Number 449 - 31st January 2009
School
of Busking - Cardiff, June, 2009. Gazzo and Mario Morris present a
three day busking course, suitable for the part time hobbyist or the
full time professional, in Cardiff on June 19th, 20th and 21st. The
course will focus on street performing - with work on the psychology of
attracting an audience, entertaining an audience, keeping an audience,
opening and closing pitches, hat lines, passing the hat, travelling,
life styles and "all your questions answered"! Spaces are limited. Gazzo
will be teaching his world famous cups and ball routine and Mario will
show you how to make it yours. Show finale’s will be looked at, from
strait jacket escapes to using circus skills. Bring your own props,
cups, tables, strait jacket, chains... and ideas, and Gazzo and Mario
will be at hand to help you develop a unique show. A highlight of the
weekend will be opportunity for participants to take to the streets of
Cardiff. The real value of the course is the opportunity to focus on
street work with two well known, experienced street entertainers.
Informal and friendly, this is a unique learning experience. The fee for
the course is £200 per participant with a £50 deposit securing your
place. For more information email Mario:
mario@bizzareshows.com or
call 0034 677184116. 31.1.09
Showzam
09 - More star magic and variety names announced! Blackpool’s
Festival of Magic and Circus and will feature a cast of variety stars
from around the world. The International Stars of Magic show at
the Opera House on Saturday February 14th stars Russ Stevens and his
incredible large-scale illusions (photo), French UV artiste Omar Pasha,
Soma’s unique mobile phone act, Rafael and his comedy dove act, World
Champion card manipulator Mahka Tendo, Nestor Hato and his explosive
card magic, the shadowgraphy of Jerome Helfenstein, the ever-brilliant
Graham P Jolley, and World Champion Magician Juan Mayoral. Variety
Live at The Grand, on Thursday 19th, Friday 20th and Saturday 21st
also features a world class line-up (see MagicWeek number
446). Showzam
09 is ten days packed full of enticing entertainment, sensational new
shows and wonderful workshops. It's the only event in the UK to meld the
worlds of magic, circus, exhibition and theatre in a festival style
event. Visit
www.showzam.co.uk for full details. 31.1.09
Paul
Daniels Master Class: Inside the Mind of Paul Daniels. Thursday,
12th March, Little Haven Hotel, South Shields. "Watch Paul Daniels on
any stage and you somehow know nothing can go wrong. It all looks so
easy, so casual, and each effect flows with entertainment. For years
Paul has turned down request after request to reveal his methods of
arriving at this level of perfection. Magicians around the world had the
opportunity a few years ago to learn from his business methods with the
astonishingly detailed disk titled ‘How to Make Money by Magic’ but
Paul’s own performance methods were held back. Many have tried to copy
his style and have even copied his methods and routines but there is a
very, very good reason why they have failed to have the same audience
appeal. Now, for the first time, Paul is going to reveal how and why his
routines were developed by taking a small group through not only the
methods but also the psychological thinking that creates that
deceptively simple appearance..." Visit
www.pauldanielsmasterclass.co.uk for more information and to book. 31.1.09
Marc
Spelmann presents his lecture '101108' at
The
Merlin Magical Society, Hertfordshire, at 8pm on Thursday 5th
February. This excellent lecture was featured recently at Mindvention in
Las Vegas and was one of the highlights of the convention with attendees
including Larry Becker, Lee Earle, Marc Salem, Docc Hilford, Andy Nyman
and Rick Maue. Contact The Honorary Secretary John Clayton on 07931
525399 if you'd like to attend (there is a £5.00 charge). To book Marc's
lecture for your club email
info@marcspelmann.co.uk.
www.marcspelmann.co.uk. 31.1.09
Shawn
Farquhar, The Bread & Butter Tour. The Darlington Magic Circle are
pleased to announce that the multi-award winning magician and current
International Magic Close-Up Champion Shawn Farquhar will be lecturing
on Friday 15th May. A warm welcome is extended to magicians to join them
at what is Shawn’s only confirmed date in the North East during his
short UK tour. The club emails: "Whether you’ve seen Shawn before or not
this is an event not to be missed. The lecture is highly professional
and your opportunity to meet and learn from one of the masters of the
art as he shows you how he performs his winning routines and much more,
as well as how you can incorporate this into your magic no matter what
your current level of expertise. We are developing a reputation as a
relaxed and friendly society keen to promote magic so look forward to
welcoming you." £5.00 admission for non-members; accompanied juniors are
free. Easy access as just off the A1 and on the East Coast mainline.
Further details about Shawn and the content of the lecture are available
via
www.thedarlingtonmagiccircle.co.uk or to book a seat email Iain Jae
(Secretary) iainjae@ntlworld.com.
Places will be reserved on a strictly first-come basis. 31.1.09
The
Magic of Variety Show. As part of The Order of The Magi’s Centenary
Celebrations the society is presenting The Magic of Variety Show at
Waterside Arts Centre in Sale, Greater Manchester on Friday 27th March
at 8pm. The event features Brian Sefton, Ward Allen with Roger the Dog
and Snowflake the cat, High Jinx, Phil Hoyles (Jerome Flynn's understudy
in the stage play 'Jus’ Like That'), Steve Royle, Amethyst and the Magic
Dancers choreographed by Corin Travis. All tickets are £10.00 with
reserved seating from the box office on 0161 912 5616. See
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. 31.1.09
Bradford
Magic Circle's annual Hey Presto! Magic Show appears like a rabbit
from a hat once again on Saturday 21st March at 7.30pm. "The sell-out
annual family show at the Bingley Arts Centre this year features top
illusionist Andrew Green and is compèred by the very funny Tony Rix.
This year's event will also be a final farewell for Hey Presto stalwart
and Bradford Magic Circle treasurer, past president and former editor of
the societies Billet magazine, Keith Pickles. He will be finally hanging
up his wand after 40 years as a children's entertainer. Other acts on
the bill include Steve Gore, Mark Waddington, Mandy Fletcher and the
spotlight dancers. Tickets for the show start at only £6 for adults and
£5 for children and concessions." To book telephone 01274 432000 or
visit
www.bradford-theatres.co.uk. This show sells out every year so get
your tickets now! 31.1.09
The Robert Harbin
Centenary Celebration - update. Alan Shaxon & Anne will present
Harbin's The Blades of Opah following John Gaughan’s talk on
Sunday 15th February at The Centre for the Magic Arts. The
programme for Sunday 15th February is now as follows: Jim Steinmeyer MIMC - Robert Harbin and the Polemics of
Illusion, A discussion on Harbin’s influence on illusions, his
insights and inspirations for modern performers. Mike Caveney MIMC - The American Zig-Zag Scandal, The
complete story that became the catalyst that prompted Bob to write the
highly regarded Magic of Robert Harbin. John Gaughan MIMC - The Blades of Opah, John will discuss
the history of one of Bob’s early inventions. Alan Shaxon MIMC & Anne
present The Blades of Opah. Steve Biddle AIMC and Megumi - Harbin: A Pioneer of Origami,
Steve and Megumi will talk about Bob’s outstanding contribution to the
world of Origami. John Fisher MIMC - The Television Wizard, A celebration on
film and video of Harbin the performer including previously unseen
footage of Harbin spanning fifty years. With special guest Geoffrey
Durham MIMC.
There will be an exhibition of Harbin related items, some never seen
before, and a surprise appearance of long-time Harbin friend Rolf Harris
CBE is planned. Registration fee for Sunday 15th February, to include
morning coffee, hot buffet lunch with wine, afternoon tea and a
programme, is £60.00. Call the
Box Office on 020 7387 2222 (with credit card details) or write to: Box
Office, CMA, 12 Stephenson Way, London NW1 2HD. Enquiries to:
cma@themagiccircle.co.uk
(Also see What's On
for details of the unveiling of a Blue Plaque on Monday 16th February). 31.1.09
Manipulix.com
are now advertising on MagicWeek. "We started this business under
the name of Manipulix in 1993 and are located in the Bavarian Forest,
170km east of Munich, close to the Austrian border, in a tiny village
called Lalling. Our shop is open twice a week (Thursday evenings and
Saturday mornings) and we have visitors from all over the world. All
visitors are offered a glass of water or wine or even a cup of coffee
and or tea. We also are open on demand. To contact us by phone call +49
9904 696 or email info@manipulix.com.
We visit major European magic conventions in Europe; the last one being
in France. For the last a couple of years we have been publishing books
on Mentalism by Angelo Stagnaro (see below), together with other authors
and titles." Visit
www.manipulix.com today! 31.1.09
Shibboleth:
Mentalist Secrets by Angelo Stagnaro. From Manipulix.com: "Angelo
Stagnaro's 'Shibboleth' is a collection of very powerful mentalism
routines. So powerful that Jeff McBride describes the information as
dangerous to those who would wield it unwisely! The fourth book in the
Psi-Books series, 'Shibboleth' was inspired by Stagnaro's desire to
perform mentalism without relying on known psychological techniques.
Inspiration was also found in suggestions from audience members, who
asked to see effects duplicated from pop culture sources like movies and
comic books. Stagnaro has also taken these suggestions to heart.
Stagnaro also provides a new and refreshing format for his book. The
effect descriptions are brief, and accompanied by a symbol-coded system
describing various aspects of each effect. This makes for an interesting
read and a great addition to any magician's or mentalist's library. 149
pages, hardbound." For more information and to order visit:
www.manipulix.com. 31.1.09
Woody
Allen's Scoop is being shown next Saturday on BBC 2 (see
TV Magic). "Tip-offs
to would-be journalist Sondra Pransky from beyond the grave improbably
identify a serial killer stalking London as dashing aristocrat Peter
Lyman. Aided by cynical magician Sid, Sondra strikes up a relationship
with the suspect." Director: Woody Allen. Magic Consultant: Scott
Penrose. 31.1.09
Daryl
"The Magician's Magician" Lecture. Daryl presents his only two-hour
lecture in London for the Ilford Magical Society on Sunday 1st March at
5pm. "He represents the best of the best in the world of close-up
magic." £10.00 for visiting magicians. Venue: Upminster Rugby Club, Hall
Lane, Upminster, Essex RM14 1AU (Map).
Contact Dave Kay on 07834 678876 for details, or email
dave@ilfordmagic.co.uk. 31.1.09
Jon
Gresham’s Sideshows Exhibition. As part of the Blackpool
Showzam 09
festival Jon Marshall will be displaying five of the late Jon Gresham’s
Sideshows, with the first showing of the newly restored Mummy show, last
seen in 1966. The display includes The Headless Lady, first shown
in Blackpool in 1937, The Living Half Lady and The Girl in the
Goldfish Bowl. The shows will enthral young visitors and remind
older folk of the show rows that were seen at amusement parks, fairs
and, of course, on Blackpool’s Golden Mile in years gone by. The shows
are part of the Circus of Wonders exhibition and will be on
display from Friday 13th to Sunday 22nd February in Olympia at the
Winter Gardens in Blackpool. They will be working on Saturdays and
Sundays during Showzam. Blackpool has a great tradition of sideshows
with many illusion based shows being seen over the years from magical
characters including Bodie, Murray, Derek Lever with his Invisible Ray
and Stromboli. Visitors won't have to pay 6d or even a shilling - the
exhibition has free admission! 31.1.09
Lectures
and Workshops for the Wessex Magical Association One Day Convention
announced. The Star Lecturers will be full-time professional
close-up and cabaret comedy magician Jasper Blakeley (photo) and
multi-talented magic performer/inventor/dealer/editor Stephen Tucker.
With workshops by Roger Drew (comedy magic), Tony Griffith (handling &
presentation), and Playtime Balloons. In addition, there will be several
additional hands-on close-up sessions. Magic Dealers attending include:
Alakazam, The Card Collection, The Magic Zone, Mike Danata's Magic
Studio, Razamatazz, Playtime Balloons, Paul Gordon, Stephen Tucker,
Carol Gilbert and Tony Griffith. Full details of the 6.30pm Evening Gala
Performance will be announced shortly. Sunday 5th April. Kinson
Community Centre, Millhams Road, Kinson, Bournemouth BH10 7LH (Map).
Doors open at 9.30am. Full registration (including the Gala Show) £18.00
in advance, £20.00 on the door. Gala show only tickets: £7.50.
www.wmagic.co.uk. 31.1.09
Richard
Bellars 'Live' An Evening of Magic and Mind Control, Friday February
13th at 7.30pm at the Royal Victoria Hall Theatre, Southborough. From
the promoters: "Captive8 productions presents Richard Bellars, one of
the country’s most exciting up and coming magicians. Taking the skills
and rules of mind control to a new and relevant level, Richard’s style
is fresh and original, he knows how to captivate an audience with mind
boggling acts of logic defying brilliance. We at captive8 productions
are very excited to offer this one off masterpiece of a show. Tickets
are on sale at only £10 each and we guarantee you will not be
disappointed. So don’t be ‘unlucky’ on Friday the 13th be a part of this
extraordinary evening, and who knows maybe you’ll never think of Friday
the 13th in the same way again! To avoid disappointment call the box
office now on 01892 511511." 31.1.09
Creative
Marketing Services under no illusions about Magicseen. Magicseen
magazine has appointed one of the UK’s top agencies, CMS (Creative
Marketing Services) to help take it to the next level. Magicseen editor
and co-publisher Mark Leveridge said, “With Magicseen now available
extensively in the US and Canada, and pushing to raise its profile, we
decided to bring in CMS who have worked very successfully with niche
businesses in the past. As a growing publisher, we know that it’s vital
to work with the right people. CMS are massively experienced and we know
that they deliver results.” CMS MD Andrew Batty said: “Magicseen
magazine is Europe’s number one magic magazine and after four years of
growing sales is about to become a truly worldwide publication. We are
also looking at a number of other areas which Magicseen is looking to
become involved, such as events and publishing.” Issue 25 of Magicseen
is due out soon, complete with a brand new look throughout - don't miss
it!
www.magicseen.co.uk
www.creativemarketingservices.co.uk. 31.1.09
Tabula
Mentis V: Mentalism Gone Mad! Psycrets: British Society of
Mystery Entertainers present Tabula Mentis V: Mentalism Gone Mad! On
Saturday April 25th from 10am at 7 Mallow Street, London EC1Y 8RQ (Map).
Featuring: Docc ‘The Monster of Mentalism’ Hilford, Mentalism Methods
Roundtable with Malchat, Simon Shaw and others, and Anthony Jacquin:
Reality is Plastic and the Art of Hypnosis. Special guest dealer Peter
Nardi and Alakazam. Plus coffee, tea and catered lunch. Visit
www.psycrets.org.uk for details. 31.1.09
South
Downs Magicians present a fund-raising Magic, Mystery and Illusion show
for all the family on Friday, February 27th at 7.30pm at the Parish
Hall, High Street, Handcross, West Sussex RH17 6BJ (Map).
There will be refreshments and a raffle during the evening. The show
will be compèred by club president Jonathan Cann and feature
performances from members. All proceeds will be shared between the South
Downs Magicians and the fighting fund to build a new community centre in
Handcross. This is the first public show the South Downs Magicians have
put on for many years and the club is hoping for a sell-out event.
Tickets cost £5.00 and are available from club secretary Paul Bromley on
01444 871161.
www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk. 31.1.09
Spellbound.
"An amazing night of close-up card magic and hypnotism. "Card magician
Adam Smith and the world's foremost hypnotist Freddie Jacquin are
traveling around the South of England entertaining people with a fun
night of card magic and hypnosis, for more details of venues, or if you
would like us to come to a venue near you, contact Adam:
ads.smith20@btopenworld.com
Also see:
www.adams-magic.co.uk and
www.freddyjacquin.net. 31.1.09
The
South London Magic Society meet every second Friday of the month at
the United Reform Church Hall in Cobden Road, South Norwood at 7.30pm.
Their recently re-launched website
www.slmagic.co.uk
invites enquiries from prospective members "whether you're a beginner,
hobbyist, semi-professional or professional, you are always welcome at
the South London Magic Society". Mike Smith will be lecturing at the
club on Friday 13th February, visit
www.slmagic.co.uk
for details. 31.1.09
MagicBox
DVD Sale! "We have put just over 100 titles on line with most at
over 50% off their original price! We have also announced the upcoming
release of Copper Silver Extreme which is an idea of Kris Rubens
who works for us! We have only just added a video demo on line and will
be launching it at the Blackpool convention." Visit
www.magicbox.uk.com
today! 31.1.09
The
Mystic Ring is holding a workshop and dealer dem on Thursday,
February 5th. The first half of the evening will feature the workshop, and the second a dealer dem by Magicmart.co.uk. The
club meets at The Conservative Club, 49 High Street North, Dunstable,
Bedfordshire LU6 1JE (Map)
and the evening will start at 7.45pm. Visiting magicians welcome,
admission free. Contact Steve Milroy
themysticring@hotmail.com
for more info. 31.1.09
Order
of The Magi - Jumbo Auction. The Order of The Magi is holding a
Jumbo Auction on Tuesday 10th February at The Irish World Heritage
Centre, Queens Road, Manchester M8 8UF (Map)
At 7.30pm prompt, with viewing from 6.30pm. Lot numbers are now
available so if you need one please contact Ian Ball MMC Entertainments
Officer on 01457 835990 or email
ents@orderofthemagi.org.uk.
For more info visit
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. Door charge £3.00. 31.1.09
The
Wizard of Castle Magic. As part of The Order of The Magi’s Centenary
Celebrations the society has booked “The Wizard of Castle Magic” at The
Met Market Street, Bury, Greater Manchester on Saturday 28th March at
2pm. This is a very funny, spooky play for 5 to 11 year olds featuring
Jon Marshall of Magic Carpet Theatre. All tickets are £6.00 from the box
office on 0161 761 2216. Further details:
www.orderofthemagi.org.uk. 31.1.09
Magic
Sale - Cardiff. The Cardiff Magical Society will be having a Table
Top Sale at the Cardiff Yacht Club, Windsor Esplanade, Cardiff CF10 5BG
(Map)
on Sunday, 8th February from 11am - 4pm. Stephen Tucker and Adrian
Sullivan will have tables, and will present dealer dems and lectures
during the day. Tables currently still available.
www.cardiffmagic.org.uk. 31.1.09
Magic
Moments for half-term! Two of the county's most experienced and
popular children's entertainers are joining forces to present a family
magic and fun show during the February half-term. Royston the Magician
and Steve the Magician have joined forces to present 'Magic Moments' an
entertainment jam-packed with magic, laughter and fun with audience
participation, games, sing-alongs and puppets. Venue: Lings Forum
Cinema, Lings Forum, Weston Favell Centre, Northampton. Wednesday 18th
February and Thursday 19th February at 11am. Tickets £5.00. Box Office:
01604 409010, TicketWeb: 08444 77 1000 or via
www.ticketweb.co.uk. 31.1.09
The
Magic Car Boot Sale at West Bromwich is set to be a bumper one with
28 stalls booked, including many dealers. Keith Bennett (photo) has just
announced that he will be having major shop stock clearance as he
re-invents his business, and John Palfreyman will have quite a selection
of items including some collectables. No more stall space is now
available. Sunday 8th February 2009. 43 Union Street West Bromwich B70
6BP (Map).
Admission from 9.30am (£4.00). See
www.albionmagiccompany.co.uk for details. 31.1.09
Barry's
Big Brother. Last Monday Stephen Barry performed at the Celebrity
Big Brother aftershow party, and is seen here with the eventual winner
Ulrika Jonsson.
www.stephenbarry.co.uk. 31.1.09
Bristol's
Illusions Magic Bar continues to go from strength to strength. Owner
Mark Bennett has just added a video to the website,
Click Here
• "Student's magic show - on video"
Click Here • "You'll like this - a lot!"
Click Here • "Magic in the air at magicians' party"
Click Here • "Are they MAG1C or N4FF? Roll up for the auction
where over £100,000 is bid for a cherished number plate"
Click Here • "Stuntman hurt on Harry Potter film set"
Click Here • "Casinos slap ban on magic memory man Keith"
Click Here • "Psychological illusionist Derren Brown appears
with psychic medium Joe Power"
Click Here • Another busy week. Many thanks for your news
submissions which are always welcomed. See you next week, Duncan.
31.1.09