Number
861 - 24th December 2016
Edinburgh
International Magic Festival's First Festive Show. From the organisers: Next week Edinburgh will
become the world’s most magical city as the Edinburgh International Magic
Festival launch their inaugural festive production: ‘MagicFest Christmas
Special: Collection of Wonders’ at George Square Theatre from 27th – 30th
December. Starring:
Matthew J Dowden – Known as the Dean Martin of magic, he has charmed and enchanted audiences worldwide with his unique show “Magic of the Movies” inspired by Hollywood and his infectious love for the classic art of magic.
Kevin Quantum – Magician-scientist hybrid
trained by Penn and Teller in Las Vegas fuses visual magic with modern
technology and unique inventions. His comedy magic shows have twice been
nominated at the Scottish Comedy Awards and have received 5 star reviews at the
Fringe.
Florian Sainvet – An incredible talent from France and Finalist in the
World Magic Championships 2015 and in ‘France has got Talent’, will present his
award-winning futuristic act and a brand new “money from thin air” illusion. He
is recognised as one of the best sleight of hand magicians in the world.
Drew McAdam (27th and 28th Dec only) – “Scotland’s foremost mind reader”
(BBC, STV, Channel 5) has baffled audiences in US, Russia and across Europe to
Africa with his mind-boggling demonstrations of spoon-bending and mind-reading.
If you think your thoughts are yours, and yours alone… think again!
Lewis Barlow (29th and 30th Dec only) – Edinburgh’s sleight of hand
master. The magic Lewis performs has been developed and closely guarded by the
world’s greatest magicians over the last two hundred years. BBC consultant and
past president of the Edinburgh Magic Circle, Lewis is one of Scotland’s finest
prestidigitators.
If you’re looking for something to do between Christmas and New Year, then this is the show for you. Wrap yourself in magic this Christmas and enjoy the spectacular ‘Collection of Wonders’ – the inaugural MagicFest Christmas Show. Tickets from £14, see www.magicfest.co.uk/event-item/magicfest-christmas. 24.12.16
More
names announced for the stage shows at the South Tyneside International Magic
Festival 2017. From the organisers:
Mark James -
Our compere this year is the wonderful Mark James, who will compere both gala
shows. Mark James combines original comedy and magic with juggling, escapology
and music to create a show like no other.
Amethyst -
International illusionists Danny Hunt and Stephanie Clarke. Highly acclaimed as
one of the UK’s top magic and illusion acts, Amethyst have established
themselves as world-class performers. With their fresh and dynamic approach,
they lead the way in cruise ship, corporate and private events.
Andrew Green -
One of the leading award winning close up magicians and grand scale illusionists
in the UK today. His breathtaking performances of close-up magic and illusion
have taken him around the world and have seen him performing for heads of state
in India, CEO’s of large global fashion corporations in Asia and at major media
events across the UK, Europe and the Middle East.
Destiny -
Leah Mae presents Destiny, a sophisticated magic and illusion act with stunning
illusions and classic magic assisted by Sara Jade. Leah Mae is the youngest
member of The Magic Circle, and both girls won The Magic Circle's Young Magician
of the Year.
Steve Gore - A magical inventor and creator, he has lectured at most of
the clubs in England.
Steve Gore has been a professional magician for over twenty five years. The highlight
of his magical career was in 2014 when he lectured and performed a week of shows
in the parlour of the world famous Magic Castle in Hollywood.
These performers will join previously announced acts: Adam Wilber, Asi Wind, Rob Zabrecky, Mahdi Gilbert, R Paul Wilson, Michael Murray and Simon Hannah. In January we will be announcing our final star lecturer and gala show performer. 17th-19th March 2017. For more information and to book visit www.southtyneside.gov.uk. 24.12.16
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2017. Time is running
out for you to apply to enter The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year
Competition 2017. The Competition is open to all young people who will be over
14 and under 18 years of age on 1st January 2017 - you do not need to be a
member of any magic club/organisation to apply. You must present a Stage magic
act, suitable for family audiences, lasting 8 to 12 minutes. You could be the
winner and receive full membership of The Magic Circle when you reach the age of
18, with four years free membership, plus the Irving Schneider scholarship to
attend the McBride Magic & Mystery School in Las Vegas. The competition is open
to everyone, worldwide. If you're outside the UK, entries for the heats may be
made on DVD. Enquire for details. All you need to do at this stage is to fill in
the
Entry Form by the closing date of 15th January 2017. The form contains all
the information and rules, but just to get you moving quickly the Heats will be
held on Sunday 12th February 2017 with the Final on Sunday 9th April 2017. If
you have any queries contact the Competition Secretary, Dr. Michael Colley:
michaelcolley@themagiccircle.co.uk.
24.12.16
It's
Christmas! This week from The
MagicWeek Video Archive, Wayne Dobson in a guest appearance on the
'Tomorrow's World Christmas Quiz' from 23rd December, 1992. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional
'bonus' video
Click Here.
24.12.16
Harry
Potter's New Years Eve Party pt2 - Illusions Magic Bar, Bristol. Harry,
Hermione and Ron are back for a magical New Years Eve! Tickets are only £5 (+
small booking fee) which will give you a glass of bubbly at midnight too! We
will also have a DJ, live magic and live music with tribute artist Any
Winehouse! Doors at 9pm till 4am! (Last entry at 2am). Book now for the best
Magic Party in town! Illusions Magic Bar, 2 Byron Place, Bristol BS8 1JT.
www.illusionsmagicbar.co.uk.
24.12.16
Marvin’s
Magic School. Still looking for that perfect magical present? Treat yourself
to a year's Premium Membership to the world’s largest online magic school for
beginners: Marvin’s Magic School. Save 25% by entering the special code
"ilovemagic" (all lowercase, one word) when signing up at
www.marvinsmagicschool.com. They have over 80 Easy-to-Master tutorials
available, using everyday objects. The perfect magical gift for someone new to
the art of magic, or just a present for yourself. Join today for only £15 for 12
months access. With thousands of members across the globe you’ll be in the best
hands to begin learning the fascinating art of magic!
24.12.16
The
Elites Rouge marked deck. This week DMC and designer Phill Smith release
their fifth collaborative deck to the magic industry, the Elites Rouge marked
deck. Printed on the new Cartamundi no.9 finish, the revolutionary cards are
finally available again on one of the best finishes available. DMC
released a video
YouTube this week showcasing the new Elites, alongside his
private collection of 2000+ cards. The Elites Rouge deck is available from
www.sovereignplayingcards.com.
24.12.16
Read
My Mind Ltd. Looch writes: My new mentalism
company, Read My Mind Ltd is now live.
Read My Mind Ltd has been set up with a singular goal in mind, to provide
performers the world over with my very best mentalism products and releases.
To coincide with the launch, my sell out Area Book Test has been redeveloped
into an incredible 'Nano Edition'. For more details visit:
www.readmymind.co.uk.
24.12.16
The Card Collection Christmas
Sale is now on until 10am on Tuesday, 3rd January 2017. Up to 20%
off all stock items! The Card Collection:
www.cards4magic.co.uk.
We have one of the largest collections of playing cards in the world and
produce a large quantity of custom gag and gaff designs on Bicycle Rider
back cards. In addition to our collection of playing cards we have
plenty of instructional material in the form of books and DVDs and just
about everything necessary for amateur and professional magicians alike.
24.12.16
Magicians
Advice Podcast. Inside the mind of Chris Congreve. Phil Taylor
writes: Join myself, Ian Brennan and guest magician Chris Congreave as we talk
about Chris’ experiences as a working magician. Chris is one of the busiest and
most well know magicians in the Midlands. Chris is currently working on a few
new projects with very big names in magic but sadly we are not allowed to share
any more information on that at this time. Chris speaks about how he chooses his
material, how he creates material, and how he has honed his ‘naturally’ funny
persona. Chris also speaks openly and honestly about the recent medical problems
he suffered with his voice and the impact this had on his career.
www.magicianscorner.co.uk.
24.12.16
David Blaine: Beyond Magic. Following his critically acclaimed ratings smash David Blaine: Real or Magic, Blaine returns with his most revealing performance yet, which has been two years in the making. Blaine pulls the lid off his signature brand of street magic, sparking reactions that will leave audiences in awe and defy all expectations. Magic meets documentary in the one-hour special, as Blaine blows the minds of some of the most recognisable celebrities in the world, including David Beckham, Johnny Depp, Drake, Steph Curry, Dave Chappelle, John Travolta, Patrick Stewart, Emma Stone and Arnold Schwarzenegger, among others. David Blaine: Beyond Magic is being shown again on Wednesday 28th December. See TV Magic. 24.12.16
All-day Dynamo, Sunday 1st January. The acclaimed magician Dynamo travels the world, dazzling those he meets with his illusions. 7 shows back-to-back on W. See TV Magic. 24.12.16
The
Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam writes: Our next gathering will be
at 7.30pm on Tuesday 3rd January, at The Nelson Hotel, Marine Parade, Great
Yarmouth NR30 3AG (Map). The aim of the
evenings is to allow magicians to meet and socialise, and exchange ideas, in a
relaxed atmosphere. Our social evenings are free of charge and there will be a
free buffet, and you will be able to buy drinks from the bar.
The evening starts at 7.30pm, so come along to our first meeting of 2017 and
enjoy the atmosphere.
This is a temporary venue for our January and February meetings. We will be back
to our regular venue (St. George Hotel) in March.
If anyone wants go come along, please email
thegathering@mail.com or you can
Phone Kyle on 07982 819727 for further information.
24.12.16
Ghost Stories at the Boathouse. Nick Brunger (aka Dr Nicolas Grimoire) will be dipping into his
collection of dark and unsettling tales to deliver ghost stories throughout the day
on Thursday, 29th December,
in the former home of Wales's greatest writer and poet. Naturally there will be
a touch of magic too. Entry if you
tour the house is £4.20 but buy a coffee from the cafe and you can enjoy the
stories for free! No need to book.
Venue: The Dylan Thomas Boathouse, Laugharne, Carmarthenshire SA33 4SD (Map)
www.dylanthomasboathouse.com.
24.12.16
IBM
British Ring - Christmas wishes. Geoffrey Newton PRO writes: IBM British Ring President Clive Moore and
his lady, Jean send magical greetings to magicians and their families throughout
the world. They wish you a happy and peaceful festive season and may 2017 bring
you all good health and success. The President’s Dinner is on Saturday 25th
March 2017 and details are on
www.britishring.org.uk
where you will also find membership information. Anyone who would like a
complimentary ‘e’ copy of the December 2016 edition of our house magazine Key
Ring please contact the Editor:
keyringeditor@britishring.org.uk and one will be forwarded. The 2017
convention is in Greenock and details are on
www.magicconvention.co.uk. 24.12.16
Blackpool
Magicians' Club - Christmas wishes. Alan Horne writes: President Michael Shepherd, the
committee and members of Blackpool Magicians Club would like to wish all our
friends throughout the Magic World our best wishes and a Merry Christmas and
Happy New Year.
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
24.12.16
"Piff The Magic Dragon: Comedian Makes Christmas
Magic with Penn & Teller - America's Got Talent 2016"
YouTube
• "Clint Holmes and Piff the Magic Dragon offer Christmas in vastly
different wrappings"
Click Here • "Magician Michael J Fitch wows crowds at Samaritans
Christmas party"
Click Here • "Magician takes tricks to city care home"
Click Here • "North-east magicians win TV show worth £500,000"
Click Here • "Troy feared for his life during new show The Highwire:
'You just think you're going to die'"
Click Here • "Tricky business! Telly magician Troy reveals his
latest dangerous stunt"
Click Here • "Crackanory Series 4 stories revealed"
Click Here • "Watch Gardens insurance CEO join Copperfield for magic
act as kid"
Click Here • "Budapest Museum Lifts Lid on Houdini's Magic,
Hungarian Roots"
Click Here • "Murray ‘Celebrity Magician’ show at Planet Hollywood
Celebrates 2-Year Anniversary"
Click Here • "The Slammer, Las Vegas home of magician Penn Jillette,
sells for $1.88 million"
Click Here • "How to be an Illusionist on Broadway"
Click Here •
"Derren Brown Thorpe Park advert banned for being 'too scary'"
Click Here • "Magician Ben Hanlin almost ‘burns down his house’ as
he gets fire-based trick wrong"
Click Here • "The Waldorf Astoria is closing. Where will Steve
Cohen, 'The Millionaires' Magician,' do his show?"
Click Here • "Mat Franco: Building a Snowman with Magic!"
YouTube • "A Christmas Message from DMC"
YouTube.
24.12.16
Merry
Christmas and Happy New Year to all our readers, worldwide!
2016 was another amazing year for magic here in the UK. Just have a look
through some of this year's Back
Issues to see what an incredible year it really has been. Thank you to everyone who submitted news and thanks to all our advertisers
too.
Big thanks to Chris North for proofreading the News page every Saturday
morning, and to you for reading
MagicWeek every week! Merry Christmas, Keiko, Duncan, Amelia and Louis.
24.12.16