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