Number
1032 - 4th April 2020
TMC
TV! The Magic Circle have just launched their own TV show, which is
being streamed on its Facebook group every Monday at 7.30pm, the time
when members would normally have been sitting down to watch lectures at
the London HQ, or online for out of town and overseas members.
TMC TV, available to its 1,500 members worldwide, is part of The Magic
Circle’s efforts to keep the members informed and entertained during the
Coronavirus epidemics. The society’s governing Council has also
announced that members’ quarterly subscriptions have been dropped to £1
to help those members facing financial difficulties.
This Monday will see the third instalment of a show which has already
included a topical trick from Andy Nyman, an interview with Dynamo which
continues next week, archive footage of Pat Page and yo-yo champion Don
Robertson, tips on videoing, demos of tricks from The Circular (which
continues to publish) and advice on how to keep well.
Megan Knowles-Bacon, vice-president, is fronting the initiative along
with President Noel Britten and member Pete James. She said: "Our
regional committee was already discussing ideas for regular content to
be streamed on The Magic Circle’s Facebook group. The closure of our
building meant we pushed forward quickly and TMC TV was born. We fully
intend for it to continue once this crisis is over and feedback from our
members has been extremely positive. Going forward we hope to include
regular slots - more archive footage from The Magic Circle’s vaults,
tricks and videos and thoughts from members, prop-building tips,
interviews and council updates. We have lots of exciting ideas coming
in."
Brian Sibley, chairman of The Magic Circle, said: "The Council continues
to look at initiatives to help - and guide - our members through this
difficult time. We are also keen to keep them inspired and entertained -
and we think TMC TV will do that. Our Facebook group is full of videos,
advice and humour, our regional and international reps are in regular
contact with members, and our Flourish group is in action. Our ambition
is to play our part in helping the magic community get through these
difficult days."
If you’ve always wanted to be a part of The Magic Circle, the world’s premier magical society, then this link www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join-us will give you all the information you need. 4.4.20
Their
Lives. Reminisce with us, learn with us. Episode 1 - David Berglas MBE.
From the makers: We had the immense pleasure of sitting down with David
Berglas MBE this week to kick start our podcast series exploring the
amazing stories and adventures of the elderly citizens in our society.
We were so grateful to David being our first guest on the show. At the
grand age of 93, David has been a pioneer in psychotherapy and magic
throughout his incredible life. He is a mentor and inspiration to some
of our generations finest magicians; David Copperfield, Derren Brown and
Dynamo to name but a few.
It was David who really fused together this idea that psychology and
magic have an important corresponding relationship. What we found so
interesting besides the incredibly successful career David has had was
actually his amazing stoic, go-getter attitude to life. Something that
we can clearly see has inspired Derren Brown so much in his writings,
performances and material. There was an obvious reason for beginning
this podcast "Their Lives." We want to hopefully achieve three things:
1. Allow for our older generations to inspire our younger generations
with their stories.
2. To give our older generations a platform to collectively reminisce.
3. To entertain our audience but most importantly send them on their way
with lessons that they can practically use during these difficult times.
We hope you find David as inspiring as we did. Enjoy our first episode!
itstheirlives.blogspot.com. 4.4.20
Dynamo Beyond Belief, the
brand new three-part special will be shown on Sky One and Now TV
on Thursday 9th April, Friday 10th April and Saturday 11th April.
The show combines jaw-dropping magic with the story of Dynamo’s road to
recovery after the career threatening onslaught of chronic arthritis.
Throughout the three episodes, stunning moments of magic are intertwined
with Dynamo’s brutally honest back story narrative. The gripping series
slowly reveals Dynamo’s journey from the start of his illness, through
to the height of his hospitalisation where he created over 200 new magic
ideas sketched from his hospital bed, and finally to his return to
health.
From the neon lights of Tokyo to the Day of the Dead festival in San
Miguel De Allende, Dynamo visits extraordinary and dramatic places all
over the world. He performs a spine tingling encounter with a Geisha in
one of Tokyo’s royal tea rooms, makes vodka shots turn to ice in the
heart of Moscow’s underworld and embarks on a daring adventure in one of
Mexico’s notorious Barrios. See
TV
Magic for details.
"Dynamo tests positive for Coronavirus after experiencing ‘severe symptoms’ and reveals he’s high risk" www.metro.co.uk.
"Dynamo says having arthritis is the ‘worst thing that can happen to a magician’" www.metro.co.uk. 14.3.20
Jamie
Allan's iMagician Live. Jamie and his team have been broadcasting a
live show on Facebook every Friday at 7pm. The show has received rave
reviews for its content and production. Special guests so far have
included Greg Frewin, Xavier Mortimer and David Penn. On Friday April
10th BGT's Russ Stevens and Mega Illusionist Christian Farla join Jamie.
More star names for future shows will be announced weekly. The show is a
mixture of fun, star interviews and magic. Visit Jamie's public Facebook
page to find out more and watch previous episodes:
facebook.com/JamieAllaniMagician. 4.4.20
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week
17 year old Lawrence Leyton in a TV spot from 13th August 1983. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To catch up with more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here. 4.4.20
Derren Brown - Mentalist & Illusionist - Original Thinking.
Derren Brown is best known for his mind-altering stage shows and Netflix
TV specials. By mixing mentalism, magic, illusion, suggestion, hypnotism
and suggestion, Derren’s performances are always innovative, distinct
and continually push boundaries. So often surrounded in secrecy, what
you're about to find out is the creative process that goes into
developing some of his most famous stage shows and effects. Most people
ask Derren how his performances are done but what you’re about to
discover is even better - how he creates them in the first place. This
episode is packed full of revelation and actionable advice that could be
applied to everyone’s life.
Three takeaways from this episode include:
How to find meaning at different stages of our life and why a creative
endeavour is a great way to do it.
Why becoming who you are is forgetting about who you are supposed to be.
And why we should all be finding something of meaning that’s bigger than
ourselves and putting everything into it. The Unlocking Creativity
Podcast with Daniel Brookes. Find out more, visit:
Apple Podcasts. 4.4.20
The
Zodiac Magical Society celebrated its 74th birthday with a virtual
party! Simon Rudd writes: Around 30 members wore hats, played
quizzes, watched magic and toasted the society via the Zoom platform on
April 1st. Darren Delaney was the star entertainer. Performing online to
a group of magicians must be one of the world's hardest gigs, but Darren
masterfully pulled it off; what an inspiration to many in this
challenging time he was! Long-time member Brian Barnes was awarded the
Joe Stuthard trophy, a trophy awarded to "a member who has given much
service to the society". The Zodiac continues to meet every week, with
more and more members taking part and performing from their homes. We
are holding a competition next week, and our first virtual lecture in
early May. The Order of the Magi asked last week if they held a
world-first as they held a virtual meeting on March 24th. We applaud and
support you and all fellow clubs meeting in this period of isolation. As
to if it was a world first, we can confirm it was not. The Zodiac
Magical Society is not claiming to be the first in the world, but we can
say we held our first virtual meeting on Wednesday 18th March, with 20
plus members attending!
www.zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk. 4.4.20
Ali Bongo Book.
Steve Short writes: With the kind assistance
of Ali’s family, the long awaited Ali Bongo Book will be published later
this year. Ali had a wonderful career in magic and was a great creator
of effects used by magicians worldwide. Ali was a past president of The
Magic Circle and worked with many stars of stage and screen, and was
also the
magic advisor to David Nixon and Paul Daniels.
If anyone knew or worked with Ali, please can you let me have any
stories or anecdotes including any photos, to me at
info@steve-short.co.uk. 4.4.20
Sterling
- International Magic. A mentalist's dream, this is a self working
card/coin trick that has a huge impact, selling on sight when
demonstrated in our London shop. Five different coins are handed to a
spectator along with a pack of cards. The magician places a prediction
face down and requests that the spectator places the coins in a random
order on the table. This done, the spectator now deals a pile of cards
in front of each coin according to its value (a 10p coin has 10 cards,
5p coin 5 cards etc). The spectator turns up the top card of each pile,
the magician now hands the prediction which matches the order of the
turned up cards exactly. What's more, we offer two versions of this
great effect. The standard version is described above, the second
version doesn't use the prediction card, but simply reveals a Royal
Flush at the finish. Both versions work great, the more popular being
the standard one, or you can buy both together at a special price. Very
easy to perform, you'll work this right away. Watch the
Video or for more info and to order visit
www.internationalmagic.com. 4.4.20
United
Kingdom Escape Artists 2020 - David De-Val Award.
The 18th Annual General meeting of the United Kingdom Escape Artists
(UKEA) took place on Saturday 14th March in Northampton, as reported
last week. The meeting featured a number of lectures and presentations
and also saw the 3rd David De-Val Award presentation take place; which
went to Allan Taylor for his efforts during the last 12 months in
promoting the art form. He was nominated for the work he has put into
the United Kingdom Escape Artists. Allan has had a busy year doubling
the membership and putting on the best UKEA Convention to date. He was
also invited to David Copperfield’s International Museum and Library of
the Conjuring Arts in Las Vegas, along with George Hardeen and Lee
Terbosic. 4.4.20
ShareMagic: Live! - online tomorrow. A free online magic lecture event. Vanishing Inc. write: In these unsettling times, we feel the world needs magic more than ever. Vanishing Inc. is proud to announce the launch of ShareMagic Live: The world’s first free, live-streamed, international magic event; a free, live, online magic event with lectures, chat and fun competitions along the way. Lecturing: Daniel Garcia, Caroline Ravn, Harapan Ong, Morgan & West, Jim Krenz, along with some very special surprise guests and two newcomers we like to support called Andi Gladwin and Joshua Jay. We’ll be streaming live and each of our stars will share some of their favourite magic with you. You'll be able to interact and chat with the performers while they are live. How much is it? It’s free. When is it? Sunday, April 5th, at 4pm GMT (12 noon EST). Find out more, visit: www.vanishingincmagic.com/sharemagic/live. 4.4.20
Masters
of Magic World Convention - update. From organiser Walter Rolfo: In
the past few weeks, I have thought a lot about all of you and your
families. Postponing an event is never an easy task: postponing to see
so many friends I particularly care about, even more so. However, the
respect that I owe to all of you who have followed me with affection
from all over the world for years - in compliance with the provisions
issued by the Authorities to counteract the Coronavirus pandemic -
requires to postpone to Autumn 2020, the Masters of Magic World
Convention, currently scheduled from 27th to 31st May. Obviously the
registrations already made will remain valid for the new dates. In such
a special moment, I express my closeness and friendship to you and your
loved ones, counting on your precious understanding.
www.mastersofmagicconvention.com. 4.4.20
The
Coin And Purse Collection - New from Mark Leveridge Magic. The Coin
And Purse Collection is a brand new e-book from Mark Leveridge featuring
six of his favourite routines using a regular purse and coins. The 46
page downloadable PDF contains detailed written instructions which are
supplemented by 80 colour photographs. In addition, in order to ensure
that the plot and presentation of each effect is clear, there is a link
embedded in the book that will take you to an online video demonstration
of all six of the routines. The tricks included are: The Security
Pen, Coin Purse Surprise, Assembly Point, The Robin Hood Coins Across,
Slo Mo and Broke. The routines require fairly basic handling
skills (palming, coin vanish techniques etc.), but there is nothing very
difficult. Apart from the coins and purses you will only require one
commonly available coin gimmick, a deck of cards, a large sponge ball
and a pen to perform all six effects. For more details and to watch the
online dems of each effect, go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk. E-Club Pro and Elite members can purchase
at a 50% discount. 4.4.20
The
Article v.2.0 - The Ultimate Live Prediction System! "The Article
v2, the method I used to fool the Police and a room full of journalists!
The Article is a custom built A4 sized Clipboard that enables you to
predict headlines and outcomes of events anywhere in the world..." Find
out what it's all about, visit
www.readmymind.co.uk. 4.4.20
Magicseen
Lite Issue 6 - April 2020. The latest edition of Magicseen Lite, the
free digital taster of the main issue released in March, is now
available to download to anyone who would like it. In this copy we have
selected the following content for your reading pleasure. 4MG - the full
article on our cover stars includes a synopsis of their magical path
thus far, their experiences on BGT, and their plans for the future. We
have an interesting article on the use that top magicians are making of
computer technology to hugely enhance their magical offerings, Martin
Haderer returns after 14 years with an update on magic in his home
country of Austria, and the Masterclass features a routine from an
Austrian magician as well. We top this off with the letters page and a
selection of the product reviews from the original issue. You can
download your personal free copy of Magicseen Lite #6 from the
publishers at
www.magicseen.com or from Card Shark, Vanishing Inc, PropDog,
Discount Magic, Black Artefacts and Mission Magic. 4.4.20
The
Table False Shuffle Project and The Table False Cut Project - Downloads.
Eddie McColl writes: 1. The Table False Shuffle Project : "I am really
excited to announce a download that has been highly requested when I’ve
attended conferences, workshops and gatherings over the past 10 years.
In the Table Shuffle Project I teach how I do Edward Marlo’s ‘Strip Out
shuffle’. I have spent over a decade studying Marlo’s Riffle Shuffle
Systems and in this download share my interpretation of this false
shuffle." Find out more, visit:
www.eddiemccoll.co.uk.
2. The Table False Cut Project. In this download, Eddie teaches five powerful false-cuts for use at the table. Alongside teaching his handlings of these moves, Eddie also includes some of his insights into structuring your magic. Eddie discusses when to use false-cuts; how to add beats and pauses to make them even more deceiving, together with his thoughts on how to pace an effect to remove suspicion. See www.eddiemccoll.co.uk. 4.4.20. 4.4.20
The
Magic of Storytelling - NeoMagic. "It all starts with a story,
something to lock the minds together, something to transport your
imagination to a place of wonder and mystery. So how do we spin this
yarn of enlightenment?" Visit
www.neomagic.co.uk to find out more. 4.4.20
The
Genie in a Bottle Trick - Zane's Magic Shop. The Genie comes to
the rescue and produces a miniature of a chosen card inside the bottle! A most
charming and magical card trick that’s great fun to perform! Complete with
props! For more info and to watch a video visit
www.zanesmagicshop.com. 4.4.20
Ferrybridge
Day of Magic 2020 - update. News from Travis Perkins:
It is with great regret that the Ferrybridge Day of Magic 2020 will not
be taking place this year, due to factors currently effecting us all.
We are however very pleased to announce that 2021 Ferrybridge Day of
Magic will take place on the 4th July.
Travis and Esme along with all of the members of the TPA would like to
thank you all for your understanding during theses difficult times and
wish everyone well. 4.4.20
First
online Magic Club AGM?
Andy Hart,
Past President,
Sussex Magic Circle writes: Re the Order of the Magi's boast last week about being the first to hold
meetings online. The Sussex Magic Circle held their AGM online on March
26th! Is this
an AGM first? We also plan to ask our forthcoming lecturers to hold these
online if possible!
www.sussexmagiccircle.co.uk. 4.4.20
The
Shows Must Go On! Lord Andrew Lloyd Webber is calling all musical
lovers! Starting this weekend, we’ll be releasing a full-length,
smash-hit musical once a week for you to watch for free! It will be
available for 48 hours, so you can tune in whenever you like over the
weekend! First up, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat!
YouTube. 4.4.20
News
Deadline reminder. MagicWeek loves receiving all your UK magic news (major and
minor), but please remember the news deadline: Thursday if possible; final
deadline 12 noon Friday. Many thanks, DT.
4.4.20
Pete
Watts. Peter Kidd, Honorary Secretary, Cotswold Magical Society
writes: It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of one of
the Cotswold Magical Society's longest-standing members, Pete Watts, who
died in hospital last week after a short illness. Many readers will have
known Pete, as he was a regular attendee at many conventions, and little
did I know that when I saw him at Blackpool this year it would be for
the last time.
Pete joined the Cotswold club aged just 12, and 65 years later it remains the only club of which he was ever a member. We were extremely lucky to have been blessed by his generosity and sense of fun for so many years, and he will be sorely missed by everyone who knew him. That he was still working up to a week before his illness is testament to his love of magic.
Pete's funeral will be at 11am on Tuesday 7 April, but sadly, owing to current Coronavirus restrictions, it will be a ceremony for immediate family only. To mark the occasion, members of the Cotswold Magical Society will observe a minute's silence at that time and recall the many happy hours we spent with our friend. Pete's wife, Daphne, tells us she would be glad of a little privacy at this difficult time. RIP, Pete. Peter Kidd, Honorary Secretary, Cotswold Magical Society. 4.4.20
"Magician
David Blaine remains mind-blowing, even over FaceTime"
Click Here • "Around
the world in 12 National Theatres"
Click Here • "Ta da! Irish child magician wows Colin Farrell"
Click Here • "Want to add some magic to your conference call
while working from home? Why not invite a magician!"
Click Here • "Magician surprises Burnley tech staff in online meeting"
Click Here • "Hogwarts at Home: Cancelled Fringe magician releases free
magic tutorials"
Click Here • "Kid magician from Clitheroe wows online audiences with his
dazzling display of card tricks"
Click Here • "Local magician hosts virtual magic shows for
friends and families"
Click Here •
And finally, 'The Cake Server' from Joseph's Machines
YouTube •
Many thanks for all your news. Take lots of care and see you next week, Duncan. 4.4.20