Number 433 - 11th October 2008

Magicians from 13 different countries to compete in London. The Close Up Competition at next month's International Magic Convention (28th-30th November) features entrants from 13 different countries, all jostling for the £1000 First Prize. As regular attendees will know, the pre FISM year always seems to be of a particularly high standard with many competitors seeing it as a "warm up" competition. Previous winners include Lennart Green, Gazzo, Gary Kurtz and Shoot Ogawa and this year's winner will join those impressive names. The competition remains in its usual Saturday morning slot, followed by lectures and the Gala Show in the evening. The Sunday itinerary contains more lectures, the Close Up Gala and the Special Surprise Event! Full details: www.internationalmagic.com. 11.10.08

New Illusions and Special Effects for Jeff Wayne's War of The Worlds 30th Anniversary Tour. "Dynamic FX, Europe's leading illusion and effects company, is to design some amazing illusions and special effects for the forthcoming tour. The production marks the third UK arena tour in as many years and celebrates the 30th Anniversary of the release of Jeff Wayne's original double album..." To read the full story Click Here. Tour dates: Click Here. Buy the remixed and remastered double album from Amazon.co.uk Click Here. 11.10.08

Patrick Page is scheduled to lecture to the Scottish Conjurers' Association on Wednesday October 22nd at 7.30pm at the Scottish Mask and Puppet Centre, Balcarres Avenue, Glasgow G12 0QF (Map). This is the SCA's annual Tommy Frederick Memorial Lecture to acknowledge the contributions of Tommy Frederick (Magic of Frederica by Lewis Ganson) to the world of magic in general, and the inspiration and mentoring he offered to magicians in the Glasgow area. www.scottishconjurersassociation.org.uk. 11.10.08

Argentinean close-up magic sensation Latko has just been added to the Blackpool Convention line-up (look out for his Cups & Balls routine featuring chess pieces). More artistes are being booked every week and we've just heard that registrations are ahead of this time last year too! Visit www.blackpoolmagic.com for more information and a registration form. 11.10.08

Matthew Garrett’s Ninja+ launches: "After 18 months in the making it’s finally here. Visually link a finger ring onto a larger ring and immediately hand out this impossible object. But it’s so much more; you can link it in your hand, a spectator’s hand or in mid-air! You can even cleanly link the spectator’s finger ring. You can link the rings one handed, and change the order of the rings one handed. There’s nothing to find. Suitable for both beginners and sleight of hand artists. Watch the show-reel and complete routine at www.ninjaplus.com. Buy today direct from the website or by phone on 01234 350566. Email Matthew at info@professionalmagic.com for lecture enquiries." Matthew kindly sent through the full Ninja+ kit for us to have a look at Click Here. For the working professional close-up performer who understands the value of high-impact visual magic this kit simply can't be faulted. It ticks all the right boxes and gets our highest recommendation. Visit www.ninjaplus.com to watch some performance clips and for more information. 11.10.08

Will Houston Lecture - Liverpool. Will Houston will lecture for the Liverpool Magic Circle on December 4th. The lecture contains close-up and parlour magic using cards and coins. Will is the Youngest European Champion of Close up Magic, has been the featured performer at The Magic Castle and lectured and performed in Europe and America. "One of the coolest things I saw at F.F.F.F. this year was Will Houstoun's FREAK. Very cool trick! It will definitely F.F.F.F.REAK you out!" -Cody S. Fisher. Venue: Alder Sports Club, Alder Road, Liverpool L12 2BA (Map). Members £4.00 Non Members £6.00 Contact Alan Singleton magic2c@blueyonder.co.uk. www.liverpoolmagiccircle.co.uk. 11.10.08

Marvins Magic are looking for demonstrators to work across the UK over the Christmas period. Earn £300+ per week: "If you’re outgoing, motivated, hard-working and enjoy working with the public then we want to hear from you. Full training will be given. Please email your CV listing any previous sales and performing experience, photograph and short biog to Jay Fortune mail@jfortune.co.uk. Positions in Hastings, Sheffield and Glasgow are available now." 11.10.08

David Ginn - additional lecture dates. We've just had some more dates in for David Ginn's UK lecture tour: Northampton on Friday 17th October and Blackpool on Saturday 18th October - see What's On for details. 11.10.08

Jason Steele and Joanne are currently the resident cabaret performers onboard Brittany Ferries 40,000 tonne flagship the MV Pont Aven on the Plymouth - Santander mini cruise. www.jasonsteeleandjoanne.co.uk. 11.10.08

Table Top Magic Sale, Nottingham. On Thursday 16th October the Nottingham Guild of Magicians invite you to come along and sell your unwanted props, buy some new ones, or just have a browse around. Free admission plus free tea, coffee and biscuits! If you fancy selling any unwanted unloved magic items, tables are just £4.00 each but you'll need to call Freddie Wilkinson to reserve one on 0115 9614551. The sale runs from 7.30pm - 9.30pm (Doors open at 7pm for setting up) . Venue: Pond Hills Lane Community Centre, Pond Hills Lane, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 8DR (Map). www.nottinghamguildofmagicians.co.uk. 11.10.08

Alakazam Magic - three new releases in time for Christmas! The long awaited Skin by Benjamin Earl (psychological strategy for the coin bend). Rubik Remembered by Mark Elsdon (learn to solve this year's hottest Christmas come-back toy from memory in less than two minutes!) and, finally Out of the Routine by IBM close-up award winner John van der Put (a collection of offbeat routines from the creator of VDP). All three of these fantastic new items are available to preorder now from both Alakazam UK and Alakazam USA. Be sure to get your order in for Skin sooner rather than later as they are offering a limited edition bonus booklet by Ben that contains previously unpublished thoughts and discussions! Visit www.alakazam.co.uk for full details, video teasers and release dates. 11.10.08

RSVPMagic.com are proud to announce an exclusive release. Mirrors is a routine featured on the highly successful DVD set Menu of Miracles by James Prince, which was released by RSVPMagic.com recently. “We’ve had many customers wanting to know when and where they could buy the props for this fantastic routine - finally they are now available, from us. The gimmicks are poker sized and come with an instructional DVD that will teach you the complete routine. Best of all, it's extremely easy to do! Our initial run sold out immediately, but we have a brand new supply of sets ready for immediate shipment, but when they’re gone it may be some time before we have them back in stock”, says Russ Stevens. For a trailer and more information visit www.rsvpmagic.com. 11.10.08

The Berkshire Magicians' Magic Show. An Evening of Comedy Magic, Illusion and Mind Reading. Sunday 9th November at 7pm. Loddon Hall, Loddon Hall Road, Twyford RG10 9JA (Map). Several magicians from Berkshire and Buckinghamshire are again getting to together to provide an evening of magical entertainment at Lodden Hall in Twyford, Berkshire. This is their second show this year, after a sell-out at the Shinfield theatre in Reading in January. There will be comedy magic, mentalism and illusion with close-up magic in the bar before the show and during the interval. Tickets are available on the door and also by contacting Ian Souch on 07984 937 415 or visiting www.berkshiremagicians.com. 11.10.08

Big Blind Media's Carnival Deck: "An incredible new limited edition design for the Bicycle Deck by renowned French artist Sam Hayles. Totally new back design, Ace Of Spades, Jokers and Tuckcase. Brought to you by BigBlindMedia, the Bicycle Karnival Deck has the USPCC world famous Air Flow Finish for superb handling and unparalleled durability. The Karnival Deck uses a thick, high grade stock and just screams sophistication. These cards are simply glorious! An amazing (and super subtle) one way back design. You can spot reversed cards even in a tight face down ribbon spread! Two amazing card reveals built into the deck. The Barcode on the case has a 'hidden' Seven of Spades. One of the Jokers has a '3 of Hearts' clutched in his skeletal hand! Included free in the deck is a double backer and a special BigBlindMedia advertising card!" Take your card work to new levels with Bicycle Karnival Playing Cards! www.bigblindmedia.com. 11.10.08

Easy Monte - Back In Stock at MagicTricks.co.uk! No sooner than Easy Monte by Colin Gilbert had been launched back in July had it sold out! For the first time since then MagicTricks.co.uk now have Easy Monte back in stock. This is a fabulous modern version of the classic con tricks such as the Pea and Shell Game or Find the Lady. It's perfect for: Gambling Demos, Pub/Bar Tricks, Table Hopping, Trade shows, and Street Magic. It is great for both beginners and professionals. Easy Monte is available in a UK 10p version as well as a US quarter version. To watch a video visit www.magictricks.co.uk. 11.10.08

Southend Sorcerers held their annual Close-up Competition on Sunday 6th October. Six entrants battled for the trophy which was won by Daniel Brookes for a second year running. Daniel presented a fun filled set, including his own effects. Richard Graham was runner-up with Lewis Clifton was placed third. For further information visit www.danielbrookes.co.uk or www.southendsorcerers.co.uk. 11.10.08

Ali Bongo – Darlington Magic Circle. The Darlington Magic Circle has become a popular haunt for Magic Circle Presidents. Hot on the heels of the outgoing Alan Shaxon they are very proud to announce that the new President of The Magic Circle, Ali Bongo, will be lecturing on Thursday 23rd October: "This is a fantastic and rare opportunity for those interested in magic in the North to meet and learn from one of the country's truly great names and legends of magic. Whether local or from further afield The Darlington Magic Circle extends a warm and friendly welcome to all magicians who would like to attend. There is a token £5 admission for non-members. The Railway Institute, North Road, Darlington. (Easy access via road, rail or even air!) 7.30pm onwards. Further details: www.thedarlingtonmagiccircle.co.uk. Members of other magical societies are very welcome to visit and join in with our activities whether they live locally (we have members throughout the North East, Cumbria & North Yorkshire) or are in the area for other reasons." 11.10.08

Wayne Dobson Lecture - Ipswich Magical Society, Monday October 20th. The Ipswich Magical Society are proud to be hosting a lecture by Wayne Dobson. Guests are welcome, but contact the secretary first: www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk. 11.10.08

An Evening of Fine Wine, Dining and Conjuring. "Following the success of the first evening of Fine Wine, Dining and Conjuring, we invite you to join us on Friday 24th October at 7pm as standnotamazed and John van der Put return to present their unique blend of magic live in the heart of the West End. A three course meal and wine tasting will be accompanied by jaw dropping close-up magic throughout the evening, followed by an intimate after-dinner cabaret from standnotamazed and Piff the Magic Dragon. Each course will be accompanied by specially selected wines to complement each dish. Our sommelier will be on hand to give you one-on-one guidance and information regarding each wine and its region. The entire evening costs just £35, and includes dinner, cabaret, wine tasting and half a bottle of wine. Please note, tickets are strictly limited and only available in advance!" To book call 020 7395 6091 or email brownscourtrooms@mbplc.com. John will also be appearing in The Burial At Thebes, the epic Greek tragedy, on the following dates: Shakespeare's Globe - Saturday 11th October at 7.30pm, Shakespeare's Globe - Sunday 12th October at 1pm, Liverpool Philharmonic Hall - Friday 17th October at 7.30pm, Oxford Playhouse - Sunday 19th October at 7.30pm. 11.10.08

Illusionist Craig Christian is currently cruising for MSC Cruises in 'Forbidden' - a large scale Illusion show featuring guest speciality acts and six dancers. Their ship will be based in South Africa for the next six months. www.craigchristian.com. 11.10.08

Dean Nicholas recently performed close-up magic for Steven Seagal, friends and family, and has now been asked to appear at the premiere of the new Bond Movie at the Odeon West End in a few weeks time. www.deannicholas.co.uk. 11.10.08

Practical Magic announce a monthly sale: "Each month a few items will be specially discounted and, to kick-start the process this month you can save £100.00 on the normal retail price of Bingley Brothers Circus - one of the best rabbit productions to hit the market. For the whole of October 2008, you will pay only £95.00 instead of £195.00, saving over 50%! To view this and other offers, go to www.practical-magic.com and click the sales tag on the Home Page. Start saving money!" 11.10.08

Siegfried & Roy DVDs. Mike Danata's Magic Studio have a number of Siegfried & Roy DVDs in stock (including The Magic Box), visit www.mikedanatasmagicstudio.co.uk for ordering details. 11.10.08

Gary James was invited to perform at the Old Course Hotel in St Andrews last week presenting his close-up magic for golfers and celebrities taking part in the Dunhill Links Championship. Gary says "Talk about a dream gig - the event was a virtual who's who of celebrities and sport stars." Gary performed in the restaurant and bar area and everyone present had a great evening. "Just the type of event that you wish you had taken a camera along to. It can't be too bad though, when you get the chance to show Samuel L Jackson a little magic during breakfast." www.magicincorporate.co.uk. 11.10.08

An Evening of magical Entertainment. Magical Mayhem announce an evening of magical entertainment at the Sun Hotel in Hitchin on 8th November featuring close-up magic in the bar and cabaret from 8pm. Performers include Lee Smith, Howdy Doodat, Paul Coombes, Steve Dean and Dave Lindall. Further acts to be announced. For information and tickets telephone Nick Brown: 01462 423765. 11.10.08

Wanted - Resident Children's Entertainer. For Norfolk Leisure Resort required for 2009. Must be energetic with outgoing personality. Singing an advantage - own equipment required. Send C.V. and pics to Hallard Entertainments Ltd, P O Box 20, Hunstanton, Norfolk PE36 5WA. 11.10.08

Britain’s Got The Pop Factor And Possibly A New Celebrity Jesus Christ Soapstar Superstar Strictly On Ice - not to be missed! Sunday October 12th on 4. Preview, Click Here • "Paul Daniels rejects town statue 'campaign'" Click Here • "Illusionist Derren Brown to make acting debut in Gatiss Christmas drama on BBC4" Click Here • "Abracadabra: St. Louis has become a flourishing place for magicians" Click Here • "Neil Patrick Harris, Siegfried & Roy and Others to Honor Harry Houdini October 24th" Click Here • "That's magic" Click Here • Memories that will haunt you forever... (if you were at the Eastbourne Convention that is!) Do Not Click Here! • That's it for this week, your UK magic news is always welcome, see you next week, Duncan. 11.10.08