Number 971 - 2nd February 2019

The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year 2019. From The Magic Circle: The Magic Circle Close-Up Magician of the Year 2019 competition was held at the Club’s London Headquarters last Monday. For the first time in the competition's history, we have joint winners. In a packed Headquarters, members and an invited ‘lay’ audience watched eight magicians compete for the title. After long discussion between the judges, Robert Pound was named runner-up, and two competitors named winners: Matthew Le Mottée and Paul Pickford. Scott Penrose, President of The Magic Circle said: “Congratulations to Matthew and Paul. Having joint winners is a first for The Magic Circle, but this year’s competition produced another first! One of this year’s winning duo, Matthew Le Mottée, is the first member to win the coveted title of The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year’ three times is a row. To win the title once is special for any member, but to score a hat-trick is unprecedented! The other joint winner, Paul Pickford, wowed the audiences with some amazing card magic. With standards so high, it’s no wonder the judges found it difficult to decide who the winners should be.” The Magic Circle Close-up competition started in 1967 and is held annually our Headquarters in Central London. For a full list of winners visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk. Photo credit: Mark Hesketh Jennings/The Magic Circle. 2.2.19

Richard McDougall on The Magicians’ Podcast. Richard Young writes: An incredibly thought-provoking episode this week with Richard McDougall, who from a young age was mentored by the legendary Alan Alan. Richard discusses how his mime and physical comedy training helped mould the way he communicates through his magic. Also he discusses taking his act to FISM; analyses what it is that makes David Williamson perhaps the greatest magician in the world; his work on the first Derren Brown TV shows; why he loves Michael Carbonaro and also why to him the plot is far more interesting than the trick. Richard also discusses his work with the amazing Breathe Magic a programme that helps children with brain injuries learn magic to improve their mental and physical health. Help/Donate via www.breatheahr.org/breathe-magic. Plus 'What's Going On' with Alan Hudson. The Magicians' Podcast, listen now, via iTunes, Podbean or Spotify. 2.2.19

Blackpool 2019 is just days away... From the organisers: It's nearly Blackpool time! If you wonder what we have for kid's entertainers we can finally give you a full list! Friday: Lectures from Paul Taz Marlow and The Great Zucchini. Saturday: The Final of the Family Entertainer of the Year competition. Hosted by Noah Kelly with finalists Nevin Cody, Tom Foolery, Crazy Kev, Liam Tanner, Trevor Cline, Liam Moorhouse and Magic Sam. Plus lectures by Michael Diamond, Alex Winters and Rebecca Keatley (Host, BBC's CBeebies). Sunday: Lectures from Martin Duffy (photo) and Martin Gardiner. Add to this more dealers than ever before, more stand-alone shows than ever before, and the last chance to see Hans Klok in Europe before he opens his huge new show in Las Vegas! Book here! www.blackpoolmagic.com. 2.2.19

America's Got Talent: The Champions. "Issy Simpson: Kid shocks judges with unbelievable magic trick - America's Got Talent: The Champions" YouTube. 2.2.19

The MagicWeek Video Archive. This week, Glenn Falkenstein & Frances Willard presenting 'The Spirit Cabinet' from The Best of Magic on 20th September, 1989. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with past weeks and the occasional 'bonus' video Click Here. 2.2.19

Marc Paul will be lecturing at The Surrey Society of Magicians on Thursday 7th February. Adam Mosley writes: Marc will be performing and then explaining his recent 'Penguin Live Act'; a full 45 minute show of mentalism that packs very small and plays huge. You’ll learn some amazing mentalism and more importantly how to put a show together, so that it has structure and escalates in impossibility. Effects will include: Challenge Mind-reading: This is Marc's go-to opener. It's a Word Test performed with a skeptic, a 'test conditions' piece that (tongue in cheek) turns him into a believer! Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: Marc has kept this to himself for over 15 years. This is a very strong piece. It’s essentially a chair prediction with no chairs, involves six people from the audience (five men and one woman) and consists of four amazing effects blended together into a feature routine. Time To Get To Know You: This is a 'spectator as the mind reader' effect, where Marc teaches a guy to read his partner's mind! Thought Reader: Returns to the plot Marc loves most, revealing personal information about his audience. This is more than an envelope test, it's a mini Q & A that is extremely flexible. Only two envelopes are used. The audience members themselves seal their information inside and Marc never touches those envelopes, yet he can reveal the contents of both and more! This is super-clean! An evening not to be missed! The lecture takes place in East Horsley, Surrey at 8pm. For full details contact Adam Mosley: info@surreymagic.org.uk. See www.surreymagic.org.uk. 2.2.19

I Draw Clouds - A Magic Show by Neil Kelso, Theatre Deli, London. A magician's ideas escape from his notebook. Reality starts to unravel around him... Prepare yourself for bizarre, surreal, and unforgettable moments of mystery in this musical magical show by Neil Kelso. "An incredible stage presence." Broadway Baby. "Astonishing! One of Britain's Ten Best Cabaret Stars." Bored Panda. "He invariably has the crowd eating out of his hand" On In London. "Hilariously charismatic" Loverboy Magazine. "If you like your magic surreal, make some time for Neil Kelso" Metro Newspaper. Tickets from £11.25 (including Booking Fee) via www.eventbrite.co.uk. Monday 25th February at 7.30pm at The Nursery at Theatre Deli, 2 Finsbury Avenue, London EC2M 2PA (Map) Nearest tube: Liverpool Street or Moorgate. Also see www.neilkelso.co.uk/clouds and Show Trailer. 2.2.19

DNA: We Know What You Are Thinking, UK Tour. From the promoters: Following their astounding appearances on the eleventh series of Britain’s Got Talent in 2017, mind reading duo DNA are back with their brand new show. Andrew and Darren, best known as mind-reading double act DNA, took the nation by storm when they appeared on Britain’s Got Talent in 2017 with their incredible telepathic ability known as 'The Gift'. Wowing the judges, live audience and viewers at home, the duo went on to reach the live finals of the hit ITV talent show. Their first audition has reached almost 10 million YouTube views alone.

Performed completely live, they can ask volunteers to concentrate on the name of celebrities, telephone numbers, credit card numbers, a word in a book, the name of the street they grew up on, a relative’s name... literally anything. With devastating speed and accuracy, the pair are then able to reveal what that name, number or word is, every time. Their unique mind-reading performances have now been enjoyed by tens of millions of people around the world. This brand new show features world exclusive, never before seen material, that is being showcased for the very first time!

06 Feb 2019 Courtyard – Hereford
07 Feb 2019 The Hawth – Crawley
15 Feb 2019 Epic Studios – Norwich
16 Feb 2019 Quay Theatre – Sudbury
21 Feb 2019 Live – Preston
22 Feb 2019 Library Theatre – Darwen
23 Feb 2019 The Atkinson – Southport
24 Feb 2019 Macarts – Galashiels
25 Feb 2019 Tolbooth – Stirling
26th Feb 2019 Caves – Edinburgh
27th Feb 2019 Oran Mor – Glasgow

02 Mar 2019 The Ceilidh Place Venue – Ullapool
03 Mar 2019 Eden Court – Inverness
04 Mar 2019 Lemon Tree – Aberdeen
05 Mar 2019 Birnam Arts – Dunkeld
09 Mar 2019 The Courthouse – Otley
12 Mar 2019 Huntingdon Hall – Worcester
17 Mar 2019 Henry Tudor House – Shrewsbury
22 Mar 2019 Pontardawe Arts Centre – Swansea
23rd Mar 2019 The Acorn – Penzance
24th Mar 2019 School of Creative Arts – Plymouth
29th Mar 2019 West End Centre – Aldershot

Also see www.dnaofficial.com. 2.2.19

Max Maven: Talking Tricks with Kane & Abel. Kane & Abel write: Max Maven, one of the world's greatest ever mentalists and mind readers shares all on Talking Tricks this week. Max discusses his career at length, from his start buying 10 cent magic magazines in Boston, to headlining the biggest comedy clubs in the US and being the go-to-guy for mind reading on worldwide TV. He also talks about what a performer needs to do to make their magic go from craft to art, why he still loves lecturing for magicians, why he treats everyone as a lay audience, what key literature you must read to be a great mentalist, and what it was like acting with Robin Williams and Will Smith. All this, and much more on Talking Tricks with Kane & Abel: Podbean iTunes. 2.2.19

Houdini's Last Secrets, starts Wednesday 6th February on Discovery. Magicians, past and present, marvel at the death-defying performances of the legendary Harry Houdini. His breathtaking escapes and astonishing illusions have never been equaled, or fully understood. With the help of skilled engineers, accomplished illusionists, and a member of his own bloodline, this new series looks to uncover the methods to Houdini's magic and madness.

Catching a speeding bullet, being buried alive, submerging himself in a water torture cell. How did the world's greatest showman pull off such death-defying stunts? Those same unique skills, along with the company that he kept, led some to believe that he was an informant for the top U.S. and European spy agencies during World War I.

Helping piece together clues and testing out his most daring stunts are Houdini's grand-nephew George Hardeen, magician and daredevil Lee Terbosic, and master stunt builder Steve Wolf. With access to the master illusionist's personal scrapbooks, letters, and pictures, they look to uncover the science of Houdini's stunts as well as the myths behind his legend.

Episode 1: The Torture Escape, Episode 2: To Catch a Bullet, Episode 3: Siberian Prison Conspiracy, Episode 4: Buried Alive. Allan and Rebecca Taylor (photo) feature on Episode 3. See TV Magic for details. Trailer: YouTube. "Harry Houdini’s great-nephew explains why he wanted to explore late magician’s secrets in docuseries" Click Here  2.2.19

Merlins of Wakefield. Merlins of Wakefield write: We will have three new effects for Blackpool Magic Convention, and will be the only Dealer with Mark Shortland's 53 Magicians Deck. They are available online now: 53 Magicians Deck, Charming Apex, Mental Vacation. Also, our Magic Festival Day will take place this year on Sunday 12th May, and tickets are now available. Tickets and effects will be available at Blackpool Magic Convention. If you would like to reserve anything to collect at Blackpool, please email us and we will be happy to take it along merlins@btconnect.com. 2.2.19

Etienne Pradier Lecture, Bolton Magic Club. Paul Goodman writes: Bolton Magic Club is proud to present Etienne Pradier's lecture. Calling himself "The French Magician," Etienne Pradier has made a name for himself as an amazing close-up magician, entertaining people from LA to London, including the Royal Family. A Penn & Teller Fooler, his magic showcases not only his creativity and skill, but his incredible personality and charisma, which has led him to become one of the UK's most successful magicians. After only 3 years as a member of the elite Magic Circle, Etienne was invited to take membership of The Inner Magic Circle, with Gold Star in recognition of his excellence as a professional magician. During this lecture Etienne will reveal his complete working professional repertoire and share with us the lessons he has learned from more than twenty five years of professional experience, and much more! Not to be missed. Doors open at 8.30pm on Wednesday 13th February at Bolton Magic Club, The Doffcocker Inn, 780 Chorley Old Road, Bolton BL1 5QD (Map). www.boltonmagicclub.uk. Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome. There will be an entrance fee of £10.00 for non-members. 2.2.19

Matt Windsor goes Viral! Matt Windsor has been the resident magician at Manchester United for 19 years now. Last week he entertained the players at the MUFC annual UNICEF dinner and was filmed by Romelu Lukaku stealing Jesse Lingard's tie (see Click Here). Lukaku posted this and within 2 days had 20,000 views. It was picked up by a number of news and football channels and was shown on the Sky Sports programme Soccer AM, featured in the Mirror online and has almost 600,000+ views on Sports Bible's Instagram site. (None of the news channels named Matt as the magician/pickpocket - that's showbiz!). "Magician takes Jesse Lingard’s tie without him noticing at United for UNICEF Gala" www.footballburp.com. "Why Man Utd star Jesse Lingard was left speechless at Unicef charity event" www.mirror.co.uk. 2.2.19

Room 101 - Northern Magic Circle, Newcastle. Gordon Wardle writes: Kennedy will host a magic themed version of the Room 101 TV program on Wednesday, 6th February, at 7.30pm. Bring any gaffs, gimmicks, sayings, bad habits, styles or influences that you think should be committed to Room 101. Be prepared to argue your case against others. Free event for any magicians in the North East area. Northern Magic Circle, The Millstone Pub, Mill Rise, Newcastle upon Tyne NE3 1QL (Map) www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk. 2.2.19

3SM Steve Dela Lecture, Staffordshire. Tony Dawson writes: Come and join 3SM as the wonderful Steve Dela brings his lecture to our club. Steve is the most awarded magician in the UK and brings fun and energy to his performances. Learn the routines Steve performs in his working set and find out the secrets he uses to structure and frame his material. Don't miss this one! Open to visiting magicians, £10 on the door. Date: Monday 4th February at 8pm. Venue: 3SM, Longford House Beefeater Restaurant, Watling Street, Cannock, Staffordshire WS11 1SJ (Map). Contact: Facebook.com/3smmagic Email: southstaffordshiresociety@outlook.com. 2.2.19

An Evening with Matt Wright & Harry Robson, Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians. Mark Harrington writes: The Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians is hosting an evening with Matt Wright & Harry Robson on Wednesday 6th February. Join us as they share their combined wealth of magical experience and expertise. This will be a great lecture as they perform and explain their thinking, the business and philosophy of magic, whilst sharing stories from their own careers. Doors open 7.30pm for a 8pm start. Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, The ECC Sports & Social Club, Showell Road, Wolverhampton, WV10 9NL (Map). www.wcm-magic.co.uk. Members of other magic societies welcome (£5 entrance fee). Please email mark@illusistration.com or call Mark on 07779608387 to book your place. 2.2.19

New release. Jay Fortune is releasing his first magician print as voted for by magicians online and making a gift of it, while stocks last. Jay writes: "I had the pleasure of being close friends with Eugene, who was recognised worldwide as a master magician, and the greatest philosopher in the field of magic. Eugene passed away in 2017, during which time I was arranging a UK-wide tour for him and the faculty of the Mystery School. We continued with the tour in April/May 2018 re-titling it as the Eugene Burger Legacy Tour. Eugene’s philosophy was to share the gift of magic to bring happiness and awe to people. In that spirit, I’m gifting this open-edition mini-print to magicians in his memory." To get your copy for free, use coupon code EUGENE at the checkout. Reference photograph courtesy of Michael Caplan. See Jay’s site for full details. P&P payable. www.jayfortune.co.uk/product/free-mini-print-eugene-burger. 2.2.19

Kieron Johnson Lecture, Northamptonshire Magicians' Club. Mark Paul MMC, Secretary, Northamptonshire Magicians Club writes: "There's close up magic, stage magic, and then there is Kieron's magic. You don't want to miss this. Tuesday 5th February. Visiting magicians welcome, £10 charge. The lecture starts at 8pm at Northamptonshire Magicians' Club, Brafield on the Green Working Men's Club, 35 Bedford Road, Brafield on the Green, Northampton NN7 1BD (Map). www.northamptonshiremagicians.uk. 2.2.19

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The Riversvale welcomes all guests and magicians over the Blackpool Magicians Weekend
Special Rates for Blackpool Magicians Weekend
Located conveniently and a leisurely amble from The Winter Gardens at 79-81 Lord Street, Blackpool FY1 2DG
For the 3 days, Friday 15th February, Saturday 16th February and Sunday 17th February we are offering very special accommodation prices.
Please look us up on booking.com but do not use booking.com to book. Contact us direct to take advantage of the special rates.
Ring us on 07791 201821 or 01253 626981 and mention MagicWeek when booking.
Double Room Ensuite, booking.com price £59.90 a night, our offer for Magicians £49.00 a night
Twin Room Ensuite booking.com price £62.50 a night our offer for Magicians £52.00
Family Room Ensuite booking.com price £79.90 a night our offer for Magicians £65.00
Single Room Ensuite booking.com price £44.90 a night our offer for Magicians £38.00
Single Room share bathroom booking.com price £39.90 our offer for Magicians £34.00
Small Double Ensuite booking.com price £54.90 our offer for Magicians £45.00
ALL PRICES INCLUDE OUR HIGHLY PRAISED BREAKFAST WHICH IS SERVED FROM 8.30am TO 10am (EARLIER IF REQUIRED)
We look forward to meeting and greeting magicians and guests.
BOOK EARLY, CALL 07791 201821 or 01253 626981 BEFORE THESE PRICES "DISAPPEAR"!
Trevor and Walter.

The February E-Video Newsletter. With loads of snow currently outside, why not sit down in the warm and enjoy the latest online video programme from Mark Leveridge? The February E-Video Newsletter is half an hour of magic, advice and entertainment, and here are the contents for this time. The Teach In - Mark reveals a useful easy card control and an effect using it. Top Tips - details of how to construct a small, practical card stand. The Strolling Magician Unplugged - part 13 deals with how to know which tables you have worked at big dinner functions. Web Offers - background details of a valuable advice E-Book on mix and mingle magic and a dem and more info on a novel stand up effect, both of which are on offer this month. 60 Seconds To Success - suggestions for how to write advert copy that gets results. The Review Corner - Steve Thompson's Glance is discussed. To get access to this latest video offering go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/evn.php, or if you prefer, you can sign up for a 1 year subscription and receive every monthly issue automatically as soon as it is released. 2.2.19

Two Finer Divine. "A magical, mind reading demonstration that will blow your audience away". Gaz Lawrence writes: "The fantastic first release from Gaz Lawrence and David Klass 'Two Finer Divine' is being released at this year's Blackpool convention, and will be available on Trevor Duffy’s magic stand. There will be a limited supply only at Blackpool, for a convention special price of £35. Pre-orders can be placed at Blackpool then posted out after being hand-made two weeks after the event. These will be discounted further to £30. To pre-order now and collect at Blackpool for £35 or indeed to find out more please check out our website: www.twofinerdivine.com. Nominated for the best trick of 2018 prior to its official release. Alternatively you can contact gazmagic@btinternet.com". 2.2.19

Michael O'Brien Lecture, Portsmouth and District Magic Circle. Colin Rumford writes: Portsmouth and District Magic Circle present a lecture by US magician Michael O'Brien. Monday 11th February at 7.30pm. Visiting magicians welcome. Entry £8. Portsmouth and District Magic Circle, Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road, Portsmouth PO2 7BT (Map). www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk. 2.2.19

The Gathering, Great Yarmouth. Stephen Bolam and Kyle Sarocen write: Our next gathering will be at 7.30pm on Tuesday 5th February, at The Grosvenor Casino, Great Yarmouth NR30 3JG (Map). The aim of the evenings is to allow magicians to meet and socialise, and exchange ideas and views, in a relaxed atmosphere. Our social evenings are free of charge and you will be able to buy drinks from the bar. The evening starts at 7.30pm, so come along and enjoy the atmosphere. Email thegathering@mail.com or phone Kyle on 07982 819727 for further information. 2.2.19

Late Night with Seth Meyers, 8pm on Saturday 2nd February (1 hour) on CNBC. Chat show hosted by Seth Meyers. Guests include Good Morning America host and former football star Michael Strahan, and stage magicians and Fool Us hosts Penn and Teller. (repeat) See TV Magic. 2.2.19

The Rawlins Magic Collection I. Potter & Potter Auctions, February 23rd, 2019. "Our inaugural magic auction of 2019 is the first of four sales from the collection of Jim Rawlins, a devoted student of magic and its history, who spent nearly three decades building an impressive, important, and diverse collection. A finely curated selection will go on the block, including choice objects in every collecting category. Association items from the careers of modern master magicians: Germain, Joseffy, Thurston, Blackstone, and more, will be offered side-by-side with vintage apparatus (including many Thayer and Owen-made props), signed photographs, posters, and ephemera. A strong selection of Houdiniana will also be featured. See www.potterauctions.com and YouTube. 2.2.19

News Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. DT. 2.2.19

"Interview: magician and comedian Pete Firman" Click Here • "White Plains mortician and magician subject of a new documentary" Click Here • "Minnesota magician Justin Flom to compete on new reality show 'The World's Best'" Click Here • "Johnny Hart: Magician who made it from the variety circuit to Vegas" Click Here • "On magic and social cues" Click Here • "Carney Magic – Variety Nights at North Coast Repertory Theatre" Click Here • "Magic Touch: $3m online Fresno business brings illusion to the world" Click Here • "Kildare magician and singer to shine on Ireland's Got Talent" Click Here • "Bending Votes. Celeb psychic Uri Geller vows to use telepathic powers to stop Corbyn becoming PM" Click Here • And finally "My side hustle magic trick" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - have a good week, Duncan. 2.2.19

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