MagicWeek UK Magic News

Number 1243 - Saturday 20th April 2024

Harry Merlin Piper is The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year 2024! Charlie Burgess reports: 13-year-old Harry Merlin Piper used a telling off for practising a card trick in school as the motivation for an act which won him The Magic Circle's Young Magician of the Year title on Sunday, 14th April. Harry became the youngest ever winner of the award, as he performed sleight of hand with lights and playing cards, and made his pencil case "talk". He beat seven other contestants in the competition held at The Magic Circle's theatre in their London headquarters.

Harry, whose father Rodney James Piper runs a magic dinner show venue in Salou, Spain and is himself a Member of The Inner Magic Circle, said: "This is the most magical moment of my life. When I was told off in class in Salou I thought I could use this and make an act based on my school experience. It worked!"

Arabella Crawford from London was second with her act based around a Gollum character and third was Rafferty Coope from Winchester. All three are members of The Young Magician's Club which teaches magic to 10 to 18-year-olds.

The awards were presented by Marvin Berglas, the President of The Magic Circle, who said: "The originality, creativity and showmanship from all the competitors was wonderful. It was a tough task for the judges due to the really high standard. I know it's corny to say they were all winners but the true winners were the audience. They loved all the acts. Congratulations to young Harry Merlin Piper who took hone the trophy. He was exceptional. The future of magic is in good hands." The competition was hosted by Simon Lipkin and produced by Preston Nyman. Matt Edmondson, Danny Hunt & Stephanie Clarke (Amethyst Magic) and Chris Wardle judged.

"Young magician Harry Merlin Piper conjures up top prize" www.sky.com. 20.4.24

The Wizards Weekend Magic Convention - this weekend! From the organisers: Featuring: Roy Davenport, R Paul Wilson, Luke Jermay, Chris Cross, Ian Kendal, Freak, Chris Lynam, Peter McLanachan, Colin Bourdiec and Steve Faulkner. Full 3-day tickets are only £85! Gala show tickets and day tickets are also available individually! 19th - 21st April 2024. It's at the Gibside Hotel in Whickham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. Tickets and info here: www.theenchantedrabbit.com. Facebook event page: facebook.com. "Chris Cross hosts conference of magicians in Whickham" www.thenorthernecho.co.uk. 20.4.24

Britain's Got Talent returns. Ant and Dec return with the nationwide talent search, with a fresh batch of contestants taking to the stage in the hope of impressing judges Bruno Tonioli, Simon Cowell, Amanda Holden and Alesha Dixon and progressing to the semi-finals. Expect plenty of magic along the way (starting with Sunday's show). See TV Magic for details. 20.4.24

www.collectingmagicbooks.com

Newly crowned Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Harry Merlin Piper has just been added to The Magic Circle Convention lineup. Harry will be appearing in the 'Sunday Night at The Magic Circle' show. From the organisers: The 3rd Annual Convention on May 12th at the prestigious Magic Circle HQ, nestled in the heart of London on Stephenson Way. Experience The Magic Dealers Emporium with over 25 dealers split over two rooms and all conveniently located at The Wesley Hotel, just behind the HQ. Enjoy performances from world class magicians, including the legendary King of close-up magic Mr Michael Vincent, witness the amazing pickpocketing skills of James Freedman and be blown away by the stars of stage and screen, Richard Griffin and Ryan Hayashi, and the... To top it all off... We have Magic Royalty - the lovely and legendary Debbie McGee!

Open to all. Whether you're a member or non-member, tickets are available now for this once in a lifetime event. Last year was a complete sell out and tickets are going fast, so secure your place now! This isn’t just any convention, this is The Magic Circle Convention. Don't miss the chance to be part of this very special day. www.themagiccircle.co.uk/convention. 20.4.24

Leveridge Legerdemain, the brand new lecture from Mark Leveridge - now booking. Mark Leveridge has been presenting lectures since 1978, and in that time has appeared at clubs and conventions all over the world. Mark's latest lecture, Leveridge Legerdemain, features practical, intriguing magic designed for mentalists, close uppers and parlour magicians, and all the material uses either normal objects, or props that can be easily made or obtained. Mark performs every effect entertainingly and then follows this with a full explanation that ensures that everyone will leave with several new routines to work on. With so many years experience of presenting lectures, Mark knows how to put across his ideas clearly and with humour, thus providing an enjoyable evening for everyone who attends. Leveridge Legerdemain is available to societies as a live presentation in the clubroom or as a Zoom event. For more details, go to www.markleveridge.co.uk/lectures. For a recent report on Leveridge Legerdemain Click Here. 20.4.24

Dave Forrest Lecture - British Magical Society, 23rd April. Phil Sweeting writes: Fresh back from his 4th appearance at the Magic Castle in Hollywood, Dave will be presenting brand new material (and some forgotten gems that are so old, they're new again!) covering close-up card magic and mentalism with his signature mix of clever methods utilising sleight of hand, self-working principles and some funky gimmicks! Visiting magicians are welcome for £10 on the night. Lecture starts at 7.30pm, at The British Magical Society, The Weoley Castle Working Men's Club, Barnes Hill Road, Weoley Castle, Birmingham B29 5TY. 20.4.24

Michael J Fitch and Lee Hathaway 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: "Michael J Fitch and Lee Hathaway on The Magic Circle and The Magic Circle Convention" YouTube. 20.4.24

Britain's Chris Cox can be seen in The Illusionists, the world’s biggest-selling magic show, this week at Kennedy Centre in Washington DC. The Illusionists has played hundreds of cities, spawned two TV specials, and shattered box office records across the globe, dazzling audiences of all ages with a powerful mix of the most outrageous and astonishing acts ever seen on stage. This non-stop show is packed with thrilling and sophisticated magic of unprecedented proportions featuring the jaw-dropping talents of the most incredible illusionists on earth. April 23rd to 28th. For more info and to book visit www.kennedy-center.org. 20.4.24

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week, Magician Paul Daniels in his 'House of Cards' segment on The Paul Daniels Magic Show from 2nd November 1985. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 20.4.24

III Maratón Magia de Cerca. 24h en directo, or "3rd Close Up Magic Marathon. 24 hours live!" Paulino Gil of Zamora, Spain, is organising a 24 hour marathon of close-up magic. Paulino is the organiser of several magic festivals in Spain but this one will be broadcast free, via YouTube, from 7pm (Local time) on May 11th from the Ethnographic Museum in Zamora, Spain. 12 Artists will perform individually, changing every 20 minutes. Save this link! YouTube. 20.4.24

Luis Otero: Masterclass - The Magic Circle London, this Sunday, 21st April. Following the success of our first in the series with Woody, The Magic Circle are delighted to welcome one of Latin America's most respected professional magicians. He has been a featured performer at the famous Magic Castle, The 4F convention, Jornadas del Escorial in Spain (where Master Juan Tamariz invites just 40 of the top minds in card magic), FISM, and has given numerous other performances and lectures worldwide. This masterclass has strictly limited places and is a rare opportunity to spend quality time, up close, with one of the finest exponents of the art alive today. Attendees will also receive a free ticket to Luis' One-Night-Only show immediately following the Masterclass in the evening. Sunday 21st April 3pm at The magic Circle in London. Secure you place now: wwww.tmcshop.squarespace.com. 20.4.24

Aberdeen Magical Society Open Night, 23rd April. Aberdeen Magical Society will hold an open night at 8pm on Tuesday, April 23rd at The Sportsman’s Club on Queen’s Road, allowing those interested in joining the chance to meet members and learn more about the society. Attendance is free and open to anyone aged 18+ with an interest in magic – from complete beginners to passionate amateurs to skilled professionals. Attendees can register here: www.wegottickets.com.

President Garry Seagraves said: "Magic is usually a very secretive pastime, so we’re excited to welcome potential members to our first ever open night. Some might feel they are too inexperienced to join, but there is a place for all magic fans within our society. It’s a great place to learn and develop your magic in a friendly environment. We all start our magic journey somewhere, whether that’s with a magic set at the age of 8 or a flash of inspiration at 58!"

During Aberdeen Magical Society’s open night, guests will have the chance to see magic performed live and chat with members in a relaxed and casual setting. Visitors will also learn more about the society – including its twice monthly meetings, guest lectures by magic stars from around the world, and public performances. Aberdeen Magical Society was founded in 1926. For more information visit www.aberdeenmagic.com. 20.4.24

Knowing Me, Knowing You - With Alan Partridge. Minnie Driver appears on the spoof chat show as Playboy magazine's agony aunt, who has a book to promote and a surprising revelation to make. Alan's other guests include a magician and hypnotist and two of Hollywood's biggest stars. Tuesday 23rd April on Gold. See TV Magic for details. Aha! 20.4.24

For Sale & Wanted. The free MagicWeek classified ads have been going strong since issue number 1, in July 2000. Please double-check the T&Cs when placing an ad, to make sure your ad appears. For Sale Wanted. DT. 20.4.24

"From Peterhead to Hollywood – how a north-east magician became Netflix star" Click Here • "Castledaly mentalist and magician to perform new show in the Brazen Monkey" Click Here • "Fife magician awarded as one of UK's best" Click Here • "Eddie Hearn: No Passion, No Point - Podcast with Steven Frayne" Click Here • "Why Magic Murray Has Been Suspended From The Magic Castle" YouTube • "David Copperfield Accused Magic Murray of Stealing A Trick On AGT" YouTube • Your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 20.4.24

Number 1242 - Saturday 13th April 2024

Graham Jolley Lecture - Kent Magicians Guild, Stag Theatre, Sevenoaks, 30th April. Top Comedy Mindreader Graham Jolley will present his acclaimed lecture at the Kent Magicians Guild, The Stag Theatre, London Road, Sevenoaks, Kent TN13 1ZZ on Tuesday, 30th April. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start. Guest tickets are only £5, so book early to avoid missing out on an amazing evening. Contact Mike Ingham on 07724 273157 to reserve a seat. 13.4.24

The Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year Competition 2024 - tomorrow in London! Join host Simon Lipkin as eight rising stars of magic battle it out for the most hotly contested competition in British magic! The contestants are: Rafferty Coope, Arabella, Christopher Doxey, Cillian O'Connor, Ryland Petty, Harry Merlin Piper, Jack Ranger-Walsh and Joseph Westbury. There will be two performances, the first at 2pm (not judged) and the second at 6pm (judged). Sunday 14th April at The Magic Circle in London. Book tickets here: www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 13.4.24

United Kingdom Escape Artists Escapology Convention, Blackpool, today! From the organisers: We are pleased to announce our latest Guest speaker - it's the Legend Jonathan Goodwin who will be sharing some experiences from his career and will give us some insights into his upcoming book. Limited amount of tickets available - do not miss out on what is set to be an amazing day. A small friendly Convention for United Kingdom Escape Artists at Russ Brown's House of Secrets on Saturday, 13th April.

• Lecture by Jonathan Goodwin - experiences from his career.
• Lecture by Michael Diamond- a brand new talk all about fraudulent spiritualism featuring Harry Houdini.
• Lecture by Karl Bartoni all about his USD straitjacket escape from Blackpool Tower - this talk is the world's first.
• The Mick Hanzlik Award for the best escape of the day - let us know in advance if you wish to enter.
• The David De-Val Award - recognition for promoting the art throughout the year.
• Lecture by Chris Gower on gimmicked padlocks
• Coxy and a live Guinness World Record attempt to escape from most handcuffs in 1 minute.
• Lecture about David De-Val and his Blackpool Rollercoaster escape, David De-Val Magic and Escapology
• Doncaster Restraint Museum with lots of new toys.

Saturday April 13th, from 9.30am-5pm at Russ Brown's House of Secrets, 105 Church Street, Blackpool FY1 1HU. Tickets £35.00 (and more info) from: www.theukea.co.uk. 13.4.24

www.wonderco.uk

British magician Emily Robinson-Hardy will attempt to fool Penn & Teller with a perfect 'Any Card At Any Number' on the next episode of Penn & Teller Fool Us. Will her performance dazzle the audience and even baffle Penn & Teller, themselves? Emily will not touch the cards... and the rules of the show forbid the use of stooges, instant stooges and preshow work. The named playing card and the position will be a genuine free choice.

With her performance on ‘Penn & Teller: Fool Us,’ premiering on the US Network, ‘The CW’, on Friday 19th April, Emily is excited to talk about her experience on the show. "I filmed in Las Vegas in August 2023. I cannot wait to finally share this trick with the world because it is a trick that means so much to me. I’m excited to be able to post pictures and to not feel as though I’m hiding something! Penn and Teller are such incredible Magicians, it was an honour to perform for them."

Emily’s performance on the show will be uploaded to her YouTube channel after it is broadcast on Friday 19th April at 8pm (midnight UK) and appear on her website www.emilyrobinsonhardy.com The big question is, will she fool Penn & Teller? 13.4.24

The Wizards Weekend Magic Convention by The Enchanted Rabbit Magic Emporium, 19th-21st April. From the organisers: Featuring: Roy Davenport, R Paul Wilson, Luke Jermay, Chris Cross, Ian Kendal, Freak, Chris Lynam, Peter McLanachan, Colin Bourdiec and Steve Faulkner. Full 3-day tickets are only £85! Gala show tickets and day tickets are also available individually! 19th - 21st April 2024. It's at the Gibside Hotel in Whickham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, UK. Tickets and info here: www.theenchantedrabbit.com. Facebook event page: facebook.com. 13.4.24

Luis Otero: Masterclass at The Magic Circle - Sunday 21st April. Following the success of our first in the series with Woody, The Magic Circle are delighted to welcome one of Latin America's most respected professional magicians. He has been a featured performer at the famous Magic Castle, The 4F convention, Jornadas del Escorial in Spain (where Master Juan Tamariz invites just 40 of the top minds in card magic), FISM, and has given numerous other performances and lectures worldwide. This masterclass has strictly limited places and is a rare opportunity to spend quality time, up close, with one of the finest exponents of the art alive today. Attendees will also receive a free ticket to Luis' One-Night-Only show immediately following the Masterclass in the evening. Sunday 21st April 3pm at The Magic Circle in London. Secure you place now: wwww.tmcshop.squarespace.com. 13.4.24

Kevin Quantum Momentum - 2024 UK Tour. From the tour promoter: International magic star Kevin Quantum embarks on his first ever UK theatre tour with 'Momentum', a show that rocks the audience with epic stunts and belly laughs. The new show is a chance to see spectacular new tricks, and to witness in person some of the breathtaking magic he has performed on international television.

The show includes an astonishing and death-defying grand finale – a blindfolded stunt featuring a gigantic Newton’s cradle and nine flaming cannon balls. This breathtaking trick took him to the final stages of Britain’s Got Talent, where David Walliams described him as "a mixture of magic, science and derring-do, you're like a sexy Doctor Who!". Trained by the great Penn & Teller, the illusionist and inventor began his career as a physicist before moving into magic – an art where he has thrived for 15 years. Yet science is always a key ingredient of his shows and Momentum explores themes from Bermuda Triangle to Gravity.

4 May Royal & Derngate, Northampton
6 May The Lowther Pavilion Theatre & Gardens, Lytham St Annes
10 May Norwich Playhouse
12 May Weymouth Pavilion
14 May The Yvonne Arnaud Theatre, Guildford
24 May The Coro, Ulverston
27 May Stafford Gatehouse Theatre
30 May Princess Alexandra Auditorium, Yarm
31 May Floral Pavilion, New Brighton
5 June The Redgrave Theatre, Bristol
21 June Tivoli Theatre, Aberdeen
28 June Watersmeet Theatre, Rickmansworth

Book early! www.quantummagician.com. 13.4.24

Tommy Cooper Night - BBC Four, tonight! Marking the centenary of his birth, Lenny Henry presents a selection of Tommy Cooper performances tonight in 'Tommy Cooper at the BBC' at 10.30pm on BBC Four. This collection features some of Cooper's most famous routines, and reveals that his reputation for terrible tricks that inevitably went wrong was all based on an act, as his on-stage bumbling persona hid a real talent as a magician. Followed by 'The Art of Tommy Cooper' at 11pm and 'Parkinson: The Tommy Cooper and Frankie Howerd Interviews' at 11.30pm. See TV Magic for details. 13.4.24

How to Create Your Stage Act! Romany, the Diva of Magic. Romany's recent lecture given at the Northern Magic Circle Convention on April 7th is reviewed by Roger Woods this week. "What makes it good? What makes it bad? How do you use your personality and physical qualities to enhance your magic? What rules are applied to props? Why a script is important. Why getting a director or an outside critic is important. In the course of the lecture, Romany answered all these questions and more..." To read the full review Click Here. 13.4.24

Ian Rowland Lecture - the Pentacle Club, Cambridge, 16th April. Hugh Newsam writes: This is going to be a fun lecture that everyone can enjoy! Ian will share a lot of practical material, mainly cards and mentalism, suitable for close-up, parlour and stage. He’ll also be sharing some amazing stories (and disasters!) from his magical adventures all over the world. Although he’s a writer and speaker by trade, Ian has performed magic and mentalism shows all over the world for the past forty years. He often includes magic in his work as a corporate speaker/trainer. His clients include Google, Coca-Cola, Marks & Spencer, the Ministry of Defence, the Crown Estate and, most improbably of all, the FBI! (He's the only person from outside the United States ever hired to train FBI agents.)

Ian wrote a column on mentalism for The Magic Circular for 12 years and for Magic magazine for 5 years, every article featuring an original effect or routine. He has lectured three times at the Blackpool Magic Convention and four times at both the Magic Circle and Magic Live in Las Vegas, as well as at numerous other clubs and conventions in the UK, United States, Australia, Italy, Sweden, Finland, Turkey, Germany and other places besides.

He is perhaps best known as the author of 'The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading', which Derren Brown described as, "The definitive work on the subject". In the past, Ian has been a consultant to Derren Brown, Ben Earl and Uri Geller for their respective TV shows. The lecture will include Ian’s signature routine, 'Thetalia', in which he apparently deals winning poker hands from a borrowed deck that is first thoroughly shuffled by a spectator.

Doors Open 7.30pm, Lecture 8pm, Tuesday 16th April. Pentacle Club, St Andrew’s Church Centre, Cherry Hinton, Cambridge CB1 3JS. £10 on the door or you can purchase in advance via www.pentacleclub.com. Any questions contact Hugh Newsam: hugh@newsam.name. 13.4.24

The MagicWeek Video Archive. A new magic clip or show every week! This week, Escapologist Bill Shirk on 'Great Escapes', from 1992. See The MagicWeek Video Archive. To see more from The MagicWeek Video Archive Click Here. 13.4.24

Griffin & Jones 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: "Griffin & Jones - The best duo act in the UK" YouTube. 13.4.24

Nikola Arkane - Ulster Society of Magicians Chairman’s Dinner. James Hobart writes: Award winning magician Nikola Arkane has been added to the after dinner cabaret for the Ulster Society of Magicians Chairman’s Dinner on 11th May. Nikola joins the already announced special guests Vice President of The Ulster Society of Magicians, Magical Legend, Fay Presto and President of the British Ring of the International Brotherhood of Magicians, Comedy Conjuror Philip Partridge.

We will be returning to previous successful venue Rockmount Golf Club, Carryduff, Belfast for the Ted Oldham Memorial Lecture at 2.30pm with a break before gathering at 7.30pm for the evening activities. Please reserve your place by sending the names of your guest(s) and any special dietary requirements to Treasurer Paula McIntyre vippykins@icloud.com or 07716 183298. Contact Paula to arrange your preferred method of payment. Final Deadline for payment and booking is 1st May.

Please prepare your group of friends for an evening of fine food, raffle, magic and laughter for the bargain price of just £45.00 (Steak supplement £10). Any questions can be addressed to the Secretary, James Hobart, whose contact details, and other information about the Society can be found on our website www.ulstersocietyofmagicians.com. For those wishing to stay overnight in Belfast 10% off has been arranged at The Ivanhoe Hotel who will also be arranging taxi transfers before and after the event if there is sufficient interest. Please book directly with them and quote the magic dinner when doing so. 13.4.24

Mark Leveridge Podcast April 2024. The very latest 45 minute audio podcast from Mark Leveridge is available for your listening pleasure: Considering the potential impact of ChatGPT on magic content creation. Why most magic competitions do not create a level playing field. When honesty does not always seem to be the best policy. The Brendan Rodrigues Blackpool vlog captures the essence of the convention. Are the days where one magician dominates the general public’s attention now gone?. Jim Sisti reveals how to keep your magic reputation intact. MLM Select routines highlighted. Kids’ show performers need control over their audience before they can entertain. The joy of sharing magic ideas in a trusted group. A practical commercial use for quick eye candy magic. There are two ways to listen to this free 45 minute podcast. You can catch it either from www.markleveridge.co.uk/podcast-archive, or from www.markleveridge.podbean.com where you can also sign up to be a follower and receive each new release automatically. Mark Leveridge's recent "Leveridge Legerdemain" lecture presented to The Bristol Society of Magic on April 10th is reviewed by Paul Preager this week, Click Here. 13.4.24

London magician and stage manager Jack Vogler is running next Sunday's London Marathon to raise money for theatrical charity Chickenshed. "I have been amazed by all the support I’ve received so far! Anything you can give to help the theatre makers of tomorrow would be truly magical" www.2024tcslondonmarathon.enthuse.com. 13.4.24

Fourth Annual Bath Circle of Magicians Magic Car Boot Sale and Auction, Thursday 18th April. Roger Nicot writes: The Fourth Annual Magic Car Boot Sale and Auction sponsored by the Bath Circle of Magicians. There will be a proverbial plethora of amazing new and gently used items for your purchasing pleasure. Our previous sales were a smashing success! Don't miss out on amazing deals. We hope to see you there! 7.30pm on Thursday April 18th at St Mary's Church Hall, Queen Square, High Street, Saltford, Bristol BS31 3EL. 13.4.24

Chris Congreave's Commercial Close-Up Lecture - Merlin Magical Society, London. John Clayton writes: On Thursday 18th April, the Merlin Magical Society are having a lecture by Chris Congreave entitled Commercial Close-Up. This is a new lecture by Chris. Entry for non-members is just £10.00. Doors open at 7.30pm for an 8pm start, at Little Heath Parish Hall, Thornton Road, Potters Bar, London EN6 1JJ. www.merlinmagicalsociety.com. 13.4.24

Dr Matt Pritchard's Designing Deceptions lecture at the Zodiac Magical Society, London, Thursday 18th April. Donato Capitella writes: On 17th April the Zodiac Magical Society in London will be hosting a talk by Dr Matt Pritchard. Optical illusions have both an aesthetic and scientific appeal as they question our perception of reality. This talk will deconstruct the development process of creating new illusions.

This event will take place on Wednesday, April 17th, at 8pm at our club room located just a five-minute walk from the Northfields Tube station on the Piccadilly Line. There is a charge for visitors, you need to email membership@zodiacmagicalsociety.co.uk to let us know that you are coming. You can follow us on Instagram at @zodiacmagicalsociety for updates. 13.4.24

Quirky Forces by Chris Wardle. 50 sneaky, ingenious, offbeat forcing methods from award-winning originator Chris Wardle. "Chris Wardle has the rare knack of devising very good tricks indeed. His magical inventions are always practical, satisfyingly ingenious and slyly deceptive. Chris's creations rely on a clever force or a way to apply a familiar forcing principle in a new way. In this superb new book, Chris presents a range of his favorite forces and shows how to use them to create intriguing effects that are as baffling as they are fun to watch"' Ian Rowland. "This is an impressive resource that deserves a spot in your library next to the Annemann classic." Nathan Coe Marsh, Genii. Over 200 pages, with over 40 graphics. For more info and to order visit www.alakazam.co.uk. 13.4.24

Chris Wood Lecture - Orpington Magic Society, 27th April. From the organisers: Leading magician Chris Wood presents his lecture for the Orpington Magic Society at 10.30am to 12.30pm on Saturday 27th April at Poverest Coronation Hall, Fordcroft Road, Orpington, Kent BR5 2DA. Tickets £10 on the door - all welcome. 13.4.24

Chris Dugdale was called up to deliver a Keynote Presentation to the Pentagon on Deception on Thursday April 11th. He performed a 20 minute set, a Keynote lecture and a fascinating Q&A, in a top secret conference room in the heart of the Pentagon. 13.4.24

John Kimmons Lecture - Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, 17th April. Sue Oakley writes: On Wednesday 17th April, the Wolverhampton Circle of Magicians, have a lecture from John Kimmons. John, also known as Kimmo, has been a professional comedy magician and ventriloquist since the tender age of 15. In a career spanning over 40 years he has performed to family audiences all over the world and in every conceivable type of venue, from birthday parties in living rooms to cruise ships, theatres and television. In this lecture he will showcase routines that have helped to pay his bills over the years and discuss ways to make your material play to every age range. He’ll also briefly discuss ventriloquism and give some tips and hints on how to introduce a puppet to your act. Lecture starts at 7.45pm and is at our new meeting place, the Jones Road Working Men's Club, Jones Road, Wolverhampton WV10 6JQ. Car park and entrance is on South Street. Visiting magicians welcome for just £5. Contact Sue Oakley for more information sueoakley61@gmail.com. 13.4.24

Phantastic Phenomena! Presented by Chris and Belinda North, Phantastic Phenomena! is the 8th in series of Victorian productions. This atmospheric show is an eclectic mix of illusion, magic and mentalism with a vibrant soundtrack and video clips intertwined with curious tales and unusual phenomena with just a hint of steampunk! Saturday 27th April at 7.30pm at Black Swan Theatre, North Walsham, Norfolk. Book online: www.blackswanpubtheatre.co.uk also see YouTube. 13.4.24

Zen Lecture - Harrogate Society of Magicians, 16th April. Gary Craswell writes: Harrogate Society of Magicians is excited to host a lecture from Zen on Tuesday 16th April at 8pm at Pannal Village Hall, Station Road, Pannal, Harrogate HG3 1JJ. Zen is a magic entertainer specialising in mentalism through reading non verbal communication. Zen has used 18 years of research in the skills used in various fields including work from the 1960s CIA remote viewing program, micro facial expression reading, body language and neuro-linguistic programming techniques to give the audience demonstrations in how he can communicate to individuals at a much deeper level than most. The training provided during the evening isn’t about learning the latest gimmick or sleight of hand skills.

This is a night to help you become a better communicator and create more empathy with others. But also to help you in situations where you (or others) might struggle with mental health and how you can better support yourself. Zen will talk openly about his first hand experience in these situations but also his own challenges and experiences in life too. Visiting magicians £10 on the door, or £5 from affiliated clubs. 13.4.24

Aberdeen Magical Society will hold an Open Night on April 23rd, and write: Aberdeen Magical Society will hold an open night at 8pm on Tuesday, April 23rd at The Sportsman’s Club on Queen’s Road, allowing those interested in joining the chance to meet members and learn more about the society. Attendance is free and open to anyone aged 18+ with an interest in magic – from complete beginners to passionate amateurs to skilled professionals. Attendees can register here: www.wegottickets.com.

"Justin Willman Reveals the Real Trick Behind His Chart-Topping Netflix Series ‘The Magic Prank Show’" Click Here • "Brave Cambuslang magician faced fears to abseil 100ft in fundraiser for spina bifida charity SBH Scotland" Click Here • "'Piff the Magic Dragon' comes to Greenville" Click Here • "Magician Mat Franco teams up The Animal Foundation for upcoming donation drive" Click Here • "Magician will bring Harry Houdini to life at Harrisburg mansion" Click Here • That's it for another week. Your UK magic news and reviews always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 13.4.24

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