Number 201 - 1st May 2004

 

The British Magical Society have just announced that they will be holding a special one day magic convention to celebrate their centenary on Saturday, 5th February, 2005, exactly 100 years to the day from their inception. The convention will feature four lectures, a close-up gala, an informal meal and a gala stage show. The venue is the recently refurbished Sutton Coldfield Town Hall in Birmingham - we'll bring your more information nearer the time. The British Magical Society is even older than The Magic Circle and is one of the best loved societies in the UK presenting a solid schedule of events each year. New members are always welcomed and membership details can be found on their website: www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk. 1.5.04

 

International News: MAGIC magazine in the States is once again gearing up to stage its own magic convention. The first one in 2001, to mark the magazine's 10th anniversary, attracted registrants from all over the world. MagicWeek can't say who they've lined up this time (because we haven't got a clue!) but here are some of the names from last time around: Michael Ammar, David Blaine, Dan & Dave Buck, Lance Burton, Mike Caveney, David Charvet, Michael Close, Dana Daniels, Michael Diliberto, Michael Finny, Joseph Gabriel, Paul Gertner, Tim Glancy, Glen David Gold, Charles Greene III, Jeff Hobson, Guy Hollingworth, Alan Howard, Joshua Jay, Rory Johnston, David "Silly Billy" Kaye, Richard Kaufman, Mac King, Rune Klan, Mark Kornhauser, Chad Long, Bill Malone, Max Maven, Jeff McBride, Bill McIlhany, Billy McComb, John Moehring, Nicholas Night, Earle Oakes, Gary Ouellet, The Pendragons, Marc Phillips, Channing Pollock, Gaston Quieto, Jon Racherbaumer, Eberhard Riese, Apollo Robbins, Bob Sheets, Jim Steinmeyer, Marc Summers, Topas and Gregory Wilson. Register now and you'll be put into a monthly draw to win Vegas show tickets and also be guaranted a place. Vist www.magicmagazine.com/live for more information. 1.5.04

 

Gazzo lectures across the UK throughout May. If you can only attend one lecture this year (as they say) make sure it's this one! There are just a handful of real street performers out there and Gazzo, who hails from the UK, is one of them. See What's On for dates. 1.5.04

 

Illusionist Russ Stevens is back in the UK (on and off) for the next few weeks. Tomorrow he flies out to Monte Carlo for a special performance of his illusion show at a private birthday party at Le Meridien Hotel. Then he joins the QE2 in four weeks, followed by a contract for Celebrity aboard the stunning 91,000 ton Constellation where he'll present his full show. 1.5.04

 

The Liverpool Magic Circle are holding a Total Dealer Day on 20th June at Birchley St Mary's Parochial Club, Trent Road, Billinge, Wigan from 10am to 4pm. Exhibiting: Stephen Tucker, Wild Jacks, Jeani Magic, Keith Bennet, Albion Magic, Merlins, PH Marketing, Castle Magic, Master & Mystery, Spellbound Magic, Magic 4 you 2 C. The day also features "Magic at the Table" which will encourage visitors to perform some magic (so don't forget your cards) with Paul Ingram starting the proceedings. Entry is £2 and includes entry into a 25 prize raffle. More information on www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk. 1.5.04

 

Television Variety Stars. For the third year running Andrew Van Buren and his full company joined the cast of Coronation Street for a star studded variety spectacular at the Manchester Opera House on 18th April. Over twenty Street Stars performed their own secret skills which included comedy, singing, music dance & sketches! Van Buren's illusion act included the magical centre-stage appearance of William Roache (Ken Barlow). During the second half of the show Van Buren made a return appearance with his juggling and plate spinning act, backed by the David Windle orchestra. More information on: www.vanburen.org.uk. 1.5.04

 

Congratulations to James Nichols (a.k.a The Wandering Magician) on becoming the Close-up Champion of Southern England at last Sunday's Basingstoke Festival of Magic. 1.5.04

 

Paul Gordon's card work can currently be seen on Showtime Arabia Television. Over 60 sequences were shot to be used to promote Arabia's TV and Movie schedules: www.showtimearabia.com. Paul's added some new products to his website from Martin Breese, Peter Duffie and Roger Crosthwaite, Click Here. 1.5.04

 

Anthony Pearson reviews Late Night Magic at the Jerymn Street Theatre this week, Click Here and for more information, Click Here. The shows run every Friday and Saturday evening until June 12th. The evening includes a three course meal in the Getti restaurant above the theatre, with close-up magic at the tables. 1.5.04

 

Blackpool's Mystique Show opens on Friday, May 7th. From their website: "Enter the bizarre world of cabaret, comedy and illusion starring master magician Richard De Vere, hosted by a hilarious comedian Phil Walker and featuring canine superstar Schnorbitz, supported by a cast of stunning dancers and amazing singers. Book your seats for Mystique and interact with the world of magic, illusion, mystery, comedy, song and dance." For bookings: Click Here. 1.5.04

 

"Derren Brown is a 'mind control' illusionist, whose chess ineptitude he himself describes with a rude word. Yet he was able to take on nine strong players, including two grandmasters, in a simultaneous exhibition on Britain's Channel 4, and actually win the match." Writes Morgan Daniels in ChessBase News, Click Here • "Vicar in David Blaine stunt for Church Appeal. A Rector from a village near Bath has found a novel way to inspire his congregation - by dangling above the pulpit. The Rev Nigel Done, of Norton St Philip, is to be suspended in a David Blaine-style Perspex box inside his church to raise money for much-needed renovations." Writes Rachel Pegg in The Bath Chronical, Click HereSinger/Magician Danny Davis together with partner Maxine Santanna are among 14 contestants battling it out to win a Spanish farmhouse in a new reality TV show, Click Here • "Real disappearing act as thieves strike." Click Here • That's it for this week. Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 1.5.04

 

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