Number
1178 - Saturday 21st January 2023
The Magic
Circle Awards. Reported by Charlie Burgess.
The Annual Awards from The Magic Circle this year had a
distinctly international flavour.
The awards were announced at a show after a champagne reception at The
Magic Circle's headquarters on Thursday, 19th January, with most of those attending
being members who had volunteered their services to the society over the
past year.
The David Devant Award for Services to International Magic
The Ehrlich Brothers had already received The David Devant Award for Services to International Magic, when they appeared at the OVO Arena Wembley in August 2022. "The Ehrlich Brothers have been performing their large scale illusion shows across Europe, bringing magic to thousands and winning numerous awards along the way. Just last night at the OVO Arena Wembley, they showcased an illusion they'd been developing for 5 years, a truly incredible piece of theatrical magic which brought the audience - including a large number of magicians - straight to their feet. At the end of the show, I was thrilled to present the Ehrlich Brothers with the 2022 David Devant Award for Services to International Magic. Congratulations to Chris and Andreas!" wrote Megan Swann, president of The Magic Circle, back in August.
The Maskelyne Award for Services to British Magic
The Maskelyne Award for Services to British Magic was presented to Bob and Sue Hamilton, in recognition of their work filming magical events across the UK, creating an historical, educational and entertainment resource. Megan said: "They have captured a major slice of British magic, creating an archive which covers both the late 20th and early 21st Century, a wide variety of genres, and many unique performances and events that otherwise would not be available for future generations to be able to access." (photo)
The John Nevil Maskelyne Prize for Magic Literature
Kayla Drescher, the American host of the Shezam! podcast which concentrates on the issues women face in magic, won the John Nevil Maskelyne prize for noteworthy contributions to the literature of magic. Megan described the podcast as "a positive and refreshing way to talk about issues women in magic face." Megan said: "Ultimately, this podcast helps us all to be better magicians and human beings."
The Carlton Award for Comedy
The Carlton Award for outstanding comedy in magic went to David Williamson. Megan said that the American continued to delight audiences around the world with his "excellent blend of magic and hilarity" adding that his mix of skills and comedy genius made him a perfect choice.
The Chapender Award for Magic in the Community
The Chapender Award for work using magic in the community beyond pure entertainment was presented to the College of Magic, based in South Africa. The College of Magic, whose director is David Gore, trains young people in the art of magic and performance while also building their confidence and developing their life and social skills. Their Magic in the Community project provides opportunities for children in some of Cape Town’s most deserving communities, teaching entertainment skills, growing their confidence, improving their communication ability and giving them a chance of success where there had been little other opportunity. Megan said: "It’s amazing to see the real difference magic can make to their lives, and this project truly gives the art of magic a good name."
Silver Wand for outstanding service to
the Society
Mandy Davis, who is The Magic Circle’s international representative
coordinator as well as serving on its ruling Council and several other
smaller committees, was presented with a Silver Wand for outstanding
service to the Society over many years and in many different positions.
Mandy is also the UK international deputy for SAM.
The Cecil Lyle Award for the best
contribution to The Magic Circular
Rob Earrey won the Cecil Lyle award for the best contribution to The
Magic Circular, the society’s magazine, for his series on Diversity in
Magic.
The night finished with a magic show featuring a fine display of card
dexterity from Yollin Lee, some clever card effects from one of the
rising stars of the Young Magicians Club, Jake Allen - and some
perfectly nuanced stand-up comedy from Danny Buckler.
For details of how to become a member of The Magic Circle visit
www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join.
21.1.23
Sal
Piacente Lectures in Ireland. James Hobart writes:
We are pleased to announce the first visit to Ireland of Sal Piacente, one of
the top gaming consultants in the world. Known for his amazing card skills, Sal
will present items ranging from self-working to professional routines and
sleights. He will also include some of his great memory work. With many
wonderful tales of his work in the gaming industry and casinos it promises to be
a night to remember.
On Monday 6th February his lecture will be hosted by The Ulster Society of Magicians in the Marble Cedar Lounge, Errigle Inn, Belfast (7.15pm for a 7.45pm start, £20 for visitors). Then on Tuesday 7th February, The Society of Irish Magicians will host the same lecture at The Academy Plaza Hotel, Dublin commencing at 8pm (€25 for visitors). For further information please contact James Hobart j.hobart@btinternet.com for Belfast or societyofirishmagicians@gmail.com for Dublin. 21.1.23
British
Magical Society 116th Annual Dinner & Cabaret. Saturday 24th March from 7pm
at The Westmead Hotel, Redditch Road, Hopwood, Birmingham B48 7AL. Cabaret: Mark
Shortland and Oliver Tabor, compered by Steve Hewlett, including the
presentation of The David Berglas Award for 'Outstanding Contribution to
Magic', plus close-up magic at the tables, a raffle, awards and prizes. Details
from Chris Newson
treasurer@britishmagicalsociety.org.uk.
21.1.23
"Patented:
History of Inventions - Sawing Someone in Half Trick" This podcast
investigates the curious history of invention and innovation. Did Thomas Edison
take credit for things he didn’t actually invent? What everyday items have
surprising origins? In each episode host Dallas Campbell dives into stories of
flukey discoveries, erased individuals and merky marketing ploys with the help
of experts, scientists and historians. "Sawing Someone in Half Trick" with Jim
Steinmeyer. See
www.pod.link/1612089556/.
21.1.23
Why
magic should frighten you - David Alnwick, TEDx Newcastle. In this talk,
YouTube,
David uses his 12 years of experience writing and performing at the Edinburgh
Fringe Festival to explore the surprising relationship between magic and horror.
David Alnwick is a writer, magician and actor with a passion for using magic to
tell scary stories. After graduating from the Liverpool Institute of Performing
Arts in 2010, he travelled to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and performed his
first show.
Over a decade later, David has performed 16 one-man shows, 3 national tours, and
a TV Special. In 2019, David’s one-man show ‘Actual Magic’ explored the effect
Alzheimer’s disease had on his relationship with his grandfather. The show
became a word-of-mouth sell-out hit receiving multiple 4-star rave reviews.
21.1.23
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week
Paul Daniels forecasts the weather. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
21.1.23
Alex
Kirk 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: "Alex Kirk - The Origins, PropDog & New Directions"
YouTube.
21.1.23
Matthew Wright's
"How to Fool Friends and Entertain People" lecture - South London Magic Society.
Simon Rosselli writes:
For the first time ever Matthew Wright is pulling back the curtain to reveal all
about his award winning show in Spain - The Chamber of Secrets.
For the past 8 years Matthew, along with his wife Alarna, has been selling out
every show and getting rave reviews. Consistently voted the Trip Advisor number
1 Thing to Do for the entire region of Andalucia he has also been short
listed into the top five tourist attractions in Spain competing with multi
million dollar businesses such as the Madrid SeaLife Centre, Barcelona's Neu Camp
Stadium and the Guadi Cathedral Not bad for a two man band!
During this lecture Matthew takes you through every step of what makes a great
show. From meeting and greeting to selecting an audience member, through to
making sure you get the positive reviews you need to thrive in this business.
This isn't a lecture just full of theory though. Matthew performs parts of his
show and not only explains how the tricks work but more importantly why the
tricks work, and why each trick is done at that particular time to create the
best reactions and the best experience possible from your magic.
A rare opportunity to get a real insight into one of the worlds most successful
magicians and magic shows. Not to be missed!
£10 for non-members which can be put towards membership if you decide to join.
7th February. Doors Open 7.30pm. Clock House Methodist Church Hall, Clock House Road,
Beckenham, Kent BR3 4JP.
21.1.23
Oliver
Tabor: "Stage Magic - Perceptions on Principles and Psychology" lecture now
booking. Oliver is a full time stage and close-up magician, specialising in
visual stage magic and regularly performs his stage/cabaret acts in theatre
shows and cabaret venues around the UK and in London, including the Hippodrome
Casino. His London show, West End Magic, is celebrating 10 years at the
Leicester Square Theatre next year, and is embarking on a UK theatre tour. He is
the recent president of the International Brotherhood of Magicians British Ring.
During his lecture he offers effects, routines and ideas for close-up,
mentalism, stage and children's magic. He’ll explain his process and inspiration
behind a bubble act, which includes magic and basic manipulation with bubbles,
balls, and a bottle appearance. He also covers his thoughts on stage magic with
an introduction into how the techniques, psychology and rules followed by stage
manipulators can easily be applied to all performance situations: from cabaret
to close-up and from parlour to children's shows. He also explains the thinking
and working of a dove steal and how this method can be easily adapted to produce
a range of different objects. Lecture notes and products are on offer to
purchase afterwards. For more info and to book email
westendmagic@gmail.com. Also see
www.westendmagic.com .
21.1.23
The
new year brings changes at Bexley Magic Society. Roy Marsh writes: At the
AGM last week, two new appointments were made. Firstly, Terry Herbert stepped
down as President and handed over the regalia to long serving member, Ian Thom
MMC. Ian brings a new perspective to the role as the club's first clown
president. He has many years of experience performing on TV, film and at many
unusual venues all over the world for more years than he wants to be reminded
of. He is also an accomplished puppeteer, having performed in Jim Henson's
Muppet movies as well as having had his own TV show in South Africa. We wish him
well and look forward to seeing his influence at the club over the coming
months.
The second important change occurred when Kevin Doig stepped down as Chair of
the club after an uninterrupted tenure of more than 30 years. He handed over the
ceremonial gavel to Andy Lettington. It’s been a great week for Andy who has
just been confirmed as a full member of The Magic Circle following a successful
examination at the end of his apprenticeship. He has some good ideas and brings
fresh energy and perspective to the club. The next few months promise be very
exciting as he takes the reigns and steers the club to new horizons. We wish him
all the best.
www.bexleymagic.org.uk.
21.1.23
Andrew
Normansell Lecture - The British Magical Society. Phil Sweeting writes: Andrew Normansell lectures at the British Magical Society on Tuesday 24th
January at 7.30pm. Andrew is well known as the creator of Club Sandwich,
Xpresso, author of The Man Who Would be King,
Tempest Concept and 10 Below Zero". You are in for a great night of magic.
Visiting magicians welcome for only £5 on the door. The British Magical Society,
The Weoley Castle Working Men's Club, Barnes Hill Road, Weoley Castle,
Birmingham B295TY.
21.1.23
Chris
McGeever's "Making Magic Your Own" lecture - The Pentacle Club, Cambridge.
Hugh Newsam writes: Chris McGeever is a barrister who has been practising magic
for 30 years. Alongside his legal day job, he maintains a busy performing
schedule, being in demand at corporate and private events. He has performed his
own solo theatre shows and acted as a consultant to magicians for their TV
appearances. Chris is delivering an interactive lecture called 'Making Magic
Your Own. He will show you how you can use your individual character to get the
best out of your performance. He will present some of his repertoire and explore
topics including: how to 'be yourself; approaches to learning new tricks and how
your performing persona can improve your act.
Chris' lecture is accessible to magicians of all skill levels. 8pm on Tuesday
24th January at The Pentacle Club, St Andrew's Church Centre, Cherry Hinton,
Cambridge CB1 3JS. Book in advance via
www.pentacleclub.com or pay £10 cash on the door .
21.1.23
Carl Royal Lecture - York Magic Circle. G Dowson writes: Monday 6th February. Doors open at 7pm for a 7.30pm start at York and District Indoor Bowls Club, Thanet Road, York YO24 3NW (opposite Lidl). There will be a door charge of £5 for non-members and should visitors wish to buy drinks at the bar then please bring cash. For further information please get in touch Gren.dowson1@gmail.com. 21.1.23
Steve Gore Lecture now booking. Steve Gore writes: Steve Gore aka the
Happiest Magician on the Planet has a brand new lecture! Featuring lots of his
latest ideas and creations and a few of his favourites it’s the perfect lecture
for all of your club as it is all simple to do and has effects for close-uppers,
parlour and stage workers and even a children’s effect. These are all workers
and allow the magician to focus on the presentation! Lots of the effects can be
performed with things you already have at home!
Steve is a performer and twice lecturer at the world famous Magic Castle in
Hollywood where he has performed 50 shows, half in the parlour of
prestidigitation and half in the close-up gallery. It has been many years since
he last lectured in the UK so book in now to see his brand new lecture! Dates
throughout the year, contact him via 07986 499671 or
lecture@stevegore.co.uk for fee
details and availability.
21.1.23
MLM
Web Offers Jan 2023. Have you seen the current discounted products from Mark
Leveridge Magic? If not you have just a couple of weeks to take advantage of the
lower prices. Here are the details. 1. A Bic Too Far. The performer tries
to start a trick with a handkerchief but is constantly interrupted by the
appearance of mini Bic lighters, a matchbox and even a full size lighter! This
is a quirky, amusing routine designed for a parlour or close up show. £6.00
(saving £4) 2. Learning From Experience. In this helpful e-book Mark
offers short essays on 20 areas of commercial magic that he has learnt how to
cope with over his 40+ years as a full time professional. The advice and
comments are gold dust for anyone looking to succeed with paid shows. £6.00
(saving £4). For more information and to order go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk.
21.1.23
Get Your Act Together. Steps singer Claire Richards is mentored by fire-eating act the Black Fire Girls, former politician Ann Widdecombe joins circus ringmaster Norman Barrett, one-time Coronation Street star Oliver Mellor (Dr Matt Carter) is coached by musical quintet the Bottle Boys, TOWIE's Elliott Wright teams up with Cyr wheel performer Billy George, and TV personality Nancy Dell'Olio collaborates with illusionist Hans Klok. Host Stephen Mulhern follows the rehearsals leading up to the contestants' big performances as they compete for a place in the final in a fortnight alongside Ray Quinn, Chip and last week's winning act, James Bolam. Repeat. Sunday 22nd January on Virgin Media One. See TV Magic for details. 21.1.23
"Teller
returns to Vegas show after 3½-month absence"
Click Here •
"Anything is possible"
Click Here •
"David Blaine 'cleaned up the blood' and started trick again after
stabbing error"
Click Here •
"L.A. to Vegas: David Blaine Talks Sin City Magic (Exclusive)"
Click Here •
"David Blaine breaks ground (and skin) at Resorts World"
Click Here •
"Oscar Owen: The Magician and Entrepreneur Disrupting the Industry and
Inspiring Others to Turn their Passion into a Business"
Click Here •
"How Wobble Board treatment for dyslexia at school helped magician
Michael Jordan master awesome circus skills"
Click Here •
"Jedi Wows The Boys With Seriously Impressive Card Trick!"
Click Here •
"Actor and magician Steve Valentine appearing at Liberty Magic"
Click Here • "West End strikes 'ready as last resort' as performers
and stage management demand 17 per cent pay rise"
Click Here •
"Now you see it... Debbie McGee's riverside home floods again"
Click Here •
And finally, C3PO really needs to shape up:
YouTube • That's it for another week. Your UK magic news is
always welcome. See you nest week, Duncan.
21.1.23