Number 432 - 4th October 2008
Siegfried
& Roy - A Tribute at the London Palladium. Last Sunday's tribute
show to Siegfried & Roy at the London
Palladium was nothing short of sensational. It was everything a live
magic show should be. From the moment the 14 piece orchestra struck up,
to the final encore, the Palladium roared to the sound of laughter,
astonishment and applause. The show was used to launch
MagiCares The
Magic Charity, with
DebRA being the chosen beneficiary of the evening's proceeds.
Executive Producer Paul Stone, Director Anthony Van Laast and Musical
Director Ian MacGregor worked some real magic to produce the finest
magic gala show I've ever seen (and I've seen a few!). Siegfried & Roy
appeared on stage at the end of the show to talk to the audience, and
were in great form. Three readers independently sent in reviews - so we've decided to run
them all!
Click Here.
Official photos:
Click Here. 4.10.08
Andi
Gladwin and Rob James's The Session convention returns on 17th-18th
January 2009 in Gloucester. As usual, they have a fantastic line-up
of established and new talent including David Acer (photo - Canada), Ray
Kosby (USA), Noel Qualter (UK), John Guastaferro (USA) and John Archer
(UK), with more to be announced soon. If you have a passion for close-up
magic, this is the one event you can't afford to miss. The Session is an
intimate gathering and is limited to 120 attendees. All three previous
conventions have sold our weeks in advance - so we suggest you register
early to guarantee a seat:
www.sessionconvention.com. 4.10.08
Stand-Up,
A Professional Guide to Comedy Magic. What do Paul Daniels, Mac
King, Wayne Dobson, Michael Finney, Graham Jolley, Jeff Hobson, John
Archer and David Williamson have in common? They are all featured in Ian
Keable's new book Stand-Up, A Professional Guide To Comedy Magic.
Stand-Up looks in detail at the performance skills which these, and
other top comedy magicians, have used in order to bring them to the top
of their profession. Methods which you too can apply to improve your own
stand-up act; or indeed make that leap from entertaining a few, to an
audience of several hundred. Just some of the subjects covered in this
step-by-step manual are: Finding your character, The underlying
techniques of audience participation, The crucial difference between
'lines' and 'jokes', The five ways to S-C-R-A-P all unfunny lines,
Refining patter with the use of call backs, topping the gag, converting
laughter to magic etc., Selecting the right assistants and using them
correctly, Structuring an act, Coping with heckling and 'dying a death'
on stage, and How to find work and earn a living from Stand-up.
Published in hardback with 288 pages of solid advice and 16 pages of
photographs, this is a book you must read if you are serious about being
funny with your magic. "In stand-up you are either going well or
struggling, there isn't much grey area. Ian's book stormed it." Pete
Firman. Available now from
www.iankeable.co.uk/books it is also reviewed for MagicWeek this
week by John Archer,
Click Here. (I picked up my copy at the Eastbourne Convention -
Ian's done a brilliant job here. DT) 4.10.08
Hocus
Pocus with Paul Kieve at The Magic Circle - 28th & 29th October.
Enjoy two hours of mind-boggling magic together with a rare chance to
see the treasures of The Magic Circle! Shows at 11am and 2.30pm.
Admission £10.00. A unique family event featuring Paul Kieve, magic
consultant to Daniel Radcliffe and the Harry Potter films, performing
his dazzling multimedia show. Based on Paul's internationally acclaimed
book, Hocus Pocus, this sensational show combines weird and
wonderful stories of the greats of magic with astounding live illusions.
Box Office: 0845 0062502. Suitable for children aged 7 and upwards - the
perfect family show. 4.10.08
Will
Houstoun (photo) and John Born perform at Ipswich Magical Society
Convention. It has just been confirmed that two close-up experts,
Will Houstoun and John Born, will be performing close-up magic at the
Ipswich Magical Society Convention on Sunday Oct 26th 2008. Visit
www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk for more information and convention
updates. 4.10.08
John
Born to lecture at the Bath Circle of Magicians. Modern magic
legend, John Born presents his exciting new lecture at the Bath Circle
of Magicians (St Mary's Church Hall, Saltford) at 8pm on 23rd October
2008. John will reveal the secrets of clever routining and refined card
magic, including his prized solution to the legendary 'Any Card at Any
Number' problem. Visiting magicians are welcome - £10.00 on the door.
Contact Oli Foster for further details on 07817 726 785 or email
o_foster@das.co.uk. John also
lectures at The Pentacle Club on Wednesday 8th October at 8pm at St
Laurence's School, Arbury Rd, Cambridge CB4 2JX (Map).
Visiting magicians welcome, there will be a small door charge of £5.00.
Also see Simon Shaw's recent review:
Click Here and see
What's On for more dates. 4.10.08
Joshua
Jay - Methods in Magic, Live in the UK. "Joshua Jay is truly a
phenomenon in magic - host of the Talk About Tricks section of MAGIC
Magazine for the last seven years, author of two best-selling trade
books, star of a series of instructional magic DVDs, with TV appearances
in no less than eight countries, the list goes on. But for many in the
magic community, Joshua Jay's most interesting performance venue is his
Lecture! Over the past three years this New York based worker has toured
fifty-four countries, allowing him to hone his lecture into one of the
most entertaining and informative programs of its kind. On this DVD
Joshua brings this polished event to the UK for the first time. At the
heart of this two-hour extravaganza is 'method'. Joshua Jay dissects and
examines the numerous methodological approaches you can apply to your
magic. And, of course, each approach is demonstrated with a different,
original routine. This is a collection of powerful, workable magic, but
more importantly, an examination of the thought process of their
construction." Exclusively available from Big Blind Media - this one's
going to go like proverbial hotcakes... visit
www.bigblindmedia.com for more info and to order. 4.10.08
Angel's
'Believe' magic: Miffed fans disappear. "Criss Angel fans flew in
from as far away as London to see his new Cirque du Soleil show open at
the Luxor on Friday. The verdict by many? Creatively, 'Believe' is a
possibly unsalvageable 'waste of time' and a 'dead end' that literally
bored some audience members to sleep." To read the full story by Doug
Elfman in the ReviewJournal.com
Click
Here. "Sneak peak at Criss Angel's 'Believe'"
Click Here. 4.10.08
eMagicalMedia.com
launches today! "Specialist media for magicians, eMagicalMedia.com
does not sell tricks but is packed with secrets – how to perform your
magic, how to get the work and lots more. From the creators of Radio
Magic this new and exciting service for magicians features Radio Magic
books, the Magic Interview Series including our brand new release from
Jonathan Goodwin – which is on offer right now at a special introductory
price! Plus that’s not all. To celebrate our launch we are offering our
first 50 customers any of our ebooks at half price! Simply purchase via
our secure online ordering and we will refund you half the price. We are
also delighted to have Mark Leveridge Magic handling our product
distribution, and with over 25 years experience you can expect a
personal, quick and efficient service." Sounds good! Visit
www.emagicalmedia.com and learn the real secrets of magic! 4.10.08
LabcoMagic
in London! LabcoMagic will be
attending The Magic Circle Dealers Day in London on Saturday November
1st. Visit
www.labcomagic.com
or email info@labcomagic.com to
pre-order any items that you are interested in, as they will only be
able to bring over limited supplies. 10am - 5pm, Saturday
1st November. Venue: The Edward and
Alexander Rooms, The Royal National Hotel, Bedford Way, London WC1H 0DG
(Map).
Entrance is free for members of The Magic Circle on production of a
current membership card. Other guests - £5 per adult and £3 per person
aged 16 or under. Tickets available at the door. 4.10.08
Mark
Shortland lectures for The Mystic Ring on Thursday 16th of October.
Non-members are very welcome (£5.00 admission). The lecture will start
at 7.45pm. The Mystic Ring meet at The Conservative Club, 49 High Street
North, Dunstable, Bedfordshire. For further details visit
www.mysticring.co.uk or contact the club secretary:
themysticring@hotmail.com. 4.10.08
Chris
Hare will present his Harebrain Mentalism Lecture at The Magic
Circle Monday 6th October (members only). The lecture will feature the
much talked about
Birthday
Detector together with other direct, powerful mental effects and
routines using memory skills. Other lecture dates include the Blackpool
Magicians Club (again members only) on Tuesday 14th October, the Derby
Magic Circle on Wednesday 22nd October and the Surrey Magicians
(Leatherhead) on Thursday 13th November. Other dates are available -
contact Chris Hare on 01784 453192 or email
chrishare@aol.com for lecture
enquiries. 4.10.08
One
Enchanted Evening. Spellbinding magic that brings wonder back to
life! Starring Mark
Townsend. "Wonderful and heart-warming" Brian Viner, The
Independent. Saturday 29th November, 8pm - Leominster Community Centre
01568 616411, Friday 5th December, 7.30pm - The Phoenix Theatre, Ross on
Wye 01989 564570, Saturday 6th December, 7.30pm - Assembly Rooms, Ludlow
01584 878141, Friday 12th December, 8pm - The Market Theatre, Ledbury
01531 636147, Saturday 13th December, 8pm - The Conquest Theatre,
Bromyard 01885 488575. 4.10.08
Banding
Around by Russell Leeds - World Magic Shop are now taking
pre-orders, due for release in two weeks. Visit
www.worldmagicshop.co.uk for more info and a video preview. "All
pre-orders receive a starter pack so they can start banding around
immediately." 4.10.08
King
of Custard Lecture - now booking. "Colonel Custard (Paul Megram) has
been entertaining children for over a decade with his unique blend of
fun-filled magical mayhem. His award-winning children's shows have taken
him around the world delighting both young and old. Now you can learn
the secret to his success, with extremely valuable ideas and tips on how
to take your show and business to the highest level. Subjects covered
include: Getting the phone call, dealing with the client, creating a
corporate image, how to start the party, which games to play, getting
paid, leaving happy memories, and many wonderful routines." To book
Paul's lecture for your club, or for more information, visit the
Lecturers page on
MagicWeek. 4.10.08
David
Ginn's Christmas Magic Workshop - 8pm on Thursday 16th October at
the Exonian Magical Society, Exeter. Venue: Wat Tyler House, King
William Street, Exeter, Devon EX4 6PD (Map).
Visiting magicians welcome (£8.00 charge) contact Bob Usher 01392 427039
for more information. David Ginn will also be lecturing at The South
Lincs Magical Society at the Haywain Motel, Ulceby Cross, Nr Alford,
Lincolnshire LN13 0EY (Map)
on Monday 20th October at 8pm. Entrance: £5.00. Visiting magicians
welcome. Contact Burger Bill (Vice President) on 01400 261323 for more
information. See What's On
for other tour dates. 4.10.08
Boris
Wild lectures for the Watford Association of Magicians at 8pm on
Tuesday 21st October. "We are very lucky to have Boris Wild lecture for
us on his short tour in England. All magicians are welcome." If you
would like to attend contact Julie Carpenter
juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk 01923 720040. Venue: Bricket
Wood Social Club, Oak Ave, Bricket Wood AL2 3LQ (Map).
Members £3.00 Non Members £10.00 Contact:
www.wamclub.co.uk. 4.10.08
Sussex
Magic Circle President's Night - Starring Magic Circle President Ali
Bongo. The President's Night Show celebrates their move to their new
venue. At: The Hassocks Hotel, Hassocks, West Sussex. At 8pm on 9th
October. Free admission, contact Stuart Harley (Chairman) 07887 986324
info@stuartharley.co.uk.
www.sussexmagiccircle.co.uk. 4.10.08
Tom
Rose has just returned from a jet-set trip to Dubai where he
performed for a group of Russians on a private yacht. Although you can't
tell from the photo, the seas were a little rough but Tom's sea legs
just about managed to get him through the night. Everyone seemed to have
a great time, especially when one lucky guest won a table of solid gold
bars at the evening's gala dinner. Now that was amazing!"
www.truemagic.co.uk. 4.10.08
Congratulations
to Stephen Ablett, winner of the Order of the Magi's Cabaret
Magician of the Year competition for a second time, on September 9th
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. 4.10.08
Talentcall
2008. Have you got talent? Want to perform on the stage of the UK's
best live entertainment venue? Big Cash Prize! Bournemouth auditions...
Visit
www.talentcall.co.uk for details. 4.10.08
Safire
have been asked to perform at the Royal Masonic Variety Show at the
Prince of Wales Theatre on 9th November. They will be performing three
illusions including their Crystal Sub Trunk. The 2008 Royal Masonic
Variety Show builds on the sell out success of acclaimed previous shows
and promises to be an unforgettable evening at the theatre. Packed with
music, comedy, dance and magic, the show will feature some of our
leading performers from stage and screen.
Click Here to for more information and to book. 4.10.08
Showmen of the Street is an exhibition opening at The New Players Theatre, Villiers Street, London on October 9th. Run by magician John Kelly. Visit: www.johnkellymagic.co.uk for details. 4.10.08
Steve Beam lectures in the UK in May next year, see What's On for tour dates. 4.10.08
The MagiCIAn: Mulholland's Secret Life by Ben Robinson - new from Lybrary.com. "The MagiCIAn: Mulholland's Secret Life" is drawn from never-before-seen documents and includes never-before-published photographs. John Mulholland (1898-1970) edited magic magazine "The Sphinx" for 23 years, ending the publication to be consultant to the newly born CIA in 1953. His assignments included working with billionaires and inventors, cracking codes and delving into the clandestine world of ESP research, LSD use and the secret MK-ULTRA world headed by the notorious Dr. Sidney Gottlieb. This book examines Mulholland’s role during this dramatic period in the CIA’s history. For more information and to order visit www.lybrary.com. 4.10.08
El
Duco 1941 - 2008. Christer Gustavsson (El Duco) passed away on 30th
September 2008 after a short period of illness. We miss a great
enthusiast, creative inventor, reliable partner and good friend. Our
thoughts are with his family. Gay Ljungberg. 4.10.08
Roy
Davenport has a brand new website:
www.roydavenport.co.uk • "Blackpool ghost train to be resurrected"
Click Here •
12 noon news deadline - Please remember we have a strict Friday 12 noon
deadline for all news submissions. Items that arrive after 12 noon will
appear the following week
• Look of for The Deans of Magic in Sunday's Daily Star this Sunday •
"'Cheating' David Blaine booed by crowd as he admits upside-down stunt
was 'a failure'"
Click Here • BBC Radio Scotland. "Richard Gordon sits in for Fred
and is joined by celebrity guests for light-hearted chat and a wry look
at the stories of the day." At 37 minutes in to the show listen to
magician Mark Walbank talking about the magic teaching classes he holds
in Scotland,
Click
Here • That's it for the week. We had a lot of fun at Eastbourne -
and the Saturday night show was really superb. Convention highlight? Not
in the programme, but a private showing of Noel Qualter's yet to be
named perfect piece of magic that should (must) remain closely guarded
until its official release. Noel - you get the just created MagicWeek
Inventor of the Decade Award for that one, it's simply the best!
Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan.
4.10.08