Spot the star... never one to miss a photo opportunity close-up magician Mike Fairall is seen here with Ali G, who performed 20 minutes stand-up at a private party in London last week. "Easy now." 8.9.01

A single page from more than 1,300 in The Digital Pentagram CD Rom, an incredible disc full of magic! To read the review Click Here 8.9.01

David Blaine was strongly criticized in the press last week following his "weird" appearance on GMTV but one fan was more than happy. Ten year old Naphtali Simpson, whose mother was also appearing on the show, handed Blaine a 10p coin backstage who instantly turned it into a £50 note and handed it back for a then delighted Naphtali to keep. 8.9.01

Magic is more popular than ever before, and MagicWeek advertisers MagicTricks.co.uk are launching their own range of magic tricks to meet the increasing demand. "The popularity of the Harry Potter books and street magicians such as David Blaine and the UK’s Paul Zenon have all helped to generate a great deal of new interest in magic" said Carl Fraser, owner of MagicTricks.co.uk "Initially we're launching two magic sets and have plans for more products in the near future. The sets have been aimed specifically at novice magicians and most of the tricks can be performed with little or no practise." MagicTricks.co.uk was launched in August 1999 after Mr.Fraser saw a magic programme on TV. From an initial £400 investment, the site has grown to a projected turnover of £300,000 for this year, and is in the process of moving to larger premises in Ashford, Kent. 8.9.01

The Circus Space present the 4th London Juggling Convention on Saturday and Sunday, October 6th and 7th. There are limited places, telephone: 020 7729 9522 for details. 8.9.01

Marc Salem, following on from the success of his Edinburgh Show, opens in London for 3 weeks on Monday October 8th to Sunday 28th. At The Hampstead Theatre, Box Office telephone: 020 7722 9301 (Monday to Saturday 10am to 7.30pm). Hampstead Theatre, 98 Avenue Road, Swiss Cottage, London NW3 3EX Theatre's Website (Thanks to Martin Duffy for the news). 8.9.01

Paul Daniels continues his nationwide tour An Audience with Paul Daniels and tonight is at The Pavilion, Llandrindod Wells. see What's on for more dates. 8.9.01

On Friday October 12th & Saturday October 13th at 7.30pm, Chris Bowyer along with The Phyllis Davies School of Dancing with be presenting a night of magic and illusion, Dreams, a new show for 2001. Each routine is based on a dream that Chris has had, choreography by Kathryn Mather. At the Bispham High School, Blackpool. Tickets: £2 each. More information on: 07855 632387 or email illusion16@hotmail.com 8.9.01

Back in May, The Stage announced that Yorkshire Television had been commissioned by ITV2 to make a new talent show, Starmaker, to be screened from September 2001. A full page advert asked for performers, including magicians, to send in their details. If MagicWeek readers who applied have wondered why they've had no response it's because the show has been cancelled. No doubt if it had been a fly on the wall documentary we'd all be watching it by now! 8.9.01

The Doncaster Magic Convention takes place on October 7th with Dealers, Lectures, Mark Mason, Peter Robertson and Mike Wefton. Plus a cabaret competition. Registration £6. SAE and payment to: J Turner, 73 Maple Road, Mexborough, Doncaster S64 9SF Telephone for more information 01709 328014. 8.9.01

Jim Steinmeyer is the celebrity guest on the KJmagic Board right now. To visit the site, post questions and read answers Click Here 8.9.01

Today Luke Jermay presents his brand new lecture Walls and Bridges from 4.30pm to 6.30pm at the City of York Pub, 22-23 High Holborn, London. Tickets are £5 each from International Magic 0207 405 7324. • That 'instant classic' When Louis Met Paul and Debbie is being repeated on Sunday evening at 9pm on BBC2 • If you are heading off to the British Ring Convention this week have fun, I just heard the Wayne Dobson is doing a full 45 minutes on the Thursday evening after the Shield Competition, and a lecture in the afternoon, and best of luck to Alex Lodge in the Competition • That's it - let MagicWeek know what's happening, see you next week, (Seinfeld is back on Monday nights!) Duncan. 8.9.01

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