Number
856 - 19th November 2016
The
Next Great Magician - Sunday nights on ITV. Confession: I haven't
watched the first show in this new series yet, but was really impressed with the second that went
out last Sunday. This is a full-on hour-long magic show, aimed directly at a
Sunday night family audience, featuring a broad cross-section of magicians
either presenting new material or their established acts. Last Sunday all
performers did well.
Highlights for me being some very fine and well shot close-up magic from Will Houstoun, presented
to
actor Jim Carter (not some redundant "celebrity"), an excellent theatrical illusion sequence from Magus Utopia (photo),
a lovely take on the classic card manipulation act by Hun Lee, and Barry and Stuart's
very own version of "Any Drink Called For" that did away with
the need for a kettle as Barry "puked to order" so to speak... erm, well done Barry.
Cheers.
Not my cup of tea (I hope) but very ingenious, so full credit there.
Finding a commercial format for a magic show that can entertain a wide mainstream television audience isn't always easy, but this show does just that. MagicWeek favourite Stephen Mulhern, himself an accomplished magician and magic fan, and singer Rochelle Humes are the perfect hosts. The show isn't trying to be too clever. It's fun, has real pace, and some excellent magic acts. Simple. The studio set looks good, helped by atmospheric lighting and effects, and the outside broadcast material blends in to the mix well. There is a vote at the end of every episode by the magicians for the magicians, but that doesn't really get in the way of what is essentially a very entertaining magic show - the best mainstream studio based magic show to be produced in this country for many years. DT. See TV Magic for details of tomorrow's show. 19.11.16
MagicWorld
open new Magic Shop in Manchester on Saturday 26th November and you're invited!
MagicWorld write: MagicWorld.co.uk was one of the first online magic shops in
the UK and was established in 2000. We are extremely proud to announce the
opening of our 2nd bricks and mortar magic shop! These are rare to come by
nowadays, but since the success of our last shop we decided it was time to
expand. Invitation: Please come down to our opening day on Saturday 26th
November 2016 between 10am-4pm. Our new
shop is located on a busy main road between Stockport and Manchester (A6). Our
central location makes it perfect for magicians both near and far with close
connections to the railway, buses and motorway. The Mayor of Stockport is
kindly planning to make a visit and to officially open our store. Address: 342
Wellington Road North, Heaton Chapel, Stockport, SK4 5DA (Map)
on the Heaton Chapel Junction. Transport: Closest railway station is Heaton
Chapel (2 minutes walk to the shop and 10 minutes from Manchester Piccadilly.
Buses: 192 from Manchester Central. By car: junction 1 off the M60. For
directions
Click Here.
www.magicworld.co.uk.
19.11.16
Christmas
West End Magic. This December West End Magic will be presenting a series of
special Christmas Magic Shows in London every Saturday and Sunday at the Museum
of Comedy in Bloomsbury at 2pm and 4pm. The family friendly show features
conjuring feats from Oliver Tabor, the magic and science of Oliver Meech; plus a
different guest act for each show. These include Jon Allen, Megan Knowles-Bacon,
Dee Riley, Wayne Trice and Dean Leavy, with more to be announced. Christmas West
End Magic, 3rd-18th December 2016 at 2pm & 4pm at the Museum of Comedy, The
Undercroft, St. George’s Church, Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SR (Map).
To book
Click Here or call the Box Office 020 7734 2222.
19.11.16
Conjuring
at the Court, Thursday 24th November, London. A vibrant night of magic at
the Court: Max Somerset has had his own prime time TV show on BBC 1, three sell
out one-man shows at The Magic Circle, and twice played the organ at the Albert
Hall! One of the most theatrical magicians of our day, Max will be showing the
spooky side of his magic - with a dash of humour. Oliver Tabor is an elegant and
imaginative sleight-of-hand performer, who brings classic manipulative magic up
to date with style, music, and imagination. The splendidly-moustached Alexander
Wells evokes the spirit of a bygone Victorian and Edwardian era. His Belle
Epoque approach to the art of conjuring is a riot of comedy for a modern
audience. Matthew Le Mottee is a superb street and stage magician, with powerful
effects and an engaging style. Compèred by the lively and engaging Stephen
Barry. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm with an interval. The Drayton
Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Come early to enjoy a meal before the show!
Tickets just £11 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com it’s cheaper to buy in advance!
19.11.16
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Harry Blackstone Jr on Wogan, from April
24th 1988. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
"Sir Terry Wogan has BBC radio building named after him"
Click Here.
19.11.16
Lost Magic Decoded.
US Magician to the millionaires Steve Cohen tracks down and resurrects
some of the most mind-boggling, mysterious and deadly tricks in history,
including the bullet catch. 9pm on Saturday 26th November on Blaze. See
TV Magic, also see
www.chambermagic.com.
19.11.16
The
Mark Leveridge Podcast. Mark Leveridge writes: The November edition of the
free monthly Podcast from Mark Leveridge has been available as always from the
1st of the month and if you haven't had a chance to catch it yet, here's the
contents: Email or 'phone - which is your preferred method to receive show
enquiries? I look at the pros and cons of both. I ponder on whether the very
young and very old get a disproportionate amount of credit for the magic that
they do. Life on the road - I get a glimpse of what real itinerant performers
have to cope with. MLM will be turning completely digital next year. The
importance of video on magic websites cannot be underestimated. Dominic Reyes
extols the virtues of correct methods of practice and I discuss why he's right
to do so. The 30 minute audio broadcast is available to download or listen
directly to online at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php or from
www.markleveridge.podbean.com, and if you like what you hear, you can dip
into any of the other Podcasts too, which have been released over the last four
years.
19.11.16
Force
Pads - back in stock at Warped Magic! "A small note pad is shown and the
pages are flipped to show different words. A spectator looks at one of the pages
and remembers the word. You can instantly reveal the word! The Force pad looks
like a simple note pad yet it allows you to perform a natural and direct force.
You will receive two blank Force Pads that can easily and quickly be customised
in any language to force any word, time, celebrity, colour, date, simple
drawing, city, number, zodiac sign, magic square number, song etc. Pocket size,
easy to carry; Perfect for Close up & Walk around; Professionally glued & tape
bound; Each pad is approx 3" x 4.5"; Unlimited possibilities; Manufactured in
the UK." For more info and to order visit
www.warpedmagic.co.uk.
19.11.16
Mike
Caveney Wonders & The Conference Illusions. In case you missed them when
first released, here is the boxed set of books that contain virtually every
routine that Mike Caveney has performed throughout his long career. Volume I
describes the mechanics, psychology, theories and inspiration behind all of the
magic that has been featured in Mike's professional act. Volume II describes the
history, restoration, reconstruction and performance of every trick and illusion
performed by Mike during the past 20 years at The Los Angeles Conference on
Magic History. These volumes measure 9 by 11.5 inches with a total of 700 pages
printed in full color on heavy art paper with 900 photographs. Sold only as a
set in a custom-designed slipcase. $240 plus shipping. See
www.mcmagicwords.com for more information and to order.
"Mike Caveney Wonders is a fabulous magic book, required reading for anyone who sincerely loves magic, and cares to learn from one of our best. The book represents a lifetime of experience and wisdom distilled and gift wrapped for the magic community, and seems destined to be considered a classic work. The Conference Illusions - Beyond the secrets to these great illusions, and the pictures of restored props and deconstructions, Mr. Caveney has given us a thorough and heartfelt telling of the history behind each illusion. I promise that you will be entertained, educated, and seriously blown away, as Mike joyously guides you through a bit of our shared history, and the golden age of magic." Eric Mead - Genii Magazine. 19.11.16
Mysteries at the Museum. "Witness awe-inspiring museum artefacts, including a life-like bust of Harry Houdini - which is said to be haunted." Tuesday 22nd November on Yesterday. See TV Magic. 19.11.16
Magicseen
Magazine Advertising. From the publishers: As the UK's only independent
magic magazine, Magicseen is in a strong position to act as a bridge between
those who have something to say or sell, and those who are interested to hear
about it. Printed in both the UK and the US and with readers all over the world,
this bi-monthly full colour magazine not only offers an entertaining and
informative read, but also has for the last 12 years provided a highly cost
effective way to reach potential customers with your important message. So if
you are a magic dealer, or an event organiser, or a magic club needing new
members, or simply someone looking perhaps to find a buyer for unwanted magic,
why not let Magicseen provide the link between your information and the
potential customers? Yes, you may have a terrific website, but how are new
people, or those who have not done business with you for a while, going to be
reminded of who you are, where you are, and what you have of value and interest?
Let Magicseen do that job for you. Our next issue is #72 (Jan 2017) which will
be out just before Christmas, and if you are quick you can secure some of the
valuable space in that edition and ensure that your offering is seen by those
most likely to be interested in it. For more details email
markleveridge@magicseen.co.uk.
19.11.16
Blackpool
Family Entertainer of the Year. Alan Horne, BMC PRO officer, writes: Three
more names to announce that will be competing in the Family Entertainer of the
Year competition: Lee Bell will be representing the London area, Martin Gardner
the South West and Darren Bonas the North East. This promises to be a fantastic
competition and a highlight of the Blackpool weekend.
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
19.11.16
Steve
Short's Supreme Magic Lecture - Goodliffe Memorial Night at The British Magical
Society. Jay Adkins writes: Our Goodliffe Memorial Night this year is about
the Supreme Magic Company, presented by Steve Short. Supreme Magic was a giant
in the magic business and created many of the routines magicians are still using
today. Some routines were lost through time and some are just waiting to be
rediscovered. So join Steve for a fascinating trip down memory lane and hear
some of the behind the scenes stories and see some routines brought to life once
again. Tuesday November 22nd. Meeting starts at 7.30pm (be there from 7pm).
Visiting Magicians £10.00. The British Magical Society, Selly Oak Ex
Servicemens' Club, 8 Selly Hill Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map).
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk.
19.11.16
Magicians
at the Half Moon -
Bishops Stortford. Christmas is coming early for The Magicians at
the Half Moon as November 25th will be their last show of 2016. Show
producer and compere Martin Cox has got a right Christmas Cracker of a
show lined up for you with a welcome return from both David J Marks and
Tim Shoesmith. It's been a fantastic year for The Magicians at the Half
Moon, so come along and join in the party. Entry is just £10 and the
doors open at 7.30pm (show starts at 8pm) at the Half Moon, 31 North
Street, Bishops Stortford, Hertfordshire CM23 2LD (Map).
If you'd like to reserve yourself a front row seat, contact Martin on
01279 659562. More information at
www.halfmoonmagic.co.uk.
Andy Clockwise.
19.11.16
David
Stone will be presenting his lecture for the Derby Magic Circle on
Wednesday, 23rd November 2016, at Breadsall Village Hall, Derby DE21 5LF (Map).
Doors open at 7.30pm, ready to start at 8pm. David's new lecture will feature
strong magic with cards, coins, and various other objects for close-up
conditions. The lecture will be a real show with dozens of gags and ideas you
will use in your own 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. Paul
Sharp. See What's On for all David Stone
lecture tour dates.
19.11.16
Dave
Rawson Stage Hypnosis lecture. Dave Rawson writes: I've just completed two
lectures on Stage Hypnosis. It's a two hour lecture and was well received by the
North Western Society of Magicians and The Nottingham Guild of Magicians. If you
would like to book the lecture for your society then be quick. I go back to
Ibiza in April and will be there until the end of October 2017. I can also take
bookings for the lecture from November 2017. Email:
daverawson88@hotmail.com.
19.11.16
CSI: Miami.
Open Water.
"A cruise ship plays host to a shocking double murder and the CSI
team is sent in to investigate. With a long list of suspects including
the newly-wed wife of one of the victims, her daughter, the ship's
magician and the corrupt captain, Horatio and the team have their work
cut out. Will the discovery that a large sum of money was stolen from
the safe in one of the victims' rooms narrow down the suspect list?
Meanwhile, Horatio takes his relationship with Marisol to the next
level." Tuesday 22nd November on 5USA. See
TV Magic.
19.11.16
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT.
19.11.16
Jeremy
Le Poidevin. Jeremy Le Poidevin took ill with a brain haemorrhage and passed
away two days later on Sunday 13th November. His sudden passing at the age of 62
has shocked all who knew him.
Jeremy and his wife Cheryl took over Practical Magic twenty years ago and built
it into the world’s leading supplier of children’s magic. He was always ready to
help and advise, and many who are now professional entertainers acknowledge his
help and encouragement.
As an organ donor, at least five people’s lives have now been transformed and
given a new lease of life, just as Jeremy helped transform others, in his first
career as a teacher and later with his magic.
Ordering from the website and by phone is suspended for the moment. Trix in the
Stix, the convention for children’s entertainers run by Jeremy, will still go
ahead next May as planned.
The funeral service will be held at St Matthew’s Church, Criftins, Shropshire
SY12 9LN on Monday 28th November at 1pm. After the service you are invited for
refreshments at the Lion Quays Hotel (www.lionquays.co.uk).
The cremation will take place earlier in the day and is for family only. It
would be useful to know approximate numbers so if you are planning to attend
please send a brief email indicating the number attending to
jeremyswake@practical-magic.com.
Family flowers only please.
Cheryl and the family would like to thank all who have sent condolences and kind
thoughts at this sad time. They are very much appreciated. Quentin Reynolds.
19.11.16
"David Blaine Shocks Jimmy and The Roots with Magic Tricks"
YouTube • "Magician David Blaine hospitalised after bullet stunt
goes wrong"
Click Here • "The Nine Lives of David Blaine"
Click Here • Watch David Blaine vomit live frogs into Drake and Dave
Chappelle's water"
Click Here • "‘Band of Magicians’ ’ camaraderie is stronger than
their trickery"
Click Here • "Magician Dynamo will blow your mind with card tricks,
mindreading and acts that defy reality"
Click Here • "David Blaine: the gory secrets behind some of his most
mind-boggling illusions"
Click Here • "Las Vegas homebuilder buys Penn Jillette’s mansion The
Slammer"
Click Here • Amethyst's recent 'Houdini and Escapology' lecture
given at the University of Nottingham Magic Society is reviewed by Andy
Dean this week,
Click Here • "‘Band of Magicians’ ’ camaraderie is stronger than
their trickery"
Click Here • "Broadway coming to UWA"
Click Here • "Magician of Mann 2016"
Click Here • "Guinness World Records Day: Magician completes 11
tricks during 15,000 ft skydive"
Click Here • "David Blaine tweaks a famous trick to highlight gun
violence in the US"
Click Here • "Magician Alexander has ace up his sleeve at wedding
awards"
Click Here •
"Magician Alfred Hill's prop recovered from River Wear"
Click Here • And finally, not magic, but a chance to reflect
on our beautiful planet in this live stream from the International Space
Station:
Click Here • Your UK magic news and reviews always welcomed,
see you next week, Duncan.
19.11.16