Number 825 - 16th April 2016

 

This is where it all began... "The Magic Circle was founded on this site at Pinoli's Restaurant by twenty-three magicians on July 1st 1905"

 

On Wednesday, 13th April, magicians and members of the public gathered outside 17 Wardour Street in the heart of London for the unveiling of a commemorative Blue Plaque. An official Blue Plaque promotes the history of a building and some of its notable inhabitants, in this case twenty-three magicians and their founding of The Magic Circle on 1st July 1905. It is a recognised symbol of national English heritage, run by the Royal Society of Arts, the London County Council, the Greater London Council and, since 1986, English Heritage.

 

Dynamo MIMC, having just completed 111 tour dates nationwide, unveiled the plaque to the delight of the gathered crowd. Like many magicians I must have walked past this building numerous times without ever realising that it was the birth place of The Magic Circle. The unveiling felt very special and I think for everyone who's connected with, or is a member of, The Magic Circle, it really was. The building itself is architecturally impressive, with its own fascinating history. Pinoli's was founded by Carlo Pinoli in the 1890s and ran until 1949. Today it is 'Morden & Lea', and it still retains some of the venue's original spirit. MagicWeek was there, Nikon in hand, Photo Feature (DT). 16.4.16

 

Magician James More has highest-viewed BGT audition of 2013 writes Markos Papadatos for Digital Journal: "Britain's Got Talent is celebrating its tenth season, and looking back, magician James More has the most-viewed audition video of 2013. To this day, More's audition video, where he is impaled by the sword, has been viewed over 69 million times on YouTube." To read the full story Click Here. 16.4.16

 

Paul Zerdin 2016

Paul Zerdin - Spongefinger Tour 2016 - final dates. Join Paul, cheeky pre-adolescent Sam, belligerent OAP Albert and the precocious Baby for an evening of hilarious ventriloquism and high jinks. Paul has been invited to perform at The Royal Variety performance a record three times, as well as racking up millions of views on YouTube. “Paul Zerdin is in a league of his own. Pure audience gratifying magic” Time Out. “A ventriloquist for the South Park generation” The Stage. “A real master at work” Howard Stern. For tickets visit www.ticketmaster.co.uk. April 16th Udderbelly, London. April 18th Oran Mor, Glasgow. 16.4.16

 

The All-Star Stand-Up Tour 2016. "Presenting four heavyweight comics in the biggest comedy tour of the year. Featuring double Sony Award winner and star of Mock The Week Gary Delaney, top comedy trickster and star of BBC 1’s The Magicians Pete Firman, Kiwi compere Jarred Christmas and unbeaten legend, Never Mind The Buzzcocks team captain Sean Hughes." See www.chortle.co.uk for dates and venues. 16.4.16

 

Lost Envoy - The Tarot Deck of Austin Osman Spare. Readers of The Magic Circular (January 2016) will already be aware of the exciting news of the discovery within The Magic Circle Museum of a unique deck of fortune-telling cards hand painted c.1906 by the English artist and mystic Austin Spare. For the past three years, curator Jonathan Allen has been tracing the journey of this extraordinary artwork from the hands of its maker to its current home at Stephenson Way. "Lost Envoy” is the culmination of Allen’s research and reproduces Spare’s deck in its entirety for the first time, alongside new written and visual contributions from Jonathan Allen, Phil Baker, Helen Farley, Alan Moore, Kevin O’Neill, Sally O’Reilly and Gavin W. Semple. The book is published by Strange Attractor Press and will be launched at Camden Arts Centre on the evening of 11th May, including a public showcasing of the cards for the first time in their history. Magicians, artists, tarotists all welcome: Click Here. 16.4.16

 

Will Houstoun Cotswold Magical Society lecture. Darren Campbell writes: The Magic Circle’s Close-up Magician of the Year 2015, Dr Will Houstoun, has just completed his PhD in Victorian Conjuring and is back with a new lecture based around his DVD set, Modern Magic. During the lecture Will will teach a selection of card and coin magic that is suitable for close-up and parlour and on which he has been booked to lecture around the world, including multiple appearances at The Magic Castle and The Magic Circle. The material ranges from easy to intermediate, and all will be taught thoroughly, with a view to explaining the details that really make the effects work. To see a sample of the material visit Vimeo. Wednesday, April 20th at 7.30pm at the Hucclecote Community Centre, Hucclecote Road, Gloucester GL3 3RT (Map). £10 charge for visiting magicians. www.cotswoldmagic.org. 16.4.16

 

Andy Clockwise 'Clockwatching' lecture - Merlin Magical Society, Hertfordshire. John Clayton writes: On Thursday 21st April the Merlin Magical Society is having a lecture by Andy Clockwise entitled 'Clockwatching'. This is Andy’s new lecture, which has had a good response from clubs he has visited. Entry is £10 for non members, with doors opening at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Below is the link to our web page where full details are given: www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk. 16.4.16

 

Manchester Circle of Magicians. Mike Hinde writes: Manchester Circle of Magicians welcome Shane Cobalt on Monday 18th April. 7.30pm mini-lecture arranged by Darren McDonald. 8pm main lecture: Shane Cobalt. In this lecture, Shane Cobalt will be exploring the rarely talked about subject of "perspectives in magic". Using personal anecdotes, magical demonstrations, and some really crazy stories, you will learn how you can break through the web of secrecy to get closer to your personal magic goals. You can expect to hear about: What you bring to the table! What is good enough? To Gaff or Not to Gaff... and the miracles that go with it! Is it mine? And other questions on crediting. The lecture will be interactive in nature. Attendees will have the opportunity to dictate much of the material performed during the lecture. Aside from performing effects from his personal repertoire, Shane will also have a very limited number of handcrafted items for sale. www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk. (Also see What's On for all tour dates). 16.4.16

 

Chris Woods - Home Counties Magical Society lecture. Chris is an accomplished performer who runs The Magic Circle Close-Up shows and you will invariably find him on a Monday night in the club room, sharing and refining presentations for effects. His lectures cover the why as well as the how behind some of the routines from his working repertoire. "... the wording on his website is “Magic with Charm” and that is exactly what this evening’s event proved to be. ...This evening had no hype, no dealer dem, and no needless fillers. It was simply a master-class in presentation and misdirection." Bexleyheath Magic Society. “If you haven't seen Chris perform, you will see that his style and delivery is gracious, friendly and sincere and his magic is stunning. I hope you get the chance to experience his work at some point in the future.” Michael Vincent. Thursday 21st April at 8pm. Visiting magicians welcome for a door charge of £10. Home Counties Magical Society, Maiden Place Community Centre, Maiden Place, Kilnsea Drive, Lower Earley RG6 3HE (Map). For more info see www.hcms.org.uk and www.chriswoodmagic.co.uk. 16.4.16

 

Craig Longhurst scores a hat-trick! Craig won the Surrey Society of Magicians' close-up competition for the third year running on Thursday 14th April at the society's new theatre venue in Surrey. A great evening of magic, with a good variety of acts from the competitors. Special thanks to magical judge Chris Wardle for stepping in at the last minute. For membership details visit www.surreymagic.org.uk. 16.4.16

 

Michael Leach  'A Night of Wonder' lecture, The Magic Triangle, Colchester. Keith Norman writes: Sunday 8th May, The Magic Triangle welcomes Michael Leach to present his lecture 'A Night of Wonder' about the legendary Tommy Wonder. For Michael the fascination with Tommy's work started over 10 years ago when he borrowed The Books of Wonder and was captivated by the theories, psychology and routines contained within their pages. About 2 years ago Michael set about putting a lecture together, with permission from Tommy Wonder's family, so he could share his work, and link theory to performance. Starting his talk in a similar way to Tommy, talking about the books that influenced him including Magic by Misdirection by Dariel Fitzkee, Magic and Showmanship by Henning Nelms, Strong Magic by Darwin Ortiz, The Magic Way by Juan Tamariz and Absolute Magic by Derren Brown. Michael themes the lecture around different subjects, starting with emotion and stresses that if you believe in the magic yourself and show this in your manner, then it makes the experience for the audience even stronger. He then continues to perform Tommy Wonder's Ambitious Card, followed by his infamous Card in Ring Box. He then goes on to talk about attention control (misdirection), discussing different methods covered in The Books of Wonder. Michael then presents Tommy's Magic Ranch and his 2 cup and ball routine, as a demonstration of these principles. Michael concludes by discussing conflict and drama and uses Tommy's Tamed Card and Coins across as examples of this. I have heard rave reviews of this lecture; 'A Night of Wonder' is a must see! Visitors welcome. Admission £5.00 (includes tea and coffee). The Magic Triangle, Straws, 21 Osborne Street, Colchester CO2 7DA (Map). More info www.themagictriangle.co.uk. 16.4.16

 

Steve Dela's 20th career trophy! On Wednesday 13th April, the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, held their stage competition, for the Tony Shelley Cup. It was a closely fought competition and the worthy winner was Steve Dela. Steve is seen here, being presented with the cup, his 20th career trophy, by Past President, Sue Oakley. 16.4.16

 

Penn & Teller: Fool Us in Vegas, 8pm on Sunday 17th April on Channel 5. "Entertaining magic competition hosted by Jonathan Ross." See TV Magic. 16.4.16

 

Magicians at the Half Moon, 29th April, Bishop's Stortford. Andy Clockwise writes: Friday 29th April at 8pm - pop it in your diary now and get yourself along to this month's 'Magicians at the Half Moon'. Our usual compere, Martin Cox, will be in America for this months outing - ahhh!!! - but fear not, as the incomparable Wayne Fox is back to hold court and run the evening. Wayne will be joined by two first timers at the Half Moon: Joseph Badman and Wayne Goodman. Joseph is an award winning magician based in London who performs what we describe as classical sleight of hand. Many of the routines you’ll see him perform would have been showcased on stage and in private parties at the turn of the 20th century. (This is what you can achieve with nothing more than your bare hands, common, everyday objects, and a lot of spare time). Wayne Goodman is a versatile performer with incredible wit who has also won his fair share of awards. Known for his fearless approach, he is often found to be surrounded by people in awe of his craft. Once again this promises to be an amazing night of Magic. Doors open at 7.30pm at the Half Moon, 31 North Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD (Map). Entry is £15 on the door, but you can save yourself £5 just by calling 01279 659562 and reserving your seats beforehand. 16.4.16

 

It's been a busy week for Mel Harvey. Flying back from Australia on Tuesday he was presented with an engraved tankard at The British Magic Society for his 50 years of continuous membership and this evening (Saturday) Mel takes on the panel of judges of Britain's Got Talent with his "retro magic Gangster Act"! Will it be "Bugsy Malone" or "Bugsy go home" for Mel? Watch BGT tonight to find out! TV Magic. 16.4.16

 

The Anglian Magic Society are holding a 'Show and Tell Workshop' on Tuesday 19th April at 7.30pm. Steve Majes writes: Do you have a trick or an effect that needs a helping hand? You have an idea but just can't think of a method? Then a show and tell workshop is the place for you! Two heads can be better than one, so imagine what a few more could bring to your project. This evening is a relaxed way to share and build on creative ideas, methods and techniques, or just a fun chance to show a favourite effect for some honest feedback. If you're a beginner in magic and would like some valuable words of wisdom, or a professional that needs some new viewpoints on a routine, then pop along to this creative event! Members £3.00 - Visitors £10.00 - All magicians and magic enthusiasts are welcome. The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map). facebook.com/TheAnglianMagicSociety. 16.4.16

 

Book a magic lecturer for your club or convention! Visit the MagicWeek Lecturers page. 16.4.16

 

Michael Pearse. A service to celebrate the life of Michael Pearse (Pearse Halpenny) will take place at the Surrey and Sussex Crematorium on Wednesday 4th May at 2.15 pm. The family welcome everyone to join them after the service for light refreshments at a nearby venue. In lieu of flowers it is asked a donation is made to either The Royal Marsden Cancer charity or St Christopher’s Hospice. These can be made at the service or via Ebbutt's Funeral Services. Directions to the Crematorium can be found here: www.crawleysussex.co.uk/directory. 16.4.16

 

"Champions of Magic - five of the best" Click Here • "Grieving Debbie McGee is a picture of elegance as she puts on a brave face in first red carpet appearance since husband Paul Daniels' tragic death" Click Here • "Widow of Paul Daniels pays tribute to 'amazing' medical staff" Click Here • "Penn Jillette: 'Paul Daniels Was Ready to Be Enemies'" Click Here • "'He was in and out of jail throughout my life': Magic guru Dynamo says his father only wanted to know him after he found fame" Click Here • "Magi-Cal is truly living the dream" Click Here • "Watch BGT magician Jamie Raven conjure up show on Norwich Market" Click Here • "Faversham: Thief swipes cash from magic man's hat" Click Here •  The 60th Northern Magic Circle Convention is reviewed by Donald Bevan this week, Click Here • "The unbelievable story of Matthias Buchinger, 18th century polymath, magician and artist" Click Here • "Keith Barry conjures up new US TV series" Click Here • "How JC Sum became The Ace Of Asia" Click Here • "Dynamo and Basil Brush among acts announced for the Kidzfield at Glastonbury" Click Here • And finally... "The great escape: Inky the octopus legs it to freedom from aquarium" Click Here • News Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions, many thanks, see you next week, Duncan. 16.4.16

 

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