Number 430 - 20th September 2008
The
British Ring Eastbourne Convention is just days away... and we have
the final news update from Bob Hayden this week,
Click Here. This year's convention boasts
six stage shows, two close-up shows, two late night shows, sixteen
lectures/workshops, a collectors seminar, two competitions and a giant
dealers exhibition!
Magicians who can't make it for the full five days have been calling to
book day tickets - we think it is going to be one of the busiest British
Ring conventions ever. The line-up is truly world class.
And
remember that you can book tickets on the day from the registration
desk. Registrations for either the whole Convention or for a single day
will be accepted from 10.30am onwards from Wednesday 24th September at
the registration desk which will be situated in the foyer of the
Congress Theatre, Eastbourne.
www.britishring.org.uk.
20.9.08
Denis
Behr - Live in London. Hardened close-up card workers are in for a
real treat at this year's
International Magic Convention (November 28th-30th at the Novotel,
Euston Road, London) with both a performance and lecture from German
pasteboard wizard Denis Behr. For those unfamiliar with his work,
examples of his exquisite handling and execution can be seen on his
website
www.denisbehr.de. His book "Hand Crafted Magic" received excellent
reviews in all the magical press with Genii stating "This is a book that
not only justifies its existence by means of innovative material and
original thinking, but which represents the mind of a thoughtful and
tasteful creator who pays attention to a myriad of tiny details that can
make all the difference between mediocre magic and beautiful illusions."
This will be Denis's first UK Magic Convention appearance, in keeping
with this year's Convention theme - "all new performers, or
performances, to a UK Convention." So don't miss out - See all-new acts,
lectures, performances and illusions at The International Magic
Convention, November, 2008:
www.internationalmagic.com. 20.9.08
Ipswich
Magical Society Convention - Sunday October 26th 2008. Tickets are
now available for the Ipswich Magical Society Convention featuring
lectures and Gala Show performances from Mr. Biscuit (Martin Cox),
Canadian Mentalist James Biss and Max Somerset. And Gala Show
performances from Michael Pearce, Scott Penrose, Ashley and Wilma and
Michael J. Fitch. Plus dealers and a Close-up Session. For more details,
including some great special offers visit
www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk. 20.9.08
A
Tribute to Siegfried & Roy at the London Palladium -
Sunday 28th September. 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. Visit
www.londontheatrebookings.com to book. Then on Monday, 29th
September: Siegfried & Roy's The Magic Box - exclusive London
screening. Presenting a unique opportunity to join Siegfried & Roy at an
exclusive screening of Siegfried & Roy The Magic Box, the Imax
movie, at the Courthouse Hotel in Great Marlborough Street, London, at
2.30pm on Monday 29th September. 50 seats only available. Tickets are
£100 each and will benefit
MagiCares the Magic Charity. Contact Paul Stone -
info@show-stealers.com for
details and availability. 20.9.08
Mark
Worgan's The Secrets of Entertaining Children will be
available for the first time at the
Eastbourne
Convention, next week. Mark sent us through an advance copy. Full of
solid advice; this manual really should be essential reading for
every children's entertainer, from beginner to seasoned pro. And at
just £20.00 it's excellent value too (now we know what Mark gets up to
when he's away cruising!). Highly recommended:
www.markworgan.co.uk/magicstore. 20.9.08
South
Staffordshire Society of Magicians launches. 3SM is a new friendly
"session based" magic club covering the South Staffordshire region,
meeting on the 1st and 3rd Monday of each month. Lectures, sessions,
themed evenings and competitions are being planned, and membership is
open to everyone with "a love and avid interest in bettering our art".
Upcoming lecturers and performers include Trevor Stone (October 6th),
John Carey (October 20th) and Thom Peterson, from the USA, on November
3rd. Their first meeting will take place on Monday, October 6th, at 8pm,
at the Longford House Beefeater, Watling Street, Cannock, Staffordshire
WS11 1SJ (Map).
For more information and an application form contact Chris Congreave:
chriscongreave@btinternet.com telephone: 01902 631286 (mobile: 07940
724294). 20.9.08
Blaine
is told stunt could cost his sight. "David Blaine risks losing his
sight if he goes ahead with his latest stunt, a leading medical
specialist has warned. The magician will hang upside down for 60 hours
over New York's Central Park without a safety net from Monday." To read
the full story by Sarah Rollo in Digital Spy,
Click Here. "The day David Blaine dropped in on Donald Trump"
Click Here. "David
Blaine: death-dealer"
Click Here.
"Blaine to hang upside-down in stunt" (includes video)
Click Here. 20.9.08
Ali
Bongo (newly elected President of The Magic Circle) officially
opened the new extension at The House of Magic (UK) in Stourbridge on
Friday September 12th. No sooner had he cut the ribbon to open the
extension than he had magically restored it! The opening was also
attended by The Mayor and Mayoress Cllr Ray Burton and Debbie and
magicians. Earlier in the afternoon Ali and John had a radio interview
with Les Ross of BBC Radio WM and performed an illusion on prospective
conservative MP Margot James. Ali later gave a magic lecture to a class
of local magicians
Click Here.
www.houseofmagicuk.com. 20.9.08
Sussex
Magic Circle Bloggers - Matt Parro, Stuart Harley and Geoff Hunt are
back - but this time the team will be blogging everything magic live
from the IBM Convention in Eastbourne. They will be reviewing the
events, complete with photos, comments, reviews, ratings and even video
reviews! So if you are unable to make it to the convention this year, or
are simply too lazy to reach for a programme, log on to
www.ibmconvention.blogspot.com to see what’s what, what's been hot
and what's not! (And don’t forget to add your own thoughts too). 20.9.08
100
Sexiest Women in the World 2008. "Magic Babe" Ning from Singapore,
who recently featured in
Magicseen and
has been booked to appear at the Southern England Magic Convention next
year, has been voted as the 16th "Sexiest Women In The World" by FHM
magazine, Singapore.
www.semagicconvention.com. 20.9.08
Illusionist
Caesar Price has reproduced nearly all of the miracles of Jesus and
built a massive cult following, but is he prepared for what will happen
when he decides to stage the crucifixion? Afternoon Play 'Caesar Price
our Lord' - at 2.15pm on Friday 26th September (45 minutes) on BBC Radio
Four. Starring: Lee Ingleby, Aidan Parsons, Emma Cunniffe, Joanne
Mitchell. See TV Magic
for Radio and TV magic listings. 20.9.08
The
Big Joke is London's biggest comedy festival and the pride and joy
of the Leicester Square Theatre's opening season. "We're featuring up to
six shows a day from a truly inspirational line-up of comedy performers
from right across the spectrum in origin, age and reputation. Featuring
stars such as Joan Rivers and Roseanne Barr as well as Britain's hottest
comedy talent." Ali Cook
www.myspace.com/alicookmagic will
be performing his four star sell out Edinburgh show at the festival on
Thursday, 25th September.
www.leicestersquaretheatre.com. 20.9.08
The
Order of the Magi (Manchester) has had a complete sell out for their
upcoming Centenary Dinner and Cabaret on 21st March 2009. All 150
tickets sold in just five weeks. This four course meal with cabaret
starring Roy Davenport, John Styles (pictured in his Chelsea Pensioner
guise) and Martyn James and Co, now only has a standby/waiting list. If
anyone wishes to be placed on this list they are requested to email
president@orderofthemagi.org.uk or telephone Geoffrey Newton on 0161
969 8222. Geoffrey said “I am delighted by this amount of support from
the members, together with their families and friends. I feel it is
going to be a wonderful night celebrating 100 years of Magic in
Manchester.” The Magi normally meet twice a month. Visit
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk for details. 20.9.08
The
Ace Detective Coin is a brand new release from Zane's magic shop.
Effect: "A card is freely selected, signed and returned to the deck
which is shuffled and placed back into its case. The magician states
that he is not going to attempt to find their chosen card, but has hired
a detective instead. A two pence piece then appears out of nowhere,
which he claims is ‘the detective coin’ – ‘It’s a copper!’. The coin is
placed on top of the card case in full view - ’it’s on the case!’ Then,
with just a wave of the hand, the coin vanishes! It looks incredible!
Both hands can be seen immediately afterwards - completely empty! The
deck is then removed from the case and, when the cards are spread, 'the
detective coin' is seen sitting on top of a card in the centre of the
deck! The suspense mounts as the spectator turns this card over to
reveal to everyone’s amazement that it is indeed the selected card! But
that’s not all! The magician then says: ‘it sure is an ace detective….
look! Here are the four ace’s!’ - the magician turns over the two cards
either side of the chosen card to reveal the four aces!" Complete with
Bicycle deck, gimmicks and easy-to-follow instructions. £19.99 from
www.zanesmagicshop.com. 20.9.08
Have
You Got Talent? Frankie Mensah from 'Britain’s Got Talent' emails:
ITV1's hit entertainment show, 'Britain's Got Talent', is back for a
third series and this time it's bigger than ever! Hosted by Ant and Dec;
the show gives entertainers the opportunity to showcase their talents in
front of a panel of three of the most influential people in the
industry: Amanda Holden, Piers Morgan and Simon Cowell. The show is open
to absolutely anyone – any talent, any age - simple as that! Over the
past two years we've had a huge variety of acts apply including
comedians, ventriloquists, dancers, magicians, acrobats and animal acts.
The last series of Britain’s Got Talent was watched by nearly 15 million
viewers and is hailed as one of the most successful talent shows of this
century. We are now back with our brand new third series and we’re
looking for a brand new winner. Auditions begin in just a few weeks and
we are receiving thousands of applications every week. So if you have a
talent to showcase, why not come and audition and show Britain what you
have to offer. If you would like more information on the show, or would
like to apply, go to our website
www.itv.com/talent
or call 09018 801 010.
(Calls cost 25p per minute from a BT Landline and should last no longer
than 2 minutes. Calls from other networks may be higher). 20.9.08
Mark
Williams did his very best to change the views of Amanda Holden when
he entertained the Britain's Got Talent judge last week at a private
party. Amanda admitted she doesn't like stage magicians when they come
on the show and that Simon Cowell isn't a big fan. On the other hand
when it comes to dinners, weddings and events, she is a fan of close-up
magic. "When magicians and stand up comics take the stage and have
around 30 seconds to make a good impression it is hard to beat the
buzzer - many magicians let themselves down" she said. Mark did his very
best to restore Amanda's faith in the art of magic!
www.mwmagic.co.uk. 20.9.08
Two
Portsmouth based magicians, Rob Driscoll and Sean Lobban will be
‘clucking up the air miles’ when they fly out to Perth, Western
Australia, thanks to their chickens! Together, they make up the
walkabout act, Clucking Fantastic and have been booked to perform their
Comedy Crowd Control and Wild West chicken routine at The Perth Royal
Show. For more information about this most eggsellent free-range act,
visit
www.cluckingfantastic.co.uk. 20.9.08
David
Ginn Lecture. David Ginn presents his only lecture in Scotland
during this tour at 2pm on Sunday 19th October. A lecture not to be
missed by any children's magical entertainers. Venue: The Walton Suite,
Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF (Map).
Tickets £10, payable on the door. Contact Moira Fletcher
moira1.fletcher@googlemail.com 07771 613894 for more information. 20.9.08
The
Magic Lantern Society & The University of Westminster present
'Professor Pepper’s Ghost' - Rediscovering optical magic at the old
Polytechnic. Six different evenings, fortnightly from Tuesday 23rd
September - Tuesday 2nd December at The Old Cinema, University of
Westminster, 309 Regent Street, London W1B 2UW (Map).
Free Admission, commencing 7pm sharp. Starting this Tuesday, 23rd
September with 'The World’s First Projection Theatre' Jeremy Brooker
provides a guide (both virtual and actual) to the Royal Polytechnic’s
famous optical theatre. For the full six week programme visit:
www.magiclantern.org.uk. 20.9.08
All
in All it's Just Another Trick in the Wall - Sold Out. All tickets
for Richard T Smith's upcoming show 'All in All it's Just Another Trick
in the Wall' on Friday 26th September have now all been sold.
20.9.08
What's in your wallet? Dave Bonsall is interested in hearing from any performers who perform, or would like to perform, a card, ring or other object "to sealed envelope inside wallet" type effect. Dave has a special custom-made envelope manufacturer on standby, to produce specially prepared ready-to-use envelopes in bulk, but needs to know the demand first. They will be white, and measure 110mm x 85mm (designed around the Jerry O’Connell wallet). The price of these envelopes will depend on the volume ordered. Email Dave Bonsall at dave@fingertipmiracles.co.uk for more technical details, and to express an interest. 20.9.08
New Event in Surrey. Michael Cooley emails: "Weekend of Magic Dealers in Surrey on Saturday 25th April and Sunday 26th April 2009 at New Haw Community Centre, Woodham Lane, New Haw, Addlestone, Surrey KT15 3ND. If you would like more information about the event please call our hotline on 0800 6226592 or email magicmikecool@aol.com." 20.9.08
Lybrary.com expands Old Time Radio selection with the addition of Chandu. Fresh on the heels of the release of digitally restored copies of all existing episodes of the 1948 radio drama ‘Blackstone, the Magic Detective’ Lybrary.com is expanding their vintage radio offerings with the addition of 23 restored episodes of the classic radio drama ‘Chandu the Magician’. Much like the Blackstone collection, the episodes have had the worst distortions removed, while preserving the vintage AM radio sound. The entire collection is available on CD for $20 or as two episode downloads for $3.99. Chandu the Magician was created specifically for the radio in the early 1930s and originally ran as a daily 15 minute serial. It was revived, again as a 15 minute daily, in 1948 with deep voiced actor Tom Collins portraying Frank Chandler, the American secret agent who has returned from India with a command of the mystical arts. Known to his friends and enemies alike as Chandu the Magician he continues to fight for justice from exotic locations such as Cairo. In 1949 the show changed formats to weekly 30 minute episodes, each a stand alone adventure. The 23 episodes in the Lybrary.com collection are from this period. Visit www.lybrary.com. 20.9.08
Secrets of Showbusiness, Workshops. Harold Wells emails: "Training in all aspects of Magic - Puppets, including Punch & Judy - Paranormal show - Telepathy - Mindreading - Comedy sketches - Comedy stand up - Close-up magic - Graphology - Predictions - Fortune telling - Palmistry - Balloon modelling - Plate spinning. October - November, Daily. Not only for the experienced performer, who will benefit from one who has not only perfected the techniques of his craft but worked under many varied conditions in the theatrical world for 45 years. Especially beneficial for beginners, who will receive a supply of information to send them on their way, full of inspiration. Venue: The Grand, Station Road, Blackpool FY4 1BE (Alternatively contact to organise other venue on one-to-one sessions.) Book Tickets by calling 07971 367840 or alternatively purchase via the email address haroldwells@live.co.uk. Prices are £30pp - Full Day Group Session. £30pp - Half Day One-to-one." Call or email for more information. 20.9.08
Convention Crasher. Philip Partridge emails: The three episodes of Convention Crasher are now available free of charge on Channel 4 on demand archive: www.channel4.com/4od. In this new series, Justin Lee Collins crashes three conventions: magician, ventriloquist and clown, with just four weeks to transform himself into a master good enough to compete against the professionals. 20.9.08
"Show
stands up to its magic tag"
Click Here • "Tricky George is flippin' magic"
Click Here • "Magicians, Scientists Team Up To Peek Behind The
Illusion"
Click Here • "Five questions for Pete Firman"
Click Here • "Could it be magic?"
Click Here • "Wiz woe for Paul Daniels show"
Click Here • See you in Eastbourne, that's it for this week, Duncan.
20.9.08