Number 314 - 1st July 2006
Tommy
Wonder, 29th November 1953 - 26th June 2006. Tommy Wonder died of lung
cancer on June 26th, 2006. Born in Holland in 1953 Tommy Wonder (Jos
Bemelman) started performing magic at
the age of just 10. After high school he studied for three years at the
"Academie voor Podiumvorming" in The Hague where he learned acting,
dancing and singing and then worked for two years with the theatre company
"De Haagsche Comedie." After winning a national talent contest which was
televised in The Netherlands in 1977, his career really took off. At first
he specialised just in close-up magic and was awarded second prize at the
FISM Championships in 1979 but then around 1987 he developed his stage
act, initially for mediaeval parties, which was to become an international
attraction later on. The act, characterised by its simplicity, elegance,
high magic content and underlying charm showed off Tommy Wonder's
theatrical background. During his career Tommy performed in more than 26
countries, including Japan, Australia, Argentina, Canada, the USA and all
of Western Europe. Highlights included TV shows in The Netherlands,
England, Portugal, the USA, Japan, Germany, Italy, Spain, France and
Argentina. And major awards included: Best Sleight of Hand Performer -
World Magic Awards, Los Angeles 1999. Performer Fellowship Award - Academy
of Magical Arts, Hollywood 1998. 2nd Prize FISM (stage) - The Hague 1988.
2nd Prize FISM (close-up) - Brussels 1979. Tommy's significant contribution to the art
of magic will live on through his published work. His thinking on
misdirection, or as he preferred to term it direction, was
exceptional. A Condolence Register has been set up at
www.tommywonder.nl. 1.7.06
On
Second Thoughts... Marc Salem's in town! In just over two weeks time
following sell-out seasons two years running, direct from New York, Marc
Salem returns to the Tricycle with his brand new show. "He doesn't just
have a sixth sense, but a seventh, eight and ninth as well. I was
bewitched and bedazzled." Time Out, Critic's Choice. Tricycle
Theatre, London July 18th - August 5th, Tuesday - Saturday at 8pm, plus
Saturdays at 4pm and Sundays at 3pm and 6pm. Tickets from £13. Concessions available. Box office 020 7328 1000 or book online
www.tricycle.co.uk Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kilburn High Road, London NW6
7JR (Map).
If his Mind Games left you baffled and bewildered, make sure you don't
miss this one! "Playing Those ‘Mind Games'"
Click Here. 1.7.06
Magic
on the Fringe... This year's 60th Edinburgh Fringe Festival boasts
more magic than ever before (I think!). Thanks to Peter McLanachan for
help with the listings. Click links for more information, dates, times and
to book.
"Albert and his friends are preparing to perform their spectacular new show. However, all is not well. Are there goblins in the Garden or is Albert the Idiot? Music, magic and mayhem by the masters of children's entertainment."
Chris Cox - He Can't Read Minds?
"Multimedia mind reading, magic, psychology and comedy as heard on BBC Radio 1. Chris will read your mind but promises you he can't read minds! 'Utterly unbelievable, best Cox ever' Colin Murray."
Hypnotic Hilarity
"Join us on an enchanting and hilarious journey as we travel the globe
seeking the key of life. Mind magic, comedy and audience participation. Be
inspired, mystified, electrified! Volunteers 18+."
Kockov's Free Mind Show
"Mullet-haired Monrokvian magician, 'Kockov', is 'a deranged Derren
brown-style' mentalist. His comical show displays amazing mental powers.
Real magic, real powers, real funny. Unmissable - free entry. Adults
only."
Kevin McMahon – Tricks I Have Learned Since Being on Telly
"Refined by Penn and Teller as he excelled in Channel 4's Faking It,
Kevin now presents his unique style of comedy-magic. 'Kevin's such a
sweetie, you'll be swept along' Heat."
Mario Morris - All Human One Man Magic Show
"Sideshow, street theatre poured into a family comedy magic show.
Outstanding magic, mind reading wooden duck, and an escapologist. The
children will leave cheering and guardians will leave shocked. A
non-patronising family magic show."
Magic@Cafe Royal
"It's a magic show. Three magicians over three weeks. Scott Sullivan from
America in week 1, Fringe veteran Ian Kendall's new show in week 2 and
FISM champion Paul Nardini in week 3."
Magico Theatre Company - Struwwelpeter - In English! (See poster)
"Heinrich Hoffman's classic cautionary tales are brought to life in a show
combining physical theatre, music, masque, illusion and more. Developed
through improvisational workshops, this humorously macabre piece depicts
the gruesome results of misbehaviour."
Isabel Fay - Magic Steve's Disappearing Act
"'I'm Annette Cadabra - Magic Steve's lovely assistant! He let me write
this cos I'm like the new Debbie McGee, only better coz I'm allowed to
talk.' A warped magic circle surrounds this blissfully unaware comic
character."
Malcolm Marvelle - Master of Mystery and the lovely Rita
"Poached from the 20 seater Twilight Ballrooms in Scratby, this notorious
couple present their magic show. But not just any magic show. Miss this
and you'll eventually regret it. Scissors!"
Sam Beedle – No Smoke And Mirrors
"Magic... but almost real. A new wave in
theatrical illusions to transport you into a unique world. Magic, dance
and incredible visuals create a truly unforgettable experience."
And here's one not to be missed, that was hidden away in the Comedy
section:
"Man of a thousand faces, peerless master of transformation, reinvented the art of quick-change. In the blink of an eye he becomes James Bond, Charlie Chaplin, Snow White and Liza Minelli. Leaving audiences mystified, breathless, blown away." 1.7.06
David
Hawkins is featured in Magic Profile this week.
"I’ve been lucky enough to witness some incredible magical moments which
will stay with me for a long time. For example having a front row seat for
Ricky Jay and His 52 Assistants, attending a performance of Steve
Cohen’s wonderful Chamber Magic in a top London Hotel, and seeing
David Copperfield “fly” at Earls Court. However the moment that really
stands out above all others happened only last year when I was part of a
standing ovation at the start of Derren Brown’s Something Wicked This
Way Comes show in London. To witness the general public reacting with
such love and enthusiasm really hit home just how far magic has moved
forward. An incredible moment and, I must admit, I had a slight tear in my
eye." To read the full profile
Click Here. 1.7.06
FISM
approaches! Representing the UK in the Close-up Competition we have
Will Houstoun (Micro Magic), Marc Oberon (Micro Magic),
Kevin Gallagher (Micro Magic) and Etienne Pradier (Card Magic).
Very best of luck to all four. They will be well supported by a number of
British magicians who'll be attending the convention (overseas readers
will be pleased to know that unlike English football fans our magic
fans are a very civil bunch). FISM, Stockholm, July 31st - August 5th
www.fism.com. 1.7.06
Mike
Danata's Magic Studio have given their website a new look and now
offer many more items online. Just in: The Dream Multiplying Silicon
Ball Set (40cm) which includes four balls, two gimmicks and an
instructional DVD, all for £50.00. The DVD includes: basic shell
technique, basic routine, advanced routine, two shell routine, classic
palm, finger palm, toss vanish, continue production, Cardini's ball roll,
ball roll, vanish, shell subtlety and more. Visit
www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk (see Shop / Just In). 1.7.06
Scott
Penrose lectures at the South Downs Magicians in Turners Hill near
Crawley on Wednesday 5th July at 8pm. Visiting magicians welcome. £5.00
charge for non-members. Contact the President, Jonathan Cann for further
details on 01444 230409.
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 1.7.06
Rentaghost
the Musical. After a successful 53 date theatre tour Rentaghost the
Musical can be seen at Butlins Holiday Centres throughout the Summer.
Six dancers have been added to the cast and there's also a new magic
opening number. Stuart and Jayne Loughland (Safire) will be with the show
in Skegness on Tuesdays, Minehead on Wednesdays and Bognor Regis on
Thursdays, from 23rd May until 29th October, performing magic, illusions
and puppets. Visit
www.rentaghostthemusical.com. 1.7.06
Philip
Partridge appears on Radio Manchester at 2.40pm on Tuesday 4th July.
You can tune in on 95.1 FM or listen live at
www.bbc.co.uk/radio. Philip will be talking about his new websites,
his recent close-up magic competition win and his trade show magic for PC
World Business.
www.philippartridge.co.uk. 1.7.06
International
News: Showboat Magic! Rod Junor has performed on the
Sydney
Showboat for more than 15 years; his skills are legendary both as a
magician and entertainer and he regularly hosts the Sydney Showboats
Dinner Cruise Spectacular. Visiting magicians can now take advantage
of a special 50% discount on certain nights (if they book more than one
week in advance) via
Digiquick
Magic, a Sydney based magic dealer. 1.7.06
The
Order of the Magi Giant Summer Auction. Tuesday 11th July 2006 at The
Irish World Heritage Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF. Commences at
7.30pm prompt with viewing from 6.30pm. Admission £4 includes free
catalogue. For directions and more information visit:
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk or contact Entertainments Officer Ian Ball
MMC on 01457 835990. You may find that special something that you've been
looking, or why not have a clear out and make some money yourself!
1.7.06
Mark
Leveridge Magic's E-Routines have proved a popular and economical way
for customers to receive top effects (in PDF format). Mark Leveridge is
now pleased to announce that his Master Routine Series is also now
available in the same format. There are 12 routines to chose from,
including his Ring and String Routine, the Commercial Sponge
Ball Routine and The Borrowed Ring on Pencil. Each Master
Routine has been extracted from the hard backed book The Master Routine
Series - Collected Works, which means that not only do customers get
the latest versions of the routines, they also benefit from the excellent
line drawings of Jay Fortune. For more information
Click Here. 1.7.06
Qualatex
targets balloon entertainers. A 4-page 'Qualatex Entertainer
Collection' catalogue has been produced by Pioneer Europe Ltd, makers of
Qualatex Balloons, aimed solely at the entertainer and twister market. The
catalogue contains full details of the 160Q to 646Q range, as well as the
full variety of Qualatex entertainer products and Balloon Magic books and
magazines. If you would like to receive a copy contact your favourite
dealer or call Pioneer on 01279 501090. For details of upcoming Q-Jam
events, hosted by Popular balloon entertainer, Dee White CBA, visit
www.thequalatexevent.com. 1.7.06
Dynamo: the full interview.
"When I was growing up I lived on some of the biggest estates in the
Bradford area –West Bowling, Wyke and Delph Hill. The thing I found was
that people all seemed to follow one another. There seemed to be nothing
unique about anyone. They all went to the same school, same college, did
the same course… Even the kids who got good grades seemed to struggle
because there just weren't many opportunities about – and the
opportunities that were there went to people who came from different
backgrounds." To read the full interview from the Prince's Trust
Click Here. 1.7.06
Martin
Sanderson lectures at the Home Counties Magical Society (7.30pm for
8pm start) on Thursday 20th July. Non-members are welcome (£5.00 charge).
Shinfield Parish Hall, School Green, Shinfield, Reading RG2 9EH (Map)
or contact Dan Hudson, Programme Secretary, for more information
programme@hcms.org.uk telephone
0118 93 10 981. 1.7.06
Northern
Magic Circle's Junior Day of Magic is on Saturday 8th July at St.
Johns Church Hall, Ashbrooke Road, Sunderland. Amethyst (Daniel Hunt &
Annette Claire) will present a workshop and lecture for the juniors and
will also star in the mini gala show with their magic and escapology act.
During the day there will be an inter-society quiz and competitions which
will be open to all 11-16 year olds. Tickets are £12 (lunch and tea
included). For more information contact Cynthia Neptune: 0191 2529151. 1.7.06
Growing
Into His Act. "10 years into his Monte Carlo run, Lance Burton seems
more and more the classic magician. The tuxedo looks just right on him
now, after wearing one since childhood. 'I'm one of the old guys now,'
says 46-year-old magician Lance Burton. 'He always, even as a kid, was
pretty set in his ways,' says Mac King, a Harrah's Las Vegas
comedy-magician and Burton's friend since they were teens in Louisville,
Ky. It often has been told that Burton first decided to become a magician
at age 5, when he attended a party at the Frito-Lay plant where his mom
worked and a magician pulled a coin from behind his ear. 'He never changed
his mind since he was 5 years old,' his mother, Hilma, confirms. 'Most
kids, one week they want to do something, another week they want to do
something else. But he never changed his mind.'" To read the full story in
the Las Vegas Review Journal by Mike Weatherford
Click Here. 1.7.06
Derren
Brown - Trick of the Mind Series 2 on DVD To order from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here • "Don't you spook to me!"
Click Here • Amardeep Singh Dhanjal is interviewed in the latest
Summer issue of 'Asiana' magazine, complete with photo • "Magic reality
show casting call"
Click Here • "Students learn the magic of making a hobby a career"
Click Here • "Hammy Houdini"
Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed, see you next week,
Duncan. 1.7.06