Number 322 - 26th August 2006
Tony
Chapek, whose interactive act with a plasma screen was such a hit
at the Blackpool Convention in February, has been booked to repeat his
award-winning performance at this year's
International Magic Convention in London (November 24th - 26th). Split
second timing, clever use of technology, great humour, and good old fashioned
manipulative skills are combined to create an act that is simply stunning.
Also just added to the bill is Mike Caveney, returning to the convention
with his fun-packed fooling. Nominated an astounding 10 times for Stage
Magician of the Year at The Magic Castle, and an accomplished author and
magic historian, Mike uses his dry wit and comprehensive magical knowledge
to create a hilarious, yet truly baffling, act. Following his highly
successful performance at FISM, Will Houston will not only be performing
but will also present his first ever lecture. Will's original thinking and high
skill level helped him burst onto the national magic scene in only the
last year, winning national awards and international recognition for his
original close-up presentations. Your first opportunity to see his lecture
will be at the convention in November
www.internationalmagic.com. 26.8.06
Blackpool
Magic Convention latest news: Canada's
Greg Frewin
will top the bill on the Sunday Gala Show with
Juliana Chen
closing the first half. Tickets for the convention are selling fast. The
new VIP Registration has just 100 tickets remaining, out of an initial
500. This year's theme is "Close-Up Colossus" with 16 of the world's best
close-up performers being featured. Eight will perform on the Saturday and
eight on the Sunday. The biggest Dealers' Fair in the world houses 106
international dealers and will open at 1pm on the Friday afternoon. For
more details contact Arthur Casson on 01253 393688 email
arthurcasson@aol.com website:
www.blackpoolmagic.com. 26.8.06
The
Wonderbus. Tired of seeing older people in the UK pushed aside or
written off, TV trickster Paul Zenon decided to set up The Wonderbus,
with the intention of providing them with a bit of fun and companionship.
Getting the show on the road, The Wonderbus will take live
entertainment to older people in homes and sheltered housing, or take them
out on trips to see live entertainment, giving them a good old-fashioned
day out to remember. Retired performers will be persuaded to get their
gladrags out of mothballs and new kids on the block given a chance to gain
valuable performing experience. Everyone involved should benefit from an
increasingly rare instance of genuine interaction between the generations.
The long term aim is to customise a coach so that the vehicle itself can
also be used as a mobile venue.
Zenon was around six years old when he experienced his first taste of live
entertainment. His gran's friend Dot Crawshaw arranged a coach trip for
the children of local factory workers to go and see a pantomime at
Bradford Alhambra Theatre, some forty miles from their home town. This was
the first of several that he would be treated to and he became bitten by
the showbiz bug; since then he has made a name for himself as one of the
UK's best known comedy magicians both on television and live, with
performances in around thirty countries. In February of this year Paul
bumped into Dot at his gran's funeral and, on giving her a lift back to
the sheltered housing in which she now lives, it occurred to him that it
might be nice to return the favour that she'd done for him and many other
kids all those years ago. And, if he could sort that for Dot and her
friends, then why not....(fade to dream sequence).
Let's make no bones about it; Zenon is a blagger, so expect the call. If
you can provide anything from goodie bags for the trip to a large parking
space, if you're a bus driver or a carer with a bit of spare time, if
you've got a P.A. system or lights to lend or you can lead a singalong on
a bumpy road, then please get in touch. Oh yes, and if you got a bus or
coach, that would be quite handy.
The Wonderbus will have no hidden administration costs and all performers
will be donating their services free of charge so that all funds raised
can be used directly and tangibly - The Wonderbus will do exactly
what it says on the bodywork. The starter's flag will be raised with
Paul Zenon's Grey Matter - a Colourful Evening of Comedy at the London
Comedy Store on Monday 4th September at 8pm, with special guests including
Stewart Lee and Lucy Porter. Tickets are £15, (£12 concessions), from
www.ticketmaster.co.uk 0870 060 2340 or the venue
www.thecomedystore.co.uk, with proceeds going to The Wonderbus.
Enquiries, press, help or donations:
admin@paulzenon.com 07721 610364 (P.S. Pass it on but don't tell Dot
about it yet.) 26.8.06
Wayne
Dobson and Mike McClean (from the Big Breakfast and Richard and Judy)
have been asked to contribute to a new magic production with a difference,
that is being written by Tony Mcail (Holby City). The show tells the story
of a young boy who witnesses his father's death (whist performing an
illusion) and then finds himself in later life performing the very same
illusion. Both Wayne and Mike are looking forward to the project which
should go on tour in theatres across the country. Meanwhile Mike is
looking for some close-up magicians to entertain at his wedding on
November 5th. (Not much in the way of fees, but plenty of celebs if that's
your thing!) Contact:
management05@tiscali.co.uk if you'd like to offer your services. 26.8.06
British
artist Jonathan Allen's fictitious gospel magician Tommy Angel debuts
in Singapore this week at the opening of the city's first dedicated visual
arts biennale (SB2006). Ninety-five invited artists and groups from around
the world tackle the provocative theme of 'Belief' and its relation to the
current religious, political and economic climate. Tommy Angel, profiled
earlier this year in Magic Magazine, has been described as "a meeting of
Billy Graham and David Copperfield via Donald Rumsfeld." The brutal and
narcissistic evangelist conjuror will meet his audience here through a
series of large photographic tableaux set within a shadowy architectural
labyrinth. Allen will also work with a team of resident magicians for a
week in advance secreting custom-printed stage money throughout the city
to announce Tommy Angel's ambiguous missionary presence during the
Biennale.
www.singaporebiennale.org. 26.8.06
Michael
Close writes: "In September Lisa and I will be returning to the United
Kingdom to do some lectures. We had a great time last year and we re
looking forward to seeing old friends and making new ones. Because of
travel restrictions we will not be doing the PowerPoint lecture that we
did last year. To make up for this, we have packed the lecture with a lot
more magic. Those of you who saw the lecture last year may want to attend
this current one; there will be a lot of stuff you haven t seen. Our tour
includes lectures in Belfast, Dublin, Wolverhampton, Manchester, the Isle
of Man, Newcastle, Leeds, Leamington, and Hull. We will also be making a
short jaunt over to Amsterdam for a lecture. At the end of September we
will be attending the IBM convention in Eastbourne, and there are a couple
of surprises planned for that event." For more information visit
www.michaelclose.com. 26.8.06
Trevor
Duffy and Charles Gauci lecture on separate nights for the Leicester
Magic Circle at the Ramada Jarvis Hotel, Granby Street, Leicester LE1 6ES.
At 8pm on September 18th and 25th. (Non members £5). Contact Barry Martin
Secretary 01509 843066 lmc@hotmail.com
for details. See What's On
for more lecture dates. 26.8.06
The
Professional Stage Pickpocket - Ricki Dunn. "Probably the best book on
pickpocketing ever written! Ricki Dunn had an impressive career that
spanned over 50 years. Also known as 'Americas Funniest Pickpocket',
Ricki worked at all the mayor nightclubs, hotels, casinos, and cruise
ships around the world. He worked in cities like Miami, Chicago, New York,
and Las Vegas. During his 20 minute act he would steal everything from
wallets, neckties, glasses, and belts, and have his audience roaring with
laughter. This book is the result of his 50 years of experience. In it
Ricki reveals how to steal every kind of item. It includes routines that
incorporate the different steals, how to develop a pickpocket act, and how
to market it. Even if you do not plan to become a pickpocket, the
knowledge of timing and the selection of material is well worth your
consideration. This book is the legacy of a full-time professional
entertainer who was one of the best in his field. Ricki is no longer with
us, and for that reason we included a DVD of his act (performance only),
giving the viewer a glimpse of his personality onstage, as well as his
masterful timing." For more information and to order visit
www.topsecretmagic.co.uk. 26.8.06
Identity
Theft - new, from Unearthly Magic. Just one of the effects found on
the recently released DVD 'Snowblind', this modern piece of magic offers
something completely different. 'Identity Theft' features the magical
cloning of any spectators identity - right in front of their eyes! It can
be performed in numerous close-up situations and is available exclusively
from
www.unearthlymagic.com. 26.8.06
Let
Me Correct You! Last week we mixed up the dates for Rick Green and
Becci's appearance on BBC2's new series Let Me Entertain You - the
couple can actually be seen competing on Wednesday September 6th (and then
on the 8th if they make it to the weekly final). Comedian Brian Conley
invites performers to entertain his studio audience in any way they choose
for a possible £1,000 cash prize in this new daily series. Audience
members are equipped with "off" buttons and once 50% of them have hit
their buttons the act is pulled! Weekdays, 4.30pm, BBC2. 26.8.06
Ultimate
Street Magic by Gary Sumpter Gary Sumpter's new beginners book of
'street magic' has just been published by New Holland Publishers Ltd.
"Over recent years, magicians have had to work harder to keep their public
happy. The traditional role of the stage magician in sweeping tailcoats
and top hats, has been usurped by a new generation, who're taking magic to
the streets. In 'Ultimate Street Magic', Gary Sumpter reveals the tricks
of the trade with the use of easy-to-understand text and clear
step-by-step photographs. Working through tricks involving common objects,
such as playing cards, coins, rubber bands and lighters, that will delight
and amaze most audiences, he moves on to explain a range of even more
impressive tricks to confuse the steel-willed and scare the strong of
stomach, such as an easy-to-master street levitation. Wherever you go -
pubs, clubs, markets and restaurants - you will be able to entertain the
public with your new-found magical knowledge, and polish your act with a
range of smart card flourishes." Available from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here. 26.8.06
Black
Widow - in stock at the special offer price of £149.99 whilst stocks
last! Delivery 3-5 days. Visit
www.worldmagicshop.co.uk. 26.8.06
Escapologist
Stuart Harley will present his long awaited multimedia lecture - 'The
Life and Death of Houdini' at South Downs Magicians meeting on Wednesday
6th September at 8pm at The Ark Community Centre, Turners Hill, Crawley
RH10 4RA (Map).
Visiting magicians £5.00. Further details from SDM President, Jonathan
Cann on 01444 230409. 26.8.06
Severance,
starring Andy Nyman, opened nationwide on Friday - it's had great
reviews and is set to be a cult hit. Go and see it and watch Andy suffer
in ways you never dreamed of! "It is about a squabbling bunch of
white-collar workers from the home counties (and one blond American) who
have been bussed into the Hungarian forest for some team-building and
paintballing exercises. They soon find out that the neo-Transylvanian
horrors of central Europe are much more pressing than any previous worries
they might have had. It is being billed as 'Deliverance meets The
Office'... There are one or two funny lines in Severance, and they are
well handled by Danny Dyer and also Andy Nyman, whose cult status as a
close-up magician of genius is being eclipsed by his growing career in
comedy." Peter Bradshaw in The Guardian
www.severancethemovie.co.uk. 26.8.06
Houdini
The Legend. A double presentation (talk and show) by John Field,
Associate Member of The Inner Magic Circle. "The Legend Lives On! -
Although he died 80 years ago his name is known throughout the world as
one of the greatest magicians who ever lived. Learn about the sensational
life of Harry Houdini in this illustrated talk by John Field, Associate
Member of The Inner Magic Circle. Magic of the Mind - In the second
half of this one-man presentation, experience the inexplicable and
astounding mind reading skills of John Field. Witness the thoughts and
actions of the audience being predicted before they take place. This show
will challenge your understanding of the power of the human mind!" Tuesday
10th October at 7.45pm, Myers Studio Theatre, Epsom KT18 5AL. Tickets
£9.00 Box Office 01372 742555
www.epsomplayhouse.co.uk. 26.8.06
Chris
Priest's feet have hardly touched the ground of late with a stream of
prestigious bookings. At the start of the week Chris was flown to Portugal
to perform for a client's 40th Birthday party and was treated to a game of
golf at the famous Quento do Lago Championship course (he won!),
then, back in England, he had a mere two hours to travel to his next
appointment - performing for the owner of Pertemps at a private party. He
then was booked by the ITN news team in London (photo with Shulie Goshe)
for another party before flying out to Monaco to perform at an event
at The Grand Hotel in St Jean Ferratt for 20 VIPs. Chris enjoyed the full
'star treatment' and was chauffer driven around Monte Carlo in a red
Ferrari. Then it was back to reality with a bump as he travelled to Ilford
to lecture for the Ilford Magical Society, to be greeted on arrival by magic pros Zap
and Peter Mehtab.
www.chrispriest.com 26.8.06
Steve
Dela has launched a new website featuring his innovative products:
www.delamagic.com Bristol Day of Magic May 2007: Sunday May 13th, 2007 at the Winter
Gardens and Playhouse Theatre, Weston Super Mare. Details nearer the time,
www.bristolmagic.co.uk Chris Cox - He Can't Read Minds? Reviews:
www.edfringe.com Mike Danata's Magic Studio - 10% Off to callers, see
www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk for details "Show us your best
illusion and you could appear on The Illusionist DVD release"
Click Here
Christopher Williams has just launched a new PDF ebook called 'A
Collection of Card Magic' - visit
www.magicman13.co.uk for details and to order "Opinion: Ali Bongo
link is bonkers"
Click Here Tim Shoesmith lectures at the Southend Sorcerers on
Sunday 4th September. The venue is Saxon Hall, Aviation Way, Southend on
Sea and non-members are welcome for a £5 guest fee
www.southendsorcerers.co.uk Last week we featured Arturo Brachetti's
Fringe show, visit
www.brachetti.com for more Marc Oberon's one man show is reviewed
this week by Alec Powell, Click Here
"Illusionist Cyril leads a resurgence in magic"
Click Here "Performing at circus would be magic for Josh"
Click Here "Illusionist's Island"
Click Here "Ascending to stardom"
Click Here
Your UK magic news is always welcomed, please note the 12 noon Friday
deadline for Saturday's MagicWeek. See you next week, Duncan. 26.8.06