Number 389 - 8th December 2007
Blackpool
2008 - 110 magic dealers will be displaying and demonstrating the very
latest magic at the world's largest magic convention (this photo shows
just one of the two mammoth dealer rooms!). Here's a run-down: Alpha Magic
- Israel, David Ginn - USA, Kirtens Flowers France, Magic Books By Post -
UK, Big Blind Media - UK, Elmwood Magic - USA, Kernow Magic - UK, Natzler
Enterprises -UK, Discount Magic - UK, World Magic Shop - UK, Balloon
Parade - UK, Johnny Wong Coin Magic - Taiwan, Albion Magic Co - UK, Hank &
Jackie Moorehouse - USA, Master of Mystery - UK, Joker Magic - Hungary,
Bradford Magic Studio - UK, The Card Collection -UK, PH Marketing - USA,
Harry Robson Magic - UK, Merlin Magic - UK, Taurus Magic Supply - UK,
Darius - UK, Banshee Magic - Ireland, Pegani - Denmark, Kovari Magic - UK,
Keith Bennett - UK, El Duco’s Magic - Sweden, Playtime Balloons - UK,
Tommy Cooper Magic Shop - UK, Mephisto Magic - Belgium, Goodliffe
Publications - UK, Jupiter Magic -Hungary, Gycklaren Magic Marketing -
Sweden, Five of Hearts Magic Productions - UK, Patrick Page - UK, Magic
Dream - France, Mondial Magic - France, Hocus Pocus Magic - UK, Tony
Curtis Magic - Thailand, White Rabbit Magic - USA, Adrian Harris -
Scotland, Camtryx Magic - UK, The Magic Zone - UK, Castle Magical Services
- UK, King Entertainments - UK, Made To Measure Magic - UK, Henry Evans -
Argentina, Kaymar Magic - UK, Genii Magazine - USA, Magick Enterprises -
UK, Devil Magic - France, Spider MBH - Germany, Brinum-X - Latvia, Mahka
Tendo Magic - Japan, Graham Lee Magic - UK, Magic Land - Japan, Fat Hat
Magic - UK, RSVP Magic - UK, Black Cat Locksmith & Escapology - UK,
Mathieu Bich - France, Equity - UK, Labco Magic - Denmark, Zane’s Magic
Shop - UK, Kaktus FX - Germany, Marc Oberon - UK, Dirk Losander - USA,
FISM - China, Martin Sanderson Magic - UK, Magic Box - UK, Stephen Tucker
- UK, Select Magic - Belgium, Tom Owen Magic - UK, International Magic -
UK, Mark Leveridge Magic - UK, Société Française de Prestidigitation -
France, Beard Enterprises - UK, DTrik - UK, Domenico Dante - Italy,
Magictrix - UK, Vladimir - Slovenia, Eddie Gibson Magic - UK, Tango Magic
- Argentina, All Decked Out - USA, Mel’s Magic Co - UK, Swadling Magic -
UK, Practical Magic - UK, Lewis Davenport Ltd - UK, Guaranteed Magic -
USA, Sparks Magic - USA, Aquarius Magic -UK, A S Puppets - UK, Magic Shop
Victoria - Belgium, Astor Magic - Hungary, Cozmic Entertainments - UK,
Michael P Lair - USA, Passe Passe Sarl - France, Hi-Tech Magic - UK,
Alakazam Magic - UK, Illusioncraft - UK, Wizard Craft Magic - USA, Myscos
Magic -Sweden, Trevor Duffy Magic - South Africa, Fukai Magic -Japan,
Geoffrey Durham Magic -UK, David Stone Magic - France, Valeric -
Switzerland, Helder Guimaraes Magic - Portugal, J J Sanvert Magic -
France, Shoot Ogawa Magic - USA, David Solomon Magic - USA, J C Wagner
Magic - USA, Kostya Kimlat - USA... Registrations are being snapped up
fast... book now!
www.blackpoolmagic.com.
8.12.07
Hooked
on Panto. Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee star in Peter Pan at the
Aylesbury Civic Centre from December 8th - 30th. This will be the venue's
biggest and best pantomime ever, featuring dazzling sets, stunning
costumes, and state of the art flying sequences. Box Office: 01296
486009. See What's On for dates. Paul
and Debbie indulge in more panto in a repeat showing of Celebrity Wife Swap
on E4, on December 19th. "Debbie McGee, wife of magician and
entertainer-extraordinaire Paul Daniels, swaps places with outspoken radio
presenter Vanessa Feltz. Debbie spends two weeks in Vanessa's London home
living with her musician fiancé Ben Offoedu, while Vanessa moves in with
world famous TV magician Paul Daniels in his Reading home." See
TV Magic for details.
Paul and Debbie can also be seen on Ready Steady Cook towards the
end of the month, on BBC2. "It's panto season..."
Click Here.
8.12.07
The
Kitten Club Burlesque Cabaret - London dates. The brilliant
partnership of Mr Christian Lee (Sky TV's 'Max Magic' and 2007 Hackney
Empire's New Act finalist) and The Kitten Club
www.thekittenclub.com (one of London's longest running troupes) is
going from strength to strength. This Christmas they have been asked to
help revive one of London's oldest Music Hall and Variety Theatres. Under
the arches of Charing Cross Station the New Players Theatre will once
again play host to an evening of song, dance, comedy and magic. At 9pm
from 10th to 22nd December (not Sundays) The Kitten Club and Mr Christian
Lee mix Moulin Rouge glamour with a cheeky hint of 'Carry On' - a festive
night of Burlesque Cabaret! Mr Christian Lee
www.christianleeshow.biz hosts with his unique style and blend of
comedy magic. Tickets from
www.ticketweb.co.uk.
Look for the special VIP Winter Wednesday promotions!
8.12.07
An
Evening of Magic and Illusion - at
The Bonington
Theatre, Arnold Leisure Centre, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7EE (Map)
on Sunday 3rd February 2008. To be staged by the Nottingham Guild of
Magicians and starring Marc Paul, Roy Davenport, Patrick Page, Moira
Fletcher, Stuart Brown, Freddie Wilkinson, Mandy Fletcher, Clive Moore and
Vizage (who will be premiering their brand new quick-change act). Doors
open 6.30pm show 7pm - 10pm. Tickets are £12.50 each. Marc Paul, Patrick
Page and Roy Davenport will also be lecturing during the afternoon in the
Theatre Bar between 2pm and 5.30pm (doors open 1.45pm). Afternoon lecture
tickets are £5.00 each - that's three different lectures for just £5.00!
Tickets for both events can be booked via Freddie Wilkinson on 0115
9614551
www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk.
8.12.07
It’s
the 60th anniversary of Bradford Magic Circle in 2008 and an
exhibition ‘Magic Bradford’ at the Bradford Industrial Museum between
March 1st and April 13th will mark the occasion. As well as displays of
historical magic memorabilia and an interactive area for the children,
there will also be live performances throughout the exhibition from
members of the Bradford Magic Circle. Bradford Magic Circle is also
hosting its annual Hey Presto Magic Show at Bingley Arts Centre on
Saturday 8th March at 7.30pm. This family show will be compered by Past
British Magical Champion John Hotowka and will feature International
Illusionists Amethyst, the Spotlight Dancers, Roy Davenport, Secret Circus
Co, Jack Gleadow and Paul Sunderland. Tickets from £6 (£5
children/concessions) from Bradford Theatres box office or any Bradford
Council ticket agency. For more information about the show visit
www.bradfordmagiccircle.co.uk.
8.12.07
David
Blaine braves brain damage to challenge world record for staying awake.
"Some of his stunts have been death-defying, others just plain bizarre.
Yet David Blaine's latest is perhaps the most yawn-inducing - for him and
his audience. The American illusionist will attempt to stay awake for
longer than anyone ever has before. The latest 'stunt' is set to happen in
May of next year in New York's Central Park, according to U.S. reports..."
To read the full story in the Daily Mail,
Click Here.
8.12.07
The
Magic Circle Headquarters wins Top Venue Award. The Magic Circle
Headquarters has been voted the UK’s number 1 venue by readers of RSVP
Magazine - the events industry bible. The announcement was made at last
week’s high profile ‘Top Twenty Venues’ event and voted for by RSVP’s
discerning readership made up of over 10,000 buyers of events and
hospitality. The Magic Circle Headquarters, a new entry to the annual
poll, stormed in at number one beating stiff competition from the UK’s
most prestigious venues including world renowned destinations Madame
Tussauds, The Brewery, The Natural History Museum and The Gherkin.
Commenting on the award, Sales Manager Paul Jablon said, “The Magic Circle
itself is over 100 years old, but our new modern headquarters has only
been made available for exclusive hire relatively recently. Our commitment
to five-star service is at the heart of this success and the level of
repeat business we receive. We are delighted to have won such a
prestigious award as the other nominees this year include such well
renowned and established venues.” The Magic Circle Headquarters - London’s
most magical venue.
www.magiccirclevenue.co.uk.
8.12.07
Siegfried
& Roy may yet reappear. "Restless after four years of retirement,
illusionists Siegfried and Roy are hinting they still have something up
their sleeves. Asked about their rumored return to show business, Roy
coyly responded: 'A good magician never lets the cat out of the bag. Act
surprised when you hear about it.'" To read the full story in the Las
Vegas Review Journal
Click
Here. Keep up-to-date with Siegfried & Roy:
www.siegfriedandroy.com.
8.12.07
Aquarius
Magic are now stocking Street Magic magazine - visit
www.aquarius-magic.com and find it by entering "street" into their
search box.
8.12.07
Hans
Klok performs some magic on The Ellen Degeneres Show at
1.30pm on Friday 14th December on Five Life.
"Jennifer Love Hewitt joins Ellen on this special Halloween edition of her
show. Ellen also comes face-to-snout with a vampire bat and the world's
largest bat that has a wingspan of six feet. Plus, magician Hans Klok
performs some his very best tricks." See
TV Magic.
8.12.07
When
Dannii Minogue met The Mind Reader "Well howdy there! Now, you may
know that Lil' Chris is charming and funny and a bit clever but did you
also know that he can read your thoughts? I know what you're thinking but
no, he claims that he hasn't got the superpowers like some character out
of Heroes but it's all a trick. Watch and learn as Dannii Minogue tried to
outwit the man that is Chris Cox: Mind Reader Extraordinaire...even though
he can't really read minds..."
www.bbc.co.uk/radio1 and
Click Here Pt1 and
Click Here Pt2 .
8.12.07
Alan
Rorrison West Midlands lecture. Advocates of Deception are proud to
announce their next special guest lecturer, Alan Rorrison. "Alan is from
the Big Blind Media camp in Scotland and as well as his back catalogue of
effects, he'll be including ‘Misleading Misled’ - a fantastic impromptu
'pen through anything' that needs to be seen! He'll also present material
from his ‘Fingers of Fury’ DVD set. and his reputation making ‘Paint Ball
Bullet Catch’. All attendees will receive a special something from Alan to
gain free access to the instant downloads section on his website for the
lectured effects. This means you can watch the effects again when you get
home." 5pm on Saturday December 15th. Venue: House of Magic UK, Brook
Street, Stourbridge, West Midlands DY8 3XB (Map).
The cost of the lecture is £10. For more information contact Alan or
Dylan:
deceptiveadvocates@yahoo.co.uk or call the House of Magic on 01384
373209.
8.12.07
The
JL2Magic Launch Party was a fantastic success emails Lee Thompson:
"Pictured myself posing after performing some dirty tricks from our Scam
Wallet on stars of MTV's Dirty Sanchez, Pritchard and Dainton, who where
promoting their own Apparel. Pritchard VS Dainton at Olympia London. We've
have been busy doing gigs up and down the country, many thanks to all
those magicians who have been in touch, thanks for your positive
responses. Next shipment ready to go now!"
www.jl2magic.com.
8.12.07
Master
of Illusion Review. "It's edutainment, but in a good way. Are you the
next phenomenon? Visit any toy shop and you're faced with a few 'magic
kits' that will teach kids how to perform feats of illusions using the
props that are included in the box. That's exactly what Master of
Illusion is: this generation's magic kit. But instead of the trick
hankies, cup and balls, and collapsible wands, you use the Nintendo DS as
the tricks' prop." To read the full review in ign.com
Click Here.
8.12.07
Paul
Gordon - Close-up Magic Lecture. Paul Gordon presents his new lecture
(Professional Card Magic You Can Do) in South Wales at 8pm on 14th
January, for The Cardiff Magical Society. Contact Jasper Blakeley on 01446
701103 or email
magic@jasperblakeley.co.uk for details and to attend.
www.paulgordon.net/acatalog.
8.12.07
Born
Standing Up: A Comic's Life - Steve Martin, was published on November
20th. "When Disneyland opened just a couple of miles away from home, an
enchanted Steve was given his first chance to learn magic and entertain an
audience. He describes how he noted the reaction to each joke in a ledger
- 'big laugh' or 'quiet' - and assiduously studied the acts of colleagues,
stealing jokes when needed. With superb detail, Steve recreates the world
of small, dark clubs and the fear and exhilaration of standing in the
spotlight. While a philosophy student at UCLA, he worked hard at local
clubs honing his comedy and slowly attracting a following until he was
picked up to write for TV. From here on, Steve Martin became an acclaimed
comedian, packing out venues nationwide. One night, however, he noticed
empty seats and realised he had 'reached the top of the rollercoaster'.
Born standing Up is a funny and riveting chronicle of how Steve Martin
became the comedy genius we now know and is also a fascinating portrait of
an era." Available from Amazon.co.uk
Click Here.
8.12.07
Richie
Smith and Alan Singleton from 'SAS Magic' were performing close-up
magic at the Royal Command Performance after show Party last week, and are
seen here with Ali Bongo.
8.12.07
David
Lancaster was magician of choice at a recent lunch party for Jack
Straw Lord Chancellor and Secretary of State for Justice. It was held in
the newly opened Roma Restaurant in Blackburn
www.davidlancaster.co.uk.
8.12.07
The
"I'm a Celebrity, Get Me Out of Here!" wrap party for the cast and
crew in Coolangatta, Australia went off with a bang once again with help
from Darryl Rose,
www.darrylrose.com who used the party's theme of "The Melbourne Cup"
to show off his gambling sleights! This Year's King of the Jungle
Christopher Biggins thought he was "Fabulous Darling!".
8.12.07
Wayne
Goodman and Paul Marlow performed for the “Greggs Annual Dinner and
Awards” last week. Patrick McGuiness from TV’s Phoenix Nights and Max &
Paddy was the special guest presenting awards taking the time to thank
Wayne and Paul for making the night especially magical.
8.12.07
Masked
Magician. New York, December 7, 2007 - Virgin Comics' first graphic
novel inspired by Nash Entertainment's Masked Magician hits the
streets this week, it was announced on December 6th by Virgin Comics Chief
Marketing Officer Larry Lieberman and Nash Entertainment CEO Bruce Nash.
Based on the TV specials "Breaking the Magician's Code," the Masked
Magician graphic novel is available online at
www.atomiccomicsstore.com. The graphic novel begins 10,000 years ago,
as an object of great power fell to earth - a simple statue. A special
society was created to protect mankind from the statue's power while
society members became the storytellers of the world, evolving into what
we know today as magicians... "It is very exciting that the Masked
Magician is enlarged and enjoyed in a completely new format. Audiences
simply love the television specials, and the story translates very well
into the fantasy of a graphic novel, so readers will be in for a great
surprise," Nash said. "The Masked Magician is one of the few
unforgettable - yet unexplained - characters on television," said
Lieberman. "With this graphic novel we have enlarged the story with
additional characters and motifs that we intend to develop into feature
films, television projects and video games."
www.nashentertainment.com.
8.12.07
Britain's Got Talent. "We are looking for talented and entertaining people to audition to be on the show. It is a variety entertainment show where people try to impress the judges in just 2 minutes. The judges are Simon Cowell, Pieres Morgan and Amanda Holden, not forgetting our hosts Ant and Dec. The prize on offer includes the chance to perform in front of the Royal Family and £100,00.00 in cash. Can you wow us? Leave us wondering just how did they do that? Shock us! Surprise us. Then please send a short DVD/video of you with your name, address and contact telephone number to: Kate at Britain's Got Talent, Talkback Thames, 5th Floor, 1 Stephen Street, London W1T 1AL or email me at kate.baller@talkbackthames.tv. Please send to us before the 20th December. Thank you and Good luck!". 8.12.07
Ian Broadmore emails: "I have been working at a charity for young offenders and troubled teenagers who have been learning basic life skills. The kids learn confidence building techniques, time management, team work, basic educational skills etc. I was wondering if there is any program in the UK that uses magic to teach these skills/techniques or if anyone can offer any help/advice on setting up such a program or advice on effects that can be used adapted to deliver the required skillset/message (voluntary) that I could put to the charity as I believe it would provide motivation, and help develop skills for these troubled souls. They age between 16-19." If you can help please email Ian Broadmore ian@broadmore.fsbusiness.co.uk. 8.12.07
Magician and Toy Collector Terry Herbert will be appearing on a forthcoming episode of The Antique Road Show scheduled to be transmitted on Sunday 23rd December 2007 on BBC 1 from Rochester Cathedral. He will be interviewed by Bunny Campione with an Accordion Playing Monkey Automaton that used to belong to well known children's entertainer, the late David Hallet. He used it in his show to entertain the children of the British Aristocracy. Those lucky enough to own a copy of his book 'Profit at the Party' will see a picture of the Monkey with David on the inside front cover taken, in the early fifties. 8.12.07
Professor Sparks And Thelmina. Michael Diamond emails "I don't know if anyone can help me with this, but I am looking for any information on the variety act "Professor Sparks And Thelmina" I am particularly looking for original photographs, literature, cine footage, or even stories about this unique act - especially the "Washing The Electric Baby!" This is for an ongoing project I am working on. I would be very grateful if anyone with this information would contact me by email diamond_jade_illusion@hotmail.com or phone 07836 385069. 8.12.07
Gary
Jones at The Society of Dorchester Sorcerers, Matt Wainwright was
there:
Click Here • The Portsmouth & District Magic Circle Jumbo Day is
reviewed by Darren Lawbuary this week,
Click Here • "Magician Claims 'Family Guy' Stole His Act"
Click Here • A new games title for the Nintendo DS "Magic Taizen" is
planned, for a March 2008 release. It promises to teach you how to become
a master magician and even includes a deck of cards • "Survey says '9/11'
sums up the 21st Century so far" (article, featuring Ian Rowland's
excellent The Full Facts Book of Cold Reading)
Click Here • "Personality in the stars, or in the seasons?"
Click Here • "Audience in awe of magical benefit"
Click
Here • Thanks to Brian Glover for the email re Steve Martin's book,
should be on all our Christmas lists, and many thanks to all our
contributors this week - your UK magic news is always very welcome. Have a
good weekend, see you next week, Duncan. 8.12.07