Number 434 - 18th October 2008
Archer
scores a bullseye! John Archer is The Magic Circle Stage Magician of
the Year 2008. Eight strong performers competed in the finals
for this sought-after biennial title last Sunday at The Magic Circle's
HQ in London, but it was John Archer's pure showmanship, rapid fire wit,
great sense of fun and strong magic content that impressed the judges,
and the packed theatre audience, which resulted in him being awarded the
first prize, together with a cheque for £1,000. John is seen here
receiving the award from Magic Circle President Ali Bongo. Poland's
Michael Vadini (placed second) worked silently and with great focus; his
presentation of the rarely seen water bowls drawing audible gasps from
the audience. Magician/pickpocket James Freedman was placed third, with
a very well crafted routine that culminated in the removal of a
volunteer's watch, belt and tie (talk about misdirection!). The
other finalists were Richard Pinner, Mark Shortland, Jonathan Shotton,
Justin Monehen and Etienne Pradier and all impressed. The judges were
Dad's Army creator and writer Jimmy Perry OBE, TV producer and
author John Fisher, and MagicWeek publisher and former Magic
Circle Stage Magician of the Year Duncan Trillo. The competition was
created in 2000 by Michael Bailey during his presidency, and this year's
event was produced by Michael Bailey, Keith Cooper and Chris Woodward.
The stage manager and technical crew deserve a real mention here too.
This competition had excellent lighting and sound and real pace, in no
small part thanks to their expertise. Stage manager: Rob Page. Technical
crew: Kevin Doig, Michael Carr and Barry Nowland.
www.themagiccircle.co.uk. 18.10.08
The
Magic Circle Christmas Show 2008. This year's show has a fantastic
line up: Geoffrey Durham (UK), Danny Cole (USA), Antje Pode (photo -
Germany), Paul Dabek (UK), David Kaplan (USA) and compère Mandy Muden
(UK) at The Centre for the Magic Arts, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD
(Map).
Saturday 27th December to Tuesday 30th December 2008. Tickets: £20.00
each. Call the Box Office for show times and to book: 020 7387
2222 (Monday - Friday, 10am - 5pm, hurry, this show always sells out). 18.10.08
The
Manipulative Magic of Hungarian Soma Hajnoczy has just been added to
the bill of next month's International Magic Convention (Shaw Theatre
London, November 28th-30th). Soma was a strongly placed competitor in
the Stage Competition at the recent combined IBM/SAM Convention in the
States, and will making his debut at a British Magic Convention with
this appearance. His act joins an already impressive list of names
including Rafael (Belgium), Andrew Goldenhersh (USA), Hun Lee (Korea),
David Kaplan (USA), and Peter Samelson (USA), all of whom will be making
their UK Convention debuts (or performing new routines not previously
seen on these shores). Noel Britten, Gala Show booker and compère said,
"I am particularly pleased that we have been able to put this bill
together this year. All the artists have distinctively different styles
and I feel we are covering the full gamut of the art, from manipulation
to illusions, from broad comedy to artistry of the highest level, from
patter acts to visual spectacle, from mentalism to world class
speciality acts." The Gala Show is repeated on the Saturday and Sunday
nights. Tickets are available for this show without access to the rest
of the convention. It's a great show for the whole family, and an ideal
performance to bring your friends to as well, to show how varied a magic
show really can be.
www.internationalmagic.com. 18.10.08
Tabula
Mentis IV. Psycrets are proud to announce Tabula Mentis IV - this
event will be dedicated to Séance, Bizarre and Psychic Demonstrations.
10am on Saturday 15th November. Featuring: Roni Shachnaey - Rogova
Séance, Jon Randall - Fraud! A lecture on mediumship, Tom Lauten -
Creating aged props for bizarre magick, Dr Steve Murray - Bizarre
Magick, Plus a special evening presentation by David Berglas. Venue: 7
Mallow Street, London. The fee for members is £25.00 and for non-members
£60.00. Payment may be made via Paypal utilising the following address:
payments@psycrets.org.uk
or via cheque made out to: 'The British Society of Mystery Entertainers'
and sent to: Roni Shachnaey, 3 Long Walk, Scarborough YO12 6BQ. For more
info contact Steve Drury
steve.drury@web-aviso.com
www.psycrets.org.uk. 18.10.08
Musical
Magic - Starring Paul Daniels. Paul Daniels is back on the road from
November, starring in an evening of song, dance and magic. Tour dates:
7th November 2008 – Broadway Theatre, Peterborough
9th November 2008 – Potters Leisure Resort, Norfolk
28th November 2008 – Rutherglen Town Hall, Scotland
29th November 2008 – Albert Hall, Stirling
1st December 2008 – Torch Theatre, Milford Haven
4th February 2009 – Belgrade Theatre, Coventry
6th February 2009 – Blackwood Institute, Blackwood Wales
7th February 2009 – Garrick Theatre, Litchfield
11th February 2009 – Theatre Royal, St Helens
13th February 2009 – Playhouse Theatre, Alnwick
14th February 2009 – Customs House, South Shields
20th February 2009 – Queens Hall, Hexham
21st February 2009 – Forum 28, Barrow In Furness
22nd February 2009 – Baccleugh Centre, Langholm
25th February 2009 – Theatre Royal, Wakefield
28th February 2009 – The Landmark, Ilfracombe
1st March 2009 – Regal Centre, Christchurch
5th March 2009 – Pier Theatre, Bournemouth
6th March 2009 – Radlett Centre, Hertford
8th March 2009 – Playhouse Theatre, Weston Super Mare
18th March 2009 – St Davids Hall, Cardiff
20th March 2009 – The Dome Theatre, Morcombe
26th March 2009 – The Assembly Rooms, Tamworth
28th March 2009 – Memorial Theatre, Frome
5th April 2009 – Pavilion Theatre, Cromer
23rd April 2009 – The Playhouse Theatre, Harlow, Essex
9th May 2009 – Walsall Football Club. 18.10.08
UK
Illusionist Andrew Green will be recreating Houdini’s Chinese Water
Torture Cell Escape on Thursday 30th October (the eve of Houdini’s
death) in ‘The Magic of the Music Hall’ a specially themed show Andrew
has created around the stunt. The show will also feature a host of other
magic and variety acts including Brian Sefton (classic dove magic), Paul
Roberts, Syd Little and a special guest appearance from one of the stars
of Coronation Street.
Preston Charter Theatre, 30th October at 7.30pm. Tickets £12. All
proceeds go to the local hospice. Box Office: 0845 344 2012.
www.modernmysteries.co.uk. "Daring magician prepares for icy
challenge"
Click Here. 18.10.08
Flick
by Wayne Dobson An Animation Sensation. "From J B Magic comes
Wayne Dobson’s comedy card to pocket routine. With no deck of cards and
no palming. A spectator is asked to think of any card, The pages of a
small 6 x 4 inch book are flicked through. The story unfolds, as the
pages pass. A small cartoon boy reaches into his pocket and removes one
bicycle playing card. The magician states that this is the card the
spectator is thinking of. To prove this, the spectator is asked to reach
inside the magicians jacket pocket. They do this, there is one card and
one card only in the pocket. When removed it is the spectators thought
of card." Complete with specially printed flick book and DVD with step
by step instructions and bonus handlings. Available from
www.waynedobson.co.uk and
www.jbtv.co.uk. 18.10.08
The
Southern England Magic Convention is pleased to announce that Axtell
Puppets will be appearing at their convention in January with the first
ever presentation in Europe of their famous animatronic puppets. The
convention website now features a video showing the Lakeside Complex and
The British Isles Children's Entertainer of the Year competition
is still open for entries (from amateurs and professionals). Visit
www.semagicconvention.com for more details. 18.10.08
Andy
Nyman can been seen starring in the E4 drama series Dead Set from
27th October. Set in a Britain where the walking dead are attacking the
living it stars Jaime Winstone as a production runner working on a
fictional series of Big Brother who tries to fend off the walking dead
alongside the remaining housemates, her producer boss Patrick (Andy
Nyman) and boyfriend Riq. In Dead Set the Big Brother house
suddenly becomes one of the few remaining safe places in the country,
with the contestants blissfully unaware of the horrific events unfolding
outside. (Do not expect to see any card tricks).
www.e4.com/deadset/flash.html. 18.10.08
Additional Boris Wild
lectures date. The House of Magic, Stourbridge, have booked
Boris Wild to lecture on Thursday October 23rd at 7pm. Tickets cost
£12.50 each:
www.houseofmagicuk.com. 18.10.08
Clockin’
in the real world - new lecture now booking. Andy Clockwise has been
a professional magician for 7 years, and before that was semi-pro for 5
years and in that time has performed for thousands of children and
adults throughout Europe and the UK. Probably better known for
entertaining children, Andy is also a very busy close-up magician. His
lecture “Clockin’ in the real world” is a close-up lecture featuring
effects and routines which are all original to Andy. His lecture
features coins, cards and rope magic, with some mentalist effects thrown
in for good measure. Andy’s routines are suitable for almost any
situation with some effects suitable for close-up and cabaret
performances. This is Andy’s first close-up lecture but don’t let that
put you off booking one of the friendliest guys in magic. Currently
booking magic club/event dates throughout 2009, email
info@andyclockwise.com for
details, or call 01279 411601.
www.andyclockwise.com. 18.10.08
Houdini
- A New Musical, coming soon! "From critically acclaimed director
Peter Snee, comes a spectacular new family musical based on the life of
the greatest magician that ever lived - the legendary Harry Houdini.
Inviting you to experience the Golden Age of variety when the great
Houdini topped the bill, the World Premier of this heroic true story
explodes onto the stage of the Regent Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent, for one
week only." Visit
www.houdinithemusical.co.uk for more information. 18.10.08
Parabox
Magic presents Box of Tricks. "Messrs Hemmens and Jones cordially
invite you to an evening of Victorian intrigue, mystery, magic and
wonder. Join up-and-coming magic duo Rhys and Rob as they demonstrate
the full potential of the human mind and body. An entertaining hour of
magic and tomfoolery." Tuesday 21st to Saturday 25th October, 8pm,
Burton Taylor Studio Theatre, Oxford. Tickets £5 (£4 concessions). 18.10.08
Ipswich
Magical Society Convention Update. Simon Shaw emails: "Martin Cox
will no longer be appearing at the Ipswich Magical Society Convention on
Sun Oct 26th 2008. The good news is that we have just booked
John
van der Put. John is an amazing close-up and stage magician and is
someone who I am proud to have with us on the day. In the evening John
will be performing his legendary, Piff the Magic Dragon act." Tickets
are still available from:
www.ipswichmagicalsociety.co.uk. 18.10.08
It
was card swords at dawn last week when two magic acts met on the
same ship in Japanese waters. Steve & Tricia Blake are in the middle of
a long contract aboard the Seven Seas Mariner (Regent Cruise Line) and
Paul Dabek flew out for 10 days as a guest entertainer. "It was great
fun to be able to travel with another magic act, we had a real laugh"
said Paul "It's so rare that it happens this way, Steve & Tricia are
such pros and so it's been great swapping manipulation moves and ideas
with them." said Paul.
www.pauldabek.com.
www.steveandtriciablake.com. 18.10.08
The
Magical Mr Zooka. "Loved by young and old he bridges gaps between
adult and family cabaret entertainment. The show has been performed all
over Europe and this summer Zooka hit Blackpool with his one man show.
Capturing the attention of the Tower was his biggest challenge to date."
Mr Zooka has been rebooked at the world famous Blackpool Tower for the
following dates: October 20th, 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 26th, 27th, 28th, 29th,
30th. Blackpool Tower's Lounge at around 1pm and 3pm - free admission.
Mr Zooka will also perform an exclusive Halloween show on the 30th and
31st October at Pharaohs (Adlington). Tickets cost £8.95 and include
food. These can be obtained by contacting Pharaohs directly, telephone:
01257 483441.
www.mrzooka.com. 18.10.08
The
Wizard’s of Oz. The Twins have injected some of their magical
know-how into family favourite "The Wizard of Oz". A brand new
production of this all time classic will start a 10 month tour this
month. Based on the Royal Shakespeare Company’s celebration of the 1939
MGM movie, the show features some breathtaking special effects. This
production, which premiered in Southampton in 2007, is also set to tour
the UK towards the end of 2009 and into 2010. “A Brand new and exciting
production” The Stage. “Wow - the flying was breath taking”
The Telegraph
www.wizardofozontour.com. 18.10.08
Damien
recently returned from Dubai where he performed at the world's
largest real estate convention at City Scape (including a performance
for the Sheikh of Dubai. He was also asked to perform at the 5 star
Atlantis on the beautiful Palm Island. To see Damien in action watch
Magic Party on BBC 2 Northern Ireland (Sky channel 992) on Friday
7th November at 10pm
www.damienobrien.com. Magic Party can be seen every Friday,
featuring Dynamo, Damien, Richard Ballers, Laura London, Pete Hathaway,
and Magic Sam 'The Peoples Magician'. 18.10.08
Magician
Shane Price was invited to perform his close-up magic act at this
year's Sports Aid event for Britain's top Olympians at The Grosvenor
House Hotel, Park Lane, London. Shame is pictured here with top athlete
Christine Ohuruogu who won a gold in the 400m in Beijing. Christine
commented that he was too quick - which is quite something coming form
the fastest women in the world. Shane is also an International athlete
and when not performing is also training hard for the London Olympics in
2012, we wish him the best of luck. 18.10.08
Southern
Sorcerers Magic and Variety Show. An Evening of Magic and Variety,
starring members of the Southern Sorcerers, with singers, dancers and
guest artists, Michael Pearse, Loki and Jonathon Shotton (TBC) on
Saturday, 1st November at 7.30pm. All proceeds to Children in Need.
Birchington Village Centre, Alpha Road, Birchington, Kent CT7 9EG.
Tickets: £6 Adults, £4 children under 14. Tickets limited to 200,
available on the door or from Allan the Magic Man on 01843 846 846 or
The Palace Cinema Broadstirs 01843 865 726. The Southern Sorceres put on
a show every other year to raise money for charity, they have got a
large local following and previous shows raising money for the local
hospice, the children's ward at Margate Hospital, and Diabetes UK, have
all sold out.
www.southern-sorcerers.co.uk. 18.10.08
Germany's
Henning Koelhert, currently on a short tour of the UK, will present
his lecture on Tuesday 21st October for the Perth Magic Circle at the
Grampian Hotel, 37 York Place, Perth PH2 8EH (Map),
commencing at 7.30pm. Regular attendees should note the change of venue
for this one evening, just 100 yards from their regular meeting place.
Henning has had routines published in the British magic press, and this
lecture will contain similar material, with an accent on presentation.
An open invitation is extended to visiting magicians to Henning's only
Scottish appearance. Admission is £5.00 on the door. For further
information contact Perth Magic Circle's Hon. Sec., Adrian Harris 01738
628985 email
adrian.harris@blueyonder.co.uk. 18.10.08
Chuckle
Vision stars Paul and Barry Chuckle are back with a brand new
adventure on DVD. Recorded live during their 2008 sell out tour, the
disc also features the magic of Safire, including a Basket Escape
illusion devised by Magic Circle President Ali Bongo. Visit
www.thechucklebrothersontour.co.uk. 18.10.08
Congratulations
to Kevin Croombs, seen here receiving the
South London Magic
Society's Close-up Competition Award from club president Roy
Mackenzie last week. 18.10.08
The
Sussex Magic Circle held an evening of magic at their new venue, the
Hassocks Hotel, last week. Over 100 members and guests were treated to a
jam packed night of magic presented by the club's president, culminating
with a performance by Ali Bongo. For membership details visit
www.sussexmagiccircle.co.uk. 18.10.08
Dave
Rawson jets out to Hong Kong next week to perform his Comedy
Hypnotic Show for a second time at the
Hard Rock Cafe for Halloween. 18.10.08
Magicians Wanted for Birmingham and Newcastle! To demonstrate magic for Marvins Magic - starting as soon as possible. Forward a CV and photo to Jay Fortune mail@jfortune.co.uk or simply call 07792 049626. 18.10.08
Playing In A Moment: An Exploration of Astonishment. Saturday 18th October at the RED Gallery, 19 Osborne Street, Hull HU1 2NL (Map). "Playing In A Moment" is a 20 minute show, as part of an art and performance weekend hosted by the RED Gallery. The show is devised and performed by Ian J Lea, and explores, through the medium of close-up illusion, the moment when all rational thought is removed and all that is left is a pure moment of astonishment. The show will be repeated three time throughout the day at 2pm, 4pm, and 6.30pm. 18.10.08
Vaudeville Golfing Society. John Derris emails: "Are you a working performer? Do you play golf? Then you could be eligible for membership of the old established Vaudeville Golfing Society. Only for bona fide members of show business, the society offers affiliate membership of four London golf clubs with playing facilities and society competitions, golf days, overseas golf trips, dinners and social events throughout the year in the company of other show biz folk. And all for an extremely attractive membership fee. Bruce Forsyth, Craig Douglas, Roger de Courcey, Jess Conrad are all members. Why not find out if you're eligible to join the VGS formed in 1921? Call the Secretary, Stan Ribton (he's a Magic Circle member) on 01923 825 758 and ask for further details." 18.10.08
Magician masters lethal new trick. "A young magician from Oxford who recently won a place in the prestigious Magic Circle is mastering a potentially lethal new trick. Inspired by Paul Daniels, Richard Young commissioned fellow illusionist and engineer Philip Hitchcock, from Mansfield, to build him a contraption called The Spiker Illusion." To read the full story by Tom Shepherd in the Oxford Mail Click Here. 18.10.08
Magical Mayhem presents A Night of Magic at the Sun Hotel in Hitchin on Saturday 8th November at 8pm. With cabaret from Paul Coombs, Dave Lindall and Wayne Clancy, compère Howdy Doodat. Close-up magic in the bar from Lee Smith, Steve Dean and others. Tickets £7.00 telephone Nick Brown 01462 423765. 18.10.08
ACES Magic Society in Lewes are delighted to announce that the Far Away Competition Winner for 2008/09 was awarded to Brenda Trowell for the first time. Brenda had completely re-invented a Valentine's routine and was overwhelmingly supported by fellow members as a worthy winner. Brenda was accompanied by a friends musical composition. www.acesmagic.co.uk. 18.10.08
Illusionist Guy Barrett will be appearing at the City Varieties in Leeds on Friday 24th and Saturday 25th of October in "The Good Old Days" www.cityvarieties.co.uk. 18.10.08
David Ginn's Christmas Magic Lecture in Glasgow. Just to remind all Scottish magicians that David will be presenting his Christmas Magic Lecture on Sunday 19th October at 2pm. Venue is The Walton Suite, Southern General Hospital, 1345 Govan Road, Glasgow G51 4TF. Cost £10. Further details from Moira Fletcher on 07771 613894 or moira1.fletcher@googlemail.com - see What's On for other dates.. 18.10.08
MagicWeek deadline: Please remember our strict Friday 12 noon deadline for all news submissions. 18.10.08
Derren
Brown - The Specials 4 DVD box set featuring The Heist, The
System, The Séance and Russian Roulette. This set will be
released on November 3rd, pre-order now to receive 40% off plus free UK
delivery via Amazon.co.uk
Click Here • "Burnley magician's bid for international success"
Click Here • Magician Martin Daubney has asked us to mention has
moved to Switzerland and can be contacted on +41 61 641 4108 • "Magician
sues Molson over iPhone app"
Click Here • "Magician entertains elderly on special day"
Click Here • "Criss Angel believes that you will too"
Click Here • "Mel B kept asking me live on air if I was married, but
I put a stop to that"
Click Here • "A question of control for Chris Cox"
Click Here • "Review: La Clique at the London Hippodrome and Ken
Dodd at the London Palladium"
Click Here • "Magic site aims to conjure visitors"
Click Here • Thanks for all your UK news - always welcomed, see you
next week, Duncan.
18.10.08