Number 315 - 8th July 2006
WOW!
- Gala Magical Variety Experience, Theatre Royal, Drury Lane, London,
Sunday September 24th, 7pm. Paul Stone presents: Derren Brown, Jeff
Hobson, Mac King, Dimmare, Charlie Frye & Co, Soul Mystique, Paul Zerdin
(three time Royal Variety Show performer), Wally Eastwood (headline
juggler, Las Vegas), Wolfgang (Cirque du Soleil), The Overtures, String
Fever and the Sophistication Dancers. Paul Stone writes: "The Show is to
recognise the 'Unsung Heroes' of the 7th July London Bombings, namely the
Emergency Services and Hospital Staff who were on duty on the day of the
bombings. I plan to donate 750 tickets (this beautiful theatre holds 2200
) to these 'Unsung Heroes' for them to enjoy a great night out with their
families as a 'thank you'. I'm also hoping to raise some money for one of
the bomb victims who lost both his legs and an eye in one of the Tube
Train blasts. I have deliberately kept the ticket prices low, a fraction
of the normal West End Theatre Ticket prices, (£25 and £18 Concessions)
and I am offering a special ticket price for IBM, Magic Circle, and bona
fide members of Magic Clubs of just £15. The show takes place the night
after the IBM Gala Show in Eastbourne [which Paul Stone is also
producing], and there will be plenty of time for anybody who wants to
travel from Eastbourne to London to attend." Special price tickets are
only available from Paul Stone, either by calling 07884 072001 or via
email qualityevents@aol.com. If
you can't attend, but would like to buy one or two tickets for the
organisers to donate, that too would greatly be appreciated. 8.7.06
Tommy
Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing. The Definitive Biography of a
Comedy Legend by John Fisher will be published on October 16th by
HarperCollins Entertainment. Frank and revealing, this fully authorised
biography by Tommy's friend and colleague, acclaimed TV producer, John
Fisher, is the first ever intimate portrait of Britain's best-loved, but
little known, entertainer. More than just a comedian, Tommy Cooper was a
born entertainer. Working in a golden age of British comedy, Cooper stood
- literally - head and shoulders above the crowd, and had a magical talent
for humour that defied description. When Cooper enlisted in the army in
1939, and began to perfect his comic timing on his army colleagues in the
Egyptian desert, the man with the fez was born. Cooper was at the heart of
the thriving British variety scene, adored by his legions of fans and much
revered by his fellow professionals. The gentle giant of entertainment
accompanied his bewildered, botched magic act with a sublime sense of
bravado and a face that was made for comedy. He was one of the first funny
men to have the entire nation in stitches. But, there was a man behind the
laughter that few people saw. John Fisher was Cooper's friend and
colleague and witnessed first-hand the child that lingered within the
adult and moments of self-doubt and inadequacy that contrasted with the
genial exterior. Until his tragic death, which occurred in the middle of
his act on live television in 1984, Tommy Cooper lived in constant fear of
the day he would be found out by his audience. He could never believe the
accolades that came so thick and fast from every direction, and died to
the sounds of laughter that he never really believed. Supplementing his
own intimate knowledge with material accessed for the first time from the
archives of Tommy's agent and manager, Miff Ferrie, and with the full
co-operation of the Cooper family, John Fisher brings alive the man behind
the comedic mask in this definitive biography of a comedy legend. To
pre-order (with a discount) from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here. 8.7.06
Dai
Vernon: A Biography, David Ben. "A marvelously told story for anyone
interested in magic history or in the absorbing life of, arguably, its
greatest star." Michael Claxton, Magic. "It surely ranks among the
very best of magic biographies and autobiographies given us to enjoy."
Stephen Minch MUM. "Combining meticulous research, a deep
understanding of the workings of magic, and broad insight into magic's
artistic history, Mr. Ben turns out to have been an ideal candidate to
assume the undeniably daunting task of telling magicians a story of
immense importance." Jamy Ian Swiss, Genii. Hardbound, 370 pages,
over 40 rare photographs, full-colour dust jacket, in stock and available
now from
www.internationalmagic.com. 8.7.06
Jez
Rose launches a new mind reading DVD for the general public this week.
You Can Be Mental, Too! teaches 10 tricks that will make it look
like you can read minds, too. Available online from your favourite magic
dealer including
www.magictricks.co.uk and
www.themagicgadget.co.uk and through Jez’s own website
www.jezrose.co.uk.
To celebrate the launch, Jez has 5 free copies to give away to readers of
MagicWeek. All you have to do is answer the following question: "Jez Rose
is a mind reader. Sharla Rose was a serial killer (no relation). A famous
chocolate selection shares a similar name – what is that?" Correct entries
will be randomly selected and notified via email. Competition closes 15th
July 2006. Send your answers to:
iwantadvd@jezrose.co.uk. 8.7.06
July's
Magicseen, the UK's brightest full colour magic magazine, is now
available. In a packed edition they have interviews with the brilliant
Graham P Jolley, top illusionist JC Sum from Singapore, and close-up
expert Stephen Tucker. Graham Lee and Mike Stokes offer the lowdown on
balloon modelling, there's a look at who's charging what fee wise, and
what makes the 4Fs convention the success that it is, there's a timeline
showing television appearances of over 200 magicians since the
'40s, plus comedy, reviews, news, and much more! Subscribe at
www.magicseen.co.uk. 8.7.06
David
Ginn: Crash Course on Kidshows, live in London. "Nearly two hours of
comedy kidshow magic and fun... shared by the man who has lived it all in
350 shows yearly for more than 30 years. Not only will David Ginn perform
children's magic routines, but he will explain how they work, why they
work, and how you can get more fun and laughs by adding 33 Things Children
Enjoy!" Friday 21st July. Venue: Davenports Magic Studio , 5,6 & 7 Charing
Cross Underground Arcade, The Strand, London WC2N 4HZ (Map)
Tickets £8.00 Details: Bob Pamplin
bob@lsmmagic.co.uk. 8.7.06
Five
of Hearts Magic Productions are busy putting the final touches to some
brand new items for their 'Victorian Collection' range that will be
displayed on their stand for the very first time at
FISM at the end of this
month. For a preview visit
www.colinrosemimc.co.uk and click on the 'Special Events and Latest
News' link. 8.7.06
Anatomy
of Keys by Steven Price has just been published by Brick Books,
publisher of poetry books in Canada since 1975. "Steven Price, in his
Anatomy of Keys, draws us into the intricacy of Harry Houdini's character,
as the Master himself entered trunks, chains, a web of knots. In poem
after poem, there is the miraculous surprise of release. These are moving,
brilliant poems, a remarkable debut." Tim Lilburn. Visit the publisher's
website
www.brickbooks.ca or order from
www.amazon.com. 8.7.06
Paul
Gordon has just finished coaching comedy actor Mark Benton (currently
appearing in the Nationwide "brand new customers only" commercials). Mark
will be using magic in his new television series "Fallen Angel" teaching a
young girl sponge ball magic. 8.7.06
Alakazam
Magic are pleased to announce that they have three hot new instant
downloads available on their site. Trilogy owners will love
Trilogy Streamline - with scripting and handling by Richard Bellars.
There's a great new effect by Luke Jermay called Central Reservation
(a clever routine suitable for close-up or stand up work) and Six of
One by Mark Elsdon, features six highly commercial eye-popping
effects. Visit their website for more information
www.alakazam.co.uk. 8.7.06
Entertaining
007! Chris Dugdale and Tony Middleton (aka Sonic) were invited to
entertain former 007 star Sir Roger Moore last Saturday. Roger Moore loved
the magic and proclaimed "these are two of the finest prestidigitators I
have ever seen!" He then went on to explain to Chris after the show that
he was the man who got Channing Pollock his screen test for Warner
Brothers, and that his own father used to be a member of The Magic Circle.
Chris was flown back into London after the two week opening run in "Naked
Magicians" in Hollywood where they received three standing ovations in one
night - L A Weekly described the show as "dazzling". 8.7.06
Mark
Worgan lectures for the Watford Association of Magicians at 8pm on
July 18th at the Bricket Wood Social Club, Oak Avenue, Bricket Wood, St.
Albans, Hertfordshire AL2 3LQ. Mark's lecture covers comedy, cabaret,
close-up and children's magic.
www.wamclub.co.uk. 8.7.06
Graham
Lee found himself producing a full-size drum kit, two guitars, a
saxophone and keyboard last week for Parka's upcoming pop video 'Disco
Dancer' - the balloon instruments taking just over 6 hours to construct.
The next two Care & Share Balloon Fundays, sponsored by Semperetex
Balloons are on Wednesday, July 12th in Ashford, Kent and September 19th
in Eastbourne, the day before the British Ring convention. See
www.balloonartwholesale.co.uk for details. 8.7.06
The
Magic Cavern's Third Birthday. Richard Leigh has announced a full
summer of magic for The Magic Cavern at Barons Court Theatre to celebrate
their third birthday this August. Richard will present The Magic Cavern
Matinee, and additional performances have been added for the summer
holidays. Sam X and Tom Wooton look after the matinee slot for the week
when Richard is in Edinburgh with his spoof magic double act 'Malcolm
Marvelle - Master of Mystery and the lovely Rita'
Click Here. Chris Cox - He Can't Read Minds! is another Edinburgh show
Click Here which has its London preview at The Magic Cavern in August.
Gary Scott, Wayne Clancy and David Fung join forces to present a show
called 'Welcome to Wonderland'. Dr Extispicy returns for another sell-out
night with his one man show 'Dr Extispicy's Psychic Party.' And headlining
for The Magic Cavern's third birthday is Fitzgerald and Laroo Jack, a
comedy magic show from America. Full details:
www.falseimpressions.com. 8.7.06
Kernow
Magic have just re-launched their website having made several changes
to its structure. Feedback from their customers has enabled them to
identify areas for improvement, to make the online shopping experience
even better. Additions include: 'Live Customer Support' - you can now
speak to their magicians live on the site for instant answers and support.
'Reviews' - a great way to leave feedback that will benefit future
customers and enable Kernow Magic to gauge what's hot and what's not.
'Last Viewed Items' - keep track of possible purchases. 'Wish List' - seen
something you want but not sure about it, or can't afford it yet? You can
now open a secure account with Kernow Magic and build up a personal 'Wish
List' of your favourite products! Visit
www.kernowmagic.co.uk to see for yourselves. 8.7.06
Lex
& Alina - new quick-change act. Quick-Change author Lex Schoppi and
Alina have a new act featuring high speed "second generation" quick change
routines: "Both artists are masters of the art of completely changing
their costumes in a split second, one costume after the other,
unbelievably fast. Even fellow artists stood open-mouthed as Alina changed
her costume in a unique illusion whilst bound to a post. New standards are
being set in this art!" To see a video clip visit:
www.quick-change-transformation.de and for Lex's range of quick-change
products visit
www.quickchange.de. 8.7.06
Gibraltar
Magic Circle founded. On Monday 3rd July the Gibraltar Magic Circle
was officially founded. The founding members are Jack Jensen (President),
Levi Attias (Secretary), Jamie Zammitt (Treasurer), Francis Santos,
Stanley Gomez, and Chris Mendez (Committee members) and other magicians
not present. Joshua Jay lectures for the circle on Saturday 30th September
and visiting magicians are welcome. In fact visiting magicians will always
receive a warm welcome and are invited to contact Jamie Zammitt
jzammitt@gmail.com.
(Photo L-R) Chris Menez, Levi Attias, Stanley Gomez, Francis Santos, Jack
Jensen. Front: Jamie Zammitt. 8.7.06
Young Close-up Magicians Wanted. Whatever Artists Management Ltd are looking for young close-up magicians who can also present a street style presentation for month long contracts in Dubai at a 5 star hotel and shopping mall (the world's largest outside the USA). The hotel and shopping mall are in the same complex as Ski Dubai and are owned by the parent company. Your repertoire will need to appeal to all age groups as at weekends there are many children, both in the restaurant and in the mall. Contracts will run for 1 calendar month (6 day weeks). The fee is plus return airfares, transfers in Dubai, all food and accommodation. For more information contact Whatever Artists Management Ltd www.wamshow.biz. 8.7.06
Close-up Magicians Wanted! Chantal Lockey is staging a charity night at the Toko Bar, Bournemouth, on Sunday 1st October from 7.30pm to raise money for The Foundation for the Study of Infant Deaths www.sids.org.uk/fsid. Ideally you'll entertain guests for an hour or two, enjoy your own VIP ticket, free drinks and nibbles. Email Chantal chantallockey@hotmail.co.uk for further information if you think you can help. 8.7.06
New online entertainment agency seeks magicians to support education for children with autism. A new entertainment website has been launched supporting the creation of schools providing one to one education for children with autism. Directors Martin Blore and Marina Efstathiou were inspired to create the site having watched their close friends struggle to find funding to support specialist education for their autistic son. The two couples decided to join forces to create Wishing Well House Ltd www.wishingwellhouse.co.uk which plans to ultimately provide one to one education for children with autism, with the first school planned to open in the NorthWest. The idea is modelled on a successful school in London called Treehouse which now provides almost fifty autistic children with one to one tuition www.treehouse.org.uk. For all bookings placed through Showbizworks.com the agency is donating 10% of its fees directly to Wishing Well House. For more information email info@showbizworks.co.uk. 8.7.06
"Criss Angel's Success No Illusion" Click Here • "Harry needs your help, but he can't say what for - he will reward those who help him, 486" No, I don't understand it either... find out more, visit www.themagicwoods.co.uk/helpharry • "In Las Vegas, all they need is 'Love'" Click Here • Next week we'll bring you the inside scoop on performing magic at weddings, but that's it for this week. Your UK magic news is always welcomed, have a magic week, Duncan. 8.7.06