Number
829 - 14th May 2016
Starstruck.
A really nice story came through from Wayne Dobson last week, so here it is,
Click Here. 14.5.16
Colin
Cloud will be appearing on Michael McIntyre's Big Show on BBC1 next Saturday,
May 21st. Colin was one of the stand out live acts in 'The Illusionists'
seen in London over the Christmas period. American readers can see him perform
nightly at The Magic Castle from May 23rd-29th, and back home he'll be appearing
at the Edinburgh Fringe festival in his one man show Colin Cloud: Exposé
at the Underbelly Cow Barn, from 3rd to 28th August at 9pm. Following total
sell-out seasons in 2014, 2015, the Adelaide Fringe 2016 and starring in ‘The
Illusionists’ in London’s West End, Colin Cloud returns to the Edinburgh
Festival Fringe with his brand new solo show. He’ll perform an exposé of the
human condition. Your mind, thinking, dreams and desires. You’ll learn why
people lie to you and how you can detect it. He’ll also show you how you can
improve your luck, your memory and your ability to pay attention as you gain an
insight to his Sherlockian techniques. You’ll see just how far he can push his
skills as he exposes some of the naughtiest memories you, the audience, decide
to think of!
"Never leave your mobile phone with Colin Cloud" itv.com/thismorning.
"Colin Cloud Plays Strip Poker With Holly and Phillip" YouTube. 14.5.16
Conjuring
at the Court Thursday 26th May. From the organisers: A change to the line-up
as superb sleight of hand artist Michael Vincent joins John Lenahan, Tim
Shoesmith, Ian Rowland and Stephen Barry for the show. Don’t forget the free
nibbles either! Book now via
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. 14.5.16
Merlins
of Wakefield’s amazing 21st Birthday Magic Day takes place tomorrow, Sunday 15th
May. With lectures from Darren Mac, Ali Cardabra and Lawrence Turner, a
Juggling workshop from Michael Jordan, a Flea Circus from Professor Jon and a
Gala Magic Show in the evening. E-Tickets can still be ordered up until 4pm
today, or you can pay on the door. Email Merlins if you need any further
information: merlins@btconnect.com
www.merlinswakefield.com. 14.5.16
Vincent
Gambini's This is not a magic show - London. Forget everything you know
about magic and magicians. Now remember it all again. Vincent Gambini's 'This is
not a magic show' is a performance of and about sleight-of-hand magic: its
invisible mechanics, its clichés, and what it tells us about live theatre and
make-believe. In a conversational yet crafted approach, Gambini presents
astonishing close-up magic that invites us to question how enchantment and
wonder are produced within a theatrical situation. Possibly the first of its
kind, Vincent Gambini's 'This is not a magic show' is part performance-lecture,
part deconstructed showbiz, and part magic tricks that leave you, like, omg.
Tuesday to Saturday 24th-28th May at 9pm. Tickets £12/£10. Box Office: 020 7419
4841
www.cptheatre.co.uk Venue: Camden People's Theatre (Euston), 58-60 Hampstead
Road, London NW1 2PY (Map)
www.vincentgambini.com. 14.5.16
Paul Daniels 'A Tribute to a Legend' - Newcastle, 19th May. Chris Cross announces a Paul Daniels Charity Magic Show. From the organisers: Just before the legendary magician and showman passed away, Daniels set-up his own charity page to raise money towards Brain Tumour Research.Org and three other charities, aiming to raise a total of £100,000. This final charitable gesture to help bring smiles to people's faces will be part of his legacy. On Thursday 19th May Chris Cross had booked Paul Daniels & The Lovely Debbie McGee to perform at his Quayside Cabaret Club at Prima Pizza Pasta in Newcastle City Centre, but that sadly got cancelled due to Paul's battle against cancer. Just nine months ago, Paul Daniels, Debbie McGee and Chris Cross performed to a Sold Out audience in the same venue. We are still putting on a show on that date, as a tribute to Paul Daniels. Chris said ''It's such a sad time at the moment and my thoughts are especially with Debbie, Martin, Gary and Paul Jnr. I will treasure the memories of performing alongside one of my heroes last year at my Cabaret Club. Putting on a show to raise some money for his charity is the least I can do.
The evening will be compered by fellow magician John Archer. John was a
member of the Middlesbrough Circle of Magicians with Daniels in the
early days and has performed with him on numerous occasions around the
country. More acts are being confirmed for the evening, which promises
to be a magical evening of comedy and trickery, with a few Paul Daniels
stories too! Tickets cost £25 and the price includes a
three-course meal, with all profits being donated to Paul's
www.gofundme.com/pauldanielsmagic charity page. Thursday 19th May
2016, 7pm-11pm at The Quayside Cabaret Club, Prima Pizza Pasta, The
Side, Newcastle-Upon-Tyne. For tickets email
info@chris-cross.co.uk. See
the Facebook Magic Show Tribute Event page
facebook.com/events/515506545300863 and Paul's GoFundMe Charity Page
www.gofundme.com/pauldanielsmagic. 14.5.16
History and Mystery at The Magic Circle - Monday 16th May at 11am. Enjoy a visit to the House of 10,000 Secrets with a unique experience at the headquarters of The Magic Circle. Be enthralled by tales of past Masters of Magic during a guided tour of the building which houses priceless treasures, memorabilia and magical posters. Make a wish while turning three times on The Magic Circle emblem beneath the magnificent staircase which leads to the Devant Room displaying unique apparatus of the past. Marvel at the hand painted murals on the staircase depicting magic from its early beginnings to the present day. Enjoy some entertaining close-up magic presented by a skilled member of The Magic Circle and a unique live magic performance in our fully equipped theatre which includes a hearing loop. There is a lift and wheelchair access to all public areas, plus tea/coffee and biscuits on arrival. Doors open 11am, event starts at 11.30am and lasts two hours which leaves plenty of time to explore the rest of London. Note: this event is for over-10s only - no refunds will be issued for under-10s. Individual tickets £19.50 plus fee. Groups of 20 or more £18.50 plus fee. The Magic Circle headquarters, 12 Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD (Map). Tickets available from www.themagiccircle.co.uk/public-events. 14.5.16
A
Day with Dobbo – Sunday 22nd May 2016. Michael Sullivan writes: A Unique
Experience Day, limited to only 5 places… A Day with Dobbo! You will get to
spend a day with the man himself Wayne Dobson in his home in Hindhead, Surrey.
The day includes several workshops including hints on comedy magic, stagecraft
and technique. You will learn several of Wayne’s favourite effects, including a
routine never published. There is an extensive workshop on Wayne’s signature
effect “Lucky Card”, and Wayne will look at an effect and routine of yours,
giving you constructive advice to take it to the next level. Visit
www.dtrik.com for booking details and more information. 14.5.16
Jumpers
- A release from the Classic Leveridge Range. Available in limited
quantities, this routine is another re-release from Mark Leveridge's
back catalogue and is a really clean card matrix effect which is perfect
for a performance on a close up mat. Four Aces are removed from a deck
and placed out in the four corners of the mat. Two Jumbo cards are shown
back and front and are then lowered over two of the Aces one at a time. In
quick order, all four Aces collect top left. Discarding the Jumbos, the
Aces are spread out again for a repeat just using the hands as covers.
Nothing appears to have happened until three of the Aces are shown to
have turned blank, and all the card pips are seen to have arrived on the
face of the card top left! This incorporates a subtle handling that’s a
real fooler. You receive a special set of Bicycle cards (supply your own
matching Bicycle deck), the Jumbos, and DVD instructions with printed
directions too. Available now from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/ju.php. 14.5.16
Talent.
A New Vic Theatre production. By Victoria Wood. Directed by Abbey Wright. It’s
talent night at Bunters Nitespot and secretary Julie is making her bid for fame
and fortune. With frumpy best friend Maureen in tow, she’s plunged into the
backstage world of ukelele-wielding pensioners, hapless magicians and predatory
comperes with wandering hands and white Cortinas. Julie is desperate for success
and a new life; Maureen just wishes she was 14 again. But, when a face from the
past turns up and some painful memories are unearthed, they’re forced to ask,
what’s the point of success? And what does it really mean to have talent? Friday
20th May to Saturday 4th June. Original illusions and magic consultation by Liam
Gerrard.
www.newvictheatre.org.uk. 14.5.16
Nick
Einhorn lecture - Derby Magic Circle. Paul Sharp writes: Derby Magic
Circle's next meeting is the Bernard Rasmussen Memorial Lecture night. This is a
special lecture (not our normal meeting night) being held at the Spot, Wilmot
Street West, Derby DE1 2JW (Map)
on Wednesday, 18th May. Doors open at 7pm, ready to start at 7.30pm. Our
lecturer for the evening is Nick Einhorn. Past members and visiting magicians
are very welcome at Derby. There is a small fee of £12 payable on the night
(this includes a meal). Please contact our Fundraising Officer, Jean Ellison on
01332 763206 prior to attending. Places for this lecture are very limited
(currently just 12 available), so to avoid disappointment, contact Jean asap. A
rare and unique lecture (with a meal), not to be missed! For more information
about our programme for the remainder of the year please visit
www.derbymagiccircle.com. 14.5.16
New
Venue a massive hit for the Bristol Day of Magic. For the first time in 25
years the Bristol Day of Magic had to move to a new venue this year so it was a
tense moment as special guest IBM British Ring President Paul Ray (right) and
Bristol President Mike Hosker opened the proceedings last Sunday. It wasn’t long
before it was proving to be a fantastic success for both the venue and the
artistes booked. The modern atrium building housed the dealers and its theatre
and lecture theatre were perfect for the events of the day which included a
first-time UK visit by Inaki Zabaletta from Argentina who was a great hit with
everyone. The evening’s gala show was considered the best for many years, worth
the price of the day alone. The Bristol Day of Magic is looking forward to
returning to Nailsea Academy again next year. Paul Preager.
www.bristolmagic.co.uk. 14.5.16
Mel Mellers Masterclass - Essex, 24th November. Learn the real secrets of comedy magic. At long last Mel has found a window in his busy schedule to present a Masterclass in Comedy Magic. A one day intensive comedy magic workshop presented by a master of his craft. Learn all aspects of comedy magic, from plots to scripts, in this highly structured "how to" session. Topics include: comedy and authenticity, lines versus gags, character, effects, tricks and you, structure, creating comedy, crafting the material, gag format, putting it all together, dealing with agents, Q&A. If you want to add more comedy into your stage, corporate or close-up performance this will be something not to miss! 10am -5pm on Thursday 24th November at the excellent Prested Hall in Essex (just 50 minutes by train from London), plus, in the evening 'An Audience with Mel Mellers' at 7.30pm. Early Bird Registration before 31st May £100, after 31st May £120 - including buffet lunch and dinner and coffee/tea. Spaces are very limited. For more information Click Here or contact organiser Steve Short info@steve-short.co.uk. 14.5.16
Britain's Got Talent continues, this evening at 8pm, on ITV. The camera work is as bad as ever, the endless cut-away close-ups of the judges 'mid-act' nothing but an irritant, and the huge LED backdrop/advertising banner a nightmare of a visual distraction for the acts to work in front of, but, Ant and Dec prove once again that they are the perfect hosts, and the show does showcase performers as never before and this year we've seen a number of magic acts already. Last year's magic winner Jamie Raven has enjoyed real success and is gearing up for his first UK tour starting in Cardiff in just over 4 weeks (see What's On). Jamie can be seen on The Road To Wembley on the 18th, see TV Magic for details. 14.5.16
Ipswich
Magic Society present a Dealer Dem by the new owner of Kaymar Magic, Liam
Montier, on Monday 16th May at 7.30pm. Visiting magicians welcome (£5.00
door charge). Meetings are held at Ipswich Co-operative Society Education
Department, 11 Fore Street, Ipswich, Suffolk IP4 1JW (Map).
Note: car parking is at the rear in Waterworks Street, the post code for which
is IP4 1JG (Map). 14.5.16
The
Genie in a Bottle Trick by Zane. "Zane's Brand New Trick! The Genie comes to
the rescue and produces a miniature of the chosen card inside the bottle! A most
charming and magical card trick that’s great fun to perform! Complete with
props!" For more info and to watch a video visit
www.zanesmagicshop.com. 14.5.16
The
Mark Leveridge May Podcast. Mark Leveridge writes: The latest podcast is a
'gold' version in which I have selected half a dozen of the best extracts from
the podcasts released over the last year or so. This 'greatest hits' edition
includes discussions on Public Liability Insurance, why you might need it and
where you can get it from, issues that people suffering from Rhabdophobia might
have with you and your magic, how you can ensure that business cards you collect
get turned into great potential show leads, and why it can be important to know
your true worth when it comes to quoting show fees. I also bemoan the demise of
the magic book dealer and ponder on the reasons why sales for dealers at general
magic conventions seem to be on the slide. The May 30 minute broadcast, as well
as all the back issues, is free to download from
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php or you can access the more recent ones
from
markleveridge.podbean.com. A new edition is released on the 1st of each
month so it's the perfect way to spend a relaxing half hour while you have a
cuppa! 14.5.16
Magic
and Video News from Zane's Magic Shop. Zane (www.zanesmagicshop.com)
writes: I've just dug out some rare vintage video clips of my shows dating back
20 years or more and they are hosted on YouTube! I thought it would be of
interest to 'Zane's Magic Shop' customers and magicians generally, especially
those that did not know I used to perform a stage magic act and perhaps have
only seen me demonstrating magic products at my stand at conventions. I hope you
enjoy the videos! See
YouTube
for the stage act. I also created a character act back in the early 90's. I was
very pleased to be selected to perform the act in the 1994 hit Walt Disney
feature film 'Funny Bones' starring Lee Evans, Jerry Lewis and Oliver Reed, as
Persill, Louis XIV's unknown forgotten son! See
YouTube.
And don't forget to visit
www.zanesmagicshop.com to see what's new. 14.5.16
Andy
Clockwise Anglian Magic Society lecture. Steve Majes writes: The Anglian
Magic Society has the fabulous Andy Clockwise lecturing for them with his new
lecture "Clockwatching" on Tuesday 17th May at 7.30pm. This lecture is open to
members, visitors and magic enthusiasts. Come along to our friendly society for
a fun and magical evening. Members £3.00, Visitors £10.00. The Anglian Magic
Society, The White Horse Inn, The Street, Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
For more details please visit our Facebook page
www.facebook.com. 14.5.16
Wayne
Goodman Pentacle Club lecture, Cambridge. Alan Maskell writes: On Tuesday
24th May Wayne Goodman will be lecturing at The Pentacle Club. Wayne is well
known for his ideas and effects and will be sharing these along with some new
ones. The club meets at St Andrew's Church Centre, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1
9LR (Map)
(behind St Andrew's church, where Coldhams Lane meets Cherry Hinton High Street
and Church End). The Lecture starts at 8pm and visiting magicians are welcome -
£10 for non-Pentacle members. Steve Short visited The Pentacle Club last month
with his illustrated talk on the history of Supreme Magic titled 'Packs flat and
plays big! A highly recommended and excellent evening combining nostalgia for
many of us and interest and enjoyment for all!
www.pentacleclub.com. 14.5.16
David
Pitt South Staffordshire Society of Magicians lecture. Ian Brenanan,
president of 3SM writes: The South Staffordshire Society of Magicians (3SM) have
the pleasure of welcoming Dave Pitt on Monday 16th May. Dave will be bringing
his small animals lecture explaining how to use doves and rabbits in your magic
act while making sure they are well trained and well cared for! Dave has been
performing successfully with animals for many years and is coming along to share
his knowledge with us. Many magicians stay clear of working with rabbits and
doves because of insecurities of how to maintain the welfare of the animals.
Come to 3SM on May 16th and find out more. Venue: 3SM, Longford House Beefeater
Restaurant, Watling Street, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 1SJ (Map).
8pm start. Visiting magicians welcome. Cost £5.
For more information visit www.3smmagic.co.uk (please use the contact form). 14.5.16
The
Peterborough Society of Magicians 28th Annual Sale, Exchange and Lecture Day.
John Learoyd writes: Peterborough Society of Magicians invites you all to come
and meet old friends and make new ones at our Annual One Day Magic Convention
2016 on Sunday 12th June. Traders will have access at approx 8.45am to set up.
Doors open for all at 9.45am. The official opening is at 10am. Lectures by the
great Mel Mellers and children's entertainer David Tomkins. Dealers registered
include: Adrian Sullivan, Hocus Pocus, The Magic Trick Shop and Stuart Burrell
(escapology). Also several tables for second-hand magic have been booked. There
is free on-site parking. Refreshments available all day at very reasonable
prices. Admission £12 and £6 concessions (partners and under 16s) if not selling
you may pay on entry. All tables for selling are £5 extra each and must be
booked in advance. For further details go to:
www.psmagicians.org.uk
or contact Keith Downs on 01778 343167 or
the220@btinternet.com. The venue is The Millfield Community Centre, Lincoln
Road, Peterborough PE1 2PE (Map).
For maps of the venue please contact John Learoyd:
johnlearoyd@homail.com. For venue
contact on the day call John on 07970 631120 or Paul on 07812 438947. We look
forward to making you welcome on the day. 14.5.16
Steve
Rowe Coventry Magic Circle lecture. James Cannon writes: The
Coventry Magic Circle are delighted to welcome Steve Rowe. Steve is super proud
to be a member of The Magic Circle in London, where he has also been invited to
speak about his creative thinking and thoughts on magic. Steve creates moments
of mystery with a vast array of objects, even going so far as to borrow your
items and make the magic happen in your hands. It promises to be a great evening
of close-up magic. £10 entrance fee for visiting magicians. Tuesday 17th of May
at 8pm. Coventry
Magic Circle, Bentley Road Social Club, Bentley Road, Nuneaton CV11 5LR
(Map).
www.coventrymagiccircle.co.uk. 14.5.16
"Just
Like That! Comic Genius Tommy Cooper Recognised With Blue Plaque" "Crowds
turn up to English Heritage ceremony at his former home in Barrowgate Road.
Jokes, laughter and magic tricks marked the unveiling of the English Heritage
Blue Plaque on Tommy Cooper's former home today (May 12th). Dozens of local
residents, fans of Tommy Cooper and members of magic clubs turned out for the
ceremony at the Barrowgate Road house which took place in bright sunshine. Many
of those who turned up were wearing the characteristic red 'fez', and several
had stories and anecdotes to tell of the well-loved comedian, who lived in
Chiswick for over thirty years." To read the full story from ChiswickW4.com
Click Here. 14.5.16
Les Johnson. Steve Cook writes: So sad to report the recent passing of my good friend of many years, Les Johnson. He was a real gentleman, and a real gentle man. If Les liked you, then you had a great friend for life. He always offered sage advice to anyone who would listen. He was very kind about my own magic, and always encouraged any creativity I had. I have lots of great memories of Les, as I'm sure do all those who were privileged to truly know him. He had one of the finest magical brains around, and yet was embarrassingly modest about his talents. My thoughts are with his wife, Lynne, and his family. His funeral will be held on Monday 23rd May at City Road Cemetery, Sheffield at 1pm, and afterwards, a buffet and get-together in Les's honour at the Fairway Golf Club, Hackenthorpe. I, and I'm sure, a great many others, will greatly miss him. RIP Les. 14.5.16
"America’s
Got Talent winner brings the magic, and comedy, of ventriloquism to the Strip"
Click Here • "It's a kind of magic: Orpington's veteran illusion artist
Jack Delvin seeks new students"
Click Here • "Derren Brown's riskiest illusion yet? Thorpe Park Ghost Train
ride facing more delays"
Click Here • "Derren Brown's Ghost Train interview: On virtual reality,
creative freedom, and our love affair with fear"
Click Here • "Avengers of magic, assemble"
Click Here • "Confessions of a magician: Derek DelGaudio reveals at least
one secret to packing the house"
Click Here • "Interview with Dusty Summers: Las Vegas’ First Nude Magician"
Click Here • "Nude magic show set to hit Edinburgh Fringe Festival"
Click Here •
"Mentalist Oz Pearlman set to read the minds of Montrealers"
Click Here • "Where’s the Magic? A look at the enduring appeal of the world
of illusion"
Click Here • That's it for another week - your UK magic news is always
welcome (thank you!). See you next week, Duncan.
14.5.16