Number 323 - 2nd September 2006
Ikkokudo,
Japan's finest ventriloquist, is on a whistle-stop tour of Europe,
supported by close-up master of magic Shoot Ogawa. The Voice Illusion
Tour plays the five star Grange City Hotel, 8-10 Coopers Row, London
EC3N 2BQ (Map)
on Sunday 24th September at 3pm. Adults £30.00, Children £25.00. The show
will be in Japanese and is only being promoted in the Japanese
press. The venue seats 500 so you may be able to buy a ticket on the
day. Try arriving at around 2.30pm. (Please note that this news was not submitted to MagicWeek, so entry
on the day is not guaranteed, but we thought you'd like to know about it
anyway).
www.grangehotels.com
www.eu.ikkokudo.com.
More on Ikkokudo:
Click Here. 2.9.06
Close-up
enthusiasts will be well catered for at this year's
International Magic Convention (24th-26th November) by Jon Armstrong
(photo, USA), Mickey Silver (USA), Michael Vincent (UK) and Roger
Crosthwaite (UK) who have all just been added to the names already
announced to lecture or perform. The card work of Jon Armstrong has been
honed over many years as resident magician at Disney's Epcot theme park in
Florida. Mickey Silver has been creating quite a stir with his retention
of vision vanish over the last few years. Jon Rachenbaumer has said of
Mickey's work, "Vernon said 'Learn to do something better than anyone else
and you will gain an enduring reputation.' Mickey Silver has done this
with his Retention Vanish and Retention Sell." Roger Crosthwaite will be
presenting his lecture "A Tribute to Victor Farelli". Farelli, who
probably now is best remembered as the author of all the John Ramsey
books, was a highly skilled card man in his own right. In his presentation
Roger, and other magical luminaries, will show some of his original
effects, brought up to date with modern techniques. Michael Vincent, three
times winner of The Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year Competition
will be performing his beautiful sleight of hand magic every evening
before the Gala Show. Register online:
www.internationalmagic.com. 2.9.06
Blackpool
Magicians Convention on 23rd, 24th, 25th February, 2007 has a record
number of lecturers lined up, with 14 scheduled throughout the weekend
including Jay Sankey, David Roth, Michael Rubenstein, Aldo Colombini,
Simon Lovell, Henry Evans, Ian Rowland, Dirk Losander and Nate Kranzo.
Greg Frewin will be performing close-up magic, as well as topping the bill
on the Gala Show, and will also lecture in the VIP Lounge. For a
registration form telephone Arthur Casson on 01253 393688 email:
arthurcasson@aol.com or download
from
www.blackpoolmagic.com. 2.9.06
Geoffrey Durham lectures
in Nottingham.
On Sunday 17th September
the Nottingham Guild of Magicians once again present "An Evening of Magic
and Illusion" at the Bonington Theatre, Arnold Leisure Centre, Arnold,
Nottingham. "We are delighted to have with us one of the Country's finest
performers and magical thinkers
Geoffrey Durham. Geoffrey will be topping
the bill of a star studded evening which also includes International
Illusionists Safire who will be performing their stunning illusion act
along with their latest venture The Living Light Puppet Company, Comedy
Juggler Michael Pearse who makes a return visit after numerous requests
from our lay audience. James Smith with his 'Reflections' manipulation act
and to compere Charlie Petersen - a great comedy act." Show time 7.30pm -
10.00pm, Tickets £12 each. Theatre box office 0115 9670114. As an added
bonus Geoffrey Durham will give a lecture during the afternoon from 2.30pm
- 4.30pm (lecture tickets £7.50 call 0115 9614551) and Michael Pearse will
be present a mini lecture on his signature effect 'Ring on Rope' (only
available to those booking for the Geoffrey Durham lecture).
www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk
www.bonington-theatre.co.uk. 2.9.06
Pete
Firman's Tricks to Freak Out Your Friends is due for
publication on Thursday September 7th. From the publishers: "If you're
interested in magic because on your ninth birthday Mummy and Daddy booked
the ruddy faced Uncle Fiddlesticks who made sweets appear from pockets
he'd forced you to verify were empty, and you now want to know how it was
done, then this isn't the book for you. 'Tricks To Freak Out Your Friends'
doesn't contain trivial and forgettable tricks. The material in this book
is 'grab you by the balls and twist 'em' stuff. It's sick and it's rude,
and it'll blow their minds. This natty full-colour magic-manual takes you
through each trick in detail, and colour photos demonstrate just how to
perform them. It's guaranteed to make your friends choke on their pints.
With a foreword by mind-meddler Derren Brown." Paperback, 128 pages, order
from Amazon.co.uk and save 34%
Click Here. For more information visit
www.petefirman.co.uk. 2.9.06
The
Story of Light Entertainment. BBC2's Story of Light Entertainment
continues on Saturday 9th September with 'Variety' as its theme. "Stephen
Fry narrates a series tracing the roots of light entertainment, from
variety to Strictly Come Dancing and all points in between. This edition
explores variety shows - singers and comedians may have topped bills but
it was the allied acts such as magicians, ventriloquists, tumblers,
jugglers, acrobats, paper-tearers and dance groups, that made the shows so
memorable. Featuring interviews with Paul Daniels, Ray Alan, Simon Cowell,
Paul Zenon, Paul Zerdin, Bruce Forsyth and Jimmy Tarbuck."
A
new series of The Real Hustle launches at
10.30pm on BBC3 on Thursday 7th September. R Paul Wilson, Jessica-Jane
Clement and Alex Conran are back to their old tricks, and up to some new
ones, in this cleverly constructed series that exposes scams. Filmed with hidden
cameras and intercut with actual interviews from fraud protection experts,
police and victims. Photo: R Paul Wilson, Jessica-Jane Clement and
Alex Conran. 2.9.06
Andy
Clockwise and Charlie Rat star in 'Magic and Mayhem' at the Empire
Theatre, Butler Road, Halstead, Essex on Thursday 26th October at 2pm. Box
office: 07778 025490. Tickets £4.00 each. 2.9.06
Manchester
Circle of Magicians host a lecture by Michael Close on Thursday 7th
September, at 8pm at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, The Crescent,
Salford, Manchester. Members are admitted free of charge. Guests pay £5.00
and must register in advance with Derek Lever on 01253 810113 or email
deriko@webaplomb.com. The next
Jumbo Auction at Manchester Circle of Magicians is on Tuesday 24th
October, 2006 at 6.30 p.m. With many Lots already entered it promises to
be another long and entertaining night. 2.9.06
Midland
Day of Magic - October 1st 2006. Hosted by Leamington & Warwick Magic
Society at the Cubbington Sports & Social Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington
Royal, Leamington Spa CV32 7LN. Dealers include: Keith Bennett, Kaymar
Magic, Merlin's Magic, Kitchen Table Magic and Adrian Sullivan. Lectures
from: Charles Gauci, Sean Heydon and Kevin Gallagher (photo). With
"Close-up Galore" at 4pm. Prepaid registration: £10.00, admission on the
day: £15.00 (subject to availability). Doors open at 10am. Cheques should
be made payable to the clubs Treasurer: "Ivor Williamson" and sent to Ivor
Williamson, 4 Woodleigh Road, Westwood Heath, Coventry CV4 8GT (enclose an
SAE). Details from Martin Key (President) 01295 788206
martin@magicword.com or for more
information visit:
www.dayofmagic.co.uk. 2.9.06
Kernow
Magic are pleased to announce that they have just signed an agreement
with Jay Sankey making them one of only four authorised Sankey dealers in
the UK. The new partnership will commence with the release of a brand new
effect - Moving Violation. "It looks like something out of science fiction
movie! The performer opens a small wallet to show a business card
featuring a hypnotic printed pattern with a small hole near one end. Then
slowly, very slowly, the hole impossibly melts its way across the entire
length of the card!" For more information visit
www.kernowmagic.co.uk. 2.9.06
James
Brown's "Still Fancy a Pot of Jam?" DVD will be released any day now
by Alakazam Magic. "Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year James Brown
presents never before seen effects from his working repertoire... you will
learn some killer effects as well as misdirection for the real world
performer!" Order from
www.alakazam.co.uk. James lectures at the Bristol Society of Magic on
Thursday 7th September. (Non members £10.00) Venue: St Michael's Church
Hall, St Michael's Court, Kingswood, Bristol 8pm. For further details
contact the Secretary Stuart Bowie 0117 942 1735. 2.9.06
An
Evening with Charlie Frye. US magician, juggler and comedian Charlie
Frye presents a unique lecture in Bath following the British
Ring Eastbourne Convention. Tickets: Bristol and Bath Society members £10 - non
members £15. Thursday 28th September. Venue: Willow Room, Menzies
Waterside Hotel, Rossiter Road, Bath. Further details from Paul Stone
qualityevents@aol.com
www.charliefrye.com. 2.9.06
Theatrical
Extravaganza. Today, Saturday 2nd September at 7pm at the Georgian
Theatre Royal, Richmond, North Yorkshire. Tickets from £8.00. "A family
show jam packed with skills and thrills. Watch as these artists astound
you with their theatrical tricks and their sensational circus skills.
Puppetry will be brought back to life and unicycling will be like you have
never seen before. Sit back and enjoy these spectacular artists brought
together on stage for one night only." Featuring magic from Simon Jackson
(photo).
www.georgiantheatreroyal.co.uk. 2.9.06
Wonder
Pet by Alan Wong - Available from
www.kidshowmagic.co.uk "The best trained pet dog we've seen for ages.
For something close-up, different and truly magical you can't go wrong
with Alan Wong's Wonder Pet! The performer brings out the Wonder Pet and
says it has been trained to do some unusual tricks. A spectator is asked
to select any card and sign it. The deck is cut in the middle, and the
signed card is returned to the deck. The deck is then cut a few more
times, and the performer explains that the Wonder Pet has the uncanny
ability of locating the signed card with its tiny yet powerful sense of
smell. As cards are taken from the deck one at a time and placed in front
of the Wonder Pet's face, nothing happens. When the signed card is
reached, however, the Wonder Pet begins nodding its head and licking the
air, indicating that this is indeed the signed card!" See the video clip
online:
www.kidshowmagic.co.uk. 2.9.06
Preparing
for a magical career. Magician John Hofner was featured in the
Northern Echo on Monday, August 28th: A teacher has pulled out a new
profession out of the hat after a 43-year career in music. Johnny
Blackham, 67, of Hartlepool, has just retired from Barnard Castle School,
County Durham, after nine years teaching percussion. But Mr Blackham,
whose musical career has seen him play on stage with the likes of Tommy
Cooper and Morecambe and Wise, is not planning to take things easy in his
retirement. He said: “I have been fascinated by the world of magic since
1968. It started when I was working as a session musician on the Tyne-Tees
TV children’s series Fanfare and I met compere Harold Taylor, an
accomplished magician, who inspired me to try it out for myself.” Since
then, Mr Blackham, who works under the professional name John Hofner, has
spent his spare time entertaining people of all ages with his unique brand
of comedy, conjuring and cabaret at private parties, schools, playgroups
and even on live TV. He is a member of Darlington’s Magic Circle and has
an assistant called Squawk the parrot. Deputy headteacher Oliver Marlow
said: “Johnny has been a tremendous asset to our school and will be very
much missed by the pupils and staff alike.”
www.johnhofner.co.uk. 2.9.06
Darryl
Rose was asked to perform his spellbinding magic for the celebrities
and crew in Fiji for the wrap party of ITV's Love Island. The previous
night he presented a stage performance in aid of a local special needs
school, and raised over $700. Darryl's new routine, called the Apprentice
(soon to be released) was the highlight of the evening, as the entire crew
got fired by the show's director apart from one - The Apprentice, who
helped to chose a card that was predicted in the Fiji Times!
www.darrylrose.com. 2.9.06
MagicBox
have redesigned their site, and it looks great! Visit:
www.magicbox.uk.com
to see what's new. 2.9.06
The
Magic & Laughter Show
- The Hippodrome Theatre, Seaside Road, Eastbourne BN21 3PF (Map)
on September 9th at 8pm. Starring
Dave Brown,
Mel Harvey and
Martyn James & Co
and Mark Worgan.
Tickets are £14 and £13 with a £1 reduction for children and senior
citizens. The following day Mark joins the MV Oceana to entertain in the
Med. Look out for Mark's 'Multiplying Mobile Telephones' at the Eastbourne
convention (19th - 24th September) - based on the old Carrots & Banana
trick this uses incredibly realistic modern looking Nokia style mobile
phones! Mark will have a stand at the convention. Then on October 8th Mark
will be staging his own one man show at the Fishers Farm Park Theatre,
Wisborough Green. A show for adults with comedy magic and audience
participation.
www.markworgan.co.uk. 2.9.06
Choosin
Cruisin for a Career. Mel Harvey has just published his first book
Choosin Cruisin for a Career. The book includes many hints and tips
relating to performing a magic show on board ocean going liners: "Do you
know what a CLP is? Do you want to get 'spin off' bookings? Do you know
what a comments sheet is? Would you like to earn more from your magic? All
these questions and more are answered in a comical style in this handy
sized book." Choosin Cruisin for a Career is available from Mel
Harvey, 2 Linden Avenue, Wellesbourne, Warwick CV35 9SD. Price £9.99 (inc.
UK postage) telephone 01789 470331
mel@melharvey.com. Mel can be seen back on dry land next Saturday in
Mark Worgan's Magic and Laughter Show in Eastbourne (above). 2.9.06
Stephen
Tucker lectures at the Chester Guild of Magicians on Monday 11th
September. Visiting magicians welcome (£5.00 charge). Details from
Secretary, Stephen Cooil, telephone 01244 881462 or visit
www.chesterguildofmagicians.co.uk. 2.9.06
Nottingham Guild of Magicians Children's Entertainer Competition. Last Friday five competitors took part in the Nottingham Guild of Magicians Children's Entertainer Competition at the Bonington Theatre, Arnold, Nottingham. The sell-out two hour show was well received, with the audience judging who gave the best performance during the 15 minutes allowed. The winner for the second year running was Charlie Petersen (Charlie the Magician) who took away a trophy and £50 prize money. Also taking part were Cliff Carlton, Tony Penn, Barrie Perkins, Cliff Aram and compering and generally holding the show together Allen Tipton. Charlie Petersen can be seen performing his comedy magic act on September 17th in "An Evening of Magic and Illusion" at the Bonington Theatre. 2.9.06
Richard Stone was invited to perform at this years Northern Rock All Star Cup charity auction. Amongst the guests to have witnessed Richard perform were: Ronan Keating, Alice Cooper, Chazz Palminteri, William Baldwin, Chris Evans, James Nesbitt, Phil Tufnell, Bruce Forsyth, Ronnie Corbett, Ian Wright and Meat Loaf. "Out of all the celebrities there, the celebrities I was mostly looking forward to performing to were Alice Cooper and Chazz Palminteri. Both legends in my book and what great guys to perform to. They absolutely loved the magic and were completely freaked out!" For more information about Richard Stone visit www.interactivemagic.co.uk. 2.9.06
Magic Car Boot Sale - tomorrow! Sunday 3rd September at The Beechmen Circus Warehouse, Union Street, West Bromwich B70 6BP (Map). There are over 24 stalls including dealers; hot breakfasts available. The premises are only a couple of minutes drive from Junction 1 on the M5. Admission is £4.00 and the doors open at 9.30am. 2.9.06
Curb
Your Enthusiasm - The Complete Series 1 to 5, 11 disc DVD box set. "You
thought your life was bad. Try being an incomprehensibly successful writer
with a gorgeous wife. Unfortunately for Larry David, co-creator of
Seinfeld, four hundred million dollars and the woman of his dreams (Cheryl
Hines) are no match for the constant turmoils that wreak havoc on his
daily life. With the help of his manager Jeff (Jeff Garlin) and best
friend Richard Lewis (Lewis, playing himself), Larry tries to maintain
some semblance of order, but when trouble seems to find you everywhere,
that isn't so easy. Curb Your Enthusiasm is, quite simply,
television at its finest, a brilliant and hysterical work of comic genius
that absurdly, yet seamlessly, blends reality with fiction. The first five
seasons of the show are collected here." It may not be magic, so take a break! Pre order the
50 show 11 disc box set from Amazon.co.uk today
Click Here and enjoy a 25% saving. Release date: Monday 11th September.
The best TV to come out of the States since The Larry Sanders Show
and Seinfeld. 2.9.06
Flash Magic are now able to offer even lower prices on all flashers and flash consumables on a permanent basis - see www.flashmagic.co.uk • Amazing Johnathan filmed a one-hour special for Comedy Central on Friday, September 1st. An "uncensored" version will be released by Comedy Central on DVD • "Russian magician married to Brezhnev's daughter dead at age 62" Click Here • "For Harry Anderson, the New Orleans Magic Is Gone" Click Here • "Houdini Was a Covert Agent, New Book Claims" Click Here • That's it for this week, see you next week, Duncan. 2.9.06