Number 88 - 2nd March 2002
What a great convention the 50th Blackpool Magicians' Club Convention was.
I think what made it such a success this year was the sheer volume of people
and the general "buzz" that surrounded the whole event, combined with some
of the world's finest magicians of course. There truly was something for
everyone, from the intricacies of Lennart Green's close-up to the
inventiveness of Peter Marvey's illusions. My top three? McBride, Nielsen
and Pasquale, all three in tip-top form.
Here are the competition results:
British Magical Grand Prix Champion: David Penn
British Magical Close-up Grand Prix Champion: Etienne Pradier.
British Magical Champion of Illusion: David Penn
British Magical Champion of Comedy: The Great Nardini
British Magical Champion of General Magic: Hezi Dean
United Kingdom Children's Entertainer of the Year: Ron Popple
Many congratulations to them all, and to organisers Ian Ogilvy and Derek Lever, together with "the team" that included just about every member of the Club. They are working on next year already! To read a "personal highlights" overview by Matthew Blackwell Click Here (Thanks to Matthew, and to John Derris for the photos). 2.3.02
Paul Daniels
is the featured magician in this month's
Magic Profile seen here in a
poster advertising a live appearance at the Maison Royale in
Bournemouth back in 1975 with a prophetic quote from David Nixon
"definitely destined for super stardom." The TV show "For My Next
Trick" had just finished transmission and it was indeed a turning point in
Paul's career. Also look out
for Paul Daniels on BBC2's Shooting Stars at
9.30pm on Monday 4th March as Vic and Bob
make him "get in the box!"
2.3.02
Jonathan Royle
(formerly known as Alex-Leroy) has just returned from Amsterdam after
filming a new six part TV Series and one-hour TV Special. Produced by
Mudlark Films Ltd of Bray Studios (Hammer Horror) the show is entitled
"Life In The Bus Lane!!" and features Royle on the Streets of Amsterdam
and in other unusual locations amazing and amusing with his magical
skills, stand up comedy, mind-reading feats, and hypnotic talents. There
is also a "Pranks" section in which Royle entices members of the public to
take part in "Psychic Tree Slapping," "Belly Button Reading," "Dog's Paw
Reading" and other bizarre stunts. The shows are currently being edited, a
worldwide distribution deal is about to be signed, and they should be on
our TV screens towards the end of this year.
2.3.02
News in from
Paul Gordon: On Thursday 21st February, The Sussex Magic Circle hosted
its own Golden Jubilee Celebration (in Lewes, East Sussex) celebrating
their first 50 years, 1952 - 2002. Old friends and members were reunited
and some performed including Peter Scarlett, Peter Steadman, Martyn Long,
Arthur Cook and organiser/compere - Mark Worgan. Their guest of honour was
David Berglas (accompanied by his charming wife, Ruth) who was the
president from 1955-1963. David kindly gave a talk and presented some
excellent magic as well (photo: David Berglas with current president Paul
Gordon). The evening was full of reminiscences and a chance to peruse the
extensive memorabilia, collated by Alison Worgan. Catering was arranged my
member Dave Gingell and friends. Cynthia Neptune travelled from Newcastle
and then travelled back up to Blackpool - how's that for friendship &
dedication! Over 80 guests had a wonderful time - here's to 2052! Visit:
www.thesussexmagiccircle.co.uk 2.3.02
On the 23rd
April 2002 the
British Magical Society will present An Evening with Michael
Vincent. The name Michael Vincent goes hand in hand with technical
and artistic excellence in the field of magic. Over the last ten years
Michael has earned an enviable reputation for being one of the UK's top
corporate magicians. He has performed for many celebrities: Sidney Poitier, Dame Vera Lynn, Bob
Monkhouse, Michael Jackson, Muhammad Ali and HRH Prince Charles. A true master
of close-up amgic. Evening details: To be held at The British Magical Society
Headquarters, Selly Oak Ex-Servicemen's Club, Selly Oak, Birmingham B29
7DL. Non Members £5.00 For more information contact The BMS President Andy
Kirk on 01562 825231.
2.3.02
Magic Circle
magician Tim Saiet was the main magician for the West Maclaren
Mercedes Team last year, seen here with Pablo Montoya. However he may be
doing some extra work for Williams this year involving going around the
world interviewing the drivers at races, and performing magic at launch
events.
2.3.02
David Lang
has just launched a new Yahoo Group for those specifically
interested in commercial close-up magic. That is, those who perform
regularly for the paying public, full or part time. It is not for
amateurs, hobbyists or beginners. Interested parties should send an email
to:
closeupworkers-subscribe@yahoogroups.com
2.3.02
Congratulations
to Philip Partridge on winning The Order of Magi's annual
cabaret competition last week. This is the third time in a row that Philip
has won performing as the "Camp Comedy Conjuror" and is the only member in
the Club's history (formed 1909) to have made it a hat trick
www.philippartridge.co.uk
2.3.02
The
Magic Circle Annual Supper takes place on April 17th at The
Imperial Hotel, Russell Square, London WC1 (6.30pm for 7.00pm, dress
informal). Dinner, close-up magic and cabaret. Contact Brian Miller
MIMC for tickets at £30.00 each on 01371 870927.
2.3.02
Back by popular demand... plans are underway for the return of the Scottish Close-up and Comedy Magic Convention. In the past this convention has featured: Juan Tamariz, Geoffrey Durham, Bob Read, Peter Kane, Patrick Page, Magic Bob, Gordon Bruce and many other magic 'names.' The plan is to hold this year's convention in October. All interested parties, dealers, and performers should email paulbrignall@ukscreen.com for more information. The convention will be held in Edinburgh. 2.3.02
Martin Breese handed me
a "hot off the press" Martin Breese Newsletter at the Blackpool
convention last weekend. 16 A4 pages full of news and product information,
including the latest news on their range of interview CD's. The newsletter
is very good and if you'd like a copy then visit Martin
Breese Magic and request one (by email).
2.3.02
Blackpool was in
the news again on Wednesday evening when The Money Programme
looked at the proposed new gambling regulations that would do away with
current restrictive casino legislation. Businessman Marc Etches wants to
build a £130 million Vegas style casino along Blackpool's golden mile...
it would be good for magicians! • I'm trying to locate a Linking Ring
manufacturer based in the UK - if you have any contacts I'd be really grateful if you could email me •
That's it for this week - your magic news and reviews always welcomed, see
you next week, Duncan.
2.3.02