Number
1169 - Saturday 19th November 2022
Martin
Cox 1961-2022. Remembered by Andy Clockwise. This past week has seen social
media come alive with many hundreds of posts from magicians - both amateur and
professional - from all over the world celebrating and remembering our dear
friend Martin Cox who passed away on November 10th. Martin (aka The Hard Man of
Magic, Mr Biscuit, Uncle Fester, Fred Elliot, Shrek and Coxy) was just 61 and
the news of his death sent shock waves across the community; it seemed like
everybody knew him. Martin was away from home performing his adult shows on
board a cruise ship when he left us, the cause of his death is as yet unknown
but it seems that he just passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Martin's career in magic has been a long one which saw him both perform and lecture extensively throughout the UK and America. As well as being a member of many magic societies, Martin was the founding member and President of the Hertfordshire based Fez Club and a very popular and active member of both The Watford Association of Magicians and The Magic Circle (Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star), where he would often perform at their public events.
For the past 17 years Martin had been a regular and popular guest entertainer on board cruise ships and travelled all over the world entertaining families with his unique blend of comedy and magic. In between cruises Martin was popular back home and for the past 9 years he would hold monthly magic shows in his local community, and continuing the shows regularly online via Zoom during the pandemic. First came his 'Half Moon Magic' in the back room of the Half Moon Pub won Bishop’s Stortford High Street, before changing to a bigger venue and relabelling the show 'MC Friday Night Magicians'. The Friday night shows would feature often Martin as the emcee with two professional magicians and a spot for anyone new to magic, giving them a platform to perform on.
A gentle giant with a larger than life personality, Martin Cox will be deeply missed not just by his wife Sue, his children Samantha and Robert, and his many friends, but also by so many in this wonderful magic community. Our thoughts and prayers are with them all.
I found this definition of the word Magic: "a quality of being beautiful and delightful in a way that seems remote from daily life". Martin WAS Magic. Rest in Peace Martin Cox MIMC (Photo by Roy Marsh). 19.11.22
Children’s
Magic Show – Friday 30th December, Drayton Court, London. Let your children
enjoy the magic of Christmas, with a special seasonal show! With one of the most
popular children's magicians in the country, the funny, lively and magical John
Kimmons. And the spectacular musical magic of Oliver Tabor. A magical Christmas
outing for adults and children alike.
It’s in the lovely function room of the Drayton Court, 2 The Avenue, West
Ealing, W13 8PH. Just 12 minutes from Central London: take the West Ealing train
from Paddington, or the Elizabeth Line towards Reading, and the hotel is 2
minutes walk from the station. Doors open at 2pm, show starts at 2.30 and runs
to 4pm with a break. Tickets £8 children £10 adults from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com. All children to be accompanied by an adult
please.
19.11.22
Conjuring
at the Court - Friday 30th December, Drayton Court, London. Enjoy the
spectacular visual magic of Oliver Tabor, hilarious magic and ventriloquism from
John Kimmons, extraordinary magical creations from Scott Penrose, and
scintillating magic and comedy by British Magic Champion Mark Shortland. Your
host is the exuberant Stephen Barry.
The evening performance 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. Just 12 minutes from Central London: take the West Ealing train from
Paddington, or the Elizabeth Line towards Reading and the pub is 2 minutes walk
from the station. Parking is free from 6.30pm. Why not come early and enjoy a
meal before the show - there's 10% off with your ticket! (pre-booked tables
only, and only when every person has a meal) Tickets £13 from
www.conjuringatthecourt.com.
19.11.22
Three
Skulls on a Spike by Andy Nyman. Andy writes: I'm very excited to say that
my latest trick, 'Three Skulls on a Spike' is now available. It's an
unbelievably simple killer-prediction that you will love to perform. The
spectator removes the 3 skulls from the spike and places them into a drawstring
bag. They mix them and then choose one for themselves - inside the small round
box is a 4th skull, a prediction of the skull they will choose... it is never
wrong! The procedure is utterly fair and they can even change their mind.
Each gorgeous looking prop is handmade in the UK by Danny Hunt of Castle Magic and comes complete with a booklet of instructions that has three fully scripted routines, one for close-up, one for parlour and one for stage. I guarantee with 'Three Skulls on a Spike' on a shelf at home it won't be long before someone says 'Ooooh, what's that?'... what better way to get into a trick. It is currently available exclusively through www.mazelmagazine.co.uk. 19.11.22
Chatter
- The Mark Leveridge Blog. The first edition of Mark's free blog appeared in
September 1992, long before 'blogs' were even a thing, and for 30 years it has
been published without interruption on the 1st of every month. Always
interesting, often helpful and usually entertaining, Mark chats about a wide
range of subjects to do with magic. To read the latest post and to catch up with
all of the more recent ones, go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/blog. And if you enjoy reading them, and really want
to delve into some of the earlier editions, you will find all the rest, right
from no.1, at
www.markleveridge.co.uk/blog/chatter-archive. With over 360 blogs to choose
from, you're bound to find loads to interest you, but be warned, they can become
addictive!
19.11.22
John
Morton Lecture - Darlington Magic Circle, Thursday, 24th November.
Nick Richmond writes: John Morton. Magician, mind reader, hypnotist and
consultant/creator of several magic effects for other magicians.
A full-time professional close-up magician for over 11 years, performing mainly
at private parties and corporate events.
Awards:
The prestigious London Magic Circle awarded John - Associate Member of the Inner
Magic Circle (AIMC) with silver star - the highest level possible to achieve
when joining the club through magical examination.
Fooled Penn & Teller on "Penn and Teller - Fool Us"
season 7 (broadcast 26th March 2021).
Close-up Magician of the Year 2021 awarded in the Medway Magic Society's annual
competition.
Past winner of "The Best Entertainment in Lincolnshire" and "The Best
Entertainment in Yorkshire" at the Wedding Industry Awards voted by the public.
In June 2022 John was asked to present his lecture at the Magic Circle
Headquarters in London.
Our HQ is a private licensed club which has ample free parking (opposite) and
seating for up to 60 people. There are food outlets within easy reach and
visitors can be assured of a very warm welcome. I hope to see many of you there
- book now! Email: darlingtoncircle@gmail.com £10 entry, pay on the night.
Thursday, 24th November from 7.30pm to 10.30pm.
Venue: Darlington Magic Circle, The Railway Institute,
93 North Road,
Darlington DL1 2PP also see
www.facebook.com.
19.11.22
Merlins
of Wakefield - Flash Sale - must end midnight 21st November! Over 1,000
items at up to 60% off RRP! Limited Stock! Any items sold out will be refunded
and all orders will be sent around the end of November! Grab a bargain before
it's too late!
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk for details!
19.11.22
Full
Disclosure with James O'Brien: Derren Brown. "Ever since he arrived
on our screens in the early noughties, illusionist Derren Brown’s
dramatic television stunts routinely generated controversy, with
complaints originating from sources as diverse as the GMB union, church
groups and on one occasion, the police. But they were never upheld.
Derren speaks to James about the humanity at the heart of his craft and
what led him to it. His latest stage performance, Showman runs from
December 9th 2022 – March 18th 2023 and is his most personal show to
date."
www.podcasts.apple.com.
19.11.22
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week Wayne Dobson from his weekly guest spot on The Joe Longthorne Show on 7th
September 1988. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
19.11.22
Chris
Frost on Craig Petty's Magic TV: 'Talk Magic'. Every
week Craig Petty sits down and chats with a well known magician; a creator, a
performer, or someone who has had a positive impact on the Magic Community. This
week: "Chris Frost - Magic Frostie: Family Entertainment Rockstar"
YouTube.
19.11.22
The
Magic is back! The Aberdeen Magical Society Social Night Show. From the
organisers: The stage is set for a one-off evening of spellbinding entertainment
as the north east’s premier magicians band together for an ensemble performance.
Aberdeen Magical Society will hold its annual Social Night – the first since the
outbreak of Covid-19 – on Tuesday, November 22nd. Eight of the region's top
magic acts will perform, including Fifth Dimension, Carl Howse (aka The Great
Hootini) and Garry Seagraves & JJ (photo).
Garry Seagraves, president of Aberdeen Magical Society, said: "The Aberdeen
Magical Society Social Night is the highlight of our programme every year as it
allows our members to share their passion for magic with the public. The Social
Night will feature eight fantastic acts, each with their own unique style and
skills. The bill also features the reigning champions of each of the society’s
three annual competitions, who will be showcasing the skills that earned them
their accolades."
Garry added: "This is a fantastic opportunity to
enjoy an evening of top quality (and affordable!) entertainment, featuring
brilliant performers from across the north east. It's also a great chance for
those interested in joining the society to visit, meet our members, and find out
what we're all about. From enthusiastic amateurs to full time professionals,
everyone with a love for magic is welcome."
The Aberdeen Magical Society Social Night takes place at 8pm on November 22nd,
at The Sportsman’s Club on Aberdeen’s Queens Road. Tickets cost just £10 and are
available from
www.wegottickets.com.
Aberdeen Magical Society was founded in 1926, and for almost a century has
promoted the art of magic across the north east of Scotland. Membership is open
to anyone aged 18+ with a genuine interest in performing or studying magic. For
more information visit
www.aberdeenmagic.com or follow Aberdeen Magical Society on
Facebook.
19.11.22
Ferran
Rizo and Natalie Machado lecture at the British Magical Society. Phil Sweeting
writes: The BMS is pleased to announce that on Tuesday 22nd November at 7.30pm,
we will be hosting Ferran Rizo and Natalie Machado in Birmingham as part of
their UK tour. This is a two-hour lecture, full of practical close-up magic with
cards, coins, cups, a pad and a piece of paper. There is something for everyone
at any skill level. Visiting magicians welcome for only £5 on the night,
including free buffet. Plenty of parking at the venue. The British Magical
Society, The Weoley Castle Working Men's Club, Barnes Hill Road, Weoley Castle,
Birmingham B29 5TY.
19.11.22
Kev
Mark wins the Merlins Magic Competition. Merlins of Wakefield write: Well
done to Kev Mark for winning our Annual Magic Competition, and a big thanks to
everyone who attended and competed. Kev said: "Four years ago today was
competition night, however, after the performances our dear friend Ian Waring
collapsed and despite trying to save his life with CPR, he sadly died that night
on the 14th November 2018. Tonight it gives me great pride to announce that I
have won the Ian Waring Magic Award in memory of Ian by winning the Merlins
Magic Competition! I dedicate this to my friends Ian Waring and Kim Brien who
sadly left us during covid."
19.11.22
Michael
Wilks - Winner of the Keith Churcher Trophy 2022. Steve Graham writes:
Michael Wilks was thrilled to come out on top amongst eight competitors in the
Home Counties Magical Society open competition for The Keith Churcher Trophy
last week. Competitors could perform close-up, parlour, or stage magic; Michael
chose to perform his close-up act to four audience members sat around the table.
This is the first time this competition has been held and the trophy was named
in honour of Keith Churcher, a former president of the society and member of the
society for over 45 years. The society celebrated its 75th anniversary this year
and always welcomes new members.
www.hcms.org.uk.
19.11.22
Amazon
Black Friday Sale - now on.
www.amazon.co.uk.
19.11.22
"Rubik's
Cube world champion solves puzzle in seven
seconds live on air - BBC News"
YouTube • "Penn Jillette: People aren’t inherently evil, sometimes
they’re just wrong"
Click Here • "Award-winning magician hosting three intimate shows in
downtown Victoria"
Click Here • "Blue Peter’s newest NI presenter embracing ‘massive
responsibility’ after first week on the show"
Click Here • "Derren Brown: ‘If you feel shame at what’s inside, you
get very good at creating dazzling surfaces" [subscription]
Click Here • "Aerial performers, master illusionists and
hilarious comedy…. does this really belong in church?"
Click Here • "Dani DaOrtiz at Fool US 2022"
YouTube •
"Review: International showmen reveal spectacular skills in
'Illusionists, Magic of Holidays' at
Bushnell"
Click Here •
"Debbie McGee, 64, has not ruled out finding love again"
Click Here • "Debbie McGee Reveals How Strictly Helped Her Grief For
Late Husband Paul Daniels"
YouTube • "Magician Asi Wind's Inner Circle Extends Off-Broadway
Run"
Click Here • Everyone who knew Martin is really going to miss him.
Always so much fun. Well, that's all for this week,
see you next week, Duncan.
19.11.22