Number 1028 - 7th March 2020

 

Disguised Flesh: The Marvellously Mysterious Magician Chung Ling Soo, A Case Study. A talk exploring the life of one of the greatest Victorian magicians of all time who was able to disguise his own flesh. On the 23rd of March 1918, the most famous magician of the era, Chung Ling Soo, was performing to a sold-out audience at the Wood Green Empire. Little did the crowd know that this would be his last performance. Soo’s notoriously dangerous bullet trick failed and resulted in his dramatic death on stage. This shocking end revealed Soo’s greatest trick: that he was not Chinese at all. Chung Ling Soo was an American named William Ellsworth Robinson who, upon his arrival in Britain, reinvented himself as a Chinese conjurer. This talk will take a closer look at Robinson and how he changed his flesh – his race, in order to put on a performance that extended beyond the stage and into his personal life. By focusing on Robinson as a case study, the talk will explore the broader rules of representation and what constitutes truth as well as the strength of cultural and ideological presuppositions that shape our understandings. Amy Matthewson is Research Associate at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London. Thursday 12th March. Doors will open at 6:15pm for a 7pm start. Our licensed Apothecary Wine Bar will be open to guests until 6:50pm for pre-talk drinks. Tickets: £12.00. See www.oldoperatingtheatre.com7.3.20

 

The Bristol Magic Round Table. Smoke & Mirrors is the home of a new community for magicians, The Bristol Magic Round Table. Not a club, just a community of magicians who want to learn, progress and talk with like-minded magicians. In 2007 Illusions Magic Bar was established, and in 2012 Smoke & Mirrors was established. They gave many practicing, amateur and hobbyist magicians a stage and platform to perform on. Our goal is to create a community for practitioners and lovers of magic.

Mark Bennett, founder of the UK's 1st Magic Bars has made it his journey and passion to give magicians the chance to perform and give them the guidance no other club or society could give them; a chance to perform in front of the public and learn. Mark's golden rule is "Get out there and do it!". He of course doesn't want you to fail, but failure can be the best lesson in life. So he has created The Bristol Magic Round Table so he can continue to help magicians go from practice to performance. By joining this community you will meet like-minded magicians who love the art of performing magic.

We have already secured 7 lectures and talks for 2020. To find out more about The Bristol Magic Round Table please visit www.smokeandmirrorsbar.com/the-bristol-magic-round-table and fill in the application form. You don’t need to be a member to come to our meetings, just sign-up and we will send you regular updates for each lecture and meeting. If you are visiting Bristol you are welcome to join our talks or lectures. PS - We have a free lecture and meetup on 22nd March 2020 with Elliot Bibby from 11am - 2pm. 
7.3.20

 

The brilliant Andy Nyman has been nominated for an Olivier Award in the 'Best Actor in a Musical' category for his performance in Fiddler on the Roof at Playhouse Theatre, London. The awards take place at the Royal Albert Hall on Sunday 5th April 2020. DT. "& Juliet, Dear Evan Hansen and Fiddler on the Roof dominate 2020 Olivier Award nominations" www.londontheatre.co.uk7.3.20

 

Conjuring at the Court, London. From the organisers: On Thursday 26th March the show features the insanely funny Steve Rawlings, the charming magic of David Weeks, sleight of hand mastery by Will Houstoun, and multi-award winning Alfonso Rios. 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! Parking is free from 6.30pm. Tickets still just £11 in advance from www.conjuringatthecourt.com. Conjuring at the Court is London’s longest-running monthly magic show – come and see why it’s so much fun! 7.3.20

 

John Archer lectures at Blackpool Magicians' Club this Tuesday, 10th March. From the organisers: John Archer was the first Magician to fool Penn and Teller on ITV's "Fool Us" and is a past winner of 'The Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year' competition. "You could put John Archer anywhere and he would Kill any audience" Penn Jillette. "Booking an act for my Dad's 70th birthday, I wanted a great act and went straight to John Archer - his reputation in the magic world is among the very best. Hysterically funny, and perfectly pitched for the occasion." Derren Brown. Visiting Magicians welcome, £10 on the door, or in advance through www.eventbrite.co.uk .Tuesday, 10th March 7pm - 10pm at Blackpool Magicians' Club, 56-60 Caunce Street, Blackpool FY1 3NE (Map). www.blackpoolmagic.com7.3.20

 

Calling all Kent based Magicians for Blackpool 2021. Loki is independently organising a coach trip / accommodation package for Blackpool 2021, and writes: I have chartered a coach in partnership with Kent tour company Jewels Tours, to offer conventioneers a great deal for Blackpool next year. Three pickups (Ashford, Maidstone & Gravesend) Return travel to the Blackpool Magic Convention, 3 nights stay B&B (Friday 19th - Monday 22nd) at the Park House Hotel and shuttle service from hotel to Winter Gardens every morning after breakfast and in the evening after the main gala show. The hotel itself is only a 15 minute walk to the convention centre for those wishing to come and go. All this for an incredible price: Luxury coach, local pickup, return drop off, shuttle service, B&B hotel. £229 double room (based on 2 people sharing) £274 single room.


Low deposit of just £50 per person secures your seat on the coach and your room. Balance will be payable in December. All major debit cards accepted. Fully bonded and insured company. Spaces are limited, so book now. The journey will be hosted by Loki and there will be some magic surprises along the way. Travel in style with your fellow magicians and make the most of Blackpool 2021! Booking line open now 01474 334434 www.jewelstours.co.uk. For further information email loki@playingtricks.co.uk
7.3.20

 

Merlins Magic Festival Sunday 17th May 2020. Merlins of Wakefield are hosting another fantastic Magic Festival. The day will consist of lectures, workshops, surprises and a Gala Magic Show in the evening. Artists already booked include Thomas Anthony, Michel Jordan, Magic Daz, Vinny Sagoo, Darren Mac (photo) and Martyn James. Plus a great selection of Dealers and a special presentation of a unique magical illusion used on the Paul Daniels show, that's not been seen in public for over 30 years! If you would just prefer to come along and see some of the best professional magic, comedy and variety acts, then the evening show is for you, and is ideal for the whole family. If you would like to see everything, then get the special discounted ticket for the whole event. Minimum age limit 10 years old, concessions for under 16 year olds. There is plenty of free parking, a cafe/bar and is easy access from the M1 (junction 36). Everyone who books for the full event will receive a free ‘Merlins Goody Bag’ containing more magic than the price of the ticket, which is just £30 (full day and Gala Show). Day event 9.30am - 5.30pm. Evening show 7.00pm - 9.30pm. To book your ticket Click Here. www.merlinswakefield.com.


Due to last year's successful event there has been a lot of interest, so please book early. Entry is by ticket only. We will email you a ticket to print off and bring on the day, along with timings and directions to the venue. The evening show seats are now numbered and will be allocated on a first come basis - so book early to get the best seats! Venue: The Academy Theatre, Birdwell, Barnsley S70 5TU (Map) www.theacademytheatre.co.uk
7.3.20

 

Danny Lee Grew: Miraculous Magic, Saturday 4th April Forest Arts Centre, Hampshire. If you mix baffling magic, incredible illusion, cheeky comedy with a young, energetic, enthusiastic magician and what do you get? Miraculous Magic - a brand new magical experience for the whole family that is guaranteed to create laughs and gasps. Top magician Danny Lee Grew will make a beautiful vase of flowers completely disappear, without a trace, coat hangers mysteriously link and unlink, and Danny will impale a chosen card with an umbrella, whilst riding a Segway! Saturday 4th April at 11am and 1.30pm. Prices are £10.00, Family Ticket (4) £33.50. Venue: Forest Arts Centre, Old Milton Road, New Milton BH25 6DS (Map) Book here: www.forest-arts.co.uk also see www.dannyleegrew.com7.3.20

 

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week Gaëtan Bloom on BBC1's 'The Good Old Days' from Christmas Eve 1983. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 7.3.20

 

Merlins of Wakefield. Merlins of Wakefield write: Several items are now back in stock following the Blackpool Convention. Jackpot Cards, Rubik Rhumba, Red Lorry Yellow Lolly, Astro-Scope and Elementary will all be sent out next week to those who ordered them. Colour Match Chips sold out for the second Blackpool running, we need to take more next year! "That’s great, I’ll take one" Andy Nyman. If you didn’t get to Blackpool you can order any two of the above online and receive a free DVD! A DVD of our choice will be sent for any orders placed before 31st March 2020. 7.3.20

 

Balloon Days, 1st & 2nd April, Birmingham. Graham Lee writes: We have another two day Balloon Events taking place in Birmingham on the 1st and 2nd April. Both days run from 10am till 5pm. 1st April: 'Rob Driscoll - Star Lecture Balloon Twisting Day'. 2nd April: 'Tope - Star Lecture Balloon Deco Twisting Day'. There will be four workshops throughout the day, plus a couple of fun competitions with a few prizes to win. For more details please contact Graham Lee: graham@balloonartwholesale.co.uk or to book: www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk7.3.20

 

Mel Mellers' Magical Mentalism Tour. Magicseen Publications is delighted to be the publishers of the latest Mel Mellers' book, and fans of Mel himself have been keen to get hold of his latest collection of easy to do magical mentalism since its release last month. A5 in size and with soft covers, this 92 page book will provide readers with a wonderful collection of routines that have been 'Mellorised'! Direct plots and methods abound, and the presentations are designed to amuse and amaze in equal measure. The book also includes four pages of great one-liners which you can immediately swipe and deploy in your act, no matter what type of adult magic you do. If you enjoyed Mel's previous book (The Travelling Trickster, available still in PDF format from Magicseen) you are bound to be interested in this latest tome as it provides plenty more material that you will use. For further information and to order go to www.magicseen.com7.3.20

 

A Lifetime In Magic Volume 2 by Devin Knight is reviewed by Jay Fortune this week, Click Here7.3.20

 

The Hypnotised Coin, a new E-Routine from Mark Leveridge. Originally published in Mark's popular e-book The Strolling Magician, this downloadable illustrated text file describes a commercial four stage effect using just a single coin and an unprepared handkerchief. In quick succession the coin penetrates the handkerchief in two convincing ways, then jumps from the pocket back into the cloth, before vanishing completely leaving both of the performer's hands genuinely empty! The coin can be marked if required as there is only one regular coin used. This is direct, visual magic that flows in a quick and surprising sequence, and it is a routine that Mark still has in his current walkabout repertoire. For more information and to watch a video dem, go to www.markleveridge.co.uk7.3.20

 

Tommy Cooper Remembered, Museum of Comedy, London. From the promoters: Clive St.James is the UK's No.1 tribute to the late great Tommy Cooper and this warm, affectionate look back at Tom's life is brimming with anecdotes about the great man. Then it's cabaret time with all the best jokes and tricks. As Clive is a member of the world famous Magic Circle he will give you a peek of what Tom could do behind the scenes! "Clive is a very funny man" Chris Evans, The One Show. Thursday 19th March at 8pm at Museum of Comedy, The Undercroft, St Georges Church, Bloomsbury Way, London WC1A 2SR (Map). To book Click Here. Also see www.clivestjames.co.uk7.3.20

 

Leamington & Warwick Magic Society Day of Magic. John Needham writes: The Leamington Day of Magic this year is on Wednesday 24th June 2020 at Bedworth Ex Servicemen's Social Club, Rye Piece Ringway, Bedworth CV12 8JH (Map). Please note the change of venue from last year. The lectures will include Harry Robson. Details of others will follow. Tickets are priced at £25 pre-paid or £30 on the door. In the evening we have the Midlands Champion of Champions Close-up Competition. Full details and up to date information can be found on the club website: Click Here. Please also note that the venue for our usual club meetings has also changed to Leamington Rugby Football Club, Kenilworth Road, Blackdown, Leamington Spa CV32 6RG. Again please check our website for meeting details: www.magicsociety.co.uk7.3.20

 

Mago Larry Lecture – The Zodiac Magical Society, Ealing, West London. Simon Rudd  writes: All the way from Argentina and fresh from the dealers hall at Blackpool the Zodiac Magical Society will be hosting 'Mago Larry' at 8pm on Wednesday 11th March; there are 9 places remaining for visitors. If you would like to book a place, or would like further information then please email membership@zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk, the cost to attend is £10. If you wish to join us please ensure you book in advance, as anyone turning up on the night without booking will be politely turned away. 7.3.20

 

News Deadline reminder. MagicWeek welcomes your UK magic news, but please remember the news deadline: Thursday if possible, final deadline 12 noon Friday. DT. 7.3.20

 

"The amazing poster art from the 'golden age' of magic" Click Here • "Watch as Northampton magician pulls off card trick with prank call live on stage" Click Here • "Linslade and Soulbury magicians on CBBC’s Crackerjack tonight!" Click Here • "This magician won't pull a rabbit out of a hat. Instead, his glasses hold his secrets" Click Here • "Ben Hart review: an exceptional magician performing some remarkable, unfathomable and dazzling tricks" Click Here • Thanks as always for your news - see you next week, Duncan. 7.3.20

 

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