Number 273 - 17th September 2005
Stuart
and Jayne Loughland aka Safire Illusionists have been asked by
Joe Pasquale to appear in Rentaghost, a musical he has written the script
for based on the old BBC TV series, that will be touring UK theatres next year.
Even though Joe is not appearing in it himself he still is heavily
involved with the production and direction and sings the original
Rentaghost theme tune for the show. Stuart and Jayne appear in the
production, were magic consultants to it, and have also created special
UV puppets for the show. Overall the production features comedy, an
original score, puppetry and mind blowing effects - suitable for all of
the family.
www.rentaghostthemusical.com. Touring Dates and Box Office numbers soon. 17.9.05
The
Big Book of Magic Fun by Ian Keable came through the letter
box with a thump last week! Aimed directly at beginners in the 8-13 age group
(I would
imagine) the book, featuring over 300 photos spread over 192 pages, is
essentially divided into three sections: "The Story of Magic" (which
includes a number of rare photos) "The Secrets of Tricks" (essential
beginners tricks) and finally "Sleight of Hand" (acting as an introduction
to basic sleight of hand magic). Ian Keable's done a great job here, combining
beginners "classics" with a look at the history of magic,
together with some solid
performance advice. "Containing over 40 tricks and sleights of hand, this
is a must-have book for all budding magicians. Young magicians feature in
the book, providing models that the reader can relate to. Close-up
photography and 'hidden views' of the tricks give clear instructions as to
how the tricks are performed. There are also individual chapters on the
dramatic history of magic, including sections on close-up magic, comedy
magic, dangerous magic, mind magic and silent magic. With fascinating
anecdotes about some of the world's greatest magicians - from Harry
Houdini to David Blaine - this book is an essential introduction to the
mysterious world of magic." To order from Amazon.co.uk, with 30% off,
Click Here. 17.9.05
Zemanovaload
starring Andy Nyman is now available for rental from all the usual outlets
and will be available for purchase in January. Andy plays Bruce Robenitz -
a hideous shark of a US movie producer (perfect!)
www.zemanovaload.com. Andy is about to start shooting a new movie
called 'Are you ready for Love' in and around
London for the next 6 weeks - unfortunately this means that he has had to
postpone his Magic Circle lecture, scheduled for September 26th.
www.andynyman.com. 17.9.05
"Ducking
awful! Built up as the must see play of the year, reuniting Kenneth
Branagh and David Pugh, the same two comedians who wrote and directed
The Play Wot I Worte, Ducktastic has been splashed over all newspapers
and bill boards for weeks. And after the official world premiere
performance on Thursday 8 September at Newcastle’s Theatre Royal, now I
know why. This play needs all the publicity it can get, for it certainly
won’t be selling tickets through word of mouth." To read the full review
in n-e-life.com by Lesley Tudor
Click Here. 17.9.05
Match
- An alternative routine for the Charles Gaucci effect "Diabolical" has
just been released by Wayne Dobson, with thanks to Mark Mason. "Ten cards
are spread face down on a table and attention is drawn to a simple wallet
with a cut-out oval revealing the back of a single prediction card. A
spectator points to any card which is immediately placed next to the
prediction card in the wallet... they match! All the other cards are then
reversed... and they're all blank!" You'll be performing this one within
30 seconds! Visit
www.waynedobson.co.uk. 17.9.05
Harry
Robson will present his lecture 'Harry Robson Experiences' at Bolton
Magicians' Club on Wednesday 21st September at the Cotton Tree, Prince
Street, Bolton (Map)
at 8.30 pm. Harry reportedly astounded the members of the club on his last visit with
'Close-up and Cabaret in the Trenches' so they are looking forward to his
latest offering. Visiting magicians from other societies are welcome
(entrance fee £3.00). For more information visit
www.bolton-magic.co.uk or telephone Jim Hodgkiss 01204 522651. 17.9.05
Gee
whiz! G4 are seen here with magic wizard David Penn. Last week David
entertained over 1,000 VIPs and celebrities at the prestigious "Red Carpet
Bash" at London's Grosvenor House Hotel.
David amazed the crowd with his large scale illusion show sharing the
stage with G4 and super smooth soul man Alexander O' Neal. The
entertainment was organized by Zap who headed a team of close-up magicians
that included Chris Priest, Jez, Richard McDougall, Laura London and
Romany. Visit David’s website
www.davidpenn.co.uk
to view concert highlights. 17.9.05
Jon
Allen has just returned from Colorado where he was one of the headline
acts at Magic in the Rockies. In fact Jon made it an international
event, as he was the only non-American appearing at the event, both lecturing and
performing in the close-up show which also starred Michael Ammar and
Nathan Kranzo.
www.jonallen.co.uk. 17.9.05
Derby
Magic Circle are holding their Annual Dinner Dance at 7pm (for 7.30pm) on October 14th at
the Toyota Suite, Pride Park Stadium, Derby. The evening features a three course
dinner, two acts and a live band to close (evening dress required). For
tickets (£28.00 each) contact Simon Goodfellow 07919 018814 or Jean
Ellison 01332 763206.
www.derbymagiccircle.fsnet.co.uk. 17.9.05
Kevin
Gallagher was the subject of an article in the
Observer magazine a few weeks ago. The column is a regular feature
which focuses on different people who have unusual talents, who find
business using unusual classified ads in national publications. The
article, written by top journalist William Shaw, came out-of-the-blue when
the author contacted Kevin through one of his adverts. As a result of
creative advertising, Kevin has just returned from a series of magic shows
and gambling demonstrations in Amsterdam, Brussels and Antwerp.
www.mystifier.co.uk. 17.9.05
Chesterfield's
Lord Mayor gets the chop! As part of the promotions for "Magic Live"
Eugene Matthias went to Chesterfield's town square recently, using his
guillotine to (nearly) chop off the Lord Mayors head. "Magic Live" will be
playing at the Winding Wheel Theatre, Chesterfield, September 30th.
7.30pm, tickets £12.00, £10.00, £8.00 (Family £36.00, £32.00) "Fun,
Laughter, Excitement and lot's of audience participation with Eugene
Matthias, Rodan and Andy Rice." 17.9.05
Winchester
Magical Society's Evening of Magic. Tickets are now available for the
Winchester Magical Society's "Evening of Magic" on Friday October 14th at
the Winchester Rugby Club. This event combines close-up magic at the
tables, a stage show and dinner for just £15. This show has been running
for 18 years and often features a guest stage performer. This year the
star is Mark Shortland, the current British Magical Grand Prix Champion,
and so promises to be another great year. Further information and tickets
from Bob Yelland:
webmaster@winchestermagic.com. 17.9.05
Master
Locksmith, Mick Hanzlik AIMC, visits Manchester Circle of Magicians
this coming Monday, September 19th with his widely acclaimed presentation,
"Houdini - The World's Greatest Escape Artiste." Using rear projection
technology, this hi-tech audio-visual presentation includes many
never-seen-before photographs, rare movie clips of Houdini in performance,
a recording of Houdini's voice, live demonstrations of handcuff escapes,
and a chance to see part of Mick's vast collection of Houdini books and
printed material. Also, for one night only, two of the UK's top Escape
Artistes will be there in a question and answer session, one of whom will
attempt an escape from the Bean Giant handcuffs, one of Houdini's most
difficult challenges. Mick's Houdini presentation has been seen by many of
the major Magical Societies in the UK, and has always been very well
received. Date: Monday September 19th. Time: 8pm. Venue: Salford Masonic
Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford M5 4PE (Map).
Cost to visitors is £5.00 for the evening, or £10.00 for the year.
Manchester
Circle of Magicians. 17.9.05
Merlini
flying high over Budapest. "Onward and upward: On Thursday, September
1, Hungary's most popular illusionist David Merlini stepped into a rocket
and was launched 2,000 meters into the air. He then had a few
heart-stopping seconds to escape his capsule attached to the rocket." To
read the full story in The Budapest Sun online
Click Here.
www.merlini.com. 17.9.05
The
Magic Circle Dealers' Day 2005 will be held on Saturday November 5th
(10am to 5pm) at the usual venue, the Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way,
London (nearest tube station is Russell Square
Map). Featuring approximately 40 dealer stands. Admission: Free to
card-carrying members of The Magic Circle, £5 to other magicians, £3 to
partners and under 16s. A few dealer stands may still be available,
contact Peter Altman, Hon. Organiser 01923 404918
peter@altman-publishing.com. 17.9.05
Geki's
Crazy Quick Change Braces! "The trade mark effect of the Geki Magic
Theater - the crazy color changing suspenders/braces, made to the highest
quality are now available. Geki has been performing this effect for a long
time in his children's show - and it is an absolute stunner!" For more
information, and to order online visit
www.quickchange.de. 17.9.05
Magic in the air as resort prepares for some sorcery. "It was always a place that could pull delights out of its hat but Southport is going to be especially magical ... just like that. More than 1,000 conjurers, professionals and amateurs from 25 countries, are heading for the resort for the British conference of the International Brotherhood of Magicians." To read the full story by Graham Davies in the Liverpool Daily Post Click Here. 17.9.05
Frank Allen close-up lecture. Thames Valley Magicians Guild presents a lecture by Frank Allen on Monday 26th September at The Highfield Social Club, Bicester, Oxfordshire at 8pm. Non members are welcome (charge £5.00). For more details call Paul Gullis 01865 450757 paulgullis@hotmail.com. 17.9.05
International
Illusionist Russ Stevens appears on Radio Magic on Monday September
19th answering listeners questions
www.radiomagic.co.uk
• Jack Delvin's one man show at the King's Head Theatre, Islington, is
reviewed this week by Nick Fitzherbert, Click Here • "Read between the lines" a new manuscript from Arcane
Magick is reviewed by Robert LaMont this week,
Click Here • "Vegas star Lance Burton
plans magical homecoming"
Click Here • Easytorecall.com is
a UK Web Directory that covers just about everything, and actively reviews
websites as well, visit
www.easytorecall.com
• "Conjuring up some magic for tsunami survivors"
Click Here • "Famous fez up for Auction"
Click Here • Next week we'll be bringing you a new DVD clip and 'Magic
Profile' performer. That's it for this week, your news is always welcomed,
see you next week, Duncan. 17.9.05