Number 818 - 27th February 2016
Blackpool’s 64th Annual Magic Festival
is reviewed by Walt Lees this week. "Formerly known as an
annual convention, this blockbuster event has now upgraded its title to
that of a festival. But, apart from this alteration in nomenclature, it
was much the usual fixture-crammed, non-stop, wall-to-wall magic-laden
feast aficionados have come to rely on for their regular fix after the
dark days of winter. Somehow or other, the number of attendees seems to
go on increasing. This year it even topped the 3,600 which was
officially recognised in 2015 by The Guinness Book of Records as
being the world’s largest assembly of wand-wielders, box-pushers and
finger-strutters. So what is the mystique which sucks in so many, from
all around the globe, to a cold, damp, old-style north-of-England
seaside resort in the off season? Many will give different answers, but
whatever it is, it works. Even in the age of on-line shopping, YouTube
and dealer websites, a huge percentage of magicians and their families
still want to be there in person, soaking up the sights, smells and
sounds of actual (as opposed to virtual) reality. There is no substitute
for experiencing the ambience at first hand rather than via a screen..."
to read the full review
Click Here.
27.2.16
Penn & Teller: Fool Us
in Vegas,
coming to Channel 5.
In front of a
live audience at the Penn and Teller Theatre in the Rio Hotel in Las
Vegas, the world-famous duo challenge fellow illusionists to
perform their most mystifying trick, then try to work out how it was
done. Will Brian Brushwood's trick with dollar bills, Simon Pierro's
digital magic, Handsome Jack's twist on an old paper trick, or Kyle
Knight and Mistie's quick-escape baffle them? The prize for doing so is
a spot in Penn and Teller's stage show in Vegas. Sunday 6th March, on
Channel 5. See
TV Magic for details.
27.2.16
Music,
Magic and Comedy at The Old Vic, London. For their second Variety Night, The
Old Vic welcomes back comedian Mark Watson as host for the evening that will
feature a range of talent including poet and comedian Tim Key and world renowned
magicians Jeff McBride and Eugene Burger. Music will be provided by DJ and
musician MckNasty, sensational all-male vocal group, Only Men Aloud, winners of
BBC One’s Last Choir Standing, Echoes of Ellington Jazz Orchestra and Matilda
Lloyd, 2014 winner of the Brass Category of the BBC Young Musician of the Year
and the BBC Radio 2 Young Brass Award. Sunday 6th March, at 7pm. The Old Vic,
The Cut, London SE1 8NB (Map).
www.oldvictheatre.com.
27.2.16
SAMS
Convention 2016. Kenny Kerr writes: The 2016 convention will be taking place
at Adamton House Hotel, Monkton (near Prestwick) on 6th, 7th & 8th May. Similar
to the 2015 convention, the Saturday night Gala show will be replaced by a
Dinner/Cabaret in the hotel. For the Saturday Night Cabaret, there has been a
change in the line up and we are delighted to welcome one of Britain's top
illusionists, Guy Barrett. Making up the rest of the show stand up comedy
magician Mel Mellers and winner of the 2015 SAMS Stage competition, Steven
Blair. Lecturers: Mel Mellers will be giving a lecture, Harry Robson will give
his close-up lecture and Ian Davis (who has taken part in the UK Children's
Entertainer of the Year, on two occasions) will lecture on "Kids Magic".
Dealers: Harry
Robson Magic, Ian Davis, Alan Duncan, Heidi Costumes and Jimmy Craig. Hotel
Rooms: Rooms should be booked through our secretary Elizabeth McNamara
elizabethmcnamara@btinternet.com or 01563 821241. Please contact Elizabeth
rather than book through the hotel as it makes it easier to monitor the room
allocation. Competition: David Ennis is running the competitions this year and
can be contacted on david@magicman.guru
or 07760 173392. The stage & children's competitions will take place on the
Saturday afternoon and the close-up competition will take place on the Sunday
morning. Application forms are on the website. For Registrations and more
information visit
www.scottishassociationofmagicalsocieties.co.uk.
27.2.16
13th
Annual South Tyneside International Magic Festival. Visitors from around the
world are flying in for one of the UK’s most magical events, the 13th annual
South Tyneside International Magic Festival, which coincides with English
Tourism Week 2016 (March 5th - 13th). The festival will welcome performers and
delegates from as far afield as Belgium, Holland and the USA. Highlights at the
event, organised by South Tyneside Council, include two International Gala
Shows, a Family Magic Extravaganza and a specialist convention for magic
enthusiasts, all taking place at the Customs House, South Shields. This year’s
Gala Shows, on Friday March 11th and Saturday March 12th, will feature magicians
from across the UK, as well as American acts Chad Long and John Carney, Swedish
star Malin Nilsson, German award-winner Alana and Belgian man of mystery,
Rafael. The Family Magic Extravaganza, sponsored and programmed by
MagicBox, will welcome
a whole host of English entertainers, with a special appearance by Dutch
performer, Mr Lido, on Wednesday March 9th. A full line up for South Tyneside
International Magic Festival 2016 can be found at
www.southtyneside.gov.uk/magicfestival. Tickets for the Family Magic
Extravaganza, priced from £7 each, and the International Gala Shows, pried from
£13 each, are on sale from the Customs House Box Office
www.customshouse.co.uk.
27.2.16
The
House of Q Cabaret. The March Edition: Hot on the heels of their "triumphant
launch" (This Is Cabaret), The House of Q are returning to Cecil's London
Bridge for an evening of music, magic, burlesque, spoken word, dance, drag,
cocktails and more. Join burlesque vixen Felicity Furore, musical magician Neil
Kelso and gender-bending clown Alexander Luttley and friends for "an
extraordinary evening of cabaret" (Access London). Thursday 3rd March,
from 7pm. Free Entry. More info:
www.thehofq.com.
27.2.16
Paul
Daniels. Wayne Dobson writes: Everybody is aware of the professional
differences that Paul Daniels and I have had over the past 35 years, but right
now I would like to place that issue to one side. Ever since I learned about
Paul’s very serious illness, I haven't stopped thinking about him and his family
at this difficult time. He is the original pioneer of comedy magic and once he
set that trend we all followed. Paul has made an epic contribution to the world
of magic and he has my sincere admiration and respect.
27.2.16
The
Northern Magic Circle present Morgan & West, and Luke Jermay. Danny Hunt
writes: The Northern Magic Circle present Morgan & West, and Luke Jermay with
their brand new masterclass. This is a pay to view event at the Northern Magic
Circle convention and there are limited tickets left, so please asap! This
exciting new masterclass will take place on Saturday 9th April at 9.30pm in the
Harrogate Theatre. This not to be missed masterclass is an additional £15 for
anyone with full registration for the convention or £25 for this event only.
Other performers appearing at the convention are Paul Stone, Oliver Tabor, Wayne
Goodman, Andi Gladwin, Two Minds Combined, the Magic Circle's Young Magicians of
the Year Destiny and many more still to be announced. The Northern Magic Circle
convention takes place at the Harrogate Theatre on the 9th and 10th of April. To
book tickets for both this event and the convention please visit
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
27.2.16
The
Magicians' Podcast this week features Mike Caveney, seen here in the UK just
a few weeks ago when he appeared in The Magic Circle's Christmas Show. Listen
to this podcast and catch up with previous editions at
magicianspodcast.podbean.com. Also see
www.facebook.com/MagiciansPodcast.
27.2.16
Roddy
McGhie lecture, Kilmarnock Magic Circle. Kenny Kerr writes: Kilmarnock Magic
Circle invite you to a lecture by Roddy McGhie. Roddy is a close-up magician
with big fans among magic's big names. For many years, he operated 'under the
radar' applying his talents to creating effects for his own close-up
performances and creating unique, original effects for a number of TV
productions. Roddy has always enjoyed performing (or showing off, as his wife
calls it). He spent many years in punk bands in Glasgow before eventually
deciding to take up magic professionally in his 20's. He now performs regularly
at weddings, parties and corporate events testing out his new inventions with
unsuspecting audiences. Glasgow audiences are a famously tough crowd, so the
effects that Roddy brings to you in this lecture have stood up to this test.
Roddy has carved out a name for himself over recent years as a creator of
awesome, off-beat routines and crazy clever gimmicks. With the encouragement of
David Forrest from Full 52 he has brought these to the market over the last few
years. His effects Sew On, Incognito, LollypOp (with Danny Weiser) and Flux have
been universally well received, with Flux becoming a worldwide best seller
recommended by Cyril, Michael Weber and Luke Jermay among other big names. This
lecture will invite you inside the mind and creative process of one of magic's
true originals. Thursday 24th March at 7.30pm at Barrmill Hall, Barrmill Road,
Galston KA4 8HH (Map).
£10 cover charge for all visiting magicians.
27.2.16
Magicseen
Issue 67 March 2016. From the publishers: Jeff McBride is one of the world's
most iconic and recognisable magicians, and we are thrilled to have him on our
latest cover and to get the chance inside to talk with the man who for decades
has striven to push magic to new levels through his performances and his
teaching. Along with Jeff we welcome German magicienne Alana to the
Psychiatrist's Couch (she survives the ordeal rather well!), and we get up close
and personal with US entertainer Paul Draper. The March issue also features 9
Good Reasons For Hiring A Close Up Magician in which we provide sound bites for
you to use when discussing work with your potential bookers, we explain why
business cards are still worth looking at as a publicity tool even in a digital
age, and we get Jeremy le Poidevin to provide some salient thoughts for you to
consider when buying the props for your new act. The Masterclass has gone
international as we start a series in which the ideas each time will come from
magicians who all hail from the same country - the USA gets us off to a great
start with contributions from David Regal, John Bannon and Dan Garrett.
Plus....we extract 20 inspiring quotes from Ian Keable's great book Stand Up, we
let John Carney rule the world just to find out what might happen, we take you
behind the scenes of the new sequel to the magic film Now You See Me, and
there's loads more too to see you through the next couple of months. So don't
wait another moment, get your copy right now from
www.magicseen.co.uk,
the home of the UK's only independent magic magazine.
27.2.16
John
Kimmons lecture, Bolton Magicians Club. Paul Goodman writes: John Kimmons,
AKA Kimmo, has spent all of his working life in show business, beginning his
professional career at the age of 15. Regularly performing for adults, children
and family groups this lecture is sure to have something for everyone! As well
as amazing material John has great tips on how to improve the workings of your
show! Professional worked material and audience approved, this lecture is one
not to be missed! Doors open at 8.30pm on Wednesday 2nd March 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,
www.kimmo.co.uk.
27.2.16
John
Styles MBE is on the road again with his magic and 'Chelsea Pensioner' character
act. The shows recapture the days of Music Hall and Variety. Alternating
guest artistes include Bernie Clifton, Don Maclean, Anita Harris, The
Grumbleweeds, and Freddie 'Parrot Face' Davies. Venues have included Wimbledon
and Northampton. Yet to come: Telford, Leicester, Hereford, Epsom, Darlington,
Derby, Kings Lynn, Nottingham, New Brighton and London's Brick Lane Music Hall.
www.johnstylesentertainer.co.uk.
27.2.16
Sean
Goodman's Secrets lecture, The Magic Triangle, Colchester. Keith Norman
writes: Sean Goodman is a full time professional magician. He is based in
Norfolk and specialises in close-up magic for weddings, corporate events and
private parties. In November 2015, he was awarded 'Wedding Entertainer of the
Year' for the East of England, as voted for by the Brides and Grooms - an
accolade which he is proud of. This will be Sean's second visit to The Magic
Triangle, and like the first, his 'Secrets' lecture is full of workable routines
for the close upper and mentalist. All effects have been worked in the real
world - they aren't knucklebusting, but are suitable for the working pro and
hobbyist alike. It is not a lecture packed with card trick after card trick! His
recent release, Secret Servante, has received superb reviews worldwide and in
the lecture Sean will share some of his favourite routines with it. Sean will
also share some of his secrets regarding getting more wedding bookings - pure
gold. If you are looking for a lecture full of practical material, then
'Secrets' is it! Visitors welcome. Admission £5.00 with tea or coffee. Sunday
13th March at 7.30pm at Straws, 21 Osborne Street, Colchester CO2 7DA (Map).
www.themagictriangle.co.uk.
27.2.16
Wayne
Dobson and Mike Sullivan of DTrik are pleased to announce that their two new
releases Paul’s Balls and Misdirection flew out at Blackpool and
they have extended their special offer. To take up this amazing deal, visit
their new website www.dtrik.com
and spend over £20.00 and you'll receive a brand new Wayne Dobson effect worth
over £40.00! But hurry - time is running out!
27.2.16
Sam
Beedle lecture - Bexley Magic Society. Roy
Marsh writes:
A date for your diary - this Wednesday, 2nd March, at Bexley Magic Society, Sam
Beedle presents his lecture 'Magic and Mind Play'.
We already know too many magic effects. But do we really take the time to
improve on what we already know?
Demonstrating and explaining a precise mixture of skill, humour and
presentation, Sam Beedle hits the road this year with his premiere lecture,
'Magic and Mind Play'. Sam’s lecture on stage magic will certainly make you
rethink your existing material and also inspire you to create new routines that
fit your own style. Sam Beedle explores the pros and cons of working to music,
developing existing effects to suit your own needs and also how to create a
character from nothing. Throughout the lecture, Sam
demonstrates how a character is applied during a performance and discusses how a
last minute change in his usual routine completely transformed his life.
A genuine worker of practical magic. Sam performs his acts at 200 events every
year. Experiencing Sam Beedle’s lecture will give you a genuine insight into how
his mind works and how he creates, develops and performs his unusual magic.
Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. We can be found at Bexley Club for the
Disabled, Barton Close, Bexleyheath, Kent DA6 8JP (Map).
Visiting magicians are very welcome at £10 on the door.
www.bexleymagic.org.uk.
27.2.16
Paul
Hallas Fylde Mystics lecture. From the organisers: The Fylde Mystics are
pleased to announce that on Tuesday 1st March we will be presenting a lecture
from the brilliant Paul Hallas. A performer, creator of magic and lecturer of
over 30 years this promises to be a great night. "Paul is a clever and
creative magician. I was lucky to have known Paul and his magic even from the
time before he moved to the USA. As it appears he is offering his lecture
services to magic groups, I'll happily endorse this!" Dan Garrett. Visiting
magicians are welcome - £5.00 per person, payable on the door, commencing at
8pm. The Fylde Mystics meet at The South Shore Lawn Tennis Club, Midgeland Road,
Blackpool FY4 5HZ (Map).
27.2.16
Magicians
Wanted. Lime Marketing write: Would you be interested in working on magic
events for one of the most recognised brands in the world? Lime Marketing are on
the hunt for fresh magic talent across the UK. We are looking for someone who is:
Professionally skilled in magic; Willing to travel (expenses paid); A confidant
performer; Organised. What is the job? Lime Marketing are a Midland’s based
Marketing Agency who run Experiential Marketing Programmes for global brands.
This programme in particular is a fun filled magic themed events programme for a
well-recognised global brand, performing magic to all age groups. These events
would be nationwide, during school holidays and weekends. If this is something
you would be interested in, feel free to contact
heatherj@limemcp.co.uk for further
information or send over your showreel. We look forward to hearing from you.
27.2.16
And the Same to You.
"The boxing-mad nephew of a pious clergyman embarks on an
elaborate plan to keep his boxing career a secret." Starring Sid James,
Brian Rix, Leo Franklyn, Tommy Cooper and Vera Day. Director: George
Pollock. Wednesday 9th March on Talking Pictures. See
TV Magic for details.
27.2.16
Britain Does Variety
2016. From the organisers:
Britain Does Variety 2016 -
A nationwide quest to prove that Britain really does have talent!
Do you want to perform in front of talent scouts, top producers and some
of the biggest entertainment bookers in Europe? Would you like to win a
huge cash prize?
Britain Does Variety is a talent competition for all types of acts,
including Singers, Acrobats, Jugglers, Animal Acts, Novelty Acts,
Impressionists, Dancers, Gymnasts, Magicians, Contortionists, Comics,
Mime Artists, Musicians, Ventriloquists, Vocal Groups, Buskers,
Beatboxers, Footballers, Crazy Acts, Entertaining Acts, Glee Clubs,
Wacky Acts, Modern Variety, Musical Theatre, Show Choirs, Impersonators... if you're entertaining you can audition
- pretty much anything
goes! Auditions are being held across the country in February and March
2016, but book your audition quickly to avoid disappointment.
www.britain-does-variety.co.uk.
27.2.16
The
50th Birthday Tour Presents 'Magic Noir', Paul Abbey's first ever One Man
Show! Tonight, 27th February 2016 at 7.30pm. Theatre Utopia, 1 Matthews Yard,
off Surrey Street Market, Croydon CR0 1FF (Map).
All tickets £10. For full details and booking info visit
Click
Here.
27.2.16
"The
magic of The Vanishing Man at Vault Festival"
Click Here •
"Top Yorkshire magician Dynamo swaps Sheffield streets for arena stage"
Click Here •
"The magic of Penn and Teller in Vegas has left me totally spellbound"
Click Here •
"Oswestry home of Uri Geller spoon gorilla shut by overcrowding"
Click Here •
"Is Taylor Swift closing in on Uri Geller's Sonning home?"
Click Here •
"Inside Uri Geller's mind-bending mansion"
Click Here •
"Derren Brown's 'dangerous' suffocation stunt broke Ofcom rules after it
was shown at 9am"
Click Here •
"Young magician to give charity performance"
Click Here •
Attraction on The One Show,
Click Here • An Informal Evening With Olly Day is reviewed by Steve
Majes this week,
Click
Here • "Philly trickster Francis Menotti combines magic tricks with
motivational speaking"
Click Here •
"Impossible, Sunderland Empire, Until February 27"
Click Here •
Thanks for all your news this week - see you next week, Duncan.
27.2.16