Number
1013 - 23rd November 2019
Edward
Hilsum is The Magic Circle Children's Entertainer of the Year 2019!
Last Sunday, The Magic Circle staged its inaugural Children's
Entertainer of the Year Competition in front of a sold-out theatre
audience at its London headquarters. Together, the six finalists
Magic Mikey,
Quentin
Reynolds, Edward Hilsum,
Mr Biscuit,
Nutty Natty
and Magic
Dave not only competed, but put on a really entertaining show,
brilliantly compared by Andy Clockwise. The audience, which I'd estimate
were about 50:50 adults and children, fell under the magic spell and
participated from the start. The children also became part of the
judging team, with everyone between the age of 2 and 12 having their own
vote, which contributed to the main judges ultimate scoring. The judges
were: David Wood OBE, Terry Herbert MIMC and Tim Shoesmith MIMC. Big
congratulations to Edward
Hilsum who was placed first, Magic Dave second and Magic Mikey third. Winner
Edward Hilsum said: "I was stunned
and delighted to be presented with this award by Terry Herbert, the great
children's
entertainer after whom the award is named. I’ve always felt that the best way to
entertain
children is to treat them like adults. In fact, the illusion, story and sleight
of hand that
these youngsters enjoyed came straight from my adult repertoire."
The event was the brainchild of Andy Clockwise, who put it all together with a dedicated team. I've been to a lot of events at The Magic Circle over the years but this one was, without any doubt, one of the most enjoyable. I've often thought that children's entertainers are sometimes left to one side, when arguably they bring more joy to their audiences than all the other types of magicians put together. Can't wait for next year! DT. www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 23.11.19
Darren Mac wins the first ever Manchester Circle of Magicians
'Master
Magician' Competition. From MCM: Last Monday Manchester Circle of Magicians held their first ever
Master Magician competition. The unique format required each
act to perform a 12 minute close-up routine and a 12 minute stage magic
act, with the scores being combined to produce an overall ‘Master Magician.’
The standard of magic was high from all six performers and the
competition was incredibly close.
Third place went to Danny Jewell, second place to Philip
Partridge and first to Darren Mac.
Darren dedicated his win to Peter Roberts who was a mentor to him and
many and sadly passed away last week. See
www.darrenmacmagic.co.uk
and
www.manchestercircleofmagicians.co.uk.
23.11.19
Charlie
Cairoli 39 Years Under The Tower. From the publishers: Just
published and now available, a book about Blackpool Tower Circus legend
Charlie Cairoli. It was at The Tower that Charlie really made his name
with big top fans, performing brilliant slapstick routines at the venue
for almost 40 years, until retirement in 1979, helping to make it one of
Britain’s top circus attractions. The Italian-born star died in 1980
aged 70. As an entertainer Charlie bought more holidaymakers into
Blackpool than any other during his 39 year run. The book follows a
chronological story from the entertainer’s birth in 1910, right through
to his celebrated career at the Tower Circus, and includes many photos
never seen by the public before. The publication is a limited run of
1000, the first 250 will be numbered limited edition and signed by
Charlie Cairoli Jr, they will also include an exclusive print from
circus artist Curtis Tapenden. For more information and to order visit
www.39yearsunderthetower.co.uk.
23.11.19
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week Paul
Zenon working behind the scenes for 'The Fall Guy', from 23rd August 1996. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
23.11.19
The Smoke and Mirrors Gathering - Bristol, this Sunday, 24th November. 11am - 6pm. 4+ Lectures, a day of jamming, fun challenges and learning. £15 for the whole day. The aim of the day is to learn magic from professionals in an informal environment, a very relaxed atmosphere, where everyone is welcome and there's plenty of time to network with fellow magicians. On Sunday, 24th November, you can attend the first official “Smoke and Mirrors Convention”.
Daniel Chard. Daniel will be sharing
some of the powerful close up card work he is known for and also
demonstrating some unpublished effects. Some of which are featured on
his Penguin Live Magic that has been polished in the trenches.
Grant Maidment. Grant is a worker in every sense of the word, he
will be sharing some visual close-up magic using a variety of different
objects from his DVD set 'Frenetic'. You don’t want to miss this!
James Brown. A master close-up magician, hypnotist and
pickpocket. James can cover a wide variety of different subjects. But
one thing is certain, you’ll leave looking at magic in a different
light.
Paul Pickford. Paul is the current joint winner of The Magic
Circle Close-up Competition. Paul has a very disarming manner and
relaxed presentational style. His work on what he calls the VS switch
opens up many doors in card magic.
For more info and to book
see
www.eventbrite.co.uk.
23.11.19
Britain's Greatest Ever Double Acts. "A countdown of the nation's favourite duos from the world of TV, film, music, animation and sport, as voted for by Channel 5 viewers. The programme features partnerships including the Two Ronnies, Morecambe & Wise and Ant & Dec, and there are contributions by Ronnie Corbett, Zig & Zag, Cannon & Ball, Chas & Dave, David Baddiel, Penn & Teller, Trevor and Simon, Dick & Dom and Andi Peters & Emma Forbes." Sunday 1st December on Channel 5. See TV Magic for details. 23.11.19
The
One Show is looking for young amateur magicians who have left
school, and might be available during the day for some filming in London
in early December. Please contact
jolene.crawford@bbc.co.uk
or
jennifer.russell01@bbc.co.uk for more information.
23.11.19
The
Amazing Jonathan Documentary on Talking Tricks. Kane & Abel write:
This week on Talking Tricks we are joined by fellow magicians Neil Kelso
and Chris Cook to discuss The Amazing Jonathan Documentary following its
preview screening at 98 UK cinemas and the live Q&A session with
Director Ben Berman conducted by Louis Theroux on November 19th. We
discuss how Jonathan was portrayed, whether or not the whole 'dying
thing' was a prank, the ethics behind such a documentary and the key
take home points. Last week, Chris Cook discussed trusting a real
audience member with a real arrow to finish his show, his Tedx Talk,
what makes a good trick and his highs and lows from more than half a
decade at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Chris also reveals how he
became 'Wedding Magician of the Year' and how a near-death experience
led to him taking magic more seriously. Listen via
Podbean
or
acast.
23.11.19
Olly
Graham lecture Portsmouth and District Magic Circle. Sean Lobban
writes: On
Monday 25th November, Olly Graham will be lecturing for Portsmouth &
District Magic Circle. Olly is one of the funniest, most versatile
performers available today. In his lecture, he shares his experience and
expertise as a Family Entertainer, performing fun-packed, mind-blowing
magic for all ages. The lecture starts at 7.30pm at Portsmouth and
District Magic Circle, Buckland Community Centre, Malins Road,
Portsmouth PO2 7BT (Map).
www.portsmouthmagic.co.uk. Visiting magicians welcome - £8
admission.
23.11.19
Paul
Hancox is The British Magical Society Close-up Champion 2019. The
British Magical Society Close-up Championships were held last Tuesday.
Eight magicians competed in front of a packed audience, complete with a
delicious buffet, to create an exciting and very enjoyable evening.
There was a high standard throughout but the eventual winner was Paul
Hancox. Second place went to new member Ben Pegoet and third to Warren
Treadaway. Well done all.
23.11.19
Merlins
of Wakefield News! Merlins of Wakefield write: We have now received
the 2020 Tenyo items. Any pre-orders are on their way, but we have a
limited supply left. To get yours,
Click Here. The Crimson Deck is also available now
Click Here. We have just had our annual Ian Waring Close Up
competition, and this year's winner was Martin Exelby. Well done Martin,
and to everyone that took part. Next year Merlins will have been in
business for 25 years, and we will be once again having our Magic
Festival Day on Sunday 17th May. Details of artists and tickets will be
available in December. If you would like notifications and updates about
the event then email
merlins@btconnect.com. We are always looking to buy any used magic
items, so if you have anything to sell contact us on 01924 339933. Don’t
forget, we offer Gift Vouchers, ideal for Christmas,
Click Here. The December edition of the ‘Preview’ magazine will be
available soon!
www.merlinswakefield.com.
23.11.19
David Nixon would
have been 100 years old on 29th December 2019 and to celebrate this
anniversary Steve Short will be presenting his talk to magic societies
during 2020/21.
For more than twenty years, millions of British television viewers tuned
in to watch a true wizard at work. As a panellist on What's My Line?
or as the host of It's Magic and many other shows, David Nixon
was not just a magician, but a peerless performer whose warmth and wit
made him a natural star.
The wonderful Ali Bongo was David’s main magic advisor for many years.
Using a PowerPoint presentation, Steve will show many unseen photos and
highlights of David’s TV shows telling the life of this gentle giant of
magic.
Steve will also present some magic effects during his presentation.
David's personal life was one touched by tragedy. Yet for all his
mastery of illusion the easygoing on-screen image that made him a friend
to every viewer was no deception, but a true reflection of a hardworking
optimist who lived to entertain.
For more details contact Steve Short AIMC
info@steve-short.co.uk 07803 125180.
23.11.19
Jamie
Daws London Society of Magicians Lecture. From the organisers:
LSM presents (another) Jamie Daws Lecture!
His first lecture was so awesome, we asked him back to share more of his
secrets. You don't want to miss this!
For over 10 years he has been releasing killer magic effects to the
community (some of them have quite literally been about killers!). With
hit effects such as ‘Scared’, ‘GatheRing’ and ‘Phantasm’ and his
prolific ‘Dark Series’ consisting of ‘Scream’, ‘The Deceased’, and
‘He’s Not Here’, he has established himself as an innovative and
sometimes quite odd creator!
In this unique lecture for the London Society of Magicians, Jamie is
revealing some of his latest creations! From Rubik’s Cube Mentalism for
stage and his ‘Wonderland Booktest’, to
explaining his handlings for PK Touches and sharing his favourite
routine with his ‘Vito’ switching envelope!
Of course, there may be a few new darker effects in there too... So we
will see you on Tuesday 26th November at Davenports Magic!
Date: 26th of November.
Doors open at 6.30pm.
Lecture starts at 7pm.
Admission: £10.
Location: Davenport's Magic
www.davenportsmagic.co.uk.
23.11.19
'A Magic Wednesday with Buddies' - this Wednesday in Brighton. Join us for a Preview Night of amazing magic and mind reading at Brighton's favourite Diner. A Magic Wednesday with Buddies is a chance to see magicians and mind readers performing new material and tricks. It's a fun and cheap midweek night out hosted by Buddies 24 hour diner on Brighton seafront. With a fully licensed bar and special food offers, we ask for a £2.50 donation on the door. Spaces are limited so we strongly advise you to book your free tickets in advance. Wednesday, November 27th, arrive for 7.30pm with a show start time of 8pm. So why not bring your friends and family for some low-cost midweek fun. Buddies 24 Hour Diner, 46-48 Kings Road, Brighton BN1 1NA (Map). For more info and to book visit www.eventbrite.com. 23.11.19
Live
Act Award for Spellbound. The Spellbound Show (Tracie Hughes AIMC and
his wife Jennifer Bentley) have just been voted 'Live Act of the Year' by
Parkdean Resorts, one of the largest Holiday Companies in the UK. This award-winning act is billed as
'A Magical Variety Show' and features
the unique relationship and comedic chemistry between the couple.
Pete Stedman, Head of Entertainment, said: "Spellbound, one of the finest speciality acts in the UK, combining
magic, illusion, comedy and song to create the perfect blend of live
entertainment with appeal to all ages across our Holiday Parks. Not only
a great act but Tracie and Jen are two of the most professional,
supportive and nicest people in the industry".
Parkdean Resorts booked over 10,000 performances from over 1,000 acts
including bands, singers and comedians this year.
This is the first time the award has been presented and was a perfect
way to finish Spellbound's tenth year of touring holiday venues both in
the UK and overseas.
23.11.19
Ernest
Sewell and the London Magical Co. by Philip David Treece is reviewed
by Ian Keable this week (thanks Ian!)
Click Here • "Denise Welch, 61, dazzles in a sparkling gown..."
Click Here • "Illusionist Derren Brown’s four magic tricks for success
onstage and in life"
Click Here • "What 12 celebrities from Croydon looked like when they were
younger"
Click Here • "24 Hours In Life Of Gopinath Muthukad: Cheating Death And
Thriving In Art Of 'Hocus-Pocus'"
Click Here • "Ehrlich Brothers - Flash"
YouTube
• "Mad Hatter: Q&A with magician Keith Barry"
Click Here • "The Amazing Johnathan: Drug addicted, terminally ill
illusionist 'doubly' unreliable"
Click Here • "Paul Daniels’s nephew James Phelan prepares for Brighton gig"
Click Here • "Magician wants $50,000 to make 'antiquated and disrespectful
Ayers Rock' disappear in front of a live audience"
Click Here • "Magician 'Val Dino' remembered by friends"
Click Here • "The Ol’ Bunny and the Card Trick…and other magical happenings
on live tv"
Click Here • "The Amazing Johnathan is a gnat’s breath away from being a
complete disaster"
Click Here • "The Amazing Johnathan Documentary review – an enjoyably
shambolic doc"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan.
23.11.19