Number 470 - 27th June 2009

 

Derren Brown Enigma - 3 Extra Shows Added! 23rd, 24th & 25th July - due to overwhelming demand. "Brilliant... there was nothing for it but to surrender to his control" Mail on Sunday. "Mind-blowing" London Lite. "A Spectacular night of entertainment. Derren Brown is, without a shadow of a doubt, this country's greatest illusionist. His latest show sees him climb to artistic heights rarely, if ever, achieved by any other legends of the magical arts" Time Out. Tickets: 0844 579 0090. 27.6.09

 

Barry and Stuart - Powered by Demons. Following a complete sell-out in 2008 Barry and Stuart return to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival in 2009 with a devious all-new jaw-dropping show. This is a rare chance to see the stars of Channel4’s Dirty Tricks and Tricks from the Bible presenting their uniquely inventive illusions live on stage. Tickets on sale now via the official Fringe Box Office and Underbelly. Can't wait until August? Here's a video that you can 'fool your chums' with (it's great!). First watch the tutorial on YouTube Click Here then go to the 'experiment' itself at www.bbc.co.uk/esptest and wreak havoc! 27.6.09

 

The Magic Circle Headquarters Wins Top Industry Award. The team behind The Magic Circle Headquarters has been awarded the title “Venue Team of The Year”. The announcement was made by the Association of Event Organisers at the annual Excellence Awards held at the Hilton on Park Lane. This is the latest industry honour for the team responsible for London’s most magical venue. Marketing Executive Hollie Taylor commented, “I understand that entries for this award were at an all time record level this year, so to win is something very special indeed.” Sales Manager Paul Jablon said, “We were shortlisted with four other world-class venues; Earls Court & Olympia, the Business Design Centre, the Scottish Exhibition Centre and ExCeL London. I’m delighted that all our hard work has been recognised with this prestigious award this year.” A spokesman for the judges revealed what had impressed them. “Excellent new marketing initiatives and a highly successful and focused sales approach have resulted in a great list of new clients and a massive turnaround for the venue. Our congratulations to The Magic Circle Headquarters”. www.magiccirclevenue.co.uk. 27.6.09

 

The Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon. Bob Hayden reports: At the Eastbourne Convention in 2008 Ali Bongo introduced the idea of a Micro Magic Marathon into the programme. The event proved to be an enormous success. The event will take place again at Southport and will carry the name ‘The Ali Bongo Micro Magic Marathon’ in his honour. It is to take place on Thursday September 24th between 7.30pm and 8.30pm. The number that can compete will be limited to between 15 and 20 depending on the size of the room where it will be held. For more information on this event, and profiles of performers Mark Shortland and Jonathon Shotton Click Here. 27.6.09

 

Blackpool Convention Registration Desk Opens. The Registration Desk for the 2010 Blackpool Magicians’ Convention officially opens on 1st July but you can book now to avoid the rush. For details of the prices for individual days or for the convention as a whole, download a registration form from the Blackpool Magicians’ Club website www.blackpoolmagic.com (all major credit cards accepted, or pay by cheque). A link on the website will take you to a conference bookings site where you can select your accommodation. The 2010 Blackpool Magicians’ Convention, which runs from Friday 19th February 2010 to Sunday 21st February 2010, is the largest magic convention in the world! February 2009's was simply superb - don't miss next year's convention! 27.6.09

 

The Art of Suggestion and Influence: Practical Applications for Magicians and Mind Readers. "This really is not for everyone" says John Vincent. "I wanted to write a book that moved magic into the areas that a lot of performers claim to be using! There are very simple pieces of purely suggestion-based magic that anyone can do, right the way up to dramatic demonstrations of suggestion and influence like the Psychic Punch, where you knock a person over standing ten feet away from them using only suggestion and influence." Until the end of June you can buy The Art of Suggestion and Influence: Practical Applications for Magicians and Mind Readers in its new paperback format, with an £8 discount. Visit www.howtoreadminds.co.uk for more information and to order. 27.6.09

 

The Secret Caribbean with Trevor McDonald. Trevor McDonald visits three starkly different islands - Musha Cay, Jamaica and Barbados. Musha Cay is owned by David Copperfield, and is possibly the most expensive private island in the Caribbean. In contrast, Trevor is then given permission to visit some of the British women serving time in a Jamaican prison for drug smuggling. Finally he travels on to meet the man who owns most of luxurious Barbados. 8pm on Sunday 5th July on ITV1 - see TV Magic. 27.6.09

 

Huddersfield Circle of Magicians 60th Anniversary Show - tonight! Huddersfield Circle of Magicians stage their 60th Anniversary Show at the Lawrence Batley Theatre on Saturday 27th June - featuring a great British line-up: Amethyst, John Archer, High Jinx, Brian Sefton, Dave Andrews, John Danbury, The Bernie Heys Dancers, Kirkheaton School Choir and compère Al Conway. For more information and tickets contact the Lawrence Batley Theatre Box Office: 01484 430528. 27.6.09

 

Magic Evening Boot Sale, Potters Bar, this Friday. The Merlin Magical Society which is based in Potters Bar, Hertfordshire, are holding a Magic boot sale on Friday 3rd July at The United Reformed Church, Tilbury Hall, Darkes Lane, Potters Bar, Hertfordshire EN6 1BZ (Map). From 6.30pm - 9.30pm with free entry. Tables are £5.00 for sellers and there's ample parking in front of the building and in the surrounding area. For more info visit www.merlinmagicalsociety.co.uk. 27.6.09

 

Jumbo Magic Auction - Manchester Circle of Magicians. The Manchester Circle of Magicians are holding a Jumbo Magic auction at 6.30pm on Monday 6th July at Salford Masonic Hall, Hemsley House, 41 The Crescent, Salford, Manchester M5 4PE (Map). With Star Auctioneers are Mike Shepherd and Derek Lever. Hundreds of items have already been entered. Phone 01253 810113 or email d.lever1@sky.com for more info. 27.6.09

 

Taurus Magic Supply have recently purchased two large estates of magical apparatus, vastly increasing their stock of used magic. Many unobtainable children's tricks are listed and in the next few weeks more items will be added. Taurus Magic are the World's Largest Used Magic Dealers. View their website at www.taurusmagic.net. 27.6.09

 

The Manchurian Approach: A complete course in Hypnotism for Magicians & Mentalists. "With five hours of tuition, live performance and in-depth explanations, this three-disc DVD set is bound to become a definitive classic for a new and exciting genre of performance that blends magic, mentalism and hypnosis." To For info So order your copy of “The Manchurian Approach” today!" Pre-order from www.alakazam.co.uk today! 27.6.09

 

The Life and Career of David Nixon, a lecture by Steve Short. The Watford Association of Magicians presents The Life and Career of David Nixon, a lecture by Steve Short, on Tuesday 7th July at 8pm. Steve has researched David Nixon's life and career with the help of David's family and many people who knew and worked with him. £10 for non-members. Email Julie Carpenter (WAM Secretary) juliecarpenter@themagiccircle.co.uk for venue details (they are based at Bricket Wood, near St Albans just off the M1/M25 junction). www.wamclub.co.uk. 27.12.08

 

Magicseen issue 27. The latest issue has just been published, Mark Leveridge emails: Magicseen issue 27 (July 09) is now out and takes readers on an international journey by way of its range of celebrity interviews. The journey starts in Scotland with cover star R. Paul Wilson whose ability to diversify his talents has led to consulting work on major films as well as a key role in the creation and presenting of TV's The Real Hustle. From Scotland we visit Brazil to talk to young prodigy Henry Vargas, China to chat with Zenneth Kok, Holland to spend five minutes with Hans Klok, Ireland to conclude our two part interview with Keith Barry, and then finally touch back down in England as we catch up with Ian Keable. So, read Magicseen and you will go far! Also in the latest issue we have feature articles on the classic Flying Ring with reviews on a whole range of currently available Flying Ring products, we hear in detail about Michael J. Fitch's trip to Las Vegas and how he used his Magicseen 'pass' to get interviews and time with some of the top names there including David Copperfield, Penn and Teller and Mac King, The Bookshelf showcases Harry Lorayne's Trendsetters from the 1990s, and Jay Fortune turns up with one of his always interesting Think Tank columns. Our Review Section as usual contains honest comment on a wide range of current releases, the Masterclass explains two close up effects, plus there is news, the letters section along with other interesting and fun bits and pieces to help you enjoy your summer. Available right now as a 1 or 2 year subscription, or as a single copy or instant download sale from www.magicseen.co.uk. 27.6.09

 

Future Children's Entertainer? Order training system by Wednesday 1st July and save £65! If you would like to learn how to become an 'in-demand' children's entertainer in the UK, visit www.entertainertrainer.co.uk for full details of their comprehensive training system. On Wednesday 1st July 2009, the price is going up to £250 - so order now and save £65 (the current price will never be offered again.). 27.6.09

 

Smoke and Mirrors. "Following on from the success of the 2008 events, Smoke and Mirrors are proud to present the return of the South Coast's hippest evening of magic entertainment. Magicians Leon Simmonds, Dan Edwards and Simon Ambrose will be joined by some very special guest magicians for an evening of magic, mentalism and maybe a dash of escapology. With a mixture of close-up magic at the tables, and the stage performance, the evening promises to offer something for everyone." Tickets are £5 (or £4 for concessions). Over 18's only. Wednesday 12th August from 7pm at The Crown and Anchor, Marine Parade, Eastbourne BN21 3DX (Map). Wednesday 19th August at The Hope, 10-12 Queens Road, Brighton BN1 3WA (Map) and Wednesday 26th August at Occasions Night Club, Worthing Seafront, Worthing BN11 3QA (Map). www.smokemirrors.co.uk. 27.6.09

 

Rod Newman underwater escape - Southampton. Hampshire based magician and Magic Circle member, Rod Newman is going to fulfill a promise in a very dangerous way! Rod, along with eight other magicians, took part in The Magic Trek, the sponsored walk from Portsmouth to London to raise money for The Anthony Nolan Trust. Before he started the 106 mile walk, he promised that if the walkers achieved their target of £5000 in sponsorship, he would perform an underwater escape. The great news is that so far The Magic Trek has raised over £6000 for the charity and Rod is not a man to go back on a promise. So, this Sunday, 28th June, at 4pm he will escape from a strait jacket, inside a mail sack, which has been secured with a steel bar with two padlocks in the 10' deep pool at Andark Diving Centre, 256 Bridge Road, Lower Swanwick, Southampton SO31 7FL (Map). If you are in the area and would like to see this daring escape, come along from 3.30pm. Donations are still welcome at www.anthonynolanevents.org.uk/magictrek. Rod’s website is www.rmnentertainment.co.uk. 27.6.09

 

Quick Change 2. Lex Schoppi's new book offers a complete insight into the complexity of the whole quick change act. You'll see the effects from behind the curtain and understand what really happens. You will see how a complete quick change act featuring costumes was developed, how the costumes work, exactly why they are performed in the way that they are and how the difficulties were overcome. 144 pages, hard back, 17 x 24 cm, more than 150 diagrams, drawings and photos in a limited German language first edition. Publication date Summer 2009. For more info visit www.lexschoppi.com. 27.6.09

 

Magical Mayhem presents a Magic Lecture by Sean Goodman. Nick Brown emails: "This lecture is not to be missed. His first lecture for us was fantastic with great worker's effects for close up and cabaret. The shredded £20 trick was stunning. This is a completely new lecture and is sure to be a great evening." Thursday 2nd July at 7.30pm at the Sun Hotel, Sun Street, Hitchin. Contact Nick Brown 07884 045554 or Lee Smith 07731 916965 for details. 27.6.09

 

Levett & Lee Roadshow, Birmingham. News from Graham Lee: "New for 2009 is the 'Levett & Lee' Roadshow, Birmingham Wednesday 22nd July. This year we will be covering the basics of balloon modelling including all the twists, what they are called and why and how would you use them. What pens to use, tips, tricks and techniques learnt over the many years that Graham Lee and Thelma Levett have been twisting. The idea is to give everyone a good grounding as to what is involved in this fantastic industry of ours and the best way forward into entertaining and balloon modelling. The morning session will start with all the twists and terminology, with what can be made using the techniques shown with a few basic models shown as well. The day will be hands-on, with everyone joining in and making the models as well. We then move onto showing some nice one-balloon models and then some quick, easy and impressive models made out of two or three balloons, finishing up with a couple of basic hats. The day will run from 10am till 5pm with tuition running from 10.30am till 4.30pm. There will be two more basic roadshows: Banstead on Wednesday October 21st and Leeds on Wednesday November25th." For more info Click Here. 27.6.09

 

House of Magic have a new website featuring a search facility and video demos. Visit www.house-of-magic-shop.co.uk. 27.6.09

 

JezO’s Magic and Laughter Show. "An exciting children’s show is continuing to tour the UK. Featuring the rising star of comedy magic JezO (Jeremy Bond), this show will appeal to children from 4–10 and, importantly, to their parents and grandparents. JezO’s great comedy skills, together with a thorough grounding and understanding of magic and illusion, put the emphasis very firmly on entertainment." The Queen’s Theatre, Hornchurch, Monday 14th September 2009 at 6.30pm, Box Office: 01708 443333. And Harlow Playhouse, Thursday 29th October 2009 at 2.30pm, Box Office: 01279 431945. www.jezo.co.uk. 27.6.09

 

What will your Bag Say? Magician Clive Grewcock has been garnering interest with direct yet straight forward marketing from an Eco Friendly bag. From a true cottage industry in the Highlands of Scotland, DD Couture designs and makes one of a kind Eco Friendly bags from scratch. The bags are made from 100% cotton sourced from Lancashire. From the cutting of the fabric to tying of the knot on the swing ticket all processes are done by the designer Dympna Rochford in Golspie. Clive explained; "I don't use the bag for walkaround but it's ideal for transporting the props I may need, and when you're going to the library, coffee shop or store the advertising doesn't hurt." www.ddcouture.com www.magician.org/member/clivegrewcock. 27.6.09

 

Ferrybridge Day of Magic - additional event announced. Travis Perkins has added an extra event to the 17th Ferrybridge Day of Magic on Sunday 5th July: "A Kavalcade of Komedy Kapers Question & Answer session with Tony Stevens and John Archer - two Kings of Komedy! This Q & A session along with lecturettes by Andrew Green and John Archer and a showette featuring all three should make for an entertaining and informative day - and all for £3.50!" For more info visit What's On. 27.6.09

 

Tony Griffith - Creative Magic Lecture. News from Paul Bromley: Proponents of practical magic are in for a treat when Tony Griffith lectures at the South Downs Magicians next Wednesday (July 1st). Tony, a member of The Inner Magic Circle with Gold Star, will be passing on his tips and advice on commercial, practical magic. It will include material Tony has created and performed over many years with the emphasis on entertainment, subtlety and routining. He's promising something for everyone from cabaret performers and restaurant workers to trade show magicians and children's entertainers. It's a not-to-be-missed lecture; plus thirst-quenching refreshments and a spectacular raffle - just £5 for visiting magicians. The lecture is at 8pm at Handcross Parish Hall, High Street, Handcross, near Crawley, West Sussex RH17 6BJ (Map). Further information from www.southdownsmagicians.co.uk or www.tonygriffith.co.uk. 27.6.09

 

Back up the entire contents of you PC or Mac, and enjoy peace of mind, with this Western Digital Elements 1TB (1,000GB) USB 2.0 External Hard Drive from Amazon.co.uk Click Here. Recommended by, and used by, the makers of MagicWeek! 27.6.09

 

If you are heading over to the Glastonbury Festival this weekend look out for Ollie Mealing in the Theatre and Circus Arena between 1.15pm - 3.15pm www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk. Ollie has also created a YouTube channel www.youtube.com/olliemealing which he'll be updating weekly. Magic Singh and Sav will also be there. 27.6.09

 

Ian Moran (Covert Magic & Cullfather) will be lecturing at the Bolton Magicians Club on Wednesday 1st July. The venue is the Doffcocker Inn, Chorley Old Road, Bolton and the start time is 8.30pm. All visiting magicians are welcome for what promises to be a great evening of magic. For further details contact Steve Owen on 07951 753447. 27.6.09

 

Dawn Chester. Very sad news to report that Dawn Chester, of Tommy Cooper Magic Shop, Blackpool, passed away in the early hours of Thursday morning. The shop will closed until after funeral services which will be held in Birmingham and Blackpool. Alan Chester can be contacted on 01253 312119. 27.6.09

 

"'America's Got Talent' auditions: possible contenders shine through" Click Here • "Cyril the street magician is blazing hot" Click Here • "Barrow magician Mark puts you under a spell" Click Here • "Young magicians will ensure the entertainment carries on" Click Here • Craig Petty reviews Mark Leveridge Magic's Dealer Night in Birmingham last week, Click Here • "Young Illusionist Sues Old Magician on Tricks of Trade" Click Here • Your UK magic news is always welcome - see you next week, Duncan. 27.6.09

 

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