Number
869 - 18th February 2017
New
York Debut - Derren Brown: Secret. This Spring, Derren Brown will
make his American theatrical debut in Derren Brown: Secret – a
world premiere production at Atlantic Theater Company. For the first
time ever, New York audiences will be able to enjoy Derren’s unique
blend of mind-reading, suggestion and psychological illusion, live on
stage in a brand new theatrical experience.
Starring Olivier Award winner Derren Brown. Written by Andy Nyman, Derren Brown and Andrew O'Connor. Directed by Andrew O'Connor and Andy Nyman. Derren Brown: Secret will run from May 4th – June 4th 2017 (with previews from Friday, April 21st) at Atlantic Theater Company’s Linda Gross Theater. In the UK, Derren Brown’s critically acclaimed shows have played sold out runs in the West End and won two Olivier Awards. “What Mr. Brown does is find or impose patterns within or on the chaotic whirl of life, making an immense and varied group of people feel, if only for a moment, ineffably connected.” — Ben Brantley, The New York Times. “There’s a depth of intelligence...a relish for the poetical and the philosophical too - that easily stands comparison with the finest drama.” — Dominic Cavendish, The Telegraph. For tickets and more information visit www.atlantictheater.org. Also see www.derrenbrown.co.uk. 18.2.17
Conjuring
at the Court's 100th! From the organisers: It’s our 100th show at Conjuring
at the Court on Thursday 23rd February! Cracking open the champagne to celebrate
the century is the miraculous Fay Presto. She’s joined by the wonderful comedy
magic of Mandy Muden, Andy Clockwise, and manic juggler Steve Rawlings who
brought the house down at his last outing at the Court. Bringing it all together
is magical compere Russell Levinson. The show starts at 8pm and runs to 10pm
with an interval. It’s in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West Ealing, London W13 8PH (Map).
Come early to enjoy a meal before the show!
Tickets still just £11 in advance from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
18.2.17
John
Archer in 'Tim Vine Travels in Time' - studio recording. Join Tim Vine as he
climbs through the magic grandfather clock in his antique shop and emerges in a
different time and place. As the jokes fly and the plot thickens, will Tim
manage to complete the task before him? Magician John Archer co-wrote 'Tim Vine
Travels in Time' and is also one of the characters in it. The studio recording
will take place on Tuesday 28th February at 7.15pm at BBC Radio Theatre, London.
To apply for tickets visit
www.bbc.co.uk/showsandtours. John can be seen live on stage at the
Blackpool Convention
this weekend.
18.2.17
This
week from the MagicWeek Video Archive, John MacGregor, stepping back from politics to present some magic of the mind. From
John Fisher's 'The Best of Magic', 11th October 1989. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks
Click Here.
18.2.17
Northern
Magic Close-Up Championships. From the organisers: Northern Magic Circle is
proud to invite magicians from across the UK to represent their local magic
society and compete in the 'Northern Magic Close-Up Championships' competition,
which will take place on Saturday 22nd April 2017 at the 'Northern Magic
Summit', in Newcastle-upon-Tyne. The winner will take a cash prize, a trophy,
and the title 'Northern Magic Close-Up Champion 2017', for the best 8-10 minute
close-up magic performance. For full details, a list of rules, or to apply to
compete, please contact Stuart Clarkson on 07703 783 304 or email
snclarkson@yahoo.co.uk. Keep an eye
on our website to book Northern Magic Summit tickets and for a full line-up:
www.northernmagicsummit.co.uk.
18.2.17
World
famous Cirque Du Soleil has brought its signature production, Varekai, to the UK
for the first time ever. Featuring new acts previously unseen by UK
audiences, Varekai is playing Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle right now, and then
First Direct Arena, Leeds. Directed by Dominic Champagne, this production pays
tribute to the nomadic soul, and to the spirit and art of the circus.
See
www.eventim.co.uk.
18.2.17
The
Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2017. The heats of the
competition were held at The Magic Circle headquarters last Sunday 12th
February. The competition was of a good standard and from the fifteen
competitors seven were chosen to appear in the Final. They are: Lorenzo Carcione
- Bolton; Cameron Glenwright - Stockton-on-Tees; Ryan Jackson - Stock, Essex;
Daniel Kirkwood - Glasgow; Dean Leavy - Windsor; Ross McLane - Whitley Bay and
Fletcher Ransberry - Kenilworth. The Final will be on Sunday 9th April at 6pm
with a preview show at 3pm. Tickets will shortly be available via The Magic
Circle www.themagiccircle.co.uk.
18.2.17
Let's
get tricky... Delegates at the 14th South Tyneside International Magic Festival are
being invited to show off their skills in an informal contest during the event.
The annual convention, aimed at magic professionals and ardent fans, will take
place from 16th -19th March in South Shields on the North East coast.
This year, attendees are being given their own chance to shine with a One Trick
Contest which will be held as part of a Late Late Show on the Friday night at
the Sea Hotel.
The rules are simple: delegates are asked to perform one trick or effect which
shows off their skills. The trick can be really short or as long as needed, and
contestants will be judged by their peers. The winner will receive free registration to the 2018
convention, as well as a bottle of bubbly. Two runners-up will also receive a
bottle of fizz.
Steve Gore, booker for this year’s convention, is hoping to get as many
attendees as possible to step up and show what they’re made of.
“The One Trick Contest is a fun part of the convention and will give all the
delegates a chance to show off their favourite trick or effect in front of a
group of like-minded people in an informal environment,” he said.
“It will all be hosted by Ken Dyne (photo), the mind reader with the best bleach in the
business - we want attendees to come along and have a bit of fun!”
For full STIMF listings
Click Here.
18.2.17
Monday Morning Magic (on a Tuesday!) at The Magic Circle, London. A brand new show designed for families during the school holidays. Visit The Magic Circle and explore the mysteries of The Magic Circle's Museum. See wonders of conjuring right under your nose as members baffle you with their skill. Ideal for children over eight years old. Children aged eight to sixteen must be accompanied by an adult. Tuesday 18th April and Tuesday 30th May at 11.15am. Doors open 11am. This event and lasts about two hours. Family ticket: A group of four (must include at least one child under 16 and one adult) £50 - no booking fee. Single tickets: £18.50 plus booking fee. Venue: The Magic Circle Headquarters, 12 Stephenson Way, Euston, London NW1 2HD (Map). Tickets from www.themagiccircle.co.uk/public-events. 18.2.17
Visual
artist, writer and performer Jonathan Allen is contributing to Artefact: The
Act of Magic, 21st February - 9th March 2017, at
STUK - House for Dance, Image & Sound, Leuven, Belgium. Artefact is a themed
exhibition and festival on contemporary visual arts, current events and societal
challenges. This year Artefact looks at the Act of Magic. What does magic mean
today? Which role does it play as a social phenomenon? How is it used as a
metaphor? And how do contemporary artists tackle the subject? From poetry to
strategy, from magical object to obscure systems, from harmless distraction to
manipulation: the artists in The Act of Magic investigate what enchants us
today. For Allen’s contributions
Click
Here and
Click Here.
18.2.17
The
Mark Leveridge February Podcast. Have you had a chance to listen to
the latest Mark Leveridge Podcast yet? As always it's an interesting mix
of information, opinion and advice. In this latest edition Mark covers
the following topics: Reflections on the January 2017 Session Convention
in London. Jamie Raven scores well with some radio magic and gives us
all something to learn from the way he did it. How ill do you have to be
before you will consider backing out of a show booking? Teaching total
beginners magic skills in the MLM Academy. A magic conundrum for
commercial close uppers at dinners is revealed. When is the right time
to put up your show fees? Lasting half an hour, the Podcast is free to
either listen to online or to download to any mp3 player and you can get
access at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast.php or from
www.markleveridge.podbean.com.
18.2.17
Ali
Cook lectures at The Surrey Society of Magicians on February 23rd.
Adam Mosley writes: Star of Penn & Teller Fool Us (ITV), Dirty Tricks (Ch4)
nominated for The British Comedy Awards, Monkey Magic (Five), Psychic Secrets
Revealed with Derren Brown (Five), the Darkly twisted Jerry @ Trick Show with
Jerry Sadowitz (Five) and the West End magic spectacular 'Impossible', Ali Cook
comes to Surrey Society of Magicians to present two talks in one evening: How to
write original stand-up comedy for your act and secondly a talk on how to
perform better.
Quoting from his ten favourite magic books, Ali will explain the often hard to
understand theory found in such books as Tamariz’s 'The Magic Way' and Darwin
Ortiz’s 'Strong Magic' - How do you misdirect with your eyes? How do you avoid
confusing your spectator? etc. Ali has also starred in ten feature films
including the BAFTA winning Kajaki, as well as co-authoring the feature film
thriller 'Get Lucky' for Universal Pictures. He’ll talk about what he’s learnt
about screen writing and acting and how they can be applied to your magic.
Members are free and visiting magicians are welcome for a £10 entrance fee, the
lecture takes place in East Horsley, Surrey at 8pm. For full details email Adam
Mosley info@surreymagic.org.uk.
18.2.17
Alex
Elmsley commemorative feature. March would have been the 88th birthday of
one of the greats of magic – Alex Elmsley. The British Ring of the International
Brotherhood of Magicians are celebrating with a special commemorative feature in
their newly-styled official magazine 'Key Ring' that tells much of the flipside
of this legend who dominated magic in the latter half of the last century.
Together with the colour illustrated feature, packed with stories about Alex, is
an offer of an autographed, facsimile copy of Elmsley’s very first lecture notes
'Low Cunning' that he presented at the IBM convention in 1957. It reveals many
ideas and routines all bearing the imaginative thinking of this unique magician,
including: thimbles, silks, coins, cigarettes, cards and mind reading, and also
his stunning self-contained cups and balls routine in which the final load is a
cup full of salt that takes minutes to pour. Very Alex. Why not join the British
Ring and receive this historical Elmsley document? Contact the Editor Geoffrey
Newton: 0161 969 8222
keyringeditor@britishring.org.uk.
18.2.17
Timeless: The World's Columbian Exposition. "Illusionist Harry Houdini may be the only one who can help Lucy after she's kidnapped by Flynn and taken to the 1893 Chicago World's Fair. Meanwhile, as they pursue Lucy and her captor, Wyatt and Rufus fall into a dangerous trap at the World's Fair Hotel." Wednesday 22nd February. See TV Magic for details. 18.2.17
Matthew
Wright lectures at the Manchester Circle of Magicians on Monday 20th February.
Bill Booth writes: Matthew is an award-winning magician and has his own Cabaret
Show in Spain, so this promises to be a night not to be missed. Visitors are
welcome with prior approval from the President and a charge of £5.00 on the
night. For more information and details visit our website at
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk or email
contact@manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
18.2.17
Marvelous
Matthew Wright Lecture at Medway Magical Society. Rob Glendinning writes:
Come along and witness a lecture by the truly unique talent that is Matthew
Wright. A FISM award winner, Matthew is a magician who has won more awards than
his friends can bear to listen to him list. This event is open to non-member
magicians and is guaranteed to be funny, informative and more than a little off
the wall. Tuesday 21st February at 8pm. Entry is £5 for members and £10 for
non-members on the night. Venue: St George Hotel, New Road Avenue, Chatham,
Kent, ME4 6BB (Map).
www.medwaymagicalsociety.org.uk.
18.2.17
Anglian
Magic Society 'A night of fun lectures and magical stories'. Steve Majes
writes: The Anglian Magic Society has Sam Lane and Jake Ace presenting “A night
of fun lectures and magical stories” on Tuesday 21st February at 7.30pm. Sam has
been in the business since his teens and has that vital entertainment gene that
makes him naturally entertaining and creative. Sam will demonstrate tricks and
tips that have kept him busy in the world of magic. Jake has just started out in
the world of show business and already has two sell out one man shows under his
belt. Jake will share his ideas and tips along with how he finds his way through
the business in these modern times. This will be a great evening presented by
two stand out characters of our society. The White Horse Inn, The Street,
Trowse, Norwich NR14 8ST (Map).
Members £2.00, Visitors £10.00
www.theanglianmagicsociety.uk.
18.2.17
Liam
Montier will be presenting his lecture for the Derby Magic Circle on
Wednesday, 22nd February, at Breadsall Village Hall, Derby DE21 5LF (Map).
Doors open at 7.10pm, ready to start at 7.30pm. Paul Sharp writes: Liam will be
teaching some of his top tricks and possibly some of his new tricks that you may
not have seen yet. There will be strong self-working magic with and without
cards, ideal for the hobbyist and professional alike. 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.
18.2.17
Martin
Peirce lecture - Merlin Magical Society, Potters Bar. On Thursday the 23rd
February Martin Peirce will be presenting his new lecture at the Merlin Magical
Society in Potters Bar. Martin recently won our Close-Up Competition, and has
lots of new ideas and routines to share. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start.
£10 entry for non members. For more details of the evening see
www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk/lecture.html John Clayton.
18.2.17
The Vanishing Man, now on tour. This is a show about magic. But not a magic show. “I’ve been able to work out, deconstruct and rebuild every trick I’ve ever seen. Except this one.” Hugo Cedar was an Edwardian magician known as 'The Vanishing Man'; he created the perfect trick and then disappeared forever, but his story lives on... Directors and performers Simon Evans (magical consultant to the NT, Old Vic and Donmar Warehouse, and two-time recipient of the Close Up Magician of the Year award) and David Aula (‘The Cement Garden’, ‘Personal Enemy’, and ‘MEAT’), team up to create a time-hopping, misdirection-abusing, mind-bending examination of what really happens when a man, in full sight of his audience, simply ceases to be. This is the story of a magic trick: the greatest one ever performed. Produced with generous support from the Unicorn Theatre. Suitable for age 12+. The Vanishing Man is reviewed by Joshua Pickering: Click Here. See What's On for dates. 18.2.17
Aladdin
– Prince Edward Theatre. From award-winning Disney movie to smash hit
musical comedy, Aladdin is an exuberant new West End spectacular. Aladdin
features all the unforgettable songs from the much-loved film, such as ‘A Whole
New World’ and ‘Friend Like Me’, as well as some brand new musical numbers. When
street urchin Aladdin stumbles across an ancient lamp in the Cave of Wonders he
unwittingly releases the weird and wonderful Genie. Transformed into a prince by
his three wishes, Aladdin teams up with adventure-hungry Princess Jasmine. But
Aladdin’s not the only one who knows about the lamp – the wicked Jafar has his
own wishes he wants granted.
Directed and choreographed by the incomparable Casey Nicholaw (The Book of Mormon, Something Rotten!), starring Trevor Dion Nicholas in his role as Genie and with stunning sets from multi-award-winning designer Bob Crowley, Aladdin is a superbly crafted piece of theatre that will enchant the entire family. Bursting with adventure, romance, magic and song, Aladdin is playing at Prince Edward Theatre. Don’t delay to book your tickets to this beguiling musical comedy. See YouTube. Prince Edward Theatre, Old Compton Street, London W1. 18.2.17
50 Greatest Magic Tricks is being repeated on February 20th on Channel 5. "Adam Buxton and Joe Cornish present fifty of the most startling, dangerous and downright unbelievable magic tricks ever seen. Every trick is shown and there are illuminating commentaries on each trick from comedians and the magicians themselves. Featuring David Copperfield, Penn and Teller, Derren Brown, David Blaine, the Amazing Johnathon, Lance Burton, Paul Daniels, and many others." See TV Magic. 18.2.17
Planning
your programme of events for your magic club? Visit the MagicWeek
Lecturers page!
18.2.17
"How Dynamo conjured his break in
television"
Click Here • "Piff Jr - The World's Tiniest Magic
Dragon"
YouTube • "Branston magician Eddie Young beats 70,000 entrants for
national competition shortlist"
Click Here • "Britain's Got Talent act accidentally floods the stage
and throws show into chaos"
Click Here • "Champions of Magic prepare for show at the Octagon in
Yeovil"
Click Here • "Matthew Le Mottée is
The Magic Circle's Close-up Magician of the Year"
Click Here • "Devon magician to take part in “Family Entertainer of
The Year" competition"
Click Here • "Chatting with magician Justin Flom: Plans for 2017,
new baby girl"
Click Here • "The story behind Blackpool’s annual magic convention"
Click Here • "Pete Heat brings his modern magic to Ayton"
Click Here • "The Masters of Illusion will Bring the Magic to the
State Theatre"
Click Here •
"Rick Thomas"
Click
Here • "The Inventor Kevin James conjures magic to Milwaukee with
'The Illusionists'"
Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK magic news is
always welcomed. See you in Blackpool, Duncan.
18.2.17