Number 324 - 9th September 2006
FISM
Grand Prix Winner Pilou has just been signed to appear at the
Eastbourne Convention (September 19th - 24th). Pilou beat 100 acts in the
stage competition to be placed first. Here's the full line-up of
performers and lecturers appearing: Silly Billy, Black Fingers, Vanni
Bossi, Noel Britten, John Calvert, John Carney, Dave Cass, Craig
Christian, Michael Close,Tim Cockerill, Tim Conover, Roy Davenport, Eddie
Dawes, James Dimmare & Monique, Wally Eastwood, Moira Fletcher, Paul
Freeman, Charlie Frye & Co, Gingernutt, Paolo Giua, Jack Gleadow, Peter
Greenwood, Joe Harper, David Hibberd, Jeff Hobson, Shep Hyken, IBM Clowns,
Martyn James, Jimbo, Tony Josdyne, Graham P Jolley, Mac King, Seth Kramer,
John Lenahan, Mark Mason, Elizabeth Maskell, Nick Mohammend, Bharat &
Jyoti Patel, Pilou, Vanni Pule, Reuben, Colin Rose, Magic Rose, Terry
Seabrooke, Brian Sefton, Soul Mystique, Mike Stokes, Mikael Szanyiel,
James Tetlow, Peter Wardell and Paul Zerdin. More information:
www.britishring.org.uk. 9.9.06
Portugal's
FISM award-winning manipulator David Sousa has been added to the
International Magic Convention Gala Show bill (24th - 26th November). His
deliberate and measured style of performance highlights the wonderful
magic that happens in the act. Lex & Alina (Germany) have also been booked
to close the Gala Show with their unbelievable quick change act. Lex is
the author of the best selling book "Quick Change." It's often the juggler
that steals the show at a magic convention and this year may be no
exception, Germany's TJ has added an extra dimension to the art of
juggling to create a truly unique performance. For mindreaders and
mentalists, Luke Jermay will be flying in from Las Vegas, where he is
currently advising Criss Angel on his latest series, to lecture. Working
behind the scenes on both Angel's show in America and Derren Brown's show
in the UK is a true testament to Luke's novel ideas and thinking. Full
details of the whole line up can now be found on
www.internationalmagic.com. 9.9.06
Variety
is the Spice of Life. "Magician and comedian Paul Zenon believes that the end is nigh for
television as we know it. Despite making regular TV appearances himself, he
believes that reality shows are turning us off the box and, far from the lack of
traditional entertainment shows on the box sounding the death knell for variety,
audiences are now queuing round the block to see the kind of live acts that used
to have us rolling in the aisles." From the Sunday Express and published here
with thanks to the Sunday Express and Paul Zenon. To read Paul's article
Click Here. 9.9.06
Freaky.
A new series of Freaky starts today at 12.30pm on Channel 4 "Moving
across your screen at a million miles an hour, Dave, Mike, Nige, and Phil,
four freaky geezas with 'mayhem in mind', bring viewers a mix of
interactive magic, surrealism and comedy that will shock, amuse, bemuse
and humour the audience." 9.9.06
John
Lenahan writes a novel! Magician Comedian John Lenahan Star of BBC’s
Stuff the White Rabbit and Secrets of Magic is currently
podcasting his novel “Shadowmagic” – free - on Podiobooks.com.
"Shadowmagic is a rip roaring fun fantasy adventure novel by John Lenahan
very loosely based on Irish mythology, where every chapter ends on the
edge of a cliff (or at least a high curb). Join Shadowmagic’s hero Conor
as he grapples with typical teenage problems like: how to deal with a
father’s high expectations, how to survive in the world on your own and
how to woo a beautiful girl - that wants you dead. Shadowmagic a podcast
novel for young adults from 12 to 112." To listen to John’s podcast visit
www.shadowmagic.co.uk or just type “John Lenahan” into the itunes
podcast directory. For info on John’s other projects visit
www.magicguy.co.uk. 9.9.06
The
Prestige Are You Watching Closely? Opens in the States on
October 20th. From acclaimed filmmaker Christopher Nolan (Memento,
Batman Begins), comes a mysterious story of two magicians whose
intense rivalry leads them on a life-long battle for supremacy full of
obsession, deceit and jealousy with dangerous and deadly consequences.
From the time that they first met as young magicians on the rise, Robert
Angier (Hugh Jackman) and Alfred Borden (Christian Bale) were competitors.
However, their friendly competition evolves into a bitter rivalry making
them fierce enemies-for-life and consequently jeopardizing the lives of
everyone around them. Full of twists and turns, The Prestige is set
against the backdrop of turn-of-the-century London, the exceptional cast
includes two-time Oscar winner Michael Caine, Scarlett Johansson and David
Bowie. A UK release date has not yet been set. Movie trailer:
http://touchstone.movies.go.com.
9.9.06
Magicseen
gets down! Magicseen "Europe's Number 1 magic magazine" is now
available as a downloadable PDF from
www.trickshop.com
at $5.95 per issue. The PDF launch comes just as UK postage costs for
overseas packages increases, so is well timed, and plans are underway to
offer it directly from the
www.magicseen.co.uk
website too shortly. The next issue features an exclusive interview with
Paul Daniels, and Men In Coats, Andrew Murray, Tony Chapek and Spanish
wizard Antonio Romero are all featured together with much more! 9.9.06
MagicTricks.co.uk
have upgraded their website. Just some of the sections include: New
Arrivals, Special Offers, Cards, Money, Ring & Key, Sponge Magic, General
Magic, Accessories, Mentalism, Street Magic, Pub Tricks, Magic on TV,
Exclusive Items, Own Brand, Gift Ideas, Beginners, DVDs and Books, and
more... This site is full of magic suitable for beginners right through to
experts and postage is free on all orders over £20! Visit the new look
www.magictricks.co.uk today! 9.9.06
Nicholas
Einhorn appeared live on Sky One's Brainiac last Thursday. Guests,
including Page 3 Model Jodie Marsh, rated Nick's scientific presentation
joint first with previous competitors in the Star Scientist competition.
The winner of the competition (to be decided in several weeks time) will
become a regular presenter on the next Brainiac series. Watch this space!
Nick says Jodie hassled him until he finally agreed to pose for this
picture... (I've never seen him look happier!)
www.einhorn.co.uk. 9.9.06
Campbell's
Cube off. Available now from Mike Danata's Magic Studio, Bournemouth.
"This amazing block penetration has won praise from many top performing
magicians. Suitable for stage - yet can be performed inches from your
audience! The cube is placed in a tube, which is visible at all times a
wand is then passed through the tube and the holes in the cube, locking
the cube firmly in place. Then, with a tap, the cube visibly penetrates
the wand and slides off! There have been similar effects to this before,
but none so clean and convincing. And the best part is that you have
almost nothing to do, other than follow the instructions. The effect works
itself! Made in wood, with a brass wand - excellent hand crafted magic!"
Mike Danata tells us that the method is very ingenious, and the effect
very magical.
www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk. 9.9.06
Criss
Angel Mindfreak: Secret Revelations from the Master of Surreality.
From the publishers: "This work presents the behind the scenes of the hit
show. The most provocative mystifier in decades reveals secrets of 40
amazing illusions that fans can master. The star of the groundbreaking hit
television series 'Criss Angel Mindfreak' is considered to be the most
influential name in magic today. With a visionary approach and inventive
material, 'Mindfreak' explores the various illusions - 'mindfreaks' -
Angel performs each week, as well as his philosophy behind his approach to
life and his art. From 'Burned Alive' and 'Bullet Catch' to 'Building
Walk' and 'Levitation', Criss explains the mindset that makes each
demonstration successful, and reveals the unique, personal illusory twist
he adds to each one." 304 pages, hardbound. To pre-order from Amazon.co.uk
with a 34% discount
Click Here (publication date: 2nd October 2006). 9.9.06
The
Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year 2006. Held every two years,
the fourth Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year Competition will take
place at The Magic Circle's headquarters, The Centre for the Magic Arts,
in London on Sunday 29th October at 6pm. This year has seen an increased
number of entries so heats are being organised to select the eight
finalists who will take to the stage in front of a distinguished panel of
judges on the night. Manipulators, stand-up magicians and illusionists
will compete for the first prize of £1,000, the prized title and plaque
that goes with it. Tickets are £12.50 (cheques should be made payable to
"The
Magic Circle")
from the Box Office, The Centre for
the Magic Arts, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD, or telephone 020 7387
2222 between 10am and 5pm for credit card bookings. Seats are limited so
early booking is recommended. Always an exciting evening, no matter which
side of the curtain you find yourself! Previous winners to date: Scott
Penrose (2000), Loki (2002) and Duncan Trillo (2004).
www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 9.9.06
Magic
in the air as Paul drops in. "There was magic in the air when Paul
Daniels spent an hour entertaining children at the Luton & Dunstable
Hospital, revealing some of the techniques behind the tricks. Now Chris
Quelch of the L&D's hospital radio station is hoping the famous magician
will pay a return trip to the town to put on a fundraising show at
Christmas time. Chris said: 'He's just an amazing character. Both adults
and children know who he is. He was funny, friendly, polite and
charming.'" To read the full story in Luton Today
Click Here. 9.9.06
Lucky
Dip... "OK Wayne I am really beginning to hate you. Today somebody
fooled the ‘*@^?’ out of me with 'Lucky Dip', I must have one! I am
begging you to stop coming out with such brilliant, simple, elegant,
powerful material. Please - it makes the rest of us look stupid!" Andy
Nyman. Find out more about this incredible routine, visit
www.waynedobson.co.uk. 9.9.06
Safire
Illusionists still have another 8 weeks left before they finish Joe
Pasquale's Rentaghost the Musical Tour. This is the longest tour that they
have ever done; starting in February. In November they fly out to Spain to
appear and act as magic consultants in a production being staged at The
Benidorm Palace.
www.magic-of-safire.co.uk. 9.9.06
News
from Paul Gordon: "Natzler Enterprises have just completed two new
card magic book reprints. Eddie Joseph; The Complete Dumbfounders
(comments by Peter Duffie) and Ralph Hull; The Complete Eye-Openers
(new introduction by Jon Racherbaumer). Both books have been newly typeset
and lovingly reproduced. The latter book also contains the manuscript for
Hull's legendary Supreme Mental Discernment. These two books complete a
6-book project (which includes Ed Marlo in The United Kingdom) which
started three years ago. Natzler Enterprises consider these books 'labours
of love', and are honoured to have had the opportunity to revive interest,
in this material, to youngsters unable to locate the original writings."
Visit:
www.paulgordon.net/acatalog. 9.9.06
Joshua
Jay lectures in Gibraltar on September 30th. Anyone near the area is
more than welcome. Tickets are priced at £5. Contact Jamie Zammitt
(Gibraltar Magic Circle)
jzammitt@gmail.com for details. 9.9.06
The
President of the ACES, Martin Lewis, is delighted to announce that
South African magician Trevor Duffy will be lecturing at the Associated
Conjurers of East Sussex on 13th September from 8pm. Visiting magicians
are welcome to join him for £5.00.
www.acesmagic.co.uk. 9.9.06
Escape
Artist is pure gold. On Sunday September 3rd, at International
Jewellery London, World Record breaking escape artist David
Straitjacket attempted and completed his most expensive escape ever, by
escaping from the confines of a £100,000 gold chain provided by exhibitor
Curteis. After being securely restrained in a straight jacket, the
specially made chain, handcuffs and a securely padlocked sack, with
security guards on hand, David successfully freed himself in just under
four minutes in front of a large crowd of enthusiastic onlookers. Curteis
marketing manager said. "We were all very pleased with the way the day
went, and amazed that David managed to escape. I don’t think anyone really
thought it was possible. He did a great job, not only of escaping, but of
drawing a lot of people to our stand." So what’s next for Manchester’s
very own Houdini? "I have a tour of Korea coming up and shows on a cruise
ship. In the New Year I will be producing my own TV special. My team and I
are currently looking for funding for some of the most incredible escapes
ever devised. We have a television production company on board, and an
amazing selection of brand new stunts ready to film. The next stage is to
find the right funding."
www.thefreakshow.co.uk. 9.9.06
The
Young Magician of the Year Competition 2007 - update. Application
forms are now available from Dr Michael Colley MIMC on 01367 252482 or via
his new email address
michaelcolley@themagiccircle.co.uk. 9.9.06
Graham
Lee has some more Care & Share Balloon Jam/Workshop Funday's coming
up: Eastbourne on Tuesday 19th September, Glasgow on Tuesday 3rd October,
Manchester on Thursday 5th October, and Exeter on Wednesday 8th November
(see What's On).
Graham's work on the recent pop video for band Parka can now be seen
online at
www.oneinthree.tv (Parka video). 9.9.06
Mandy
Muden can be seen in panto this year in Nottingham Theatre Royal's
production of Aladdin
www.mandymuden.com
• "Jeff McBride headlines 2006 Magic in the Rockies"
Click Here
• "Magician catches machine gun bullets in teeth on stage of Kimo Theatre"
Click Here
• Next week, after a break for the Summer, we'll be bringing you a new DVD
clip in our Magic DVDs section, but that's it for this week. Your UK magic
news is always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan. 9.9.06