Number 328 - 7th October 2006

 

Andi Gladwin and Rob James's Session Convention returns on 20th-21st January 2007 with a new, modern venue and a fantastic line-up of established and new talent. Allan Ackerman, Paul Cummins, Robert Moreland, Luke Dancy and Jon Armstrong will be performing and lecturing. If you have a passion for close-up sleight-of-hand featuring cards and coins this is the one event you can't afford to miss. The Session sold out 6 weeks in advance last year and registration is now open: www.sessionconvention.com. 7.10.06

 

Magicians, the upcoming movie from Andrew O'Connor, is featured on Film 2006 with Jonathan Ross today, at 1.25pm on BBC2. From the team behind the hit UK TV series Peep Show comes this high concept comedy film about a magic double act who fall out when one is involved in an accident with a guillotine. The story follows the rivalry between the two, years later, as they enter a major magic competition! The film is being directed by Andrew O'Connor (co-creator of Peep Show, and the Derren Brown shows), and is written by Peep Show writers Jesse Armstrong and Sam Bain. David Mitchell and Robert Webb, (photo, from Peep Show) will star alongside Jessica Stevenson, Darren Boyd and Peter Capaldi together with Steve Edge and newcomer Andrea Riseborough. An Internationalmedia Group production. Filming in Surrey, London, Nottingham and Skegness. In a fiercely competitive market Peep Show really stood out and was both fresh and very funny, which bodes well for the future success of Magicians. 7.10.06

 

Ipswich Magical Society Convention. Paul Daniels, Roy Davenport and Oz Pearlman will all be appearing at the Ipswich Magical Society Convention on Sunday 22nd October. For a full day of lectures, close-up magic, magic dealers and an evening gala show visit the website www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk or contact Simon Shaw on 07949 907426. Registration is £25 and tickets are selling fast! 7.10.06

 

Magic Stars at Vaudeville Golfing Dinner. Among the members of the long established Vaudeville Golfing Society are Magic Circle members Terry Burgess, Stan Ribton, Nick Einhorn, Chris Hare and John Derris many of whom will be at the 77th Vaudeville Golfing Society Annual Dinner and Cabaret at the Royal Lancaster Hotel, London on Sunday 5th November. "Each year the King's Suite reverberates with an evening of comedy and laughter from the five hundred show biz members and guests who contribute to a freefall of humour from a gathering of more comedians than The House of Commons. With noted guest speakers and a cabaret where comedy is king, it is a gentlemen only, black tie event." Tickets £60.00 each from Ray Donn, 29 Nelson Road, Wouldham, Rochester, Kent ME1 3YE, telephone 01634 672064. For more information contact John Derris 020 8467 7856. www.vaudeville-golfing-society.com. 7.10.06

 

The Impossibles. From the mind of veteran street performer and gentleman juggler Mat Ricardo comes "The Impossibles" - Thrills! Skills! Spectacle and Sillyness! See: A tablecloth pulled from a table and then put back! See: A whip crackin hula-hoopin' girl who flies through the air! See: A man finish his drink while it is balanced on his head! Three highly skilled and very silly performers will take to the stage this Winter with a brand new show featuring the magic of circus combined with the energy of street theatre. Truly a show suitable for all ages, bring the whole family - the only time you'll stop laughing is when your jaw hits the floor! "The Impossibles" brings its unique brand of fun to the Croydon Clocktower Theatre from December 13th to December the 23rd. Box Office 0208 253 1030. See www.MySpace.com/TheImpossiblesShow. Directed and produced by Mat Ricardo. 7.10.06

 

Psychological Illusionist Paul Stockman returns to the West Country with his Mind Illusion show this month. Paul received excellent revues in Las Vegas last year and recently had some of his material included in Kenton Knepper's new book Lasting Effects. Dates: Friday 13th October, venue: The Rougemont Thistle Hotel Exeter, and Friday 20th October, venue: The Holiday Inn, Taunton. Both shows start at 8pm. Tickets are £12 from the box office: 0871 220 4560 www.paulstockman.com. 7.10.06

 

Congratulations to Michael J. Fitch on winning the 2006 Ipswich Magical Society Close-up Competition. Michael is appearing in Channel 4's "Freaky Magic" at the moment and will also be one of the close-up magicians at the Ipswich Magical Society Convention on Sunday 22nd October alongside Paul Daniels, Oz Pearlman and Roy Davenport. Runner up was Rob Cope. 7.10.06

 

Paisley Magic Circle Convention. The 2006 Paisley Magic Circle Convention's theme is "100% Commercial" with a lecture and stage show from magician and mentalist Andrew Normansell and a lecture from Keith Bennett. Both will also feature in the close-up show along with some of Scotland's top close-up performers. The convention will end with "A Night of Magic" starring the spectacular Art of Illusion act of Chris de Rosa. October 29th, Erskine, Glasgow. For more information and to register, visit www.paisleymagiccircle.co.uk. 7.10.06

 

International News: Paul Stone is presenting the "Ultimate Performers Workshop" in Las Vegas from 14th-17th February 2007. Paul writes: "This is not a Magic Convention but a genuine Performers Workshop. The information, tips and advice will be worth many thousands of $$$ to any performer, whether a full time or part time professional. The opportunity to spend quality time with these outstanding Presenters is alone worth the price of admission! Visit our website www.ultimateperformersopportunity.com for full details and to see a video message from our Star Presenters!" 7.10.06

 

Paul Daniels tops the bill at Brick Lane Music Hall for two nights only. Hailed as one of the funniest men in show business and one of the most accomplished magicians in the world, Paul Daniels is supported by Vincent Hayes and cast. Musical Director Laurence Payne. October 20th and 21st. Dinner, show and dancing, £40 per person. Brick Lane Music Hall, 443 North Woolwich Road, London E16 2DA www.bricklanemusichall.co.uk "One of the best nights out in London" Time Out. 7.10.06

 

Magician Jonathan Pendragon escapes death, show rescheduled. "Magician Jonathan Pendragon, star of the show 'The Ghosts of Broadway,' which was scheduled to come to the Hattiesburg Saenger Theatre on Oct. 15, escaped death over the weekend when he was wounded as he took a shot to the heart while experimenting with a new illusion utilizing a bow and arrow. The Pendragons’ 'The Ghosts of Broadway' has been rescheduled for January." To read the full story in HattiesburgAmerican.com Click Here. Charlotte Pendragon reported via Alan Watson's Magic New Zealand newsletter: "Jonathan Pendragon is in the hospital following an accident involving an arrow from his archery. He fell on the non-sharp broken end of the arrow while trying to hang a light fixture. The arrow pierced through his stomach, liver, an artery and several inches in his heart. It is through speed of hospitalization, modern surgical techniques and Jonathan's will to live that he continues with us today. His surgeon, Dr. Edwin Hayashi said this injury is always fatal and it is a miracle Jonathan is alive. He is recovering well after several hours of surgery including open heart surgery." 7.10.06

 

Derren Brown Tricks of the Mind. From the publishers: "Derren Brown's amazing television and stage performances have entranced and amazed millions. His baffling tricks and stunning illusions have set new standards of what's possible, as well as causing controversy. Now, for the first time, he reveals the secrets behind his craft. He delves into the structure and psychology of magic. He tells you how to read clues in people's behaviour and spot liars. He discusses the whys and wherefores of hypnosis (which he says doesn't exist) and shows how to use the powers of suggestion and massively improve the power of your memory. He also investigates the paranormal industry, exposes a few charlatans and looks at why some of us feel the need to believe in it in the first place...Woven into this are autobiographical stories about Derren's own experiences and beliefs, told with characteristic humour and engaging honesty. This extraordinary book lifts the lid on the deepest darkest secrets of magic and explores the limits of what can be achieved by the human mind. A must for Derren's legions of fans, it will amaze you, entertain you and expand your mind at the same time..." Hardback, 256 pages, publication date Monday 23rd October, pre-order with 50% off from www.amazon.co.uk. 7.10.06

 

Ghost Vision by Andrew Mayne at a special introductory price (one week only) of £12.99 post paid from www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk "Andrew Mayne, creator of Gut Buster and Ghost Bills, presents a 21st century paranormal effect. Using an unprepared borrowed camera phone the magician reveals spectral images of ghosts and premonitions from beyond. Your spectators watch the display as a dark silhouette crosses the room in real time. A thought of word, image or card appears in a photograph of a spectator's hand. A haunted face appears in the shadows. Ghost Vision is a spine-tingling effect that allows you to use a borrowed portable electronics device to create a digital séance that can be saved as a photo or movie. It's easy to perform and works with most camera phones. 24 minute widescreen DVD including an extra bonus effect 'The Haunted Keys' Comes with everything needed to perform (cell phone not included)." 7.10.06

 

TVMagic.co.uk – the online home of British television magic – has a vacancy for someone who wishes to be a part of their exciting, growing retail magic business. This part-time position would perfectly suit a professional self-employed magician enabling them to easily increase their income without interfering with their performing commitments. Successful applicants will be based in the UK and be computer literate with broadband internet access, have excellent written English, maths and organisational skills, be knowledgeable about contemporary magic, trustworthy and have an entrepreneurial marketing flair. Please apply, in the first instance, with your CV and references to Steve Jones at jobs@tvmagic.co.uk. 7.10.06

 

The Seven Secrets of Jack Avis is the title of a brand new lecture from John Derris, who for 50 years was closely associated with Jack, one of Britain's finest close-up workers. Jack received worldwide acclaim for his superb, natural magic. John will give the inaugural presentation of this new lecture for The Order of The Magi Society in Manchester on 24th October at The Irish World Heritage Centre, Queen's Road, Cheetham Hill Manchester at 8pm. He will present a selection of Jack's work with cards, coins, ropes and other close-up items and will reveal many of Jack's off-beat subtleties together with anecdotes about a man who devoted sixty years of his life to the creation and performance of fine magic in the style of his idols Johnny Ramsay and Dai Vernon. Visitors are welcome, tickets £10.00. Contact Mike Sharples 0161 287 7865. Societies interested in booking this unique lecture should contact John Derris 020 8467 7856. 7.10.06

 

Alakazam Magic is now the exclusive UK outlet for the Masuda Magic Range and are now taking orders for a second batch of Masuda's fantastic WOW! card trick (see the online demo Click Here). Alakazam's Peter Nardi demonstrated two brilliant effects to me at the recent British Ring Convention. First "Chaos 2" by Mark Elsdon which I understand sold out - very direct and very clever, and secondly Brian Caswell's "Trilogy Streamline" which is very strong magically and seemingly absolutely impossible! Visit www.alakazam.co.uk today! 7.10.06

 

Mel Harvey's Choosin' Cruisin as a Career is reviewed this week. From the publisher: "Choosin' Cruisin' as a Career - A helpful guide to the ups and downs of cruising! Plus advice on how to become a successful cruise ship entertainer and travel the World at someone else's expense!" See Reviews. 7.10.06

 

Kevin Gallagher returns to Belgium this week to give a nine day performing and lecture tour. The tour is an extended version of one that he did last year which proved very popular and takes in shows and lectures in Geel, Antwerp, Gent and Brussels, with two additional dates to complete the schedule added after his performance at FISM 2006. www.mystifier.co.uk. 7.10.06

 

Roger Blake UK Lecture Tour "Making Mistakes on Purpose" - Now booking for 2007. "Roger Blake is known to thousands of children around the world as 'Jolly Roger' and has been a professional magician and children's entertainer for nearly forty years. In his lecture you will have a rare opportunity to listen to the wisdom of one of the top children's entertainers in the world. This lecture is not just for children's entertainers; it is for all magicians regardless of their specialty. With his own unique style and sometimes controversial approach to his craft, Roger will share with you some great commercial and original routines for both children and adults and offer some unique insights into how to make a living out of doing something you truly enjoy. If you are looking for inspiration, or even a career shift, then it is highly recommended that you attend this lecture." www.rogerblake.com To book Roger's lecture for your club/magic event in March 2007 contact Colin Peters: 01306 883938 colinpeters@themagiccircle.co.uk. 7.10.06

 

Colour Change Waistcoat Forum Launches. Lee Alex has set up a forum where users can discuss presentation ideas and offer hints and tips on the Colour Changing waistcoat at: http://bmagicwaistcoat.runboard.com. Peter Marvey is one of the latest customers to purchase this amazing waistcoat for an upcoming television special, and four were sent to Spain last month for television there. Visit www.magicwaistcoat.com for more information and to order. 7.10.06

 

Surrey Society of Magicians member, Geoff Pescud, successfully completed his attempt at a Guinness World Record with a difference last Tuesday. He made it his challenge to try to beat the record of tying a poodle out of balloons behind his back in less than 7.4 seconds! Geoff, who combined his attempt with raising money for R P Fighting Blindness, completed the task in 6.75 seconds at White Cliff Bay Holiday Park. He is now waiting for this to be confirmed and ratified by the Guinness Book of Records when it can then be published. 7.10.06

 

Magic Circle past President David Berglas congratulates fellow Water Rat John Styles on his appointment to President of The International Brotherhood of Magicians - British Ring 25 • "Tricks are treats for BHS junior" Click Here • "The magic man: Local magician is building a fanbase" Click Here • Robert Fox asks how to deal with "let me show you a trick" mid performance this week, Click Here • "Three years after tiger attack, Roy honored" Click Here • Sant Julià Ciutat Màgica – 1st Magic Congress of Andorra. October 27th-29th. www.ciutatmagica.com • "Magician catches machine gun bullets in teeth on stage of Kimo Theatre" [that's clever] Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcomed but please note that there is a Friday 12 noon deadline for the following Saturday. See you next week, Duncan. 7.10.06

 

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