Number 420 - 12th July 2008

 

Michael Finney, Kalin & Jinger and Raymond Crowe are profiled by Bob Hayden this week. All four will be appearing at the 72nd British Ring IBM Convention in Eastbourne in September. "Michael Finney is rated by his peers as one of the funniest magic acts in the business. Many of you will know him after seeing him perform in NBC’s 'World’s Greatest Magic' and 'World’s Wildest Magic'. When interviewed by Steve Allen for Magic magazine Michael was asked if he considered himself a magician doing comedy or a comic doing magic. Michael’s reply was emphatic. He was a magician doing comedy magic at the same time agreeing he was lucky enough to have written stand-up comedy to go with it. He insisted he wanted to be a magician, but even more so he wanted to be an entertainer. Comedy magic was his tool to entertain..." Click Here to read the full article. www.britishring.org.uk. 12.7.08

 

John Archer, Dynamo and Gregory Wilson are all signed to both lecture and perform at next year's Northern Magic Circle Spring Parade from 4th-5th April in Southport and more star magic names will be announced shortly. www.northernmagic.co.uk. 12.7.08

 

Sooty at 60. 19th July 2008 marks the 60th Birthday of Sooty, Britain’s favourite puppet and star of the longest running children’s TV show in the world. Having been discovered (well, bought for 6 pence) by Harry Corbett on Blackpool pier in 1948, Sooty has remained in the hearts, minds, and on the television screens, of generations of British fans. Sooty represents British children’s entertainment at its very best, incorporating hilarious slapstick comedy routines and magnificent magic tricks. Joined by Sweep and Soo this mischievous bear is always up to no good. His unique brand of mayhem and exciting adventures always carry a strong sense of innocence and fun, which is exactly the type of entertainment to which children should be exposed. The most recent presenter of Sooty, Richard Cadell, who was discovered by Matthew Corbett when he won The Magic Circle's Young Magician of the Year award at 15, is thrilled to have bought the rights to Sooty and has some very exciting plans for Sooty’s future on television and live on stage. Richard explains: “I am so excited to introduce Sooty to a new generation of children who just want to be entertained. Sooty is about fun and magic and laughter and I intend to put him firmly on the map of must–see children’s entertainment. The generations who know and love Sooty will be able to enjoy him once again, with their children.” Matthew Corbett lent his full support, “I am delighted that Sooty is in, or should I say on, the right hands. Richard Cadell is as close to a Corbett as you can get and we are very confident that he will give Sooty the love and attention that he deserves. Having spoken to Richard about what he has planned for the future, I know he will ensure that Sooty will bring joy to the hearts and minds of a new generation of children, whilst creating nostalgia amongst those who remember Sooty so fondly.” www.thesootyshow.com. 12.7.08

 

Magic at the Barn. Now into its fourth year, this successful magic and illusion show will again be taking place this summer at The Barn, Sutton Hall, Shopland Road, Rochford, Essex. The show features award-winning magic, music, mind reading and comedy, fronted by Oliver Tabor (currently appearing in 'The Magic of Laughter' at The Pier Theatre in Bournemouth) with special guests from around the country. 7.30pm on Saturday 19th July and 3pm & 7.30pm on Sunday 20th July. Acts include: Galithia Conexion, Georgia Lee, and Richie Austin. Visit www.amazeandamuse.co.uk for more information. Tickets are £10 for adults and £5 for children, available now by phoning 07900 543384 or online via www.amazeandamuse.co.uk. 12.7.08

 

The Finals of Hull Magicians’ Circle Spooner Trophy Competition for Young Magicians (first awarded in 1969) takes place today, Saturday 12th July, at Ferens Live Arts Space in Hull. The competition will be compered by Paul Kitchen and the guest performer will be Michael Jordan, from Huddersfield. For details visit www.hullmc.org.uk. "A tricky afternoon for young magicians" Click Here. Last week's Travis Perkins Assembly Sixteenth Anniversary Day Of Magic is reported by Al Smith this week, Click Here. 12.7.08

 

Andy Nyman is 'In conversation with Steve Allen' at 7am (repeated at 9pm) on Sunday 13th July (1 hour) on LBC 97.3 FM + Digital (or listen live online: www.lbc.co.uk). Steve loves magic and theatre, and does Andy - so expect some lively discussion! Andy Nyman can currently be seen live on stage at the Tricycle in Ron Hutchinson's Moonlight & Magnolias (photo) which has had great reviews in the national press. To purchase £15.00 tickets for just £10.00 each call the box office on 020 7328 1000 and quote "Hollywood Magic". For details of the show here Click Here - it's had 4 and 5 star reviews in The Evening Standard, Time Out, The Sunday Times and The Times! 12.7.08

 

Magicians Wanted! "Magicians (and speciality acts, family comedians, impressionists and ventriloquists) who can offer two different 45-minute spots for a number of evenings over the summer at the Alton Towers Hotel. All material must be family-friendly and suited to a stage which is surrounded on all sides and from above. Big box illusions are not suitable for this venue, due to the limited size of the playing space. I am also looking for convincing stone/bronze effect living statues and other spooky or scary performers for our ScareFest event which runs for two weeks over Halloween." Email Daniel Wood, Creative Manager, Entertainments and Events, Alton Towers: daniel.wood@alton-towers.com for details. 12.7.08

 

Fake reading techniques and psychic magic is the title of a new lecture from Scotland's Paul Temple. "I am a magician and psychic performer with many years experience and I am now offering a lecture on my approach to cold reading and fake psychic techniques. Psychic magic and reading techniques are today very popular aspects of our art. Reading is often seen by many as a closed book, this lecture will help to open that book..." More information visit the Lecturers page. www.paultemplemagic.com. 12.7.08

 

That's life! Last Sunday magician and pickpocket James Brown was invited to perform at a cast and crew reunion for the BBC programme ‘That’s Life’ at Esther Rantzen’s home in the New Forest. During the day James repeatedly removed watches, wallets and ties from various producers, directors and cast members, whilst performing his unique brand of close-up magic. Esther was quoted as saying “James is so brilliant, so mystifying, so hypnotic, that my guests were spellbound. He made the party!”. Adrian Mills (co-presenter) just sobbed, as James gave his watch back for the third time! www.jamesbrownmagic.com. 12.7.08

 

Before Your Very Ears! - Reminder: 11.30am on Tuesday on BBC Radio Four. Of all the crazy surreal ideas, radio magic takes some beating. But in fact, there is a long and noble tradition of magic performed on the wireless to audiences listening and sometimes participating at home. In this programme, Grant Gordon explores the rich history of trickery and illusion on the radio. Grant encounters Sid and Lesley Piddington and their celebrated radio mindreading act, the great Sirdani confounding Kenneth Horne in a post-war variety show, Uri Geller bending keys whilst sitting in Anthony’s Clare’s psychiatrists chair, John Wade sawing Barry Wordsworth in half, David Berglas engaged in some magical carpentry and Jack Delvin escaping from a lift in Bush House. Grant hears from magicians Darryl Rose, Paul Zenon, Ali Bongo and Fergus Anckorn; he listens in to Huw Stephens on Radio 1 and talks to magic buffs Steve Allen and Brian Sibley. To perpetuate the tradition of radio magic Grant persuades magician Darryl Rose to perform the world’s first ever interactive radio trick involving the R4 website with the listeners to the programme - before your very ears... Click Here for details. 12.7.08

 

Magician Damien O'Brien was seen performing backstage at the O2 Wireless Festival in Hyde Park on Thursday, 3rd July. A video interview with Damien was shown on the big screens of the main stage to 30,000 people. www.damienobrien.com. 12.7.08

 

Card on Tie - New from Lex Schoppi! "A card chosen by a spectator vanishes from the deck and appears in a flash on the tie of the magician. This effect is based on the transformation of a tie without exchanging it. Material has been specially woven and finished for this effect from the finest cloth with a design which is not commercially available. The playing which appears is woven into the material of the tie. This tie is hand-made by a professional to the highest specifications. Do not expect any cheap second-rate product! Includes several routines from FISM award winner Manuel Muerte, plus bonus tips." Click Here for more information and to order. 12.7.08

 

The Pentacle Club at 90 - A Day of Magic. The Pentacle Club will be celebrating their 90th anniversary with A Day of Magic on Saturday 9th May 2009. This will be a very special day and tickets will be limited, so make a note in your diary now. We'll bring you details when they are in. 12.7.08

 

Leamington and Warwick Magic Society Open Night. On 16th July Leamington and Warwick Magic Society are holding an open night at the Cubbington Sport and Social Club Windmill Hill, Cubbington CV32 7LN (Map) - new members entertain to gain the valuable experience. "It's a great chance to meet up and talk as well as give the newer members some advice and encouragement." The night is free to attend, includes a buffet in the break, and starts at 8pm. www.magicsociety.co.uk. 12.7.08

 

White Star - New from The Merchant of Magic: "A Perfect Separation of the Living from the Dead - by Jim Critchlow. Based on the true life stories and fates of the passengers of the HMS Titanic. White Star's powerful emotional 'hook', not only amazes spectators, but leaves a psychological impression long after the performance. This is not your usual OOTW. The cards are fully shuffled, no gimmicks, no switching piles/cards, and no sleight of hand." Visit www.magicshop.co.uk to see the trailer. 12.7.08

 

John Derris presents his KISS lecture at 8pm on Monday 14th July for The Chester Guild of Magicians at The Home Guard Club, Canal Street, Chester. Visiting magicians welcome (£5.00 charge). Contact Steve Cooil 01244 881462 stevecooil@mac.com for details. 12.7.08

 

Congratulations to Roy Bond - winner of the 2008 Close-up Championships held by The Nottingham Guild of Magicians on Thursday, 3rd July. Eight magicians competed in front of an audience made up of magicians and the public, and all remarked on the quality of entertainment on show. Special thanks to Graham Harper (organizer), Andrew Morrison (program director), and Freddie Wilkinson (president), for ensuring that, once again, The Nottingham Guild of Magicians put on a great show! www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk. 12.7.08

 

Amethyst - Danny Hunt and Annette Claire, kick off their summer tour at the Ripon Prison and Police Museum on Thursday 17th July. Their show features several new escapes designed and created by the duo. Danny is returning to the very cell which he successfully escaped from on Halloween 2006 when he marked the 80th anniversary of Houdini's death. The event begins at 1.30pm and is £3.50 for adults, £3.00 concessions, £1.50 children (7-15) and under 7's are free, this gains you access to the prison and museum which is open 1pm-4pm. For more information email amethystmagic007@aol.com or contact Penny Hartley on 01765 690799. 12.7.08

 

An Evening with Dennis Collins - Tuesday 15th July, at The Pentacle Club. "The elder statesman of The Pentacle Club, 'Uncle Dennis' is something of a legend in East Anglia, his road safety and holiday shows, co presented by his late wife 'Auntie' Jean, were seen and are fondly remembered by thousands and they encouraged a number of well known magicians to get started too. In an interview with Chris Wardle, Dennis will be talking about his magical life and sharing his experiences and showing clips of the shows." 12.7.08

 

Marc Lemezma's Mind Tricks: Mastering the Art of Mental Magic, available from Amazon.co.uk, Click Here • Al Smith reviews the Travis Perkins Assembly Sixteenth Anniversary Day Of Magic this week, Click Here • "You’re showing off" Elliott Hodges discusses, in his article 'Simplicity in Magic' this week, Click Here • "You'll like this magic show" Click Here • Martin S Taylor reviews Ian Rowland's Cold Reading Masterclass this week, Click Here • "Revenge of the geek" Click Here • "David Blaine whips up tricks on Market Square" Click Here • "Sign up for...The Magic Circle" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan. 12.7.08

 

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