Number 292 - 28th January 2006
2006
Laurence Olivier Award nominations announced. In the Best
Entertainment category two out of three nominations feature magic. The
nominations are: 'Blue Man Group' at the New London, 'Ducktastic' at the
Albery, and 'Derren Brown - Something Wicked This Way Comes' at the
Cambridge. More information
Click Here. Poster: Derren's 2005 show at the Cambridge, which was
extended for two weeks. Something Wicked is on tour again from
March 21st - see What's On for dates
(book early!). Derren Brown's website has been awarded "Best TV Website"
by Yahoo,
Click Here and
Click Here. 28.1.06
It's
The Real Hustle... The Real Hustle features real-life scams and
cons staged by magic men R Paul Wilson and Alexis Conran (photo). "A team
of hustlers try out some notorious scams on members of the public, filmed
with hidden cameras and intercut with actual interviews from fraud
protection experts, police and scam victims. Talking heads provide advice
on how to avoid being scammed and police contributors talk about how
damaging fraud can be to both businesses and individuals. Scams include:
'Three Disc Monte' 'Jewellery Shop' and 'Proposition Bar Bets.'" Series
starts at 10.30pm on Thursday 9th February. Objective Productions for BBC
3. See TV Magic. 28.1.06
The
world premiere of "The Illusionist" starring Edward Norton and Paul
Giamatti took place at the Sundance Film Festival last Sunday. The film,
set in 1900 Vienna, deals with the story of Eisenheim the Illusionist.
James Freedman was magic consultant during the production. Director Neil
Burger writes, "Starting in pre-production, James became a major
collaborator; brainstorming, designing and refining everything from small
sleight of hand tricks to major narrative set pieces. He worked with
Edward Norton preparing him for his stage performances and acted as a hand
double in numerous situations. His contribution was enormous." Pictured
James Freedman (centre) with Edward Norton (Eisenheim) and Aaron Johnson
(Young Eisenheim). A UK release date has not yet been announced.
www.dynamicfx.co.uk. 28.1.06
Wayne
Dobson presents his Unclamped lecture on Tuesday 7th February
at 7.45pm at the Associated Wizards of the South, Woolston Conservative
Club, 74 St Annes Road, Woolston, Southampton. The lecture features
material taken from his newly released "Unclamped - Live in London" DVD.
Visiting magicians are welcome (£5.00 charge, call 07739 407147 to book).
The AWS meet twice a month, so if you are based in the area this would be
the perfect opportunity to find out more about the club. Contact Secretary
Phil Wedgbrow on 07739 407147 to reserve a place.
www.awsmagic.co.uk. 28.1.06
Playtime
Balloons are advertising with MagicWeek. Founded in the early 70's
the company is now run by Mike and Marjorie Stokes. "We take most major
credit cards and have added various modelling accessories to our stock
list. As Mike is a working entertainer known as 'The Balloon Man' he is
always happy to offer help and advice to would-be modellers. Looking to
the future we hope to continue to expand Playtime, taking in more
conventions and Dealer Dems at magic societies. Playtime Balloons has over
the last 30+ years earned the reputation of being, apart from Qualatex
themselves, the only UK company to stock a complete range of modelling
balloons. In addition we also stock many accessories, which are listed on
this site." Visit
www.playtimeballoons.com today! 28.1.06
Simon
Coronel appears as a guest artiste at The Magic Cavern on Sunday 12th
and Sunday 19th February 2006 at 3pm. Simon was the very first guest
magician at The Magic Cavern in 2003. The Magic Cavern has added some
extra dates: February 15th and 16th and April 5th, 6th, 12th and 13th all
at 3pm, see What's On. 28.1.06
Illusionist
Andrew Green returns to his roots on Saturday 4th February when he
hosts Preston Magic Circles' Night of Magic at the Thwaites Empire
Theatre, Blackburn. Along with a line up of magicians from the club,
Andrew will be performing a section taken from his illusion show. He will
be accompanied by 15 dancers from the local professional dance studio.
Tickets are available from the box office on 01254 680137.
www.modernmysteries.co.uk. 28.1.06
Merlins
of Wakefield have a new 16 page Preview Catalogue out for
February/March - and it's free! Just send your name and address to
Merlins, 15 The Springs, Wakefield WF1 1QE or email
merlins@btconnect.com. They are
also producing a "Premail" every first and third Monday of the month
starting on Monday February 6th. This will be an email containing new
items and special offers. Again just send your name and email address to
merlins@btconnect.com. Also
visit
www.merlinswakefield.co.uk. 28.1.06
Trickshop.com
are offering a free Acrobat PDF format eManuscript with all purchases over
$7.95... "Accurately predict the winner of Super Bowl XL! That's right,
just place your sealed prediction in full view at the beginning of the big
game and when it's opened by anyone at the end – your prediction inside
names the winning team! No Switches. No Double-Sided Envelopes. No Swami
Gimmicks. No Billet Knives. In fact, you never have to touch the
prediction envelope again! So you can just sit back, relax and enjoy the
game. The entire effect is virtually self-working." Visit
www.trickshop.com
for details. 28.1.06
James
More had an excellent two page spread in the Weekender Magazine
(inside the Bournemouth Daily Echo) last weekend. The piece focused on his
recent competition wins and future plans. "I always wanted to run away
with the circus, then when I was seven or eight, I won a talent show at my
school. I was into everything - plate spinning, juggling, puppetry and
ventriloquism... but it was the magic that provoked the best response." 28.1.06
The
stage version of The Lord of the Rings starts previewing on February
2nd at the 2,200 seat Princess of Wales Theatre, Toronto, Canada, with the
opening night set for March 23rd. The show features a number of magic
effects designed by Paul Kieve who has been involved with the development
of the project for two years. The creative team includes India's
Bolllywood composer A R Rahman, 'Billy Elliot' choreographer Peter Darling
and director Matthew Warchus. The $28 million Canadian musical is the
largest stage production ever to open outside Las Vegas, and has taken
advance ticket sales of over 14 million Canadian dollars! A London
production is planned for early in 2007.
www.lotr.com. 28.1.06
Tony
Griffith will be presenting his Creative Magic Lecture for the Guild
of Magicians Nottingham on Thursday 2nd February 2006. For further details
contact Andrew Morrison on 0115 9605844. His next Teach-in day is on March
5th, see What's On. Tony will also be
presenting his Magic of Science show in Canterbury for the Kent Science
Festival on February 15th and 16th. Further details from Tony on 01275
837017 tony@tonygriffith.co.uk. 28.1.06
Alec
Powell Lecture. "Blackpool Magicians Club were privileged to witness
the premiere of Alec Powell's new lecture this week. It is not often a
Lecturer opens with no trousers on but it set the pace for what was to
follow. Alec was absolutely hilarious as he romped through a few tricks
and recounted his life story as the room rocked with laughter. His good
friend Wayne Mattox showed some of his beautiful props whilst the audience
took a breather and then it was back to non stop laughter as Alec showed
off Milo's hat to bring a wonderful night's entertainment to a close.
Highly recommended to all magic clubs who believe laughter an essential
ingredient in their programme." Derek Lever. 28.1.06
Brother
and sister magic act High Jinx (Michael and Siobhan Jordan)
from Huddersfield will perform at a fund raising concert for the family of
murder victim PC Sharon Beshenivsky. They will join well known names,
including Emmerdale actor Chris Chittel, former Eastenders actor Dean
Gaffney and Brookside actor Michael Starky in a Variety Show on 12th
February at St Georges Hall in Bradford. Tickets for the show, which cost
between £8.00 and £50.00, can be ordered via the Box Office on 01274
432000. 28.1.06
Glastonbury
Abbey, Somerset. On Saturday 21st January 2006 Collin Richardson,
assisted by Ray Notley and Geoff Pescud, made Glastonbury Abbey disappear
before the eyes of the general public! "The illusion was performed in
bright sunlight, and the equipment needed to be sufficiently portable as
vehicles were prohibited from the actual sacred ground." In the near
future a DVD will be released to magicians on two discs. One will contain
a recording of the effect (for the public) and the other detailed
instructions on the building and performance of the illusion. For further
information contact
collins.magic@virgin.net. 28.1.06
Blackpool Convention latest news: Only 400 seats remain for the Sunday Gala Show and these will only be released to Gold Card purchasers. You can book via your credit with no surcharge now. www.blackpoolmagic.com. 28.1.06
Creative Education Project. Felix Pepler, Creative Partnerships Coventry, emails: "I am looking for a magic practitioner (contemporary/street) who would be interested in exploring the use of magic within education, particularly around helping teachers to use magic to defuse behaviour problems and as a tool to help engage pupils in their learning. The project will work with teachers in a school for children with behavioural difficulties. As yet the length and scope of the project has not been defined. However, as the project is unique and may have significant potential impact locally and further afield it may warrant significant investment for the right magical practitioner. We are looking for someone who is prepared and able to work in Coventry." For more information contact: Felix Pepler, Creative Advisor, Creative Partnerships Coventry, telephone: 01562 700400 email: f.pepler@ntlworld.com www.creative-partnerships.com. 28.1.06
Mike Danata's Magic Studio, offer: "Purchase Terry Herbert' fantastic DVD 'Children's Magic the Herbert Way' which contains many fantastic routines, including his wonderful 'Silver Sceptre' routine and receive absolutely free a George Blake Silver Sceptre! (normally priced at £10.99!) The DVD is £26.00 post paid. Offer runs for 7 days." Telephone: 01202 391666 www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk. 28.1.06
Presenters wanted: "Video Unlimited are seeking young presenters aged 16 to 25 for a new educational magic DVD. To apply please send a VHS/DVD of yourself performing a trick to camera. Then present yourself informing us what you enjoy doing in life. Presentation piece should last up to two minutes." Send applications to: Video Unlimited, 135 Martin Way, Morden, Surrey SM4 4AR Email science@videounlimited.co.uk. 28.1.06
The Peekaboo Paradox. "The strange secrets of humor, fear and a guy who makes big money making little people laugh... The Great Zucchini arrived early, as he is apt to do, and began to make demands, as is his custom. He was too warm, so he wanted the thermostat adjusted. It was. He declared the basement family room adequate for his needs, but there was a problem with the room next door. Something had to be done about it. The room next door was emblematic of the extraordinary life and times of the Great Zucchini, Washington's No. 1 preschool entertainer. The homeowners, Allison and Donald Cox Jr., are in their late thirties, with two young children -- Lauren, who is 5, and Donald III, who goes by Trey, and whose third birthday was being celebrated that day." To read the full story by Gene Weingarten in the Washington Post Click Here. 28.1.06
Alex Elmsley is remembered by John Derris, Click Here. 28.1.06
David
Blaine offers an exploration of the mysteries and history of the
ancient art of magic in "Mysterious Stranger" - available from
Amazon.co.uk
Click Here • "Building an illusion"
Click Here • "Fame & Fortune: Magician Penn Jillette"
Click Here • "Magician Copperfield's secret is to get personal"
Click Here • Etienne Pradier lectures at Winchester Magical Society on
Thursday February 2nd at 8pm. Visitors are welcome; contact John Harris
for details 02380 562381 • David Crofts has set a new record, confirmed by
Guinness World Records, for the fastest coin roll with a single coin at 43
rolls per minute • That's it for this week, your UK magic news is always
welcomed, see you next week, Duncan. 28.1.06