Number 870 - 25th February 2017

 

Blackpool rocked! The Blackpool Magicians Club 65th Annual Convention (and FISM European Championships 2017) was another huge success this year, featuring some of the very finest magic and magicians from around the world. Young Min Kim was sensational on the Sunday night gala. If you weren't there, then please wait to see him live rather than hunting him out on YouTube. You really need to see this act live to be captured by its very magical spell as the impossible unfolds before your eyes. In the same show Paul Zenon proved to be a brilliant choice of emcee - in what is often the toughest role Paul was just perfect. In fact there were many, many real stand-out performers over the full four days of 24/7 magic. Club President Michael Shepherd and the entire convention team did an excellent job in staging such a mammoth event and next year's dates are already set: Friday 16th, Saturday 17th and Sunday 18th February 2018 (with a 'Mega-Auction' on Thursday 15th for early arrivals). www.blackpoolmagic.com. The FISM European Championships 2017 were a popular addition and the official results have been released, congratulations to all the winners, Click Here. DT. 25.2.17

 

The House Magicians with guest magician Matthew Wright. Friday 3rd March, at Smoke & Mirrors, 8 Denmark Street, Bristol BS1 5DQ (Map). To book Click Here, plus 'Marvelous Matthew Wright lecture' on Sunday 5th March, to book Click Here. Also see www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk. 25.2.17

 

Jon Allen on London Today. This week, from The MagicWeek Video Archive, Jon Allen in a guest appearance on London Today following his success in becoming The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year. 16th October 2001. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks Click Here. 25.2.17

 

Jamie Raven Tour - just four dates left. There are just four dates left on Jamie's current tour: 25th February 2017 - Playhouse, Harlow; 26th February 2017 – Broadway, Letchworth; 27th February 2017 – Hexagon Theatre, Reading and 28th February 2017 – The Castle Theatre, Wellingborough. For more info and to book visit: www.jamieraven.co.uk/tour. 25.2.17

 

Martin Gardiner wins Family Entertainer of the Year 2017 competition in Blackpool. Known as Magic Martin in his children's show or Mr Eerius with his stage cabaret act, Martin won the South West heat of the competition late last year. The final took place on Saturday 19th February at the Blackpool Magic Convention. Competing against six magicians Martin showed his best tricks in a 15-minute set. His audience consisted of local children and their families, plus magicians attending the four-day convention at the Blackpool Winter Gardens. Martin was judged on his showmanship, originality, skill, magical content and entertainment value. The 32-year-old is on cloud nine after winning 1st place and said: "It was a real honour to be chosen to take part this year. I felt it was a great achievement as I have been working as a magician and entertainer for 15 years starting out with my wife in our illusion act Celtic Storm, and have always dreamt of taking part in the Blackpool competition. This has to be the highlight of my career." Photo: President Michael Shepherd making the presentation. 25.2.17

 

Fameless Prankers on Comedy Central: "A magician's apprentice watches his big break vanish into thin air." 11pm on Monday 6th March on Comedy Central. See TV Magic. 25.2.17

 

Fay Presto was involved in a near fatal car accident on her way home from the Blackpool Convention on Monday 20th. Someone hit her car from the side and it flipped straight over. The car is a write-off but thankfully Fay isn't, apart from a few bumps and bruises. Luckily, Lee Hathaway was also on his way back from the convention, traveling just 20 minutes behind, so managed to pick up Fay and take her back to London. Fay wrote on Facebook: "The love and support has been overwhelming, and thank you all for the support and seriously concrete assistance supplied by many getting me through this. Lee Hathaway and Shaun Ames were unutterably brilliant, getting me and the kit back, as was Mandy Muden who sat up all night and made damn sure I did the right thing and went to A&E to get checked out." Fay is on tour with The Champions of Magic starting on March 18th in Yeovil, see www.championsofmagic.co.uk. 25.2.17

 

Modern Magic, The Charlotte Street Hotel, London. Prepare to believe in magic! Downstairs in the sumptuous screening room at the Charlotte Street Hotel, an audience will have their minds read, senses manipulated and experience some of the most astonishing feats of modern magic. During the Golden Age of Magic at the turn of the 20th Century, illusions were performed in private rooms by parlour magicians. Rarely does an audience today get this up close and intimate view of great magic. Jake's new show does exactly that, bringing magic right up to date and amazing his audience with incredible sleight of hand, pure mind reading and baffling illusion. Sit down and relax as Jake takes you on a journey of dapper deception, sophisticated sleight of hand and mischievous mind games. Saturday 25th March at 8pm. Tickets: £20 Parlour, £30 Front Row. Venue: The Charlotte Street Hotel, 15 - 17 Charlotte Street, London W1T 1RJ (Map).  www.modernmagic.co.uk. 25.2.17

 

The Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam writes: Our next gathering will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 7th March, at The St George Hotel, 7-10 Albert Square, Great Yarmouth, Norfolk NR30 3JH (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 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. 25.2.17

 

Northamptonshire Magicians Club – Celebrating 90 Years! Matthew Garrett writes: on Tuesday 28th February at Brafield on the Green Working Men’s Club, Brafield on the Green, Northampton NN7 1BD (Map) past NMC President Anthony Owen will join us for an Interview and a Q&A session, together with video clips and a live performance featuring favourite material and explanations. Buffet included. Free for NMC Members, £10 charge for guests (welcome). The evening starts at 8pm prompt, and will end at around 10pm www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk. 25.2.17

 

A Brief History of Magic, Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds. Friday 17th March at 7.30pm. Take a journey through the history of magic as entertainment at this illustrated talk at Moyse's Hall Museum, with episodes from the first magic performers through to modern day magicians such as Paul Daniels and Dynamo. Local magic historian and master illusionist Marco Pusterla will present some obscure and amazing facts about the history of magic and introduce some of the most famous magicians: from Scotto to Chung Ling Soo, from Bosco to Houdini, from Pinetti to Chefalo, from Maskelyne to Hofzinser, and many more. A whirlwind tour through the ages, touching all continents, this is a talk you won't want to miss! There may be even some magical demonstrations! Venue: Moyse's Hall Museum, Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1DX (Map). Website: Click Here. 25.2.17

 

Marco Pusterla - An Evening of Wonder, Moyse's Hall Museum, Bury St Edmunds. Friday 24th March at 7.30pm. Prepare to be beguiled as Magician Marco Pusterla performs some of his favourite tricks at Moyse's Hall Museum. The evening will start with an intimate performance by Marco in the Great Hall, followed by a unique opportunity to explore the museum and the magic exhibition at night. Marco Pusterla, is a member of The Magic Circle, a magic award winner, and one of the most respected historians on the art of magic worldwide. He is the author of books on magic and the publisher of a magazine dedicated to the history of magic and to the business of magic collecting. In his almost 40 years of interest in conjuring, Marco has gathered a large collection of magic memorabilia spanning almost 500 years of the history of this popular form of entertainment. Owner of a large magic library (more than 3,000 volumes), lithograph posters from the golden age of magic, photos of well-known and lesser known magicians, Marco's collection is considered by many one of the finest in private hands. A native of Italy, Marco is known as the worldwide expert of Chefalo, the most famous Italian illusionist of the 20th century. Marco's magic career has seen him perform magic worldwide and act as a consultant on television and for illusionists, including the current top prize winner in the Illusions category at the World Magic Championship. Venue: Moyse's Hall Museum, Cornhill, Bury St Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 1DX (Map). Website: Click Here. 25.2.17

 

Dealers set to showcase at Magic Convention. Delegates heading to this year’s South Tyneside International Magic Festival will get the chance to browse the latest tricks, effects and more from some of the biggest dealers in the business. From 16th-19th March, leading magicians from Asia, the USA and the UK will head to South Shields to take part in the 14th annual event. Once again, Magicbox in Newcastle will be leading the exhibitors. As official sponsor of the festival for the 14th year, Graeme Shaw, magician and partner at the firm says the event is one of their favourites each year. “The South Tyneside International Magic Festival is now one of the world’s most popular magic conventions and is a real favourite among fans and professionals alike,” he said. “Magicbox has been involved with the festival since the very beginning and we have enjoyed seeing it grow. It’s now a big event on the magic calendar and the dealers' showcase is an important aspect and something that everyone enjoys.” As well as Magicbox, several other high profile magic vendors will be exhibiting at this year’s event. These are set to include convention regular, Stockport-based Magic World, Merlins of Wakefield, Amethyst and Magic-2000 from Paris, plus some others yet to be revealed. For info: Click Here. 25.2.17

 

Matthew Wright lectures at The British Magical Society, Birmingham, on Tuesday February 28th (doors 7pm, start 7.30pm). Jay Adkins writes: We welcome return of this performer, intriguing lecturer, puppeteer, comedian and magician. An evening that will excite, entertain and add to your magical education. Winner of The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year competition in 2008 and host of the Chamber of Secrets, Comedy Cabaret Show in Torremolinos. Tell your magic friends, only £10! Why not become a member of The British Magical Society and save each year on lecture entrance fees? Email mail@andysmagic.co.uk for details. British Magical Society, Selly Oak Ex Servicemen's' Club, 8 Selly Hill Road, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29 7DL (Map). www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk. 25.2.17

 

Neville King Lifetime Speciality Award presented to Fred Van Buren & Greta. Veteran illusionists Fred Van Buren & Greta write: We would like to publicly say thank you to Joan King, Arthur Casson and Blackpool Magic Club members for making us so welcome and presenting the Neville King Lifetime Speciality Award to us at their convention last weekend. It’s been a long time since we last attended the Blackpool convention and nearly 60 years since we closed the convention show as The Amazing Yoxanis with our Substitution Trunk Transposition, appearing again years later as Van Buren & Greta, closing the show with our Vanishing Motorbike & Rider surrounded... so it all brought back many happy memories for us. Although we are now retired and the magic is presented by our son Andrew Van Buren, this award truly means a lot to us and we are truly moved by this fantastic gesture. Thank you all. Photo L to R: Ken Dodd, Greta and Fred Van Buren. 25.2.17

 

David Penn - appearing and lecturing at the Northern Magic Summit. Rob Temple writes: Northern Magic Circle are proud to announce that David Penn will be appearing and lecturing at the upcoming Northern Magic Summit (Friday 21st - Sunday 23rd April, 2017). David is a seven times national award winning magician and illusionist, with titles including 'Close Up Magician of the Year' for both The Magic Circle and the British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians. His magic has been seen in six major TV series which include ’Britain’s Got Talent’ on ITV, ‘Freaky’ on Channel 4, ‘Astounding Celebrities’ on ITV and ‘The Sorcerer’s Apprentice’ for the BBC. David has entertained celebrities and heads of state from around the world, including The Sultan of Brunei and Her Majesty The Queen. David is recognised as an innovator and creator of a number of effects that have been used by other well-known TV magicians worldwide, including Dynamo; now he's going to share some of his best secrets with you. To book for the Northern Magic Summit, see www.northernmagicsummit.co.uk. If you have any questions, please e-mail: bookings@northernmagicsummit.co.uk. 25.2.17

 

Matthew Wright Bolton Magic Club lecture. Paul Goodman writes: Bolton Magic Club Presents Matthew Wright. Following on from his success at the Blackpool Magician’s Convention Matthew will be performing his latest award winning FISM act. A full time working professional, Matthew brings all this experience together in an action-packed lecture which includes every aspect of his performances. The lecture will include many effects which feature directly in Matthew's working repertoire with something for everyone of all skill levels. This lecture is not to be missed. Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome. There will be an entrance fee of £10.00 for non-members. Doors open at 8.30pm on Wednesday 1st March at Bolton Magic Club, The Doffcocker Inn, 780 Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QD (Map). www.boltonmagicclub.uk. 25.2.17

 

John Styles is once again presenting his magic and 'Chelsea Pensioner' acts in traditional Music Hall shows around the country. Imminent venues include the Royal Theatre, Northampton; New Wolsey Theatre, Ipswich; The City Varieties, Leeds and the Town Hall, Dudley (with Anita Harris). www.johnstylesentertainer.co.uk. 25.2.17

 

Ken Dyne lectures at The North Western Society of Magicians on Wednesday 1st March at The Lisdoonie Hotel in Barrow-in-Furness LA14 5LF (Map). Doors 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start. Visitors welcome for a small £5 fee. www.barrowmagic.co.uk. Adam Hudson, Secretary. 25.2.17

 

Thanks from Blackpool Magicians' Club. Alan Horne writes: Blackpool Magicians' Club would like to thank members, performers, technicians and all who helped in any way to make this year's convention a huge success and to the registrants for their continued support. Plans for 2018 are already underway. www.blackpoolmagic.com. 25.2.17

 

News Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT. 25.2.17

 

"Paul McCartney eyeing up magical mystery tour as an illusionist" Click Here • "That’s magic! Top award for entertainer" Click Here • "Fund raising Runnymede Ball will help 12-year-old Rose's fight for sight" Click Here • "Barcelona look to rediscover their magic touch as illusionist Dynamo takes notes while the humbled Spanish giants train after PSG loss" Click Here • "What Happened To Criss Angel – News & Updates" Click Here • "Shawnee man named ‘Magician of the Year’" Click Here • "Introducing Dominic James, Shoreditch’s New Street Magician" Click Here • "How David Blaine regurgitated three live frogs" Click Here • "The cheapest and most expensive homes sold in Las Vegas in 2016" Click Here • "Spectacular illusion show to debut in Bahrain" Click Here • "What do you get when you cross illusionist David Blaine and writer Paul Auster? Magic" Click Here • "Magician cheats death and survives 25ft drop after stunt goes wrong on roof at Blackpool Magic Convention" Click Here • "Verwood magician is UK's top Family Entertainer of The Year" Click Here • "Britain’s Got Talent magician Richard Jones hasn’t spent his £250k prize money" Click Here • "Mind-blowing illusionists and magicians prepare to wow Bromley audience" Click Here • "Wayne Hoffman: Mentalist and Illusionist Visits Pace University" Click Here • Thanks as always for all your magic news, see you next week, Duncan. 25.2.17

 

Back

 

© www.magicweek.co.uk