Number 228 - 6th November 2004

Channel 4 has signed a two-year 'golden handcuffs' deal with psychological illusionist Derren Brown, which will see him stay with the terrestrial broadcaster until 2007. The deal includes two more series of 'Trick of the Mind' and several specials, similar in style to the controversial 'Russian Roulette' and 'The Seance' series which [achieved] audiences of more than 3 million. Andrew Newman, head of entertainment at Channel 4, said: "Derren is an extraordinary and unique talent and we've seen his performance go from strength to strength since starting at Channel 4. He has made some ground-breaking series and sensational one-offs specials and we are looking forward to pushing the boundaries of the genre even further." To read the full story Click Here. 6.11.04

Alex Elmsley Christmas Lecture and Workshop. Five of Hearts Magic Productions present the first of their 'Signature Magicians' series of lectures and workshops on Saturday, 11th December at their Magic Studio in Lincolnshire. Featuring Alex Elmsley, inventor of The Elmsley Count, Point of Departure, Between Your Palms, Puncture and literally hundreds of other gems of magic. Daytime Workshop: 2pm - 5pm £75.00 per person (includes Christmas buffet and refreshments). Evening Lecture: 7pm - 9pm £25.00 per person (includes mince pies, mulled wine, refreshments and free Lecture Notes). Workshop and lecture together £85.00. Book early for this special one-off magical event as spaces are limited. Telephone Sharron Rose on 01775 840103 or Click Here for more information. Five of Hearts Magic Productions, Tovenaar, 30 Lowgate, Gosberton, Spalding, Lincolnshire PE11 4NL. Email ColinRoseMIMC@aol.com. Website www.colinrosemimc.co.uk. 6.11.04

Magic in North Norfolk this Christmas. Roy Davenport, a descendant of the House of Davenport, internationally renowned makers of magic and publishers since 1898, together with his family live in North Norfolk. Both Roy and the Davenport company have a long term project in mind to create a new tourist attraction for the area - a museum of magic which will feature amongst other things many artefacts collected over a hundred years. Part of the realisation of this dream is the production of a series of annual shows, profits of which are intended to go towards the creation of what will be an exciting new tourism and leisure facility.

The last two weeks of 2004 will see a unique opportunity to witness first hand some very special magic at the Auden Theatre in Holt when 'Davenport's Christmas Wonder Show' is presented. Roy Davenport has assembled a formidable show which will include comedy magician Mark Shortland, a mind boggling black art act of a type rarely seen today, Papillon and truly amazing feats of juggling by Alexander Koplin, a visiting artist from Germany. Added to this, highly acclaimed entertainer and magician Paul Henri will be compering the show while North Norfolk's Michele Summers will be adding her own special talents to the proceedings. The production will also include dancers and a six piece orchestra. A magnificent backdrop to all this is being created by Ian Westbrook at 3D Creations. And last, but certainly not least, Roy Davenport himself of course will be performing... and we're told he has a few surprises up his sleeve! For Booking details see What's On (19th December - 1st January) or Click Here. 6.11.04

Details of the two Gala Shows at Seaside Sorcery on November 13th and 14th at the Horseshoe Showbar, Pleasure Beach, South Shore, Blackpool, have just been released. Saturday 13th features Zyllan, Alec Powell, Brian Sefton, Patrick Page, The Trickstars and Duncan Trillo with Pat Page compering and Sunday 14th features Reflections, Alan Pheonix & Louise, Derek Lever, Christian, Andrew Green and Salvano (photo) with Derek Lever compering. During the day there are competitions, the Salvano Lecture and mini-lectures. It looks like being an excellent weekend. Full details on www.blackpoolmagic.com. 6.11.04

MAGIC - Programme Four: Disappearances is on tonight at 8pm on BBC 2. How magic appropriates science, and the art of disappearance. Magic has always had a special relationship with science. From Victorian demonstrations of "Pepper's Ghost" at London's Royal Polytechnic, where a ghost would apparently walk onstage with live actors, to the Proteus Cabinet, a revolutionary vanishing illusion which was the first to ever use mirrors, through early filmmaking special effects to modern television camera trickery - all been applied to the magician's favourite illusion – making things appear and disappear. This programme features some of the most impressive illusions ever, culminating with Franz Harary's very latest, as he attempts to vanish London's Tower Bridge (hope he puts it back). 6.11.04

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Carney's On Palming is reviewed today. From the DVDs case: "Many of the most powerful effects in card magic require the palming of a playing card. Yet nothing else strikes fear in the heart of the uninitiated as much as this prospect. The fear itself is the single greatest obstacle to effective palming. Fear not, for John Carney is acknowledged as one of the finest sleight of hand artists and teachers in the world. In this instructional DVD he gives you practical tips and effective techniques for stealing, concealing and controlling playing cards. This information is indispensable to students of pure and amazing card magic." To read the review, Click Here. 6.11.04

Franklin - The Paranormalist appears at the Shire Hall Theater, Howden, Goole, East Yorkshire tonight, Saturday 6th November, at 7.30pm. "Franklin - The Paranormalist invites you on a journey to the centre of the mind. Join Franklin on an exciting trip into the unknown and experience an evening out of this world." Tickets: £8.00 on the night, everyone's welcome. 6.11.04

The North Wales Magic Circle once again stage their annual Magical Extravaganza, this time as a Christmas Show, on 10th December at 7pm at The Little Theatre, Rhyl. Starring: Dave Baker, Frank Davenport, Paul Edwards, Paul Ingram, Magico and IBM British Shield Winners Safire Illusionists. The evening is presented by the North Wales Magic Circle's magical host and compere Noel Massey and is ideal for all the family. Tickets are available on the night priced at £3.00 each or £10.00 for a family ticket (4). 6.11.04

The Jumbo Magic Auction on Friday 12th November at 7pm at the Savoy Hotel, Queens Promenade, Blackpool promises to be a late night affair as hundreds of items have already been submitted including a Zig Zag and a Dolls House Illusion. Auctioneers Derek Lever, Mike Shepherd and Steve Eastham are taking their pyjamas just in case! Contact Derek Lever deriko@skynow.net for more details. 6.11.04

David Penn performed his illusion show last week at the Lowry Theatre in Manchester for the launch of the new Landrover Discovery. David was the final act in a full evening of entertainment hosted by the Hillendale Dealership. The show culminated in a production of the new Landrover Discovery. www.davidpenn.co.uk. 6.11.04

Freddie Wilkinson was invited to do a show for Northamptonshire Council on the theme of "The Magic of Recycling" last week and is seen here with Earl Spencer at the Earl Spencer School, Northampton. During the show Earl Spencer helped with an egg routine and after the show asked for Freddie's details for a possible Christmas booking. Photo: James Corbett. 6.11.04

The Save the Children Charity Magic Show mentioned a couple of weeks ago takes place this Tuesday, 9th November at Lock 17, Camden, London (home to Jongleurs). The evening features mostly members of the Watford Association of Magicians in a full close-up show starring Paul Meagram, Darren King, Graham Mitchell, Mandy Davis, Paul Smith, Mark Foot (and possibly Michael Vincent and Mandy Farrell) and a stand-up show starring Terry Seabrooke, Martin Cox and Andy Clockwise. Venue: Lock 17 (where Jongleurs is held), Middle Yard, Camden Lock, Chalk Farm Road, London NW1 8AB. For full directions, details on parking and how to get there by train visit www.ticketweb.co.uk and select Lock 17. Doors open 6.30pm, show starts 7.30pm ends 10.30pm. Price: £20, with all proceeds going to Save the Children. Food and drink: Available for purchase at the venue. Over 18's Only. For online ticket sales visit www.ticketweb.co.uk then select Lock 17 from the venue list. You'll then see the event name "Magic at the Lock", select this and book your tickets. There's a small booking fee. Or telephone 08700 600 100 and ask for the "Magic at the Lock" held at Lock 17. There's also a small booking fee. Or book direct from Ian Meiers: 07786 925261. 6.11.04

Julie Carpenter wins in Watford. For the first time in the almost 60 year history of Watford Association of Magicians the winner of its Gil Leaney Stage/Cabaret Competition is a woman. Julie Carpenter scooped the trophy on Tuesday night with a trip back in time - she dressed as a US Nursing Officer from WWII to perform an original act involving jitterbugging, fuses, bombs and the bridge over the River Kwai! Second place in the competition went to Magic Dave (Allen) and third place to Ian Manly. 6.11.04

Al Koran's Professional Presentations by Hugh Miller. This is the first of many re-releases by Martin Breese offering books previously published by Harry Stanley. Al Koran's Professional Presentations is a magical classic and was first published in 1967 by Harry Stanley at the Unique Magic Studio. The original publication was marred by poor photographic reproduction so this new edition from Martin Breese has illustrations by Paul Griffin based on the original photographs. Hugh Miller has contributed a fascinating and lengthy introduction which explains a great deal about the background of this book which is a 'must' for every performer's library. "Each effect is a stunner and the original Koran Medallion and many other, now classic effects, are explained in detail." £25.00. Available in 10 days from Martin Breese www.martinbreese.com. 6.11.04

Alakazam.co.uk are about to release Marc Spelmann - The DVD Collection, featuring The Unknown, The Stranger, The Acquaintance and The Initiated. "I managed to finally get Marc to release some of his treasured routines for the magic community and I have to say that as a magic dealer I cannot remember a book or DVD set with so many real world routines. Marc has delivered material that knocked everyone out at the filming." said Peter Nardi of Alakazam. "Marc Spelmann is one of those unusual characters that come along once in a generation who knows how to create an idea in such a way as to create a stunning performance piece of mentalism. He also knows that presentation is everything." Banachek. For more information and to pre-order visit www.alakazam.co.uk. 6.11.04

Helen Held (the girl no man can hold) has a new website... Now Eddie Izzard used to perform an escape act (on a unicycle as it happens) but not in full "get up" so Helen's really is a first. Visit: www.devilishdeeds.co.uk "Helen Held is, as far as we know, the North's only performing drag escapologist. She initially discovered her passion for taking on escape challenges by challenging friends to tie her up in ways she couldn't escape from (none could). An off-duty policeman friend introduced her to the principles of handcuffs and the tricks employed in their application, and her studies blossomed from there onwards." 6.11.04

Russell Brown has just won the Leisure Parcs Entertainer of the Year award for his performances at the Hornpipe Galley, Blackpool Tower. The award can go to any of the entertainers in the three pier shows, the Winter Gardens, or the Tower. "The glittering awards ceremony of the 2004 Leisure Parcs Entertainment Awards was held in the stunning surroundings of the Empress Ballroom, Winter Gardens. Attending the event were stars of the shows, promoters, directors and a full list of VIP guests." www.russellbrown-magician.co.uk 6.11.04

Magician Paul Craven (pictured here baffling Rory Bremner) will be pounding the streets of New York in aid of children's charity Barnardo's on Sunday, 7th November. It will be his second marathon of 2004, having previously run the London Marathon in April on behalf of Children with Leukaemia when Paul received generous support from friends, family and magicians including Paul Daniels and Ian Rowland. Magicians wishing to sponsor Paul for charity in his New York endeavour can do so via www.justgiving.com/paulcraven. Paul notes: "even the smallest donation can make a real difference, and it takes just a couple of minutes to do via this website - also feel free to leave a humorous comment. Your generosity and kindness will hopefully diminish the pain of 26 miles of running, especially relevant in view of a recently torn hamstring..." Best of luck. 6.11.04

PlanetMagie.com - Frederic Denis emailed us and asked if we'd mention their French website, which we are happy to do: www.planetmagie.com • The Secret World of Magic mentioned two weeks ago will now start in April 2005, and not January, as reported • Dale Shrimpton emails: "I desperately need to find out any information on the Star Magical company, which was run by Tubby Allinson. I have a rising card of his, which I plan to perform in December. Whilst I can still do the effect, a little background to the company would be very handy. I can find no information on line." Email Dale.Shrimpton@ca.com if you can help • What's on this week? Eyes Lies & Illusions, Mystique, Joe Pasquale, Safire, Escape from the Asylum, The 2004 Ipswich Magical Society Convention, Mark Leveridge lecture and dealer dem, Jus' Like That!, Charity Magic Show, Hal Jarvis lecture, Two of a Kind, Seaside Sorcery... See What's On! • "A Mexican mix" Click Here • "Magic Shop Burns On Halloween" Click Here • 16 year old Liam Gilbert will be performing for the second year running at Longhirst Hall, Morpeth, over the Christmas season. The evenings promise to be truly magical and are very nearly sold out. For booking information contact Longhirst Hall on 01670 791348 • "Darren Romeo Wins Magician Award" Click Here • "No way to chill out" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed, that's it, see you next week, Duncan. 6.11.04

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