Number 215 - 7th August 2004

The line up for the 9th British Close Up Magic Symposium which takes place at Bath University on Sunday 10th April 2005 is starting to take shape. This year there will be four top lectures from Richard Sanders, Canada (photo), David Stone, France, Boris Wild, France and Mark Leveridge, UK, as well as two close-up gala shows. Established in 1989, the Symposium has always delivered an unrivalled combination of top quality close-up artistes performing in excellent viewing conditions all staged with a 'theatrical' atmosphere; and next year's event looks set to once again provide excellent value for close-up enthusiasts. Sales of the numbered seats will begin on Monday 9th August from www.markleveridge.co.uk where you can either pay in full or use their Ticket Deposit System which enables you to guarantee your seat for a £20 deposit (with the balance being payable in March 2005). Numbers are limited to 100, and the event is normally sold out. Visit www.markleveridge.co.uk right now! 7.8.04

Nick Einhorn can be seen every week on The Dan and Dusty Show a new series for ITV1. Described as a "David Letterman style entertainment, featuring Dan and Dusty, a singing duo from the 1960s attempting to make a come-back!" During the 13 week run guests include Uri Geller and Paul Daniels. The first in the series is at 12.05am on Friday August 13th. The show is expected to develop a strong cult following. 7.8.04

Mark Parker's latest illusion 180 is currently being produced in the States by Bill Smith's Magic Ventures. First of all your assistant enters the box, blades divide it, diagonally, into two (hands still visible), the top section slides up and over the lower section and is then lowered down... a rack of spikes is pushed through the whole lot... and finally the front doors are opened to reveal that your assistant has vanished (and who can blame her!). Sounds like another ingenious piece of illusion design from Mark Parker. For more information, together, with additional illustrations email markparker1@mac.com. 7.8.04

Congratulations to MagicTricks.co.uk who celebrate their fifth anniversary this month. Since their launch in 1999 they've grown rapidly to become the largest Internet magic dealer in the UK. They've progressed from a home based business, to their first warehouse, to even larger premises now, in Headcorn, Kent. To celebrate their fifth anniversary they are running a promotion - five lucky customers, who place an order during August, will receive a £50 credit on their account. The winners will be announced at the start of September. MagicTricks.co.uk were the first company to take out advertising on MagicWeek.co.uk ("he who dares" and all that...) so we're delighted that they are doing so well. Here's to the next five years and more. 7.8.04

The Cyprus Magic Convention 2004 nears. This is the first time that a magic convention has been staged on the beautiful island of Cyprus making it the ideal opportunity to combine magic with a holiday. Already a number of top performers have been confirmed, including Guest of Honour Past President The Magic Circle David Berglas, together with Banachek, Tommy Wonder, Fl!p, Charles Gauci, Nicholas Einhorn, Alfonso Rios and Thomas Baxter. The five star St. Raphael Resort Hotel looks like it will be the perfect convention venue and the dates are November 3rd - 7th, 2004. For more information visit: www.cyprus-convention.com. 7.8.04

Box Jumpers is being repeated on Radio 4 on Wednesday 18th and Thursday 19th August. Debbie McGee delves into the world of one of the most glamorous professions - the magician's assistant. 7.8.04

Magic-Auction.co.uk  is now live: "Simply register online and you will be able to put items up for auction and make bids straight away. And there's no commission either; Magic Auction simply connects buyers and sellers. The facility to 'Dutch' auction multiple identical items is also available and magic dealers are welcome to clear old stock." Visit: www.magic-auction.co.uk. 7.8.04

Hooties Bar in Mallorca, run by magician Andy Charlton, is at times more like a magic club. Last week Barry Stevenson, who is now retired and lives on the island, popped in and Scottish magician Eddie McColl was also in the Bar. Together they entertained customers and had a magic night. If you're heading out to Mallorca this summer be sure to visit Hooties! www.andyandjeansbigadventure.com. 7.8.04

James Fortune lectures for The Magicians of Basingstoke at 8pm on October 26th at Kempshot Village Hall, Stratton Park, Pack Lane, Basingstoke RG22. There is a £5 door charge for non-members. 7.8.04

Registrations are being snapped up for KidologyUK, the only one day convention specifically aimed at children's entertainers. Four new lectures are planned, covering all of children's entertaining from marketing to making kids laugh, there will be two workshop sessions and six specialist children's dealers. The registration, including a buffet lunch, is £25.00 and the date is Monday 6th September. No registrations will be available on the day. For more information contact joint organisers Albion Magic or Practical Magic. 7.8.04

Viewers in Wales will be able to see Mr Mansfield, Tommy and Me at 9.45pm on Wednesday 11th August on BBC 2W (Digital). A 5 minute short that presents a tribute to Tommy Cooper, and to one of his greatest fans, Mr Mansfield. TV Magic. 7.8.04

Russell Hall of Magick Enterprises presents his Magic with Magnets lecture at Bolton Magician's Club, The Cotton Tree, Prince Street, Bolton on Wednesday 11th August at 8.30pm. Visiting magicians from other societies are most welcome (there will be an entrance fee of £3 for non members). For further information visit www.bolton-magic.co.uk or telephone Jim Hodgkiss on 01204 522651. 7.8.04

Magician, 93, To Drive Downtown Blindfolded Click Here • First magic shop opens in west China, Click Here • Ghost train that's a work of art, Click Here and Click Here • Edinburgh 2004: two men and their magic cocktail, Click Here and Click Here • Police arrest magician over stealing from youngsters, Click Here • The 67th Abbott Magic Get-Together is in full swing, Click Here and Click Here • That's it for this week. Thanks to everyone who sends in news (and to everyone else who reads it!), see you next week, Duncan. 7.8.04

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