Number
1211 - Saturday 9th September 2023
Many
congratulations to Marvin Berglas MIMC - the new President of
The Magic Circle! The result of the election was announced at the club's AGM
on Monday, 4th September.
For so many of us our passion for magic started in our childhoods, often by pure chance, perhaps by seeing a magic trick in the school playground, or by being given a magic set for Christmas. Marvin, though his highly successful Marvin's Magic business, must have helped launch so many into the world of magic, either enjoying it as a wonderful hobby, or by making it a full-time career. I can't think of anyone more suited to being the new President of The Magic Circle than Marvin Berglas. Huge congratulations Marvin! Marvin is in great company with new Vice President, another magic entrepreneur, Lee Hathaway MIMC. Many congratulations to Lee as well!
Many thanks to Brendan Rodrigues AIMC for this rather special photograph taken on Monday, capturing Marvin, together with former President (aka "Dad") David Berglas MIMC. A little history in the making. Here's Marvin, back in 2002 on the BBC children's programme Newsround, encouraging the next generation of magicians: YouTube. For Magic Circle membership details visit www.themagiccircle.co.uk/join. DT. 9.9.23
The
Methods To My Madness by Jonathan Goodwin. Jonathan has performed more
escapes on television than any other human and has been called the most
innovative and creative escape artist since Houdini. This book is the result of
30 years in magic and escapes, and is the definitive guide to escapology and
sideshow feats, and includes the myriad of material that Jonathan has created
over the years for other performers. This book includes all of the methods and
material from Jonathan’s TV and stage performances.
Jonathan writes: I wanted to drop you a line as obviously after my accident I have retired from performing and I have a lot of original props and material which I have decided to sell. I have also written a book which outlines the methods all of my creative output for the last thirty years. I thought the readership of MagicWeek might be interested. The book and other props are for sale on my website www.thedaredevil.com in the "Magicians and Escape Artists" section of the site. 9.9.23
London
Magic Convention 2023. Andy Nyman writes: These are pretty tough times and
we are well aware that there will be some of you MagicWeek readers would love to
attend the London Magic Convention on November 5th, but faced with the rising
cost of living, simply cannot afford it. We believe that a day of great fun,
laughter and magic could do you the world of good. So we are offering 30
free' Mitzvah tickets'. If you would love to come but don’t have the budget for
it, simply email
info@londonmagicconvention.co.uk with the subject MITZVAH and we will
happily give you a free ticket. There are no questions, no conditions, no shame
and any emails will be kept completely confidential. Full details of the day are
at
www.londonmagicconvention.co.uk.
9.9.23
Kidology
UK and more! Alec Powell writes: Kidology Convention takes place again this
year on Monday 18th September from 9am at the Austin Sports and Social Club,
Tessall Lane, Longbridge, Birmingham B342SF. We have a great lineup, with Roy
Charles now added to the list. This is in addition to Russ Brown, Richard
Pinner, Megan Swann and Tricky Ricky. There's a meet up session the night
before, and a cabaret following the convention on Monday night.
On Tuesday there is the UK Children’s Entertainer of the Year Competition at the
same venue and all for £45. To book go to
www.albionmagiccompany.co.uk. Earlier on Sunday 17th we have the Magic Car
Boot Sale from 10.30am at the same venue. Admission to that is £5. Join us on
Facebook:
kidologyuk.
9.9.23
The
MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week,
Steve Wyrick on The World's Most Dangerous Magic II from 1999. See
The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video
Archive
Click Here.
9.9.23
Jasper
Blakeley’s 'Showtime' Lecture, now booking. Many will probably know Jasper
Blakeley as the Russian-esque Comedy Magician Kockov, but what you might not
know is that Jasper has owned The World’s Smallest Magic Theatre in his hometown
of Barry in south Wales for over five years. Performing a twice-weekly comedy
magic and mind-reading parlour show to an intimate public audience of just 26,
Jasper not only has an amazing insight into running a unique magic venue, but he
also has a full understanding of how to put together literally hours of
ever-changing magic cabaret material.
In this ‘Showtime’ Lecture, Jasper will discuss the realities of owning and
running a magic venue, marketing events, choosing material and constructing full
90 minute magic shows. Jasper will also be performing and explaining numerous
original effects never lectured before, but each one is 'a worker' having
featured in his previous theatre shows.
Jasper guarantees a high-energy, funny, thoughtful and thoroughly engaging
lecture where you will go away having learned something new, plus he has almost
nothing to sell so all you really need to bring is a sense of humour and a
willingness to join in, listen and have fun. Contact
magic@jasperblakeley.co.uk.
(Look out for Jasper in an article about small theatres in The Guardian's
Culture section today.)
9.9.23
Merlins
of Wakefield - Ali Cardabra Magic Lecture, this Monday, September 11th.
Merlins write: Get your tickets now for this Lecture which takes place at the
shop. Ali is an inventor, performer, character magician, Punch & Judy man and an
all round great entertainer. He has been performing and lecturing for many years
all around the country and has a vast knowledge of magic and how to present it.
With something for every type and standard of magician, this is one lecture you
won't want to miss - limited space! 6.45pm for a 7.15pm start. You must purchase
a ticket to attend - no admittance on the night unless pre-booked
Click Here to book a place.
9.9.23
Kevin
Quantum: Edinburgh Magic at The Waldorf Astoria (The Caledonian). Unearthed…
incredible magic that’s fooled some of the most brilliant and creative people
ever to have lived, often times with strong links to Edinburgh and Scotland.
Enjoy an elegant, intimate and quite astonishing evening of magic, mystery and
wonder in one of Edinburgh’s most historic and enchanting hotels - The
Caledonian. A unique and spellbinding night out that you’ll be talking about for
years to come!
Saturday 30th September, 7h October, 4th & 25th November, 2nd, 9th, 16th December. Times: 6pm and 8pm. Duration: 60-70 minutes with five minute intermission. Venue: Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Caledonian, Princes Street, Edinburgh, EH1 2AB. Suitability: Age 12+. See www.bookwhen.com to book. 9.9.23
Jon
Ensor 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: "Jon Ensor - Pro Magic Academy, Magic Coaching, Mind
Reading and more"
YouTube.
9.9.23
Matt
Pritchard Lecture at the British Magical Society, Birmingham. Tuesday 12th
September, 7.30pm. Phil Sweeting writes: Matt's baffling micro-recreations of
classic illusions of magic have gone viral online. They have
delighted/frustrated the magic community and have been described by Popular
Mechanics as "charmingly analogue". He's recently back from Las Vegas speaking
at MagicLive! and has received standing ovations at Blackpool Magic Convention
and The Magic Circle. This one of a kind lecture will take you through his
process for creating new illusions and will be inspiring and entertaining in
equal measure. Visiting magicians welcome for just £10 on the door which
includes a free buffet. 7.30pm on Tuesday 12th September at The British Magical
Society, The Weoley Castle Working Men's Club, Barnes Hill Road, Weoley Castle,
Birmingham. B29 5TY.
9.9.23
The Magic Car Boot Sale - Birmingham, 17th September. The Magic Car Boot Sale returns on Sunday 17th September. It's now in its 23rd year featuring thousands of bargains and 36 stalls. The day before the Kidology Convention at The Austin Sports and Social Club, Tessall Lane, Birmingham B312SF. Ample free parking. Starts at 10.30am. Admission £5. Hot breakfasts available as ever. Join us on Facebook: Magic Car Boot Sale. Or call Alec Powell on 07831 115448. 9.9.23
The Zoe Ball Breakfast Show, 15th September. "Guests Derren Brown, Carol Vorderman and Clive Myrie join Zoe for a fun-filled Friends Round Friday." From 6.30am on Friday 15th September on BBC Radio 2. 9.9.23
Out
of this world levitation. The US Department of Defense has recently released
a collection of videos featuring UFO activity. Matt Pritchard has discovered
some previously undisclosed footage of alien spaceship activity and the results
are rather shocking. Either that or it's the latest video in his series of
science infused magic videos. Decide for yourself here:
YouTube.
9.9.23
The
Magic Blog That Gets You Thinking. Mark Leveridge's Chatter blog is
published on the first of each month and since its inception in September 1992
has amassed an amazing collection of interesting and insightful editorial
articles covering hugely varied topics. Here are the titles of a few of the
recent articles: When Live Show Practising Is Unavoidable. Assessing Magical
Risks. The Polarising Of TV Magic. Remembering And Using Spectators’ Names. Why
You Should Never Try to Second Guess Acceptable Show Fee Levels. Magic’s A Bit
Weird, Isn’t It? Decisions, Decisions. ‘You Should Be On TV’. Light At The End
Of The Tunnel. Being Creative Does Not Have To Be Intimidating. To get free
access to these latest editions go to
www.markleveridge.co.uk/blog, and if you enjoy reading them, and really want
to delve into some of the earlier articles, 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, it's a treasure trove of fascinating and entertaining reads just waiting
for your attention.
9.9.23
Trevor
Duffy Lecture, Northamptonshire Magicians Club, 12th September.
David Miller writes: You've read the previous promo material on here
over the last two weeks, so you know what to expect. Doors open at 7pm
and the lecture starts at 8pm. Non-members
welcome, admission £10. Brafield Working Mens Club, 35 Bedford
Road, Brafield-on-the-Green, Northampton NN7 1BD.
2.9.23
Damfino,
An Evening of Psychological Magic. From the promoter: Every decision you
have ever made has left behind consequences, a ghost of itself. . Join Chris
Mallon in, what is sure to be, an improbable evening where your fears will be
explored. The theory of mind reading will be simultaneously proved and
disproved. And the supernatural phenomena of the past will be brought into the
modern era. Get ready for an ‘unreal’ evening that will leave you questioning
what you really believe! The Forum Music Centre, Borough Road, Darlington DL1
1SG on Thursday 2nd November at 7.30pm. Tickets £12 from
www.theforumonline.co.uk.
9.9.23
Mervyn
Cole's Lymington Magic Sale Day, Sunday October 1st. Pennington Scouts Hut,
Lodge Road, Lymington, Hampshire SO41 8HH. 9am for traders to set up for a 10am
start on Sunday October 1st. "A day to catch up with friends and colleagues in
the magic world, and to buy and sell your magic wares. Light refreshments
available." For more details call Mervyn Cole on 01590 719497.
9.9.23
South Downs Magicians Secondhand Sale of Props and Effects, 5th November. From the organisers: South Downs Magicians are hosting a secondhand sale of props and effects on Sunday, 5th November at Handcross Village Hall, High Street, Handcross RH17 6BJ. Tables are priced at £12 paid in advance with a maximum 2 sellers per stand. Sellers should arrive at 8am. Doors open to buyers from 9am. We aim to be finished by 1pm. Refreshments will be available from our members. Contact Tony Hoare for table bookings on 01403 267833. One third of tables have already been sold so get in quickly if you want one! Ample free car parking. Easily accessible to A23, A24 and M25. A small free lecture is planned. There is a local restaurant for those wanting to eat that's just a 5 minute walk from the venue, offering really good food. www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 9.9.23
Martin
Peirce's recent lecture at The Merlin Magical Society is reviewed by Michael
Wysockyj this week. "...this was a lecture full of the most accessible material
I think I have ever come across. See him if he is lecturing near you. You are
guaranteed to be inspired whatever your style of magic happens to be." To read
the full review,
Click
Here.
9.9.23
News
Deadline reminder. Please submit news by Thursday if possible - absolute
deadline 12 noon Friday, no exceptions. Many thanks, DT.
9.9.23
"Unbelievable
Magic Show – A UK Tour Review"
Click Here • "Broadway Grosses Analysis: El Mago Pop Works Its Magic
to Become Top Grosser"
Click Here • "How I Make My Money: Insurance broker who quit job to
become a magician now earns £8k a month"
Click Here • "Breakdancing magician inspired by brave slave"
Click Here • "Optical illusion shows if you have a sense of humour
or value justice - 'so accurate'"
Click Here • "Matt Donnelly, from Penn & Teller, to fool us at Brown
County Music Center"
Click Here •
"Video of boy performing magic trick leaves viewers amazed"
Click Here • That's it! And just like that another week has
disappeared! See you next week, Duncan.
9.9.23