Number 288 - 31st December 2005
Davenport's
Christmas Wonder Show
in Norfolk runs through to Tuesday, 3rd January. Andy Nyman reports: "Last
week, whilst Christmasing in Norfolk, I took my whole family to see the
Davenport's Wonder Show. In short it was wonderful. The show was truly an
old fashioned variety show that delighted from start to finish. Roy
Davenport (photo) danced through his illusions with such energy it was
impossible not to admire his gusto, Ali Bongo was gentle and charming as
ever, Richard Griffin was classy and so effortlessly good it's
astonishing. There was great support from the 6 piece band, a great singer
and dancers and as if that wasn't enough the final act was The Conways,
harmonica players extraordinaire! Truly one of the oddest but most
wonderful acts I've ever seen. Well done to the Davenports for putting
together a wonderfully Christmassy magical night." Auden Theatre,
Gresham's School, Holt, Norfolk NR25 6EA (Map)
Tickets £8.00 - £13.00. To book contact the Auden Theatre Box Office:
01263 713444 or
Click Here for more information. To read a review in the Norwich
Evening News
Click Here. 31.12.05
Merlin's
Secret is reviewed by Nick Ralls this week. "Combine the real magic
associated with the mythical character Merlin and the modern day
theatrical showmanship of illusionist and conjurer Dr Bondini and you have
a formula for an enchanting and truly magical stage show. The touring
Merlin's Secret features many of Bondini's grand stage illusions and
other magical effects which bring a unique flavour to a favourite fantasy
tale. It's a theatrical experience that is a delight to behold and will
surely attract rave reviews up and down the country." To read the full
review Click Here. For tour dates see
What's On or for more information see
www.bondini.co.uk. 31.12.05
Broadcaster
slammed for glamourising crime. "Channel Four were accused yesterday
of sinking to an astonishing new low after it was revealed they will
screen a programme featuring a group of hypnotised businessmen carrying
out what they believe to be a real armed robbery. The programme, The
Heist, will be shown on Channel Four on January 4th and has been labelled
illusionist Derren Brown's most outrageous stunt yet." To read the full
story in The Daily Record
Click Here. 31.12.05
Etienne
Pradier lectures at Magical Mayhem, The Sun Hotel, Sun Street, Hitchin
SG5 1AF (Map)
on 12th January at 8pm. There will be a £10.00 admission fee to non
Magical Mayhem members. For more details email
magicalmayhem@ntlworld.com
or call Martin Daubney on 07904 114 778. 31.12.05
"We
don't do miracles... we do holy tricks - Duo replicate virgin birth -
and are crucified by critics" wrote Rick Fulton in The Daily Record...
"The two Scots magicians who have replicated the miracles of Jesus deny
they are out to prove he was a fraud. Tomorrow night, viewers will see
Barry Jones and Stuart MacLeod perform eight New Testament miracles in
Channel 4's The Magic of Jesus. And, with less than a week since millions
of Christians celebrated the birth of Jesus, the controversy is already
raging." To read the full story in The Daily Record
Click Here. 31.12.05
The
Order of the Magi are holding a Giant Auction on Tuesday 24th January
2006 at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map)
starting at 7.30pm (viewing from 6.30pm). A catalogue listing lots will be
available at the reception and it is hoped to include all items, as long a
relevant information is in the hands of Entertainments Officer Ian Ball
(telephone 01457 835990) no later than 12th January. For more information,
and to see some of the lots on offer, or to submit your own items visit
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Admission is £4, which includes the
catalogue and entry into a prize draw. 31.12.05
Nathan
Kranzo's Burning Up DVD is reviewed by Andi Gladwin this week... "His latest DVD, Burning Up
follows the trend of his other fantastic DVD releases, in that it contains
some excellent original magic. Nathan isn't one to create a worthless
variation of a card trick, but instead provides fresh methods for
different, visual effects. The simplicity in effect and method in most
magic that Nathan creates shows that the tricks have been developed by a
working pro, which in turn makes much of the material perfect for walk
around and table magic situations." To read the full review,
Click Here. To order visit
www.hismagic.com/burningup. 31.12.05
International
News: Mazma, the first National Festival of Indian Street
Magicians and brainchild of Gopinath Muthukad, is reported it MagicWeek
this week. "Indian street magicians are guardians to several unexplored
and uncommon routines in magical art that have been passed on through
vagrant generations. The state of street magicians in India is highly
deplorable. They live in slums and street sides deprived of all basic
elements of dignity including shelter, food or education." To read the
full report, Click Here. 31.12.05
World
Magic Awards DVD. Released 20th June 2005, 1 hour 40 minutes, PAL DVD.
"The biggest magic special in television history! Shot on location in
Hollywood, England and Russia, world-renowned illusionists redefine
reality through a stupendous display of magic and manipulation. Travel to
Russia, where surrounded by soldiers of the Russian Army, a 70,000 pound
military tank vanishes into thin air! Tigers suddenly materialise on
stage, escape artists tempt fate and all laws of logic are suspended in
the event that is known as the Academy Awards of the magic industry!" To
order from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here. 31.12.05
Joe
Tracini stars as the Drummer Boy in the Qdos production of Snow
White and the Seven Dwarfs at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend-on-sea.
Joe weaves some magic into his role. The show runs until January 8th.
www.thecliffspavilion.co.uk. 31.12.05
Craig
Kidd, well know to many readers, was recently diagnosed with cancer of
the lymphatic system and is currently undergoing extensive chemotherapy at
Pinderfields Hospital. The outlook is promising but he's had to give up
work due to the illness and the effects of the treatment which include
numbness in the fingers. Not much fun for a close-up worker. Craig hopes
to be fighting fit by 2008 but would love to hear from readers, and 'talk
magic'. You can email Craig at
cskidd@btinternet.com. (I know Craig via his many 'For Sale' and
'Wanted' ads in MagicWeek over the years... very best wishes for 2006
Craig). 31.12.05
Children's entertainer John Curtis, of St Helen's Road, Leamington, is remembered by Samantha Clarke in iccoventry.co.uk Click Here. 31.12.05
Cirque
Du Soleil - Midnight Sun. "On July 11th 2004, over 200,000 spectators
filled the downtown streets of Montreal to take part in a unique
celebration, an incredible one-night-only special event. With over 250
artists, Midnight Sun is a brilliant combination of music and circus - the
perfect chemistry of sight and sound. An unforgettable viewing experience
filmed live in high definition! Bonus features include: Encore, Photo
Gallery, A look at Cirque du Soleil, in Dolby Digital 5.1" To order from
Amazon.co.uk
Click Here
• "Double Inverted" straight jacket escape,
Click Here • "My dad's magic - and so am I!"
Click Here • "Some make a living just clowning around"
Click Here • "Seeing is believing"
Click Here • That's it for this week, and indeed for the year. Hope
2005 was a good one for you, and very best wishes for 2006. Your UK magic
news is always welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 31.12.05