Number
1192 - Saturday 29th April 2023
London Magic Convention 2023.
Sunday November 5th at the Lyric Theatre, Hammersmith, London:
3 amazing lectures, The London Close-Up Magic
Championship 2023, the Patrick Page Award, and the unmissable '£4 Gala Show'! It's the funniest, tensest
magic show ever, and you could be the star of the show...
and earn £4! With 10 spots available to anyone who wants to do a 4
minute set, but here's the deal: if your act comes in at between 3
minutes 45 seconds and 4 minutes, you will receive a Certificate, the
hefty sum of £4, and the respect of all your peers. If, however, you go
so much as one second under or over the 15-second 'Cash Zone' you get
nothing! A timer will be running with the audience watching, leaving the
performer as the only person unaware of what time they're at. And
there's one new rule for this year - your act must end with these words:
"...and that is the end of my act!" Apply now! The 10 spots will be
drawn two weeks before the convention, and we'll email you to let you
know if you made it onto the bill. All this plus a plethora of magic
dealers open all day. Book now at
www.londonmagicconvention.co.uk.
29.4.23
Derren
Brown presents Unbelievable. Magic Reimagined. A new show coming to the West End
this year. Everyone you meet is performing a kind of magic trick –
presenting the parts of themselves they want you to see, their ‘effect’. And
hiding the parts they don’t, their ‘method’.
Internationally acclaimed psychological illusionist Derren Brown announces a
brand-new show Unbelievable, which comes to Manchester’s Palace Theatre this
summer, ahead of opening in London’s West End at the Criterion Theatre on 19th
September 2023.
Following the extraordinary success of Derren’s recent production of Showman,
Unbelievable will be a magic show like no other. Fusing the best of theatre with
jaw dropping illusions never before seen in the West End, Unbelievable features
a New York Subway band and a company of multi-talented performers who will bring
to life, live on stage, an evening of bewildering trickery, from the imagination
of Derren Brown.
The show includes an updated version of a one act play not seen on the London
stage in over 100 years! Will, The Witch and The Wolfman, combines comedy,
illusion and song to provide a breathtaking conclusion to an extraordinary
evening in the theatre.
The ambition for Unbelievable is to create an experience you can’t get anywhere
else in the world. From the moment the audience set foot in the theatre, they
will be an essential element – indeed the beating heart of the show.
Unbelievable is created, written and directed by UK stage and screen phenomenon
Derren Brown, and long-time collaborators Andy Nyman and Andrew O’Connor.
www.unbelievablelive.com.
29.4.23
Top
Magic Circle award for 25-year-old. Charlie Burgess reports: A magician, who
has only been a Member of The Magic Circle for 18 months, has won the society’s
prestigious Close-up Magician of the Year competition. John Duffett, beat five
other contenders for the title with his performance of card magic at The Magic
Circle’s London headquarters on Monday, 24th April. He convinced the judges of
his skills as he made cards disappear and appear in impossible locations.
John, 25, who lives in Redbridge, London, was diagnosed with autism when
he was seven. He says: "It was then I realised why I was shy and struggled to
make friends and understand people." He stresses that his condition has not
affected his life in a bad way and has in fact helped him. "It allows me to
focus and concentrate on detail and I never get bored learning."
It was while revising during lockdown for his Politics and Philosophy degree,
that magic took over his life. "I had been dead set on doing a regular job, but
then realised that that would never give me satisfaction. I had been into magic
as a young boy but it was not until I was stuck at home doing my revision - and
I got my degree - that the cards took over as I sat there."
On his winning the award John says: "I don’t think I have ever been as nervous
in my entire life. I have done some important gigs, like performing at the
after-show party for the BBC Sports Personality of the Year and I regularly
perform at The Magic Circle's public shows, but nothing compared to this."
In the competition Douglas Tilston was second and Russ Appleby third. The other
competitors were The Sepp, Matthew Garrett and Danny Lee Grew. John Duffett was
presented with his award by The Magic Circle President Megan Swann. The
organiser of the competition was Liam Ball.
29.4.23
British
Ring Eastbourne Convention - New Artistes Just Announced. From the
organisers: The I.B.M. British Ring No.25 85th Annual Convention 7th-10th
September 2023 in Eastbourne. With events starting at 10am on Thursday 7th
September and finishing at 5pm on Sunday 10th September delegates will enjoy
four whole days packed full of magic and fun! The Convention will take place in
Eastbourne’s fabulous Welcome Building and Devonshire Park Theatre.
New Artistes Just Announced:
Recently seen in ‘The One’ Competition at Blackpool Magic Convention, Adrien
Quillien was a semi-finalist on France’s Got Talent. He will be joining us at
Eastbourne in the Gala Show with his fabulous Bar Act where he plays a ‘Magic
Madness Bartender’ bubbling with dexterity. With a contagious rhythm he
multiplies juggling, flash appearances and disappearances to an electro swing
music soundtrack – a real magic potion to shake and raise the audience! He will
also be presenting a lecture ‘Making Magic Sparkle!’
We also have the amazing Charlie Caper whose charming stage presence and world
class magic will win the hearts of any audience. He became a full time magician
in 2001 and has since performed all over the world and appeared on television in
over a dozen countries, including winning Sweden’s Got Talent. He will be
performing his one man show at Eastbourne.
Artistes announced so far: Charlie Caper, Adrien Quillien, Chris Congreave,
Keith Fields and Lady Sarah, Griffin and Jones, Louise Andrée, John-Henry
Larsson, JezO, Joel Dickinson, Yollin Lee, Mel Harvey, Christian Grace, Richard
Cadell and Sooty. Register by 28th May to be entered into a prize draw for an
additional free registration (terms and conditions apply). Book on our website
www.britishring.org.uk
or contact the registration officer at
ibmbritish25reg@gmail.com. Photo
credit: Adrien Quillien Bar Act ©Alexor.
29.4.23
Magician
reveals his trick with huge plot twist! Audition BGT 2023
YouTube.
29.4.23
Very
Hush-Hush by John Bannon - International Magic.
• Forty card tricks with a mental slant
• Little to no sleight of hand required
• Impossible location effects
• Prediction tricks
• Bannon's take on 'The Magic Square'
• An easy to read book that's full of great magic
A quality hardbound book by one of the most creative of modern magicians. Full
of tricks that require minimum sleights, for maximum effect, and with a slant
towards mentalism. More than 250 pages, this hardbound has plenty of photographs
assisting the in-depth descriptions, and finishes with a chapter about the
author. Very Hush-Hush is a must for all card magicians. In stock. For full
contents and to order visit
www.internationalmagic.com.
29.4.23
Merlins
of Wakefield Magic Festival Day, Sunday 14th May. From the organisers:
Merlins of Wakefield Magic Festival Day is fast approaching on Sunday 14th
May at Birdwell Academy Theatre featuring a full day of magic and an evening
Gala Show. Plus internet sensation Danny Malin from 'Rate My Takeaway' will be
there during the day. Danny has been interested in magic for over 30 years, and
used to have his own Magic Shop! Come and see his infamous chair and table and
have a picture with him!
There will be a Close-up Magic Jam hosted by Kev Mark and Rob Shersby
and a very special collectors lecture from Mark Lee, showing some of his rare
and unusual items including some owned by Paul Daniels. Other Artists include:
Kay Dyson, Vinny Sagoo, Chris Cross, Dean & Kazia, Darren Mac, Michael Jordan,
Dave Burns and High Jinx Illusion.
If you register for the full Day and Gala Show (£40) you will receive a Merlins
Goody Bag with magic to at least the value of the ticket price – so it's like a
free ticket! Book your tickets today
Click Here for a great day of magic and fun!
29.4.23
Early
Bird Tickets for MagicFest Christmas Special Now on Sale! Pick the
best seats and enjoy an early bird discount. After sell-out shows last
Christmas, we’re delighted to announce that our Christmas Special with
Kevin Quantum and guests goes on sale early! We are back at the
wonderful Church Hill Theatre for December 2023 with more astonishing
illusions and big laughs in a riotously fun and magical Christmas show
for the whole family! Book by 1st May and save 10% with the code XMAS10.
24th, 27th-30th December 2023. See
www.magicfest.co.uk.
29.4.22
Darlington
Magic Circle May Day of Magic. The Darlington Magic Circle's annual May Day
of Magic will be held on Sunday the 14th of May 2023 from 10am to 5pm at The
Railway Club, 93 North Road, Darlington DL1 2PP. We have no less than 5 top
lecturers, all of whom will have dealer stalls. Starting off with Bazz
Fazackerley of Black Cat Magic, Graeme Shaw of Magicbox, Steve Dela, Chris
Congreave and our headline act, Michael Murray! There will be free tea and
coffee all day and our venue has a private licensed bar. All of this for only
£20! Tickets are now available to purchase via
www.ticketebo.co.uk with a debit or credit card. There is no extra admin
charge. Also see our
Facebook page. Nick Richmond, Secretary, Darlington Magic Circle.
29.4.23
DTrik
- The Magic of Wayne Dobson. Our new online store is now open! We're
excited to announce that our new website is open and online. Check out
or new releases, videos, blogs and photos. Now you can shop and browse
from the comfort of your own home.
www.dtrik.com.
29.4.22
James
Phelan: The Greatest Magician Tour. From the promoter: Showman Live
Presents... The Greatest Magician. A dazzling new magic show from James
Phelan. This astonishing, enigmatic, five-star rated magic show will
leave you aching from laughter and dizzy in disbelief. This mind-blowing
magic show comes to the stage for the first time. You’ll be transported
to a jaw-dropping world of light-hearted hilarity, wonderment, and
mystery. Focusing on mind-bending feats of illusion, from making people
forget their own names to vanishing them from the auditorium entirely!
35+ tour dates - see What's On and
www.tickets.greatestmagiciantour.com.
29.4.22
Tom
Wright Presents An Evening of Magic & Comedy - Parkway Cinema & Theatre,
Cleethorpes. Enter a world where nothing makes sense! Prepare to be
amazed and thrilled! Comedy Magician Tom Wright takes to the stage with
his unique style of visual magic, off the wall comedy, and charisma!
Guaranteed to leave you entertained and totally gob-smacked! Sit back,
relax, and strap yourself in! Friday 9th June at 8pm at Parkway Cinema &
Theatre, Kings Road, Cleethorpes DN35 0AQ. For more info and to book
visit
www.cleethorpes.parkwaycinemas.co.uk.
29.4.22
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This
week, Steve Wyrick on The World's Greatest Magic III in 1996. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
29.4.22
Chris
Congreave will be holding a workshop on Sunday 4th June in Wolverhampton on
performing at tables. Topics include: approaching a table, getting and holding
their attention, dealing with difficult spectators, how to make small effects
play bigger, pocket management and much more. Numbers will be limited as it will
be a hands-on workshop. Contact Chris for more info and to book a place:
chriscongreave@googlemail.com.
29.4.23
Chris
Wardle - Surrey Society of Magicians Close-up Competition Winner 2023. Adam
Mosley writes: The Surrey Society of Magicians Close-up competition took place
on the 27th of April. A big congratulations to Chris Wardle, using all his own
effects, who took first place and runners-up Dave Andrews and Paul Dickson. The
Mary Oberoi Comedy Trophy went to Dave Andrews. It was a very high standard this
year as always, so congratulations to all who took part.
We would like to give a big thank you to the two lay judges and also to our magical judge Iain Bailey; thank you for your hard work and difficult decisions. We would also like to thank all the audience members who we are sure had a great evening and our time keeper Colin Peters. Last but not least thank you to our brilliant compère Geoff Pescud. 29.4.23
Paul
Brook Lecture - Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, Wednesday 3rd May. Dave
Taylor writes: On 3rd May we have Paul Brook lecturing at Wolverhampton Circle
of Magicians. Paul is a professional presenter, author and mentalist, with over
thirty books to his name specialising in psychological mind reading. Visitors
welcome with just £5 fee. 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Venue is the ECC Sports and
Social Club, Showell Road, Wolverhampton WV10 9LU.
29.4.23
Paul
Brook Lecture 'Straight Outta Scotland' - Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle,
Thursday 11th May. Matthew Gill writes: Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle is
delighted to present 'Straight Outta Scotland' lecture, by Paul Brook. In 2004
Paul Brook abandoned a career in Psychology to begin one in Mentalism. He is now
considered one of the most creative minds in modern mentalism, having written
over 30 books and consulted for numerous film, theatre and television projects.
Following performances Paul decided to relocate to the remote mystical Scottish
highlands and he now presents this new lecture 'Straight Outta Scotland'. Half
of the material is his classics and the other half new and unreleased effects.
Thursday 11th May at 8pm. Entry is free for members and £10 for visiting
magicians at Liverpool Mahatma Magic Circle, St Stephen s Church Hall, St
Stephen's Road, Hightown, Liverpool L38 0BL
www.mahatma-magic-circle.uk.
29.4.23
The Greatest Auction. AJ Odudu hosts as millionaires, private collectors and antique dealers compete to buy extraordinary items. Banksy experts take a risk on a piece of wall featuring work attributed to the anonymous artist and Tommy Cooper's iconic fez goes on sale. Plus an array of Buzzcocks memorabilia and more. Tuesday 9th May on Channel 4. See TV Magic for details. 29.4.23
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. Many thanks, DT.
"A
complete guide to Derren Brown shows in the West End"
Click Here • "Lincolnshire coronation gala Punch and Judy show
cancelled"
Click Here • "Who is Derren Brown and what qualifications does
he have as a mentalist?"
Click Here • "Derren Brown TV review — trickery meets touching
storytelling"
Click Here • "Autistic Teen Magician Blows Away Judges on
‘Britain’s Got Talent’"
Click Here • "Magician Eric Chien Earns Golden Buzzer on
Spain’s ‘Got Talent: All-Stars’"
Click Here • "Derren Brown: 5 fascinating things we learnt from
illusionist’s Desert Island Discs"
Click Here • Thanks as always for your news submissions - see
you next week, Duncan.
29.4.23