Number 450 - 7th February 2009
Ali Bongo. You will no doubt be aware that as the result of a stroke Ali Bongo, President of The Magic Circle, is recovering in a hospital in France. He is in a stable condition and if this is sustained may be repatriated to a London hospital in a few days. I will keep you informed of his progress.
Jack Delvin, Vice President and PRO of The Magic Circle. 7.2.09
Bucking
the trend. Dan and Dave Buck have been at the forefront of their
craft since they were only 14 years old. They have helped mold a new
genre of card magic that is both visually rich and direct. Their style and
originality has received acclaim from such magic stars as David Blaine
and David Copperfield. When they were only 17 years old they performed
alongside Guy Hollingworh, Paul Gertner, Chad Long and Bill Malone at
the first MAGIC Live convention in Las Vegas, and were the only
performers to receive a standing ovation. They were among the first to
start a movement with card flourishes with the release of The Dan and
Dave System in 2004. The flourishes of this DVD would later inspire a
Cingular commercial for the Samsung Blackjack phone. When they were only
18, they appeared on the cover of Genii magazine. In 2006, they were the
magic consultants on the movie Smokin' Aces, where Dave hand doubled for
Jeremy Piven. Their work is simply stunning. See them at the World's
Largest Magic Convention, the Blackpool Convention, in just two weeks
time in what looks set to be another record-breaking three days of
magic. Visit www.blackpoolmagic.com for a registration form and convention
programme. 7.2.09
Jeff
McBride's Secret Session - A 4 Hour Master Class Workshop. Spend 4
inspiring hours studying magic with one of the most influential
magicians of the 20th century. Tuesday 17th February, Wednesday 18th
February and Thursday 19th February. Each day features a different
workshop. Any single day is £125.00. All three days for £300.00. All
days run from 1pm to 5pm. Credit cards accepted. Contact: Arthur Casson
on 01253 393688 email:
arthurcasson@aol.com.
7.2.09
Paul
Daniels - live on stage tonight! Paul Daniels stars Musical Magic
- an evening of music, magic, dancing and special effects - at the
Lichfield Garrick Theatre at 7.30pm tonight. See
What's On for tour
dates. On Friday Paul is Dave Gorman's guest, on the Radio 7 show
Genius. "Dave Gorman asks Paul Daniels to decide which listener's
loopy idea is the best, including the introduction of a new 99p coin!"
See TV Magic for TV
and radio listings.
"Debbie McGee proves she really is as fit as Madonna"
Click Here. 7.2.09
Performers
Workshop. Jeff Hobson, Charlie Frye, Rob Torres, and Wally Eastwood
are presenting a one-off Performers Workshop in the Studio at the Grand
Theatre on Friday 20th February from 1pm - 3pm. All these are performers
are appearing in the 'Variety Live at the Grand' Shows (below). The
Workshop will include performance, anecdotes, advice and a short Q&A
session. It promises to be an excellent event. Numbers are limited to a
maximum of 100 people. The cost is £10.00 per ticket, via the Grand
Theatre Box Office or online:
www.showzam.co.uk. 7.2.09
Wilson
Bonker's Lucky Golden Ticket! News from the Northern Magic Circle
convention: It's not Willy Wonka's, it's Wilson Bonker's Lucky Golden
Ticket. If you are bonkers about Gregory Wilson and pre-register for the
Northern Magic Circle convention before the end of March then you'll be
invited to select a free chocolate bar from the convention registration
desk. Some will contain a "Lucky Golden Ticket" for free admission to a
limited number Master Class taught by Gregory Wilson. The Master Class
tickets are only available via the Lucky Golden Ticket draw. The free
specially compiled Gregory Wilson DVD offer (featuring loads of
performances and a few explanations!) has been extended to all who
pre-register before the end of February.
www.northernmagiccircle.org.uk. 7.2.09
Variety Live at the Grand boasts a truly
international line-up of talent including Jeff
Hobson and his unique brand of comedy laced with a touch of magic, from
Cirque du Soleil the artistry and athleticism of Wolfgang on the German
Wheel, the incredible Mazeppa Cossacks from the Ukraine, the endearing
physical comedy of Rob Torres, the international award-winning
Vaudevillian Charlie Frye & Co., new singing star Ben Stone, and the
man with the fastest hands on earth and one of the greatest
entertainers currently appearing in Las Vegas, Wally Eastwood. With
music from the superb 9-piece 'Variety Live Orchestra' - under the
direction of Musical Director, Ian MacGregor. Thursday 19th
February and Friday 20th February at 7.30pm, and at 2pm and 7pm on
Saturday 21st February. Tickets: Adults £17.00, Children £8.00. Box
Office: 01253 290190 or visit The Grand Theatre Box Office, 33 Church
Street, Blackpool or visit
www.showzam.co.uk. 7.2.09
Woody
Allen is 'The Great Splendini' in Scoop, tonight at 10.45pm
on BBC 2. Starring Scarlett Johansson, Hugh Jackman, Woody Allen and Ian
McShane. "Scarlett Johansson and Hugh Jackman star in this hilariously
twisted tale of murder and mystery. When an inquisitive college
journalist (Johansson) stumbles upon new clues to a string of murders,
her investigation leads directly to a handsome businessman (Jackman),
who draws her in with his mysterious charm. Could a whirlwind romance
with the subject of her search also become the most dangerous scoop of a
lifetime?" See
TV Magic. 7.2.09
Another
Magical Evening in May. Following last year's hugely successful "A
Magical Evening in May", the team are back. Stephen Williams is
presenting "Another Magical Evening in May" at 7pm on Thursday 21st May
at Southport Arts Centre, Lord Street, Southport PR8 1DB (Map).
The show will be raising funds for CRY (Cardiac Risk in the Young).
Click Here for details. "Another Magical Evening in May" will bring
fun, laughter and magic to all.
With International Performers providing amazing acts, this variety show
will grip the attention of children and adults alike. Produced by Big
Hands Management and
Goldielle
Promotions. To book call the Southport Arts Centre box office on
01704 540011. Adults £10.00, under 16's and concessions £7.50. 7.2.09
Blackpool
& Fylde Mystics Auction. The Blackpool & Fylde Mystics are holding
their annual auction on Tuesday 3rd March commencing at 7.30pm at the
Frank Townend Centre, Kensington Road, Cleveleys (near Blackpool).
Admission for non-members is £3.00. There are a number of magical lots
along with some very exclusive items which have been donated by some
stars of magic including a signed picture and tour programme from Derren
Brown; a signed picture of Paul Zenon; a signed picture of the Great
Soprendo together with a rare Great Soprendo certificate of which there
are only 3 in circulation (also signed); a signed book from Mac King
together with a signed mac raincoat which Mac King has used in his Las
Vegas show, plus many other items. To submit a lot, or for more
information, contact Alan Mylecraine
info@fyldemystics.co.uk.
www.fyldemystics.co.uk. 7.2.09
Magicbox
are now shipping the "True Astonishment" boxed sets. "This 9 disc boxed
set is sure to go down in magic history as the greatest release ever!
Visit
www.magicbox.uk.com for further details. These are limited in
availability so act fast to save disappointment!" 7.2.09
Leslie
Melville lectures for the Leeds Magical Association at 7.30pm on
Tuesday February 24th. "Master story-teller and the author of
'Magictales'. Demonstrates how stories and standard magical props can be
woven together for maximum effect. A fascinating evening from an
original thinker." (£5.00 door charge for non members) at The Quaker
Meeting House, 188 Woodhouse Lane (next to The Eldon pub), Leeds LS2 9DX
(Map)
Contact Graham Roe 01943 465203
grahamroe@talktalk.net for more information.
www.leedsmagic.co.uk.
7.2.09
He's
a cheeky boy... Chris Dugdale tells us that "life became complete"
last week when he entertained the Cheeky Girls at a party at the
Grosvenor House hotel in London. Joking aside, Chris said that the
girls were lovely, and were blown away by the magic!
www.chrisdugdale.com 7.2.09
Dan
and Dave Buck are presenting their lecture for International Magic
on Tuesday 24th February at International's usual venue - 2nd floor
'Casa Italiana', 136 Clerkenwell Road, London EC1R 5DL (Map).
Email or phone Martin MacMillan
martin@internationalmagic.com or 020 7405 7324 if you would like to
attend. 7.15pm for a prompt 7.30pm start. Finishes at around 10pm.
£10.00 per person. 7.2.09
New
Releases for 2009! Mark Leveridge Magic is pleased to announce the
arrival of a small but select range of new products. Unavoidable
Destiny, Ring On Glasses, The Wish List and Perfect Intuition are all
solid effects for commercial close-up workers and full details and
online video dems are available from the Mark Leveridge Magic website.
Also available is a fantastic new download which features all the
material from the complete range of books released for each of the nine
British Close Up Magic Symposium conventions. The Symposium Collection
has over 300 pages comprising of more than 100 routines, ideas and
articles from a huge range of international close-up stars - it's a
veritable feast of instruction from some of the best minds around!
Available for instant download now from
www.markleveridge.co.uk. 7.2.09
Mobile
Magic. While the country was at a virtual standstill last week, a
top group of magicians braved Bristol's snow on Tuesday, for Samsung
Mobile Phones.
Paul Martin,
Max Somerset,
Paul Roffman, and
Darryl Rose
warmed up Samsung's delegates, with their magic. The attendees soon
thawed out after the highly entertaining team made phones appear and
disappear during the night! The only thing that didn't melt was the
Giant Samsung Ice Sculpture! 7.2.09
Poz
will be presenting his lecture "Poz-ology for the 21st Century" at the
Sussex Magic Circle at 8pm on Thursday February 12th at The Hassocks
Hotel (On the car park of the Hassocks train station), Hassocks, West
Sussex BN6 8HN (Map).
Visit
www.sussexmagiccircle.co.uk for more information. 7.2.09
Congratulations
to Magic Dave (Dave Allen), the first entertainer to be
awarded the new title of Southern England Magic Convention 'British
Isles Children's Entertainer of the Year' 2009. Dave competed against
five finalists at the Southern England Magic Convention last Saturday.
The competition was judged by the audience. Dave's high energy
ventriloquist act, with a super-hero cow called Daisy, included a silk
colouring routine and the levitation of a child from the audience. Dave
was awarded the title, a trophy, and a trip to Las Vagas
www.daveallenmagic.com.
Congratulations also to Close-up Competition winner David Taylor, who
also won a title, a trophy, and a trip to Las Vagas. 7.2.09
Spotlight
on Carey DVD - just released. John Carey emails: "16 practical card
and coin effects for the real world. No pipe dreams, just hard hitting
material ranging from very easy to advanced level. Contents include:
Triple Impurseination, Mister Biddle Takes a Breather, Counting On You,
Overhand Shuffle Peek Control, Six Card Oil and Water, One Coin Routine,
Inspired by Pierce CTP, Summer of 76, Whispering Queen, Simple Copper
Silver, Culling and Applications, Simple Sequence, Slo-Mo Collectors,
Face up CAAN, Floating Ambitious Card Handling Variation and Thought of
Card Across. Plus two bonus effects in this 85 minute DVD with material
I have been using for the past few years and have been featuring at my
lectures." (Format: region free PAL) Price: £15.00 / $25.00 (includes
delivery) via PayPal to this PayPal registered address:
johncareymagic@googlemail.com - John also welcomes lecture enquiries
to the same email address. 7.2.09
Marc
Oberon lectures for the Leeds Magical Association at 7.30pm on
Tuesday March 24th (£5.00 door charge for non members) at The Quaker
Meeting House, 188 Woodhouse Lane (next to The Eldon pub), Leeds LS2 9DX
(Map)
Contact Graham Roe 01943 465203
grahamroe@talktalk.net for more information. Not to be missed!
www.leedsmagic.co.uk. 7.2.09
TVMagic.co.uk
are pleased to announce a number of exclusive new releases from Anthony
Owen. These include the DVD of Anthony's acclaimed mentalism and
close-up magic lecture at the 2007 International Magic convention, his
Ultimate Oil and Water DVD (described by Derren Brown as "the
cleanest [oil and water] you'll ever see"), an updated version of his
Natural Lottery (described by Ian Rowland as "the perfect opening
item for mentalists who love utterly impossible predictions with all the
wrinkles ironed out") and his in-depth Secrets of TV Magic CD
interview with Jay Fortune (number 2 in the Magic Interview Series).
Also - while limited stocks last - they have a 4 for 3 deal on TVMagic's
line of DVD releases. For more details and online video trailers visit
www.tvmagic.co.uk. 7.2.09
Former
British Ladies Magical Champion, Nikki Stapleford, and comedy magician
Roy Charles have announced their engagement to be married. Roy
popped the question underneath London's Big Ben. Nikki and Roy, who have
known each other for more than twenty years through working on the same
circuit, are really excited about their future together, and are
thrilled to both share not just a love for one another but of magic too!
They plan to marry next year when they can find time from their busy
work schedules, and would like to thank all their friends in magic for
the kind words and cards that they have received. 7.2.09
The
Liverpool Magic Circle held their AGM on Thursday 5th February and
Stephen Williams was unanimously voted in as the President Elect for
2010: "Stephen is only 14 years of age and already well known amongst
magicians with many titles to his name: The Junior World General Magic
Champion, The Liverpool Magic Circle Close up Winner of 2008-2009 and
The Liverpool Magic Circle Stage Magician of the Year. Now President
2010. I think this is a record - of which he will be the youngest ever
president of any UK magic club! On behalf of the Liverpool Magic Circle
I would like to congratulate Stephen with his new title, and wish him
every success for the future." Alan Singleton (Past President). 7.2.09
The
Nottingham Guild of Magicians are holding a Close-up Magic
competition and Stage Magic competition on July 2nd at the Bonington
Theatre, 161 Front Street, Arnold, Nottingham NG5 7EE (Map).
Tickets are £3.00 each from Marcel: 01159 119698 or Andrew 01159 605844. 7.2.09
See-Saw
Inductions: Stage, Street & Clinical Hypnosis Exposed 3 DVD set.
From the makers: "Robert Temple is an award-winning magician and
two-time Magic Circle Young Magician of the Year finalist, who at the
age of 21 has travelled the world with his Comedy Stage Hypnosis Show.
He was originally taught by controversial UK television and media
hypnotist Dr. Jonathan Royle and they have now teamed up to bring you
the ultimate 3 disc home study DVD training set to turn even the novice
into a master of Stage, Street and Clinical Hypnosis with ease. Robert
Temple also reveals numerous new, unique and powerful Instant Induction
methods, and, for the first time on DVD, Royle reveals his true secrets
of Street Hypnosis. Official release date is March 1st. Price £47.00.
Special pre-order price: £30.00"
Click Here for details. 7.2.09
Penn
Jillette makes a guest appearance in Numbers on Friday 13th
February, on Five on Friday 13th February. "Agents
investigate the disappearance of an illusionist during a magic act. As
details surrounding the case unfold, Don and his team are left wondering
whether the magician's vanishing act is all that it seems." See
TV Magic for details. 7.2.09
Harold Taylor. Harold Taylor's niece, Janet Stephenson, would love to hear from any magicians who knew Harold. She is collecting together photos, books, show bills etc to form a website. Email Janet Stephenson at my_uncl_h_taylor@btinternet.com (this is the correct email address, replacing an incorrect one which appeared two weeks ago). 7.2.09
Housing
crisis? What housing crisis! Louis Trillo, inside his first
igloo on Tuesday "We
Love... Sorcerer's Apprentice"
Click Here Graham Harper and D May review An Evening of
Magic and Illusion, Nottingham, this week,
Click Here Jack Curtis has published a mind control
experiment on the internet for all to see in conjunction with the launch
of his new website:
www.jackcurtis.co.uk "A Magical Evening"
Click Here "Movie to 'Push' dubious psychic powers"
Click
Here "Exclusive: Presto Director Doug Sweetland"
Click Here That's it for this week. Our very best wishes to
Ali Bongo for a speedy recovery, Duncan.
7.2.09