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