Number 452 - 21st February 2009
49th
Bristol Day of Magic, Sunday May 10th - Winter Gardens & Playhouse
Theatre, Weston Super Mare. This year's line-up of magical stars includes last November’s International Magic Convention competition
winner Shawn Farquhar, the UK’s Nick Einhorn (who, with Shawn, will
lecture and perform in the close-up sessions and stage show), Steve
Beam, from the USA, who will take part in the close-up sessions, and the
incomparable John Archer, who will present a special day-time 'One Man
Show'. The superb facilities at the Winter Gardens will house an
extensive dealer’s exhibition (which this year will be located in the
larger ballroom), whilst the main hall will provide better conditions
for the lecturers. Top children's entertainer David Tompkins will
lecture on ventriloquism and Mandy Davis, Chair of The
Magic Circle’s Young Magicians Club, will be organising an event
especially for under 14s, which will feature many of the stars of the
day.
The evening show at the Playhouse Theatre stars the fire magic of Colin
Rose, slick manipulation from Brian Sefton, comedy juggling from Michael
Pearse, Craig Christian (from his recent appearances in Las Vegas),
Shawn Farquhar, Nick Einhorn, illusionist Daniel Dean and Company, and
compare Steve Evans... plus live music from The Ambassadors of Jazz.
Registrations are just £30.00 in advance via:
www.bristolsocietyofmagic.co.uk or call Andy Mac 0117 942 2449. 21.2.09
IBM
Convention, Limerick, Ireland. This year's convention is being
hosted by the Munster Society of Magicians at the
South Court
Hotel, Limerick on 27th,
28th and 29th March 2009. The following magicians will be performing and
lecturing:
Alexander De Cova (Germany - photo),
Bill Goldman (USA),
Jon Allen (UK), and Dave Allen (UK), plus Ventriloquist
John Kimmons (UK),
Trevor Lewis (UK),
Tommy Molony (Ireland),
Lorcan Russell (Ireland), and
Kevin Prendergast (Ireland). The South Court Hotel is just 25 minutes
from Shannon airport, contact Terrence
Andrews
terenceaandrews@eircom.net for more information and booking details. 21.2.09
Magic
Festival tickets disappearing fast! The South Tyneside International
Magic Festival looks all set to enjoy its biggest year yet, with much of
the event already being sold out. The sixth annual festival, which will
run from Monday March 9th to Sunday March 15th, has seen an
unprecedented demand for tickets since its return was announced earlier
this year; with magic fans from around the world keen to secure their
place. Festival organisers South Tyneside Council, The Customs House and
Martin Duffy, past President of the Newcastle Magic Circle, have
attributed the early success to this year’s line-up of top class
magicians, which includes a host of UK names like Paul Daniels and
comedian Tim Vine, performing alongside well know magic stars from the
USA and Canada. Tickets for the three-day Magic Convention, which is
being held at the end of the week, have completely sold out, with more
than 200 professional magicians now set to attend. For more information
about the South Tyneside International Magic Festival 2009, including a
full list of events and admission charges, visit
www.southtyneside.info/magicfestival. 21.2.09
2009
Winner of the David Berglas Award announced. The President, Council
and Members of the British Magical Society are delighted to announce
that the 2009 Winner of the David Berglas Award is Roy Walton.
Presentation of the Award is traditionally made by David Berglas himself
at the British Magical Society at its Annual Dinner, Dance and Cabaret,
which will be held this year on Saturday 28th March at the Ramada Resort
and Hotel, Walmley, Sutton Coldfield. Nominations for the trophy are
made annually by the members of the Society with the final decision
being made
by a selection committee comprising of the last five immediate
Past-Presidents of the Society. The British Magical Society was formed
in February 1905, by Fred Walker who invited like-minded magic
enthusiasts to meetings at his home, before the success of the Society
forced the use of larger premises. Today the society meets weekly for
ten months of the year at its Headquarters in Selly Oak, Birmingham. For
more information visit
www.britishmagicalsociety.co.uk. 21.2.09
The
Classic Magic of Michael Vincent. "Alakazam Magic is very proud to
present the magical artistry of Michael Vincent. His sleight-of-hand is
masterful. As the only magician in history to have won the prestigious
title of 'Magic Circle Close-up Magician of the Year' three times,
Michael has spent the better part of three decades honing his skills to
become one of finest magicians that Great Britain has ever produced.
This three disc DVD collection showcases his world-class magic in front
of a live audience and features some of the most stunning magic ever
filmed. As you watch it, you will experience for yourself why Michael's
stunning presentations are regarded by audiences and fellow
professionals alike as some of the very best in the world today. This
Alakazam production is the first in an ongoing series... lookout for
further releases from The Michael Vincent Collection." To
pre-order, find out more, and watch a video preview visit:
www.alakazam.co.uk. 21.2.09
S1L3NC3.
"S1L3NC3 is an evening of distorted reality, a journey through the
uncharted realms of the human mind and an exploration beyond the
boundaries of human interaction. You will be eyewitness to
demonstrations of feats that will astonish, astound and confuse your
perceptions of reality. It is magic - where there is no magic. Mind
reading - with no paranormal claims. Psychology & suggestion - yet he
requires no communication. Hypnosis - in an awakened state." £7 | £6
Students. S1L3NC3. Monday 9th March at 7.30pm at the O'Reilly Theatre,
Blackhall Road, Oxford OX1 3PG (Map). 21.2.09
Jasper
Blakeley has been named Cardiff Magical Society's Children's Entertainer
of the Year. Six professional performers competed for this newly
formed title but it was Jasper's original slapstick, silliness, sleight
of hand magic and juggling that won over the crowd of 30 children and 40
adults, and ultimately the judges too. Jasper is appearing at next
month's
South Tyneside International Magic Festival 9th - 15th March.
www.jasperblakeley.co.uk. 21.2.09
Merlins
of Wakefield will be at the Blackpool convention this weekend. They
are the exclusive UK agents for Tora Magic who produce a wide
range of quality items. They are also the UK agents for Outlaw
Effects who produce a great range of mentalist effects. For further
information email
merlins@btconnect.com or telephone 01924 339933. 21.2.09
New
- Potty Painting! Potty Painting is fantastic new routine for
children's entertainers from Razamatazz Magic. A blank card turns into a
full-colour 'shop quality' cards, to be given to the special birthday
child. The prop has been designed by magicians for magicians! The beauty
of this effect is that it can be used with any colour-changing routine
in your existing show. There are 3 actual transformations and it's all
very deceptive, and easy to perform using no sleights or complicated
moves, allowing the performer to concentrate on the presentation and to
not have to worry about getting the magic to work. For more information
visit:
www.razamatazzmagic.com . 21.2.09
MagicMart.co.uk
are advertising with us this week, we'll bring you details about their
business shortly.
www.magicmart.co.uk. 21.2.09
Thought
Thief. "Is your mind safe? This show will leave you wondering just
that. Watch as Peter Antoniou, one of the UK's foremost mind readers,
demonstrates his bizarre ability to know what you are thinking and
predict your behaviour. Antoniou not only demonstrates his own
abilities, but reveals for the first time how both criminals and the
government use the same techniques to keep tabs on you. This fusion of
comedy and mind reading will leave you baffled, entertained and just a
little scared about how unsafe your mind really is." Friday 17th April.
The show starts at 9:30pm, and tickets are only £7.50 from
www.ticketweb.co.uk or the Etcetera Theatre Box office: 020 7482
4857. "This man is pheno-mentally good!" - Kerrang! "People were talking
about the performance for weeks after" - Southern Comfort. Etcetera
Theatre, 265 Camden High Street, London NW1 7BU (Map).
www.mentalmarvel.com. 21.2.09
International
News: Magic close-up stars to tour China. Miguel Puga (Spain), Rocco
(USA), Henry Evans (Argentina), Shoot Ogawa (Japan) and Lennart Green
(Sweden) will be touring China between April 1st – 19th appearing in six
cities, presenting a total of 19 shows in major theatres in a
video-enhanced evening of magic. The organisers believe this to be the
first time close-up magic has gone on a theatre tour anywhere in the
world. Mr Lin Jian, executive president of FISM 2009, thought what
better time with FISM coming to China to present close-up magic to the
Chinese people. The performers will be back in July as part of the FISM
close-up gala. This production is being coordinated by Hank Moorehouse,
international consultant for FISM 2009.
www.fism2009.org. 21.2.09
Artist
Ann L Roe, wife of magician Alan Jones, has just launched a new
website featuring some of her work:
www.annroejones-artist.co.uk. Her portrait of
Ali Bongo, which Ali used on Christmas cards a couple of years ago,
perfectly captures Ali in a whimsical mood. 21.2.09
The
Blackpool Bloggers, Matt Parro, Stuart Harley, Geoff Hunt and Max
Curd continue to give you up to the minute news on the Blackpool Magic
Convention. Read all the latest at
www.blackpool2009.blogspot.com. 21.2.09
The
Blackpool & Fylde Mystics are still receiving star lots for their
auction on Tuesday 3rd March 2009. The latest items include signed DVDs
from Thom Peterson, signed books and a DVD from David Acer, a signed
book and 3 DVDs from David Williamson, a signed Freaky Body Illusion set
from Kevin James, plus a signed Norm Nielsen poster (on its way) along
with other items still to be confirmed. The auction will be commencing
at 7.30 pm at the Frank Townend Centre, Kensington Road, Cleveleys (near
Blackpool) and admission for non-members is £3.00. View some lots on
www.fyldemystics.co.uk. To submit a lot contact Alan Mylecraine:
info@fyldemystics.co.uk. 21.2.09
David
Loosley's "Squash" is out now! "Squash is a real world worker!
Perform it in almost any situation and leave your spectators with a
unique souvenir..." Find out more, visit
www.alakazam.co.uk. 21.2.09
Doncaster Magic Club. Having now recovered from an illness John Turner is eager to get the Doncaster Magic Club going again and would like to hear from old members, and prospective new ones. Email John at itsmagic@blueyonder.co.uk (or telephone Sue on 0800 4589251) with suggestions for a good night to meet. The plan is to meet once a month in Doncaster. 21.2.09
The Downtown Magic Club in Kent extend a warm welcome to visiting magicians at their next meeting which will take place at 7.30pm on Monday 23rd February at the Downtown Diner, Park Street, Ashford, Kent TN24 8LS (Map). 'Rope Magic' is the theme for the evening - and visiting magicians wanting to learn some rope magic, or share their own moves and routines, will be most welcomed. For further information email Mike Turner: wandone_1@hotmail.com. 21.2.09
Fake Reading Techniques & Psychic Magic has just been published by Paul Temple. Paul emails: "This manuscript covers a basic framework for readings and techniques. It discusses cold, hot and scripted techniques. There is also a guide to Tarot readings and a number of effects that can be used with fake psychic techniques. It costs £10.00 (plus £1.50 P+P within the uk) copies can be obtained from me: templemagic@hotmail.com or phone 01506 870130: Mob 07946 748434." www.paultemplemagic.com. 21.2.09
Tommy Cooper Magic, have moved to a larger shop, with more choice, at: 3 Royal Oak Buildings, Waterloo Road, Blackpool FY4 2AB Telephone: 0845 051 4594 (open to 8pm this weekend). 21.2.09
"Debbie McGee takes on the Beckhams in Armani spoof" Click Here • "Keith Barry direct from Vegas" Click Here • "Variety Live at the Grand" Click Here • "Spears hires TV magician for 'Circus' tour" Click Here • "David Copperfield: staying ahead of the technomagic curve" Click Here • "Top magician John Archer heads to Tyneside" Click Here • I thoroughly enjoyed the The Robert Harbin Centenary Celebration Lunch at The Magic Circle on Monday, I remember seeing Robert Harbin at the first International Convention in December 1972 when I was still a school boy. Happy memories! Your UK magic news is always welcomed - see you next week, Duncan. 21.2.09