Counties Magical Society's next meeting is at 8pm on Thursday 21st January at Maiden Place Community Centre, Maiden Place, Kilnsea Drive, Earley, Reading RG6 3HE (Map) and will feature a lecture by Oliver Graham (see www.magic247.co.uk). Visiting magicians welcome for a door charge of £10. For more info visit www.hcms.org.uk. 16.1.16

 

Freddie Davies Performance Masterclass. From the organisers: The Art of the Stage Performer - Secrets of Presenting Yourself to an Audience - How can I present myself at my best? - Ever wonder why your act doesn’t go as well as it should? - You realise that your act needs improving but you aren’t sure what or how to change, or why! - Your act goes well but you know it could and should be better, but where do I learn this stuff? - Why aren’t you getting the applause you know you should be getting? If you’ve pondered any of these questions, you are in luck, because now is your golden opportunity to find at least some of the answers. Freddie Davies comes from a showbiz family, grew up in the Variety era, the forties and the fifties, and has enormous knowledge of his craft from both sides of the footlights. Two decades as a nationally known comedian and even three more as a director, producer and agent. Freddie's masterclass will cover the tips, techniques, strategies and tactics known by the old pros on presenting themselves to best advantage, and these secrets are practically unknown to today's magicians, comedians and stand-up performers. Thursday 11th February at the Three Minute Theatre, Oldham Street, Manchester at 7.30pm with an interview at 3pm. Tickets £40. Further details: facebook.com/events/622268617912237. 16.1.16

 

The House Magicians Magic School, Bristol, Easter 2016. Mark Bennett, a magician for over 23 years and a member of The Magic Circle, will be teaching you all the aspects of magic from history to presentation to sleight of hand, giving all the apprentices great confidence and new skills. Each half day course is £55 per child (aged 10-15). We do advise that the apprentices bring there own snacks due to dietary requirements, however the school will provide a full range of fruit juices throughout the course. The class will include the teaching of 3-4 magic tricks, after which the apprentices will be given the opportunity to perform in front of their fellow magicians and family to show how they have improved. A DVD with a value of £15 will also be given to each magician and all props will be theirs to keep. For full details visit www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk. 16.1.16

 

"Ricky Jay and the Met Conjure Big Magic in Miniature" Click Here • "The Illusionists breaks box office records at the Shaftesbury Theatre" Click Here • "Sad goodbye to 'gentleman magician' formerly from Pembury in Tunbridge Wells" Click Here • "Magician Dynamo adds a fifth show to his Metro Radio Arena run" Click Here • "Ta-Da: Magician's Trick Brings 3D Images to Your Phone" Click Here • "Win three pairs of tickets to see Dynamo" Click Here • "Ascot magician Jamie Raven wows players at Leicester City ahead of FA Cup clash" Click Here • "Houdini & Doyle: trailer and synopsis for ITV’s new drama" Click Here • "John Dee: the man who spoke to angels" Click Here • "Interviewing Criss Angel: Magician says demand led him to create 'The Supernaturalists,' bring them to State Theatre" Click Here • "Kelly Hoppen and Dynamo's unique interior design collaboration is totally magic" Click Here • Your UK magic news and reviews always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 16.1.16

 

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