Number 414 - 31st May 2008
A
Tribute to Siegfried & Roy at the London Palladium on Sunday 28th
September 2008. Join celebrities from the world of Magic, Music and
the Movies to honour these two true legends of magic in a spectacular
show at the world's greatest variety theatre. Starring Jeff Hobson -
Host of 'V' the Ultimate Variety Show in Las Vegas, Kalin & Jinger -
Stars of the 'Magic Underground', Reno, Soul Mystique - Dance Sport
Champions and world class Costume Change Artists from Australia, Jason
Byrne - Incredible Bird Act from Switzerland, Vik & Fabrini - Direct
from the Crazy Horse in Paris, Luis de Matos - TV Magic Star from
Portugal, Tomsoni & Co - Poland's favourite magicians, Ayala & Tanya -
Illusionist from Mexico - Winner of the 'Academy of Magical Arts Stage
Magician of the Year', Norm Nielsen - Musical Magic from Las Vegas, Raymond Crowe - Star of
the 2007 Royal Variety Show from Australia and Wally Eastwood - 'The man
with the fastest hands on earth' from Las Vegas. A message from
Siegfried & Roy: "We are delighted to be the honoured guests at the
official launch event for MagiCares
The Magic Charity at the London Palladium Theatre on 28th September, and
we look forward to meeting our many friends from the UK and Europe"
The exciting news is that after a year of planning, the official launch of MagiCares The Magic Charity, will take place at the world famous London Palladium on Sunday 28th September. This show is dedicated to two true legends of magic, 'Masters of the Impossible', Siegfried & Roy. MagiCares founder, Paul Stone, had this to say .. "After a considerable amount of hard work over the past 12 months, and thanks to the support of many friends from the world of magic, most notably Diana Zimmerman and Peter Reveen, we've achieved our first objective, making the MagiCares dream a reality. Our first two launch events, at the London Palladium Theatre on Sunday September 28th, and the Gala Charity Fundraising Dinner & Cabaret at the Landmark Hotel on Wednesday 1st October, will provide us with the perfect platform to start making a real difference to the lives of many suffering hardship for whatever reason. With the support of magicians worldwide, together we can raise vital funds that will literally transform people's lives. It surely doesn't get any better than that!"
The second major MagiCares launch event will be a Gala Charity Fundraising Dinner & Cabaret at the 5 Star Landmark Hotel in London on Wednesday 1st October 2008. This will be an exclusive event for just 200 guests and will once again be honouring 'Masters of the Impossible' Siegfried & Roy. The Guest of Honour will be H.R.H Princess Michael of Kent. There will be a short 'live' Auction with several very unique items to bid on. Funds raised will benefit MagiCares and Siegfried & Roy's SARMOTI foundation. The world class Cabaret will feature Stringfever, The Randols and Kris Kremo with dancing to The Overtures.
SPECIAL ONE-TIME ONLY PRE-SALE TICKET OFFER Tickets will go on general sale on 20th June 2008 but you can take advantage of a special pre-sale ticket offer available exclusively to magicians from 1st June 2008, visit the official website for details and to book: www.magicares.com. 31.5.08
Leamington
Day of Magic, Wednesday June 25th. The Leamington & Warwick Magic
Society present their annual 'Day of Magic' on Wednesday 25th June due
to requests from many working professionals. There will be a full day of
events, including two brand new lectures from close-up magicians, David
Penn and Andrew Murray (photo). The day will also feature workshops on
balloons, ventriloquism, Cups & Balls, elastic bands, cards and coin
work. Dealers booked so far include Merlins Magic, Andrew Normansell,
Keith Bennett, Made to Measure Magic, Kaymar and Adrian Sullivan. 10am -
6pm, Leamington & Warwick Magic Society, Cubbington Sports & Social
Club, Windmill Hill, Cubbington, Leamington Spa CV32 7LN (Map)
Tickets are £15 and include a mid afternoon buffet. Cheques should be
made payable to 'Leamington & Warwick Magic Society' and sent c/o Mr M
McCreath, 242 Lutterworth Road, Nuneaton CV11 6PG
www.dayofmagic.co.uk.
31.5.08
Northern
Magic Circle Junior Day of Magic. On Saturday 28th June, St
Wilfred's Church Hall in Harrogate once again will play host to the
Northern Magic Circle Junior Day of Magic. This fun packed day will
include open Stage and Close-up competitions, workshops, a magical quiz,
dealers and a Mini Gala show. It's an all-day event and the ticket price
includes both lunch and an evening buffet. Although billed as a Junior
day, there will be plenty to entertain adults, so why not make it a day
out, you might be pleasantly surprised! There will be plenty to
entertain. Manipulation is the basis of a hands-on workshop from Stuart
Brown and Allan Clarke will run a session on practical close-up magic.
There will be a Circus Skills workshop by Michael Jordan and the talk
'From little acorns to minor miracles' with Brian Lead. The Junior Stage
and Close-up competitions are open to all young magicians between the
ages of 11 and 16 years and non-members are very welcome to enter. Stage
competitors will be competing for the Phyllis Davison Shield and
Close-up entrants compete for the Johnny Neptune Trophy. Acts should be
between 8 and 10 minutes. As well as dealers, Cliff Lount from the
Bradford Magic Studio and Kaymar Magic, there will also be a sale of
Props, Books and Magazines in aid of the Junior Section funds. A Mini
Gala show will complete the day's entertainment, with a show called
'Past, Present and Future' featuring an all female cast with Su Jayne,
Kirstie Russell, Leah Mae and Sara Jade. Saturday 28th June, doors open
at 10am, St Wilfred's Church Hall, Duchy Road, Harrogate HG1 2EZ (Map).
Advance tickets for the day are priced at £12.50 and 'Evening Only'
tickets are £6.00. For full details and registration forms, contact
Cynthia Neptune on 0191 2529151 or email
allan.clarke@northernmagiccircle.org.uk
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk.
31.5.08
FastTricks.com,
the new online magic video download centre, is now open for business:
"With hundreds of hi resolution tutorial videos now available for instant
download. Featuring sections covering all aspects of magic, in all skill
levels, just the false shuffles section alone features over 30 methods!
New and exclusive effects such as this week's feature trick 'MP3' - make
your iPod play a thought of song while the spectator is holding it! Check
out the free preview videos online now. Downloaded video files will play
on any computer worldwide with prices starting at just $1.00 (about 50p).
All of the tricks and moves are taught by leading professionals. The site
is updated regularly with an average of 50 new videos uploaded each month.
If you have invented an original trick and would like to sell it on fast
tricks then visit the site to see how." Visit
www.fasttricks.com.
31.5.08
Magic
Survey: The impact of the Web on the art of magic. Paul Younghusband emails: "I am conducting a bit of research
into the effect of the web on the art of magic. As part of this I have
put together a little survey and am trying to get as many magicians as
possible to fill it out. All of the information is anonymous, and the
whole thing will probably only take about 5-7 minutes to complete. I
would like people to be as honest as possible, as no personally
identifiable information is collected - I have no way of knowing who
anyone is! It is my intention to compile the results and publish them
for all to see. I think it will be very interesting to get some actual
real numbers associated with some of the questions posed."
Click Here to take part in this fascinating survey. We'll link to the
results when they are released.
31.5.08
Derren Brown: Trick or
Treat series two draws to a close on Friday evening. Again Derren and
his team boldly ventured where no mere mind reader has dared venture
before. Great stuff, and out on DVD soon I would imagine. See
TV Magic. Derren's run
in the West End is drawing to a close also, see
What's On for details.
31.5.08
MagicTricks.tv
is a free YouTube indexing site just for magic videos - just
launched by MagicTricks.co.uk. MagicTricks.co.uk have arranged over
1,000 YouTube magic videos under easily accessible magic categories...
"With loads of fantastic videos on the site, it allows you to watch only
the best quality magic for every different genre of magic. The other
brilliant feature of magictricks.tv is it has its own member community.
You can sign up to become a member absolutely free, which means you can
upload your own magic video or index your favourite YouTube magic video
to share with the rest of the world, as well as comment on videos added
by others." Visit
www.magictricks.tv today!
31.5.08
Britain's
Got Talent gripped the nation, or at least parts of it, last
week, as night after night we were treated to Britain's most
self-important, over-produced, poorly shot talent show ever. Britain
has got talent... but most of it, fortunately, is either busy
working or smart enough to steer well clear of this albeit enjoyable
nonsense, where acts battle it out alongside school
children, household pets, and middle-aged belly dancers, only to then
suffer the indignation of being pulled to pieces by the distinctly
untalented Pierce Morgan, the moderately talented Amanda Holden and the
clearly
talented (but only in his own field) Simon Cowell. Three magic acts got
through to the semi finals, but rightly no further. YouTube clips:
Click Here. The actual final is tonight
at 6.50pm and my money is on the one-legged nine year old with the
missing teeth and pet chiwawa... she's got it all.
"Britain's Got Talent: Andrew, Monkeys make final!" Click Here
"Polly Hudson gives her verdict on Britain's Got Talent" Click Here
"Britain's Got Talent - Vizage cause judges to fight" Click Here
"Britain's Got Talent Accused Of Rigging Votes" Click Here. 31.5.08
News
from JL2Magic.com: "JL2Magic are proud to announce that Wayne Dobson
has given his kind permission for us to include his 'Vision' routine as
a free download with every purchase of a JL2Magic Himber Twist Wallet.
Also included is Lee Thompson's 4 Second Watch Steal routine. Here's the
'Vision' routine: You tell the story of how you have just returned from
a gambling holiday in Las Vegas. Your volunteer is invited to gamble at
your imaginary casino, where you are going to play roulette, a card game
and slot machine all with the power of your imagination. You accurately
predict the outcome of the game of roulette, the free choice of a card
game and the result of the winning fruit on the slot machine... all
revealed written on a handful of dollars bills left over from your Las
Vegas holiday." Visit their new-look website that has a number of
special offers. Packages are limited - so hurry!
www.jl2magic.com
(JL2's wallets are fast gaining an excellent reputation for the real
quality).
31.5.08
Travis
Perkins Assembly - Ferrybridge Day of Magic 2008. News from Travis
Perkins (currently touring the café bars of Sorrento and Capri). "The
morning Lecturette at Ferrybridge will be Grand Masters of Illusion – a
new presentation by Danny Hunt and Annette Claire. Also two 28 minute
workshops will be held in the Perkins Private Suite - Danny’s Diabolical
Dice Stacking (Danny Hunt) and S.O.S. it’s cards!! (Al Smith). The
presenter of the afternoon Lecturette will be announced in the next 10
days – after confirmation of contracts, visas and the necessary credit
checks!! Sunday 6th July, doors open at 10.00am." For more information
contact Michael Shepherd 01904 709500
michaelshepherd@castlemagicalservices.co.uk.
31.5.08
Niels
and Soren from LabcoMagic.com will be visiting London on June 6th
and 7th. If you'd like a demonstration of MindBuster or UFOII simply
email sorenharbo@gmail.com and
they will then arrange a meeting.
www.labcomagic.com.
31.5.08
Paul
Kieve's book 'Hocus Pocus' featuring an introduction by Daniel
Radcliffe, is published on Monday in the USA by Scholastic. It tells the
story of a young magician whose collection of old magic posters come to
life and combines fiction, fact and 'how-to-do' and has already been
named a 'Borders' bookshop and BBC 'Blue Peter' book of the month. David
Copperfield has endorsed the US edition writing: 'I wish Hocus Pocus had
been around when I was a kid - it's nothing short of inspirational; the
perfect gift for anyone who loves illusion and fantasy. I recommend this
book wholeheartedly'. Charles Green III reviews the US edition on Amazon
"For those in the know, imagine a lighter mix of the following classics
in magic, Milbourne Christopher's Illustrated History of Magic, Charles
Reynolds' 100 Years of Magic Posters, and Bruce Elliot's Classic Secrets
of Magic. Paul has created a fresh classic at the start of the 21st
century." See www.hocuspocusbook.com. To purchase the US edition
Click Here and the UK edition
Click Here. Paul is travelling to Berlin next week to promote the
German edition, and
lectures at the Berlin Magic Circle on June 6th
www.magischer-zirkel-berlin.de.
31.5.08
Paul
Gordon is presenting three new close-up card magic lectures in 5
days. On Sunday 1st June he'll be at the High Peak Magic Society,
Staffordshire, on Tuesday 3rd June at the Watford Association of
Magicians and on Thursday 5th June at the Mid Essex Magical Society. Too
attend see What's On
or contact Paul Gordon directly
pgmagic@btinternet.com. Recent 'Fechter's Finger Flicking Frolic'
photos,
Click Here.
31.5.08
Congratulations
to 16 year old Edward Hilsum. Edward was placed first in the
Bexleyheath Society of Magicians Stage Competition on May 7th with his
dove act.
31.5.08
Huddersfield Circle of Magicians are staging a 'Meet the Presidents' night on Monday 30th June 2008, the event will be held at the Outlane Golf Club, Slack Lane, New Hey Road, Outlane, Huddersfield HD3 3FQ (Map). Maurice Roberts emails: "The Idea of the evening is for each of the surrounding Magical Societies, Circles and Associations to have a table for their President and their guest. Entertainment for the evening will be provided by three professional magicians: Wayne Dobson - Leicester's own magician, Al Conway - One of Yorkshire's finest comedians with a hint of magic and Michael Jordan - Home Grown, from Huddersfield. A Pie, Pea and Potato Supper will be provided at the interval. This year All the Presidents, and their guest will be invited free. Due to huge interest, and only being able to take 100 guests, we have decided this year, to invite on a first come; first served basis, tickets to other society members at £5 per person. We can only accommodate 100 guests, so act soon!" If your society wishes to attend contact: Maurice Roberts (Secretary) 01422 832095 Mobile 07765348335 email: hudds-secretary@hotmail.co.uk. 31.5.08
Andrew Jeffrey, Sussex based mentalist and magician, will be performing at the South of England Show at Ardingly Showground on Saturday 7th June. Andrew will be appearing on the East Sussex Time Tunnel Stand at various times throughout the day. Pop along and say hello - Andrew is currently racing against time to recover from a fractured shoulder sustained last Saturday in a football game! www.andrewjeffrey.co.uk. 31.5.08
The Annual Tony Richards Memorial Competition at the ACES Magic Society in Lewes was won this last week by Mike Pettitt "a magician with a trick for all occasions!" A very close run competition this year with excellent performances from President Martin Lewis, newcomer to this trophy David Croucher, Stan Reynolds and Peter Bennett. Excellent performances from all and well done to Mike for winning. Reported by Nicky Moon. 31.5.08
"Final stage appearance for magic man" Click Here • "Watch conjuring curate in action" Click Here • "Magician turns easy rider" Click Here • Congratulations to Nick Chapman - winner of last week's Big Blind Media lucky DVD draw www.bigblindmedia.com • Following mention of the new £2 jumbo magicians coins in MagicWeek on May 17th we have had an email from a magic dealer warning that HM Treasury may take action against anyone selling such coins, referring to the Forgery and Counterfeiting Act 1981, Click Here • Steve Cook's Legend: An anecdotal tribute to Ken Brooke is back in stock, email steve.cook243@ntlworld.com for details • Gary Young emails: "Due to current commitments I have been unable to produce my Top Secret Magic Day this year. But all being well I will be producing my 12th day next year. The provisional date is Sunday 7th June 2009. It will be back bigger and better than ever!" • "$250 seats in the cards for Ricky Jay's show" Click Here • "Derren Brown: An Evening of Wonders, Garrick Theatre, London" Click Here • That's it for another week, your UK magic news is always welcome, see you next week, Duncan. 31.5.08