Number
74 - 24th November 2001
In a change to the
published programme Germany's Hans Moretti, one of magic's greatest ever
showmen, has been added to the line-up of top international performers
appearing on the Sunday Night Gala Show at this year's International Magic
Convention. Another addition to the Gala show is Poland's Salvano.
(Vladimir Daniline won't be appearing due to visa restrictions.) Other
artistes on the Gala show include Nicholas Night & Kinga (USA),
Falkenstein & Willard (USA), Yumi (Japan), Derek Scott (Canada), Noel
Britten (UK), Mike Caveney (USA), Daniel Hochsteiner (Germany), David &
Dania (USA), Mr Mysto (USA), and from France Norbert Ferré. A really first
class line-up. Other international stars of magic who will be lecturing or
performing close-up include Bob Kohler (USA), Andy Nyman (UK), Aron Fisher
(USA), John Carney (USA), Alfonso (USA), Paul Wilson (Scotland), and five
of Belgium's finest close-up performers in a special session. The
convention kicks off at 8pm on the Friday (November 30th) evening at the
Thistle Euston Hotel. On Saturday the International Close-up Competition
takes place, with Lectures in the evening. Then on the Sunday from 11.30am
at the Trade Union Congress Centre there's an international dealers
exhibition and close-up sessions and lectures followed by the Gala show
from Her Majesty's Theatre at 7.30pm. Always an excellent convention.
Convention ticket hotline: 020 7405 7324.
IntetnationalMagic.com
24.11.01
I wrote back in issue 58 that
Guy Hollingworth's Once Upon a Time promised to be the magic
trick of the year, well let's make that this year, and next year as well. Once Upon a Time is a real
delight, a magical journey, a fairy tale that comes to life, and
everything that magic should be. Once Upon a Time has just been
released, and MagicWeek has the world's first review
Click Here
24.11.01
Marvin's
Magic
have just launched an exciting new interactive magic shop within
the Toys "R" Us international flagship store in Times Square, New
York. The 110,000 square foot multi-level store will offer families a vast
array of toys and dramatic retail attractions, with distinctive feature
shops such as the new Marvin's Magic section. Marvin Berglas, creator of
Marvin's Magic, says "We are delighted that Toys "R" Us view us as
the world's premiere magic company and have linked up with us to provide a
truly unique magic department." Besides unique products from small Pocket
Tricks to Executive Sets a team of Marvin's magicians will always be on
hand to amaze guests with spell-binding magic for all ages. The
demonstrators have state of the art audio visual equipment to enhance
their presentations, with all sorts of sound effects, and even a unique
interactive 'live' video stream where Marvin Berglas himself can appear to
perform magic and interact with guests from London some 3,000 miles away! Top photo: Marvin Berglas wows
the crowd at the store's launch in Times Square New York. Second photo:
The new interactive Marvin's Magic Shop within the Toys “R” Us
international flagship store in New York.
www.marvinsmagic.com.
24.11.01
The
Twins have just returned from a highly successful casino season in
Portugal, breaking box office records on the way. Aided by 8 dancers the
show ran for a total of 7 months and featured numerous illusions, the
highlight of the show being the sudden appearance of a helicopter. "The
appearing helicopter became the talk of Portugal," said Paul. "As the
helicopter suddenly appears pure amazement flashes across the audiences
faces, it’s truly remarkable!" The two are currently having flying lessons
at Bournemouth International Airport, to gain their private pilots
licensees. "Flying a Robinson R22 is like taking a magic carpet ride!
There is no better way to travel than by helicopter, you can land almost
anywhere" said Gary. "To fly a Helicopter requires an intense level of
concentration but it is so much fun!" added Paul.
www.theillusionists.com.
24.11.01
Last Friday Dominic
Wood, star of children's TV show Animal Magic, appeared on BBC1's
Children in Need charity show. He used the opportunity to float Sandy,
from girl-band All Stars, on an industrial fan. Scott
Penrose and Paul Kieve were brought in to advise and help Dominic create
this spectacle. Dominic can be seen over Christmas in The Magic Circle
Show - see What's On for dates.
24.11.01
Entertainment
Services World-Wide and The Petwood Hotel Present "Masters of the
Impossible - The Story of Magic" with
Labyrinth on
January 19th 2002, with a special "Magical Menu" for an evening full of
surprises. "The evening follows the progression of magic from it’s
earliest beginnings in ancient Egypt through to the most modern
illusionist." At the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincs. Tickets £25.00
each. Telephone The Petwood Hotel for more information and to book on
01526 352411. 24.11.01
Entertainment
Services World-Wide and The Petwood Hotel Present "Licensed to
Thrill!!" with Labyrinth, a themed Dinner experience on March 15th 2002.
"Did you ever dream of being James Bond, Miss Moneypenny, or even the evil
Blofeld?... Well now is your chance. Join us for an evening of glamour,
gadgets, mystery, and fine cuisine as we pay homage to the greatest secret
agent of them all, 007." At the Petwood Hotel, Woodhall Spa, Lincs.
Tickets £28.00 each. Telephone The Petwood Hotel for more information and
to book on 01526 352411. 24.11.01
The enigmatic Uri Geller
was Nick Hancock's chat-show guest on You Only Live Once on Tuesday
evening on BBC 1. When asked "What do you say to skeptics who claim that
everything you do is just a sham?" Uri replied "Bullshit!" Well
you can't say fairer than that! An interesting half hour, that included
some rare Geller footage.
24.11.01
Britain's Guy Barrett
will be performing at the Hansa Theater in Hamburg in December along with
his father Norman Barrett who'll be presenting his famous budgie act.
Sadly this is the Hansa's final month as, after 107 years, it is finally
going to close its doors on December 31st. Probably the most famous
Variety Theatre in Germany, many great magicians performed there over the
years including Siegfried & Roy.
24.11.01
If you still don't have your own website, or
your current site isn't really up to standard, how about having a new one
done in time for Christmas?
Trilltec.com can now register a domain name for you, host the
site on a state-of-the-art server, and custom design it within a matter of
days, with prices starting at just £150!
• The following awards were presented at this year's Magic Circle Banquet
on the 17th: Cecil Lyle Award - Richard Pinner, JN Maskelyne Prize -
Richard Kaufmann, The Carlton Award - John Styles, The Maskelyne - John
Salisse, The Devant Award - John Gaughan, The Devano Trophy - Jon Allen,
from all accounts it was a very enjoyable evening. Dame Norma and ex prime
minister John Major were guests • I'll be presenting an evening at The Magic
Circle on Monday entitled "Invention" that will showcase the work of some
of the UK's sharpest magic thinkers, so look forward to seeing some of you
there (members only - guest magicians by prior arrangement if signed in by
a member, subject to an entrance charge... no one said life was going to
be easy...)
• Here's an essential link for inventors
www.invent.org.uk
and here's a good link if you like hunting down old magic books
www.addall.com/Used/
• Right, that's enough of all this magic stuff, see you next week, Duncan.
24.11.01