Number 400 - 23rd February 2008
Northern
Magic Circle 'Spring Parade' Convention. The Northern Magic Circle are
staging their annual convention on Saturday 5th April and Sunday 6th
April, featuring a gala show, a late show, close-up and stage
competitions, three workshops, three lectures, a talk entitled the History
of Mystery, and magic dealers. The Gala Show stars: Andrew Green (photo),
High Jinx, Su Jayne, Ricky McLeod, Max Marshall and the Stepping Out
Girls. Magic dealers: Kaymar Magic, Black Cat Magic, Magic Books by Post,
High Jinx Juggling supplies and Burning Card Magic. Venue: the
YMCA Theatre
and
St Nicholas Hotel, Scarborough. For information and registration
details contact Bill Peckitt 01904 762910 or Cynthia Neptune 01912 529151
cynthianeptune@aol.com or
Allan Clarke 01772 685073
allanclarke@tiscali.co.uk.
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
23.2.08
Quentin
Reynolds lecture - Liverpool. "How to double the reaction to the
show you already do without having to add any extra tricks. Using
examples from his own shows, Quentin Reynolds will show you how to take
the tricks you currently perform and dramatically increase your audience
response. Quentin has lectured at FISM, the World Magic Seminar in Las
Vegas as well as at dozens of clubs and conventions throughout the UK and
Ireland. The points covered in the lecture include all aspects of magical
performance, close-up magic, children's work and stage shows." 8pm on
April 3rd at The Liverpool Magic Circle, The Alder Sports Club, Alder
Road, Liverpool L12 2BA. Tickets: Members £3.00, non Members £6.00.
Contact Alan Singleton, President, for details:
magic2c@blueyonder.co.uk
telephone 07982 253583
www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk.
23.2.08
Paul
Dabek's one-man show sold out last weekend for two performances at the
Forum Studio Theatre in Chester. The two-hour show featured many new
pieces that Paul has been working on over the last year and was a massive
hit. Jeremy Le Poidevin went along and reviewed the show,
Click Here.
www.pauldabek.com.
23.2.08
Adam
Bloom's Twisting Fate. A couple of weeks ago we featured a YouTube
link to Adam Bloom's Twisting Fate (Click
Here) - despite it being a rather convoluted routine I liked aspects
of it a lot. We have now been sent the full kit which is amazing and
includes a special deck of cards, a comprehensive instructional DVD and
lots and lots of other stuff (you could rival W H Smith with the contents
of this outfit). Twisting Fate isn't a trick that you'll pop into
your pocket for an evening's close-up around the tables, but it is a
routine that you will save for special occasions when you want to try out
something a little different. The instructional DVD includes the full
version and a simplified handling version, but really there is so much
going on here that you may soon find yourself coming up with your own
twists. For more information and to order visit
www.adam-bloom.com.
23.2.08
British
Balloon Modelling Convention. This year the British Juggling
Convention is hosting the 2nd British Balloon Modelling
Convention (BBMC2) featuring workshops, a 'jam' room, skill swaps and
competitions with free balloons and equipment provided. BBMC2 will be held
in the Doncaster Dome alongside the main BJC. The Jam room will open on
Wednesday 26th March from 5pm for all convention goers. The workshops will
be on Thursday 27th and Friday 28th March and are for all skill levels.
They will be run by Colin Myles, David Croft, Mr Balloonatic, Russell
(from Pick n Mix Circus), Twistina and Graham Lee. Venue: The Doncaster
Dome
www.the-dome.co.uk. Tickets £25.00 per 24 hour day, on the door only, or
free if you're already attending the British Juggling Convention. Contact Cindy Studer for more
information: bbmc@bjc2008.co.uk.
Website:
www.bjc2008.co.uk.
23.2.08
The
Omega Mutation. Big Blind Media's latest release The
Omega Mutation is a lavishly produced 3 DVD set in a gatefold sleeve
crammed full of close-up magic from Cameron Francis. Visit
www.bigblindmedia.com for video clips and ordering details.
23.2.08
Rubik
Seminars. Mark Elsdon's recent lectures in Scandinavia were a
resounding success - so much so that he has been booked for another five in
September. Mark is also now taking bookings for his Rubik's Seminars with the
following locations booked: London, Newcastle, Manchester, Stockholm and
Louisville (USA). The UK seminars all take place in March and places are
being snapped up (Mark expects to sell-out over the Blackpool weekend). Call 07796 401970 or email
info@magicevents.co.uk to be sure of a place.
23.2.08
VDP...
"Very occasionally, someone develops a brand-new methodology which allows
for effects which were previously considered impossible. Imagine a signed
playing card transforming quarter-by-quarter into a completely different
card with the signature still intact! Ah, but is it the spectator's
signature? Of course! But can the card be given away without a switch?
Absolutely!" Visit
www.alakazam.co.uk for more, or watch the YouTube clip:
Click
Here.
23.2.08
An
Evening of Bizarre Magic. "Michael Diamond has been in the
business
for over 20 years. He is one of the most innovative and creative
performers
in the world of magic. Mike is also the author of 'The Book of Shadows'
and recently lectured at The Magic Circle in London." 8pm on March 6th at
The Alder Sports Club, Alder Road, Liverpool L12 2BA. Tickets: £6 non
members, £3.00 members. For more information contact Alan Singleton
info@liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk telephone 07982 253583 or visit
www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk.
23.2.08
Colonel
Custard launches "The King of Custard" DVD at the Blackpool Convention
this weekend. The disc will feature many of the Colonel's favourite
routines together with invaluable hints and tips to make your shows more
memorable. Produced and directed by Russ Stevens (RSVPMagic.com)
and available to order from the shop page on
www.colonelcustard.com.
23.2.08
Michael
and Siobhan Jordan were recently commissioned to write, produce and
compere a 20 minute show for the Sellers International Youth Band
at the 'Youth in Brass Entertainment Festival of Great Britain' held at
the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Using a pantomime theme they produced
players from a giant story book, telling the story in rhyme. The band
retained the "Most Entertaining Item" award, were awarded 'Runner-up' in
the entertainment category and came third overall in the contest.
23.2.08
The World Junior Magicians Championships took place on Tuesday 19th
February, as part of Blackpool's Showzam Festival. Here are the results:
Junior World Champion of Comedy Magic - Darren McDonald.
Junior World Champion of Manipulation - Joe Ray.
Junior World Champion of Illusion - The Yamagami Brothers.
Junior World Champion of General Magic - Stephen Williams.
Junior World Champion of Close-Up Magic - Craig Maddox.
Junior World Champion of Card Magic - Marcus Taylor.
Junior World Grand Prix Champion of Stage Magic - The Yamagami Brothers.
Junior World Grand Prix Champion of Close-Up Magic - Craig Maddox.
"Young magicians given tricky task"
Click Here "Stephen says winning is just magic"
Click Here.
23.2.08
Magic
Flea Market in Leeds: The Leeds the Magical Association are holding a
Magic Flea Market on Tuesday 26th February, offering a chance for everyone
to buy and sell unwanted magic props and books at bargain prices. There is
no charge and all are welcome. The evening starts at 7.30pm and they meet
at the Quaker Meeting House (opposite the Electronic Engineering Dept of
the Leeds University), 188 Woodhouse Lane, Leeds LS2 9DX. For further
details telephone 0113 2677190. Directions can be found on their
website
www.leedsmagic.co.uk.
23.2.08
Escapologist
Danny Hunt attracted so much attention with his three recent death
defying stunts at Blackpool's Showzam Festival, that they invited him back
to the Sea life Centre on Tuesday, along with local TV and Press, to
perform one final escape. Sea Life Centre Manager Martin said "Danny and
Annette have been amazing our customers all week - it's been fantastic!"
23.2.08
"The
Liverpool Magic Circle would like to congratulate their youngest
member Steve Williams on winning The World Junior Magicians Championships
for General Magic at the Winter Gardens, Blackpool. Steve performed his
classical act, levitating the Losander table, dove production, candle
production/vanish and more... He brought the house down with Kevin James's
Snow routine, filling the Winter Gardens appropriately with snow! Well
Done Steve!" Alan Singleton (President).
23.2.08
Kernow Magic have a dealer's stand at this year's Blackpool Convention. If you are thinking of signing-up for the McBride Mystery School event in Cornwall www.magicmasterclass.co.uk this is a great chance to secure your place. Even if you don't want to sign-up to the classes it's still worth popping by and seeing them as they have a few Jeff McBride exclusives, together with a brand new release from Kenny Roberts called Loaded. They will be on the ballroom balcony. 23.2.08
Worldwide Magic Club listings. Darrel Mileson emails: "I am trying to put a list together of world wide clubs and societies. These include independent clubs, through to as many Rings of the IBM, SAM and such. I am also looking for information on Nationally based societies throughout the world. There are many sites that do lists, though not as comprehensive. With the information that I am asking for, I hope it will be a more friendly list than just names and contact details to click on." For more information, and to add your club details, contact Darrel Mileson: snugglesmagic@hotmail.co.uk. 23.2.08
Steve Beam's lecture tour - May 2009. Tony Griffith emails that Steve Beam's lecture tour (originally planned for October 2008) will now definitely take place in May 2009. Since Tony moved house a few weeks ago he has lost details of those who were interested in the original tour and asks those club secretaries who are interested in taking the lecture to contact him by phone 01275 835463 or email tony@tonygriffith.co.uk to reestablish their interest in the lecture. www.stevebeam.com. 23.2.08
David J Barnes. Andrew Van Buren emails: "It is with great sadness that I write about the loss of David J Barnes, who leaves behind his wife Janet, daughter Debra and many friends. David was very well known in the magic, circus, clown and fairground worlds, also as a performer in children’s entertaining circles, as Barney the Clown. With close ties to the Showman’s Guild, magic and circus, David truly was known by many and will be greatly missed by us all. 23.2.08
MagicWeek
is 400 editions old this week (when we get to 500 I'll do a special
edition!) • "Magician taking his tricks to Flamingo"
Click
Here • "A showman's mythology unshackled"
Click Here • "Paul's visit simply magic"
Click Here • "Nasty news: Magic or tragic!"
Click Here • "Escape artist Danny is a bit tied up!"
Click Here • "Curse of Daniels"
Click Here • "Silent salute to master of magic"
Click Here • Blackpool bloggers' Matt Parro, Stuart Harley and Geoff
Hunt promise to keep you up to date via
www.mattparro.com • International Festival of Magic in San Marino,
March 15th + 16th:
www.festivalinternazionaledellamagia.com • Teller is currently
answering questions on The Magic Woods:
www.themagicwoods.co.uk/forum • That's it! See you next week, Duncan.
23.2.08